tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89937077642095123792024-03-13T15:08:58.402-04:00HomesickLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.comBlogger310125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-34568839472953899132016-01-15T14:15:00.000-05:002016-01-15T14:15:13.986-05:00Shhh. It's a surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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No. I am not having a baby.</div>
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But this is a holiday weekend and our kids are out of school both Monday and Tuesday. Heaven help us.<br />
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So, we have planned a quick get away to a surprise location.<br />
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We have taken the family to the beach.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12JqJjkegtrsEGFuDlKQ8tIq_0VQOurcn1MWbXKZcE59jzZimiHFx8Eo95RlGSyZ8vMmE5qNhq4qpfLUGK7GoXYJdLQRkb3OazRWGQLPJRSB_jVUQ48MvmoXH1D6JpTkLJEMPPOHdrrDG/s640/blogger-image--815530854.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzLZ5I-ami6m42mZDW1WduzMP7pitFZhVWfqHehvJxAr_DhTXVBwMkxKL8R94kElJxb9cjw6sKmb2tb3gmpKAcCDt-o0VjeChD3WORKg7Y-LQB0xl6zGILFG9hqyrurnQxPGAmQP_Di1e/s640/blogger-image--729647088.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAvw-pfbU25_TK1UlhUppVyEDFnUNhmLiAR2YUMMwK6DGQbpzg2RsUlAPd2ldTnyc7nFCfx2l50hw8uEPhB_FK0Suh0FYz19k0Qlv0-8L3WQDij7QrVPzrcFfNn6tdAr2DU2GJqXJo4Hg/s640/blogger-image-640808731.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the mountains.</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1We1VIAunLuVL9it8lDVCGXeTnZLrhY5KjvkbMqBJXy1qP5vLqa3Opb8BhO7H7Ga-Xjb_OYfw1n8RZ1arNFLCIqbz2shh5EQCBkkQQEsKkoIt9NQ-tXRA9gLJQTh8KGATmfaqJPJRik2/s640/blogger-image-1310340098.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCi0KANTjdFCRz4nAMUhsBI6Z9RZ4-IFnXB-umt4H44EAmAsuhw_Z8jYD5Mb5r_Yr-enfyAd4tx4fzrwAto1Nmeywlch4UZO_lpD4YlnUK8LToGeOa6iUQ1IxEzEnw-dA3Vlna6qzOTAK/s640/blogger-image-1648603743.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the farm.</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHth_GvFhJNczN4vmZk8jNA0RRJLNjt7zl9ttGvFCLpjVVAdw03cZGK6UqI_ynZDRh6JJYQ0jJeHYa0Kq-zzBhen7u1bp4laX1qkWFwAeNSjiDZme7moqhPLH-xkCDPEbXZfhwNxBDgjdH/s640/blogger-image-676420651.jpg" /><br />
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And tomorrow, we are heading to the city!<br />
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned. (And say a prayer.)<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-55265422897822232192016-01-08T14:29:00.001-05:002016-01-08T14:29:18.624-05:00Don't Do It!<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm warning you. Don't do it. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Unless you are
sufficiently medicated, or have a heart of ice, do not do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">While preparing some Christmas gifts
the past few months, I had the need to go back through my wonderfully organized
and clearly categorized <i>(ahem.)</i> files of photos. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Can you say HEARTBREAK?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">How did this happen so fast? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I know
other people warned me to, <i>"Enjoy them because they grow up so fast!"</i>
But I thought they were just trying to be nice or to stop me from jumping
off the cliff. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I didn't realize they were serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The baby face fades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The chubby cherub cheeks thin out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The squishy legs lengthen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The messes they got themselves into could easily be washed off in the bathtub.</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And, sometimes, the light-filled eyes that promised to love me
forever are replaced with a hard stare and a strong need to question my
every word.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgA_kBLo-isWqLRuylAm-yK6p1ZM0iDyypi2Sazemdz0G_eA_xXy1rRC3hBdYIw83AJ8vn5oDFtRkD3Mly8GcW6jkaxBj2oiW4pt-x5WU2aYTwwjQdVyJl3v_0MghWbkkfoKt2S9DkzRaQ/s640/blogger-image-29001430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgA_kBLo-isWqLRuylAm-yK6p1ZM0iDyypi2Sazemdz0G_eA_xXy1rRC3hBdYIw83AJ8vn5oDFtRkD3Mly8GcW6jkaxBj2oiW4pt-x5WU2aYTwwjQdVyJl3v_0MghWbkkfoKt2S9DkzRaQ/s640/blogger-image-29001430.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But here they go trying to grow up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seeking new adventures.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHt-ggC5ZkB6BchaXxcpUdlkPVLtERtrk-cshUAHvQGtKCdDxfR80-heRefDh67QphPtWZ5O7iLwWUAG2SVxUqvyXjxq8RqI5EriQmgO3bxQ1fXujuzB88FvhABcGGtt5VrAiK74RNIA5/s640/blogger-image--1910605574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHt-ggC5ZkB6BchaXxcpUdlkPVLtERtrk-cshUAHvQGtKCdDxfR80-heRefDh67QphPtWZ5O7iLwWUAG2SVxUqvyXjxq8RqI5EriQmgO3bxQ1fXujuzB88FvhABcGGtt5VrAiK74RNIA5/s640/blogger-image--1910605574.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvD3fVTL9LMiPFXf-doTEph5DYk6gyjsIG-kSLpFjPpEPLVmZfPMFEJ26bg0SOZzDN42Tu_Hg-xERqgQOkwwQZVcEQgE0qYXYQIEN_V1tvxB3J_3AB1G8QKZ4YneCcjrvDwvE7nf4JBc-/s640/blogger-image--1108098104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvD3fVTL9LMiPFXf-doTEph5DYk6gyjsIG-kSLpFjPpEPLVmZfPMFEJ26bg0SOZzDN42Tu_Hg-xERqgQOkwwQZVcEQgE0qYXYQIEN_V1tvxB3J_3AB1G8QKZ4YneCcjrvDwvE7nf4JBc-/s640/blogger-image--1108098104.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExHOviX8KdkR8jEBzdXdN38jZglkStJxfMQlQsZ36pQlDGCoqAEItCk7ycpHCQ6IJ6cMspFnnqUG5hXVN628gIXlr3L89rFhT76RJhF0Cx73KOuBZeNM8d3PcqarPxlb2_UPMWtMeMEmm/s640/blogger-image--2065712717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExHOviX8KdkR8jEBzdXdN38jZglkStJxfMQlQsZ36pQlDGCoqAEItCk7ycpHCQ6IJ6cMspFnnqUG5hXVN628gIXlr3L89rFhT76RJhF0Cx73KOuBZeNM8d3PcqarPxlb2_UPMWtMeMEmm/s400/blogger-image--2065712717.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, don't do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don't let yourself realize the truth that
time is passing us by. Quickly. These little precious and
precocious people are growing up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Once you realize it, you may just have to
spend a few extra minutes at bedtime, sharing some motherly or fatherly wisdom and
listening to their innocent and open hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Or you may have to actually sit down and eat lunch
<i>with </i>them, as opposed to throwing it on the table and using these few minutes
to change out the laundry or to potty in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Or you may have to increase your prayer
time. These kids are growing up in a pretty harsh world. They will
see and hear things in their young years that we did not experience. They
will need to be strong and brave and secure in our love for them. And in God's love
for them. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">They must know that He is sufficient for their every need, and
only in Him will they be truly satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, don't do it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Or you just may have to start the whole process over again and have another.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6JuxpsnVvybEykOSC1Szxecw0oPxxrjhyVl1__jiVC2oH_XqBvX9VhlKfd2_DGaJq8eV1uG2jdLSxg1wyF7y7Omx-_SZ97uETp4YJekGRrjLRqrjPi0XW1-YbvosQ-7LfHEy6MwaLd6D/s640/blogger-image--476155796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6JuxpsnVvybEykOSC1Szxecw0oPxxrjhyVl1__jiVC2oH_XqBvX9VhlKfd2_DGaJq8eV1uG2jdLSxg1wyF7y7Omx-_SZ97uETp4YJekGRrjLRqrjPi0XW1-YbvosQ-7LfHEy6MwaLd6D/s640/blogger-image--476155796.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0qZrOpOGu4s0ute4XjVdSyTq1anmB2BALtxXrdwRo1897ncNEcp_NiFRhb3XSLTFQmExT0q4WLJhbzTFm1lve8Xq6e7tfaeUhiAiWSNQOqAqDvghVmWgdDbh_C4mi5Vyxl6Wy5_hfs-d/s640/blogger-image--370941931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0qZrOpOGu4s0ute4XjVdSyTq1anmB2BALtxXrdwRo1897ncNEcp_NiFRhb3XSLTFQmExT0q4WLJhbzTFm1lve8Xq6e7tfaeUhiAiWSNQOqAqDvghVmWgdDbh_C4mi5Vyxl6Wy5_hfs-d/s640/blogger-image--370941931.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Hello, big fat baby cheeks and thighs. I sure did miss you.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Just remember. I warned you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCTBXuAwzGXLvTmvf-_o1eJp14Jw_k1_7nnLEfkn2sY3k0NAopL-kmz6ZyU3RyG8YE1hWauOnOC_qBjbzH0Nl1p9BV-8mIL2J1hOwMyOKCfUyHa1cO-KThrcrEdBUuQXXeeU3A3HPWxWV/s640/blogger-image-139954890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCTBXuAwzGXLvTmvf-_o1eJp14Jw_k1_7nnLEfkn2sY3k0NAopL-kmz6ZyU3RyG8YE1hWauOnOC_qBjbzH0Nl1p9BV-8mIL2J1hOwMyOKCfUyHa1cO-KThrcrEdBUuQXXeeU3A3HPWxWV/s640/blogger-image-139954890.jpg" /></a></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-90517934792951098142015-12-29T16:28:00.000-05:002015-12-29T22:01:12.116-05:00It's a Christmas MiracleI'm back. No apologies. No excuses. <br>
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Just wanted to introduce you to another beautiful little blessing given to us.<br>
<br>
Olivia Brooks was born on October 21. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-LtBuOxzU6fk9UgehlnYeQV2E_Hdp_7RFzSlvSl96z-MGCNto5POQ5vrAMEOtsxEfmx8M12HVhLhoxjPkYzaKfzhYsUp3eec0wrLfww_i_l399vI8LtnR938zW0mbu0IKpGtlIY4WZFW/s640/blogger-image--1846197547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-LtBuOxzU6fk9UgehlnYeQV2E_Hdp_7RFzSlvSl96z-MGCNto5POQ5vrAMEOtsxEfmx8M12HVhLhoxjPkYzaKfzhYsUp3eec0wrLfww_i_l399vI8LtnR938zW0mbu0IKpGtlIY4WZFW/s640/blogger-image--1846197547.jpg"></a><br>
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She charged into this world, produced a birth story that won't easily be forgotten, and wrapped the entire clan around her finger in a matter of minutes.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW9-q_1n-UUH4Epgz5W3g0Ka3o5xi4TKR7epY5h-qqIP3OFeypc6af7SSViEMtjteP45jKfNShOjMRXMEH579aY1C6fBrWRsKKjheM323AVGHnAizDG0R4DXNcx9WpMn5cpMIY8I8Mrj9/s640/blogger-image-1765215793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW9-q_1n-UUH4Epgz5W3g0Ka3o5xi4TKR7epY5h-qqIP3OFeypc6af7SSViEMtjteP45jKfNShOjMRXMEH579aY1C6fBrWRsKKjheM323AVGHnAizDG0R4DXNcx9WpMn5cpMIY8I8Mrj9/s640/blogger-image-1765215793.jpg"></a><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN5BEINYBf_zvNN_qoRewpAIXm5lJpPXY_zTTIYIcw0xEyzfEFBVqs9YrWHoXBwgjHlZnIHVmJwjdDxMn0-mvRB2fB1peDxM3VigDpLKRNOK8mhgCpV4qRO8_Jq8jpPPNvHAyxiLrUC6-/s640/blogger-image-524470505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN5BEINYBf_zvNN_qoRewpAIXm5lJpPXY_zTTIYIcw0xEyzfEFBVqs9YrWHoXBwgjHlZnIHVmJwjdDxMn0-mvRB2fB1peDxM3VigDpLKRNOK8mhgCpV4qRO8_Jq8jpPPNvHAyxiLrUC6-/s640/blogger-image-524470505.jpg"></a><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE5SlatbMB0zE7jfpN2Rl7PNGV_kYeWp9nfdTv2JhKW0aQGRaruSOrWLOtVysxYnOMbIkE0u0vSyyndBvGjDAREzQua3rIdfdJt4SY9ZAHgKjxVZ30QzxLzsCFTNFCe0B2x5hwODNmfgD/s640/blogger-image--1761748626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE5SlatbMB0zE7jfpN2Rl7PNGV_kYeWp9nfdTv2JhKW0aQGRaruSOrWLOtVysxYnOMbIkE0u0vSyyndBvGjDAREzQua3rIdfdJt4SY9ZAHgKjxVZ30QzxLzsCFTNFCe0B2x5hwODNmfgD/s640/blogger-image--1761748626.jpg"></a><br>
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This girl is pure sunshine. I am in love with her. <br><br>
And the kids are so in love with her as well. Especially the boys. Go figure.<br>
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Remember this guy.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4zqbZ6IDPD1tWcf-e4_WMoNDgcg4nLUFRDWWR79ME-WPeHMUUiZFRoZt84yThVgOSPRGQT3O6nLxq0asTjjqtlUFntazhAfEaWSRS7TG8i5yMPuraSylrZTxr-xCqu1xaK3kviw2SZKx/s640/blogger-image-1186720726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4zqbZ6IDPD1tWcf-e4_WMoNDgcg4nLUFRDWWR79ME-WPeHMUUiZFRoZt84yThVgOSPRGQT3O6nLxq0asTjjqtlUFntazhAfEaWSRS7TG8i5yMPuraSylrZTxr-xCqu1xaK3kviw2SZKx/s640/blogger-image-1186720726.jpg"></a><br>
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He tormented the twins for a solid year. Literally. I would have to lock the babies inside their bedroom for their own protection if (God forbid) I had to tinkle.<br>
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But now he is a gentle and kind big brother. He loves sweet Olivia to the moon and back. And he will often come over while I am nursing her, put his arm around me, and slowly exhale, "Mom, I'm so glad you were pregnant." Me too, buddy.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zshoBqRKH8ZC-Y_AWq1_f_ugcLKG3dFeFZdKbB0ey10rj9nyIF1L8djynAoMdf5SvtHtweYEB0egBhpcL1lMJ83o72hnT2bTx4Po5KZ3_pha8tSVyfuqIhKfZNd_iEiMdNLb1nxy-eg8/s640/blogger-image--508000922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zshoBqRKH8ZC-Y_AWq1_f_ugcLKG3dFeFZdKbB0ey10rj9nyIF1L8djynAoMdf5SvtHtweYEB0egBhpcL1lMJ83o72hnT2bTx4Po5KZ3_pha8tSVyfuqIhKfZNd_iEiMdNLb1nxy-eg8/s640/blogger-image--508000922.jpg"></a><br>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg"><br>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-19572797747414511552015-07-07T11:25:00.001-04:002015-07-07T11:25:15.733-04:00Another SeasonIt's been almost a full year since I last posted on this blog. That doesn't mean there have been no posts drafted or great intentions. But life has gotten the best of me. Not in a bad way, just in an honest way. <br />
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I'm not sure what has kept me from posting regularly. Priorities? Insecurities? Laziness? A search for clear vision or purpose? Probably a little bit of all of those. And add in 14 weeks of extreme <strike>morning</strike> all day sickness, and I think we've found the answer.<br />
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But it definitely hasn't been due to a lack of content.<br />
This crew provides a massive amount of material to entertain the masses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERytnknPTClP3Qf-s2m9Ic2Rn1JkCEQAedUlFM7XM_U8K8-0a2vtiGODK7cX66uwL5KQYC8qRre_fBFGaPGyVbQY0BCRfV41dJ5WfRJnA28RMrBQs5a7ZARji0Ykp_dsD33xS8_A1IAf1/s640/blogger-image--1869853249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERytnknPTClP3Qf-s2m9Ic2Rn1JkCEQAedUlFM7XM_U8K8-0a2vtiGODK7cX66uwL5KQYC8qRre_fBFGaPGyVbQY0BCRfV41dJ5WfRJnA28RMrBQs5a7ZARji0Ykp_dsD33xS8_A1IAf1/s640/blogger-image--1869853249.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have loved documenting the crazy that is our family's life story. Full of love, disappointment, blessings, sorrow, adventure, abundance, lessons, and so much laughter. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dB9M-M9Th5TPXAj40tyJ_eDNjVaLuw8jOlfPZhryuCFzn3MP38syGILPgg1WtMjPKOgHqRFCmtqtfhBMA7VeMia9ft0wdkmRWJ8737Icsca5CafsNge-R3xGOsf2BuRQvnaPSrOeCAcv/s640/blogger-image--2022120327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dB9M-M9Th5TPXAj40tyJ_eDNjVaLuw8jOlfPZhryuCFzn3MP38syGILPgg1WtMjPKOgHqRFCmtqtfhBMA7VeMia9ft0wdkmRWJ8737Icsca5CafsNge-R3xGOsf2BuRQvnaPSrOeCAcv/s640/blogger-image--2022120327.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkLbVARo3BvHEN1RDCjp2AR2_ysY-QEsCdv6ttyCY_X07tgz9upyJlAq1M7mht-QYrba0iZpl28N4J-kwVt3mwisrAwH9lCZWmCQeawtlMEmz_ti6iCNOmuAcEO5UiofYeXOQAsQCIzwG/s640/blogger-image--83627032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkLbVARo3BvHEN1RDCjp2AR2_ysY-QEsCdv6ttyCY_X07tgz9upyJlAq1M7mht-QYrba0iZpl28N4J-kwVt3mwisrAwH9lCZWmCQeawtlMEmz_ti6iCNOmuAcEO5UiofYeXOQAsQCIzwG/s640/blogger-image--83627032.jpg" /></a><br />
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Every time I relay one of our "learning moments" with the kids, someone always says, "I hope you're writing this stuff down!" <br />
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We think we'll never forget the time our son tried to steal the bread during communion. Or Caleb's much talked about vacation high point of having unlimited "Hick" to drink. (Not to be confused with the<br />
familiar Hi-C.)<br />
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But, with this family, I'm afraid there are just too many highlights for my aging memory to hold on to. <br />
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So I am purposing to find more time in front of this decrepit computer to capture our family's adventures and reflect on the beauty that is motherhood. <br />
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And I think this little surprise blessing may be hankering for a few shout outs too. We are excited to meet her in October, and the kids are busy choosing her name. (Heaven help us all.)<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-12151337181586687012014-08-28T09:24:00.005-04:002014-08-28T09:24:51.241-04:00Firsts. Again.The summer is drawing to a close, and I must say that we had a wonderful and action-packed summer. It included several trips to the beach, visits with family and friends, amusement parks, aquariums, picnics, playgrounds, and a whole lot of fun.<br />
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While this resulted in many terrific memories made, it also made one tired mommy. Phew. I was pretty excited to see the "Back to School" roll outs taking place in the stores.<br />
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Our summer officially ended last week when school began. My big girl, Eveley Joy, is in the second grade and enjoying school almost as much as her mother. She insists that she would beat me in "Around the World" math games, but I highly doubt it. She's definitely her mother's daughter.<br />
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But this is a brand new beginning for Mr. Caleb, affectionately referred to as Captain Awesome. He began Kindergarten at the same school as Eveley. It is a full day and begins and ends with the most awesome of events, according to Caleb -- riding the school bus.<br />
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Caleb is not very similar to me. His amazing brain works very differently from mine, so I find myself studying him to figure out how best to communicate with and encourage him. We weren't exactly sure how he would react to a new school. Caleb had a terrific time last year in Transitional Kindergarten. He is already reading and writing stories. (Most of them are about megalodons, Mario, or the Ultrasaurus.) We weren't too concerned about him academically but prayed he would enjoy this year just as much as last.<br />
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We all gathered at the bus stop to see them off. As they drove away, I was praying that they would be surrounded by good friends, make good decisions, and be a light in the darkness. And I was praying that Caleb would not try to get off the bus at the next stop.<br />
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It's going to be sweet having them at the same school, right?!<br />
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About fifteen minutes later, I received a text from my neighbor up the road. She took this as she put her daughter on the bus.<br />
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Enough said.<br />
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Later that afternoon, I waited at the bus stop for their return. Caleb ran off the bus and down the hill yelling, "THAT WAS AWESOME!"<br />
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Sending our children off to school is teaching me a number of life lessons. These children are not mine. They are a gift from the Lord. I am responsible to train and equip them to be their best selves in this world and to make a difference for God's glory. At some point, they must make their own choices and decisions. That is a hard one. I trust my judgment better than theirs! But walking with them through the process is teaching us all about grace, mercy, and unconditional love. <br />
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The twins are staying home with me. But I cannot tell you the difference in our days. I will be honest. This week, having Caleb and Eveley at school from 7:00 until 2:40 has made me feel like this. <br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-2674401003571420692014-08-13T07:47:00.002-04:002014-08-13T07:47:49.649-04:00Get Your Fix.As a mother of young children, there are many things that don't come easy. Showering, for example. Or shaving. Grocery shopping is almost impossible. Forget about keeping up with world issues or following current politics. <br />
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One of the most difficult tasks to get accomplished, I think, is updating my personal wardrobe. <br />
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When we toured our current home for the first time, almost 3 years ago, I started to cry when I saw the master closet. It is huge. (Actually, it served as Ryan's nursery for the first 2 years, but that is a different story...) Anyway, our prior house had very little closet space, and I was very excited to finally get some space.<br />
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Space for what, though. Well, my huge closet ended up being filled with stupid clothes that dated back to college. Seriously. Some even went back to high school. It was bad.<br />
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By nature, I am a thrifty and minimalistic person. But also, by nature, I enjoy looking put together and showing a bit of creative style.<br />
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But how was I ever going to remedy this situation?<br />
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Clothes don't grow on trees. Boutiques don't have childcare (or big buggies). And I can't whip up a new skirt in my spare time while the kids are picking the garden.<br />
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Then I heard about this genius business idea. Genius. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Introducing: <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3416542" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> </span><br />
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When I come home and see this little gem sitting on my front porch, I close my eyes and pretend I am living in sunny California with an active social calendar and a personal stylist. Well...at least it will be fun to have something new to wear to the playground.<br />
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Seriously, Stitch Fix is a lifesaver. When you first go to the website, you answer a good amount of questions to narrow down your personal style and give the stylist an idea of your likes and dislikes. Then...wait for it.... a stylist will select about 5 items (all in accordance with your style, size, and price selections) and ship it to your house.<br />
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It arrives in this cute little box.<br />
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Everything is packed very well and the exact procedure is plainly explained on the material.<br />
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Look through the selections. They typically send a couple tops, bottoms, a dress and one accessory. But all of this can be completely customized based on your needs. You may only want tops or may request a good pair of jeans. <br />
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Inside the box is a nice note from your stylist explaining what they picked out for you, why they did so, and giving you some ideas on how to wear them. You will also have a price sheet that details the cost of each item.<br />
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At home, you can go through the items. Try them on. See if you have the right shoes or accessory. Check yourself out in the mirror. Ask your hubby what he thinks of it. Or not.<br />
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If you like it, then you can keep it.</div>
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If you do not like it, you have 3 days to put it right back into the envelope and send it back. They do all of the work for you. The envelope is completely addressed and stamped, and you can just put it into your mailbox for return. Super simple.</div>
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If you choose to keep the entire box, you get a 25% discount. If you look at the contents and think the stylist has lost her mind, you can send the entire box back. You only pay a $20 styling fee but that fee will be credited towards any purchase you make. So, at the most, it will cost you $20. <br />
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I have been receiving monthly shipments for the past 6 months and have had a blast trying on new colors and styles. <br />
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I hope you take a chance and try this out. Or, if dragging whiny and complaining kids through a mall is your definition of fun, then, by all means, knock yourself out. </div>
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**If you use the above stitch fix link, I get a referral credit for telling you about this awesome biz. Just sayin.</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-74557910922490479542014-07-28T11:33:00.000-04:002014-07-28T11:33:51.590-04:00Reaching out to the GrievingOver the past few months, I have been contacted by several people (more like 6 or 7) telling me of another tragic story of a family who suddenly had a child pass away. My heart breaks every time. <br />
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They're always tragic. Always senseless. Always wrong. Always sad.<br />
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I am thankful to be a point of contact for these types of losses. Never would I have imagined that it would be so, but I am grateful of these folks' compassion for their friends and their desire to minister to them during this incredibly sad time.<br />
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You have heard me mention Nancy Guthrie before, I'm sure. Bob and I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy and her husband at a <a href="http://homes1ck.blogspot.com/2009/10/weekend-update-part-1.html" target="_blank">Respite Retreat</a> several years ago. Her ministry to grieving parents dramatically impacted our journey and continues to inspire us to find proper perspective and seek God's purpose in the sadness.<br />
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She recently polled some of the retreat attendees as she was preparing this article, and it was just released. I hope you find it helpful should you ever need to reach out to a grieving family.<br />
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Ministry to Grieving Parents</h1>
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by <a href="http://www.ligonier.org/learn/teachers/nancy-guthrie/" rel="author" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #837f73; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Nancy Guthrie</a></div>
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When we witness the anguish, the anger, the questions, the devastation that comes to families that experience the death of a child, we find ourselves desperate to figure out what we can do, what we can say, that will truly help. In the retreats my husband and I host for couples who have faced the death of a child, participants often talk about the ways people have “been there” for them in the midst of the worst pain they can imagine, as well as the ways people have added to their pain. If you could be a fly on the wall at one of our retreats, here is some of what you would hear them say about how best to minister to them.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">SAY</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">SOMETHING</span></strong></div>
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Say something to us, even if it is “I don’t really know what to say.” We’re not looking for any great wisdom or insight. We just want to know that you care and are willing to come alongside us in our sorrow. In fact, to say, “I don’t know what to say” shows a lack of presumption that anything you could say would make this <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">OK</span>. A simple “I’m so sad with you” is enough. It is your saying nothing that really hurts.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">DON</span>’T <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">BE</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">AFRAID</span></strong></div>
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Don’t be afraid to make us cry or to cry with us. We are desperate to know that our child is not forgotten, that we are not the only people who miss him or her. We long to hear the name of our child. But we know you are sometimes afraid to “bring it up,” afraid that you will make us sad. What you must know is that we are already sad, and when you speak to us about our child, you give us a chance to release some of that sadness, and we are assured that we’re not alone.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">DO</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">SOMETHING</span></strong></div>
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Don’t tell us to call you if we need anything. We can hardly think straight enough to know what we need. What we need is for people to figure out how they can help and just do it. Tell me that you’re coming over to do the laundry, pick up a grocery list, or mow the lawn—things we would never pick up the phone and ask you to do.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">DON</span>’T <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">COMPARE</span></strong></div>
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Don’t compare our pain to someone else’s or say anything that begins with the phrase, “Well, at least …” You see that we are miserable and want to help us to look at the bright side. But all of your efforts to do so simply serve to diminish our loss.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">EXPECT</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">SADNESS</span></strong></div>
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Don’t assume our sadness is a problem. We know our sadness makes things awkward. But doesn’t it make sense that we would be sad? It’s a reflection of our child’s worth. We have a lot of tears that need to come out, a lot of firsts to experience without our child that each bring a fresh wave of pain. Sometimes we feel like people want to fix us so we won’t be sad, or want us to “get back to normal” when we will never be the same. Instead of asking, “How are you?” giving us the impression that the desired response is that we are “good” or “better,” why not ask, “What is your grief like these days?” This shows us that you recognize it is normal and expected that we would be sad for a while.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">ENCOURAGE</span>, <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">DON</span>’T <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">PUSH</span></strong></div>
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Don’t tell us that we need to move on, but keep encouraging us to move forward. It is our grief that keeps us feeling close to our child who died, and we are so desperate for that. We need you to understand that leaving our grief behind feels like leaving our child behind. But we also need gentle encouragement to begin to invest ourselves in the living, to embrace the future, and to expect and welcome the healing work of the Holy Spirit in our emotions and relationships.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">POINT</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">TO</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">GOD</span></strong></div>
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Understand and share our desire to see God use our loss for good, but help us to accept that we might never know exactly what that good is. Even though we don’t especially like to have <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Romans 8.28" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Romans%208.28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #a36318; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a> quoted <em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">at</em> us, our greatest comfort is found in its truth: that God can and will use the worst thing we can imagine—including our child’s death—to accomplish something good. But many of us assume it is up to us to discover what that “good thing” is. We have a hard time believing it is true until we find what that is. We’re looking for a purpose that is identifiable, justifiable, singular, and individualistic. Remind us that though we might never see in this lifetime <em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">how</em> God is using our loss for good, we can be sure He <em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">is</em> using it.</div>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">NO</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">EASY</span> <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">FIXES</span></strong></div>
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Finally, don’t expect that if you only knew the right thing to say or do, the right book or counselor to recommend, that everything would be <span class="caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">OK</span>. This kind of loss will hurt a while. Your persistent presence with us, refusing to give up on us, your choosing to be at ease with our sadness and struggle, finding no fixes and few answers, is a great gift to us.</div>
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View the article <a href="http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/ministry-grieving-parents/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-28116650536002642532014-07-12T13:28:00.001-04:002014-07-12T13:28:28.644-04:00Vacation BlissWe have returned from Heaven. I mean vacation. It was a wonderful trip that exceeded our expectations on so many levels. <br />
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This was our first time to Kiawah Island in South Carolina. The beach was beautiful and the atmosphere was so very relaxing. <br />
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We arrived Saturday evening and, as we had promised, took the kids straight to the beach. This little beauty was waiting for us. It was a full double rainbow in all it's splendor. And, if you've been following our story for a while, you know that double rainbows have a bit of significance for our family.<br />
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I almost decided against posting any pictures of our vacation because they truly do not do it justice. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to but it's impossible to capture that on camera. (at least it's impossible for me to capture it). So I am interspersing some stock photos!<br />
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The beautiful Sanctuary resort.<br />
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Kiawah is a wonderful family-friendly location and is almost entirely accessible by bicycle. We rented bikes for the week and, barring the high stress episodes with the stubborn 5-year-old, it was a super fun family activity. We could load up and ride to the pool, beach, or playground. Eveley and the twins would have ridden all day. The five-year-old, however, had other ideas.<br />
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It was super action-packed week.<br />
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My sweet Ryan is a little bit of a girly girl. She does not like to be dirty or sandy. So the beach wasn't really her deal. But she was content to relax in the chair and, by the last day, had actually warmed up to the whole sand building thing.<br />
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One of the local sea creatures.<br />
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Bob and I were able to find a babysitter for one evening and headed to the Oceans Course for an evening out. This, again, is an absolutely breathtaking spot. <br />
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Kiawah has a great nature center that features some of the local animals and lets the kids have a "hands on" learning experience. This is definitely not my daughter but she loved the corn snake.<br />
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Mr. Caleb was one happy dude when he got to help hold the alligator. We saw quite a few alligators around which made mama nervous and the kids excited.<br />
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Sweet Eveley is a competitive soul who loves to try anything. She did an awesome job scaling this rock wall.<br />
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I'm not sure when I will be able to take a family photo where everyone participates. But, for now, I will take what I can get.<br />
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This vacation, our first alone as a family, was a success. We all enjoyed our stay and made many memories together. The kids were very sad to leave but we vowed to return soon.<br />
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When I went to check on the kids before heading to bed, I found Mr. Jack who must have missed his sisters.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-79003059406685173072014-06-20T20:56:00.000-04:002014-06-20T20:56:25.743-04:00Vacation Trial RunCompleting a trial run is generally a great idea. You are able to assess the situation honestly and determine any tweaks that may be (or must be) made in order to have a better or more successful experience. That's the theory behind the whole Wedding Rehearsal concept, right? <br />
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This summer, we are taking a big step and embarking on our first family week-long vacation. Usually, we invite others to join us -- grandparents, my sisters, or friends -- and we pretend it's because we enjoy their company. But, truthfully, it is because we were scared to death to take these 4 little monkeys anywhere by ourselves.<br />
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That is all changing this summer. For the week of the 4th, we will be heading to an awesome oceanside location and taking a family-only vacation.<br />
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To prepare, we took the kids over to Virginia Beach last weekend for a few nights. Bob had a legal conference there, and it seemed like the perfect chance to try out this vacation thing out.<br />
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We had a wonderful trip. Seriously. I was somewhat surprised. Now, let's not get crazy. It wasn't perfect. The car ride was pretty close to tortuous, no one slept past 6 a.m., and Bob and I had the lovely experience of sleeping on a sofa bed. But we genuinely had a wonderful time together.<br />
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More summer memories. And I am truly looking forward to our upcoming vacation!<br />
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-34873001787256112762014-06-03T21:07:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:09:08.899-04:00Summer FearsDespite my last blog post's upbeat attitude and positive spin on summer, I realize that summer can be extremely daunting for mothers of younger children. If your children have been in preschool or school this past year, you are now faced with the scary reality of spending an entire day, every day, with all of these little boogers. I ran into a mom this week at the gym and said, "Happy summer!" She groaned and said, "Is it over yet?" (Ahem. It was June 2.) <br>
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I get it. In some of my past mothering seasons, I too looked ahead to summer as if it were a huge back hole -- a 3-month span of time and space that felt dark and lonely. Despite my wonderful childhood summer memories, I could only see my summer as unknown, unpredictable, and out of my control. <br>
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As I am reflecting on this today, admittedly in a better state of mind and in a different season of mothering, I now understand why I felt that way. It's because that is exactly what it was! <br>
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Young children are unpredictable. Their moods are a fluke. Our schedules become subject to their nap needs or diaper explosions. And I would prefer it be otherwise. Honestly, I like a schedule. I like the known quantities. I enjoy reading a book on the deck while getting some sun on my face and sipping sweet tea. <br>
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But, as is the case with most seasons of mothering, I had to meld my wants into the needs of my family and the realities of my situation. That resulted in some tough summers for sure. But guess what? Children don't stay young forever! I'm not sure if you have figured that out yet, but they grow up. And with each little few-months-interval, they grow and learn and become capable of new things....like sitting in a sandbox for hours playing with their siblings, or reading a chapter book for the entire afternoon, or talking with you about their dreams and curiosities. <br>
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So, this summer, I am not freaked out by the realization that my summer days will be full of 4 crazy monkeys. I kinda dig them. <br>
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But summer still freaks me out for another reason.<br>
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It is a known fact that my kids are happiest when they are at the pool. We belong to a fabulous athletic club that has a great waterpark. The kids want to go there every day. And, truth be told, so do I. They have a blast, and I have even been able to read a few pages of my latest book club's selection. It's truly a miracle. We also have 2 beach vacations planned for the summer. <br>
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That would be gumdrops and roses except for the fact that you are supposed to wear a bathing suit to the pool or beach. I hate that. <br>
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I was going to delve into the whole reason behind my traumatic bathing suit visions, but I have a feeling you get the gist. We can probably all agree that:<br>
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<i>We are never comfortable in a bathing suit because _________. When walking around, I am afraid my ______ will fall out or my __________ is showing. I want to have fun with my kids and throw my toddler up in the air. But that is risky. I try not to be self conscious but, in the back of my head, there is always the fear that I will appear on an evening news show about the ever increasing health epidemic in this country or an ad for cosmetic surgery.</i><br>
(you fill in your own blanks)<br>
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I would not be reminding us all of this if I didn't have a silver lining to report. And I do.<br>
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Let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.divinitasole.com/" target="_blank">Divinita Sole</a>.<br>
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First off, I do not work for them and get absolutely no benefit from telling you about them. In fact, they are completely unaware that I even exist. <br>
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But what I will tell you is that after researching the internet for "mommy bathing suits," I found this company, took the plunge, and ordered a bathing suit online. <br>
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I could not be happier. It is absolutely awesome. It must be made of spanxx or something but the material is glorious. It is long enough, high enough, wide enough, and thick enough to make me feel comfortable. Seriously. And it's cute to boot. <br>
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If you are already dreading this part of the summer, on top of the fact that your county does not participate in year-round school, trust me and try out one of these suits. They are awesome, and I've already ordered another.<br>
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Here are some of my favorites:<br>
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<img src="http://www.divinitasole.com/sites/divinitasole.com/files/models/890-WT-NP-model.JPG" height="400" width="280"><br>
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<img alt="Modest Swimsuit" src="http://www.divinitasole.com/sites/divinitasole.com/files/imagecache/Designer-model/models/799-WT-NBS-model.jpg"><br>
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<img alt="Modest Swimsuit" src="http://www.divinitasole.com/sites/divinitasole.com/files/imagecache/Designer-model/models/902-WT-PCL-model.jpg"><br>
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<img alt="Modest Swimwear" src="http://www.divinitasole.com/sites/divinitasole.com/files/imagecache/Designer-model/models/798%20WT%20mint.jpg"><br>
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If you are reading this and thinking to yourself, "Where are their bikinis?" Then, we cannot be friends. <br>
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But I will talk to you in the fall while wearing my scarf and jeans. <br>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg">Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-51144798117754154732014-05-31T09:23:00.001-04:002014-05-31T09:23:54.022-04:00Let the summer {memories} beginSummer is here! Well, I'm not sure if it is technically "summer" yet, but who really pays attention to the calendar start date??<br />
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For us, summer begins when the school schedule ends, the pace slows down a bit, the sun is hot, and (unfortunately) the air is sticky. <br />
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I'm not going to lie. Last summer, I was scared to death. I wasn't exactly sure how <strike>we</strike> I would handle a full summer with all 4 monkeys. But this summer, it doesn't seem as overwhelming. I've learned to be smart about the activities we choose to participate in. (I still can't do anything and everything with this whole crew) And we have developed a few habits that seem to make out-of-the-house activities a little easier on everyone. (<i>More on that later.</i>) But the kids truly enjoy each other, and I am trying to practice a few spiritual disciplines to really help me relax and focus on these precious years. (<i>More on that later too.</i>)<br />
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Caleb just finished his year of Transitional Kindergarten with the Fish Class. What a wonderful year it was! He had lovely, caring teachers who appreciated his spunk and encouraged his little mind to learn and be creative. He loved it! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of TK - September 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Day of TK - May 2014</td></tr>
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We were at Caleb's last day celebration at school. He was so excited and enjoying the party. <br />
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And then I saw him start to slowly back against the wall. His eyes got big and his brows began to furrow. I leaned down beside him and put my hand on his back. "When are we coming back?" he asked. The realization that this was the last day of his Fish Class was just sinking in. His lip started to quiver and then he began to sob. And so did his mama. I still haven't mastered the mom skill that is able to maintain composure when your little one is a bawling mess.<br />
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Poor little guy. But, at the same time, what a lucky little guy. He was surrounded by friends and teachers that loved him. He felt safe and looked forward to every day. And even though my Caleb is drastically different that his big sister Eveley, he really enjoyed school and learning new things.<br />
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Some of you have asked whether we are still practicing a strict diet with Caleb, and the answer is a resounding YES. I will definitely detail this more at a later time. But let's just say that we tried to stop or even let up a bit and quickly realized the true benefits. So it looks like we are in it for the long haul. (<i>Definitely more on that later.</i>)<br />
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Our little man will start kindergarten in the fall. I am admittedly a little nervous about the whole deal. But he is definitely ready for a full day of fun and learning. And he is excited to be riding the bus with Eveley. <i>Oy vey!</i><br />
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We also spent this past week celebrating Robbie's birthday. He would have been NINE on Monday. It can be hard to balance the emotions of remembering Robbie with explaining the situation to his young brothers and sisters. They ask some crazy questions. <br />
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Sweet Eveley is always very attentive and sentimental. She made him a birthday card and was excited to release some balloons. <br />
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The other kids are still trying to understand. But they are all happy to talk of him.<br />
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That morning, I told the kids at breakfast, "Today is Robbie's birthday. We are going to celebrate it this afternoon." Caleb's eyes got huge, "Are we going to heaven?" <br />
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Not today, I said. =) <br />
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So far, our summer is going well. The kids have enjoyed their somewhat relaxing mornings and we have already had a few adventures.<br />
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We visited a friend's farm<br />
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enjoyed a picnic<br />
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had fun at the school's festival (where I HAD TO introduce Eveley to a funnel cake).<br />
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and are spending most of the days at the waterpark.<br />
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Eveley still has a couple weeks left in school, thanks to Ole Man {and stubborn} Winter. While she loves school, she is excited to join in our day fun.<br />
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Our summer calendar is pretty full with a couple Vacation Bible Schools, two family vacations, one adult vacation, one mama vacation, and a trip to the Tennessee farm. <br />
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There are many memories to be made!<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-8383739518229288492014-05-21T21:44:00.004-04:002014-05-21T22:07:58.039-04:00CruisingOne of the reasons I decided to return to blogging was the unbelievable joy I found when I began the crazy process of reading through the past FIVE years of blog posts. <br>
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For several years, I have wanted to transfer this blog into a printed book. It would make me feel better since none of my kids have a legitimate baby book. I can just print off multiple copies and give them to the kids when they are married and actually interested in such stuff. <br>
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So, as I began to read through the funny stories, difficult days, and recaps of how God continues to move in our lives, I knew that the recording of this journey had to continue. <div><br><div>In the 365 days that I was absent from the blogging world, so much has happened. (My kids are a riot.). Thankfully, many of the snippets were recorded through Facebook and Instagram. But I'm not sure I can diversify my memory making. It's much easier to keep it all in one place so I remember where to find it.<br>
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Yesterday was one of those glorious memory-making days. At least it started off as such. My husband was away for a couple days at a conference. This is certainly difficult but, at the same time, it has a few perks. The biggest one is that I don't have to prepare an organized (and very late) dinner. Instead, we get to eat bacon and eggs, some strawberries, and a few cucumbers around 5:30 and call it a night.<br>
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Yesterday afternoon, the kiddoes were running off some energy outside and enjoying the sunny but cool temperatures. Eveley ran into the house and said, "Mom, you've got to come see this. It's the cutest thing ever." Now, you never really know what this may mean. Her definition of "cutest thing" is not always in line with mine. But this time, she was correct.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e8p_VC_i0CIEUejjc90g8QkWRQPI8Z5oR6oLBOxlLZpC5U8PmLeRT4lzab5MJYMQ8RqPUCzi7PISkztoXcmJ6fWZZVIhecFoltDhUHl_NpnGwgwQGHPUKBuwJtRtXEgIlW1pGQsdPbpC/s640/blogger-image-607176349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e8p_VC_i0CIEUejjc90g8QkWRQPI8Z5oR6oLBOxlLZpC5U8PmLeRT4lzab5MJYMQ8RqPUCzi7PISkztoXcmJ6fWZZVIhecFoltDhUHl_NpnGwgwQGHPUKBuwJtRtXEgIlW1pGQsdPbpC/s640/blogger-image-607176349.jpg"></a><br>
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They had used their tinker skills to make a train out of plasma cars. (Side note: If you have a little one and have not yet been introduced to plasma cars, you are missing out. These are awesome! You can find the real deal <a href="http://www.amazon.com/PlasmaCar-PC130-Blue/dp/B000GUGY1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400719607&sr=8-1&keywords=plasma+cars" target="_blank">here</a> or the knock off version <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swivel-Car-Rolling-Ride-Toy/dp/B0061MIDZK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400719607&sr=8-2&keywords=plasma+cars" target="_blank">here</a>. We have one of each, and they are basically identical.)<br><br>
Anyway, it was a beautiful site for a few minutes. They giggled and wiggled as the leader-of-the-minute pulled them around the yard. It also brought much disagreements as to who would be the next leader, how many trips around the minivan each person's turn included, and who had to double up.<br>
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In any event, it provided a few precious minutes of smiles and laughs.<br>
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Then, we got a little adventurous and tried this.<br>
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What can I say? I failed physics.<br>
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End of the story: Ryan had a few "boobies" (this is what she calls boo boos), Caleb was mad, and Eveley was ready to go again. <br>
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The real point of the story: They all were exhausted and were snoring by 7:30. <br>
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I'd say this constitutes another successful day of memory making. We'll wear the helmets next time.<br>
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Amazon affiliate links used.<br>
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</div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-34948663709443857432014-05-14T09:34:00.000-04:002014-05-14T09:34:47.214-04:00ResurgenceNo, I am not talking about a book in yet <i>another </i>captivating trilogy. I am speaking of my resurgence into blogdom. <br />
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Exactly one year ago, I quietly, but reluctantly, walked away from the blogging world. A sabbatical seemed to be in order for a time of refreshment and renewal. And, let's be honest, my four precious monkeys are a handful.<br />
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But a lot has happened in a year. My hands are still full, but my heart is fuller. (That <i>is</i> a word.) And it only seems proper to re-enter the scene as my babies turn THREE. (Three? Three? How can that be?)<br />
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Guess who is 3 ??! <br />
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This guy.<br />
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And this girl.</div>
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These two love each other.</div>
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And share most everything.</div>
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Birthday morning hugs began as this.</div>
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But morphed into this.<br />
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The twins received a sandbox for their birthday. It was a major hit. (And I am very thankful for that since I hauled 800 pounds of sand from Lowes (Sixteen 50-pound bags), into my minivan, and then filled the sandbox. The depth of a mother's love....<br />
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We were all a little tired.<br />
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Mother's Day weekend was filled with exactly what I would have wanted. Dirty, loud, crazy, beautiful kiddoes who call me Mama. (over, and over, and over again.)</div>
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I'm excited to see what this year will hold.</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-48599188048742218862013-05-12T21:50:00.001-04:002013-05-14T16:57:32.480-04:00Two Twos and Tutus<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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This Mother's Day weekend was filled with the best Mother's Day activities -- celebrating these little munchkins who allow me to fill the coveted role of a mama.</div>
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These TWO turned TWO.</div>
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I cannot believe it.</div>
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We celebrated with cake and candles.<br />
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Then we headed out for Eveley's very first ballet recital.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo2MFwTEmQ60-0G5cYsJnL0YKHP5c0X8cKUd8EhbbTBZmX1g6ychmM0bLScLn_yNENN2KNe_F5HsLGwwnncugUazCgosLvwaeuzabMG9A8KD6jZAiZx7hUQK5gxdWP0mphWGpy-KO5xPN/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo2MFwTEmQ60-0G5cYsJnL0YKHP5c0X8cKUd8EhbbTBZmX1g6ychmM0bLScLn_yNENN2KNe_F5HsLGwwnncugUazCgosLvwaeuzabMG9A8KD6jZAiZx7hUQK5gxdWP0mphWGpy-KO5xPN/s400/IMG_8841.JPG" /></a><br />
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Their practices are closed, so I had no idea what to expect. But she was so very poised, confident and strong, and the best little bunny I have ever seen.</div>
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Daddy had some flowers waiting for her, and she was thrilled!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03Sk14Oc9qtNUE7uFKhznSC9aAQV2iZM4KWhGm5l_8t-XanI3p07vCIk8i4eB7yNJIYzqFrJGMAq_iamhx3M3ZhgEmgDNycfaCalWou9miD2w_GrqU5TliiOFG_5j6QvYODw-j3FDSCB9/s1600/IMG_8842.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03Sk14Oc9qtNUE7uFKhznSC9aAQV2iZM4KWhGm5l_8t-XanI3p07vCIk8i4eB7yNJIYzqFrJGMAq_iamhx3M3ZhgEmgDNycfaCalWou9miD2w_GrqU5TliiOFG_5j6QvYODw-j3FDSCB9/s640/IMG_8842.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgEX7q1E7fOaY3K5plGqcyeCMENGI8i8F0xgYk1d2kJX_KIdvVEJKN8QWvXMDlFdBr77mMXmL3LUDeEbOD4SZu_CvdPLDRY06PwaUpZT9Iey4YzeFxL9o6KzTUV8MKFBfkodQF8-ZZXkg/s1600/IMG_8843.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgEX7q1E7fOaY3K5plGqcyeCMENGI8i8F0xgYk1d2kJX_KIdvVEJKN8QWvXMDlFdBr77mMXmL3LUDeEbOD4SZu_CvdPLDRY06PwaUpZT9Iey4YzeFxL9o6KzTUV8MKFBfkodQF8-ZZXkg/s640/IMG_8843.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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Grandma came to visit for this special weekend and brought her little dog. </div>
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They all adore him. I'm not so sure the feelings are mutual.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-24102692242013449842013-04-29T20:50:00.001-04:002013-04-29T20:50:33.080-04:00Six + Nine = Crazy<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">I can hardly believe it, but we now have a 6 year old. In some ways, it seems unbelievable that she is 6. And in other ways, it seems unbelievable that she is</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">only</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">6.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Our Eveley Joy is one energetic and spunky little girl. She is curious, creative, confident, and crazy.</span></div>
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As in year's past, Eveley's birthday turned into a week long affair. Her actual birthday came while we were at the beach, so we were able to celebrate with some family and sugar. (Her 2 favorite things.)</div>
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But she still wanted to have a birthday party with her sweet friends from school, church, and the neighborhood.</div>
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Around the beginning of March, Eveley let me know that she wanted a surprise party for her birthday. That seemed a little hard to pull of.... So, we decided to do a </div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pancakes and Pajamas Party.</span></div>
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Saturday morning, 9 sweet little girls showed up at our house wearing their pajamas and ready to party.</div>
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They made necklaces out of fruit loops, decorated pillow cases, and enjoyed pancakes, hot chocolate, and every topping you could imagine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsfTVfnlrPJAuRuw4icga2XRhYnCXJqq7QBsdocJKXRw0ppEayPhRqMQ7egyjvwbQ9dq6Y35dKeOOKfTHmdsMZK2hPgLZK_ezQ8XP6OArj4WHmwhoHGnePVLjcVHse4hUGV_irbSL_L16/s1600/IMG_8798.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsfTVfnlrPJAuRuw4icga2XRhYnCXJqq7QBsdocJKXRw0ppEayPhRqMQ7egyjvwbQ9dq6Y35dKeOOKfTHmdsMZK2hPgLZK_ezQ8XP6OArj4WHmwhoHGnePVLjcVHse4hUGV_irbSL_L16/s640/IMG_8798.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8I3l10rRmnS35dPr5Fe0SZr3dhjogZIXQ482n8F9-_95cIyOFvoAWeFPrCbtRxX4l9JvxbheRB-84WZD_g8E7D2Ozpms9w10Nom32FusprkevNuB2CKQm8kf89xf42-awVVqKhV_VcsV/s1600/IMG_8803.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8I3l10rRmnS35dPr5Fe0SZr3dhjogZIXQ482n8F9-_95cIyOFvoAWeFPrCbtRxX4l9JvxbheRB-84WZD_g8E7D2Ozpms9w10Nom32FusprkevNuB2CKQm8kf89xf42-awVVqKhV_VcsV/s640/IMG_8803.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Eveley's party was complete with a dapper maitre'de who welcomed the girls, took their food orders, and catered to their every whim.</span></div>
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It's a good things birthdays only come around once a year.<br />
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But, no time to rest.<br />
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These two little stinkers are turning TWO in two weeks.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-85342480071031793652013-04-22T22:27:00.002-04:002013-04-22T22:27:40.737-04:00Spring Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's just been a mere FOUR months since my last blog post. Not that anyone other than my father and grandmother have noticed, but 2013 is simply whirring by.</div>
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I'll be real honest. There is almost no down time in my world. And on those rare days when Mr. Sandman visits each child at the same time, I would prefer to plop on my crumb-infested couch and catch up on Project Runway. I've finally finished season 3. </div>
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Seriously though, I've spent the past few months reflecting on many things and sorting through the craziness that is our current life's stage. I want to do this well. There's only one shot at it. And whether blogging fits in there somewhere was something I needed to pray about.</div>
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Right now, life requires a lot from me. Sacrifice. Patience. Contentment. Energy. Determination. And a great amount of prayer.</div>
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But, I've come to realize, these beautiful babies are worth it.</div>
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We just returned from a fun filled week at the beach. And I am feeling a bit refreshed and re-energized. (Just a bit.) </div>
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Farewell, winter blues. Spring has sprung.</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-52710504305172755782013-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-16T07:19:08.881-05:00January LessonThis lesson came as many of them do - right in the midst of a conversation with one of my children.<br />
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Eveley was getting ready to watch one of her favorite movies. One she has seen at least a dozen times. <br />
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She confided that she was nervous to watch it again because she feared the main character would get hurt in a dangerous scene. <br />
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"Why are you so fearful?" I asked. "You know how the story ends."<br />
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"Exactly," I heard the Spirit whisper to me.<br />
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*******</div>
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January is a difficult month. It hasn't always been this way, of course. My Januarys were typically consumed with picking out the perfect new calendar, tidying up the closets and labeling the playroom bins, and vowing to exercise more, eat better, and lose a few pounds.<br />
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But for the past few years, Januarys have become, frankly, very daunting. I dread them. After Christmas, I sort of feel as if life is at a standstill until the looming date of January 16 passes.<br />
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It was January 16, 2007, when our world forever changed. I was forced to say goodbye to our beautiful Robbie and to begin a journey more difficult than I could have ever imagined.<br />
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But it was also January 16, 2007, when our world forever changed, and I began to know Jesus in a way I had never imagined.<br />
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He held me so very close. He let me cry and yell. He listened to my heart struggling to find answers and explanations. He guarded my mind as it wandered down many dangerous paths, trying to unpack the tragedy. He displayed His power and goodness in soft and loud ways. And He gently reminded me of Truth.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is made perfect in your weakness." I Cor. 12:9</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Rom. 8:18</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">"Death is swallowed up in victory. O, death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" I Cor. 15:54-55</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">"I have told you these things so that in Me, you shall have peace. In this world, you will have tribulations. But take heart. I have overcome the world!" John 16:33</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Rev. 21:4</span></i><br />
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Well, here it is. January 16, 2013.<br />
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"Why should I be fearful?" I ask myself. "I know how the story ends."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEyDAt5J2zwEn1klkw8jo0lvk2CnFLDj1kMFZUmpscKFzuoA6Fb5aekSSueZI5MMoilcj22wPeEukM-byb-xLhlz6l19QncykUgBAzwzjq1hewUtJuG7Mby2ksSPkrLyWGbbee0Tn4PdA/s1600/byrne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEyDAt5J2zwEn1klkw8jo0lvk2CnFLDj1kMFZUmpscKFzuoA6Fb5aekSSueZI5MMoilcj22wPeEukM-byb-xLhlz6l19QncykUgBAzwzjq1hewUtJuG7Mby2ksSPkrLyWGbbee0Tn4PdA/s640/byrne2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Maranatha.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-52487190760184960402013-01-03T21:55:00.001-05:002013-01-03T21:55:50.134-05:00Wrapping up 2012<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Yes, I know 2012 is now a thing of the past, but we tried to enjoy every second of December -- which means I am just getting around to blogging about it.</span></div>
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<i>taken by my talented friend, Jenn</i></div>
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We had a wonderful holiday season, just a little bit of stress but a whole lot of fun.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The last week before Christmas was quite a blur. The kids -- all 4, at 4 different times, were very sick. And since we spent the week of Christmas in Tennessee, our family Christmas morning was postponed until December 29. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">But the change of date didn't lessen the excitement at all.</span></div>
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Christmas morn.</div>
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One of the elves.</div>
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With her many dramatic expressions.</div>
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Yes, we realized on our "Christmas Eve" - Dec. 28 - that we had run out of the Christmas wrapping paper. So we ended up with this polka dot remnant and some Whole Foods brown paper bags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU0IMxjA6LA8ozB_NTRLfwhJHTZxf_xpms71_Y-PCelrFKNEGCUu1oEREeMwdpQPy6vVAF2ce7mFTnTN5iQbWaDdQvO4EvHjyQPvji6k2rOVGRHxwy6FtSzYLe8YBFDBzBeEziFlA2QiN/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU0IMxjA6LA8ozB_NTRLfwhJHTZxf_xpms71_Y-PCelrFKNEGCUu1oEREeMwdpQPy6vVAF2ce7mFTnTN5iQbWaDdQvO4EvHjyQPvji6k2rOVGRHxwy6FtSzYLe8YBFDBzBeEziFlA2QiN/s640/IMG_8443.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I try to take advantage of the Christmas season to spread a little cheer -- reach out to neighbors, friends, teachers, and even strangers who we come across.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Usually, I make oodles of batches of </span><a href="http://homes1ck.blogspot.com/2010/12/caramel-joy.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this </a><span style="text-align: left;">. Nothing says 'I love and appreciate you' more than homemade caramel popcorn.</span></div>
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But, with our new food habits, there was no way I could continue this tradition unless I did it at midnight when the family was sleeping. (But I am afraid that even the smell would have awakened them.)</div>
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So, this year, we tried to go a different route and we nixed the food gifts.</div>
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Instead, we put together some pretty bags of Christmas smells. I included a little bit of orange, lemon, lime, cranberries, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Eveley and I stuffed about 40 of these! But once we put this into a saucepan and simmered it on the stove, we were definitely in the Christmas spirit. Smells wonderful. And I'm sure it will help get you through the January blues too if you need a boost.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25ShhFxm4iApNj54SsrO6rHJwRpAcduAx5_i3aL6mmkhZxRsGiehYXUWxiW95OhAjBcdM2uRPBGhfldlsW1xohQNCaNxrpUKP6zOlfYQm3t5Vx79PNHXckSihu91Rdzhyphenhyphen8KMkCP2DNJdr/s1600/IMG_8445.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25ShhFxm4iApNj54SsrO6rHJwRpAcduAx5_i3aL6mmkhZxRsGiehYXUWxiW95OhAjBcdM2uRPBGhfldlsW1xohQNCaNxrpUKP6zOlfYQm3t5Vx79PNHXckSihu91Rdzhyphenhyphen8KMkCP2DNJdr/s640/IMG_8445.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8g4kX233dCtkC_PNHyrb21D2X-2H97fCEgQvGbTtYYoIlljz2lAnT6n6SK76YvCjtOgIh5V609douRWXQoWOsFWNhyphenhyphenxtPsbjtZAhe5izFr-A63K1bzitpCqrRpb9JqXRpMRMmU87APOd/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8g4kX233dCtkC_PNHyrb21D2X-2H97fCEgQvGbTtYYoIlljz2lAnT6n6SK76YvCjtOgIh5V609douRWXQoWOsFWNhyphenhyphenxtPsbjtZAhe5izFr-A63K1bzitpCqrRpb9JqXRpMRMmU87APOd/s640/IMG_8452.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslljPys6dk9KTKvTMfsq8_X_OnLO6qIvcQLmBzRidVOerIInnDGXG80GcTJ-Wzrp_dEKkKPuH3S8JnOwcvpsH07d4TePpiz2YXLwxP0rckI6oukot3MsRUlpGzvvLNEJ7LsF3Y4xh_U0A/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslljPys6dk9KTKvTMfsq8_X_OnLO6qIvcQLmBzRidVOerIInnDGXG80GcTJ-Wzrp_dEKkKPuH3S8JnOwcvpsH07d4TePpiz2YXLwxP0rckI6oukot3MsRUlpGzvvLNEJ7LsF3Y4xh_U0A/s640/IMG_8455.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The next things we did for Eveley's and Caleb's teachers and some friends was to decorate some rosemary trees. These turned out so cute, and the kids really enjoyed this little "craft project."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1z3aACdQBhtUaSC1nwnmDXtsUdfwRLBUeDse6GouyeZoUdWI_mypUGsWoo8UquAH7ZyaMhZsyvk2E9dFhj89XPDFoFRikVKI8S5y1aHdPwkG9_e0jAb95vk8IBJdOrftORShlq_ajk1T/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1z3aACdQBhtUaSC1nwnmDXtsUdfwRLBUeDse6GouyeZoUdWI_mypUGsWoo8UquAH7ZyaMhZsyvk2E9dFhj89XPDFoFRikVKI8S5y1aHdPwkG9_e0jAb95vk8IBJdOrftORShlq_ajk1T/s640/IMG_8458.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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I don't know about you, but I always keep the toiletries and samples provided at hotels. We have stayed at quite a few luxurious resorts over the years, and I always pack away the bathroom stash each day so the staff will replenish them the next day. <br />
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As a result, I have quite a few travel sewing kits. These worked perfectly. They had just the right amount of thread already threaded onto a needle. We bought several packs of different sized pom poms. The kids had fun picking out a pattern and then trying to replicate it. When they were finished, we wound the garland around the trees and topped them with a little bow. Hopefully, our friends enjoyed this festive and smelly tree and will continue to use the dried rosemary throughout the year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQrsCMaTFILdsTVsbfakhyphenhyphen4Q3fCndzZg3lA_86oS8Y0EMHGavtitgf3u5JEnP9iQwXLE2LVpXgktPvLLbwlE7LUIjHwLRlxxfhRuSDWsoo63ckhrt6BES2pJTdpw7PBXXcnI_Wt0fJVdF/s1600/IMG_8456.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQrsCMaTFILdsTVsbfakhyphenhyphen4Q3fCndzZg3lA_86oS8Y0EMHGavtitgf3u5JEnP9iQwXLE2LVpXgktPvLLbwlE7LUIjHwLRlxxfhRuSDWsoo63ckhrt6BES2pJTdpw7PBXXcnI_Wt0fJVdF/s640/IMG_8456.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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And 2012 wouldn't be complete without a trip to the ER. </div>
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My big New Years Eve started out with a trip to the gym. The kids were in childcare making fun NYE crafts and playing their little hearts out (while I was spinning my little legs off in the pedal and kettle class). I was notified that little Jack took a spill and did a face plant off of the little ladybug car. (He's a daredevil.) </div>
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He ended up with a fat lip and a bloody nose. No big deal.</div>
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Or so we thought.</div>
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On our way home from the gym, Jack kept nodding off. And then he threw up. We arrived at home and I got everyone into the house. Jack threw up again. </div>
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I knew that was a concern after a head injury (because I had quickly googled it), so I called Bob. He came home and took Jack immediately to the hospital. Poor little thing continued to throw up throughout the day and was completely lethargic. </div>
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They did a CT scan and concluded my little tough dude had a concussion (but no other major trauma or issues, thank Jesus).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAItEwpM474PAkcVE1P085z26MgB7Dnuu-t2K7f3F60e1XbN6q5S9qUtL8z8HNSCOXLrb8PNIXwWDttRXtlmAuHyXhGhwkyg5tpC4u8H8uLAlpwgmVHSbhnOcdnFp-9oUA_IyfsOB_YAib/s1600/Jack+CT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAItEwpM474PAkcVE1P085z26MgB7Dnuu-t2K7f3F60e1XbN6q5S9qUtL8z8HNSCOXLrb8PNIXwWDttRXtlmAuHyXhGhwkyg5tpC4u8H8uLAlpwgmVHSbhnOcdnFp-9oUA_IyfsOB_YAib/s640/Jack+CT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is without any sedative or meds. <br />
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The little man slept on my chest the rest of the day, and almost rang in the new year with us.<br />
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Thankfully, he seems to be as good as new. We are just keeping an eye on him (and Caleb) to try to prevent any other injury.<br />
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Cheers to 2013!<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-15927094986844019902012-12-27T20:49:00.001-05:002012-12-27T20:49:12.310-05:00Merry Merry<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year</i></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>from our </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>LARGE and CRAZY family</i></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA4EAPcmi46vj27iYLNjrdjTmwF4426ZoYpU92flqixcifWSTXEnDNLiMs5XG7owDtHZSJdy8_HvytUTTWb4-gEYW920d-Ip_5QfSrO1PWL0Ykce9AeIMq8X-OP3i0t07_ZoeONNyXhyphenhyphenm/s1600/AMN_8735.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA4EAPcmi46vj27iYLNjrdjTmwF4426ZoYpU92flqixcifWSTXEnDNLiMs5XG7owDtHZSJdy8_HvytUTTWb4-gEYW920d-Ip_5QfSrO1PWL0Ykce9AeIMq8X-OP3i0t07_ZoeONNyXhyphenhyphenm/s640/AMN_8735.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezypAGT7tV43mLDBY_6BYx84LBDL4arEOq35ENnJYtyzxLEfS9296Cgi4WWpJqqtxCrpvjTcLAdgNnmkni57tmr2nnQNAD8Z-rJGwvj-PzIl4jnRFYStSsXq7Ip9ZkTCwEnEReB2Ht_d/s1600/AMN_8738.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezypAGT7tV43mLDBY_6BYx84LBDL4arEOq35ENnJYtyzxLEfS9296Cgi4WWpJqqtxCrpvjTcLAdgNnmkni57tmr2nnQNAD8Z-rJGwvj-PzIl4jnRFYStSsXq7Ip9ZkTCwEnEReB2Ht_d/s640/AMN_8738.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The real deal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltGHRIk1XZSxmzQ1HGjnjSDbrMJOSQOrSS2qZeQCACwTFg9QKkLwiX-u8jE8R7WiZ54AtzNxrB1YnHl9FLOgTkqGe_VzYhWk0lIN5zVOMaWI-e3uqkF93NnaGHda3684G006eEofmltz4/s1600/AMN_8753.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltGHRIk1XZSxmzQ1HGjnjSDbrMJOSQOrSS2qZeQCACwTFg9QKkLwiX-u8jE8R7WiZ54AtzNxrB1YnHl9FLOgTkqGe_VzYhWk0lIN5zVOMaWI-e3uqkF93NnaGHda3684G006eEofmltz4/s640/AMN_8753.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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For the first time in several years, my entire family was together on Christmas Day. Twenty of us.<br />
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9 grandchildren.<br />
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2 awesome grandparents.<br />
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4 in-laws.<br />
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And a puppy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaXg0fTtnVDea9ionUdXlyXDXtf_8QOl5F8IfyF4At_r8Ks82mkWtc_0ciHz0kvZywuGeuRaHy3oAWZH-YzoneqKOuj7Z-1-iYiIbELnt5eFL91zFQsu_NS7_BqllqenOddrgnG-A7UKf/s1600/AMN_8731.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaXg0fTtnVDea9ionUdXlyXDXtf_8QOl5F8IfyF4At_r8Ks82mkWtc_0ciHz0kvZywuGeuRaHy3oAWZH-YzoneqKOuj7Z-1-iYiIbELnt5eFL91zFQsu_NS7_BqllqenOddrgnG-A7UKf/s640/AMN_8731.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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The original Fab Five. <br />
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What originally began as this, has morphed into quite a bit larger and louder family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHUFCGddT8n0b6Ta1Sk1SJpRdgWx99m7o3fzOarONoq_QAQe708TNJiD50YG2q_W_Ue060XZciYBHjJe5KKatt1UJArbJRPvffsSYVRHkQVgCujifUinRukgQ2vZa4MCn678XFy050kHM/s1600/AMN_8754.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHUFCGddT8n0b6Ta1Sk1SJpRdgWx99m7o3fzOarONoq_QAQe708TNJiD50YG2q_W_Ue060XZciYBHjJe5KKatt1UJArbJRPvffsSYVRHkQVgCujifUinRukgQ2vZa4MCn678XFy050kHM/s640/AMN_8754.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
{This is me and my 4 siblings recreating a family photo from the old days. I am the oldest, and my brother Will (sitting on my lap) is the youngest (but biggest)}<br />
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My parents had a photographer come out to the house on Sunday afternoon to try and capture some family photos. It was a zoo. But we were amazed at the good pictures he was still able to capture!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEoBTbKC1DVYPxbdvoPDfAwcNlCuvssV2IX4BPyemgs-gYt7vQBYM6SZ2K9DPQMf_YiQ1XmyMonrVyAvbDyrmUmCNbfWe5oaLtFxEYQ7HFycuA_3awmY7ESojaOVt6HzCvOBQab4LlcXk/s1600/AMN_8764.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEoBTbKC1DVYPxbdvoPDfAwcNlCuvssV2IX4BPyemgs-gYt7vQBYM6SZ2K9DPQMf_YiQ1XmyMonrVyAvbDyrmUmCNbfWe5oaLtFxEYQ7HFycuA_3awmY7ESojaOVt6HzCvOBQab4LlcXk/s640/AMN_8764.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcXeowe5QyTjQ4jNaWKF93YT0KAueGh5zsmdXFC7QbNb8cfbn4B9X4O72c7MYeHuBw27vlGuR01xIsraAPNrBe7PU2tDyoZAuYd8wSw6d4a4CqzxlvWGHJD2Q87ZY9i_6RudvTDi2AqQp/s1600/AMN_8765.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcXeowe5QyTjQ4jNaWKF93YT0KAueGh5zsmdXFC7QbNb8cfbn4B9X4O72c7MYeHuBw27vlGuR01xIsraAPNrBe7PU2tDyoZAuYd8wSw6d4a4CqzxlvWGHJD2Q87ZY9i_6RudvTDi2AqQp/s640/AMN_8765.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_A97Re0hnD-zqN20D7FEAk2xP_UUZiKvm96bnXCUa8jroFCD54Jp4hja0N8ApH0ZY25B_Kdn6asXq9PfCZbUl5UlYXG5kGDKhLx66R52bzRiAYJWcysX1zK4kfXkO7xODcE6OrDNhzOK/s1600/AMN_8769.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_A97Re0hnD-zqN20D7FEAk2xP_UUZiKvm96bnXCUa8jroFCD54Jp4hja0N8ApH0ZY25B_Kdn6asXq9PfCZbUl5UlYXG5kGDKhLx66R52bzRiAYJWcysX1zK4kfXkO7xODcE6OrDNhzOK/s640/AMN_8769.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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My sweet nephew Beau.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fLR7izu6VaziPeXt9CvJReB3NZ3yFrsrdfAEfJuWBvkfCoFTlLGNaYCkbDqVOVnLxMPtlDu9hypO7IvUkapgjnQoZT5Wk6zQ9XV6dGewL5NIRVaOdwO6632bLfxxzAq6sWkEB_XTSpRT/s1600/AMN_8778.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fLR7izu6VaziPeXt9CvJReB3NZ3yFrsrdfAEfJuWBvkfCoFTlLGNaYCkbDqVOVnLxMPtlDu9hypO7IvUkapgjnQoZT5Wk6zQ9XV6dGewL5NIRVaOdwO6632bLfxxzAq6sWkEB_XTSpRT/s640/AMN_8778.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgut2x856xnSaIWcrMlwLHJaSkDi6kg8_u4WqFLZyCIhlfNcaAm7vqjLqKes3rwmuV7svzBn9FMFgylE3gNj6wUpWi4-3Yy0T4bDLMieYYpZQIsIfTF27w3_pyEhUaIRDyPSy-ZsUMyPhMT/s1600/AMN_8784.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgut2x856xnSaIWcrMlwLHJaSkDi6kg8_u4WqFLZyCIhlfNcaAm7vqjLqKes3rwmuV7svzBn9FMFgylE3gNj6wUpWi4-3Yy0T4bDLMieYYpZQIsIfTF27w3_pyEhUaIRDyPSy-ZsUMyPhMT/s640/AMN_8784.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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My handsome nephew Wyatt (and Caleb's very best friend)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfjFpWGTICmvxTwEv91zq__-8IiD12M96b2SQq2sWaLVdhkr_BAGLr6XcHLL4fzOgkdKt604LWTsMadJwaKvNKiKMIVyYdafg-6eV-obJmfZdwWNwZrdfNcEfLZuzovZxQPHWw8rtHb0z/s1600/AMN_8791.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfjFpWGTICmvxTwEv91zq__-8IiD12M96b2SQq2sWaLVdhkr_BAGLr6XcHLL4fzOgkdKt604LWTsMadJwaKvNKiKMIVyYdafg-6eV-obJmfZdwWNwZrdfNcEfLZuzovZxQPHWw8rtHb0z/s640/AMN_8791.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSX4-gEdJSwT0OMPRIvgeiRgMydiFStdm6undQMQssBxS9JhywNDJAtyNvHIuN71146TVTt0Z9kiLL3aN1Cm85JKLpqYAHGVGwQIsdpGi24iSnwmLtJr3uPUKzGi7OhyfbGPl0TZ5YC5Q/s1600/AMN_8800.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSX4-gEdJSwT0OMPRIvgeiRgMydiFStdm6undQMQssBxS9JhywNDJAtyNvHIuN71146TVTt0Z9kiLL3aN1Cm85JKLpqYAHGVGwQIsdpGi24iSnwmLtJr3uPUKzGi7OhyfbGPl0TZ5YC5Q/s640/AMN_8800.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OFH0K6RbfZLhVYYykeBmwxUifdP38dt_6UVOr8FTLmtxJyk82gOdmeqCBgznHH4WWWMfzKYgSs0xMFLshIofB4rpDcuxDyFNRNh7UgDvwzdFQkwRoIsf-DTXqZGY_8_WCwjnpv56G-Ga/s1600/AMN_8821.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OFH0K6RbfZLhVYYykeBmwxUifdP38dt_6UVOr8FTLmtxJyk82gOdmeqCBgznHH4WWWMfzKYgSs0xMFLshIofB4rpDcuxDyFNRNh7UgDvwzdFQkwRoIsf-DTXqZGY_8_WCwjnpv56G-Ga/s640/AMN_8821.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpvBrEV59QiHc6DOkid6iLtxh0CGQJN43EI1FJCCFjKAYGJifgPmGC_RQtqClHQBwnJEysg2RUeIkrKgkL9RH2AT1oksD6Mr-86GoupbFd6JWYrWl1DkLxyAj1kRLclfeNvPhfah2wwY0/s1600/AMN_8825.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpvBrEV59QiHc6DOkid6iLtxh0CGQJN43EI1FJCCFjKAYGJifgPmGC_RQtqClHQBwnJEysg2RUeIkrKgkL9RH2AT1oksD6Mr-86GoupbFd6JWYrWl1DkLxyAj1kRLclfeNvPhfah2wwY0/s640/AMN_8825.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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Eveley with her cousins Layla and Anna Lea (her very best friends)!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHLK__ETwtd5evouhdcx2Yw2m49POoA1Ijkf-t5GIByPRIlu0TXpMKqSRnFnPz8AYiaMkFihfPPV3P0v5tufB5JnXJNHx8K66NORC0Vv7yeEw_DW77zPm8bil3YZoXPqMg3M_d_-CG4U0/s1600/AMN_8758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHLK__ETwtd5evouhdcx2Yw2m49POoA1Ijkf-t5GIByPRIlu0TXpMKqSRnFnPz8AYiaMkFihfPPV3P0v5tufB5JnXJNHx8K66NORC0Vv7yeEw_DW77zPm8bil3YZoXPqMg3M_d_-CG4U0/s640/AMN_8758.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahyphenhyphen5ZCKgfKvGTK7PXO5ThNS49kQXl4M1Wqh1CvgHbNMkqgEm8VpN0yBacz719-kBn-e7WxLZFCtaKez1tDQB2phHmdplj1Sl_p5mdNF9mFwmlqjoCQE_FjrRkbGouZOE15Fk7Js3QC-J6/s1600/AMN_8845.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahyphenhyphen5ZCKgfKvGTK7PXO5ThNS49kQXl4M1Wqh1CvgHbNMkqgEm8VpN0yBacz719-kBn-e7WxLZFCtaKez1tDQB2phHmdplj1Sl_p5mdNF9mFwmlqjoCQE_FjrRkbGouZOE15Fk7Js3QC-J6/s640/AMN_8845.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9yNBeol1ZPQT02wZtsS-oaRleb9vpX5Pry6UriPecdYeKoJCUSSEz-UmyTCwz8CUHJrV2zvXWZxJOuhFVJMF2_gCkDfK7an5a_4vES3CRfUtTIXZ-O4MUD6jJdQZqkyaCfaJbd6tpMKT/s1600/AMN_8856.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9yNBeol1ZPQT02wZtsS-oaRleb9vpX5Pry6UriPecdYeKoJCUSSEz-UmyTCwz8CUHJrV2zvXWZxJOuhFVJMF2_gCkDfK7an5a_4vES3CRfUtTIXZ-O4MUD6jJdQZqkyaCfaJbd6tpMKT/s640/AMN_8856.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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My sweet nephew Reese and the new family puppy. He was a huge hit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6KxjEI6wkFvw-GFHV_BpXJ0gnYNAqhezQkxR10dq9HLTrLfnjywp1i534cX038UCMA3wPvD2UgdQsgCZi56U3S5zOuNvBRRSvZBQNl2FH_NF8ZUoCJWsHMgoLMdPaDRhDoksvV9pmjl_/s1600/AMN_8866.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6KxjEI6wkFvw-GFHV_BpXJ0gnYNAqhezQkxR10dq9HLTrLfnjywp1i534cX038UCMA3wPvD2UgdQsgCZi56U3S5zOuNvBRRSvZBQNl2FH_NF8ZUoCJWsHMgoLMdPaDRhDoksvV9pmjl_/s640/AMN_8866.jpg" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" /><br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-20635222219472885052012-12-10T21:12:00.000-05:002012-12-10T21:20:09.762-05:00We Interrupt These Festivities<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Since we had just moved into our new home last year (and had 6 month-old twins, a 2 and 4-year old), the holiday season took us a bit by surprise, and we just tried to enjoy them in the least chaotic way possible.</div>
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But this year, we have all been eager and excited to decorate and celebrate Christmas. <br />
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The tree went up early, thanks to all of my elves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AxTCUPxl2enXTl4FOuPPk4tqErH6H7PBad9MjGSQR8wchTnSJnr8Lcmtjg1D3gWBq9hBgoVFMaH3Z1xNWOja69sSKgKeCY6A0KO0gU4TOUcYwwzgquuB_jq2kzrdubg6DfESBpoqll8/s1600/IMG_8372.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AxTCUPxl2enXTl4FOuPPk4tqErH6H7PBad9MjGSQR8wchTnSJnr8Lcmtjg1D3gWBq9hBgoVFMaH3Z1xNWOja69sSKgKeCY6A0KO0gU4TOUcYwwzgquuB_jq2kzrdubg6DfESBpoqll8/s640/IMG_8372.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP656wxyDrvmGS3kSpXq_obi_YY-BYaXO8UisENsw77Z17t-540Bh4XFwCz0DDMu8xRDP0JTxJqDs9hqakrQUW6FHmHfmcg1pt50nvyFuyahTR0dsHiWXSskCd751KW4C0Vjgx1LTKxQ/s1600/IMG_8373.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP656wxyDrvmGS3kSpXq_obi_YY-BYaXO8UisENsw77Z17t-540Bh4XFwCz0DDMu8xRDP0JTxJqDs9hqakrQUW6FHmHfmcg1pt50nvyFuyahTR0dsHiWXSskCd751KW4C0Vjgx1LTKxQ/s640/IMG_8373.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROINpcaLZoGs3l3zm_Ps4vIUNqqP9FYzoI7iVIfNoVan26-rKSROoZRej2J2uWZK1zqE3qG-ggYtfvXuXcPaxmf437F7ph80zEWhyphenhyphen09lcSS3rmBtZSDdmzuOEz2lEjHLFHJ-1o8BKa4o/s1600/IMG_8381.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROINpcaLZoGs3l3zm_Ps4vIUNqqP9FYzoI7iVIfNoVan26-rKSROoZRej2J2uWZK1zqE3qG-ggYtfvXuXcPaxmf437F7ph80zEWhyphenhyphen09lcSS3rmBtZSDdmzuOEz2lEjHLFHJ-1o8BKa4o/s640/IMG_8381.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
(Eveley dressed her, in case you're wondering...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5oJDA2-dCKmCOrkyuKFeiqWR9c_4TuXexG8wkSi3QqknNgrHkSe89dGuEwg_81CBEDsk7Ks7gU1Fr6X1XJmkdQMQ7C2xtu4M-bjSK0kTc4k_jrpJSIJ6aM91DwZ-irU4UC3GXpiUO2A/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5oJDA2-dCKmCOrkyuKFeiqWR9c_4TuXexG8wkSi3QqknNgrHkSe89dGuEwg_81CBEDsk7Ks7gU1Fr6X1XJmkdQMQ7C2xtu4M-bjSK0kTc4k_jrpJSIJ6aM91DwZ-irU4UC3GXpiUO2A/s640/IMG_8382.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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We pulled out the Christmas bling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLyoHoNF9oiDwpRzSHKjC4IQ0JjNx7A5EhC7YbYd3lpWKPND9YvnhdZR119Sgwjtm6BueaCm7VF7Rlzo66cG7vW3kFUHiFzJvLYtjVX5hIrzCx4Kn-at3A-gv0kDcLjOAfIYEZd7Pz4Y/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLyoHoNF9oiDwpRzSHKjC4IQ0JjNx7A5EhC7YbYd3lpWKPND9YvnhdZR119Sgwjtm6BueaCm7VF7Rlzo66cG7vW3kFUHiFzJvLYtjVX5hIrzCx4Kn-at3A-gv0kDcLjOAfIYEZd7Pz4Y/s640/IMG_8384.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjr5MlWsCZP2Z_t362k0_xYVXL2GDcV0djmIVIzqPbxA3XoZhMKjQmF0vZdDRm2H_eyk7HWxoFggoH1DotNPpgbrXhJvvrWEi5ZiO2ahTKnhXKocCJqdM3oJK__MZJo9-07RvLkN8HY/s1600/IMG_8385.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjr5MlWsCZP2Z_t362k0_xYVXL2GDcV0djmIVIzqPbxA3XoZhMKjQmF0vZdDRm2H_eyk7HWxoFggoH1DotNPpgbrXhJvvrWEi5ZiO2ahTKnhXKocCJqdM3oJK__MZJo9-07RvLkN8HY/s640/IMG_8385.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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We have a mantle full of stockings (beautifully made by my talented sis, Carrianna)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_RV0JCSui4Snk87vlEc-rb1VgoUeKXmGPaNshVOwhd8hRARktbtNrZEPPg5ZpImL3XJOchpvHZJyoKU-ss8w_x_OBfyH1vjvC6Xj5-_D8sG5j1ljw8GZG8WS2spTvCDEe7_qOvgZ3LU/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_RV0JCSui4Snk87vlEc-rb1VgoUeKXmGPaNshVOwhd8hRARktbtNrZEPPg5ZpImL3XJOchpvHZJyoKU-ss8w_x_OBfyH1vjvC6Xj5-_D8sG5j1ljw8GZG8WS2spTvCDEe7_qOvgZ3LU/s640/IMG_8418.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEP2HAmfKBRC3udjiGjakBHx5jWHsPRUQ4PwZ7vQON6IVCGimYcWehLG2PX_FX7cdNEGZxoHJkJHvde5ucLuy3BRqbaZYGIoa7kmLfa3fT5rzthxKBvmcRakLQgKer-w-GIMDP4QQbJba/s1600/IMG_8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEP2HAmfKBRC3udjiGjakBHx5jWHsPRUQ4PwZ7vQON6IVCGimYcWehLG2PX_FX7cdNEGZxoHJkJHvde5ucLuy3BRqbaZYGIoa7kmLfa3fT5rzthxKBvmcRakLQgKer-w-GIMDP4QQbJba/s640/IMG_8389.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Some festive art to keep us intentional about the true meaning of Christmas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ53BqcPr4W1C6pgySWniKg9sPO3X2j81VbWbn8fehLOzY6y1q458ggcPCwo4UZh77jkiPYPgurP-oRB5WnGEwzPUT3zm8SG5UaY1EXnvDaO-gNedaH41fS_4DkCjUjHdZ_LpcGhnad4/s1600/IMG_8414.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ53BqcPr4W1C6pgySWniKg9sPO3X2j81VbWbn8fehLOzY6y1q458ggcPCwo4UZh77jkiPYPgurP-oRB5WnGEwzPUT3zm8SG5UaY1EXnvDaO-gNedaH41fS_4DkCjUjHdZ_LpcGhnad4/s640/IMG_8414.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yxOfBWXu7jtdtZYf4cdlGat2X8I-50nduDANE5n4mScmqwhmjeUjz7IMx1-8HOA3KT08jt2NygrX1UiqfG_linqUJQc4Lbh0_L1Wk0nN5EUSXJ-i_vZ8n_5_f-U0x6sPBdkK5358ZJ8/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yxOfBWXu7jtdtZYf4cdlGat2X8I-50nduDANE5n4mScmqwhmjeUjz7IMx1-8HOA3KT08jt2NygrX1UiqfG_linqUJQc4Lbh0_L1Wk0nN5EUSXJ-i_vZ8n_5_f-U0x6sPBdkK5358ZJ8/s640/IMG_8412.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A fun Christmas banner<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYiFgHzPIEBZ9fFE8hmRpjcg2DNKDZNwXkQF5IYeeB_FlKPTpDtfygJDSUvhtpo84zsK-ZpcYcbGITXOJMXqzeLcuuwMCadINA2501NjbBgerN-jJft_L6ebNY7ScSKwG3_fG82ierqs/s1600/IMG_8394.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYiFgHzPIEBZ9fFE8hmRpjcg2DNKDZNwXkQF5IYeeB_FlKPTpDtfygJDSUvhtpo84zsK-ZpcYcbGITXOJMXqzeLcuuwMCadINA2501NjbBgerN-jJft_L6ebNY7ScSKwG3_fG82ierqs/s640/IMG_8394.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Our Advent Calendar (it's been a little tricky doing this without implementing treats or candy...) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCYNtwntKaP00nR2pygQTKNtmTkkUJFyd1-Zl47p9TbwGIoB3ZnYxyL8ctm9Q-iOv0SD98jcUs0tUEx0PGkMjh9xuueD0VxcfIWHL78VXXdy6SGisFNL5xwlpWeEho_gz9Wg2zOPDWJM/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCYNtwntKaP00nR2pygQTKNtmTkkUJFyd1-Zl47p9TbwGIoB3ZnYxyL8ctm9Q-iOv0SD98jcUs0tUEx0PGkMjh9xuueD0VxcfIWHL78VXXdy6SGisFNL5xwlpWeEho_gz9Wg2zOPDWJM/s640/IMG_8396.JPG" width="427" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyuNLUt-5mNsbGKqWtwqQtPPZ37jtocEUkdFsyXC40WqoyXeMuwYMOQoYlIdlUVNPoCEUBRAtRYjswpvYW4tKYcrw6HH_wQBgr-XDKYORvwD9k30K9LTDJOaL3c1Fzjy-VuAS0l-ca3o/s1600/IMG_8397.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyuNLUt-5mNsbGKqWtwqQtPPZ37jtocEUkdFsyXC40WqoyXeMuwYMOQoYlIdlUVNPoCEUBRAtRYjswpvYW4tKYcrw6HH_wQBgr-XDKYORvwD9k30K9LTDJOaL3c1Fzjy-VuAS0l-ca3o/s400/IMG_8397.JPG" /></a> </div>
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The annual nativity set (made by my dad) with a special, magical. flying angel addition (think of this as our Elf on the Shelf...I do what I can)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaSgQFrO_1lSiZtbgMVPwWsFvR0aTX2WrUC8CtOeXJVdVN9kO71Nzp72BYYvHqnGCz1kpKEgzL0EWVSS8Bg2683Bw8Zu1fqOIku-hYRVG7dAFXQ5jlNuw9pMKQJBx7ZByA3RhcN7R2II/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaSgQFrO_1lSiZtbgMVPwWsFvR0aTX2WrUC8CtOeXJVdVN9kO71Nzp72BYYvHqnGCz1kpKEgzL0EWVSS8Bg2683Bw8Zu1fqOIku-hYRVG7dAFXQ5jlNuw9pMKQJBx7ZByA3RhcN7R2II/s640/IMG_8409.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACnhOWEcm4ZHlgO-tX71NFE973Js8uGedEtKx4ww0XgrDZqqspMK44LRZIfupD5AGjoPot4ifiQOoYR8BOnTkVOMP5ddJMsZjEgrifTCRLYOKuS9nJ6ew01GjKejqTMvRlII50BxZ_n8/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACnhOWEcm4ZHlgO-tX71NFE973Js8uGedEtKx4ww0XgrDZqqspMK44LRZIfupD5AGjoPot4ifiQOoYR8BOnTkVOMP5ddJMsZjEgrifTCRLYOKuS9nJ6ew01GjKejqTMvRlII50BxZ_n8/s640/IMG_8405.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1_NBnvk0ZfXJyxd2wS-31LOmANV_vwGGzN0DK1p5_wqcTn3h-id-t1S7cFHZ6JskkxbypAbPqKzlyFZDU_KTrKjsfGg9uuLg4wfifdypgFz6cZ-0uDzTkGxB7Na290vLHs-rItCZ_JE/s1600/IMG_8403.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1_NBnvk0ZfXJyxd2wS-31LOmANV_vwGGzN0DK1p5_wqcTn3h-id-t1S7cFHZ6JskkxbypAbPqKzlyFZDU_KTrKjsfGg9uuLg4wfifdypgFz6cZ-0uDzTkGxB7Na290vLHs-rItCZ_JE/s640/IMG_8403.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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But in the midst of our fun Christmas preparations, we paused to celebrate another beautiful and wonderful gift -- Caleb Robert.</div>
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I have a 4-year-old boy. </div>
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And if anyone tells me 4 is the new 3 (which was the new 2), I may punch you in the face. The toddler/tantrum train has got to be nearing its end.</div>
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My sweet Caleb was a beautiful gift. He was born on my paternal grandfather's 85th birthday, and Robbie was born on my maternal grandfather's birthday. Just a little trivia for you.</div>
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Along with several friends, we spent the morning at the local indoor bounce playground because I expected December to act like December. She did not and so we spent the rest of the 75-degree day grilling burgers and playing in the backyard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOSGqz_NQoYReY42HG94OKWza94NT60Sk9Q2uS0wtDAliPQgd6M5Hq0iAZt25H2iBMkRWvZObWouJioLB7bYP0D1ZqLNKqg40fEFlVByMJ7B0RxmTOdexQ6wqHEjnc2EhsNb_5RapAHg/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOSGqz_NQoYReY42HG94OKWza94NT60Sk9Q2uS0wtDAliPQgd6M5Hq0iAZt25H2iBMkRWvZObWouJioLB7bYP0D1ZqLNKqg40fEFlVByMJ7B0RxmTOdexQ6wqHEjnc2EhsNb_5RapAHg/s640/IMG_8421.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3mlhN6In8aYJCvdu9ssm9YDvKQQgITuNY96-6ozObVToWVJpLFzUwLswzMgob4-4usonoYNfSrBUoBHfWxxrOnopkKh7WEHHxC3jyuqJFVoAKRfFz-wdgJ1CVK00XferTjlUb015wXw/s1600/IMG_8422.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3mlhN6In8aYJCvdu9ssm9YDvKQQgITuNY96-6ozObVToWVJpLFzUwLswzMgob4-4usonoYNfSrBUoBHfWxxrOnopkKh7WEHHxC3jyuqJFVoAKRfFz-wdgJ1CVK00XferTjlUb015wXw/s640/IMG_8422.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98-_vxvY7PDq88K1fx4d0ETNNEI_eCJWISP255YGKRpougz1t3GBZaXxMThkfJYCw5o4SvSqH0gfHxieyTlCo2at1HvUlcc-r0sJUbwlCaEvzb8cxhH9sFBkGsvHlESq0PNM1yARTckw/s1600/IMG_8432.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98-_vxvY7PDq88K1fx4d0ETNNEI_eCJWISP255YGKRpougz1t3GBZaXxMThkfJYCw5o4SvSqH0gfHxieyTlCo2at1HvUlcc-r0sJUbwlCaEvzb8cxhH9sFBkGsvHlESq0PNM1yARTckw/s640/IMG_8432.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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It was a fun filled day that ended with a big chocolate and snow-covered cake. ;) Who knew a gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free cake could taste so good? I heard no complaints!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjrl5n-K5YmczB3i9njbUbLyotaQNfQQlc94i5LawrThZQDHdgVypnAQTyv2qycY7QiK6RUTNdew55j-JReWiDliBTJOmF7y7z9o7HAhOT-ci_XJsOr0pHmiI6kSnN7xpxcrjDjuDZ0c/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjrl5n-K5YmczB3i9njbUbLyotaQNfQQlc94i5LawrThZQDHdgVypnAQTyv2qycY7QiK6RUTNdew55j-JReWiDliBTJOmF7y7z9o7HAhOT-ci_XJsOr0pHmiI6kSnN7xpxcrjDjuDZ0c/s640/IMG_8439.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuE3rt8iLA8oF7tGasnWkr2GUp3fIOniPyB_pGTjeVk28IbikjgQvh7MOgJR9GNYJEcHdy9q9ab1RUeTmM6YlayxxXoayHFIbK_k1w8f3hADiZRpeXvdNcHOW_ZwZGmObczo3VAThMvU/s1600/IMG_8442.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuE3rt8iLA8oF7tGasnWkr2GUp3fIOniPyB_pGTjeVk28IbikjgQvh7MOgJR9GNYJEcHdy9q9ab1RUeTmM6YlayxxXoayHFIbK_k1w8f3hADiZRpeXvdNcHOW_ZwZGmObczo3VAThMvU/s640/IMG_8442.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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We love you, sweet Caleb, and are so thankful for these past 4 years. We pray you will aspire to a reputation like that of your namesake, Caleb from the Old Testament, who was said to be a man who "wholly followed the Lord". </div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" /><br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-37782659217396602942012-11-12T21:13:00.001-05:002012-11-12T21:13:17.869-05:00Proud<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">
On August 23, 2003, Bob and I made several vows to each other and to God. We promised to love and support each other regardless. In sickness and in health. In poverty and in wealth. In good and in bad.<br />
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But, as if that wasn't enough, Bob also vowed to his good friend (and ultra athlete) that he would run a marathon at some point.<br />
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He has talked about the idea for the past few years. And I have nodded and appeared to participate in the conversations.<br />
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But this summer, he decided the time was right. We joined a family athletic club, and Bob began training for the Richmond marathon. <br />
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He was completely dedicated to his training and our new nutritional lifestyle greatly helped him get in tip top shape. He was even able to complete many of the long distance training runs without using his asthma inhaler (a first in more than 10 years).<br />
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I also will admit that I believe his great desire to train (which involves spending several hours most days of the week running) may have been influenced by the crazy house he was allowed to escape. But I will give him the benefit of the doubt. <br />
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The marathon was Saturday, and I took the older 2 kids to watch. We made some crazy signs and were able to give him a high five at miles 13 and 20.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE0hwCf49qm1JIHalFK1O4GHT0dktY8-500QcUC4TCODf7eJmLeoxtmONQFOmVJ0RRq_kOpE3oocJ3puijR9NUR2xNVfldtcdt2PW5MUfVpEoZ87ciC6lFedPpnyiCA9KXKvlPwbtOxs/s1600/IMG_8348.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE0hwCf49qm1JIHalFK1O4GHT0dktY8-500QcUC4TCODf7eJmLeoxtmONQFOmVJ0RRq_kOpE3oocJ3puijR9NUR2xNVfldtcdt2PW5MUfVpEoZ87ciC6lFedPpnyiCA9KXKvlPwbtOxs/s400/IMG_8348.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FKx-R5o7DX5QPV5viv4RodRYDkPnuhIJt8Dz56PhyphenhyphenVOP6cy2sRlnqjdh1JhcXkFBbcx6dPmuwx3oioK1aeT1wI4s4oOyHe9bMejwdG3QnQJ7eoDzWctm6XKdnZoMOJk2VeoKGo9vhOY/s1600/IMG_8349.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FKx-R5o7DX5QPV5viv4RodRYDkPnuhIJt8Dz56PhyphenhyphenVOP6cy2sRlnqjdh1JhcXkFBbcx6dPmuwx3oioK1aeT1wI4s4oOyHe9bMejwdG3QnQJ7eoDzWctm6XKdnZoMOJk2VeoKGo9vhOY/s400/IMG_8349.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfnEoQ4HAlBhIG2NHl4ck0MZZ8rOdj39n6YsgHuhdri0eh4o76m4k4PkRAx-VDGqMQCGk8yBzUuOCZKDpYmexIlAalgvny-1lT6VNrFd_77s5FQ7UB2ya05Iy72kmJan3ANXjvleCufY/s1600/IMG_8350.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfnEoQ4HAlBhIG2NHl4ck0MZZ8rOdj39n6YsgHuhdri0eh4o76m4k4PkRAx-VDGqMQCGk8yBzUuOCZKDpYmexIlAalgvny-1lT6VNrFd_77s5FQ7UB2ya05Iy72kmJan3ANXjvleCufY/s400/IMG_8350.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyL2RXcqBnLxBWkh_MR_htOVJVzMCs4f48863y0SaZZ5jMqlHxM6vOPvQRJ2WQXra_-eSUXrNN-tGQx72F35fzXQ-tHuMV9VJNqmZ1rEQtpwqgZqm_HsKTFJ-iAfr4P69K_3fQS1G6rE/s1600/IMG_8352.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyL2RXcqBnLxBWkh_MR_htOVJVzMCs4f48863y0SaZZ5jMqlHxM6vOPvQRJ2WQXra_-eSUXrNN-tGQx72F35fzXQ-tHuMV9VJNqmZ1rEQtpwqgZqm_HsKTFJ-iAfr4P69K_3fQS1G6rE/s400/IMG_8352.JPG" /></a> </div>
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He had a lofty goal of finishing the 26.2 miles in 4 hours. And he blew that goal out of the water by finishing in 3.55. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCTyVwAbR0Q42fBmbByUcNg75P6HeK_cot6JN2uhyppPSOEytwi-dRZXkuz6-FXxHzUnKL1iaF8oXhRXRzgaHXCWD5EJkRpqVXu5EPV0h0Ko1Hvx4MSSzi_kiQXay-x-PonYd2Iyb8fE/s1600/IMG_8354.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCTyVwAbR0Q42fBmbByUcNg75P6HeK_cot6JN2uhyppPSOEytwi-dRZXkuz6-FXxHzUnKL1iaF8oXhRXRzgaHXCWD5EJkRpqVXu5EPV0h0Ko1Hvx4MSSzi_kiQXay-x-PonYd2Iyb8fE/s400/IMG_8354.JPG" /></a><br />
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The kids rushed to greet him and see the shiny medal.</div>
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Then we "celebrated" at Chick-fil-A with some grilled nuggets and fruit. </div>
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It was a long day. I was exhausted! :)</div>
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He is already signing up for his next one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij40-PnpG0lD2fzyufExoN64iiboYwYV-kkG-eRVQNBLElmPIOfUvRqJGIRXDcy3_pEP4qapsnz54x6QgfcH7CUa6zF6jG_bE0bHrNAI8F46-n0OV7MEr8WAfN6McM5hBLWctqT0tY3Cw/s1600/IMG_8356.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij40-PnpG0lD2fzyufExoN64iiboYwYV-kkG-eRVQNBLElmPIOfUvRqJGIRXDcy3_pEP4qapsnz54x6QgfcH7CUa6zF6jG_bE0bHrNAI8F46-n0OV7MEr8WAfN6McM5hBLWctqT0tY3Cw/s400/IMG_8356.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1w6ZDVSKlXJ_Q1UnegKgzJ-6f-N2pYdwjCUz8ocWmBSBvd3RBgu1NK6nreoWdzrTFYb8nM2EXa5J3BOSlPxSgb-4Ovx5h37w3BamgB1xzEdUV14WLxIYu9zs1wYZpXsJlxykWKOmnKUg/s1600/IMG_8360.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1w6ZDVSKlXJ_Q1UnegKgzJ-6f-N2pYdwjCUz8ocWmBSBvd3RBgu1NK6nreoWdzrTFYb8nM2EXa5J3BOSlPxSgb-4Ovx5h37w3BamgB1xzEdUV14WLxIYu9zs1wYZpXsJlxykWKOmnKUg/s400/IMG_8360.JPG" /></a> </div>
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We love you, Daddy, and are so very proud of you!!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" /><br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-31723050989313369082012-11-01T20:34:00.000-04:002012-11-01T20:36:44.149-04:00Trick or Sugar-free Treat?<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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It was a very big evening in our house last night. </div>
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We had a couple princesses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpCIyuFxWjXqD71IeI_DUEiHuOmfl5DDfvpTzrlcILa-ouy6i_SDWz8YXZhTK34mqhf4ScNwInQk9B_Eleb_nnrPxZODY2464OxiA1wbzI-JxcqCVHfnekYDRsu7zsMu3ytE5sfzJMtI/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpCIyuFxWjXqD71IeI_DUEiHuOmfl5DDfvpTzrlcILa-ouy6i_SDWz8YXZhTK34mqhf4ScNwInQk9B_Eleb_nnrPxZODY2464OxiA1wbzI-JxcqCVHfnekYDRsu7zsMu3ytE5sfzJMtI/s640/IMG_8287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY-bDmEjfq2qnqsFxrRMmwPJLq9vEE2ZwQZypvU9kZywxWR-cEyzc-aN0pSHdvYgkavPUZYEUVd56BHIALgzg8KAbPUDlVdZewd6rsl-EDtEQXfoZGkYt15a5qP0dMBKARXZmDYbKKpE/s1600/IMG_8290.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY-bDmEjfq2qnqsFxrRMmwPJLq9vEE2ZwQZypvU9kZywxWR-cEyzc-aN0pSHdvYgkavPUZYEUVd56BHIALgzg8KAbPUDlVdZewd6rsl-EDtEQXfoZGkYt15a5qP0dMBKARXZmDYbKKpE/s640/IMG_8290.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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Luigi (who later morphed into Mario because his unitard was a wee bit tight.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUJbLF0qBT25tTOHd6FIwVvUFKAq1wRzlyZSrBaM8LPVi5Dsbvx1IMj0jzFcyE-mpipbXGNLE4kabEdIN5t8eI7jGQj04RW6K-HQnonJUNGZFEvhQNMjEBYN1oz3FKeDJlXwoJQXcHL8/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUJbLF0qBT25tTOHd6FIwVvUFKAq1wRzlyZSrBaM8LPVi5Dsbvx1IMj0jzFcyE-mpipbXGNLE4kabEdIN5t8eI7jGQj04RW6K-HQnonJUNGZFEvhQNMjEBYN1oz3FKeDJlXwoJQXcHL8/s400/IMG_8294.JPG" /></a><br />
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And a sad little puppy dog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHwaGCxtMKzGPfdInt8ADz4LnJcK5CBCW-jy5adXMGGu3-0uYOL2jmGwBv6hZ8gtOwMGpueefHXElKe7XHR8Mv2pG3Mr1sQXtFZoUr3wH93tEQWCBfE22BZdTxxOwv4F8cxMoc7BNP2Q/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHwaGCxtMKzGPfdInt8ADz4LnJcK5CBCW-jy5adXMGGu3-0uYOL2jmGwBv6hZ8gtOwMGpueefHXElKe7XHR8Mv2pG3Mr1sQXtFZoUr3wH93tEQWCBfE22BZdTxxOwv4F8cxMoc7BNP2Q/s640/IMG_8311.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t_ormKqaizEJlEv4GZos_lhdM4S6IU6G2541Nw6n-71SKyi4VFKFGwxC7UvnKNjAuHk8tTYUo-WZx6oTDGWuYfyfshD5mjicP5sCMMRl280Kz7MOYExsg_tnq3YtD2ukuAaInB9z_XA/s1600/IMG_8296.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t_ormKqaizEJlEv4GZos_lhdM4S6IU6G2541Nw6n-71SKyi4VFKFGwxC7UvnKNjAuHk8tTYUo-WZx6oTDGWuYfyfshD5mjicP5sCMMRl280Kz7MOYExsg_tnq3YtD2ukuAaInB9z_XA/s640/IMG_8296.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu9bhfTSOd-Pkepd_zGP1IazLqc9KKLAf4TY8hvrXSVGAK_lqGskMTcqSObNkvHU6bVbcpTW7X3fOUbffhmKDCv9ZGNHpwzorUd7wBIdhOi9QphkIz7PYgf5bS7KDYzvFavf3WFA4q6I/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu9bhfTSOd-Pkepd_zGP1IazLqc9KKLAf4TY8hvrXSVGAK_lqGskMTcqSObNkvHU6bVbcpTW7X3fOUbffhmKDCv9ZGNHpwzorUd7wBIdhOi9QphkIz7PYgf5bS7KDYzvFavf3WFA4q6I/s640/IMG_8297.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOwmHLXDr2yAlhDsqQnsytoRrRk3Xk-4ZeSjdQBPhBEwbMrTdQvqiIYyjro0bGdGVDoeprn5Y11q6Btvtd_uby6LAkhnHNbv2f8Jk2l3eEhp5cXlRrdeC_PU-pgoREC1oiqbth_f9o0M/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOwmHLXDr2yAlhDsqQnsytoRrRk3Xk-4ZeSjdQBPhBEwbMrTdQvqiIYyjro0bGdGVDoeprn5Y11q6Btvtd_uby6LAkhnHNbv2f8Jk2l3eEhp5cXlRrdeC_PU-pgoREC1oiqbth_f9o0M/s640/IMG_8301.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSbf2rySNpPRcYLB9wA_LT55S0zHDY2bLLpXvJU6Cr57un7_GCa3Q1qbm5SeTmBCH69UlLIjR4uATm42L4N0SFX840-mU5YA_6d3pwFPaxfM_kJugmLhKcknBF2UELs-QKSftmOwJmgA/s1600/IMG_8303.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSbf2rySNpPRcYLB9wA_LT55S0zHDY2bLLpXvJU6Cr57un7_GCa3Q1qbm5SeTmBCH69UlLIjR4uATm42L4N0SFX840-mU5YA_6d3pwFPaxfM_kJugmLhKcknBF2UELs-QKSftmOwJmgA/s640/IMG_8303.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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Daddy took the older two around the neighborhood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x6du4B36ClKo9lf7kKL36bJemheErRy49SMkKa0Acu9w2KitDTcIDxgY2jwmFuLOsRBKeD0MW26NbNFdZ9WwQ-jBJdfmTpoOHy9WS-50m96Di_MB-M6UaimVy7lDcmklULSyCHqpsKs/s1600/IMG_8308.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x6du4B36ClKo9lf7kKL36bJemheErRy49SMkKa0Acu9w2KitDTcIDxgY2jwmFuLOsRBKeD0MW26NbNFdZ9WwQ-jBJdfmTpoOHy9WS-50m96Di_MB-M6UaimVy7lDcmklULSyCHqpsKs/s640/IMG_8308.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZfxw5vqIRiuK3w6BkAnMC0yMG3mqgLkxvhWJaL_kavqgebtZDh2rlD25r1kgL2d3Dcgma9CyU1OrlqVIA8JOfihVd5oMTtNdKMYPrd8nqBLS2gd0JdqeC2EQpeADBYsv6cmXx1acSuc/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZfxw5vqIRiuK3w6BkAnMC0yMG3mqgLkxvhWJaL_kavqgebtZDh2rlD25r1kgL2d3Dcgma9CyU1OrlqVIA8JOfihVd5oMTtNdKMYPrd8nqBLS2gd0JdqeC2EQpeADBYsv6cmXx1acSuc/s640/IMG_8309.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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And the little ones stayed with mom to help pass out candy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1iGxSeVLL74JwWs164AcuopPMhxnwnxXmLdRM-o7IjlilWgoh3X8ZmvYxeEZdrG8p17kGrQJ1ajZN8rDl4lmKaybHoDIJvidUPndVJFq9sjoj2uSH458-h6n2af3nPFwOGHKnmQ0JY4/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1iGxSeVLL74JwWs164AcuopPMhxnwnxXmLdRM-o7IjlilWgoh3X8ZmvYxeEZdrG8p17kGrQJ1ajZN8rDl4lmKaybHoDIJvidUPndVJFq9sjoj2uSH458-h6n2af3nPFwOGHKnmQ0JY4/s640/IMG_8321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0wCHaOQSvsoo_DJuv2VUyEExOiGdHo0vBpbARNUAGCgEwITcYNo10vDRsYQoFED-D9rhkT0yOgxuMvCGPl0J0HilJvx0Hyi4kFuP5kpgSTs0OthWcHpxXNAh7V8zf4iswBy7GUHpQeA/s1600/IMG_8313.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0wCHaOQSvsoo_DJuv2VUyEExOiGdHo0vBpbARNUAGCgEwITcYNo10vDRsYQoFED-D9rhkT0yOgxuMvCGPl0J0HilJvx0Hyi4kFuP5kpgSTs0OthWcHpxXNAh7V8zf4iswBy7GUHpQeA/s640/IMG_8313.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTjp_22dZqo-p3407-Rx9UGZEQE_q9W10cN4ST1uLGTpmfPKKJ4rCItSEy74Q9mEsAhPUWvfH1Sto2fpB4xse82JqUm1Ec-blYq6gsOuvUfABFoA3XkxqzmwKRQu7vYEkaU2zByB_tak/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTjp_22dZqo-p3407-Rx9UGZEQE_q9W10cN4ST1uLGTpmfPKKJ4rCItSEy74Q9mEsAhPUWvfH1Sto2fpB4xse82JqUm1Ec-blYq6gsOuvUfABFoA3XkxqzmwKRQu7vYEkaU2zByB_tak/s640/IMG_8318.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q7BFjTdSl-ioUKg32l6ef-C3DdJB8Scw_zonXE3F5lcKCQvCzPFO3zqfMhyphenhyphen-2qnJ3JCEcvqc5h3Y3eGr-N95ndbZO8Fs0WYN4b1ZPHAiRI61rJY5oznD6Dmv1TEXdul0xdkBdRjeedU/s1600/IMG_8326.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q7BFjTdSl-ioUKg32l6ef-C3DdJB8Scw_zonXE3F5lcKCQvCzPFO3zqfMhyphenhyphen-2qnJ3JCEcvqc5h3Y3eGr-N95ndbZO8Fs0WYN4b1ZPHAiRI61rJY5oznD6Dmv1TEXdul0xdkBdRjeedU/s640/IMG_8326.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgVsgP1OINh64G1UBTDdUormiRLnt2spRmt70arADcbpd01oSLBw9i9ddVzojCQzX6WM_i_O4mkjxkomyytrRhSdLLFEbUw0dUuam7RrDOMzfiVPyVOMf8dmOM1KPaucCaqDkHXwqTd4/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgVsgP1OINh64G1UBTDdUormiRLnt2spRmt70arADcbpd01oSLBw9i9ddVzojCQzX6WM_i_O4mkjxkomyytrRhSdLLFEbUw0dUuam7RrDOMzfiVPyVOMf8dmOM1KPaucCaqDkHXwqTd4/s640/IMG_8328.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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(The orange bowl holds the loot. Miss Ryan aint no dummy.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG457m7omIiuvKRQVir15xOQD2FeKbQdNsRVNCPdRplMTX8-Lk-Yf5lVb1gHKY5Ir6-aVAa8ULt9lIIA3AFVTXpNPGUlJExGHmsb_PIxcEJIdtIE4d9gMZ1IpGm19YcFu3YjzWuL9nQk/s1600/IMG_8333.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG457m7omIiuvKRQVir15xOQD2FeKbQdNsRVNCPdRplMTX8-Lk-Yf5lVb1gHKY5Ir6-aVAa8ULt9lIIA3AFVTXpNPGUlJExGHmsb_PIxcEJIdtIE4d9gMZ1IpGm19YcFu3YjzWuL9nQk/s640/IMG_8333.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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The puppy dog cheered up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pD6bCPpHGHEayTu9Zw4O0h2iN9VVEnIc24XWME0H15U1lTI1KUdHZruIpK5CVkdqxPIqsPDTThrEsmhlyFgqjJqzZjlbK_pDJudyNzGzs5xVaJTXXlW5isgsHMplzDwF1Fh8tLQm0BI/s1600/IMG_8332.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pD6bCPpHGHEayTu9Zw4O0h2iN9VVEnIc24XWME0H15U1lTI1KUdHZruIpK5CVkdqxPIqsPDTThrEsmhlyFgqjJqzZjlbK_pDJudyNzGzs5xVaJTXXlW5isgsHMplzDwF1Fh8tLQm0BI/s640/IMG_8332.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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And mama had a plan.</div>
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For my kids, the fun was in being allowed to run wildly through the neighborhood yelling "Trick of Treat." I tried to use their tendency toward distraction to my benefit.</div>
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I promised them that when they returned from trick or treating, I would have some fun treats waiting for them. They came in, took of their coats and shoes, (while I magically took their buckets and whisked them away to a brown grocery sack in the other room) and sat down at the table. I made a couple huge pumpkin "sugar" cookies (with almond flour and honey) and had some goodie bags of fun items from the $1 bins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7u9nCMyiQRq5dFjHEZV74qdWVKoQPpr3eweFwHOcVfipCCj3gdxA-oypmzQrEGiclLmLif8F9ZBv7V5GO3vd-YMhldUeBmhgbENgJEAJ2cQymF-79rX40LSYVZEXZWJ9HgsMpFV2DL4/s1600/IMG_8285.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7u9nCMyiQRq5dFjHEZV74qdWVKoQPpr3eweFwHOcVfipCCj3gdxA-oypmzQrEGiclLmLif8F9ZBv7V5GO3vd-YMhldUeBmhgbENgJEAJ2cQymF-79rX40LSYVZEXZWJ9HgsMpFV2DL4/s640/IMG_8285.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The cookies were a hit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKweGYKxyNWn20ILmIa-FgTu_cDtpHHtgePysZkfN4nwPX466kJbiiHG5jioBf2_SG2Tg6B30tgPxw2j1WATw7o7euu-JowZ1wKAgeuiTTAXcYPz0mJHPaZIrUWzq_r7Nca3hvowT1Bw/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKweGYKxyNWn20ILmIa-FgTu_cDtpHHtgePysZkfN4nwPX466kJbiiHG5jioBf2_SG2Tg6B30tgPxw2j1WATw7o7euu-JowZ1wKAgeuiTTAXcYPz0mJHPaZIrUWzq_r7Nca3hvowT1Bw/s640/IMG_8336.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeAKWwv1ZzHLNqy7HzTz_-4FbzBpArYXMcVYr7lypGi56ypaQ7ilYXNfs-9h-EkXDj-rnOACCBShuxCtYD1OhHU3Y4oyXjKMFWjq5wD7MnLx88eEdR3JJGwaEZP2dh4K_lv3PLDM9XM/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeAKWwv1ZzHLNqy7HzTz_-4FbzBpArYXMcVYr7lypGi56ypaQ7ilYXNfs-9h-EkXDj-rnOACCBShuxCtYD1OhHU3Y4oyXjKMFWjq5wD7MnLx88eEdR3JJGwaEZP2dh4K_lv3PLDM9XM/s640/IMG_8337.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
They cleaned their plates, brushed their teeth, and went to bed.<br />
<br />
And I put the bag of candy way up high on the china cabinet -- out of their reach, and mine. <br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" /><br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-45336913332261020512012-10-31T20:52:00.000-04:002012-10-31T20:53:26.364-04:00We're not nuts after all.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My family thinks I've gone nuts. They are all supportive of our new nutritional ways. But some of them don't want to hear the details, others don't understand the severe change, and everyone is panicking about Christmas.<br />
<br />
My parents and grandmother were able to come visit us this past week, and we had a wonderful visit! I think they may have been dreading the visit just a little. Along with the 4 crazy kids, nonstop schedule, and too-early wake up calls, they were afraid I would be serving carrots and tofu all week.</div>
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I'll admit it. Implementing a diet overhaul is very daunting and overwhelming. It can affect everything -- playdates, picnics, weekends, travel plans, parties, guests, and definitely holidays. </div>
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But what began as a month-long challenge has now morphed into our new way of life. As my husband said, we would eat dirt every day if we knew it would help our kids.</div>
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And help is an understatement.</div>
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This sweet little boy is GREATLY benefiting from these changes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dpyMIvpq9A_lvRWklMi6ZxRbDWclJj8xMS4fMBcSfyBNwaO91P4rL51GyM6PZyJjlgdKLkbgKR1J-82QPDrJ7dF_UoMTel4E-fpshYoDtMHLjWcrmIzy55v3TETBuSB4rfwLm-bADYc/s1600/CandMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dpyMIvpq9A_lvRWklMi6ZxRbDWclJj8xMS4fMBcSfyBNwaO91P4rL51GyM6PZyJjlgdKLkbgKR1J-82QPDrJ7dF_UoMTel4E-fpshYoDtMHLjWcrmIzy55v3TETBuSB4rfwLm-bADYc/s640/CandMom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">He is definitely still a little boy, but his ability to reason, focus, </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">communicate,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and cooperate has improved so much.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW7lX0Qcwc3HnEW6BJ_zhTO0xUVgciJEI49_Z06sb2lWM0rQzWiVl8-ivLfww-bcaRzruecvKpuNT-_mp3O2AVzOjCfvHIWinqqjD5MI56aM8gvnjDzbeYGz4XdwLwIDm0oazBrdd0FE/s1600/IMG_8203.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW7lX0Qcwc3HnEW6BJ_zhTO0xUVgciJEI49_Z06sb2lWM0rQzWiVl8-ivLfww-bcaRzruecvKpuNT-_mp3O2AVzOjCfvHIWinqqjD5MI56aM8gvnjDzbeYGz4XdwLwIDm0oazBrdd0FE/s640/IMG_8203.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
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I was interested in my parents' view of our diet and our children's behavior. I didn't want my personal reports or observations to be products of mere wishful thinking. But they all commented on the big change in Caleb's behavior. (And they even enjoyed the food....or, at least that is what they told me. =) </div>
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From the beginning, we felt God was leading us to implement these changes. And now I am humbled to see how He cares so much for our sweet Caleb (and the rest of us) that He opened our eyes and hearts to these ways to help him.</div>
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So what have we been up to?</div>
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Baking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQVsFM0coIjXwuhOUVxT3dHkvpmdGAQDISYqjRiywYaL1uicSE2ulMdEZcg5mCX-b2k9fFjkxZVrEouFhMYBH4tEHpTvRefNbCXpaH5j3IIOGP9gmOkwIa0UEanxrqlCntgXGT2r9wWw/s1600/IMG_8200.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQVsFM0coIjXwuhOUVxT3dHkvpmdGAQDISYqjRiywYaL1uicSE2ulMdEZcg5mCX-b2k9fFjkxZVrEouFhMYBH4tEHpTvRefNbCXpaH5j3IIOGP9gmOkwIa0UEanxrqlCntgXGT2r9wWw/s640/IMG_8200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Baking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbjfEfctEsNl51I9sqOFDNUqbAgb1fLw5lnPdlO5aUCHhcGj-J-HmAaF7TpCL5d_ODxbiRkW4Rd7JIiiXYgf54XL1ikboiCYt_tekqDPVrgHrkv93QwqY-Lg0oZJ8-jWj1TXLdkBT0io/s1600/IMG_8205.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbjfEfctEsNl51I9sqOFDNUqbAgb1fLw5lnPdlO5aUCHhcGj-J-HmAaF7TpCL5d_ODxbiRkW4Rd7JIiiXYgf54XL1ikboiCYt_tekqDPVrgHrkv93QwqY-Lg0oZJ8-jWj1TXLdkBT0io/s640/IMG_8205.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmKLoQ-zK9slzMeHtwNmb3cV9cSwzxUe-7eM8_ArR0rsOB8gjNdbfROesnkIAnPz3FYh1gaTBT1ypwvDPGkUdKz891wbTNRA9Re07KEHo9Z57CpZKe035cKBpuYVgw5N4j6nsLE1ZGk/s1600/IMG_8213.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmKLoQ-zK9slzMeHtwNmb3cV9cSwzxUe-7eM8_ArR0rsOB8gjNdbfROesnkIAnPz3FYh1gaTBT1ypwvDPGkUdKz891wbTNRA9Re07KEHo9Z57CpZKe035cKBpuYVgw5N4j6nsLE1ZGk/s640/IMG_8213.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
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And more baking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U_46JBxIVPV9W7hr4Ge7Z0ajciJ-PNEbEvUiKCdQiEXCQCaSsHQrM6RyAaj9tBXtVP74xWvg9Q3c5IRlO7nIpT8gQtsCY3PvxtG_SJBVIrM-er6gdlI6asOs_V9li1Q7W6A3aLpS1yc/s1600/IMG_8206.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U_46JBxIVPV9W7hr4Ge7Z0ajciJ-PNEbEvUiKCdQiEXCQCaSsHQrM6RyAaj9tBXtVP74xWvg9Q3c5IRlO7nIpT8gQtsCY3PvxtG_SJBVIrM-er6gdlI6asOs_V9li1Q7W6A3aLpS1yc/s400/IMG_8206.JPG" /></a><br />
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Throw in a little Clifford.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiRqomUnCxgNmgIFEGPEIEQx3S9ziUTq7382snkIP-mNKkxxmGTuw783Swg5WGkL0JGP2Xv2vTl37tK_3QV3orhyphenhyphenkbzMotQ-A34qM5VR6FFmgt2RuUJ9gZcs9syDXnEwsoRoWoPdwboU/s1600/IMG_8195.JPG" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiRqomUnCxgNmgIFEGPEIEQx3S9ziUTq7382snkIP-mNKkxxmGTuw783Swg5WGkL0JGP2Xv2vTl37tK_3QV3orhyphenhyphenkbzMotQ-A34qM5VR6FFmgt2RuUJ9gZcs9syDXnEwsoRoWoPdwboU/s640/IMG_8195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some big messes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FnZ5tdgq_lo2rZP0efvJV2T2-KgJKy7yE8eIxRVD5ET72HqWuQzArWQEsuyw_PPCC7g-Od2yr_ngEziZrcwa6G5gbAxHx750IM6QUF-2G0GBfjXRehSPlqtchJRVjSCRpxK8pnmDWJg/s1600/IMG_8208.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FnZ5tdgq_lo2rZP0efvJV2T2-KgJKy7yE8eIxRVD5ET72HqWuQzArWQEsuyw_PPCC7g-Od2yr_ngEziZrcwa6G5gbAxHx750IM6QUF-2G0GBfjXRehSPlqtchJRVjSCRpxK8pnmDWJg/s640/IMG_8208.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjQhDvFdjEOu5pu2pVc97J4o0h57szhQAGfnA0zfRNPe47DxmpgYNaihGNIB0hP-EqfTlfZ37oVfA0aVXPjfeE0X5KH-ZqIMUI66KPZlNpGzS9qRRtfbIUNDLK-8PZ1uqYU_6ClvgWn8/s1600/IMG_8209.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjQhDvFdjEOu5pu2pVc97J4o0h57szhQAGfnA0zfRNPe47DxmpgYNaihGNIB0hP-EqfTlfZ37oVfA0aVXPjfeE0X5KH-ZqIMUI66KPZlNpGzS9qRRtfbIUNDLK-8PZ1uqYU_6ClvgWn8/s640/IMG_8209.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A homemade castle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbtDBIOqLOBIICnXauDZHOvi4_iDSTZRzyFn3obUoUeBneNsQFNv1N0lwFQIZ6BwzgXDENKyqBNbQh7yR6NCGDbO2rqJwyTI2DoD8e2DO48m-9l7FbJTkBZql6xmljmSvrsdooYvFMOE/s1600/IMG_8211.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbtDBIOqLOBIICnXauDZHOvi4_iDSTZRzyFn3obUoUeBneNsQFNv1N0lwFQIZ6BwzgXDENKyqBNbQh7yR6NCGDbO2rqJwyTI2DoD8e2DO48m-9l7FbJTkBZql6xmljmSvrsdooYvFMOE/s640/IMG_8211.JPG" width="427" /></a> </div>
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Beautiful fall weather for a pumpkin patch visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbUzO9ey91caOmTtQVcs9l6iq06_A-2N8XOAmvvBiagpQdURE2F7ESA8yO9rr0vCNbZTWI39icgdyCrtuyv8jEvpfKqhrcy5pQNrbCKCbv1m_-W1AsNYfV7ofE8T3MDSC_yWnYmXQu54/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbUzO9ey91caOmTtQVcs9l6iq06_A-2N8XOAmvvBiagpQdURE2F7ESA8yO9rr0vCNbZTWI39icgdyCrtuyv8jEvpfKqhrcy5pQNrbCKCbv1m_-W1AsNYfV7ofE8T3MDSC_yWnYmXQu54/s400/IMG_8219.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq9ESfou6n-my32Wo2MvBF3SA2tQ4f1Fpk1oZM_wXc5KhGBfX34c7ZFnrSFk3JATsjcFV813pMK9XC8CBJSGtuZX7_LZScJjgfPe5AGR2XicmNDsLoTNWWAErH1rD0Df-hNRm8ejAs8w/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq9ESfou6n-my32Wo2MvBF3SA2tQ4f1Fpk1oZM_wXc5KhGBfX34c7ZFnrSFk3JATsjcFV813pMK9XC8CBJSGtuZX7_LZScJjgfPe5AGR2XicmNDsLoTNWWAErH1rD0Df-hNRm8ejAs8w/s400/IMG_8227.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ZPGHDzQ7FXNrCkXlRPcsJtnwvIzhHCCt-zSGwn52sChjZVhsW8q-Hup7_MtFG6r7Ju18TXxCOVEwxdAlcyB_Mftg-kPssfPum8Hnb7nPgTA9eTOABgHTFcswI63V_p_eFjbqqeemSM/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7ZPGHDzQ7FXNrCkXlRPcsJtnwvIzhHCCt-zSGwn52sChjZVhsW8q-Hup7_MtFG6r7Ju18TXxCOVEwxdAlcyB_Mftg-kPssfPum8Hnb7nPgTA9eTOABgHTFcswI63V_p_eFjbqqeemSM/s400/IMG_8228.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOWiqs_J3ZMZPcjoA6tLSW1RFoY_FEXI51aonUSS-iNZPDbepNnecJDjFETf2qkhIrz5UB8itSbVhEnrF2lj01G4z-kyg4KxOcD8GI94PR7OVWwg7yZhHf4nxtmsV7kXU1Ltj4OdkcVI/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOWiqs_J3ZMZPcjoA6tLSW1RFoY_FEXI51aonUSS-iNZPDbepNnecJDjFETf2qkhIrz5UB8itSbVhEnrF2lj01G4z-kyg4KxOcD8GI94PR7OVWwg7yZhHf4nxtmsV7kXU1Ltj4OdkcVI/s400/IMG_8229.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI5CB-cA5DRJoQHPayIe4TZUdz9W5sNBfPw574X5oVGOepTWG5i-IW03J3dsO039qiFqYzna5KyNTdem6blLzy68TYPyJbn0cPMt3OE3xkyBtmFaWm9mtXzd4JB7okvE9DHLwwQGgZIU/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI5CB-cA5DRJoQHPayIe4TZUdz9W5sNBfPw574X5oVGOepTWG5i-IW03J3dsO039qiFqYzna5KyNTdem6blLzy68TYPyJbn0cPMt3OE3xkyBtmFaWm9mtXzd4JB7okvE9DHLwwQGgZIU/s400/IMG_8234.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxp4NNG5ARABt8auOP0Kd-rL5uE9JYpyFphOCyzzSsMGy-FJwTWbiZdg8oUF2sYVCeiB9KNSNk0L8zp07aAmY3Fqn7WNso4xKzpz-mEMoS6J9FVn5B7dV8WRpQr4lWMvr6ooGSoujSZE/s1600/IMG_8236.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxp4NNG5ARABt8auOP0Kd-rL5uE9JYpyFphOCyzzSsMGy-FJwTWbiZdg8oUF2sYVCeiB9KNSNk0L8zp07aAmY3Fqn7WNso4xKzpz-mEMoS6J9FVn5B7dV8WRpQr4lWMvr6ooGSoujSZE/s400/IMG_8236.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw4Y23BVBP7H3tszHD8B8WQrQE5-jS5Gs0j9FCNOqsA7Vi6xbi2oXJ7TDnz9uEQFCwLPaQaOT5P9GiFnOaiN69h30hvpA9sNsnHZqV1M0GlwAylKe43nA6VZO2mctY30lWAsq6VbnWjc/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw4Y23BVBP7H3tszHD8B8WQrQE5-jS5Gs0j9FCNOqsA7Vi6xbi2oXJ7TDnz9uEQFCwLPaQaOT5P9GiFnOaiN69h30hvpA9sNsnHZqV1M0GlwAylKe43nA6VZO2mctY30lWAsq6VbnWjc/s400/IMG_8237.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558eFl31iQ3QdZ56wVaoJ8e55Up8MrnGnYCLAvWiiQhyphenhyphenxcEoacVCoCC9Fn2P-7B3fT9nY8OQ7UEHYBPPJzNqXHRt37Wj0HQ9kHIX8_Xx6Hjs4VLe3GVGuWp-yy1xUUNgn7NcOC9PT3Po/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558eFl31iQ3QdZ56wVaoJ8e55Up8MrnGnYCLAvWiiQhyphenhyphenxcEoacVCoCC9Fn2P-7B3fT9nY8OQ7UEHYBPPJzNqXHRt37Wj0HQ9kHIX8_Xx6Hjs4VLe3GVGuWp-yy1xUUNgn7NcOC9PT3Po/s400/IMG_8240.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovwxpONNg08l9XsLokv7f3CNHqBTfRUxkF5BE4tRAuTu6noXOtYGESUZsQRkyzKKRtylhFkWW5uydkgPWiIiikWFZRsBV47ZjGiTCxunvaP_gePKdMXWqrncTtJHMKXVSzKaYWSx5ogg/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovwxpONNg08l9XsLokv7f3CNHqBTfRUxkF5BE4tRAuTu6noXOtYGESUZsQRkyzKKRtylhFkWW5uydkgPWiIiikWFZRsBV47ZjGiTCxunvaP_gePKdMXWqrncTtJHMKXVSzKaYWSx5ogg/s400/IMG_8245.JPG" /></a><br />
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And I think our family is doing quite well.</div>
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We're still working on getting the right Christmas card picture.</div>
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But I think that's going to take a Red Sea miracle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQqg1KXeSPPdC-fF2PJ12ow32X5zyjJ72odfMVULW4sUF6Gh2-Z5hjKRrLXm_Hj3aFzDqht6B-q8ZkR7kkUzZVdqkrXfnrugN00Q-eUOhBc4NVTFjjD9Jgzgx-7TZV4A8ygCKKuHx30g/s1600/IMG_8270.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQqg1KXeSPPdC-fF2PJ12ow32X5zyjJ72odfMVULW4sUF6Gh2-Z5hjKRrLXm_Hj3aFzDqht6B-q8ZkR7kkUzZVdqkrXfnrugN00Q-eUOhBc4NVTFjjD9Jgzgx-7TZV4A8ygCKKuHx30g/s640/IMG_8270.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL4pTGTKX0ACIw2GA9lVH_ao95kaA5ZHDEsBuzqKjsGeuA116yeE4Z93V4oO3nNMiC5K3GXuQNQSFKZaB7dW68rJyfMmZAPTQvOaqoPcx5CcB3Is4vDGSDxlPEwqt7uxnuntl652Q7PM/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL4pTGTKX0ACIw2GA9lVH_ao95kaA5ZHDEsBuzqKjsGeuA116yeE4Z93V4oO3nNMiC5K3GXuQNQSFKZaB7dW68rJyfMmZAPTQvOaqoPcx5CcB3Is4vDGSDxlPEwqt7uxnuntl652Q7PM/s640/IMG_8271.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb90X0ZuU7JLZekCtxUSFKu8fdA4mn663xEHobwHtexMj9tpNXtH6JvMX_nLrpfO5RwB4PIfxG1abi4URWutzEteOhTnxyyufzOKlLSEECf9wZAqSGg1qY5up4PexRvSehVlD2gDOHeIQ/s1600/IMG_8275.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb90X0ZuU7JLZekCtxUSFKu8fdA4mn663xEHobwHtexMj9tpNXtH6JvMX_nLrpfO5RwB4PIfxG1abi4URWutzEteOhTnxyyufzOKlLSEECf9wZAqSGg1qY5up4PexRvSehVlD2gDOHeIQ/s640/IMG_8275.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsBq1bRSqlsG0_q7pADsaZPCyI3C_lixaMGhVYvsUXV0xtN9ShWzibLSpTT3gG24Ws99TlbutS-agoAdxJEAnKpYgF_OpeBHvvjgUUf7cPHOr2Hdj6Fs6syGQr6gWbyJ4-0ll9MRh-6I/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsBq1bRSqlsG0_q7pADsaZPCyI3C_lixaMGhVYvsUXV0xtN9ShWzibLSpTT3gG24Ws99TlbutS-agoAdxJEAnKpYgF_OpeBHvvjgUUf7cPHOr2Hdj6Fs6syGQr6gWbyJ4-0ll9MRh-6I/s640/IMG_8276.JPG" width="425" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf23ArmTrBhShR4rE2OLZ777wycGP74s_5Bebs1lqrrn-IST6IsvMA0lfOk819GGp-qNRB8BLavtKq9UqrQpNb6HrAM_Oaz89fjfx24rJOcRxd07jTi6HCYKmfdiV5ohvBXk2Em49ZqBI/s1600/IMG_8278.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf23ArmTrBhShR4rE2OLZ777wycGP74s_5Bebs1lqrrn-IST6IsvMA0lfOk819GGp-qNRB8BLavtKq9UqrQpNb6HrAM_Oaz89fjfx24rJOcRxd07jTi6HCYKmfdiV5ohvBXk2Em49ZqBI/s640/IMG_8278.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ceLQ_m1rWVpaobSU8lEF7BmTWXej2TyN_MfzlNQSGJ3X0zGOnCD4kfRSc48pMAtZmSm41jhQxUVarVQE38-knuYyx6lZa7SXGxGnVnnkptZUYn3Wkb3YycwIS6moyR5TxH-_f_s2oAg/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ceLQ_m1rWVpaobSU8lEF7BmTWXej2TyN_MfzlNQSGJ3X0zGOnCD4kfRSc48pMAtZmSm41jhQxUVarVQE38-knuYyx6lZa7SXGxGnVnnkptZUYn3Wkb3YycwIS6moyR5TxH-_f_s2oAg/s640/IMG_8279.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Wish this sugar-free mama "good luck" on Halloween.</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-26989154287100818502012-10-03T22:25:00.000-04:002012-10-04T20:21:42.505-04:00You Know What They SayYou know what they say.<br />
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Put a southern girl on a diet, and she will still find a way to eat bread.<br />
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Well, maybe that's not a popular saying. But it's the truth.<br />
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I love me some bakin'. Cakes. Bread. Pies. Brownies. Cookies.<br />
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I have always had physical success upon cutting white flour from my diet. More energy. Less brain fog. Flanks disappear (my lifelong nemesis...) But I so miss my baked goods.<br />
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By cutting out processed foods and taking more control over what our family eats, I was somewhat expecting to have to gear up for this mental battle once again.<br />
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Boy was I wrong. <br />
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We are in week 3. No gluten. No sugar. No dairy. We were not changing our eating habits to lose weight. That was truly one of the lower priorities in this food journey. But I have lost 6 pounds. Bob has lost about the same. We are all feeling good and not the least bit deprived. The kids are doing very good on this, and even Eveley (our biggest skeptic) is coming around now. Caleb is doing amazingly well with his new food habits. I had a feeling that this food change would make his potty training experience look easy. I'm glad I was wrong about that too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN74gB0Kwy_o9b4kGTXLpPttU7-3YR4N0GyeWmZro_rrn7E1W8Zy4_2i_9QjbaP7uzJGnHvCbloyPbU5DRBksTMsgpp56r9OioPqUVRhUF7NsAP5OpHu3vNd7noGM-dHvdnwBLz09MUs/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN74gB0Kwy_o9b4kGTXLpPttU7-3YR4N0GyeWmZro_rrn7E1W8Zy4_2i_9QjbaP7uzJGnHvCbloyPbU5DRBksTMsgpp56r9OioPqUVRhUF7NsAP5OpHu3vNd7noGM-dHvdnwBLz09MUs/s640/IMG_5475.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I have been so surprised at the number of people who have been encouraged to do something similar or to just re-examine their food choices. So cool. Let's encourage one another in this process. I'll be honest with you. If I cheat, I'll tell you. (By the way, I still use organic milk in my coffee. Dairy was not a concern for me, but we are cutting it out due to Bob's - and possibly the other boys' - sensitivity issues.) When it's hard, I'll tell you.<br />
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....like that time I decided to fry a week's worth of chicken tenders while helping with homework, dealing with boy's stomach bug, and having 2 little rascals hanging on my legs. Not my best idea. <br />
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Here are a few things I am learning:<br />
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1. Don't take the kids grocery shopping with you. Ever. Period. It will remind them of all the wonderfully sugary and colorful things that they have been missing. Big mistake! You will become the evil, horrible monster mother who never lets them have anything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOLs-kPAIrY7Oi06tSOdmTfR4JqHS0GXUqrzzG6r-01RPd2kLQToLtE7QxNsCf06GVPxwO0JtTH0G90XdIy0DnVplpbaqjuKm6A7UXWZH-dEqwMGyvmT5JponJuj7PTpVFFriRUI03JQ/s1600/IMG_5453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOLs-kPAIrY7Oi06tSOdmTfR4JqHS0GXUqrzzG6r-01RPd2kLQToLtE7QxNsCf06GVPxwO0JtTH0G90XdIy0DnVplpbaqjuKm6A7UXWZH-dEqwMGyvmT5JponJuj7PTpVFFriRUI03JQ/s640/IMG_5453.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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2. Moderation is still the key. Just because baked goods (with almond flour and honey) are legal, doesn't mean you can eat as many of them as you wish. Even if they are warm delicious chocolate cupcakes. Or else you will get really sick. Just saying.<br />
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3. Don't take the easy way out -- As much as I am tempted to do so, I cannot clean out our pantry of processed goods and simply refill it with "gluten-free" products. Those items can contain just as many weird ingredients as the other, more familiar gluten-containing products. I promise you can make some of these things very easily just using a few simple ingredients and a really snazzy cobalt blue Kitchen Aid.<br />
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4. Let your kids get involved with making their dinner - as much as possible. This gives them some responsibility and ownership for the food and has seemed to make them a bit more eager to clean their plates.<br />
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5. Get your spouse on board. If you are a mom and trying to cut processed foods, you will find yourself in the kitchen a lot! And you will need to grocery shop more often. At least in our house, the fresh fruits and veggies don't last much longer than a week.<br />
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And to answer one question: we buy our almond and coconut flour here - www.honeyvillegrain.com<br />
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There are tons of great recipes out there, and I am enjoying trying many of them! Eveley and I have started a tradition of baking something when she comes home from school. This is our time to chat about her day without the stress of homework or the other kids distracting us. So far, we have made bread, cookies, muffins, fried chicken, butternut squash fries, and tonight it was chocolate cupcakes. <br />
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We believe this <strike> diet</strike> food journey is here to stay. I don't see myself feeding my kids some popcorn genetically modified to include a bit of roundup anytime soon. I know I'm not a scientist or very smart in this area, but that seems pretty clear.<br />
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I guess the proof will be in the pudding...or the pumpkin muffins.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993707764209512379.post-31400050573985102222012-09-27T20:44:00.001-04:002012-09-27T20:44:16.605-04:00DismountYes, I am coming off my high horse and pulling the reins on my rant about our nation's food habits. But our family's journey continues. I am so grateful for all of your comments and emails, and I genuinely appreciate all of the advice and suggestions. Thank you!<br />
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While this blog will never become a "foodie" blog, let me just say that we are excited about the changes we are seeing (and feeling). But we are not leaving God out of this journey. It is our prayer that He will pour out His wisdom on us as we make these big decisions that will affect our family. We want to be good stewards of the things He has given us.<br />
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I received a few requests for the almond cookie recipe and also wanted to share the unbelievably simple recipe for peanut brownies that we made this afternoon.<br />
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<b>Almond Cinnamon Cookie</b><br />
{Source: The Comfy Belly - www.comfybelly.com}<br />
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<h2 style="color: #858787; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px !important; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 30px; text-transform: uppercase;">
CINNAMON COOKIE</h2>
<h3 style="color: #858787; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ingredients (makes about 22 cookies)</h3>
<ul style="color: #858787; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li>1/3 cup of honey</li>
<li>4 tablespoons of unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of cinnamon</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon of sea salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon of baking soda</li>
<li>2 cups of blanched almond flour</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="color: #858787; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;">
Method</h3>
<ol style="color: #858787; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.</li>
<li>Melt the butter.</li>
<li>Combine the butter with all the other ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend the ingredients until well combined.</li>
<li>With a spoon or your fingers, create small, balls of dough, about an inch in diameter, and place them on a buttered baking sheet (or a baking mat on a baking sheet).</li>
<li>Press each cookie to flatten it using either the palm of your hand or the back of a fork or knife. I criss-cross the top of the cookie with the back of a fork to get the hatch pattern. Optionally, you can sprinkle some cinnamon on the top of each cookie.</li>
<li>Bake for 15 minutes.</li>
<li>Turn the cookies over and lower the temperature of the oven to 175 degrees F.</li>
<li>Bake the cookies for another 10 minutes. (For a crunchier cookie, leave them in the oven at 175 degrees F for another 15 minutes or so).</li>
<li>Cool and enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Brownies</span></b><br />
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These were a fun treat; super simple to make; and were unbelievably filling.<br />
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-1 cup peanut butter (natural kind consisting of only peanuts and a pinch of salt; I used crunchy)<br />
-1/2 cup honey<br />
-1 egg<br />
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
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Mix all ingredients together well and pour into square pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. <br />
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The kids made these after getting home from school. They ate one (and I ate two) and no one asked for anything else before dinner. <br />
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Our large shipment of almond and coconut flours arrived today from Canada. I'm looking forward to trying out a few different recipes this weekend and will let you know which ones make the cut.<br />
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And, to close, I'll leave you with a few glimpses of our little bunhead.<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk104/laurenmcjd/siggygreen.jpg" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837501970149422809noreply@blogger.com5