tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39339143132730327202024-02-07T17:26:34.262-05:00Homeward Bound"We are not home yet. Keep on looking ahead. Let your heart not forget, we are not home yet"
---Steven Curtis ChapmanJenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-44644961805339239612012-07-20T15:00:00.003-04:002012-07-20T15:00:28.777-04:00Brazil---Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This week in pictures</span></div>
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VBS with preschoolers through 4th grade in the mornings</div>
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One class making animal puppets</div>
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Hayes helping another class</div>
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Carol (local missionary's daughter), Evelyn (translators's 8 yr old), and Jusarra (next door neighbor/friend in Pelo Sinal) making puppets with Jusarra's preschool class</div>
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Isabel (our translators's 13 year old) getting ready for a skit</div>
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Vovô Carlos (missionary we are working with) and Jillian (It's taken 2 1/2 weeks, but she loves him and will go to him anytime---even over me or Daniel.)</div>
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I'm washing some of Jillian's clothes. A local friend of ours is actually washing our clothes in her washing machine when we need it. But sometimes I wash them like this. Hayes thinks this is the funniest thing ever. </div>
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From top left: Julianna (local pastor's daughter), Hayes, Becca, Jillian, and Evelyn playing dominoes. Jillian actually stayed like this for about 5 min., just watching. </div>
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Aftermath of Hayes's run-in with a tree. </div>
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Spirits have been high and we have all had a great week. Harper has led a teen Bible study in our house every morning this week and a women's study is starting on Monday. The plan is for Pastor Carlos to continue these after we leave. This is a totally new concept for the people of Pelo Sinal, so we'll pray for encouragement and for the desire for God's Word for them. </div>
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One more week here! Praying it's a great one!</div>JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-62138278770125077952012-07-12T16:40:00.004-04:002012-07-12T16:40:45.327-04:00Week 2 in BrazilSince we last posted most days have been about the same. Wake up early (Jillian & roosters). Play soccer, Uno, marbles, hop scotch, Go Fish, color, make friendship bracelets. Eat lunch. Rest. Repeat the playing. Eat supper. Continue playing/talking with kids & adults in town. Skype w/ friends or family. Go to bed. Every day. <br />
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On Monday we got translators!! Our friend Elisabete and her daughters Isabel & Evelyn from Recife came for 2 weeks. They are wonderful. The girls get along really well with Hayes & Becca and it's nice for them to be able to speak English with some kids. Elisabete's husband, Armando, has translated for us other years and he's coming next week. <br />
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Today, we got to get out of town for a while. We went to a small village about 30 min. from here called Sao Joao (there's supposed to be an accent somewhere on there but I don't know how to do it). We spoke to kids from preschool to 4th grade in the morning and older kids in the afternoon.<br />
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Becca gave her testimony to the younger kids and Harper spoke to the older ones. I was so proud of Becca. Daniel just asked her 2 days ago if she would do it. I really thought she would say no, but she thought about it a while & agreed.<br />
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And without really knowing it, she touched on the subject of our puppet show. Loving others who are different than you. <br />
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We also went on a little adventure. They wanted to show us a natural spring that was "near" the school. This is how we got there.</div>
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And yes, that would be 2 oxen pulling us. I actually walked most of the way there and all the way back. Daniel carried Jillian on the way back. </div>
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He sat like this for about 15-20 min. after we got back so she could stay asleep. It's tiring being carried around. <br />
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Harper is explaining the colors of beads while we made salvation bracelets with the younger kids. </div>
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Daniel talking to the older kids. </div>
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Getting out of the house and doing something different was good for all of us. We're looking forward to VBS next week. </div>
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And now, just because I can: </div>
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Jillian and her new friend Pedro</div>
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<br /></div>JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-8812621400538113882012-07-05T19:33:00.001-04:002012-07-05T19:33:29.729-04:00The 4th in BrazilWe spent the 4th of July like most people in the US do. Hot dogs for lunch, ballgame in the afternoon, and fireworks at night. But there was a bit of a Brazilian twist. <br />
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Our hot dogs were cut up, put in some kind of ketchup based sauce and served in sub rolls. The ballgame was a pro soccer game in a nearby city. And the fireworks were actually because one of Brazil's pro soccer team (Corinthians) beat Argentina. They take their soccer seriously in Brazil, if you didn't know. Did I say the fireworks went on until 12:30 and had our big kids in tears because they were literally right beside our house?<br />
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Soccer Field</div>
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The game we went to was a Division 5 game, which is apparently kind of like a minor league team. (Tried to wear red, white, & blue)</div>
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Today was our first day really on our own. Pastor Carlos and his wife Dinalda left today. He is coming back Saturday. We did have a friend who speaks English come for a few hours and Daniel, Harper, and Becca went to a few houses to visit. A few of the ladies in the village whom we know have come to check on us. They are looking out for us for sure and we appreciate it. <br />
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Our house</div>
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And now I can't get any more pictures to upload, so I'll have to do it another day. </div>JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-18767766226124301402012-07-03T12:00:00.002-04:002012-07-03T12:00:26.958-04:00Travel & First Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Leaving Charlotte</div>
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After a long 20 hours of travel, we arrived in Recife on Saturday afternoon. Travel with a 1 year old isn't fun, but we survived. Hayes slept the best out of all of us on the overnight flight. Our family spent the night at Pastor Carlos's house and Harper stayed with friends. Sunday morning we picked up Harper and began our long day of travel to the Outback where we will be staying for the rest of the month. <br />
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Waiting to check bags after customs in Rio</div>
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We had a caravan of 3 cars to fit all of our luggage and people. Monica Pupo's (friend from Charlotte) dad and his wife drove, as well as Pastor Carlos and another church friend. It was a long drive just to bring us here and we were so grateful. Right now we're surviving without a translator. Google and our Portuguese/English dictionary are our best friends. :) Actually Harper's and Daniel's Portuguese is pretty good and mine's getting better. <br />
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The older kids in town are out of school for these first two weeks, so they are here almost all day. We're kind of the new hangout. Everyone is up early due to Jillian and the roosters. These first few days have been about settling in, getting the water hooked up (didn't have it the first night), and reuniting with old friends. <br />
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Dinalda, Livaldo (Monica's dad), Nadeje, Me, Daniel</div>
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The weather is beautiful, probably 70s and 80s. Lots cooler than Charlotte these days. We've even needed jackets in the evenings. Of course the Brazilians think this is cold and I guess compared to other times of the year, it is to them. </div>
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Bad news, I forgot my cord for my camera and the memory stick doesn't fit in Daniel's new computer. So unless we figure something else out, pictures will be from my camera. :( <br />
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Becca and I went to a larger city (Afagados da Ingazeria) this morning with Pastor Carlos and his wife Dinalda to buy more groceries for the month. Becca was grossed out at the meat market, seeing meat hanging on hooks out in the open. She's experiencing a lot for an 11 year old and she's doing so great. She started making friends within the first hour we were here and now she's off playing at another house. Hayes took a little while to warm up to all the kids staring at him and not being able to communicate, but he's doing well now. The first night was tough for him.<br />
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That's all for now. Keep praying for us and the people of Pelo Sinal. <br />
<br />JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-77716180782265062942012-06-29T18:42:00.001-04:002012-06-29T18:44:25.989-04:00Here We Go!!Well this is just a quick post to say we are off!! Headed to the airport in an hour or so. Also this is the first time I've blogged from my phone so I hope it works! Ha!<br />
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We would appreciate your prayers as we travel. There has been some crazy spiritual warfare going on, the latest being Jillian getting an infected bug bite & being put on antibiotics. Just yesterday! <br />
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We finally get to Recife tomorrow afternoon. Long drive to Pelo Sinal Sunday. Then we will be finished traveling for a while. Depending on internet, the plan is to blog & post pics.<br />
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See you in a month!!<br />
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Packing in progress last night. <br />
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Yes, we may very well have lost our minds. It’s something we’ve thought about and talked about casually for years but, I for one never thought it would happen.  I mean, how could Daniel take a whole month off of work? Well, apparently he’s worked it out because we’re going.</p> <p> </p> <p>We’re taking a friend of ours with us, a teenager who has gone on mission trips with us in the past.  He’s the best kid and he’s great with our kids.  It’s going to be very helpful to have another set of hands to help!  I’m going to be the mom of a teenager for a month! Yikes!</p> <p> </p> <p>We’ll be staying in a small town that we fell in love with on our first visit there years ago.  It is always our favorite place and we wish we could stay longer every time.  The people are kind and excited to see us and we’ve watched the kids grow up.  A family is letting us stay in a little house that isn’t being used right now. I have no idea how the sleeping arrangements will work, but we’ll figure it out. </p> <p> </p> <p>I’m not really worried about anything other than the flight.  Ten hours on a plane with a 1 year old? Yeah.  I think after that we’ll be able to handle anything. We’ve had one set back after another in getting Jillian’s paperwork for this trip.  But we’re finally in the last stage (visas) and we should be fine. </p> <p> </p> <p>I’m planning to blog while we’re in Brazil.  We should have internet access but I’m not sure how reliable it will be.  Goodness knows, I should have plenty to share! </p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-37118293815178038432012-05-02T07:03:00.001-04:002012-05-02T07:03:30.510-04:00Happy Birthday Jillian!!<p align="center">This girl</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb2VBHGeBzZMLqkCcJV104u9UZpSmTr8aui4nus_21Y6ek7XDDZhJM4-B9JP3HoZcO1nNdfs6GL7HSYExbNlk_goEf29Rb8CQE6F7T4JwZToxGcBsG-NXg_0-QnJafSb-FEintqVfJ3-d/s1600-h/may3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="may" border="0" alt="may" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kuJqSz331hU/T6EUeo1GOyI/AAAAAAAABRs/6oIBBvpDoHU/may_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">is 1 year old today!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aza253rEefU/T6EUf9ltJPI/AAAAAAAABR0/vUKw8nuoGuI/s1600-h/2483.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="248" border="0" alt="248" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rtCLyRcVCXM/T6EUgQmnb9I/AAAAAAAABR8/cQ2n64-7rhc/248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">One year ago today, we didn’t even know she existed.  Now we can’t imagine life without her.  She’s crawling around like a crazy girl and is into everything.  Not quite ready to walk, but she’s pulling up on furniture and cruising around.  She’s a little shy around strangers or groups of people and is pretty serious and solemn.  But when she smiles, she lights up the room and you’d do anything to get her to do it again. </p> <p align="left">It’s safe to say the whole family is in love with Jillian.  I think we have some friends who are too. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">*While our adoption is final, we have not gotten her birth certificate yet. We need that ASAP to get her passport for our trip to Brazil this summer.  (The whole family is going for the month of July.)  After that we have to get visas as well.  We’d appreciate prayers for paperwork to come through as quickly as possible.  God has given me tremendous peace about this and I know He is in control. </p> <p align="left">Planning to blog during our trip as well!  Prayers for motivation for that too! ha!</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-78461176185715639982011-09-16T13:09:00.001-04:002011-09-16T13:09:32.853-04:00Baby update<p>Jillian is 4 months old!  Who can believe that?  I thought I’d do a little update, partly for people who have been giving me a hard time about not blogging and partly for our memories, which are slowly fading with age. ha!</p> <p> </p> <p>At her 4 mo. doctor’s appointment on the Sept 2, Jillian was 12 lbs. 13 oz. She is 4 times the size she was at birth!  She’s doing really well as far as development goes.  A little behind, but considering she was 7 weeks early, she’s moving right along.  The doctor took her off the high calorie formula, which is great as it was messing with her tummy.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Here are a few semi-recent pictures of the little sweetie.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSC6cRDff79JDqwnVHpZLLhsSMqVhTO3xksMIgNOOXPJs19RY6B9e_MBoFOaM2otEJaQ0ryyX6rlpJs_VkBwz4JlPZUQc_n1yZ3FauCGM7ZQ90dUyr5W7nMdHNXxhSqjMCP2uV6Nmeew-/s1600-h/IMG_0457%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0457" border="0" alt="IMG_0457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C_aSjp6cots/TnOCnJ19waI/AAAAAAAABQA/geo35xDnhAc/IMG_0457_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"> end of May (4 wks. old)</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDq5jDp6RCHKho4UD0Bs7PJ80-3HDZYFJJAghL9vgMsLIp6zM0ed4YrnSuENvdNaqT_5lVDIwhbAV5rxKC-qMvvY7EUafsg791jWcdJGatedk6mtdGtjOhEsWVtxCH26tZkbEqUzk0kSc/s1600-h/IMG_0653%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0653" border="0" alt="IMG_0653" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OK2JDawdpNM/TnOCogkvaQI/AAAAAAAABQI/q-4gMvVRdO0/IMG_0653_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">July (10 wks. old)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ht6jeWVn2UQ/TnOCpoC_48I/AAAAAAAABQM/HPxxAnlfplk/s1600-h/IMG_0822%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0822" border="0" alt="IMG_0822" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vMH_pvoLqkE/TnOCpydvINI/AAAAAAAABQQ/PYqApJ9q02I/IMG_0822_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">Today (4 mos. old)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NBSltIj5nv8/TnOCqg6wNCI/AAAAAAAABQU/SA4dAJN_Cyk/s1600-h/IMG_0779%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0779" border="0" alt="IMG_0779" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nssKWWWT494/TnOCrAw85_I/AAAAAAAABQY/sy5p2--hcSk/IMG_0779_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">I would do just about anything to see this smile.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VZIy9SMXvdQ/TnOCr2kxs_I/AAAAAAAABQc/1JC5tMgfysU/s1600-h/IMG_0775%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0775" border="0" alt="IMG_0775" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a-1mxUcYLLs/TnOCsJILr0I/AAAAAAAABQg/e4IfG3AY0H8/IMG_0775_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-guiW_axVnFE/TnOCs1u8I1I/AAAAAAAABQk/wfXZrdsqX1I/s1600-h/IMG_0767%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0767" border="0" alt="IMG_0767" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-99iIiPs83sU/TnOCtfuL1qI/AAAAAAAABQo/hM9ektT_f0k/IMG_0767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">The girls</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_cPO3Dkg0Pc/TnOCuK5nwbI/AAAAAAAABQs/CEE8R_CELBk/s1600-h/IMG_0763%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0763" border="0" alt="IMG_0763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE3EhwxeXTHE27ih54XqChnjjOhro4uBqv8X9dUp_phvKhOPRv6GoTbRbaAWXVS_eO_RpC4Iq0b3cs2j3-61OUgwCQOsKI2aYxvstuUKHlCW-IZsMUkYpT7UhJWD019K7I_CokFkor8vf/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">I picked up crocheting again (Just call me Memaw)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_xo3fNPreSI/TnOCvIcpCzI/AAAAAAAABQ0/gl-K56jn6Rg/s1600-h/IMG_0748%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0748" border="0" alt="IMG_0748" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_yDi70g3WUw/TnOCvmXLZdI/AAAAAAAABQ4/nPzZN6RRmw0/IMG_0748_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">Date night w/ Daniel & Jillian at Sweet Frog (fro yo)</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JJuuMcDQnQC7Q_djnwEzNxl7PNvmHBj6_aR9nNc7qUhzzPlyCwbJau3Ug-6WZDdM0L_l807EaBhOjcC-T2Mv1blowDuxyCuZ7jzX_GKBwxcBq_Su5tpwmwB0xBe-x30NTn4V76tdYgi3/s1600-h/IMG_0744%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0744" border="0" alt="IMG_0744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF8tANiTgsAOC14g1rIDVzEwNpQHNl4rK38b8h115vvI3GcRTgjw46Dfm4HU1_Dl7ngelvrZmyP5ZPMr4s1nyfBqhsRkSS2FsIDHrrHHBJTCgW8cMnbbcgceC-1OPRnv5NdIXKySSzOGn/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">This is how she will look tomorrow at her first State game</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4hB3YGyfg9FFMQYpCp6SgYy9m0xf1EjXlp9Mb9RDkAU_BPDZ7oE7aE2r1hvPPJEOd6uKgcwvKE3CEIo-yQVBoNZ4s6NDxWDF8PhFWi2RCwfJMHBEbnczz8WeVnNRhyphenhyphenfLKjiynK-3UIW_/s1600-h/IMG_0680%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0680" border="0" alt="IMG_0680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO0nQu25BADXmZQsKqhG6MpIbNJh5Qx84kv34ZhKFjHbM9kJZIsfm_62LSIkx9vogxMZEftbWxi_Qre4knYKu1I2vWANs7eeroO7k8-lq0udNz1mvigTPczYDYGwPgkYiPtkiZnHkJZo8/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">Tummy time</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4zwHtgnj_1WQuSBl8sgn949Eb2BaspLTHNhrET6mN4gxLOw6mPk925ARCfmLj_A2vjAWkawFvVRpV25EOKC7hfIUuV0vq8Mq4APc5fFoy52m4tNrpon2C6LcHE_-QYSHU1JRQLl1EnYU/s1600-h/fbIMG_0659bw%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fbIMG_0659bw" border="0" alt="fbIMG_0659bw" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JSVoIx8HqtE/TnOCyx5HjFI/AAAAAAAABRQ/BhS0eKshhow/fbIMG_0659bw_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://walkwithmebyfaith.blogspot.com/">Faith</a> took family pics for us. One of my favorites.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>We are pretty much settled in and in a routine with 3 kids now.  Personally, I am enjoying this stage tremendously more with Jillian than with the other two.  I think it’s mostly because I haven’t had to deal with the hormones and recovery of childbirth & 9 mos. of pregnancy.  This is the way to do it! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OaW-J6sa4Ic/TnOCzDN9LwI/AAAAAAAABRU/HN9eOnTtDM4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  We are blessed beyond measure to have Jillian in our family.  She has an ahh-mazing testimony already and I’m excited to see what else He will do in her life. </p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-59414362678085486592011-05-27T16:08:00.001-04:002011-05-27T16:08:03.533-04:00Sorry for the baby overload…<p>Our baby girl came home on Monday!  It is so nice not to have to drive 30 min. both ways to see her.  And to all be able to see her at one time, any time of day.  She’s eating well and still gaining about an ounce a day.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Here she is having her car seat test before she could leave.  (If you aren’t familiar with that, she just had to sit in her seat for about 30 min., still on the monitor, to make sure she could tolerate that position. And she did great!)</p> <p>                                                                                <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Juvsno1J-ZQ/TeAEJKhizsI/AAAAAAAABOk/f31bKFmldv8/s1600-h/090%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="090" border="0" alt="090" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LncGU6OMWXM/TeAEJi-NfnI/AAAAAAAABOo/-4-ycIB1jaY/090_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Becca & Hayes made her a sign</p> <p>                                                                                <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV5QVWXP3mQ7nSaQGq2m4KZHkQji8Kzh26Ae2e2_jiba1rZmE8AqOS2uBe9_Ke9oyadfy61hkkhJ5tDNwshf-bW_FM2vubXurq8q26C5Kp0V73em5RehyphenhyphenSqOLxPW61JjGmatkzo2ckxZR/s1600-h/093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="093" border="0" alt="093" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxEUJCuTK0dZFnVXXX-Dju_xhanOog8iFPwudwn6XI8kz1-69ayeDXr8LH2NOQp-JixZT7gMJzBGcu1TTTOhEcM4F9z2hve8-sGZalU8iQ2cqt0x1N5olqPszLwsLm7LLp6uDY7D1QRJI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">This is the only picture I have of all of us.  Huh, guess I could have cropped it or something. Oh well.</p> <p>                                                                                <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OmvsJhVOGQeqZWWVUqU-yz02c3R7IFJf_ORtU7zhtjkTX_ACrjoXKIJy51utTAc4TKVy9d7WJidN-ic1RPGHIoKDJuTNXXd9TT4ww9Q0aHEDw1u0IjEOXlp93GvSEPPpOw1Jl4IqPZCU/s1600-h/097%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="097" border="0" alt="097" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dss8QHbp9cs/TeAENOaUrmI/AAAAAAAABO4/nYxA-lXYn2k/097_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The girls in their frog pajamas.</p> <p>                                                                                           <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-14sEcd84Bog/TeAEOKLhhEI/AAAAAAAABO8/s966h3tfPlI/s1600-h/109%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="109" border="0" alt="109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Kq2RfXPd-U/TeAEOil5kzI/AAAAAAAABPA/iAsT_1YAxEg/109_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz2q6jkztgg5396_H2OdnIgi0eVrsGhHreKKy3yeVfNMbQY9TcHpJ4QaFG_xmbHBiFc9_thOUUbfguebNWvwmQJniUEXjVPgzGTtP-hekghWgwANnxFKDgPDWzoPpYlpd_xDOPKBy14EZ/s1600-h/012%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j3ch1Dv6VWk/TeAEP5hu5wI/AAAAAAAABPI/YnPIjH-oh6o/012_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In other kid news, Becca had her end of year art show last night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z3lFL9-BJ6o/TeAEQ155qXI/AAAAAAAABPM/3xWYWVJLisI/s1600-h/002%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9B665J0p4cc/TeAERRIXU7I/AAAAAAAABPQ/UG-OeQ4YGDE/002_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Hers is the light brown dog in the middle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g4ujaAap65c/TeAES6RBlCI/AAAAAAAABPU/Ey2d5Y5SjCI/s1600-h/007%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72GvsV3B6o-ewtktbgbVIPGb5JGZPNlCOl1Z8zwV7X78pDECqlblJWrc0sQEPWfXhfieJRfEQRH-fT8TdZwC7tYSRGPN9B9yhe_lj45Kvk4pVnBIiEB0KWqD7oFL6nrm1jF9lAHbQYaWG/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Her art work</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdWqqgP9EOaZBIfB89zvuYUzpHvtC-nxLk2Gzl0CH9fRxdO_DkyvZEvu7xlT83f1IOo_IWgZ6U6v2xxsaF8qvyd0bnUddax2t1YZjgb616vu4TMufZWR2Zu3lofqJcZcYuzOTlDEJQ-y4/s1600-h/009%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XmhyJIEUoPA/TeAEgFuzWZI/AAAAAAAABPg/_H0-jpMyeJg/009_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Hayes in the batting cage</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-da88omkIBYc/TeAEihUsraI/AAAAAAAABPk/lGswPthKAp8/s1600-h/073%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="073" border="0" alt="073" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FOH-Mo6ESJo/TeAEi4ECSbI/AAAAAAAABPo/Mg9ITBj-0yc/073_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-skzJPG57St4/TeAElSWoCRI/AAAAAAAABPs/lkzMlUBsWXQ/s1600-h/074%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="074" border="0" alt="074" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TAiyatotyic/TeAElkA9ypI/AAAAAAAABPw/dfzQlmrLCCo/074_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4iHYw70UtQQ/TeAEn5k9qrI/AAAAAAAABP0/iSa1irJfSgE/s1600-h/075%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="075" border="0" alt="075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pzLHH70MDGM/TeAEouTdFoI/AAAAAAAABP4/b2RVRnAazME/075_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Baseball is over except for Becca’s tournament that continues next week.  It will be nice to not have commitments during the week and on weekends for a while.  AND today was our last day of school!  Yay for summer!!!</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-65364562446427910402011-05-16T21:38:00.001-04:002011-05-16T21:38:37.671-04:00Update on Little Bit<p>Jillian is trucking right along.  She’s up to 3 lbs 12 oz!  Consistently gaining about an ounce a day.  Jilly Boo (I’ve got a million of them) is taking 3 bottles a day and will probably add another one tomorrow.  The rest of the feedings are given through the tube.  And she’s getting so much better at the bottle!  This weekend it was taking her 40 min to take one ounce.  This morning she drank it in 25 min for Daniel.  And at 2p, Little Peanut gulped it down in 17 min for me! (yes, I was totally trying to beat Daniel’s record!)</p> <p>Here’s a peek at her little scrawny arms and legs:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYHkiHvh9nryf3Tmi2bIwxXH8W6jDtTytbF1wREaqViySVctd3rrM8ctSfcY8YZzqhSVA1sfA5nspTQAoVgPrHC3Kun2BTzvyk8cwFiiE9jkswRuuFhX6ZAeUEUQa7n8cNa1o9kF7BGKx/s1600-h/Stategear%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Stategear" border="0" alt="Stategear" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TdHRnd0EvsI/AAAAAAAABOg/YF3m6rKNLXE/Stategear_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Look how big that hat is on her!  And believe me, it is a really small hat.  I just knew it would fit! ha! (I should have put my hand beside her so you could get some perspective on how little she is!)</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-65212989978792686592011-05-13T13:56:00.001-04:002011-05-13T13:56:24.359-04:00So, just a little news….<p>Introducing our newest little one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TcxdiXZRA4I/AAAAAAAABOU/OaaOGhYX17s/s1600-h/photo2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="photo2" border="0" alt="photo2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TcxdiotgIAI/AAAAAAAABOY/uIWHetLlHTg/photo2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Jillian Mae Bridges was born on 5-2-2011, weighing a whopping 3 lbs 5 oz.  She joined our family on 5-7-2011.  Little Jillian is now learning to eat and gain weight in the hospital so she can come home.  We’re looking at a few weeks before that happens.  </p> <p>Today she weighed 3lbs 7.9 oz and was moved into a regular bassinet from her warming isolette.  She also took 13 cc’s of formula from a bottle, which is the most she’s taken.  Otherwise, she gets her food through the tube.  </p> <p>God has a plan for her life and He knew her before she was born.  We are so blessed and excited to be given the opportunity to adopt and parent this little girl.</p> <p>Please join us in praying for her growth and development.  I’ll keep you posted!</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-37503678418741955942010-12-01T17:25:00.001-05:002010-12-01T17:25:19.769-05:00A Recipe!!<p>Here’s my SIL’s recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Pie.</p> <p>2/3 cup sugar</p> <p>1 stick butter, melted</p> <p>2 eggs, beaten</p> <p>2/3 cup dark Karo syrup</p> <p>1 tsp vanilla</p> <p>1 1/2 cups quick oats</p> <p>refrigerated pie crust</p> <p> </p> <p>Mix ingredients by hand in order listed, blending well after each addition.  Pour into pie crust  and bake for 40 min @ 325.  If pie still looks “liquid” in center, cook for about 8-10 more minutes.  Let cool for about an hour before cutting pie.  </p> <p>And hey!  Look!  Pictures!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPbLPovnbbI/AAAAAAAABNo/lf2U2e5wwQs/s1600-h/002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPbLQCVIXtI/AAAAAAAABNs/4kSiF91UMmc/002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="center">My cute little helper</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPbLRVxqL4I/AAAAAAAABNw/40Pm62cmw2A/s1600-h/006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPbLRl_S9JI/AAAAAAAABN0/AnQ8qosFQnM/006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The finished product! </p> <p align="center"> I did put aluminum foil over the edges of the pie to keep it from burning, just in case you aren’t a frequent pie baker.  That would be a lesson learned from experience. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZK4GrJ_lroWcnL9ERZ-YbyZZd5x6vEi-DKdfds3tqCBcR4RqLHJCFXuJorO7Bc8OK9u-MSAv5Zspa0O0npu0Dvlo0tl1pB76Ypve9jNUDnyYzjJS_-gX9-VaPiBSvX8w5jEel5FsL-El/?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx7pSUKIpCSApcfzGNou8Jk8olvg1G8OGV-Y6ou82c6F3I_LqQ3jO-fb5lojDfbQhjwpSe078iZm5jkJRK7asccLKP_82lx4ixNlepHFDUSwicbpMVDgGTDqahH9Mb1XJIuKzrMNKpRys/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPbLTe6idQI/AAAAAAAABOA/WyDYqtm0Q9M/008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-19005667454709266302010-11-29T14:11:00.001-05:002012-09-07T12:15:40.448-04:00Thankful Month–Day 29After a fun 5 day birthday/Thanksgiving celebration, I am full (in more ways than one!) of thankfulness! And links to share! In list format!<br />
--my favorite pie<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP66Gh5KFI/AAAAAAAABNI/b9Jj1TyqhY8/s1600-h/097%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="097" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP66hkVypI/AAAAAAAABNM/LhBuO8DYPDU/097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="097" width="244" /></a><br />
Oatmeal Pie made by my SIL, Cissy. This is all that was left of 2 pies and I got to bring it home. I'll post the recipe later, maybe tomorrow. It tastes like pecan pie, without the pecans. Oh my word. And oh my hips.<br />
<br />
--my new boots<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP678mFPWI/AAAAAAAABNQ/zLexqARLCl4/s1600-h/100%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="100" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP68JwYSDI/AAAAAAAABNU/UuIIkfDyljg/100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100" width="244" /></a><br />
My kids got me these cute rain boots for my birthday. I’ve been wanting some forever and they finally got the hint. ha! And it’s supposed to rain tomorrow!<br />
<br />
--my new purse<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP692d3kdI/AAAAAAAABNY/9GeWHZMgxQc/s1600-h/101%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="101" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP6-SCsO8I/AAAAAAAABNc/AcZsfx2QXCc/101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="101" width="244" /></a><br />
My <a href="http://kristinwithani.wordpress.com/">friend Kristin</a> blogged about her <a href="http://kristinwithani.wordpress.com/2010/11/07/handbag/">cute new purse</a> the other week and I was introduced to<a href="http://www.handbagheaven.com/?gexp=b&utm_expid=15976987-0" rel="nofollow"> this site</a>. I mean, who wouldn’t love a site called <a href="http://www.handbagheaven.com/?gexp=b&utm_expid=15976987-0" rel="nofollow">Handbag Heaven</a>? Love! So I passed on a few links to my mom for ideas for birthday presents (she asked!) and she got this purse! I didn’t realize it was quite as big as it is, but it’s growing on me. <br />
<br />
--winning a cute necklace!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP6-zaaCkI/AAAAAAAABNg/rW8qp_7baWk/s1600-h/necklace%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="necklace" border="0" height="243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TPP6_onFOLI/AAAAAAAABNk/-blRwm9P2Ek/necklace_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="necklace" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
This morning I found out I won this necklace from <a href="http://www.fabulousfunfinds.com/">Fun Fabulous Finds</a>! It’s from a cute etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemiaJewellery?ref=pr_shop_more">Bohemia Jewellery</a>. I’m in love with all of their stuff!<br />
<br />
So today, I’m thankful for material things and pie. All the important things. The end. JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-5731183980051937732010-11-26T12:41:00.001-05:002010-11-26T12:41:03.056-05:00Thankful For the Birthday Girl!!<p>Ten years ago today I became a mom.  Now that little baby girl is 10!  What in the world?  </p> <p>Becca Boo, I am so proud of you.  Your sweet spirit is a blessing to our family.  You’re a little cuddle bug and while I know that probably won’t be the case in a few years, a Mama can hope!</p> <p>Artistic and athletic, sweet and sassy.  That’s you in a nutshell.  </p> <p>We love you and can’t wait to see what the Lord will do in your life!</p> <p><em>“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xFRqFiBI/AAAAAAAABMg/vCo3E8k3ofA/s1600-h/006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xFkTmclI/AAAAAAAABMk/0DiXAzzmS1U/006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcFVmpW8kJ_nyl7eJpUaseIGiTE5DUo6UkaXsRQLkVqoTbeaCIaSoYVFmuoc4jzwsJKxzqBzkwzG-b6apcRviwCs6zfbTx7b8pZX6Rk3BTZIhBBQWizqY2Ydt3AQmWQ_Pj9774NqFIq3x/s1600-h/010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xG87IFMI/AAAAAAAABMs/0vrZCpK6sU0/010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qhJi4cm8WsW0a73Gtsi7SvXTR4cGoG0SWGWhC0bjSDdgqoygHo0FTDGFrQpKfD9zU2p35I9nIjwdpPJIUx5rjESLeO6tB6L2AqloJGKwFBF0Oti9cCDlG6k7QzmPd0aBqDeNTlInoPXO/s1600-h/010%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xIsHBEqI/AAAAAAAABM0/YvCK3wN57MU/010_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKOQSoHsySBa86lLZCsyKVCSpY9uzs5L-IPHEdSioH2QtxwHqL1SrUbmZufDHdsO-Ber9CDhAS_fTGb-9GznRcVdO9fDwZt8h3ojfi9zgW5IX_4BwQZymOshHWwj7tOK4JbrGupuIBr4A/s1600-h/063%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="063" border="0" alt="063" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xKHCL8AI/AAAAAAAABM8/8IdLQvY840A/063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq7tpZ8J-Gtv2SPE0rkX-uiNDsBGS7ORoKXvs34c9OZwGZpOqz2oO3hgkCDW4QJQP5-KKvJdlevKf9kTjAnOkGn6-kK6cTGc-UJdMYwMKykXURrIXmAER2ropPHs0BbuY4IVUU1DbRWDL/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="027" border="0" alt="027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TO_xLaBF3xI/AAAAAAAABNE/UAVUj_Wsq1c/027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-15676534697684848442010-11-24T13:30:00.000-05:002010-11-24T13:30:49.578-05:00Month of Thankfulness - Day 24Today I'm thankful for my family. We came to my parents' house last night (my 38th birthday, hello! I'm old.). We're here for a few days and then go to Daniel's parents'. Traveling for the holidays is a little bit hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
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We're just hanging out, playing games, talking, being lazy, and enjoying each other. And tonight Daniel and I are taking advantage of free babysitting and going out to eat for my birthday. So yay!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!!!JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-20510971106051143422010-11-22T12:57:00.001-05:002010-11-22T12:57:05.120-05:00Thankful–Day 22<p>Today I’m thankful for grace.  My friend <a href="http://nickikoziarz.com/2010/11/the-great-santa-debate/">Nicki’s blog post</a> today started me thinking about it.  It’s actually about the Santa debate.  And I don’t want to talk about that here, but it made me think about all the decisions we make as parents.  Some seem big and some seem small.  Some we make without really thinking about it and some we agonize over.  This parenting thing is a tad bit overwhelming at times!</p> <p>Thank you Lord that it’s not all up to me regarding how they turn out, amen?!  I’m grateful for God’s love and for the grace that He gives.  By its very definition it is undeserved and freely given.   And it’s because of His grace that I’ve been saved!  Talk about something to be thankful for!!</p> <p>“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”  Ephesians 2:8</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-82763199760523186272010-11-19T13:14:00.001-05:002010-11-19T13:14:19.883-05:00Thankful on the 19th (See? Every other day!)<p>Today I’m thankful for what the Lord is doing in our lives.  I haven’t blogged about this particular thing and I don’t really know why.  Most of our IRL friends already know, so maybe this is a surprise for about 3 of you. ha!</p> <p>We’re adopting!  It’s been about 9 months since the Lord started working in our hearts about this, beginning with a conversation with a dear friend.  We’ve chosen to adopt domestically and all of our paperwork in finished.  So right now we’re just waiting and praying.  You are welcome to pray with us!  So excited to see what He will do!</p> <p><font size="5" face="Boopee">“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from becoming polluted by the world."  James 1:27 </font></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-53808150929444976812010-11-17T15:19:00.001-05:002010-11-17T15:19:56.497-05:00Thankful on the 17th<p>Apparently for a few days there I was only thankful every other day! ha!</p> <p>The kids and I just had a little afternoon snack and they were excited and grateful for the unexpected surprise.   Don’t you love appreciative children?</p> <p>A friend of ours who rides to church with us sometimes gave the kids a coupon book for free Frosty's.  So we stopped by Wendy’s after the grocery store.   Yum!</p> <p>So today I’m thankful for thoughtful friends, appreciative kids, and of course, chocolate ice cream!!</p> <p> </p> <p>And here are some cuties for you! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TOQ46dURRfI/AAAAAAAABMI/Zm7sYyG3f_w/s1600-h/085%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="085" border="0" alt="085" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MiT_duzpQIRhAP8Tm5wydRsU0VgORFhDbPZBXAb9SFP9wqGgE4tVO2tqfrh2iIWwy-t2N3OFr74DVBqhWQdnFwheuh3gxsVc3HM-tySyLXLcFzZG2xtGLIAJ3np2dej4v8Idq_Qk1vLw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="234" /></a></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-90179497902909969492010-11-16T11:25:00.001-05:002010-11-16T11:25:32.432-05:00A Month of Thankfulness–Day 16<p>I’m thankful for a few things today.  Becca has been sick for a few days and she’s feeling better today.  So far only the kids have had this cold.  Thankful that the adults are still well!</p> <p>My mom is visiting today!  Dad has a meeting in town and she came along.  Right now she is doing school with Hayes. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjQrtJIyJq1Qk2U-KfvmdN_bOeG3yU3iaKjDL0aGF8dXFIqUdtckfeJ2v5rOOcqygJz4hcAf9U-5Nf4HB1NCDsjBmEhU7_rnYLS7qWy2IjJ0OtNy4ZrUb4ORM-NJXDiVR68dZ1ZsW2SWM/s1600-h/003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TOKwezI08rI/AAAAAAAABME/uEZb3WjVv9E/003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Thankful for my sweet mama and that she lives close enough to visit for the day!  We are blessed!</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-76111128347545810982010-11-14T19:52:00.001-05:002010-11-14T19:52:13.512-05:00Thankfulness Day 14<p>Becca and I stayed home from church today because she was feeling bad.  She rarely wants to just lie around so I knew she was sick.  But I really missed going to church!  So today, I’m thankful for my church.</p> <p>I love love love <a href="http://www.steelecreek.org/">our church</a>.  It’s a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural group of believers in Jesus Christ.  There are about 50 nations represented through the members and missionaries.  The flags from all of those countries hang around the worship center and it is such a neat feeling to see those each week.  To be reminded that church isn’t about the walls around you on a Sunday morning.  We have fellow believers all over the world, worshipping in large buildings, under trees, in tents, in jungles, in freedom and in secret.  </p> <p>“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;<sup>  </sup>one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4: 4-6</p> <p>(And I’m also thankful that Becca’s feeling better tonight!)</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-33676511214338796572010-11-12T23:06:00.001-05:002010-11-12T23:06:09.952-05:00Thankfulness Day 12<p>The kids and I had a spontaneous field trip to <a href="http://www.discoveryplace.org/">Discovery Place</a> today.  I love my city and am thankful for all the fun things there are to do here!  </p> <p>Here’s a little look at our day via iPhone pics.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OnREgKMI/AAAAAAAABLQ/Ws3YkUXhnQc/s1600-h/dp1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dp1" border="0" alt="dp1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OnxyF20I/AAAAAAAABLU/CwmnDksqBkA/dp1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdKBnomsSuZUpfWJKoAvL3EaBvrx74ogdsMOTK4Yfy_Yj-tA-1LblC4igJLzC2o1Heti4zAo3QQ0pCpu7-mrF6Kvu2v7HXUIXNC8qFm2nM9_WkdKnv2uwgTwsonbKR_4shyphenhyphens46yL5C1fv/s1600-h/dp2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dp2" border="0" alt="dp2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OpB69iAI/AAAAAAAABLc/9_8NhdrgFjg/dp2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4Op4yrJ1I/AAAAAAAABLk/2hmkC0bpklk/s1600-h/dp3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dp3" border="0" alt="dp3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OqOAwarI/AAAAAAAABLo/Id2hzFew3P0/dp3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4Oq_GtL5I/AAAAAAAABLs/ftjlFhfemWg/s1600-h/dp4%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dp4" border="0" alt="dp4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OrGComJI/AAAAAAAABLw/eP5sd3Gf1dA/dp4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OsPXdeVI/AAAAAAAABL0/DWWvYwQfyAU/s1600-h/dp8%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dp8" border="0" alt="dp8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TN4OsSQKDcI/AAAAAAAABL4/NFdbOPxdKnk/dp8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-89708928748877944432010-11-11T12:02:00.001-05:002010-11-11T12:02:55.752-05:00Thankfulness Day 11<p>I’m thankful for homeschooling today. I’m not the perfect mom (who is?) and I’m definitely not the perfect homeschool mom. I get frustrated and worn out. I snap at the kids, have unrealistic expectations, and doubt my abilities. </p> <p>And then I have a morning like today. </p> <p>Here’s what I saw when I got up this morning. (My kids are EARLY risers and their mother is not.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDZ97Q5-kEh2PkHuRas8_rWB4BxfZQnDvNUKPA-qKLZFHDNLBLz5DEg-SHdj9stHsV4YPhZk_LAWGYekWpal-44Qn9cU4KqQswEAggMs1ky8owLCcFRJNoC_Qu5pYc_LcvFW0hTDG3Nkh/s1600/004.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDZ97Q5-kEh2PkHuRas8_rWB4BxfZQnDvNUKPA-qKLZFHDNLBLz5DEg-SHdj9stHsV4YPhZk_LAWGYekWpal-44Qn9cU4KqQswEAggMs1ky8owLCcFRJNoC_Qu5pYc_LcvFW0hTDG3Nkh/s320/004.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></p> <p>Not sure about the trashcan, but they were coloring together.</p> <p>And then this happened.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b15a75c9-8f77-4ce5-8756-fb9515521576" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="448" height="277"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RBbprA76ugs?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RBbprA76ugs?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="277"></embed></object></div></div> <p> </p> <p>Kind of makes it all worth it to see them learn. </p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-83479311659636306422010-11-09T15:10:00.001-05:002010-11-09T15:10:38.933-05:00Thankfulness Month–Day 9<p>Ok first, who can believe I’ve blogged for 9 days straight?</p> <p>I’m a little shallow (and maybe a teeny bit hormonal) in my thankfulness today.  </p> <p>The first is one of my absolute favorite holiday treats.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbXCHftSiYuB-d-NbD0Qhwhxczm1I2vG48PzIAr-2JSJ6vwYzj6LZNXyO2Zh4ZZjrVvkFaZUVMWcBf_6XeOv-x897GVmG-seQk3jFvnYmXJ5igNZdaruj6E84UpdcaTIsoeNASlPoB6OS/s1600-h/coffeecreamer%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="coffeecreamer" border="0" alt="coffeecreamer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6IW8O-_rNhhV3kPpYLlP0zIZ27wLLJRjEMMfrkO0KeX2X1o30kvVcZh2bym5hcKKXTFVeEoBKZylQUIyCxJjAAmbCGhSY_uzrQfDd_9upZ_4NPK7r_Y3X7xuydaHJ5OtNznzeSqMS0uI/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p>It doesn’t taste quite like a St*rbucks Peppermint Mocha, but it’s the next best (and cheaper!) thing. </p> <p> </p> <p>And these are just two of my favorite treats, period.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNmqtZiTgUI/AAAAAAAABK8/OI6CyLiiFwQ/s1600-h/candy%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="candy" border="0" alt="candy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNmqvfkyUAI/AAAAAAAABLA/SQzcT1n2fRA/candy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Come on.  Dark chocolate AND caramel?  What’s better than that?</p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-90580868989667438982010-11-08T21:04:00.001-05:002010-11-08T21:04:27.667-05:00Still Thankful!! Day 8<p>Today I’m thankful for my little guy.  We had a date night tonight at McDonald’s (his choice).  Then we went shopping for his sister’s birthday present.  He’s a pretty fun date.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCoPF0HGDQb8JHdY01sFK9m4vX5OawlKqlsGCvR3UuMaRdayFWDDoCzStRRLqEddqp478mGCKai8fLoOFyVRu39InbylQbw-gzUepym55XsY5wda3JP2ARUVLnRnut26yEiO4ZKni5M77/s1600-h/Hayesdatenight%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hayesdatenight" border="0" alt="Hayesdatenight" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUOqDrmndDBi37CeHi_In5YmXVIScjim8T0rR4U6H4I8Sa0KjoOnhqS_h4-Ko09PJ3bRR7bPBiPFpMbQTv6siQlgyZjAAURoaYXgc4rS1VJy3qCNqMkxfMA_wXNyc4cVxJDwmh1EX2Gcs/?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I have to tell you what he did today.  (Sorry for the repeat, FB friends!)  We went to the gym this morning and as we pulled into the lot, I hear this from the backseat: Uh, mom?  I forgot my shoes!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNisJr2KeQI/AAAAAAAABKo/O6j3JhDsYpE/s1600-h/Hayessocks%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hayessocks" border="0" alt="Hayessocks" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNisKGb2pRI/AAAAAAAABKs/8t9w9LYqXnI/Hayessocks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a></p> <p>So I did what any mom would do.  I carried him on my back into the gym and worked out!  And then I posted about it on Facebook and blogged about it. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lOUOhZhY4XjMdFLFMW089WDTQVIP7-TEN8vzlyIqf7lQAIoC7lBCNHsS7ZIDGPDZZlIWEj_kWL10K8PPzt3VPR7cPIHR7YoVOUmygI_lpvEtlkHELdwLgU3c4qZJtxNj0E3yvDIIUl55/?imgmax=800" /></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933914313273032720.post-77260077349082856712010-11-07T21:55:00.001-05:002010-11-07T21:55:53.845-05:00A Month of Thankfulness–Day 7<p>Today I am thankful for my dad.  He recently had a pretty serious surgery and I am so happy to report that he won’t have to have any further treatment.  So now he recovers and my mom drives him around, which I know he LOVES.  (Sorry mom!)  heehee</p> <p>I don’t know that I’m necessarily a “daddy’s girl.”  I think I’m probably equally a “daddy’s girl” and a “mama’s girl.”  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNdmtJay5LI/AAAAAAAABKU/a4YV8Vv-BDg/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" />  But I love my daddy.  We are pretty close and I can talk to him about anything.  He’s got a fun/silly side and a serious/straight-laced side.  I think I got a little of both of those.  He’ll tell a joke he likes 50 times, until he’s told everyone he knows and will laugh just as hard the first time as the 50th.  Usually laughing till he’s crying and can’t even get the words out.  That always cracks me up.  </p> <p>Growing up, my dad was strict and no-nonsense, while also being loving, gentle, and fun.  I always knew he loved me, even when he was upset with me or disappointed in my decisions.  My dad (and my mom) led me to Christ at a young age by their actions and their lives, not just with their words.  I wanted to love and serve the God they loved and served.  I had no problem believing that my Heavenly Father loved me because my earthly father pointed me to Him. </p> <p>Aw, I didn’t know I was going to get all sappy when I started this!  So anyway, here’s my dad.  (My mom will probably kill me for posting this, but it’s literally the only one I could find!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNdmuBqk6lI/AAAAAAAABKY/38B2oR_HRbs/s1600-h/DSC06896%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC06896" border="0" alt="DSC06896" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JnuIWJukBMM/TNdmuXHAfMI/AAAAAAAABKc/msGPMxlVXo4/DSC06896_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> JenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09388270631487962876noreply@blogger.com2