tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78270867935418149542024-03-05T06:53:37.558-06:00Tree Shadow FarmRebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-25642574300633393392016-08-20T00:00:00.000-05:002016-08-20T00:00:01.901-05:00This Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Summer has been a season of change. A summer of lots of sunshine, a new swimming pool, a garden with so many good things in it, and boys growing like weeds. This is the summer that my Owl (boy #3) learned to swim! Hurray! And the summer of getting a new kitten. And so many other good things, some big, some small....but just now words seem new to me. I haven't written in so long. Perhaps this is the summer that I start to write again.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqlOvRAWj1AlFSsG-X467j0maxayeYJ_m9pXludKwkp-f7e7WkWeayiBleY4ZDS4oiHgEik9kHjNJVg6Zvbk59wktkDtBPU9InXK2eCaXnMuMS2xH3w0x29uXtOp3p0C7jVQ6qw7nsBWe/s1600/IMG_20160818_152424372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqlOvRAWj1AlFSsG-X467j0maxayeYJ_m9pXludKwkp-f7e7WkWeayiBleY4ZDS4oiHgEik9kHjNJVg6Zvbk59wktkDtBPU9InXK2eCaXnMuMS2xH3w0x29uXtOp3p0C7jVQ6qw7nsBWe/s640/IMG_20160818_152424372.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've had more time with Joel this summer as he lost his job a few weeks ago. I have a feeling that this loss, although scary in some ways, is a blessing in disguise. He is obviously spending much time looking for work, but also spending time with us. Which has been really a blessing in itself.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06Sj-eJWCRQSUs2kkOStPs2YDWZXe0yb17I86vy3zqo3qRulMhORX4G2dbwF9iOX9NP4ZP-4oiP2xKnNirbRMHUOYHy9l-QFvfcHEEID0cagnDSBt2_fu0Owtm9vKfeLBFWOb-DZ0RFTa/s1600/13995563_994322887331883_2659690228052421897_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06Sj-eJWCRQSUs2kkOStPs2YDWZXe0yb17I86vy3zqo3qRulMhORX4G2dbwF9iOX9NP4ZP-4oiP2xKnNirbRMHUOYHy9l-QFvfcHEEID0cagnDSBt2_fu0Owtm9vKfeLBFWOb-DZ0RFTa/s640/13995563_994322887331883_2659690228052421897_o.jpg" width="360" /> </a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a summer of growth. Just look at how big our girl has gotten! Flower is still the sweetest, best company around. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4OpXLc2RvE7HBILXP8uiyiXbznOJheul5PHZ-IAKkCuPP9cGlEEAt9qmyx8Hgvpgw6ZeDjo7fusP441MsjDvSErThPIlgq4Bo_BTI92SZ7q4YlYGPoiqmsIdvkt9gVutbg5ivPuIERJO/s1600/IMG_20160818_175500752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4OpXLc2RvE7HBILXP8uiyiXbznOJheul5PHZ-IAKkCuPP9cGlEEAt9qmyx8Hgvpgw6ZeDjo7fusP441MsjDvSErThPIlgq4Bo_BTI92SZ7q4YlYGPoiqmsIdvkt9gVutbg5ivPuIERJO/s640/IMG_20160818_175500752.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She and her brother have really developed a friendship over the past few months. So super sweet to witness. Today while we went for a walk they walked holding hands. (oh my heart!)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNspuc_RLnb1zXY2gWCmW5YDoz3DdIstdRPSTNKgFrX_Pm_NSfEGGewmTZ5wjbybeQrO5RxkBr5iOS2eauUJWsBnt3IXpmcFMLuhgw_dCadzZBt0lEGepozsK4HxdgGOlRwB4zvaG_y2J/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNspuc_RLnb1zXY2gWCmW5YDoz3DdIstdRPSTNKgFrX_Pm_NSfEGGewmTZ5wjbybeQrO5RxkBr5iOS2eauUJWsBnt3IXpmcFMLuhgw_dCadzZBt0lEGepozsK4HxdgGOlRwB4zvaG_y2J/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have also been super fortunate to get to spend some quality time with these amazing people, which just happens to be our family! Lucky us! Here we are laughing at ourselves taking a selfie...oh what has happened to us that we have succumbed to this! I love the different expressions on everyone and how much Joel and his brother resemble each other!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU0maHdPtORlkyOml19ZkVUkfhru0CI9Z8DBrwT9py4Bc2LrxqpQWFGRkKZkFe4DPuD4IMUsumddqJFePonhgFCygoI7-nqlOA-XpMVAN9CR39CDaGf6d-yjSxLX1SOyOkm_D-sqOaeK6/s1600/IMG_20160816_112822884_BURST000_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU0maHdPtORlkyOml19ZkVUkfhru0CI9Z8DBrwT9py4Bc2LrxqpQWFGRkKZkFe4DPuD4IMUsumddqJFePonhgFCygoI7-nqlOA-XpMVAN9CR39CDaGf6d-yjSxLX1SOyOkm_D-sqOaeK6/s640/IMG_20160816_112822884_BURST000_COVER.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent some time hiking at Governor Dodge with Joel's brothers family. This picture is of my niece and wonderful sister in law! Love them so much. We don't get to see them very often, but each visit gets better and better. It is such a beautiful time of year to do that hike around Stephens Falls. I was too busy enjoying the good company to take lots of pictures...just as it should be. I will ever be practicing the art of being present. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll leave you with this last picture, dear reader, of our new band. We are going to call it "Crookneck" (just one word like Madonna) because we're cool like that. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnUX8es8XEIFkEuIUldHIwYcOwqFpMaIuLlgaSUxkc7J1Ssj8SOy4mrajmegjr6UQIklQKVztfM8k70cyuAb7fyflz_Xwh2fILTHZWmwlS4C9syY1KB5jhh5UWy7ZoxnbHgp9TRp_dynU/s1600/2016-08-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnUX8es8XEIFkEuIUldHIwYcOwqFpMaIuLlgaSUxkc7J1Ssj8SOy4mrajmegjr6UQIklQKVztfM8k70cyuAb7fyflz_Xwh2fILTHZWmwlS4C9syY1KB5jhh5UWy7ZoxnbHgp9TRp_dynU/s640/2016-08-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next year, dear family......the visits always seem so short! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And dear reader....hopefully NOT until next year...hopefully I'll write again soon. We shall see.</div>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-388925519634259812014-01-27T21:25:00.001-06:002014-01-27T21:25:28.928-06:00A Day In The Life....It's been so super cold here. In the early morning I lie in bed listening to J breathe, unwilling to part from his side, from the warmth of being next to him, from the stillness that just is. I often miss that window of Alone that comes with early rising. It seems that this exists only in a very slim moment of time between sleep and kids waking with exuberance for another day. I missed it entirely today and woke up to boys crashing legos in bins, toilets flushing, and one bright eyed little girl calling "Good morning!" to anyone who would listen. <br />
We make coffee. I scramble eggs. He finishes fixing the DVD player that we need for math, even though he is running a little behind. I add feta, pour cream, set the table. Ponder the day. Plan the loose ends of school in my mind. (we will do that science experiment today. we will make playdough. we will remember to gather the eggs before they freeze) Boys tumble in for breakfast. Fry their own eggs while J and I eat together for the last moment of our day together. We read scripture and pray as a family and off he goes. I pray in my mind for his trip to work in this forty below zero weather while I get everyone dressed. Well...they are older now...so some of them do actually do this on their own. I'm mostly just needed to find socks. We have some kind of abyss at our house that sucks up socks and leaves lonely stragglers in random places. It is a thorn in my side....but I digress.<br />
School starts one by one. We are working on helping the boys become independent. That's one of the reasons we homeschool. We want them to love learning and to know how to do it by themselves. This morning I helped with spelling and equivalent fractions and three digit subtraction. I read to Flower over and over again. Badger is working on writing a book so I edit his typing while I wash the dishes and clean the kitchen and bathroom. I help Hen with his crazy drippy eye. (Did I mention we have been passing around a cold for a few weeks now?) Hen's poor eye is just tearing all the time. It's so crazy cold in this dear old house that his skin is so dry and irritated from the tears. I run the shower for the steam and refill the teakettle.<br />
<br />We make homemade pizzas for lunch. I let Cricket grate the cheese and while the pizza bakes I reclean the kitchen. We eat pizza and watch the beginning of Mary Poppins with our lunch today. (We usually listen to a book on disc but just finished the Silver Chair and are waiting to find something new.) We make it to "Just a Spoonful of Sugar..." then decide to clean up and get ready for a piano student. Just one today...and they are good friends of ours...a welcome diversion. I put Flower down for a nap. Read more stories. Snuggle. Talk to her about all the flowers on her walls in her room. Listen to her sing herself to sleep. <br />
<br />
Start laundry. Brush teeth. Drink another cup of coffee. Think about how I should've done those last two things in the reverse order. Teach piano. Play chess with my boy, even though I really do not like chess. Realize once again how worth it it is to do something I am not fond of in order to connect with these wonderful kids. Fix Hen's eye again. Make playdough in four different colors. Realize how late it is and put a roast in the oven. Clean kitchen again. Play with baby. Play chess. Set table. Decide to listen to music and just as I put the disc in J walks in the door. Wow. Some days it goes fast. <br />
<br />
We sit down to eat supper together. Pray. I think about how in Little Women Meg and John don't love each other any less though they look at each other over the familiar little teapot. It's so that way for us. He always smiles at me at the dinner table. <br />
We call Grandma for her birthday. Everyone takes turns singing and talking. We do dishes, play one last game of chess. J takes them up for bed and reads more stories. He brings me a crossword after he goes out in the cold to take care of the chickens. We snuggle in with each other and work on it until it's finished. (it is a Monday afterall) We play music together. Tumble into bed later than we should. I lie down next to him and listen to him breathe. He is here. Here is now. And it's so good.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-36374319528940111322014-01-09T14:38:00.003-06:002014-01-09T14:38:44.002-06:00Wrapping It Up, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More pictures of our 2013.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrJo9EI4ZAiXFCb6vul0nEBoDeQlkI_oB0gaVkXXWqPoQwL60ItzLa8pi7y7jzclAmGtxFZw8M8mMT08ylO54k2eBVUKezRQTIL0o2aI2iqoLLKAqLorVMgQkekoGBaTGz86RTSQuUbGA/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrJo9EI4ZAiXFCb6vul0nEBoDeQlkI_oB0gaVkXXWqPoQwL60ItzLa8pi7y7jzclAmGtxFZw8M8mMT08ylO54k2eBVUKezRQTIL0o2aI2iqoLLKAqLorVMgQkekoGBaTGz86RTSQuUbGA/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the knit dress I made for Flower...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkRsgiUpNT7K-bGRhgDoTke5RWNgGDimUXa4PBhnuj1hAbuwefrdhi-ssgteizGrvfbmeP50CCK-LIaewkPI_jcQPoYZMG6Hqs39VjDsK7ZITUlBe1Nd4MoCWzOTb2UTuc1lRitYY3SSq/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkRsgiUpNT7K-bGRhgDoTke5RWNgGDimUXa4PBhnuj1hAbuwefrdhi-ssgteizGrvfbmeP50CCK-LIaewkPI_jcQPoYZMG6Hqs39VjDsK7ZITUlBe1Nd4MoCWzOTb2UTuc1lRitYY3SSq/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pumpkins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4wwaLaUIelm_R5fazwhITuq_jZrjn3DNug0sCBk2_RJpA8_mmF_RMAldxZ8kt0dU-VgWENn00j70-fSF8wJ4N4YR7K2aEYwc8qE_Ei_ekN84fN1pCF5JqMa97s_5OAoj8d9J2Y0pnCFp/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4wwaLaUIelm_R5fazwhITuq_jZrjn3DNug0sCBk2_RJpA8_mmF_RMAldxZ8kt0dU-VgWENn00j70-fSF8wJ4N4YR7K2aEYwc8qE_Ei_ekN84fN1pCF5JqMa97s_5OAoj8d9J2Y0pnCFp/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ile-T3idTlESr4O1YhksGRGkHOXauajct6UQ-f6fFVuYWGqoBBqCwzeNVq1t9HOLMdvuVgh0UwckicXdOSQy3ti-NUwFkr9M1t4_adtRE4pcctX8vcDe-vKBFQ3BZQyjPSFi95NllQ4/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ile-T3idTlESr4O1YhksGRGkHOXauajct6UQ-f6fFVuYWGqoBBqCwzeNVq1t9HOLMdvuVgh0UwckicXdOSQy3ti-NUwFkr9M1t4_adtRE4pcctX8vcDe-vKBFQ3BZQyjPSFi95NllQ4/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWZwB3SJ1KpzEDBwlIB2Z4ZWVZkB512ocs2v9WieoCy2Fr1y1mLUMbSZhR89bLwakNG9pyVo_JTjdKIb5N1Y2bsL-TJnKycJL07EcezM7iWS40IwORRRb1_dQtkNvngqOSpcpCBvCONk/s1600/IMG_7018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWZwB3SJ1KpzEDBwlIB2Z4ZWVZkB512ocs2v9WieoCy2Fr1y1mLUMbSZhR89bLwakNG9pyVo_JTjdKIb5N1Y2bsL-TJnKycJL07EcezM7iWS40IwORRRb1_dQtkNvngqOSpcpCBvCONk/s1600/IMG_7018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XnKEk4E_TSSGqxKdtyzfHlwdt77EgY9QSc5bz7n1mBGjXNRPwUDPj8lmc_2EQMWvzl4ggu_MQcu7Q_K0Flds2MdHD2XlgCQEYKJwIXbQC1nv23jx-OJKFMa2HAT2hsV_KTBqj5gl8f7t/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XnKEk4E_TSSGqxKdtyzfHlwdt77EgY9QSc5bz7n1mBGjXNRPwUDPj8lmc_2EQMWvzl4ggu_MQcu7Q_K0Flds2MdHD2XlgCQEYKJwIXbQC1nv23jx-OJKFMa2HAT2hsV_KTBqj5gl8f7t/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We dressed up as characters from Peter Pan for this year's Trunk or Treat (not pictured...me as Tiger Lilly)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpXCiL6wCEedeRoBc2fP3v3JMuHJHDNmcOmp-O2NKO-mudLSi6kHlh_DBjU0xb7ue8ZYVVOw9-jP8aZW3cCaU_3MJixcj8e8Og7W34jlKdc3Sq4qBee_xmBrvOhVjUmmIfVQWtrvoQECt/s1600/DSCN6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpXCiL6wCEedeRoBc2fP3v3JMuHJHDNmcOmp-O2NKO-mudLSi6kHlh_DBjU0xb7ue8ZYVVOw9-jP8aZW3cCaU_3MJixcj8e8Og7W34jlKdc3Sq4qBee_xmBrvOhVjUmmIfVQWtrvoQECt/s1600/DSCN6405.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotbFNzBSmPlSBOM6fb8imOSdqHS9_j7Cs7B4itA_u9kl6fyDM2gFsd_5-fS7pK2ykb-7uncgg-CIJk4yC-8BWkETZCOeQkNsisfmThMlxvhfU5nYn0_0RFBYnK36LyqONZ-7GdXplWCPZ/s1600/IMG_7055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotbFNzBSmPlSBOM6fb8imOSdqHS9_j7Cs7B4itA_u9kl6fyDM2gFsd_5-fS7pK2ykb-7uncgg-CIJk4yC-8BWkETZCOeQkNsisfmThMlxvhfU5nYn0_0RFBYnK36LyqONZ-7GdXplWCPZ/s1600/IMG_7055.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f98lbrX7PrJeMegMdZhibBhtvLTfwknTRSACQWXmZS2bhUjydJyuQfd8OKf0IjO3fN3Q5MHp2X_zMiXjhQLIC-XnRid1ZTgo7nCS-mpTQHqOeYA8PfxiXkJtgQ5-_U5whv2Pp1xJzNFd/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f98lbrX7PrJeMegMdZhibBhtvLTfwknTRSACQWXmZS2bhUjydJyuQfd8OKf0IjO3fN3Q5MHp2X_zMiXjhQLIC-XnRid1ZTgo7nCS-mpTQHqOeYA8PfxiXkJtgQ5-_U5whv2Pp1xJzNFd/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqL1DtukW6ruvO2Qa5VKjf1QW_ZPP1hq9B1FJUI1gcFDdc0FxRkPcmYjHCo3H0I9bCeKJz6hA1EnOuH2GFooeEdbh5FRwnL67PHGI63rHfbOKcsTsyPTLs6Qadiooj0Ruku8Tri272jJQ/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqL1DtukW6ruvO2Qa5VKjf1QW_ZPP1hq9B1FJUI1gcFDdc0FxRkPcmYjHCo3H0I9bCeKJz6hA1EnOuH2GFooeEdbh5FRwnL67PHGI63rHfbOKcsTsyPTLs6Qadiooj0Ruku8Tri272jJQ/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Flower loves to draw and often gets out all the materials needed all on her very own!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEVruEfvXHsN8KUK4x47-Z9Blp7XbISF8tXGc33k-MuPD9Q7kwect-HK-EQ3cnf0alFTygKuAXTOCg5-fwqZi4o9BNO6N5LK_OvbYhYJRM0PamA0B490ZXwA87kjeSX1pBXOIrAeOBhaJ/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEVruEfvXHsN8KUK4x47-Z9Blp7XbISF8tXGc33k-MuPD9Q7kwect-HK-EQ3cnf0alFTygKuAXTOCg5-fwqZi4o9BNO6N5LK_OvbYhYJRM0PamA0B490ZXwA87kjeSX1pBXOIrAeOBhaJ/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas morning....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlhasPDtobAsQ8Ch_L0RVnYY3Xa-mXbo3RrCSTUYwKQhnmTGNz0aBUyytPJUkY7qeDHMBSvLHy2GtFPcLLHzvd-Ao7GVXPOe4J4ViF6Q8hUsDYsJ_9O-7ma4Ti0gdozbflvivPTP-v3K7/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlhasPDtobAsQ8Ch_L0RVnYY3Xa-mXbo3RrCSTUYwKQhnmTGNz0aBUyytPJUkY7qeDHMBSvLHy2GtFPcLLHzvd-Ao7GVXPOe4J4ViF6Q8hUsDYsJ_9O-7ma4Ti0gdozbflvivPTP-v3K7/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqClJNRNRCD9_NZlPRiFtWRuAZUJNK0BKCjZ3btygvdSxUz1Fv1XnFryjMtofWRkeGbvaf5f311EOwA0aoNP1ZzKtNcMWhG4nuZuYMlCDtcBYJoPNQk6RBvmcLhQO8Dtphv1MwYXSM_yG/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqClJNRNRCD9_NZlPRiFtWRuAZUJNK0BKCjZ3btygvdSxUz1Fv1XnFryjMtofWRkeGbvaf5f311EOwA0aoNP1ZzKtNcMWhG4nuZuYMlCDtcBYJoPNQk6RBvmcLhQO8Dtphv1MwYXSM_yG/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzHIMOQF2HgQ5y_x20PKnlDP3mkeRM3mdcm3C27sORkkSvQk0wsRZdfd5grzaPKCV-9refCxbKrsmMYY5YgBduB9IuGa7za6Mkt_oPgMMNW0gHNyMrB6_GU_2DGJ2Dh59wloa049cYdCr/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzHIMOQF2HgQ5y_x20PKnlDP3mkeRM3mdcm3C27sORkkSvQk0wsRZdfd5grzaPKCV-9refCxbKrsmMYY5YgBduB9IuGa7za6Mkt_oPgMMNW0gHNyMrB6_GU_2DGJ2Dh59wloa049cYdCr/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cousins with us for Christmas this year....so fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLbRAuAIs5cLZpJFjE0K47rxrcMXZnn9wUMFNdqumJfocW_GiK38G0ENTlt21dBfcxJ6EKecPPfkRXWVkxeV7e7qU7rWmlb8TStw-JUiB3IIFAZSP6otZbxS_BneBXIdvGXoGpVcYh60w/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLbRAuAIs5cLZpJFjE0K47rxrcMXZnn9wUMFNdqumJfocW_GiK38G0ENTlt21dBfcxJ6EKecPPfkRXWVkxeV7e7qU7rWmlb8TStw-JUiB3IIFAZSP6otZbxS_BneBXIdvGXoGpVcYh60w/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_Z-gfJx87It5mdLATV_2XLusDKaclga09xYZ2VMQXVChtgFPGeCTmg8euhZJOE6LzZw4IDM8gcs-MFzuVRczfSqUCMUNwI4H06EnSD7o_ALpeyAPQLE_7TVf8g3QNa2frsoEItraduM/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_Z-gfJx87It5mdLATV_2XLusDKaclga09xYZ2VMQXVChtgFPGeCTmg8euhZJOE6LzZw4IDM8gcs-MFzuVRczfSqUCMUNwI4H06EnSD7o_ALpeyAPQLE_7TVf8g3QNa2frsoEItraduM/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Out for breakfast at our favorite little local cafe. Life is so good. We are blessed. Not from our own merit....but because of God's goodness and grace. So thankful for that.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-81494310984928181292014-01-08T14:54:00.004-06:002014-01-08T14:54:57.615-06:00Wrapping It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are photos I wish I had blogged about in 2013.....just a few moments of our grand adventure this past year.....part one of a two part series....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEG1_u2qdnD9-uv-3vdRk0qpoqGk2aRkLzxfhWiWKfsl4qYO44EDFooiGTgTdABR-ab6pW0uMVrXMuJ-YPOvcjIOhUbu4z02wlSrs6DANMe7-mRRxo8v0e9QHdNDncF95yc7lAC2p08cr/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
it was the summer of learning how to start a fire with flint and steel...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGdYiTDUxgSquLTy9g5dNrzL6iBLhnqv-ro_8eU8bKXBCalMJAhPJFvDcH02z-BR145EaRA-_vHZibSQVLHHqm8BWLsuV8hk59vaVPF00JdKKvqWn6Oo-4hYGO8Ysx_2A-PJY9eL-iI3M/s1600/IMG_6753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGdYiTDUxgSquLTy9g5dNrzL6iBLhnqv-ro_8eU8bKXBCalMJAhPJFvDcH02z-BR145EaRA-_vHZibSQVLHHqm8BWLsuV8hk59vaVPF00JdKKvqWn6Oo-4hYGO8Ysx_2A-PJY9eL-iI3M/s1600/IMG_6753.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the summer of good gardens....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7exw91lxnTnVI19a0cFrIWaOfBuGHSenj3_573Bp4RYItPFRp_oaye_QaL8djZjDgohtOp4_dyeLhT3S_7-6H5BIAOYI51SNuX5Xuewv2wJfqvRhbDc3BKU-AxSfud1cD8bW_GaRC6BT1/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7exw91lxnTnVI19a0cFrIWaOfBuGHSenj3_573Bp4RYItPFRp_oaye_QaL8djZjDgohtOp4_dyeLhT3S_7-6H5BIAOYI51SNuX5Xuewv2wJfqvRhbDc3BKU-AxSfud1cD8bW_GaRC6BT1/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbh5fZDywb4a2h9yF3sUI4aHOMEkTk9fO8K_Iagv0qCErIykWp6ZXqTxs5yWlOI9yDpUaPy2TAAInKa8i_qdZC5-j0YEVuc2J0q7h0YOgWbR5VlJ6URhFO92Ft2zii3Nx0hMfTZeHfVA6/s1600/IMG_6776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbh5fZDywb4a2h9yF3sUI4aHOMEkTk9fO8K_Iagv0qCErIykWp6ZXqTxs5yWlOI9yDpUaPy2TAAInKa8i_qdZC5-j0YEVuc2J0q7h0YOgWbR5VlJ6URhFO92Ft2zii3Nx0hMfTZeHfVA6/s1600/IMG_6776.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJzcaAJBFXKcN3CeVqfiGX8iuyWnOyaq4jQYWARWLPgraz9k-8GFvtkPqQU4hnTs3yYWiS3XrOrEQYhXrjwrL6WUIBO-5M_wAKeCLoFepoubYrRa0JdVDPj-avOhANrkthvM2ayWH_gpY/s1600/IMG_6794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJzcaAJBFXKcN3CeVqfiGX8iuyWnOyaq4jQYWARWLPgraz9k-8GFvtkPqQU4hnTs3yYWiS3XrOrEQYhXrjwrL6WUIBO-5M_wAKeCLoFepoubYrRa0JdVDPj-avOhANrkthvM2ayWH_gpY/s1600/IMG_6794.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
practicing our archery skills at Fort Wilderness.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyocL5-zjLmPW58YBHOg8p5p09bmJaJPVfppFTqXlZQELQHHvDLzYAAwZrb1WWHO0oLUXnWZ6Wm5V1wseoR9et-A4LrgsM8Z9wwHEDUl-MucaknYzUbjOUrNaPuNIhXI5YBUiruS2p47rU/s1600/IMG_6797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyocL5-zjLmPW58YBHOg8p5p09bmJaJPVfppFTqXlZQELQHHvDLzYAAwZrb1WWHO0oLUXnWZ6Wm5V1wseoR9et-A4LrgsM8Z9wwHEDUl-MucaknYzUbjOUrNaPuNIhXI5YBUiruS2p47rU/s1600/IMG_6797.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUTu63w-heUd-RnxJLxgQvVav3L8IdOBZ3k_0vQIcAwUs4ughp7EEbQUu4la9viUDm5JY7etUJtNz8QjwObSMwkQ7GdJR7nhb3X9eOOG146Kc8sZa9pVz2l3-7SAThNQx_kVGsKEyYjOQ/s1600/IMG_6801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUTu63w-heUd-RnxJLxgQvVav3L8IdOBZ3k_0vQIcAwUs4ughp7EEbQUu4la9viUDm5JY7etUJtNz8QjwObSMwkQ7GdJR7nhb3X9eOOG146Kc8sZa9pVz2l3-7SAThNQx_kVGsKEyYjOQ/s1600/IMG_6801.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8uDSdjqfKb4jxRxsx4lrX4Pf9v1V8tZ2GYcD_HbZTab1qJQxXTxaZFPRaf9UO5sP5Xwxcrs2SuO1F6bK8vEEjbfThT2qyE8R_UfE5dZYsWZmvVKipKTsOlwzhUyPSyajFdlQ1fpbMkU/s1600/IMG_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8uDSdjqfKb4jxRxsx4lrX4Pf9v1V8tZ2GYcD_HbZTab1qJQxXTxaZFPRaf9UO5sP5Xwxcrs2SuO1F6bK8vEEjbfThT2qyE8R_UfE5dZYsWZmvVKipKTsOlwzhUyPSyajFdlQ1fpbMkU/s1600/IMG_6804.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETTxQcoM2UBzuAt-LACXEwKLmaRm-fCNnIrqfX1I1TiEGTxMVkcUKaQ6d3n79vqJ03ZYD9NKAZqafqjYQ-tA1dnvQCcR1FjKPEtXD83x9utXpvCEC4dtjrvyuTibvJ7F6aSWx6zOpTd5q/s1600/IMG_6838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETTxQcoM2UBzuAt-LACXEwKLmaRm-fCNnIrqfX1I1TiEGTxMVkcUKaQ6d3n79vqJ03ZYD9NKAZqafqjYQ-tA1dnvQCcR1FjKPEtXD83x9utXpvCEC4dtjrvyuTibvJ7F6aSWx6zOpTd5q/s1600/IMG_6838.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We tent camped this year....Flower is quite the snuggle bug!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yVpXdwFlsEy9Z8_45WOPiwXLrPWQZT2UVP_UA34Vz-q64y1V3YD_qHtTfehVLX2YHJJ6WwEjiBo6N6mExNrLbFLg_Y92gM0QetE8Z-e8KS3z4prj4VoKgV3aTeE-mzvRYk158P8ZU4dS/s1600/IMG_6857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yVpXdwFlsEy9Z8_45WOPiwXLrPWQZT2UVP_UA34Vz-q64y1V3YD_qHtTfehVLX2YHJJ6WwEjiBo6N6mExNrLbFLg_Y92gM0QetE8Z-e8KS3z4prj4VoKgV3aTeE-mzvRYk158P8ZU4dS/s1600/IMG_6857.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exploring Olbrich Gardens with friends.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSaVOnqPZT9elUkZMjobbfHvbrk4wKqlgpjAE3gB_nmbd5n7cWRtTcLV9bT8c7VGgqXTe8cwe4kuTjNtUqil8Pb9HMuDK9NMfMBBUVmko2GQ7JMIkTXFPX6PC45BlREwt0W2IBVsd7pK/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSaVOnqPZT9elUkZMjobbfHvbrk4wKqlgpjAE3gB_nmbd5n7cWRtTcLV9bT8c7VGgqXTe8cwe4kuTjNtUqil8Pb9HMuDK9NMfMBBUVmko2GQ7JMIkTXFPX6PC45BlREwt0W2IBVsd7pK/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiZRsRwBmdBxvRK9apPT8Zy1a61jy-ZkHRZNyCmNNwI5aH7rXJ6HVlcU2TxVBb8KoA-tnlOXY5tYHhQFvipZByRzgp60JOYuHfBWpGfnwdSGscuVFoHSJGzL7oKzvZOGGDxxXEf4KHs3W/s1600/IMG_6873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiZRsRwBmdBxvRK9apPT8Zy1a61jy-ZkHRZNyCmNNwI5aH7rXJ6HVlcU2TxVBb8KoA-tnlOXY5tYHhQFvipZByRzgp60JOYuHfBWpGfnwdSGscuVFoHSJGzL7oKzvZOGGDxxXEf4KHs3W/s1600/IMG_6873.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy_Laxhk32BxGT0Y931OZ9K_qVrgF9paXwlZW__FWpYaWYSyzezo9awZF1YMWr1bxd4tzrY2gVLOcbaEzLj7FZA6JBfpDaXZbyTQTPceBek4UAsAe6qw7sb4S-F92QwAdjcuGMAMaJBMx/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy_Laxhk32BxGT0Y931OZ9K_qVrgF9paXwlZW__FWpYaWYSyzezo9awZF1YMWr1bxd4tzrY2gVLOcbaEzLj7FZA6JBfpDaXZbyTQTPceBek4UAsAe6qw7sb4S-F92QwAdjcuGMAMaJBMx/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
first ponytail....and wagon rides with her big brother....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BoBOEXvKU-N6O_HhMKd0mdpO8zADCcbyc-dUBLg8S0oKq_Z0Tf2cqZehyphenhyphenHt0ZtQ3A48t4zXUZhkxHF8cTjVwiS1ZtN_qG_yWooCL3G49K48PkRDK_kPRXzAmL_eOu5C-vRF0ehJApee7/s1600/IMG_6905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BoBOEXvKU-N6O_HhMKd0mdpO8zADCcbyc-dUBLg8S0oKq_Z0Tf2cqZehyphenhyphenHt0ZtQ3A48t4zXUZhkxHF8cTjVwiS1ZtN_qG_yWooCL3G49K48PkRDK_kPRXzAmL_eOu5C-vRF0ehJApee7/s1600/IMG_6905.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmaZbULm1_bA2MA9PYTDgzysik5Zr4bm9yjQ8Lt4Yu2LDW_z3fUdVKecs2BAJOrGXX0kq35ngJ-RalddjD7T_eacMdl6aHGj6o4ZO7xbMDItUztSEo9noJmnYCHhcspMIGtjIM6GGCYwl/s1600/IMG_6761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmaZbULm1_bA2MA9PYTDgzysik5Zr4bm9yjQ8Lt4Yu2LDW_z3fUdVKecs2BAJOrGXX0kq35ngJ-RalddjD7T_eacMdl6aHGj6o4ZO7xbMDItUztSEo9noJmnYCHhcspMIGtjIM6GGCYwl/s1600/IMG_6761.JPG" height="526" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our new batch of birds...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVty8gCvF8TiPJOg6BOkbGhOCo_7BRpdX1LIEXvqAlV_SnK-TU5iFs02Vx0uE-rgHDcyokaO0I0iw0jMbONsjWARGsFEjVW56Z9SmkBHZP5TaTOLSigcjOVOiVDtN5h0F3D-AjWu_OMIG7/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVty8gCvF8TiPJOg6BOkbGhOCo_7BRpdX1LIEXvqAlV_SnK-TU5iFs02Vx0uE-rgHDcyokaO0I0iw0jMbONsjWARGsFEjVW56Z9SmkBHZP5TaTOLSigcjOVOiVDtN5h0F3D-AjWu_OMIG7/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweet Corn, pumpkins, and beans grew aplenty this year....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKS9EzQDK2XBJlmuvzf1n4oBnIPYJc6ksOAUDtBTrFkEK1c156kxB3Qo_DLDbcSLHGrPGVC0ST_mGPttE7nbDM3n268RFS3uDOS7_msqYZWyoX9k7kbqGTyQ0Nj8JmNzrK8qfQLzGnI2X/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKS9EzQDK2XBJlmuvzf1n4oBnIPYJc6ksOAUDtBTrFkEK1c156kxB3Qo_DLDbcSLHGrPGVC0ST_mGPttE7nbDM3n268RFS3uDOS7_msqYZWyoX9k7kbqGTyQ0Nj8JmNzrK8qfQLzGnI2X/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjkenY5meJraeD_p_q7ivwBamVfF3P5xHdgA7m13MRdd685BOW_NBkSaiHDznQCI1JRlqUSxh4XH1TKouU18pEugp6BEjhZFzhkKm8DcKMy_olJBxxaIhDTfa6aWXJJcFmCyYTT89xIZq/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjkenY5meJraeD_p_q7ivwBamVfF3P5xHdgA7m13MRdd685BOW_NBkSaiHDznQCI1JRlqUSxh4XH1TKouU18pEugp6BEjhZFzhkKm8DcKMy_olJBxxaIhDTfa6aWXJJcFmCyYTT89xIZq/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzcfTGbG7oVq-I1V3op4QowfTZd-t5bklGSaayYGxJlndfgQkRyokUnKnPWDl99mXAH_52VNjywLjBL7oCnkks-Hxd2JB7lokQXsIxtXXBxFm5BgWFtbQGH3QXsEpx0NNDGPentNUDvqG/s1600/IMG_6882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzcfTGbG7oVq-I1V3op4QowfTZd-t5bklGSaayYGxJlndfgQkRyokUnKnPWDl99mXAH_52VNjywLjBL7oCnkks-Hxd2JB7lokQXsIxtXXBxFm5BgWFtbQGH3QXsEpx0NNDGPentNUDvqG/s1600/IMG_6882.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loves to pick flowers....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMJHcS1A8MW3HAcmJEjTCNSQ7R4RfVwPUqzhwuj_2lmz0T7pu1pV78H500LVBiIxPMAGPQPySgkwteisFnbJKGuIAQu3swgAyunixBYKWJa4FeDdR7iL1rnDXuZJXiNauVMG17oc2c9pP/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMJHcS1A8MW3HAcmJEjTCNSQ7R4RfVwPUqzhwuj_2lmz0T7pu1pV78H500LVBiIxPMAGPQPySgkwteisFnbJKGuIAQu3swgAyunixBYKWJa4FeDdR7iL1rnDXuZJXiNauVMG17oc2c9pP/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCSwV1NdXxMzcX1l6UvzedDQ1qslf74LmH8pivhHuKyHKSw-AneJkABR_MGr8B_Lo0otdskrILGPp770_x8_lFrLCUxqgZ3gA-cPfg_mAkjZWF3oJQexEtCvoY_N0peZegLJp5k38cXOa/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCSwV1NdXxMzcX1l6UvzedDQ1qslf74LmH8pivhHuKyHKSw-AneJkABR_MGr8B_Lo0otdskrILGPp770_x8_lFrLCUxqgZ3gA-cPfg_mAkjZWF3oJQexEtCvoY_N0peZegLJp5k38cXOa/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4flSrX9Q6K8P5VyqadiSwtcem1guqBeackGiuTezhsmDGcFMPhpzUexfocVvUBu7h5KH8p7qReof6cASEYAf6McUuLZz1UylGAlNd7zBbgvETgR3aMI9_XnFrxodupSEIdpd92R_abSO/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4flSrX9Q6K8P5VyqadiSwtcem1guqBeackGiuTezhsmDGcFMPhpzUexfocVvUBu7h5KH8p7qReof6cASEYAf6McUuLZz1UylGAlNd7zBbgvETgR3aMI9_XnFrxodupSEIdpd92R_abSO/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEIZMfGhupfFfasn6toC-ycZViC-A40o8L8vrEnBg8-pEri1rlgWCDjuVfeQ7Des4zb9jSk_Pvbc_fWswYQ62PzGcCsvjnl_CFuOEpwdLwOODHUV7v82IAwHjy-DJqi4RZydVKSpSnItM/s1600/IMG_6926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEIZMfGhupfFfasn6toC-ycZViC-A40o8L8vrEnBg8-pEri1rlgWCDjuVfeQ7Des4zb9jSk_Pvbc_fWswYQ62PzGcCsvjnl_CFuOEpwdLwOODHUV7v82IAwHjy-DJqi4RZydVKSpSnItM/s1600/IMG_6926.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedkrXDIZUzdIYTV9kFgNeBCDlYo2htykZM_qqfSPatNbWD7xitPBr-E1IOmeMFAvpGBFFVb9BkyduGxxI_4r4UxSGjRa-mPQlg1GIH0LjMaYISP5iFejYU95vsScUcf0z6v8P1FUmcF6a/s1600/IMG_6936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedkrXDIZUzdIYTV9kFgNeBCDlYo2htykZM_qqfSPatNbWD7xitPBr-E1IOmeMFAvpGBFFVb9BkyduGxxI_4r4UxSGjRa-mPQlg1GIH0LjMaYISP5iFejYU95vsScUcf0z6v8P1FUmcF6a/s1600/IMG_6936.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
School!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSIFOmBY1H8u4kfVTfJlXMtAaueSh73Bwb3FS_g0-mvET_w9b-sPZAy4p2OsQtCZXMc5FtB3sEt3wHWmSdJmHyF9vOm_kTifFbFuGN0EQ6xcfwd9yGYjq7xvuoiPbnPh2SYWYcWRANoP4/s1600/IMG_6937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSIFOmBY1H8u4kfVTfJlXMtAaueSh73Bwb3FS_g0-mvET_w9b-sPZAy4p2OsQtCZXMc5FtB3sEt3wHWmSdJmHyF9vOm_kTifFbFuGN0EQ6xcfwd9yGYjq7xvuoiPbnPh2SYWYcWRANoP4/s1600/IMG_6937.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7ZNZO1BfuDLM2EuJy8wc94HiADAqpgnqUbWgXA_LzXBevcAmewEzMMW3En4UOT7RjWUJO1qjq5c33huEEcfwSLac9TgH23HNUeHc_k7s_epKFv0WmOK_vAYnlEwIw7feHrZjvm8lXZzo/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7ZNZO1BfuDLM2EuJy8wc94HiADAqpgnqUbWgXA_LzXBevcAmewEzMMW3En4UOT7RjWUJO1qjq5c33huEEcfwSLac9TgH23HNUeHc_k7s_epKFv0WmOK_vAYnlEwIw7feHrZjvm8lXZzo/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(she's a lefty)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbQ8c6_UOpgKYCDeP_gSR8htAhKLWgXi9I9rhD0WOZ0BGI_IWw7fHcC931SRINhkY6BqawAND-En0XJRDtR4wqqHepS2BT3yaQPX4BZiy-KRbYVFOTLs-skN1sIApp3TgkotVb6TIYK2l/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbQ8c6_UOpgKYCDeP_gSR8htAhKLWgXi9I9rhD0WOZ0BGI_IWw7fHcC931SRINhkY6BqawAND-En0XJRDtR4wqqHepS2BT3yaQPX4BZiy-KRbYVFOTLs-skN1sIApp3TgkotVb6TIYK2l/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never thought there would be a pink potty in our bathroom!</div>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-79561749176005956182014-01-07T00:52:00.002-06:002014-01-07T00:52:36.332-06:00Badger's 11th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2OuoqKskDHfOkkzKj_DnRIHBD_YWd_V8KgRvl1_gXAb7IEHLw12wCHZ1cUB6iu2oTHIbk44W-4m3mCXyT22MxAm05xb-hO4H4mvqqTSjdrOHpb3EJgy2LWSob1ngJY8quQAEzc28sPhj/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2OuoqKskDHfOkkzKj_DnRIHBD_YWd_V8KgRvl1_gXAb7IEHLw12wCHZ1cUB6iu2oTHIbk44W-4m3mCXyT22MxAm05xb-hO4H4mvqqTSjdrOHpb3EJgy2LWSob1ngJY8quQAEzc28sPhj/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the blink of an eye......the boy has turned Eleven. 11!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We celebrated by having a party with his friends. I am so glad we have this awesome group of boys for our boys to grow up with! They are truly some of the best boys ever!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWHvyEndzEKsbHJdyB4CxsR6ylnsxxIxLgBHYNHq_JxV0emRbDxB-Z-Zy6krob0L7fPsmfHxF6ScMI98jvX9rFfmRx2Zoo7P7-_cHHg5FV_yvouFVGw3xnvHHX4JLqTT8GRMzug7oXgBm/s1600/IMG_7066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWHvyEndzEKsbHJdyB4CxsR6ylnsxxIxLgBHYNHq_JxV0emRbDxB-Z-Zy6krob0L7fPsmfHxF6ScMI98jvX9rFfmRx2Zoo7P7-_cHHg5FV_yvouFVGw3xnvHHX4JLqTT8GRMzug7oXgBm/s1600/IMG_7066.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvQDIRm61COdQ_0Uag25C0kAJcz78Vi5Peoar8Lti8C5AByfnYhkJ8vlEDhxlUIlmJ486GlzU2uh5Aajg5WQLmbICLGc8wCkOcl_7hWNkiLcODIyVfmLfC9pFJm-PzhAgMxFrWmvMu-hp/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvQDIRm61COdQ_0Uag25C0kAJcz78Vi5Peoar8Lti8C5AByfnYhkJ8vlEDhxlUIlmJ486GlzU2uh5Aajg5WQLmbICLGc8wCkOcl_7hWNkiLcODIyVfmLfC9pFJm-PzhAgMxFrWmvMu-hp/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Love these boys! Love my boy! He is becoming a young man before my very eyes and it's wonderful and scary and beautiful all at the same time. I am amazed at how tender and fun he can be with his baby sister. How much he naturally leads our other boys. How thoughtful he can be towards me during our days. (hey mom...do you need some help?) I love it that he plows through books of all sorts. How he is learning self discipline by taking care of his school stuff in his own independent way. I love it that he loves math! (pre -algebra this year) That he loves to draw! And can play piano pretty well already. Can't wait to see what else God has planned for you this next year dear boy. We love you so very much.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-62997098045677248212013-08-20T21:28:00.003-05:002013-08-21T14:51:52.261-05:00Flower's Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4Rvlwu7cG0JOgyltvlBFEF6wOjH4kfcHQmZRessq_1wm3lu6PcXcXw6bx2Q40KFPNJ0-6vyzMluZo6NViBSVoKifxOnQitwAMWkwmyk33JYZZC-OdM3l2dv2VootQYieWkHJjtWg_PwH/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4Rvlwu7cG0JOgyltvlBFEF6wOjH4kfcHQmZRessq_1wm3lu6PcXcXw6bx2Q40KFPNJ0-6vyzMluZo6NViBSVoKifxOnQitwAMWkwmyk33JYZZC-OdM3l2dv2VootQYieWkHJjtWg_PwH/s400/IMG_6584.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
Our little Flower has turned one. (yes it was awhile ago...but I am taking the time now that I didn't have just then, to update here for posterity's sake....some day she might read this and I want her to know how special and adored she is by us!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPgcrSNLZR7hW6noWBsgo9p5vedR-UVVnyKwX48IakGC38CsTRgaH_vo39tjJYrbVg8uoaPgYGeWLwTi3XITlNbgLHC5MlIFNUsEcgnn6NkTz7yDUkGgzYPAT3K3G4PVS36Ak_u6wCvHO/s1600/IMG_6587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPgcrSNLZR7hW6noWBsgo9p5vedR-UVVnyKwX48IakGC38CsTRgaH_vo39tjJYrbVg8uoaPgYGeWLwTi3XITlNbgLHC5MlIFNUsEcgnn6NkTz7yDUkGgzYPAT3K3G4PVS36Ak_u6wCvHO/s400/IMG_6587.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Opening presents with Papa. (who is apparently always eating an apple)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHgbk0wBvcMoAQTdSQKKYnkkyN4p2VbxABjlhYyVBQdX388zXKO-lsA__OpSUTuCBbKHJyVcW30EwBglxWv-zfJ105_5Y0jLLnlnfAHG_QOjsZW-ypn1OROeKwlVnK15rUh8mrFoHo0uF/s1600/IMG_6593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHgbk0wBvcMoAQTdSQKKYnkkyN4p2VbxABjlhYyVBQdX388zXKO-lsA__OpSUTuCBbKHJyVcW30EwBglxWv-zfJ105_5Y0jLLnlnfAHG_QOjsZW-ypn1OROeKwlVnK15rUh8mrFoHo0uF/s400/IMG_6593.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
You were so excited when you opened your little wooden grocery cart! Oh my goodness was it adorable! You knew just what to do with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3WfTau80UsA2vQs66Zfsz5XBFw282KoV0K0TYyVUr6m5WI8NlDoS5S0ntjpqBARJ4_kc30s1EryjCirOuViO3w9qnwi9Y8Htz2vB5mUvdd9EmGRPD6gIcd7NiURLObkThV7cVLJGG9pq/s1600/IMG_6595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3WfTau80UsA2vQs66Zfsz5XBFw282KoV0K0TYyVUr6m5WI8NlDoS5S0ntjpqBARJ4_kc30s1EryjCirOuViO3w9qnwi9Y8Htz2vB5mUvdd9EmGRPD6gIcd7NiURLObkThV7cVLJGG9pq/s400/IMG_6595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp6wkOMlUmk2HaunJAwiknbsBTqxvLY5f-rHaHJlxpBEwrDHAtMQotoLomraXQyszjwrPz2_btV1Whuym246dWYkNXFDpMmuu5j_iUNhVVj8yMPkjfK-3Vl45maZQzWa5GeFV_ZcR0LGx/s1600/IMG_6596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp6wkOMlUmk2HaunJAwiknbsBTqxvLY5f-rHaHJlxpBEwrDHAtMQotoLomraXQyszjwrPz2_btV1Whuym246dWYkNXFDpMmuu5j_iUNhVVj8yMPkjfK-3Vl45maZQzWa5GeFV_ZcR0LGx/s400/IMG_6596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Your smile is the best thing in my day. You are such a bundle of energy! Mastering walking just a week or so after your birthday, and climbing everything you can find! You are funny and sweet. Cuddly. Kind. You love your doggie, Millie. (especially sneaking food to her from your chair) You love baths. You adore your brothers. Love sitting in laps for stories. You light up when Papa comes home from work and are his special little sweetheart. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G2sPSVrkbb4e3l2R08QNawqInCAGbltMI0Erd7h-Z7-tjRI6R9xX10RJt3wUZYo2gBy0IGVCsOHl1zN0xPxcv9EpAUc7PtROpFWKxngq-y2-kP0aJZoyx8e85QSMv1vcQFZh9TcWgZY3/s1600/IMG_6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G2sPSVrkbb4e3l2R08QNawqInCAGbltMI0Erd7h-Z7-tjRI6R9xX10RJt3wUZYo2gBy0IGVCsOHl1zN0xPxcv9EpAUc7PtROpFWKxngq-y2-kP0aJZoyx8e85QSMv1vcQFZh9TcWgZY3/s400/IMG_6614.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Your spunk is contagious! I am so blessed to have you in my life. So grateful to be your Mama. I love you more than I can express. My sweet girl. My Flower. (named so, here on the blog, because she loves flowers like her mama and picks them whenever she can. oi!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ-Plq42B8YF_iVqv5WfYHeeOtUbgsofPXUXbnpJm-WCz5xgzVdQCpxKHP0wu1OlLZuzCyn9gIYNJRIMHFP6TI03BzQrsjh4GWIqP4xE_yNitHxMdMUyGGN97SE9JNRiXB5WEp0VrgDTH/s1600/IMG_6728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ-Plq42B8YF_iVqv5WfYHeeOtUbgsofPXUXbnpJm-WCz5xgzVdQCpxKHP0wu1OlLZuzCyn9gIYNJRIMHFP6TI03BzQrsjh4GWIqP4xE_yNitHxMdMUyGGN97SE9JNRiXB5WEp0VrgDTH/s1600/IMG_6728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ-Plq42B8YF_iVqv5WfYHeeOtUbgsofPXUXbnpJm-WCz5xgzVdQCpxKHP0wu1OlLZuzCyn9gIYNJRIMHFP6TI03BzQrsjh4GWIqP4xE_yNitHxMdMUyGGN97SE9JNRiXB5WEp0VrgDTH/s400/IMG_6728.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our little dear. </div>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-49288025833543329402013-05-22T21:47:00.002-05:002013-05-22T21:49:35.305-05:00Little Owl Turns 7!Seven years ago, with long braids in my hair, J by my side, and our dear midwife cheering me on, I gave birth to this beautiful boy. He was such a gorgeous baby. He has had those dark lashes, you know, the ones you notice first thing when you met him, since he was born. They placed him on my chest and I was in love. I remember he immediately started scooting (all 23 inches of him!) towards my breast. He was determined from birth!<br />
<br />
Now...he is still the most beautiful little boy. His determination is of the quiet sort. He has big feelings. If he shares them with you, I hope you realize how special that is, because he chooses these things carefully. He has a truly soft heart and is quite clever. (his smarts are tucked away too....so it's not the first thing you notice) He reminds me so much of J. His personality. Yet, people who knew me as a girl say he is the spitting image of me.<br />
<br />
Little Owl, we love you just the way you are! You are so special to us! And I'm so glad we get to be on this adventure with you. I'm so glad you share your heart with me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLF3j9iFcu-NiEV-vdkdevnzxqhBhNP-onK5c1dkmpGjotd4nSu9h98FKJIwDJsoR4v9WAa8ALBsRbsNbCl2ZCHL9eRVLigsm0WSyMRDs1oynrcV99Le4Vhp8pGpzSVG6sdJ3sIsV4rNh/s1600/IMG_5916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLF3j9iFcu-NiEV-vdkdevnzxqhBhNP-onK5c1dkmpGjotd4nSu9h98FKJIwDJsoR4v9WAa8ALBsRbsNbCl2ZCHL9eRVLigsm0WSyMRDs1oynrcV99Le4Vhp8pGpzSVG6sdJ3sIsV4rNh/s400/IMG_5916.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His thoughtful look.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAPi4XqzTIdbiSaI-OwSCaxTwWQEUniYHErci5Ay6hZwjIa-sNeDk4qHQumgSD4LhDtpEi8Wc7809AxGhrmVJ1P2TufZ5xFZg3A5SMiyKqEX32r-HOuBS3kkv6YeNLcwl2tqgYBlcVS9y/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAPi4XqzTIdbiSaI-OwSCaxTwWQEUniYHErci5Ay6hZwjIa-sNeDk4qHQumgSD4LhDtpEi8Wc7809AxGhrmVJ1P2TufZ5xFZg3A5SMiyKqEX32r-HOuBS3kkv6YeNLcwl2tqgYBlcVS9y/s400/IMG_6550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His "smile for the camera" smile.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zs3lyJNWBDi-P_VglBsZOpJ6f9Zba3X3YFdJ7538YcQMcTBwCVn0OTM0ePGLrY297SCUCd-al20d_-eZ48kEs63R6YLnFpCVR_m_FbewYGgZ1ShMdRlp5zgcEnNdWojMIHKWGjdoNOGs/s1600/IMG_6586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zs3lyJNWBDi-P_VglBsZOpJ6f9Zba3X3YFdJ7538YcQMcTBwCVn0OTM0ePGLrY297SCUCd-al20d_-eZ48kEs63R6YLnFpCVR_m_FbewYGgZ1ShMdRlp5zgcEnNdWojMIHKWGjdoNOGs/s400/IMG_6586.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
He was so excited for his birthday! I actually got a photo with his true smile for a change! Voila!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtNAYGrDXGeo8HFvXLYIUkcHmNBXD7A6L7TZ5LwcRsAlPKmxKSwQObAWtgiOUx0iPBSSADHAw_40kZ84cuduJ16jrg2sNpC82zUcj00khFGhm7DZmW_zPC8UP0l57xYRznzsobY7V56V7/s1600/IMG_6554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtNAYGrDXGeo8HFvXLYIUkcHmNBXD7A6L7TZ5LwcRsAlPKmxKSwQObAWtgiOUx0iPBSSADHAw_40kZ84cuduJ16jrg2sNpC82zUcj00khFGhm7DZmW_zPC8UP0l57xYRznzsobY7V56V7/s400/IMG_6554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Owl is such an awesome brother. He is fun to be around. He is loyal. Spunky. Funny. He lets Hen wrestle him. He loves to build with his big brothers. He loves one on one time with J or me, which he spends chatting to us about anything and everything. He loves little A, and I think, is really quite fond of being a big brother to a little girl. She adores him, so it makes it easier!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dagcuVWxtkNxwhFV7SIljZWl1E9z310m29_abs9jxiInZZtKA6by6HY_9VvO-vSCzpfSk0ScbAz2nfs4whe7cOFfCay-ZhX18HaOuzRI2JwPwfjdtpKTqyiEB60R-tvUPy4AyBKry49L/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dagcuVWxtkNxwhFV7SIljZWl1E9z310m29_abs9jxiInZZtKA6by6HY_9VvO-vSCzpfSk0ScbAz2nfs4whe7cOFfCay-ZhX18HaOuzRI2JwPwfjdtpKTqyiEB60R-tvUPy4AyBKry49L/s400/IMG_6571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
His cake request this year...."Mom, I want a zebra cake!" Um...okay! This one was made out of a giant sheet cake pan which was cut in half and stacked to make a chocolate layer cake with raspberry filling. (well...if you're going to make cake....you might as well make it worth the effort, right?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIIijPJM1whaJmj5HnWlaF8JG8RcPwjtVvoZdS7Y4jtjCt63PYfZAN5GaZweE_9Jm9iAPXIf_Zdcazvb4gmFKd52fReLR0DvZSwVt_S4LJDEIW8q7m799MhxIYuaNazatLFoDwqY6hlRR/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIIijPJM1whaJmj5HnWlaF8JG8RcPwjtVvoZdS7Y4jtjCt63PYfZAN5GaZweE_9Jm9iAPXIf_Zdcazvb4gmFKd52fReLR0DvZSwVt_S4LJDEIW8q7m799MhxIYuaNazatLFoDwqY6hlRR/s400/IMG_6580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday my boy! We love you ever so much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZhR6V__YSiJ1WfUpjkvY0uL9e_3V6jPha-aeO4NfW1q6vKsPm1mprJh6hlnEPMVlwKGviRw9PJsRcyA4gVYmqUFwFZ5EiwmHDTtl2XUDMD_aLoT2fYcsS1aoZ7_nyqgQMBmD-lmRAoHq/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZhR6V__YSiJ1WfUpjkvY0uL9e_3V6jPha-aeO4NfW1q6vKsPm1mprJh6hlnEPMVlwKGviRw9PJsRcyA4gVYmqUFwFZ5EiwmHDTtl2XUDMD_aLoT2fYcsS1aoZ7_nyqgQMBmD-lmRAoHq/s400/IMG_6617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-68987797946577394472013-04-17T19:00:00.002-05:002013-04-17T19:00:40.195-05:00Cricket is Nine! Our boy just turned nine! NINE! Can you believe it? It was strange enough to have the eldest turn ten, but now that Cricket is nine I am kind of freaked out. It is going so fast! <br />
<br />
We started the weekend (yes weekend!) of celebration with going out for breakfast. His choice was to go to the little cafe up the street for homemade donuts. Good choice, huh? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Z5NsHXpHODe89J_mYH-4cw_3kWnRj3p4tBljL44IobzkQjWJQJvsRZtdfhEfowXUvAX31QECSyzak3m7XwjuIWF2tGXnErJdfQL3sJZHSMvThH1_qxdt0fUd0tfrVgoi9TeBLq4NfjQ/s1600/IMG_6457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Z5NsHXpHODe89J_mYH-4cw_3kWnRj3p4tBljL44IobzkQjWJQJvsRZtdfhEfowXUvAX31QECSyzak3m7XwjuIWF2tGXnErJdfQL3sJZHSMvThH1_qxdt0fUd0tfrVgoi9TeBLq4NfjQ/s400/IMG_6457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
His other idea for the day was unfortunately unobtainable because the weather just did not cooperate with us. He wanted to go hiking....but we went bowling instead. It was fun! Sorry no pictures though. I was too busy holding our little girl who wanted to crawl all over the bowling alley. We ended the day with a cookout, despite the cold weather, and had a cozy supper together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmpeNrqAGr6EWo6GUbW2X6KvO2UYUDqYCxZOKotwumSNPueGz8MRx22bnlqx7nnH_HJiXdqkBKxarLvjd13aP8Ah1zbuV7Xmkn3WLbT4idc64oiVwDAWtrn61H8UwcCna9ZFJqAYVmrwo/s1600/IMG_6466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmpeNrqAGr6EWo6GUbW2X6KvO2UYUDqYCxZOKotwumSNPueGz8MRx22bnlqx7nnH_HJiXdqkBKxarLvjd13aP8Ah1zbuV7Xmkn3WLbT4idc64oiVwDAWtrn61H8UwcCna9ZFJqAYVmrwo/s400/IMG_6466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyEV92wJHpbHu9cgECqC3O-tcpjIaVD_0Br3gXx4-8n5QmFJTyclUuou9AafaEHMsE-A8u1ruJoSSi5O9_I2VxcvdbU2bJABWml66nMHNlEyaCCXWEsRVCmUYqH-tlFgERV3YFqzcsS88/s1600/IMG_6468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyEV92wJHpbHu9cgECqC3O-tcpjIaVD_0Br3gXx4-8n5QmFJTyclUuou9AafaEHMsE-A8u1ruJoSSi5O9_I2VxcvdbU2bJABWml66nMHNlEyaCCXWEsRVCmUYqH-tlFgERV3YFqzcsS88/s400/IMG_6468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Owl wanted to be sure I took a picture of baby A too, and wanted to pose with her. Umm, okay, cutie! J tucked them all into bed, so I could make the birthday cake. Cricket wanted a giant German Chocolate Cake. (with as many layers as you can make mom, okay?) <br />
<br />
The next day we had J's mom and dad over to celebrate. Cricket and Grandpa actually share a birthday so it's extra fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns8W6eUJfsGpqgcJlBnCg7kquyL9hUzbvUXLKkF8sU745sLLoGYsehLXap_p8Qu2sLa_Ran3qAUGPbcqcqgV5dyFL8titWeANS1rgRnmaKlLqEq4iZfeNTRAgtiBYXiaw0z30WiXhtDUA/s1600/IMG_6470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns8W6eUJfsGpqgcJlBnCg7kquyL9hUzbvUXLKkF8sU745sLLoGYsehLXap_p8Qu2sLa_Ran3qAUGPbcqcqgV5dyFL8titWeANS1rgRnmaKlLqEq4iZfeNTRAgtiBYXiaw0z30WiXhtDUA/s400/IMG_6470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Just after he blew out the candles. I tried to get an action shot, but he was too fast for me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLesI8d7jLT8_Cjt0_7_1ijYU6hB-8XwTUjmb-3qj5ZYPMrmW9HmHSOpSOAU9dkbyJiLQ99y1AYrAyj-pk2JgwznakAS-v-QrT0mLw0NxJBSEWoMW70Z9xWBxNcCtTOy13oLvyEvMgVRud/s1600/IMG_6478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLesI8d7jLT8_Cjt0_7_1ijYU6hB-8XwTUjmb-3qj5ZYPMrmW9HmHSOpSOAU9dkbyJiLQ99y1AYrAyj-pk2JgwznakAS-v-QrT0mLw0NxJBSEWoMW70Z9xWBxNcCtTOy13oLvyEvMgVRud/s400/IMG_6478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Badger made Grandpa one of his famous pop-up cards. I love it that he loves to make cards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZtuw1iZKHssbFwUEfJCBPcWBN0Oq_f5_dyZYqmjvKdh16X4BeAckwDpXkHYtN73XYPvKd5J4CwkGvVFNbHZockVggKxrqYMrtgryuj1zYVOizkv8FLRLp4TbgcHtSClQokBAThtGcXW0/s1600/IMG_6481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZtuw1iZKHssbFwUEfJCBPcWBN0Oq_f5_dyZYqmjvKdh16X4BeAckwDpXkHYtN73XYPvKd5J4CwkGvVFNbHZockVggKxrqYMrtgryuj1zYVOizkv8FLRLp4TbgcHtSClQokBAThtGcXW0/s400/IMG_6481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And here is my brilliant boy, patiently enduring the challenge of being watched while he tries to read his birthday card. I won't say more about that right now, except that I am constantly amazed with how this boy deals with challenges. He amazes me. He always gives the other person the benefit of the doubt, he is forgiving. He loves to play! And is happy and busy and just fun to be around! He also is amazingly smart and has a soft heart. I couldn't be prouder of him. I am so blessed to be his mama. I can see his little new baby face the day that he was born forever in my memory like it was yesterday. And although he's growing up faster than I ever imagined I am so excited to see what God has in store for him! I love you my son. (And papa does too. So much!) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GkD_BF9NiWkRjk5POLqqWRb3b9iNRUDiWjEMgCHUj2DI7WT86NR2srJ6Z68Rrx_HBX1zmNlLfuYw5GTyyD2kfaPek_XPoCPYYr9mUu-zRMxL7-4M9JlNCdKlITkzhiprujMMNO-nYgc0/s1600/IMG_6483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GkD_BF9NiWkRjk5POLqqWRb3b9iNRUDiWjEMgCHUj2DI7WT86NR2srJ6Z68Rrx_HBX1zmNlLfuYw5GTyyD2kfaPek_XPoCPYYr9mUu-zRMxL7-4M9JlNCdKlITkzhiprujMMNO-nYgc0/s400/IMG_6483.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday!</div>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-28889424624338225702013-04-10T17:24:00.000-05:002013-04-10T18:50:29.838-05:00Being Creative If you could take a snapshot of us these days it would be an action shot. It'd be of two or more of us gathered together making something. Faces smiling. Right in the midst of a creative project. Undoubtedly the background would be messy, because who can keep up with all the chores when there is glorious creativity happening! We've been doing a lot of this....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzBpsuL-pd94eV4G9djlzcPVJg9XV2VpQMfOdw_5o3Af2gFpZgNojvZSXXuz3kChay__hHdxMPiFuSJb7Q2S0uoLPVsAwcDhvJ_vxVAwwJJ34T4oNMvAdiIMwVEjidGlxohlV_VnKhMiU/s1600/IMG_6413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzBpsuL-pd94eV4G9djlzcPVJg9XV2VpQMfOdw_5o3Af2gFpZgNojvZSXXuz3kChay__hHdxMPiFuSJb7Q2S0uoLPVsAwcDhvJ_vxVAwwJJ34T4oNMvAdiIMwVEjidGlxohlV_VnKhMiU/s400/IMG_6413.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Actually J and I have been playing music together at our church. It's been really great to do it together and we enjoy making music together so very much! The little lady is totally into the guitar, and in love with her papa, so sitting in his lap with the guitar is the best thing ever as far as she's concerned. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLyc2h2F0vHI0HOQ9mJe1Mmn9KsFpvZAeTIyAimqYk7cSCjIOsSHq8uXrLCZTrTiD8hkRBSvreyg6LW5RH8F_S81y7Hr-QKsaXTAJtksKYG9RS6WEmFjwfj_J8XuNdm620CvbH0sXBnr6/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLyc2h2F0vHI0HOQ9mJe1Mmn9KsFpvZAeTIyAimqYk7cSCjIOsSHq8uXrLCZTrTiD8hkRBSvreyg6LW5RH8F_S81y7Hr-QKsaXTAJtksKYG9RS6WEmFjwfj_J8XuNdm620CvbH0sXBnr6/s400/IMG_6414.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
We've also been trying new things. This year for Easter we dyed our eggs with onion skins. It was really easy. We decided to just put the onion skins (that we had been saving for a few weeks) into the pot with the eggs while they were boiling. We drew on them first with white crayons to make some designs. When they were done cooking they were a lovely shade of orange.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpUgcMbrli4mhN157AxQo8Eo5-3xbm7FKEtxNYUG_b5W-mDMWgFPBB1osEVGsALpXLRN0ypqd71v8UPAQwK9ldj13XXf1RhRCSUbELCUunN-hgqS_RY6XyzOMQVW-X-Bxp32w351Ta4Zv/s1600/IMG_6416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpUgcMbrli4mhN157AxQo8Eo5-3xbm7FKEtxNYUG_b5W-mDMWgFPBB1osEVGsALpXLRN0ypqd71v8UPAQwK9ldj13XXf1RhRCSUbELCUunN-hgqS_RY6XyzOMQVW-X-Bxp32w351Ta4Zv/s400/IMG_6416.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
What? You think that doesn't look like eggs in the pot? Well...that's because I just couldn't throw that beautiful orange water away so I added some vinegar and some yarn! Then I let it dry and now it's a lovely shade of orange too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTg0fuTQSVI1zeVhLZ7-umrNCaHFxJmvbjPN_JkbXEhMgDAS9-EztE9qh81Tch9jrWmLbJmr0IrmOxxMEnSr5AFcBY5ZDGaD2ZGM201sx1nS4Ng9JmCBM5POqo58uOMxXkefzl9lj4PxK/s1600/IMG_6420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTg0fuTQSVI1zeVhLZ7-umrNCaHFxJmvbjPN_JkbXEhMgDAS9-EztE9qh81Tch9jrWmLbJmr0IrmOxxMEnSr5AFcBY5ZDGaD2ZGM201sx1nS4Ng9JmCBM5POqo58uOMxXkefzl9lj4PxK/s400/IMG_6420.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We've been making lots of sentences. Lots. And you can't tell in the photo but he actually thinks it's really fun. Tons of words on cards, one sunny, soft spot on the rug and one happy boy making sentences with crazy words. He usually makes them nonsensical because he can. And it's fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpgKxBHT70t8vIpOBHL4GNJkcnc7jgz1yjc1PxxnhUZNo56ZevxaE6QlhZMaHCbBFyIIxXe0qey4tm-RTzcD2BYcIRYpOGtZ5qajFK1TqA8VYS1g3W2kwXWIopMgsXBQ1Fzif-hcUK3Ze/s1600/IMG_6422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpgKxBHT70t8vIpOBHL4GNJkcnc7jgz1yjc1PxxnhUZNo56ZevxaE6QlhZMaHCbBFyIIxXe0qey4tm-RTzcD2BYcIRYpOGtZ5qajFK1TqA8VYS1g3W2kwXWIopMgsXBQ1Fzif-hcUK3Ze/s400/IMG_6422.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As it warms up outside I am feeling the rush of "hurry up and finish knitting everything you want to" because soon it will be planting season. Followed by weeding season. And then if we're lucky harvest season. I finished making baby A some little ruffled diaper covers. Here's one in cream wool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9IoEg0AZjflR-TxP4vzoIFTNEVRFL7hUxEiqTtQ94ZHtdG-sPiyX4sZAXQc5BT2DIBnFc20JgLLB5eZx_04yliaJoLB4OUpUc-B72hNxkPXW0ApCI7XKHsp-j_-yC4oTQ-BFUCTijgoC/s1600/IMG_6426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9IoEg0AZjflR-TxP4vzoIFTNEVRFL7hUxEiqTtQ94ZHtdG-sPiyX4sZAXQc5BT2DIBnFc20JgLLB5eZx_04yliaJoLB4OUpUc-B72hNxkPXW0ApCI7XKHsp-j_-yC4oTQ-BFUCTijgoC/s400/IMG_6426.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMlMGAKw_SevDK-SQv7MHKuSF98II26Ye6ORmGTOix2Fqc46jpnSl4E7OSb1HczNoZABbhxRGCVk6TCYKdlFueUwNI2Q_2dbWkBm9YUrpsNUeJAkdGUlB4JsTKbt5NNvOR_mF1gFzSSUN/s1600/IMG_6427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMlMGAKw_SevDK-SQv7MHKuSF98II26Ye6ORmGTOix2Fqc46jpnSl4E7OSb1HczNoZABbhxRGCVk6TCYKdlFueUwNI2Q_2dbWkBm9YUrpsNUeJAkdGUlB4JsTKbt5NNvOR_mF1gFzSSUN/s400/IMG_6427.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you see how she stands on her tippy toes?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_eIDiesjpFSdWZiXuTR0fNIdV_Ca1C4YHwZEpTd2qt04STaqumrj5b5wWhOZlpUQ3dDV5vGcb2f_pPVzJAydMu45fXYnU2hluwkwfYO62ei9mG5Ql0IQJf3MkSwZyp7qbHmu_oG9PZg8/s1600/IMG_6435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_eIDiesjpFSdWZiXuTR0fNIdV_Ca1C4YHwZEpTd2qt04STaqumrj5b5wWhOZlpUQ3dDV5vGcb2f_pPVzJAydMu45fXYnU2hluwkwfYO62ei9mG5Ql0IQJf3MkSwZyp7qbHmu_oG9PZg8/s400/IMG_6435.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, I haven't cut her hair yet. That's just how it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_z451Ofi23esjLGnKfh45EU0fxEFmLO88X14i7ydXGJ6xXbcbEG5a1SMGZ3_8ygxbVCatam_eGOmOcin1s0J1ZZGrBBjldb69XMi0V5r06stDLebgB2dmFoUg2YotgjXZ9DJGHfVoJ2V/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_z451Ofi23esjLGnKfh45EU0fxEFmLO88X14i7ydXGJ6xXbcbEG5a1SMGZ3_8ygxbVCatam_eGOmOcin1s0J1ZZGrBBjldb69XMi0V5r06stDLebgB2dmFoUg2YotgjXZ9DJGHfVoJ2V/s400/IMG_6442.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I also finished making another bookmark. This one is a Scottish Thistle! For a friend of mine who is getting ready to move to Scotland.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxQ1-l58HRZD3ZB0jbqCidAWBuqOe0J1_6XgZ4zKcbcpbk2aswDUVKKTBa-f9uv0YNHZk91P22gc6BfkGPz7PUSnVwIkBlgelOp1lpsB9ikiMmFdBeJJe0JmXN-IXNKNMhsZ5eT-LeUuu/s1600/IMG_6452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxQ1-l58HRZD3ZB0jbqCidAWBuqOe0J1_6XgZ4zKcbcpbk2aswDUVKKTBa-f9uv0YNHZk91P22gc6BfkGPz7PUSnVwIkBlgelOp1lpsB9ikiMmFdBeJJe0JmXN-IXNKNMhsZ5eT-LeUuu/s400/IMG_6452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And all of this creating leaves us feeling pretty much like this... Happy. Filled up. Together.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlLWiVm7ZnMeR17Rb3Tk_Ixu9b1sSBx8aL8LsMIa_cYGPweHKgyE6VMs7CRS-TNOrOlu7d737XRDO-KP1nra-JyDwIyyTpFbV6-8N9jOl46IKLp8O4jzfMKNtz4JGqZaq_LEXaj7rxGc6/s1600/IMG_6424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlLWiVm7ZnMeR17Rb3Tk_Ixu9b1sSBx8aL8LsMIa_cYGPweHKgyE6VMs7CRS-TNOrOlu7d737XRDO-KP1nra-JyDwIyyTpFbV6-8N9jOl46IKLp8O4jzfMKNtz4JGqZaq_LEXaj7rxGc6/s400/IMG_6424.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-89459181388242916802013-04-01T19:30:00.000-05:002013-04-01T19:35:06.534-05:00This Last Week....Life just keeps going, doesn't it? We have had a busy week, but it's been fun! And maybe even a little productive too. :) Here's what we've been up to..... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqlq-6lRYKxOKKrJCimlFSq6Gnratfout3AiJNuvUn-Q8lQL81vCHFUtddRFd61VO5Qa93RGbFuj-wBY_bG1Gv0L6kVHvtP5XWOjWm870kBH5bQf3dWVwFrsKmHPkydZOn5OfjCv3vIEN/s1600/IMG_6336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqlq-6lRYKxOKKrJCimlFSq6Gnratfout3AiJNuvUn-Q8lQL81vCHFUtddRFd61VO5Qa93RGbFuj-wBY_bG1Gv0L6kVHvtP5XWOjWm870kBH5bQf3dWVwFrsKmHPkydZOn5OfjCv3vIEN/s400/IMG_6336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Badger and The Little Lady are the best of friends. He is the first one she looks for in the morning. She says his name! And he is so patient and good with her. He loves to make her giggle and I think he is enjoying his first experience with a little girl adoring him. It's really fun to see their sibling relationship develop. I'm loving it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvnW6jNaqQNDja0mBWfFq1CCadAtoWhdzJFjIWH1pZeDM7jq6CE2TY-_8cYS6jODXNlmCwWEXNipKSrGmox8ziIPlmXdWQKTb5IAaUVO2vcTcUCjaoVrMpG0XKLJTUxV70zKU8T2jm9gw/s1600/IMG_6338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvnW6jNaqQNDja0mBWfFq1CCadAtoWhdzJFjIWH1pZeDM7jq6CE2TY-_8cYS6jODXNlmCwWEXNipKSrGmox8ziIPlmXdWQKTb5IAaUVO2vcTcUCjaoVrMpG0XKLJTUxV70zKU8T2jm9gw/s400/IMG_6338.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is all cuteness.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPq48Fq_EJa-m2z70gjp6oNT0k5VBcyNQtD6pCHg4mF2cLYG2GfxjZfhUTV-7phIInMSbo5pmSsZ7i51zR1wBHOj8V5LhfeY4RLxumATJs447ukpZrQEDHQgErzypIHZION35j4Q8ceJl/s1600/IMG_6340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPq48Fq_EJa-m2z70gjp6oNT0k5VBcyNQtD6pCHg4mF2cLYG2GfxjZfhUTV-7phIInMSbo5pmSsZ7i51zR1wBHOj8V5LhfeY4RLxumATJs447ukpZrQEDHQgErzypIHZION35j4Q8ceJl/s400/IMG_6340.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT7MUDl-BZ2h0LWqrjK9XRJWUweUHag_FvkCAVzmCJEJEHA5PQ38WqNO74QxpmUUAwkuabyu2cz-xmCf69KU0QBATie_n76_4bZ2VcQVjHGX544gK61tjtqB6CpOj148IHlbcpMpmvOaQ/s1600/IMG_6342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT7MUDl-BZ2h0LWqrjK9XRJWUweUHag_FvkCAVzmCJEJEHA5PQ38WqNO74QxpmUUAwkuabyu2cz-xmCf69KU0QBATie_n76_4bZ2VcQVjHGX544gK61tjtqB6CpOj148IHlbcpMpmvOaQ/s400/IMG_6342.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She has the sweetest expressions....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8v6mHyG-vTIqK46mKQX0WtbhSnRNvsv6MvVfqP9lkXuMF8bLNTy5PeebJT6moYLyBQ3voazEE5bCHcu0fsHm-ZDVEwCRtn4iK6h-pwL1ooyfDWg_Ys7fYFtBDYjRHrVMJaBgCRqptbza/s1600/IMG_6351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8v6mHyG-vTIqK46mKQX0WtbhSnRNvsv6MvVfqP9lkXuMF8bLNTy5PeebJT6moYLyBQ3voazEE5bCHcu0fsHm-ZDVEwCRtn4iK6h-pwL1ooyfDWg_Ys7fYFtBDYjRHrVMJaBgCRqptbza/s400/IMG_6351.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdd8urHpcS_OXnT4WNvjAmNcUeSheQlLkRWnOzvbs4OS83g1TDewkZyZfk-pVwQsutzvCVh516Ine1F_uci7m1B02h3ZRf0CxTg7iXvcbM9MhJFp10DG-t54pjx2EZoTqvn9vlkxVE3h6/s1600/IMG_6356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdd8urHpcS_OXnT4WNvjAmNcUeSheQlLkRWnOzvbs4OS83g1TDewkZyZfk-pVwQsutzvCVh516Ine1F_uci7m1B02h3ZRf0CxTg7iXvcbM9MhJFp10DG-t54pjx2EZoTqvn9vlkxVE3h6/s400/IMG_6356.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qQIkvmF2Ms0ObtHiiNFBb3vICrrDmCTYCw6BsgIicd0Avmtis6_YcGSgH3jzzNiiWdo8QJyOx5YxE2tFPgnDOgsQOEL5hHO54pebLh_3qsjpsi7lQrl1GHrRhgZK2uVhtoGTN8XNyIc/s1600/IMG_6371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qQIkvmF2Ms0ObtHiiNFBb3vICrrDmCTYCw6BsgIicd0Avmtis6_YcGSgH3jzzNiiWdo8QJyOx5YxE2tFPgnDOgsQOEL5hHO54pebLh_3qsjpsi7lQrl1GHrRhgZK2uVhtoGTN8XNyIc/s400/IMG_6371.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And she has started eating Cheerios. Which is so fun. She loves to eat and is super sensory with touching and mouthing everything. I literally save her from certain death several times a day, because she puts everything in her mouth. And though I watch her without leaving her at all, it is really hard to keep all the little pieces out of reach with four big brothers. Today I found a teeny, tiny rock in her mouth! And I had just vacuumed! Anyway....she is my little monkey.... I am smitten.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJBGqwBbqgO3Re8PbLXPjD7ThZY9C3sQlUzUy-WFJbpi9peUimwHuIp3wNxshVs1IxiZv9O-0dR_HqefZx71g16xXKZ4xXM1xJLEFleEel0f1MzkKXtPRYWC9b6zUSl3vrrqHAe4BvrEU/s1600/IMG_6380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJBGqwBbqgO3Re8PbLXPjD7ThZY9C3sQlUzUy-WFJbpi9peUimwHuIp3wNxshVs1IxiZv9O-0dR_HqefZx71g16xXKZ4xXM1xJLEFleEel0f1MzkKXtPRYWC9b6zUSl3vrrqHAe4BvrEU/s400/IMG_6380.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And I'm not sure if you can see it in this picture, but she just got her one top tooth! <br />
<br />
Also this week....we made spring cutout cookies. It's getting more fun as the boys are more able in the kitchen. I mixed up the dough while they did school and then let them have at it. They rolled the dough and cut it mostly by themselves. Then the next day I frosted while they decorated. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-GtOpBRNG6TgIRh8V5sjfEhjtQZXAAwdHzzF_XWNRfk8D85b8RmP4Amq1DHGTaEzzsE2mGA546FCqlTFDctOISJsfwER1ocyukZYTA4QgDSf2iLEyKEpNxjickJNPS0tArZnBkuiTs1x/s1600/IMG_6346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-GtOpBRNG6TgIRh8V5sjfEhjtQZXAAwdHzzF_XWNRfk8D85b8RmP4Amq1DHGTaEzzsE2mGA546FCqlTFDctOISJsfwER1ocyukZYTA4QgDSf2iLEyKEpNxjickJNPS0tArZnBkuiTs1x/s400/IMG_6346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Look at those goofy smiles. We were having a fun time. And I didn't think of it until I saw this picture, but Badger was reading an encyclopedia about the Revolutionary War (i think it was volume 4) while decorating cookies. That's normal right? This kid still plows through books faster than I can provide them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMfcnP2I6kPhQLRIDHTAZEcWwWHSzISPh1_5OHEO0RzYXEH-3GBpD4Lu9K3ARGqbcUCPePAJR3If4Pdy8UeICigugN4jQDAHLELBYABaccKhlwULdCWkAi2_3jCun13cunwQLOsM8JyZb/s1600/IMG_6348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMfcnP2I6kPhQLRIDHTAZEcWwWHSzISPh1_5OHEO0RzYXEH-3GBpD4Lu9K3ARGqbcUCPePAJR3If4Pdy8UeICigugN4jQDAHLELBYABaccKhlwULdCWkAi2_3jCun13cunwQLOsM8JyZb/s400/IMG_6348.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Also this week, the boys had their first sleepover. Well, first "friend" sleepover. (we get to have our cousins usually once a summer!) It was just two extra boys, but super fun for them. And as you can see although it's supposed to be Spring already, we still have snow! That didn't stop them though from playing out in the sun. They were playing "The Battle of Bunker Hill". And all I have to say about that is, it's really, really good to have other homeschooled boys to be our best buddies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqn7fKXbpeqtqzqbve849x8_JpdAjkXNBzjamGYsYs84EPjM9ke_jGf_Ps5X-MTf1IfLvzMblRNc495igIOjFP2b1qQXaOog84tYvzVv1EN7xisRg_I62xM_tMEyCLz5BuUxuUNjHWqQB/s1600/IMG_6361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqn7fKXbpeqtqzqbve849x8_JpdAjkXNBzjamGYsYs84EPjM9ke_jGf_Ps5X-MTf1IfLvzMblRNc495igIOjFP2b1qQXaOog84tYvzVv1EN7xisRg_I62xM_tMEyCLz5BuUxuUNjHWqQB/s400/IMG_6361.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of the highlights of my week was one morning when I got a bit of alone time with my boy. This one just can't get enough of the outdoors. So while the baby napped, I bribed the eldest boy with a new book to watch her so I could get outside too. We chipped away at the thick ice that still haunts our front yard. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xIpz1bDCquOj4xSRstzujU6dDQdL0SbRHASCpvDILZ-Z7X-aTfuXpg1OPOCXNqz5iYmoVf7sdf70jdYb3tpxDYI-_WArovTfKYoPqgNrnS46pTE8VXEAms8TnprSPtxTbafIF1clH2wZ/s1600/IMG_6383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xIpz1bDCquOj4xSRstzujU6dDQdL0SbRHASCpvDILZ-Z7X-aTfuXpg1OPOCXNqz5iYmoVf7sdf70jdYb3tpxDYI-_WArovTfKYoPqgNrnS46pTE8VXEAms8TnprSPtxTbafIF1clH2wZ/s400/IMG_6383.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We drank some warmth together. This boy loves coffee. (don't worry I only let him have a sip)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrImfyeAh_sGeUrBbQDbWKstT-PuroomD1EYDlRXS_a4XtHbF6c3MgzLAFXv66IaXz9hNPADCTmi6aViXElCspBFge1Y2iJGw5qARgh-dz18tG7qaEulRkRMLVFlH2w9NRtQat-ux68-_B/s1600/IMG_6386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrImfyeAh_sGeUrBbQDbWKstT-PuroomD1EYDlRXS_a4XtHbF6c3MgzLAFXv66IaXz9hNPADCTmi6aViXElCspBFge1Y2iJGw5qARgh-dz18tG7qaEulRkRMLVFlH2w9NRtQat-ux68-_B/s400/IMG_6386.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
We chatted while he lay in the hammock and I pulled ice off the sprouts from the bulbs that are desperately trying to come up through the cold. He told me about his hopes for the Summer and how much he loves his brother. What he wants for his birthday. How he loves that his Papa has been going for long walks with him. This kid is such a dreamer and has such a soft, wistful heart. Of course he is also the one who gets into the most trouble sometimes! But oh how he has my heart!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSSn-OClTEJot5246E23BfyUYD1SURVgb5mJ8ZKt7OyztasHNRryzeKPccyS8bDNveqFfgktX9Z5CUwegHUUyHPR_q6dyTYitUOomQmGKG_UnKEzpJLYvE_qPua0NExcS34KHKqvQbDtm/s1600/IMG_6389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSSn-OClTEJot5246E23BfyUYD1SURVgb5mJ8ZKt7OyztasHNRryzeKPccyS8bDNveqFfgktX9Z5CUwegHUUyHPR_q6dyTYitUOomQmGKG_UnKEzpJLYvE_qPua0NExcS34KHKqvQbDtm/s400/IMG_6389.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb3tN-M8oE1FKSqkINRp3zO7LEMpRBVFUUrMF9rpC9TceiSDQMpLQ9AaIe3bN1Nlibv3tCMbTAjnlG16o5XfDilx8Qr_cmDVTeXjtRB9NYOWxkX25EyEWyMkwhxwnas2nxm7qg3bjQd4k/s1600/IMG_6391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb3tN-M8oE1FKSqkINRp3zO7LEMpRBVFUUrMF9rpC9TceiSDQMpLQ9AaIe3bN1Nlibv3tCMbTAjnlG16o5XfDilx8Qr_cmDVTeXjtRB9NYOWxkX25EyEWyMkwhxwnas2nxm7qg3bjQd4k/s400/IMG_6391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And over the week the ice slowly melted away.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-duXyncHe0Gku6H0PxiOlc5ObwdE_hcOoy-BSWsWaoYUQIBT8P2p5Ffl6j3lFa7dXFTUOIxVtr0g6USBanHMSLwcAgnRePinlLB1NSqNPeB6s_N1TN0iUIztfFGiElWCM9rYOelQgAQC/s1600/IMG_6393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-duXyncHe0Gku6H0PxiOlc5ObwdE_hcOoy-BSWsWaoYUQIBT8P2p5Ffl6j3lFa7dXFTUOIxVtr0g6USBanHMSLwcAgnRePinlLB1NSqNPeB6s_N1TN0iUIztfFGiElWCM9rYOelQgAQC/s400/IMG_6393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
......enough so that we could clear off the little side porch and pull out the red chairs. In the morning it's the best spot to grab a little sunshine and some attention from a brother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLJ2EfkAHKHz2v2WOLD_WK5gr6kFMWeMK7paKlip8XNwiZS7L3nrS8m653uD7tnj-wES_0WkTwTIIdqGCXRIzYlLhqyAk5u4kGNfo_KnSt5qRHbwaCxFKkaSPQXQOLG8N1YqXL_OgS3z/s1600/IMG_6399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TLJ2EfkAHKHz2v2WOLD_WK5gr6kFMWeMK7paKlip8XNwiZS7L3nrS8m653uD7tnj-wES_0WkTwTIIdqGCXRIzYlLhqyAk5u4kGNfo_KnSt5qRHbwaCxFKkaSPQXQOLG8N1YqXL_OgS3z/s400/IMG_6399.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And lastly....I just had to include these pictures of the littlest three playing together. The little girl just has to be right where they are. Notice the boy's hand trying to keep the Legos away. They are so patient with her and she so persistent!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wwSktOEh7l05C8OMSMcwV_w2jWGmqONzuohyv7peELrGDwFPgikyVZ3j-drmpJc0PNFXT3FN-kRdMd5Ayku5rBg8LS_n5Gr9SP4A_NT4DkZdhmxvZMjiEenezf8eMjAaJ8G4h_6Vl4p4/s1600/IMG_6402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wwSktOEh7l05C8OMSMcwV_w2jWGmqONzuohyv7peELrGDwFPgikyVZ3j-drmpJc0PNFXT3FN-kRdMd5Ayku5rBg8LS_n5Gr9SP4A_NT4DkZdhmxvZMjiEenezf8eMjAaJ8G4h_6Vl4p4/s400/IMG_6402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Look at how big they are compared to her. That is boy #3 and boy #4.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG3qJCaVMYNrBIx43HimCwAYyEGTbg1mPEWqZhc6vficjrcmg5j4pFxxk3pdqzPe8Cp0EFDY8kmxDGmhXCxzUFXJ-LtMFjWsyPHJyfqU2XiT31eDYA6DCUCKGF43qlXav8uJa6bdECSIk/s1600/IMG_6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG3qJCaVMYNrBIx43HimCwAYyEGTbg1mPEWqZhc6vficjrcmg5j4pFxxk3pdqzPe8Cp0EFDY8kmxDGmhXCxzUFXJ-LtMFjWsyPHJyfqU2XiT31eDYA6DCUCKGF43qlXav8uJa6bdECSIk/s400/IMG_6404.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little punkin.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTciX9Q65bCXF5FcKBBZk8Q9VTnnxXOQ2BI_i-iwsKl8WigAu72VgyVN4BO9ULHeR4fDQibhBq_TgxY8efy7CSWIMPrGF3yKnBKEHHF6m2lZNJiAuBMXlyNZgrUqDTYKEgAS0wjCKKozZ/s1600/IMG_6403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTciX9Q65bCXF5FcKBBZk8Q9VTnnxXOQ2BI_i-iwsKl8WigAu72VgyVN4BO9ULHeR4fDQibhBq_TgxY8efy7CSWIMPrGF3yKnBKEHHF6m2lZNJiAuBMXlyNZgrUqDTYKEgAS0wjCKKozZ/s400/IMG_6403.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love.</div>
Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-77669393631410063792013-03-22T14:46:00.000-05:002013-03-22T14:46:15.247-05:00Rats!We have added to our family....it was awhile ago actually. Late last summer, I think. One of the boys had wanted a pet mouse for several years. Ever since he read the Redwall series (by Brian Jacques) when he was five he's been in love with mice. I've been trying to wait it out, but then this fall when he mentioned it yet again, I was ready to think about it. So off to the pet store we went, just for some information (hmm mmm, riiiiight) and home we came with two dumbo rats. They were babies then. Adorable as can be, and apparently much more social than mice, who really do not like to be held. And the truth is, we just love them! They are so cute and sociable and the boys are doing a really good job of cleaning out their cage and feeding and watering them. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxh6HbDQtFTALSVKyyxTUqul4-EW_9u_JwPxFAyr8PuwsK1SXa2vwWduJRcXwWXDbl72t9dNyICGWpZaOGvYfNvDBFMi3zmhzy29ZooWbTbCMm069KLEVDVvJOYEmv3k67p8FW5W5Q62i/s1600/IMG_6144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxh6HbDQtFTALSVKyyxTUqul4-EW_9u_JwPxFAyr8PuwsK1SXa2vwWduJRcXwWXDbl72t9dNyICGWpZaOGvYfNvDBFMi3zmhzy29ZooWbTbCMm069KLEVDVvJOYEmv3k67p8FW5W5Q62i/s400/IMG_6144.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Boy #3 loves them. I was surprised at first at how brave he was with holding them. Their quiet, busy nature seems to suit him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EsGVPBPPWldTFbyi1VXj979Fb0_WGKqbVfELj-bd-UQaToPKeuyc2XUkPKiyrbz82UFA4QZiIhJgALCFX_AFZ84QAMR1zrMLOXgQWCs237QYQLBNM9r2r-gjQdt4jFbfzJ6NQVIHGxHv/s1600/IMG_6143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EsGVPBPPWldTFbyi1VXj979Fb0_WGKqbVfELj-bd-UQaToPKeuyc2XUkPKiyrbz82UFA4QZiIhJgALCFX_AFZ84QAMR1zrMLOXgQWCs237QYQLBNM9r2r-gjQdt4jFbfzJ6NQVIHGxHv/s400/IMG_6143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH-A0tpiN3z6IOJViLVzQCNqSuqLcNGOeH2QF9F4mGsnLbBCg2WrCSuJARZzN71kuU3YLdOBxJLB5Ij0py7udldUp82G8LWVsJBlykdswZrj04MOl8EsmpRjrz6JMoV83iMOzFIiro68Z/s1600/IMG_6142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH-A0tpiN3z6IOJViLVzQCNqSuqLcNGOeH2QF9F4mGsnLbBCg2WrCSuJARZzN71kuU3YLdOBxJLB5Ij0py7udldUp82G8LWVsJBlykdswZrj04MOl8EsmpRjrz6JMoV83iMOzFIiro68Z/s400/IMG_6142.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Their names? Little Tan and Noir. (french for black) Such good little buddies for our crew. It is especially helpful for getting certain things done....like math or spelling....because those kinds of things are far more fun to do with a rat in your pocket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf7-LlZfAGtkokm5aFg_54Or7dKWFV5MRcINM6XHeBQXOpwWx2alNmkAK34mvEkuEPWZyaenvkH4P8udfg6JFkCIBwXhIQyzcUCj6Mbfq4CUz5qcFNuTNqlrKOirgIe09KuIJGQWr0yBd/s1600/IMG_6140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf7-LlZfAGtkokm5aFg_54Or7dKWFV5MRcINM6XHeBQXOpwWx2alNmkAK34mvEkuEPWZyaenvkH4P8udfg6JFkCIBwXhIQyzcUCj6Mbfq4CUz5qcFNuTNqlrKOirgIe09KuIJGQWr0yBd/s400/IMG_6140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-15821559868729975202013-03-20T14:11:00.001-05:002013-03-20T14:11:18.321-05:00Hen Is Four!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrn4SvjnBnd8YYeYBYJwxfAE1FQYUE2LjqTgj2AFIkJpnLb2Mnz1oNBAqqzHLMLi0wl_cFGxvCqbFooksrxkkVL6yb0G29P0tL71BkQBPbehNFWbkCuJA-QX_6OYeoBQhUAXXhQAY3p6/s1600/IMG_1216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrn4SvjnBnd8YYeYBYJwxfAE1FQYUE2LjqTgj2AFIkJpnLb2Mnz1oNBAqqzHLMLi0wl_cFGxvCqbFooksrxkkVL6yb0G29P0tL71BkQBPbehNFWbkCuJA-QX_6OYeoBQhUAXXhQAY3p6/s400/IMG_1216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Our littlest boy turned four this past weekend! This past year has been such a good adventure with you my son. You have awakened the playful part in me that I had forgotten about. (I think you got that gift from your papa) I am so glad to be your mama.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeFMjaZ0Ho9FhnyAslodH1CbPD1Os3p9RxbNZdyu0k8aVNZH71E_ZV-MH58wcgidMrSJ8cIeaNmSRihx6_SNPlwv2LgFal-gDO0Hd3o_1vGGyvHW1zBDhCVzLHCtOu1yZC2Dc-ztOc_Bi/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeFMjaZ0Ho9FhnyAslodH1CbPD1Os3p9RxbNZdyu0k8aVNZH71E_ZV-MH58wcgidMrSJ8cIeaNmSRihx6_SNPlwv2LgFal-gDO0Hd3o_1vGGyvHW1zBDhCVzLHCtOu1yZC2Dc-ztOc_Bi/s400/IMG_1317.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hen started reading this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqidzWrX7hE7mU2vE8L0pE9BIyjfPnlLnQVJNHCaRY_d403GNC90LzIDBmX_n_GLPkKbh97CzTvwUZpDJ3N397Zrf3CBPx1_Hw2fDdmgp5ueddXtpvKylzo0ihMrkMdV0vPbxuBVHVPq5/s1600/IMG_6303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqidzWrX7hE7mU2vE8L0pE9BIyjfPnlLnQVJNHCaRY_d403GNC90LzIDBmX_n_GLPkKbh97CzTvwUZpDJ3N397Zrf3CBPx1_Hw2fDdmgp5ueddXtpvKylzo0ihMrkMdV0vPbxuBVHVPq5/s400/IMG_6303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Learned how to play chess with his big brothers. And became a big brother himself!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO5B2Q-N49ZZC5dgjUnObzCItkBIwE051CJY63IxNWkxCkwGEKbocuDqklMdPNKzKHOvoTj8K6jmDfNMiiWENELH0L5E4gMwCb_Umi1QGEWlnn7YL_pZn-buhRrqA0akR3dPv51lTfiBI/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO5B2Q-N49ZZC5dgjUnObzCItkBIwE051CJY63IxNWkxCkwGEKbocuDqklMdPNKzKHOvoTj8K6jmDfNMiiWENELH0L5E4gMwCb_Umi1QGEWlnn7YL_pZn-buhRrqA0akR3dPv51lTfiBI/s400/IMG_1337.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
May this year bring many blessings to you my dear one. Papa and I are so very proud of you.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-52990083977011997192013-03-11T18:26:00.002-05:002013-03-11T18:26:42.564-05:00Lego Creations We had a crazy end to our week last Friday, which included a head injury. Don't worry everyone is fine now. It was just an accident that happened while we were playing with friends in the gym and it was just a gash on the noggin. But it did mean that Hen had to lie low for a few days, which meant that all the boys had to lie low, because that sweet little boy just has to do what his brothers are doin'! So we got out the Legos. And after two whole days of Legos all over the family room here's what we have. A Star Wars Republic Drop Ship....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC88JHfGjmGjGkcejlTNpYkXTBT150dM5ZBwKgVvT9iuXiKdlgQeAaSjlHNy3XFl2RPNHyjnAtne4c39xcgOdOaSXHFWtFSt975RcTbutRcJ5CdMnr9nsOdbBHkOS5Zh_2S5Tu0AkwRTvH/s1600/IMG_6197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC88JHfGjmGjGkcejlTNpYkXTBT150dM5ZBwKgVvT9iuXiKdlgQeAaSjlHNy3XFl2RPNHyjnAtne4c39xcgOdOaSXHFWtFSt975RcTbutRcJ5CdMnr9nsOdbBHkOS5Zh_2S5Tu0AkwRTvH/s400/IMG_6197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It is hard to explain to you just how enormous this thing is and all of its capabilities. It's wingspan is about two and a half feet. It has a cockpit, opening doors for missile storage and can shoot missiles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC07Y9q09zHKPirUT3s1a8HKBcWzjyo1LJO4W0z5joBxQ_KkHZNB19C-ih0PChwJx57CNRhxNeYUlmumWgHP2ZNmZOY7hL-zEcrdsE5JSUrPZo3sGGtXypfZsKNSuvyFEEirGUi3Ie3gv/s1600/IMG_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC07Y9q09zHKPirUT3s1a8HKBcWzjyo1LJO4W0z5joBxQ_KkHZNB19C-ih0PChwJx57CNRhxNeYUlmumWgHP2ZNmZOY7hL-zEcrdsE5JSUrPZo3sGGtXypfZsKNSuvyFEEirGUi3Ie3gv/s400/IMG_6198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here is close up of the front. It can also hook up to the AT-TE Walker. You can see how it sits on top a little in this photo. What you can not see is how Badger designed a fully functioning latch system that runs inside the AT-TE which allows the bottom structure to accept the Drop Ship and support its weight. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDK65gF2J2HSWZCtcHG2vnoV4sCkZWKUTfM64rE9S0SYjtnZ-qy7IVuwKDoYTEpbtqD6p8GDvOhqtUSgBBbbqzQDKgUvECVjCekB0gGKbJpxhaEnXoqCDKAVaL3g9N_uCh6dlWC3TQsOSa/s1600/IMG_6217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDK65gF2J2HSWZCtcHG2vnoV4sCkZWKUTfM64rE9S0SYjtnZ-qy7IVuwKDoYTEpbtqD6p8GDvOhqtUSgBBbbqzQDKgUvECVjCekB0gGKbJpxhaEnXoqCDKAVaL3g9N_uCh6dlWC3TQsOSa/s400/IMG_6217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'll admit to you that I do not really care about Legos. (i know, i know) But I am so very captivated when this boy of mine can make them DO things. He has such an engineering mind, and is growing in his skills. I know some of you will appreciate this post more than others (uncle brian?) But I just couldn't not "mark this one down." These kids are so extraordinary, and it should be celebrated.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-77078601571343949762013-03-07T19:44:00.001-06:002013-03-07T19:47:10.378-06:00Seeds and Homemade Bagels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's that time of year again! Time to plant seeds!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdQMdNOmhm8aQbeRaE8KrxCCbHJpAuS9VltfQNXLPQ5w30cleGIPheSs3K-AgdcPTRk7kGDQFO6gdkUgUurk7zcfpmZLBa5EBoFtEWKnfSj66TCtNoHmLS0mX_fgRKKrHmvou-ZdDTRtv/s1600/IMG_6154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdQMdNOmhm8aQbeRaE8KrxCCbHJpAuS9VltfQNXLPQ5w30cleGIPheSs3K-AgdcPTRk7kGDQFO6gdkUgUurk7zcfpmZLBa5EBoFtEWKnfSj66TCtNoHmLS0mX_fgRKKrHmvou-ZdDTRtv/s400/IMG_6154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This year we are trying something a little different and planting in toilet paper rolls. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Supposedly it works well because you can just pop them right in the ground without disturbing the roots of your seedling, and the paper roll just biodegrades in the garden. You have to put them on a watertight tray though. And...we learned the hard way that you also have to be careful not to bump them when you are filling them with dirt because obviously the dirt comes out of the bottom when tipped. I imagine this will be less of a problem once there are plant roots growing though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11_j-HXnmcdA5BHmocdeoFFznMYpw55GdMjF5ZgbVBq67OoVy7u9wI9EmbL6QMpRYWVBYhIKrIPsTM8EKqQudFIMMl9xnhxAWJlhmTE2evx0u8i9EjDJtrlr0efOjCUNcelis6RhaCl6c/s1600/IMG_6153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11_j-HXnmcdA5BHmocdeoFFznMYpw55GdMjF5ZgbVBq67OoVy7u9wI9EmbL6QMpRYWVBYhIKrIPsTM8EKqQudFIMMl9xnhxAWJlhmTE2evx0u8i9EjDJtrlr0efOjCUNcelis6RhaCl6c/s400/IMG_6153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Hen was very excited about digging in the dirt. And remembered some forgotten tulip bulbs that needed a home. So he got right to it, filling up a pot for them. The older boys made a paper funnel to help get the soil into the tubes a little more easily.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcmsyMIxFd4OB7eTrSHs_AxOlrsUlDIpygWeZWkWtEEOp_cisS9b7xi75aTKLATmbJFvFiSUfa4s_J1kh9O9UaRarK5FNdC0lH1VJvCXVAWSzl1HwsL5DNhunkLGaJCejSnSzlYWLhgYm/s1600/IMG_6156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcmsyMIxFd4OB7eTrSHs_AxOlrsUlDIpygWeZWkWtEEOp_cisS9b7xi75aTKLATmbJFvFiSUfa4s_J1kh9O9UaRarK5FNdC0lH1VJvCXVAWSzl1HwsL5DNhunkLGaJCejSnSzlYWLhgYm/s400/IMG_6156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Wait a second...Hen....you are supposed to be putting dirt in the pot....hmmm......<br />
<br />
Cricket helped too. He is always ready for a project this one. I love that about him. He's totally rockin' that long hair too, isn't he? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN_NIeTVmWPP1e3RJRTsLDjLKIiMWuqzqfKqldDtjzubdpWB0JLdenpLE4MQMk80uh3N87AR3d3Vbp2AnkWvmuKF_vt9jJcsi9SC5euOo0gng2dXxlfaty-xhbVoKvEICcrKmtALo5sqt/s1600/IMG_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN_NIeTVmWPP1e3RJRTsLDjLKIiMWuqzqfKqldDtjzubdpWB0JLdenpLE4MQMk80uh3N87AR3d3Vbp2AnkWvmuKF_vt9jJcsi9SC5euOo0gng2dXxlfaty-xhbVoKvEICcrKmtALo5sqt/s400/IMG_6159.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
What did we plant? Parsley and Basil and Kohlrabi. We hope to do broccoli and a few other things this next week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQl9oHXAmeX0mTU7Z7cpySsPDRkGYDUewFAWZIs3mLp-MMHnB8Ej7gvmv7Q4Y9LH8e1EwMQiLFZp7f1SApIS8ccBz36v1zabOl3Q4i5m1k7lYAHWmEoSBHgs4bVh6vZ4O76igWtokPu9U/s1600/IMG_6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQl9oHXAmeX0mTU7Z7cpySsPDRkGYDUewFAWZIs3mLp-MMHnB8Ej7gvmv7Q4Y9LH8e1EwMQiLFZp7f1SApIS8ccBz36v1zabOl3Q4i5m1k7lYAHWmEoSBHgs4bVh6vZ4O76igWtokPu9U/s400/IMG_6160.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
The little girl loves to watch her brothers in action. She is such a riot watching them, laughing at them, chatting with them. She is saying words! This morning she said "stinker!" clear as a bell. Ha!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jGKA9sqN1gZgYFDsmneFbfSvVky0_Q4cSIA7fe2buQdW9InbM0GfdE_VETqsRlkQNRTlfPwhiXiDAvxhX9Fce-CWN1sOnhGPaGfIBYRPkm5Tfqjx6IzMNG3wIQ8znGFi0aAYurSRt9tJ/s1600/IMG_6151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jGKA9sqN1gZgYFDsmneFbfSvVky0_Q4cSIA7fe2buQdW9InbM0GfdE_VETqsRlkQNRTlfPwhiXiDAvxhX9Fce-CWN1sOnhGPaGfIBYRPkm5Tfqjx6IzMNG3wIQ8znGFi0aAYurSRt9tJ/s400/IMG_6151.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Also this week, Cricket got his hair cut. And while I am all for him having choice with things like his personal style, I have to admit that I like his hair shorter. This picture shows a wee bit of the brotherly goofiness that these two eldest guys get up to. It's way more entertaining in real life. Trust me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEZXyUMmGvQ-n_QK5ooiuZ_dKhiryFH1jyK8JX4DInItU4RdyQG6hFmWZ71YkcaGB-3ET3waJjdFxrh_CSXsb5pozMQYOoaps0UiQ_I3rNsK3lbTURVyH0BM-KpFukc722V6i48DC3s6q/s1600/IMG_6182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEZXyUMmGvQ-n_QK5ooiuZ_dKhiryFH1jyK8JX4DInItU4RdyQG6hFmWZ71YkcaGB-3ET3waJjdFxrh_CSXsb5pozMQYOoaps0UiQ_I3rNsK3lbTURVyH0BM-KpFukc722V6i48DC3s6q/s400/IMG_6182.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our other project for the week was making bagels. So fun! I have no idea why it took me so long to try making them. Maybe they seemed too involved somehow. It was so easy though. Although Badger mixed up the dough entirely by himself and all I had to do was help him finish the kneading. It is so helpful to have a boy who knows his way around the kitchen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmzJLPJHNj6717Y3PVx050jzWF8GsDcsR22Ixrv19Nt5rUEHMwRVJEQhBH_wYR4A6-6XhOVVb1lred0eXtrdMOTLpwzJFJM593hFVxmnfoGnwd5cA7DK4ekUcZFj1DZGLENnSvBLn4yMS/s1600/IMG_6177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmzJLPJHNj6717Y3PVx050jzWF8GsDcsR22Ixrv19Nt5rUEHMwRVJEQhBH_wYR4A6-6XhOVVb1lred0eXtrdMOTLpwzJFJM593hFVxmnfoGnwd5cA7DK4ekUcZFj1DZGLENnSvBLn4yMS/s400/IMG_6177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here they are before their water bath. Then...into the pot for seven minutes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFi_TrrhMW77xXSMRGQzwcLSge2EQc2ECSMsdCTJDO0VyBnW0Uhr5BlNi1MEKc5gpskh-ASdVjOHX_f52GO-QQRmpgiW5-fbyRUCHeV9g41IyguXwtI4fH_VmUtyCOWP_qWdHTzMebxKe/s1600/IMG_6179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFi_TrrhMW77xXSMRGQzwcLSge2EQc2ECSMsdCTJDO0VyBnW0Uhr5BlNi1MEKc5gpskh-ASdVjOHX_f52GO-QQRmpgiW5-fbyRUCHeV9g41IyguXwtI4fH_VmUtyCOWP_qWdHTzMebxKe/s400/IMG_6179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We decided to put some sucanat and cinnamon on top, because we...okay me.....I....was having a need for a treat that day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ8nNF8o4mkqJ5hRnM291E3uOnQBPrVNBB3Hf1nY5EOYFMr8FVJOcqN-oUGgrBtu4C1HcpS4f_CwTry_bpq45skSt44AQENk6WevHfCGqv_FOLP71kaq92CEa7OSe_gE-6KAAo8yqAie5/s1600/IMG_6180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ8nNF8o4mkqJ5hRnM291E3uOnQBPrVNBB3Hf1nY5EOYFMr8FVJOcqN-oUGgrBtu4C1HcpS4f_CwTry_bpq45skSt44AQENk6WevHfCGqv_FOLP71kaq92CEa7OSe_gE-6KAAo8yqAie5/s400/IMG_6180.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goofball. My adorable, helpful goofball.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XCNJAtUwVgmzZtug-7_HinxNwJ9srarxXqmQDqGpFXIcnn4Mwwq81ZgEK3gxr90Azol3TrurB5ftOrOTLGIJvaXrasi6DcicxjErdccEwUE7xbR3_FEJubugcsdakfJxP2xrwEi0_eDb/s1600/IMG_6181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XCNJAtUwVgmzZtug-7_HinxNwJ9srarxXqmQDqGpFXIcnn4Mwwq81ZgEK3gxr90Azol3TrurB5ftOrOTLGIJvaXrasi6DcicxjErdccEwUE7xbR3_FEJubugcsdakfJxP2xrwEi0_eDb/s400/IMG_6181.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Here they are all ready to be popped into the oven. Yum! They were a treat indeed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyjmbw0U187b8dTU9y4mh20pR8PRH7-LDHn1-xtc3bUiP206px1oFuhgguFabpG0v5rY45zF5413VdZFUiiSbF_8rZxatuihE9IwSKOhXaBpcAHLv9JZLB0D-PmanfCq9H4d71IHNgthr/s1600/IMG_6183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyjmbw0U187b8dTU9y4mh20pR8PRH7-LDHn1-xtc3bUiP206px1oFuhgguFabpG0v5rY45zF5413VdZFUiiSbF_8rZxatuihE9IwSKOhXaBpcAHLv9JZLB0D-PmanfCq9H4d71IHNgthr/s400/IMG_6183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-21795004177057224012013-03-05T16:21:00.002-06:002013-03-05T16:22:32.143-06:00March 5th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What happens when you ask this crew to sit for a picture? A general attitude of this.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlFAlc_Avhz2Lc1f1pNMzVGiM_zjZLWPnWtua30GgmcW4mxFtJZbVfDANmAYBRKJ4_ROl3feaazW6d9HFBtBdmCPVzM73f63PXtpXT8n5mTO8LS_5UrNq11cw1IzGYGS8X_3v54O-HPov/s1600/IMG_6167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlFAlc_Avhz2Lc1f1pNMzVGiM_zjZLWPnWtua30GgmcW4mxFtJZbVfDANmAYBRKJ4_ROl3feaazW6d9HFBtBdmCPVzM73f63PXtpXT8n5mTO8LS_5UrNq11cw1IzGYGS8X_3v54O-HPov/s400/IMG_6167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But don't worry the grumps don't last for long around here....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0wqBbrPQgH5lo4v7s5r66G4iaDUjFdCx8p9_Cfbitxot67SZrTaPnXm0aOqOp8YU5pJTWknFEv8B884A04lEuI_29VPT2GglhdkaZF8WRuRrt9OisKUePw4YCxTKlS3Oz4T1SsiLDOuE/s1600/IMG_6166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0wqBbrPQgH5lo4v7s5r66G4iaDUjFdCx8p9_Cfbitxot67SZrTaPnXm0aOqOp8YU5pJTWknFEv8B884A04lEuI_29VPT2GglhdkaZF8WRuRrt9OisKUePw4YCxTKlS3Oz4T1SsiLDOuE/s400/IMG_6166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFyB-FKrgF1WlTglGZ-z75BZ9Fn1P74doj8_dsjigtOw0Xs2f7HEtPIXHr6FRWsKVDGHeHR-JK26KCh97VmKZxKi53DHgkMjpQ6LxrfYWGk1nkgB9yXL7P8g7ZFXC9ObbQASma95WH9Bb/s1600/IMG_6165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFyB-FKrgF1WlTglGZ-z75BZ9Fn1P74doj8_dsjigtOw0Xs2f7HEtPIXHr6FRWsKVDGHeHR-JK26KCh97VmKZxKi53DHgkMjpQ6LxrfYWGk1nkgB9yXL7P8g7ZFXC9ObbQASma95WH9Bb/s400/IMG_6165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY9WJ_Diro8506sG8Y1H4L6kFvLtLySTSao0sr0eZXrnxnrFWurSHDYo-HC0DvQrdKmt2Yg9kbM13nonDNZHhvPzfp703GzwPEyftYUAdqDuCWLSAReFl8gaZziul9mQlaLr5p_-5UZTk/s1600/IMG_6163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY9WJ_Diro8506sG8Y1H4L6kFvLtLySTSao0sr0eZXrnxnrFWurSHDYo-HC0DvQrdKmt2Yg9kbM13nonDNZHhvPzfp703GzwPEyftYUAdqDuCWLSAReFl8gaZziul9mQlaLr5p_-5UZTk/s400/IMG_6163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Even Badger has a smile in this one, but Hen looks a bit like a pirate. He was saying "Argh!" quite a bit during this whole fiasco.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiP6t48CQPYrXCbpL-gntG3klsupxEZXtmep4QXVmZ3Up1oc1KsDbx1kqdguqkjsgMueDbXyQAZO3ADSsIH-XH2FKyrhicm-o3CQ1d6t6L53LvqmL1_RuhkFSqrNw9tMX9sAJL-9OS0CI/s1600/IMG_6169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiP6t48CQPYrXCbpL-gntG3klsupxEZXtmep4QXVmZ3Up1oc1KsDbx1kqdguqkjsgMueDbXyQAZO3ADSsIH-XH2FKyrhicm-o3CQ1d6t6L53LvqmL1_RuhkFSqrNw9tMX9sAJL-9OS0CI/s400/IMG_6169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnAdlGjKgHlpi9qxvR2ODO6uYba4Mab6vd5ZUQM62_IPg-_ecEyJdGmbHIKIZ2BxU2UAfXK8BztPheuf_bHgHEBnhzoyGqBjpJdN5q3VgdPwIgc7Pmb5Qp-JAj5MT4G-zrNIbNTvhxyhq/s1600/IMG_6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnAdlGjKgHlpi9qxvR2ODO6uYba4Mab6vd5ZUQM62_IPg-_ecEyJdGmbHIKIZ2BxU2UAfXK8BztPheuf_bHgHEBnhzoyGqBjpJdN5q3VgdPwIgc7Pmb5Qp-JAj5MT4G-zrNIbNTvhxyhq/s400/IMG_6170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll let you decide which one is best. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope to photograph all five kids on every 5th of the month. A little bit of our lives captured for us to remember.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-68228477085319360262013-03-04T19:10:00.001-06:002013-03-04T19:10:14.482-06:00My Little Kitchen Helper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCbalOzZrK3m-qTGIND3MTBXraHMjY8y0xOvvKG-CYDfnXh7TZqzVAIyTbb62wBbSmw6TpfOWXrxZ9oBjCdUGn02Kt05PUBFp9bm1A7ANyqwa0AWgnZ2mXyw6fYmRi0DjxL1D_jTR7qB-/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCbalOzZrK3m-qTGIND3MTBXraHMjY8y0xOvvKG-CYDfnXh7TZqzVAIyTbb62wBbSmw6TpfOWXrxZ9oBjCdUGn02Kt05PUBFp9bm1A7ANyqwa0AWgnZ2mXyw6fYmRi0DjxL1D_jTR7qB-/s400/IMG_6122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just might have the best kitchen help ever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0knm82R17YmWWdBH18uzHrPmvLF3OWsl5wmGpNiPzXDEN36xWy1PHg4anHJmjdxPB88SaWhxpY58OjT70vCgya_oEkVqsWhHgD5qpu69emnA9dIgvRQIybLkAhgsFkD8HjB3Mx4rU-0-I/s1600/IMG_6123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0knm82R17YmWWdBH18uzHrPmvLF3OWsl5wmGpNiPzXDEN36xWy1PHg4anHJmjdxPB88SaWhxpY58OjT70vCgya_oEkVqsWhHgD5qpu69emnA9dIgvRQIybLkAhgsFkD8HjB3Mx4rU-0-I/s400/IMG_6123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Which is a good thing because feeding this crew of seven is hard work even on the good days. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB5gRp5E0SBZOLWyhJQalcMCslXJQuP9ZTjF702N5JaMwFInFK5XjDVLZluKmusoiAAjH8uGqOW0Vp-0alSEnC3_wGGvB3ZW6GkgOKAkG3PDln3t1Q5YwlxRcAx5sGodUt2SuaGV7ibE6/s1600/IMG_6124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB5gRp5E0SBZOLWyhJQalcMCslXJQuP9ZTjF702N5JaMwFInFK5XjDVLZluKmusoiAAjH8uGqOW0Vp-0alSEnC3_wGGvB3ZW6GkgOKAkG3PDln3t1Q5YwlxRcAx5sGodUt2SuaGV7ibE6/s400/IMG_6124.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0KZ7woMlRIqB98_y2ueuZEyw7N_WBsn8Gtsj5bCVP48eVPg0FNOQLqVrkbVA53NqoGFieSVEbiqQ_cJPo_XKHX6y2XnAaHqJ9O1OCIpLvTob9sctWiWhu9FWJM276FZQuKP84bwJRiMi/s1600/IMG_6131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0KZ7woMlRIqB98_y2ueuZEyw7N_WBsn8Gtsj5bCVP48eVPg0FNOQLqVrkbVA53NqoGFieSVEbiqQ_cJPo_XKHX6y2XnAaHqJ9O1OCIpLvTob9sctWiWhu9FWJM276FZQuKP84bwJRiMi/s400/IMG_6131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
But I know if I stick with it (that is...the whole food thing on a budget) that I will be rewarded. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKXa-e7k0B0XqvrXS5p2aJ6WXOYvU638emqDB4-9ZEXv9ZPgjSVvU_eJwvrBhpYLPEY31wRslifzBoaZx513wk3ogmuCUn_uKvPrQdUEta1h4WLIMSoEjEKgu7DrveDLDGoUgbSQ0ZFGS/s1600/IMG_6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKXa-e7k0B0XqvrXS5p2aJ6WXOYvU638emqDB4-9ZEXv9ZPgjSVvU_eJwvrBhpYLPEY31wRslifzBoaZx513wk3ogmuCUn_uKvPrQdUEta1h4WLIMSoEjEKgu7DrveDLDGoUgbSQ0ZFGS/s400/IMG_6134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is so worth the work!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Menu for the week.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
S Whole wheat waffles with berries</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pasta with marinara, salad, and bread with fresh garlic and olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Roast beef, potatoes, and carrots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
M Whole wheat waffles with berries</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PB & J, whole wheat pretzels, apples</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Leftover roast, potatoes, and fresh red peppers, homemade biscuits</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
T Eggs and toast </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hummus and pita, cukes and tomatoes with olive oil and garlic</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chicken soup from scratch with wild rice, celery, and carrots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
W Oatmeal with almonds and raisins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Leftover soup and salad</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out for dinner </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Th Cereal (not a usual thing, but the kids begged for Cinnamon Harvest and I caved)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eggs and english muffins with onions, mushrooms and cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Homemade burgers and fries (grass fed beef!) and salad</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
F Whole wheat pancakes with pure maple syrup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pigs in a blanket (from scratch with organic chicken sausage and whole wheat biscuit dough) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chicken drummies, roasted cauliflower, onions, and taters</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
S Oatmeal with raisins and nuts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Leftovers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have no idea...whatever I can find from what is left....good luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-71397782317378926452013-02-26T16:46:00.001-06:002013-02-26T16:46:21.021-06:00Sweetness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilakLrDlCQoII9g76roHsbjlGTu1dT7kjHL_XsDHguvsbfUAvueqX_UbtXBsGGFPmd-UV6X72iRVQocr0549PSdKHgxccwiSxasunRtxq6-ce195ZE-UceHS4DqF4pqZwqjTxR3smGeB3/s1600/IMG_6046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilakLrDlCQoII9g76roHsbjlGTu1dT7kjHL_XsDHguvsbfUAvueqX_UbtXBsGGFPmd-UV6X72iRVQocr0549PSdKHgxccwiSxasunRtxq6-ce195ZE-UceHS4DqF4pqZwqjTxR3smGeB3/s400/IMG_6046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTf-xk4duxDWJ4r2UPNkd37RS4fleqElciJ0LOQ_2pByEou7fy9U-rYLUssp6eGgsX8RZqXHZHmkIwyV3iYW9hyphenhyphenMkZ8oRfCorhABUMyFRI0iSUolAcwryppMobRrRmlluAWidmtepiSlY/s1600/IMG_6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTf-xk4duxDWJ4r2UPNkd37RS4fleqElciJ0LOQ_2pByEou7fy9U-rYLUssp6eGgsX8RZqXHZHmkIwyV3iYW9hyphenhyphenMkZ8oRfCorhABUMyFRI0iSUolAcwryppMobRrRmlluAWidmtepiSlY/s400/IMG_6047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF00bSOn3L8cBXCrmyEdT1zc73C-8aREHXOOrC-k799aot6gS2gxn3NPlwexT0Zbo_2ycy9zfh9FVgdJynBloqXsLbw1Hav2Hj8EdCyEOaslQti4E9ua40OPeWuTtwNenm3QLh2514UjS/s1600/IMG_6050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF00bSOn3L8cBXCrmyEdT1zc73C-8aREHXOOrC-k799aot6gS2gxn3NPlwexT0Zbo_2ycy9zfh9FVgdJynBloqXsLbw1Hav2Hj8EdCyEOaslQti4E9ua40OPeWuTtwNenm3QLh2514UjS/s400/IMG_6050.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBWwAsZaO4jc4InKUhyphenhyphenNy4Kbzud-sEDKNrZqh57B5zOYVgKq3WIWqJ6wv6An7DbcKJO_FwqBj6JZ39-AyTs2r461-yQdN5CvBPOkf51BkQx_jymw2blvYrBeN2A1Mx5Uv-_vHdzbYpvRZ/s1600/IMG_6049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBWwAsZaO4jc4InKUhyphenhyphenNy4Kbzud-sEDKNrZqh57B5zOYVgKq3WIWqJ6wv6An7DbcKJO_FwqBj6JZ39-AyTs2r461-yQdN5CvBPOkf51BkQx_jymw2blvYrBeN2A1Mx5Uv-_vHdzbYpvRZ/s400/IMG_6049.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAFkaDLzdbXGBX-KPty5SOfAmHo1A0i6yaIfbMdhHWOZfjKGbC8xHtnP9oe9w35yn2M6SC7nG1CUnP978TNLUZKlAlni7Y-zsZ5tbWVho4sTsWx9TJtgWLBUUaZFR2vI8ksmZC_jRybZg/s1600/IMG_6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAFkaDLzdbXGBX-KPty5SOfAmHo1A0i6yaIfbMdhHWOZfjKGbC8xHtnP9oe9w35yn2M6SC7nG1CUnP978TNLUZKlAlni7Y-zsZ5tbWVho4sTsWx9TJtgWLBUUaZFR2vI8ksmZC_jRybZg/s400/IMG_6051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12bCJQXlt7gsMwDhBjoyKl00ax2RDEsUjqNs3qm4A7EpeFlp9cPkNsd8o1kEHVEM4rasxlbDQsnJtzDVEeQEH-bASyP2vcPa6iQW93urV130zhjXswGTv7fpuSq5lzu3FfJ9fBefQ-x-S/s1600/IMG_6096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12bCJQXlt7gsMwDhBjoyKl00ax2RDEsUjqNs3qm4A7EpeFlp9cPkNsd8o1kEHVEM4rasxlbDQsnJtzDVEeQEH-bASyP2vcPa6iQW93urV130zhjXswGTv7fpuSq5lzu3FfJ9fBefQ-x-S/s400/IMG_6096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3OqP4n4H0mpMGRwDSKVPk32p1H1xe4DLw3gkMq6WYGoHoj7VU03dRIoxBlDfL9shkGb6vOxYAdlnG36VfAw7AU8ttbgKXnCH0UPjFHfHdYaDv8uUi_bTVrXMGkBsqoybzGcrQMec6dNI/s1600/IMG_6101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3OqP4n4H0mpMGRwDSKVPk32p1H1xe4DLw3gkMq6WYGoHoj7VU03dRIoxBlDfL9shkGb6vOxYAdlnG36VfAw7AU8ttbgKXnCH0UPjFHfHdYaDv8uUi_bTVrXMGkBsqoybzGcrQMec6dNI/s400/IMG_6101.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmacUVAhOFGRH1txiNO20NGyIgkoIdIkfg2aUFDsvkZxhdok3VRQ6-_PuxhOSXwIt3d8S8AB184MiSwWJlJgdsUTuPb0qbTgPjOadAJsowIY2hpDy_wfColnoHIt4cwbW89dMumilTxDy/s1600/IMG_6103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmacUVAhOFGRH1txiNO20NGyIgkoIdIkfg2aUFDsvkZxhdok3VRQ6-_PuxhOSXwIt3d8S8AB184MiSwWJlJgdsUTuPb0qbTgPjOadAJsowIY2hpDy_wfColnoHIt4cwbW89dMumilTxDy/s400/IMG_6103.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM3WKqojFqSNKYRmRgg8CGxUoKtcT50lgcpXozz_UfWth5c7GhyphenhyphenqseqfNsdjNzKll1Mz5rrEVaLOa3k3TUjg-e2EKdRy7AuY0IsVPwY8_xL2YtNtBqlT07AgnNJvGJtWWg0hZghyphenhyphenfgmJV/s1600/IMG_6105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM3WKqojFqSNKYRmRgg8CGxUoKtcT50lgcpXozz_UfWth5c7GhyphenhyphenqseqfNsdjNzKll1Mz5rrEVaLOa3k3TUjg-e2EKdRy7AuY0IsVPwY8_xL2YtNtBqlT07AgnNJvGJtWWg0hZghyphenhyphenfgmJV/s400/IMG_6105.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-32702554727940864192013-02-25T11:02:00.003-06:002013-02-25T11:02:44.692-06:00A Menu and A BraidThe light is changing! Have you noticed it? Spring is a comin'! My body seems to feel the difference as I have been craving greens like you would not believe. Somehow eating a good salad is almost as good as sunshine.<br />
<br />
Here is what's on the menu for this last week of February...<br />
<br />
S Apple pancakes w/ pure maple syrup<br />
Ham and swiss sandwiches w/ spicy mustard and greens<br />
Brats and Saurkraut with homemade fries<br />
<br />
S Homemade almond granola<br />
Chicken and wild rice soup with rye bread & salad<br />
Steak (grass fed) and pepper fajitas with all the fixin's<br />
<br />
M Homemade granola and smoothies<br />
Pesto grilled cheese and leftover soup & salad<br />
Lentils and rice with walnuts, mushrooms, onions and feta<br />
<br />
T Oatmeal with raisins and nuts<br />
Peanut Butter and Jelly with apples and clementines<br />
Pesto Noodles with mushrooms, broccoli, and tomatoes<br />
<br />
W Eggs and Toast<br />
Leftovers & salad<br />
Baked potatoes with sour cream, wilted greens, and bacon<br />
<br />
Th Oatmeal with apples and nuts<br />
Pita pizzas and salad<br />
Roast chicken with rice pilaf and green beans with balsamic, feta and garlic<br />
<br />
F Whole wheat waffles<br />
Leftovers<br />
Black bean quesadillas with fresh veggies or salad<br />
<br />
<br />
And...though it doesn't really go together...I just wanted it to go down in our history...that our little girl wore her first braid in this last week of February. Yes...it is shallow...but I don't care. Sometimes it's the little things that give us joy. I have waited a long time for a little girl with brown hair to braid. And no...she doesn't mind at all. She seems to really like having her hair done. So...here you have it. Her first braid, complete with pudgy cheeks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFb8T1TxRDjgtYZN8nSJoBvEeGxQTtuTMNQtypHKbyxQ9mpXk3MjjhcmOiCcyKKxGQIGDAnWcDgC0fh4cQV-AKUuQYRzGVpA4UV2s5uVCnHSeGNcgpiu79CgsMYbWBskuD15tadzexkT4/s1600/IMG_6065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFb8T1TxRDjgtYZN8nSJoBvEeGxQTtuTMNQtypHKbyxQ9mpXk3MjjhcmOiCcyKKxGQIGDAnWcDgC0fh4cQV-AKUuQYRzGVpA4UV2s5uVCnHSeGNcgpiu79CgsMYbWBskuD15tadzexkT4/s400/IMG_6065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-8199947969015135662013-02-22T10:21:00.003-06:002013-02-22T10:50:17.430-06:00Fishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMdjVPu416GU7AR-ExhIjG_VJoTISDX_MHf84loRIDjNz5rgyolM84dBrVcgEewcwMdNGfQdxMyKA-pf-MHE-732qzYex677-QvRPdcJWw_TtkK5wOaegJzxVlJ5ah83U_F-ciYgiJZ_/s1600/IMG_6026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMdjVPu416GU7AR-ExhIjG_VJoTISDX_MHf84loRIDjNz5rgyolM84dBrVcgEewcwMdNGfQdxMyKA-pf-MHE-732qzYex677-QvRPdcJWw_TtkK5wOaegJzxVlJ5ah83U_F-ciYgiJZ_/s400/IMG_6026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Have you ever seen such cute little swimmers? Me neither. And although in this photo they do not look enthusiastic about the water, they really are! Which is so much fun to watch! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjm4AuuKSVl3BkWJjn4w7aUb1kSOfw_31jUfDGqmU6GALfxb_Dtj_83-9Qt2OohhramrCFu1lVuTdxlM1KheIlXa82cRkVmBBSblle8sWxnkXHejRPrxUsSXOn8hc7mBoYBMygJYRa_u9/s1600/IMG_6029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjm4AuuKSVl3BkWJjn4w7aUb1kSOfw_31jUfDGqmU6GALfxb_Dtj_83-9Qt2OohhramrCFu1lVuTdxlM1KheIlXa82cRkVmBBSblle8sWxnkXHejRPrxUsSXOn8hc7mBoYBMygJYRa_u9/s400/IMG_6029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Little Owl has really grown in his skills. He was really hesitant to swim at first, and I was not about to make him, since I was so terrified of swimming lessons when I was a kid. All I wanted him to do was try it one time and then see what he thought. So the first day was a little hard for him....but he surprised me (and himself I think) because after he got his feet wet, so to speak, he was just fine. He is such an interesting kid! Reminds me so much of J. How he tries things that he is uncomfortable with. His quiet strength and courage. Whenever he would be afraid of a new skill, he would just talk to his teacher quietly and together they would figure out what he could do to learn the skill and still feel comfortable. Our swim instructor is so awesome too! She's gentle and patient and somehow makes the boys feel confident in however they are doing. And isn't that the whole point? Learning to be confident in your ability, and figuring out your body and how to make it work for you in the water?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y-hVmgx3vCFmE8_ynyNpq1iUjYkPwW3FxSUaHxHk9xQiRe1ZNyLakmO6tWemPIHWLEj2w9Qnn2wMsG6WNPeHU_ZuYzzPSpkdn95cgPizGsv1RVTEV0ZTARGm8OkbRF3agsPug6juLChi/s1600/IMG_6039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y-hVmgx3vCFmE8_ynyNpq1iUjYkPwW3FxSUaHxHk9xQiRe1ZNyLakmO6tWemPIHWLEj2w9Qnn2wMsG6WNPeHU_ZuYzzPSpkdn95cgPizGsv1RVTEV0ZTARGm8OkbRF3agsPug6juLChi/s400/IMG_6039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I know this picture isn't the best quality, but look....he's swimming!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsedNXe12GZYLylZH7GEXJbK-WSPFNW-u-5x5tZyvH6RwRPhSGvq4MANwTzUiQfAR816-FvpeMCwzAIfJKFxN34kXN9We1BX6xLaU8poFSTrF9ShQ_DQvPdgh8X7lEeXu_nTM0_qAZBoV/s1600/IMG_6040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsedNXe12GZYLylZH7GEXJbK-WSPFNW-u-5x5tZyvH6RwRPhSGvq4MANwTzUiQfAR816-FvpeMCwzAIfJKFxN34kXN9We1BX6xLaU8poFSTrF9ShQ_DQvPdgh8X7lEeXu_nTM0_qAZBoV/s400/IMG_6040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Little Hen is such a squirrel. He is always grinning when he's in the water and frequently makes his teacher crack up. He is not swimming on his own yet, but, well...he is only 3. He does jump off the edge of the pool though into pretty deep water and thinks it's great fun! He seems to think the goal is to make the biggest splash possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgqvtUCCBxX3Ow0h2LXhempq3UFM4WShbTez1LVjPWcFLaixlATOHUiuvRMPBb_7QVBA0zYPqJnEIc7iq935OsJZiIGogxxO99l-g3K4_jTZhR1X2y-NnNM62kgXmgBhGBRvKMUtWAzaC/s1600/IMG_6041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgqvtUCCBxX3Ow0h2LXhempq3UFM4WShbTez1LVjPWcFLaixlATOHUiuvRMPBb_7QVBA0zYPqJnEIc7iq935OsJZiIGogxxO99l-g3K4_jTZhR1X2y-NnNM62kgXmgBhGBRvKMUtWAzaC/s400/IMG_6041.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cricket is another story. He is always making the teacher laugh too, but is so hesitant to try things in the water. In the fall, when we were at Fort Wilderness, he fell out of his kayak into water that was just a bit deeper than he could stand and it really shook him up. So his goal this semester was to just learn to be confident in the water. His body is changing so much just now. He's grown so tall and slender. I sometimes wonder what it must be like for him to be moving around in such a long body. He is after all only eight years old. I sometimes forget that! In the picture above you can see his teacher has wrapped some noodles around him so he can focus on kicking those long legs with more coordination. I am so proud of this kid. He isn't totally swimming on his own yet, but he has learned to do several different strokes, how to jump in, and has the start of a good dive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GltOvHHJLihwCxOrx60EdTbRO0FLXTJg9wD9SUzw_yKE2-lFY-_zcAAbDhFVRPLvIrvN7ijMZNpw0KBq7OQ56I01PRx8qT9t1OWssQKCtXL1YLiqPvauV5kWqWQhaHfkhJgKtrBjbhyphenhyphenZ/s1600/IMG_6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GltOvHHJLihwCxOrx60EdTbRO0FLXTJg9wD9SUzw_yKE2-lFY-_zcAAbDhFVRPLvIrvN7ijMZNpw0KBq7OQ56I01PRx8qT9t1OWssQKCtXL1YLiqPvauV5kWqWQhaHfkhJgKtrBjbhyphenhyphenZ/s400/IMG_6042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And then there is this crazy kid. He is such a fish! He told me the first day of lessons, before he got in the pool, that he was going to try really hard because he wanted to show the teacher what he could do. Awesome. I am continually impressed with his ability to focus. When he started lessons he really couldn't swim by himself at all. He now can do the several different strokes, the dolphin kick, can jump in, dive in, and can retrieve rings from the deep end on his own. And more importantly, I have seen him come out of his comfort zone and learn to be friends with new people. The first session he and Cricket had a three year old girl in their class. It was just the three of them so I was a bit worried that it would be an awkward mix. But it wasn't. At all! They would talk with her and play with her like they were great friends. And when that eight week session ended and the new one started they were a little bummed that Mia wouldn't be with them. I just find that to be incredibly sweet. I love how these kids keep tearing down the stereotypes that are ingrained in me. (even though I'd like to think I don't have any...truth is I do...I think we all do) What a privilege to be able to learn from them...with them. Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-81503682346357133922013-02-18T19:56:00.000-06:002013-02-18T20:01:04.462-06:00The Whole ThingOne of the things that I've had to revisit over and over in this crazy, messy, beautiful life of ours is figuring out our priorities. The thing is, you think you know what your priorities are, until something happens to make life even crazier, busier, and more beautiful than you anticipated. Then one day you wake up and realize that you really don't have the time or energy to live up to all your ideals. You have to figure out what is really important. I mean uber important. Like so important that you will lose sleep for it. Or give up alone time for it. Or your last five dollars for.<br />
<br />
And I don't have it all figured out, by any means. I'm just learning what works for us, and what's worth fighting for. And so we are in this season of change....learning how to live out what is important to us. Because there is nothing that points out your inconsistencies like parenting a pre-teen!<br />
<br />
And this brings me to ....the menu....because whole food is one of those things that got put aside for a wee bit while we were getting used to having five. And when I say "put aside" I just mean that we perhaps ate out more than we should and started taking some shortcuts that allowed me less time in the kitchen, but meant more processed food. But no more! Baby may be crawling and teething and needy, but we need to be healthy! So I have dove right back into the kitchen with menu in hand. And I'm pleased to be able to tell you that it's been a few weeks and I'm sticking with it.<br />
<br />
So...here's the menu for the week....made with almost all organic ingredients with the music turned up and a baby on the hip....<br />
<br />
S - Hardboiled eggs and homemade almond scones<br />
Roasted garlic chicken (crockpot) with roasted brussel sprouts and spuds<br />
Spinach Lasagna with Italian salad<br />
<br />
M - Whole wheat pumpkin waffles<br />
Pesto grilled cheese and sliced apples<br />
<a href="http://treeshadowfarm.blogspot.com/2010/10/african-pineapple-peanut-stew.html">African Pineapple Peanut Stew</a><br />
<br />
T - Oatmeal with raisins and nuts<br />
Pesto pita pizzas and raw red peppers<br />
Black bean and Sausage soup with whole wheat corn bread muffins<br />
<br />
W -Eggs and toast<br />
Leftover soup and corn muffins<br />
Beef and Broccoli stirfry with brown rice<br />
<br />
Th - Oatmeal with raisins and nuts<br />
Peanut Butter and Fruit Sandwiches with carrot sticks<br />
Brats and Kraut and Roasted spuds<br />
<br />
F - Whole wheat blueberry pancakes<br />
Leftovers and yogurt fruit smoothies<br />
BLTs with sweet potato fries<br />
<br />
S - Eggs and homemade biscuits<br />
And the rest of Saturday will have to be whatever random thing I can make with what is left in the fridge and pantry....<br />
<br />
So there you have it! What's cookin' at your house?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-17890748155603455962013-02-14T18:52:00.000-06:002013-02-14T18:56:43.644-06:00February 14th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1PH0M0XfNlNpn0c-gTFDtvk2KRgUtw8_TQDbGfv_T5pI-XcvokRVkYwN3Uwe2q_yzNlCOerrNbOlelijbSixENFkBNGDcxNYCm7eB9WZ9BeVx0jf7UWM-dIZDBo4T464lzOyTe-UgvOC/s1600/IMG_5976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1PH0M0XfNlNpn0c-gTFDtvk2KRgUtw8_TQDbGfv_T5pI-XcvokRVkYwN3Uwe2q_yzNlCOerrNbOlelijbSixENFkBNGDcxNYCm7eB9WZ9BeVx0jf7UWM-dIZDBo4T464lzOyTe-UgvOC/s400/IMG_5976.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When I asked the boys what they wanted to do for Valentine's Day this year, they were all in agreement....make <a href="http://treeshadowfarm.blogspot.com/2010/02/day-of-pictures.html">Monster Mailboxes</a>! We did this a few years back, when Hen was the baby. The mailboxes lasted for almost a year, getting used whenever anyone wanted to send a message to someone. It was great fun. (And was excellent for boosting courage with reading!) So when they said they wanted to do it again, I was game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk5CSeLWCI_BwuGC7DC01F5a8z5ntftR_unzJBSQ_YMmiJcl6Q9WC0R6QndEbHezEr-c6jOE2rai1Yfh3F-_-W0YaUrarbvFBXjiQWRCELdzv9SszQYVvmzQad9VkZc9F2L6LOExrdx0Z/s1600/IMG_5983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk5CSeLWCI_BwuGC7DC01F5a8z5ntftR_unzJBSQ_YMmiJcl6Q9WC0R6QndEbHezEr-c6jOE2rai1Yfh3F-_-W0YaUrarbvFBXjiQWRCELdzv9SszQYVvmzQad9VkZc9F2L6LOExrdx0Z/s400/IMG_5983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
How to make them? Raid the recycling bin. Make a smallish box out of cardboard, or use one already the right size. (kleenex boxes are really good for this). Using a scissors, make a mouth to be used as a mail slit. Somehow Valentines are more fun when they can be eaten by your monster box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J8_9daR3XoeY3VKOt2YCN65l2mLobxuRjy6wHpqwszKKXkUq6WIysKD7T_JhADO-W1hDlfh_ntrVcphiLZ4dje3-0r3IjVwjUzLGzWjckDN2WYBGINaRmg-4FR2hfhUzvE8c7SNuxKpj/s1600/IMG_5982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J8_9daR3XoeY3VKOt2YCN65l2mLobxuRjy6wHpqwszKKXkUq6WIysKD7T_JhADO-W1hDlfh_ntrVcphiLZ4dje3-0r3IjVwjUzLGzWjckDN2WYBGINaRmg-4FR2hfhUzvE8c7SNuxKpj/s400/IMG_5982.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Paint the box with acrylic paint. Then decorate it however you like. We used foam stickies, which isn't something we would normally use, but someone gave us a giant bag of them a long time ago and we are still using them up. Hen wanted to do his entirely by himself and for some reason I was just not in the mood to let him. I was certain he needed my help to paint it and tell him ideas of how it should be. (I have no idea why some days I am less up for the adventure of letting him be his independent self.) I realized pretty quickly to just step aside and let him go! And this is why he wanted to do it himself....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEe5L8b7V-2IN6qYS_NTBFfdBj-CfI8K0ZtaxG7C8tQGDC23H1AexLnid_2u3zQnlz0pXRZnHCs08gqNtul6TpYQYdX3aQnO7PwOlZ312La9AqSiVf4JAQUQ11NXBoQN95LzhnpjYFbAa/s1600/IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEe5L8b7V-2IN6qYS_NTBFfdBj-CfI8K0ZtaxG7C8tQGDC23H1AexLnid_2u3zQnlz0pXRZnHCs08gqNtul6TpYQYdX3aQnO7PwOlZ312La9AqSiVf4JAQUQ11NXBoQN95LzhnpjYFbAa/s400/IMG_5987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Because he could do it really well! On his own! You might not be able to tell from this picture, but every side of the box is a different color and the edges are painted really well, with pretty straight lines. He did all of it on his own, from squeezing out the paint to washing out his brushes. I am so impressed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStki9MeIdn5et8gTySg7izvPPTIvhyphenhyphensCMvtpfjp_zh_-Mqbd_FKZT4vYFAfMhmoJobQ2emc2rh1KK_TFcNuykJFGITERfLQ3RNgFSIpZALIy__vjs-Ri4BHhaGDPOiqbPr1oiQsMbFidm/s1600/IMG_5992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStki9MeIdn5et8gTySg7izvPPTIvhyphenhyphensCMvtpfjp_zh_-Mqbd_FKZT4vYFAfMhmoJobQ2emc2rh1KK_TFcNuykJFGITERfLQ3RNgFSIpZALIy__vjs-Ri4BHhaGDPOiqbPr1oiQsMbFidm/s400/IMG_5992.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boy #1's is not a monster mailbox, but a robot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPFE_zoM1shB5jYeB7ui1B79j1RPm0iJISXVsW9TfYMzQqnJBYVStYHGNVvBdur_C2N99cFvmTkt2ZbESQP2_Z1Dzugv38PSjXIwTesCFTNSUsFU67FZnHL202fHw6k2_kB0xau3-G0hw/s1600/IMG_5988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPFE_zoM1shB5jYeB7ui1B79j1RPm0iJISXVsW9TfYMzQqnJBYVStYHGNVvBdur_C2N99cFvmTkt2ZbESQP2_Z1Dzugv38PSjXIwTesCFTNSUsFU67FZnHL202fHw6k2_kB0xau3-G0hw/s400/IMG_5988.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boy #3's. I love the toothy grin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_FXB6JKeD41c-eDkkwXu2CpRLNzBpx97lQwy7ofBiTRft1E4EM-B0izJVaJ3yEU5v_nk3BaQj-qgdvS5qTIgWDPNJZ4JbQdDvyAJxFGf1nrQlJrLmkVUxHUC4GXba8S7wwp_OGSf1y4t/s1600/IMG_5989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_FXB6JKeD41c-eDkkwXu2CpRLNzBpx97lQwy7ofBiTRft1E4EM-B0izJVaJ3yEU5v_nk3BaQj-qgdvS5qTIgWDPNJZ4JbQdDvyAJxFGf1nrQlJrLmkVUxHUC4GXba8S7wwp_OGSf1y4t/s400/IMG_5989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boy #2's has a crazy mouth that opens and closes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyIcvP-hwaF8R-zuVpGti9t3i9zLkNSB-0-a2Edq5nJZXcczjS0K9u_LUjyLbhWb-5NYR9LmFVugp0RApkTNbOtKCZThBOK96DbajW9Psz5zqyFaQtD7Wswvmal-MNtlZWj7MDOE9gYMZ/s1600/IMG_5984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyIcvP-hwaF8R-zuVpGti9t3i9zLkNSB-0-a2Edq5nJZXcczjS0K9u_LUjyLbhWb-5NYR9LmFVugp0RApkTNbOtKCZThBOK96DbajW9Psz5zqyFaQtD7Wswvmal-MNtlZWj7MDOE9gYMZ/s400/IMG_5984.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
So the rest of the day was spent making Valentines! Hurray! I love days of making. Although, these days, I am not involved in the making very much because little peanut is all hands on and will only sit watching the boys for a short while. Then she's off! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DoPt1bc6uXC2lOLmYO6XhqQeHwa7gTd-MCuvMPL5esQmYLa8b50d7TOa3qpmYMgTezYHGrzXUad_auy1nzlQMj-XYjzw4hjmojl59B1vsOM6f_YL0izumxE9zrqDQoIJ5BoYV7IZ-e1R/s1600/IMG_5993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DoPt1bc6uXC2lOLmYO6XhqQeHwa7gTd-MCuvMPL5esQmYLa8b50d7TOa3qpmYMgTezYHGrzXUad_auy1nzlQMj-XYjzw4hjmojl59B1vsOM6f_YL0izumxE9zrqDQoIJ5BoYV7IZ-e1R/s400/IMG_5993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her new skill of pulling up on the furniture....or pulling up on the dog...yes she's done it, and poor Millie just lets her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMVrLuSbYnclJwqwdHL-JcAzJxmGviuXl9QJriyyl2BV2MtFAza0lRW6ACeZJUgDfnMM616GcdXHL14MEpy9YQJ_5kvBVYunP_lxSGyHvtLXwcMcPyri5uTuvK4CM2SoeLMf6Q6khJBnP/s1600/IMG_6002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMVrLuSbYnclJwqwdHL-JcAzJxmGviuXl9QJriyyl2BV2MtFAza0lRW6ACeZJUgDfnMM616GcdXHL14MEpy9YQJ_5kvBVYunP_lxSGyHvtLXwcMcPyri5uTuvK4CM2SoeLMf6Q6khJBnP/s400/IMG_6002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and J...this is post is for you. Happy Valentine's Day my love. Thank you for encouraging me to post on the blog again. I love you more than words can say.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-67898192522800139312013-02-12T13:11:00.000-06:002013-02-12T13:11:22.358-06:00About Having FiveThe little lady is at my feet, trying to figure out the latch to open my giant bin of yarn. She is so determined and funny in her smallish way that she sometimes reminds me of a kitten. She is so busy! Her little fingers are always finding the tiniest piece of this or that on the floor and putting it in her mouth. Her little legs are getting so strong. She is pulling up on furniture and crawling over things and up things. She has found the steps! I have rescued her from certain death at least twenty times today and it's only 1:00. I had no idea that becoming a mother would require me to develop so many skills!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD1SNfhF3SbloxP9EtltA3f9qif8RSpXvDPLw7sVG03lhyKN9_Lm0fDBOUOCxWRrJB6oBpnEiDkwSoLc_13GDEA8O8zQNINM1q0nKcMucXCjMAqE2Yt4XDi1RT71f1ivALfeLDeKN3QYC/s1600/IMG_5957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD1SNfhF3SbloxP9EtltA3f9qif8RSpXvDPLw7sVG03lhyKN9_Lm0fDBOUOCxWRrJB6oBpnEiDkwSoLc_13GDEA8O8zQNINM1q0nKcMucXCjMAqE2Yt4XDi1RT71f1ivALfeLDeKN3QYC/s400/IMG_5957.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In this few years I have also learned how to be a triage nurse (is it broken? does it need stitches? is it strep?). I have learned how to feed an army for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day....and to do it with whole, organic food on a budget. I have learned how to be a diplomat between nations (think brothers). I have learned how to teach someone to read, do fractions, carve wood, start a fire, to NOT start a fire, and to ride a bike. And so many more things that I can't even list.<br />
<br />
But more than that....what has shaped me more than that are all the things that having five has taught me about love. Because for us, J and I, having five kids has made us take a good, hard look at us. I think it has come to this, simply because there is so much work involved with raising a crew, that you have to be purposeful to survive. Purposeful in how you spend your time. Purposeful with your words, your actions. Purposeful with who you are! <br />
<br />
And we are a team. If I am purposeful about something, but he is not, then it is kind of pointless....maybe even harmful? And if something is important to him, but not to me, what good is that? So we've spent a lot of time these past two years figuring it out. It's been crazy hard. But he is so patient....and I, so tenacious....and somehow it's just been so good despite how much work it is. <br />
<br />
And are days are full. These children blessings. And we keep on laughing at how good it all is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKZ-Jx9ymi4Y3t7NtR2VEUrTZlPxip9N0itrKvHH-2dYq4fNtGfYoNFLFt1clun-LF2_CkYaXcUgH9bUmuWj4FGxYZPZn3fCI4ZXt0BgNsKyLP_pgTOd_GtsWTkrn9YyKGt_OazisePGy/s1600/IMG_5952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKZ-Jx9ymi4Y3t7NtR2VEUrTZlPxip9N0itrKvHH-2dYq4fNtGfYoNFLFt1clun-LF2_CkYaXcUgH9bUmuWj4FGxYZPZn3fCI4ZXt0BgNsKyLP_pgTOd_GtsWTkrn9YyKGt_OazisePGy/s400/IMG_5952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-25486408181388012182013-02-07T16:26:00.002-06:002013-02-07T16:26:31.766-06:00Winter Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's snowing again as I sit to write. A blustery icy kind of snow that makes me want to curl up with a good book and something warm to drink. Yet I am in this creative whirl just now and I must write while I can! The little girl is sleeping...finally....and this is my chance. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMdApZqa3jQkNq-sxmqbYVbaLmtKafFhPDNNZaxCfkhWg_MOUDKEGGg-aIwmtMlhmZtqQgWPCHH6gB7dtf2q_g9gARo_hwWrdujEB2LggDBex0nn-bnqaKjiGZrIUhoexfCzbKSAQHvkj/s1600/IMG_5904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMdApZqa3jQkNq-sxmqbYVbaLmtKafFhPDNNZaxCfkhWg_MOUDKEGGg-aIwmtMlhmZtqQgWPCHH6gB7dtf2q_g9gARo_hwWrdujEB2LggDBex0nn-bnqaKjiGZrIUhoexfCzbKSAQHvkj/s400/IMG_5904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is all adorableness. Even when she is upset, she somehow manages to still be the most adorable thing ever. And she has had her share of upset this week. She has a nasty cold, complete with rocket snot and an icky cough. And at the same time is getting her top two teeth. She's had some pretty miserable days (and nights) and there has been much rocking, and nursing, and playing peek-a-boo, and willing brothers who take a turn to try to entertain her long enough to keep her happy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzza0Lctft5Z7rja5o6hcL0P1HyvIpdWj8whTLNqyAVkGPUWcx9iFPAa5fOnx6a6lo_c65QoEfqz-wWs9CkyJcgKKeuW06ZloZvQetyfLFXorDNqZ6VW1O2iNSoX9yawhvePbAN6QsoEn/s1600/IMG_5907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzza0Lctft5Z7rja5o6hcL0P1HyvIpdWj8whTLNqyAVkGPUWcx9iFPAa5fOnx6a6lo_c65QoEfqz-wWs9CkyJcgKKeuW06ZloZvQetyfLFXorDNqZ6VW1O2iNSoX9yawhvePbAN6QsoEn/s400/IMG_5907.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boy #4 said this morning, "Hello babygirl! You are my best friend." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IjtxvLSca6LC2WJB0XeGKiMR8GA-6lkC-O7l0ZyaMef8Hi3J3J6TCw0G0e5aUu_vYTiP8ng8QR6TrvTgddquZyS4cVDciPxRVB26iwLAC5xXHrmlFleMRFpD9bFf9yMyrMFUBJK1X-VM/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IjtxvLSca6LC2WJB0XeGKiMR8GA-6lkC-O7l0ZyaMef8Hi3J3J6TCw0G0e5aUu_vYTiP8ng8QR6TrvTgddquZyS4cVDciPxRVB26iwLAC5xXHrmlFleMRFpD9bFf9yMyrMFUBJK1X-VM/s400/IMG_5915.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Yesterday we had an awesome day of learning. All kinds of good things which I didn't get pictures of....like boy #2 reading up a storm, the little boys reading to one another, and so much more. We also baked a cake! Because the strawberries demanded to be in a cake with organic whipped cream. That's why!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnAki-xonPOc315J9a6SmKq9j87uxv1HN2eLlQ3etqPcSiY4m6Eb-eMNMWz0gcK3Ns6bfIIfybJEoaF4A5gc5MT8YYfiAvSG5yW1e9KBLCFepbjFVhbVfDIz0VC9RGM65gbT54Dz2DAK9/s1600/IMG_5921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnAki-xonPOc315J9a6SmKq9j87uxv1HN2eLlQ3etqPcSiY4m6Eb-eMNMWz0gcK3Ns6bfIIfybJEoaF4A5gc5MT8YYfiAvSG5yW1e9KBLCFepbjFVhbVfDIz0VC9RGM65gbT54Dz2DAK9/s400/IMG_5921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There was much discussing about how to decorate it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6VM2Vcd_6n1Pb_K4WsbTD7GkI3xYIntbO7B454vsCztrzFNIGtYGHaVuh-hmQgC7HiCIC_lUVcGjZsrY_E5DWI3Ns86D_-hvXyoLr8vf65IZELJujrmk4x6pBu80SZ6GuDVJU3H9XiP3/s1600/IMG_5929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6VM2Vcd_6n1Pb_K4WsbTD7GkI3xYIntbO7B454vsCztrzFNIGtYGHaVuh-hmQgC7HiCIC_lUVcGjZsrY_E5DWI3Ns86D_-hvXyoLr8vf65IZELJujrmk4x6pBu80SZ6GuDVJU3H9XiP3/s400/IMG_5929.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
It was delicious boys! Thank you ever so much! They did most of it by themselves. I only helped them put it in and out of the oven. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D-bfC_SvAkUWVFp1nx0kFNAI_zVWCqbAyK5iPkQkXhMA7huuy5Zhfeq9BQPh25dPhGqZ3u98a2gHgHx9UzEHA3riRqdycT_-YMafGWjD6Tcw-Uz3_zjOXhgDVcjOoxVxNQzlw-JQJKbi/s1600/IMG_5916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D-bfC_SvAkUWVFp1nx0kFNAI_zVWCqbAyK5iPkQkXhMA7huuy5Zhfeq9BQPh25dPhGqZ3u98a2gHgHx9UzEHA3riRqdycT_-YMafGWjD6Tcw-Uz3_zjOXhgDVcjOoxVxNQzlw-JQJKbi/s400/IMG_5916.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
Oh, and in case you were wondering where boy #3 was in those pictures. Here he is! Supervising, I think.Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-7675298935499516462013-02-01T15:38:00.001-06:002013-02-01T15:38:53.968-06:00January 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uA1Y4U2Wyq2etEA6r16CGr8NFx6IQMrtBV9YXKsYjEbuUDggz-DrfITCOKWmIpdxQ9jVNiTZgcRYXx-GE1vAaAMuB9CMKUGDJ0UnjtKw0cEeT1oru2G1j_Diax3VVNPinP78ci3O-HHS/s1600/IMG_5883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uA1Y4U2Wyq2etEA6r16CGr8NFx6IQMrtBV9YXKsYjEbuUDggz-DrfITCOKWmIpdxQ9jVNiTZgcRYXx-GE1vAaAMuB9CMKUGDJ0UnjtKw0cEeT1oru2G1j_Diax3VVNPinP78ci3O-HHS/s400/IMG_5883.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Well here we are at the end of January...okay technically it's February 1st as I "publish" this....but still....these pictures are from this past week. What has happened to allow me this precious space of time to write here on the dear old blog? Well....nothing. And everything. I'll spare you, just now, the details of this messy life....and let you get on to the pictures of these beautiful kids. As you can see Boy #2 and Boy #4 have been doing some awesome playing together these past days. It's such a gift to see them growing closer together during our days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM31GVwuCiJOs5xek4WQbb51wL7ZgsNaWAPYofejyVgnph3nAQSSMe-e6iF-_RYSaBjbW2XTYt8YhBgMdc5QPL6WFTpWUjXSZlaIHIJFyXytRUHL_YnnR6RXCbfrM3NUGrXUYjKP_cfaBL/s1600/IMG_5864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM31GVwuCiJOs5xek4WQbb51wL7ZgsNaWAPYofejyVgnph3nAQSSMe-e6iF-_RYSaBjbW2XTYt8YhBgMdc5QPL6WFTpWUjXSZlaIHIJFyXytRUHL_YnnR6RXCbfrM3NUGrXUYjKP_cfaBL/s400/IMG_5864.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Boy #3 has lost his front tooth! Take note! He's done it! Crossed the threshhold from little boy into big adventurer. He also has conquered his fear of the water (so thankful for our awesome swim teacher!) and has started reading. Hurray!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j0hF8vHK99U4cZhkUCK4KPhp1-3Gd5udbEzTGw-v0ZxzGI63_b-6aPX52aPFt3SQoDQgHv7Xe0QAZs2BvP1-jp9znP1OaQ9qfOg5RYIYNeuVdtOmXdV_1wF1Uqi1MAz-Y_TQlUVMJsms/s1600/IMG_5900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j0hF8vHK99U4cZhkUCK4KPhp1-3Gd5udbEzTGw-v0ZxzGI63_b-6aPX52aPFt3SQoDQgHv7Xe0QAZs2BvP1-jp9znP1OaQ9qfOg5RYIYNeuVdtOmXdV_1wF1Uqi1MAz-Y_TQlUVMJsms/s400/IMG_5900.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
My beloved had his 37th birthday this week. We celebrated by sleeping in (sort of...it was past 7am, which is technically sleeping in for us) and having a snow day. It was low key for sure, but sometimes that is best, especially for my guy who loves being home. The little girl is amazing and loves her papa. She said his "name" first of course...and it's so sweet being greeted first thing in the morning by her cooing little voice saying "papa, papa."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8heZYzEXyOE6EHHbxs8z4hfw8l1q_06jPXDgL648KAslDYvOX-sxzpyrjgVP5mrM-maCUDpbEA73aF2sTiA_pRpbx3-n5u3RwFOMEgQ7LcMhotBKrJTG-0nB-QkrP3QqQxVCkAu0H1Yd/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8heZYzEXyOE6EHHbxs8z4hfw8l1q_06jPXDgL648KAslDYvOX-sxzpyrjgVP5mrM-maCUDpbEA73aF2sTiA_pRpbx3-n5u3RwFOMEgQ7LcMhotBKrJTG-0nB-QkrP3QqQxVCkAu0H1Yd/s400/IMG_5871.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
These pictures....really...I couldn't help but post them....because the cuteness is just too much! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS4FTqITF1lzrdizZdZc6xTlCvZNzNU1nL9F7j14Ph64IuXbypFyOlWETfb3mzdKe00yQzgrDOQcoJbYKU1eQ54YG5aSqJA9VWs6dY6WZiSfxDgqT8qfKeayMdiST7uWB5jJHJ7KT-a_b/s1600/IMG_5875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS4FTqITF1lzrdizZdZc6xTlCvZNzNU1nL9F7j14Ph64IuXbypFyOlWETfb3mzdKe00yQzgrDOQcoJbYKU1eQ54YG5aSqJA9VWs6dY6WZiSfxDgqT8qfKeayMdiST7uWB5jJHJ7KT-a_b/s400/IMG_5875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
She loves the bathtub! Here she is concentrating on those top teeth that are soon to appear.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCKh3y5b35HjLJe_wfmqud07gMDE0aCJUfJSXem-EebvMx-sZhP_nkopCaA1VewRyURe8pReURYMtMVsYJp9ASCTtHL_EweFEw4cEW4shA8fgHLbfxU01qDp984W_Z1CuQeZ5a9N8FhUX/s1600/IMG_5891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCKh3y5b35HjLJe_wfmqud07gMDE0aCJUfJSXem-EebvMx-sZhP_nkopCaA1VewRyURe8pReURYMtMVsYJp9ASCTtHL_EweFEw4cEW4shA8fgHLbfxU01qDp984W_Z1CuQeZ5a9N8FhUX/s400/IMG_5891.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
She is my little companion throughout the day. Always smiling. Always busy. She loves to just be where everyone is and explore the things around her. And yes, she has started crawling....and yes, I might just never get anything done ever again. I keep telling myself that it is a season and to enjoy it, because it will all be so different before I know it. I just want to drink it all in...this time of littleness....where everything is new for her....where all of her sorrow can be fixed by holding hands, nursing and a pink blanket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fsYtscvRxUuz4CrEm-MPZzQa8BjAipjzVchrceJr_JdpW_ckgUxjtyoxEVFE5i0w0Dqs4AIClv7hIf8Tr6ojH28Be4U-IWlm2O8swpCIf8z9ZemYVWowx6g7DhPFE3PFddi0ESjx5sjn/s1600/IMG_5898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fsYtscvRxUuz4CrEm-MPZzQa8BjAipjzVchrceJr_JdpW_ckgUxjtyoxEVFE5i0w0Dqs4AIClv7hIf8Tr6ojH28Be4U-IWlm2O8swpCIf8z9ZemYVWowx6g7DhPFE3PFddi0ESjx5sjn/s400/IMG_5898.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827086793541814954.post-63126695073651527562012-08-01T20:02:00.002-05:002012-08-01T20:05:13.464-05:00How It Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lOTSKONpCZ9KiP8YQcQZvQwSztfr7f7W6LN3J-bthFABNHMT5obWmhnNq3ptbNKwSgq75uoA4BrhlGmDhs9WCTQJ2iQzX3CZMtukjXhv5QEOutvLdzBANpFGL-vcO-flpHF4esB_Tkr7/s1600/IMG_5470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lOTSKONpCZ9KiP8YQcQZvQwSztfr7f7W6LN3J-bthFABNHMT5obWmhnNq3ptbNKwSgq75uoA4BrhlGmDhs9WCTQJ2iQzX3CZMtukjXhv5QEOutvLdzBANpFGL-vcO-flpHF4esB_Tkr7/s400/IMG_5470.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Well, it's been two months now since our little babe's arrival. She's added so much to our days. So much. It is almost silly to try to capture it in words, because whatever can be said just won't capture it all. Yet, I really find myself wanting to save this time forever in my mind's eye.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDVMOn37Wa3sztZgxCJXEEbUC6ktGa-DcrDQamRP0wUnJDkYefT3ysYjCM71sJIjCEdEZnT1Qn4PRZ_SrYClmqKQ62D3bjo3zQE8l-8bJE_iVYZMSYy1CwgexShgw_OtSY2IwEKweiq8M/s1600/IMG_5473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDVMOn37Wa3sztZgxCJXEEbUC6ktGa-DcrDQamRP0wUnJDkYefT3ysYjCM71sJIjCEdEZnT1Qn4PRZ_SrYClmqKQ62D3bjo3zQE8l-8bJE_iVYZMSYy1CwgexShgw_OtSY2IwEKweiq8M/s400/IMG_5473.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Her little body that so easily snuggles in. Her soft hair that smells of newness and wonder. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oSDOniEFhiHCDVquodRGrC94Y8cY6mnmLwhjaGD0MzpaKb848UonO6c9oivNysc9pN_dt63-EmO7HxidH4h7cp4Q6iz1z8ZMumIbtXj8WtFcj5L4T0Fzrz4J3hj-FUzqPT5-3EXOnbWm/s1600/IMG_5480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oSDOniEFhiHCDVquodRGrC94Y8cY6mnmLwhjaGD0MzpaKb848UonO6c9oivNysc9pN_dt63-EmO7HxidH4h7cp4Q6iz1z8ZMumIbtXj8WtFcj5L4T0Fzrz4J3hj-FUzqPT5-3EXOnbWm/s400/IMG_5480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her tiny toes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_tV3KDBcHH4FEBkctdtL2EVmlPjM0AnZN3ZD3dRUaKD1TxW7PfgkyvxUPICMqKqx0jP0b16IQR5tqfzwIW-uFBbOWSWaVYDR1xrCPQlojjxtsQ7YmeFClvlFANzPvXfPQVs3RWKDBYAd/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_tV3KDBcHH4FEBkctdtL2EVmlPjM0AnZN3ZD3dRUaKD1TxW7PfgkyvxUPICMqKqx0jP0b16IQR5tqfzwIW-uFBbOWSWaVYDR1xrCPQlojjxtsQ7YmeFClvlFANzPvXfPQVs3RWKDBYAd/s400/IMG_5489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
How one day she just magically had eyelashes that weren't there before. How her hair grew long enough to flip over her ears just so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyroUMXkLCnUQCw7s3jY-EaD1msuPw2orUUdNKeWUoFgW0Fcp6Smm6Se-FJQWKGfmLL3fLWawiCuUJkwOaSwQ5KRJ9qXQyu7lehHsvinJRU2Cnk-JgqhMjwyquytmQaxZpCW79yMPdR6R/s1600/IMG_5513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyroUMXkLCnUQCw7s3jY-EaD1msuPw2orUUdNKeWUoFgW0Fcp6Smm6Se-FJQWKGfmLL3fLWawiCuUJkwOaSwQ5KRJ9qXQyu7lehHsvinJRU2Cnk-JgqhMjwyquytmQaxZpCW79yMPdR6R/s400/IMG_5513.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
I've had to rediscover baby-wearing. (so glad!) And how to manage the day's work and flow with another person in our home! She wants to be entertained! She wants to talk to someone and be held constantly! But she is such a joy, and there is always someone in this big family (i can say big now right?)willing to give her some love!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPkqlH_LF2z0H6gYT-hvrMprLJP3gETXCd13kj6aykVxdT3siYYfqPMFWk39VODSiGFYasWqAAfLZnDBGprA7-oYzi9uXDrQhDbTPpoHTmTtbMokGaOOVgsTMdhApoLKXcSL5J9dMymw9/s1600/IMG_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPkqlH_LF2z0H6gYT-hvrMprLJP3gETXCd13kj6aykVxdT3siYYfqPMFWk39VODSiGFYasWqAAfLZnDBGprA7-oYzi9uXDrQhDbTPpoHTmTtbMokGaOOVgsTMdhApoLKXcSL5J9dMymw9/s400/IMG_5535.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
She sits up in her bumbo chair already. At just two months. Look at those cheeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7w4cnpZhINNaQIQoutnqjK29QcIBD-kOnYB6zx8INjFc_iWgrVc5kU4dsiFIl9TbDn-3a28IA1xVioA7DoBI8vld3gFkFoJ_fEIgVphaGRCUX-iqE9kdaNhWvM37-egVUdEQkiFxPf9R/s1600/IMG_5539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7w4cnpZhINNaQIQoutnqjK29QcIBD-kOnYB6zx8INjFc_iWgrVc5kU4dsiFIl9TbDn-3a28IA1xVioA7DoBI8vld3gFkFoJ_fEIgVphaGRCUX-iqE9kdaNhWvM37-egVUdEQkiFxPf9R/s400/IMG_5539.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyh0kYwegHYdWEQDM-yYseg4y5MlNcti2Ic5bGIjqmk5Iz2Zt5XLH37BZc_9O_GY2iFwZcXi0Mvlxo2D4WPoCHCvJI7X86BtJkjHXXERUx8CsyZ3hMJLcpWgwJgREFNgP0ai8Z5_z8pIE/s1600/IMG_5558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyh0kYwegHYdWEQDM-yYseg4y5MlNcti2Ic5bGIjqmk5Iz2Zt5XLH37BZc_9O_GY2iFwZcXi0Mvlxo2D4WPoCHCvJI7X86BtJkjHXXERUx8CsyZ3hMJLcpWgwJgREFNgP0ai8Z5_z8pIE/s400/IMG_5558.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
What else have we been doing this summer? Well...we've been playing a lot of baseball. A lot. The three oldest boys have all been participating and enjoying every minute of it. Unfortunately I could only find photos of Cricket, but considering I had to take all five kids by myself most of the time I think it's pretty wild that I got any pictures at all! Ha!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrjq7-_tYkcQK5ZH8DvlM_3QBhoCORyifnKmazulixFmzP32Xtli1LJOr3Z8-efVRkkfuU2YCzaFYug1vsFggK7SI8Pq-ZvD9FbbBGDaGltwLtU8Mv-DSVjjRXDxV-Q5fOUlyC3kZ4rwG/s1600/IMG_5503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrjq7-_tYkcQK5ZH8DvlM_3QBhoCORyifnKmazulixFmzP32Xtli1LJOr3Z8-efVRkkfuU2YCzaFYug1vsFggK7SI8Pq-ZvD9FbbBGDaGltwLtU8Mv-DSVjjRXDxV-Q5fOUlyC3kZ4rwG/s400/IMG_5503.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
We've also been creating. I have a whole post on some of the art that these boys have been doing....you'll have to wait for that. But in the meantime, here is some Lego art that Badger made for a Lego contest that he recently entered. The contest was to design a room in Jabba the Hutt's house. Our boy decided to make a movie theater. (note the droids are selling popcorn....and yes, on the screen is Cars the movie)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0Czeg1wAaPGET5wy3jm4sBWIXHxFrVojllEG7Vgtzjz-XE0EsUTXA04SiJngdiX4vAzt4aAtAsbAu7Juzz_68THAVGb1dtaIY_FrL_I3jAENAitTGqDlyVOiF73RtVCJil0jWvu5N06Q/s1600/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0Czeg1wAaPGET5wy3jm4sBWIXHxFrVojllEG7Vgtzjz-XE0EsUTXA04SiJngdiX4vAzt4aAtAsbAu7Juzz_68THAVGb1dtaIY_FrL_I3jAENAitTGqDlyVOiF73RtVCJil0jWvu5N06Q/s400/IMG_5412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We've also been visiting friends and family. On a recent visit to my parents' house we found this old relic. My brother's old table tennis game. We used to play this thing all the time. (do you remember uncle b?) The boys totally loved it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEuXlSUC3dzoMhnrviOHUCxr5uxdJuOgLh6tBNQrzJWZUTuYJm6ozn9xW6E-FERyWxRlYgI2c4KUs4VmwiiSANDMt-DBJ_mlLnPDPnfjiQ1p605NZSp6KkQhI5fJi4IhcuTFnQ_1LWwT2/s1600/IMG_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEuXlSUC3dzoMhnrviOHUCxr5uxdJuOgLh6tBNQrzJWZUTuYJm6ozn9xW6E-FERyWxRlYgI2c4KUs4VmwiiSANDMt-DBJ_mlLnPDPnfjiQ1p605NZSp6KkQhI5fJi4IhcuTFnQ_1LWwT2/s400/IMG_5376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nBBC216wra6O-80OiZxovlmKnQWOuLOggicv6b6V7Nntkk8ZfHb7-RmdXPGJh6eN2_-Q-Izglh4fzuSblTMyFiXNkctFVtni5qJT2EsM6oBhDA87MzwYLx67HOd_yj_2rxG0sIr-aVJ/s1600/IMG_5374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nBBC216wra6O-80OiZxovlmKnQWOuLOggicv6b6V7Nntkk8ZfHb7-RmdXPGJh6eN2_-Q-Izglh4fzuSblTMyFiXNkctFVtni5qJT2EsM6oBhDA87MzwYLx67HOd_yj_2rxG0sIr-aVJ/s400/IMG_5374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And of course we've also just been doing a ton of this. Yep, holding that baby girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFjTAO3t5n1O-P3XcCq32NthP79e-ICBlLSkNynvHwgbI0q9HI65uM3-OleEWmr1TmVGbpIkeSaeM0Sq_Fni06GtPgn2J2MfR19ZaERIHwFC64VRwuLuur6b71dwqN_uPQKczW0APU7DS/s1600/IMG_5305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFjTAO3t5n1O-P3XcCq32NthP79e-ICBlLSkNynvHwgbI0q9HI65uM3-OleEWmr1TmVGbpIkeSaeM0Sq_Fni06GtPgn2J2MfR19ZaERIHwFC64VRwuLuur6b71dwqN_uPQKczW0APU7DS/s400/IMG_5305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
J seems to be taking it in stride. He's such a good papa that way. And for the record at first he was giving me a hard time about all the dresses and pink things and how much time I spend picking out outfits for her. (it's true, I do) But the other day I caught him commenting that her dress was not very cute so I know he cares too! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGOL068_aYI2D0QnVat325R-vVc0-7dRzFFb6b91SquJEVvi1WGT1U0q20NNEsEzdla2Tc0Nqr-ygk4Kwjinxz1TFrH6YPZDczifMBt4pwP1mXuJ0r-IKWfaBXKNfvaIreAbJuyNJuYTb/s1600/IMG_5459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGOL068_aYI2D0QnVat325R-vVc0-7dRzFFb6b91SquJEVvi1WGT1U0q20NNEsEzdla2Tc0Nqr-ygk4Kwjinxz1TFrH6YPZDczifMBt4pwP1mXuJ0r-IKWfaBXKNfvaIreAbJuyNJuYTb/s400/IMG_5459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this photo! J reading to the boys from a 3D book about snakes. Look at how big Owl is getting. He's only 6, but wow. He's growing up fast. And that's how it goes. The days just go tumbling by. And if you don't stop and notice them it's all past before you know it! So..this post is me doing just that. Noticing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4yOi8GAfyKu03LmL0emC7gn5eOwAAVI_Xl2SfCDQ2vsXQ3uYnbbaV9DdTQqytCDuQwfYX1xeInuJ4-mt8AlwHLLY2g4SGqtdpOAo4W7d8jwmoLqj-0u_-dXxqNUZY7y0bW9H5H5aIEsv/s1600/IMG_5447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4yOi8GAfyKu03LmL0emC7gn5eOwAAVI_Xl2SfCDQ2vsXQ3uYnbbaV9DdTQqytCDuQwfYX1xeInuJ4-mt8AlwHLLY2g4SGqtdpOAo4W7d8jwmoLqj-0u_-dXxqNUZY7y0bW9H5H5aIEsv/s400/IMG_5447.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Rebahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03154513975401103350noreply@blogger.com3