tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19944975911724775992024-03-21T10:56:24.298-07:00Small WondersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-51060580546317792222016-03-06T21:15:00.000-08:002016-03-06T21:15:29.310-08:00On Love, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I absolutely love <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/" target="_blank">Doorpost</a>s materials! We have used several of their Bible Studies, and I have done the Bible Studies for Busy Mama's. </div>
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This fall, I decided it was time to do their Walk In Love study on 1 Corinthians 13. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxKY43BH8Msq0ru2NHxPOHEwevRotTHopvwWkBOhbUkb0bJjfbRDrPTW0yAlfG5M_NkFq4PS7flkE1UjY27ioPV8wiqkg9EFvxEVdrY9g-7RsDPqcS6ye48P2a4bP2UizRAPxknub0F0/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxKY43BH8Msq0ru2NHxPOHEwevRotTHopvwWkBOhbUkb0bJjfbRDrPTW0yAlfG5M_NkFq4PS7flkE1UjY27ioPV8wiqkg9EFvxEVdrY9g-7RsDPqcS6ye48P2a4bP2UizRAPxknub0F0/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty, Mama and Ruby Christmas 2015</td></tr>
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My children needed to know what love really is. I was weary of the bickering, and arguing. They were being selfish and unkind.<br />
The funny thing is, when I see the need for specific training in my children, God uses it to teach me what I need.<br />
1 Corinthians 13 says:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaIrGL6-ZT_svMzhPXH1qVZECepIURBTcPHxo1T-ED6YPL1HTOOAv4lnzRQyNhALeCnGTjF3AL9gOrptHoZ1flm4pjQS-F4lsFI7BSNOi2u4b6_uG1rDFqjig5jSy_FwEvMXz6J6OL4Q/s1600/1-Corinthians-13_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaIrGL6-ZT_svMzhPXH1qVZECepIURBTcPHxo1T-ED6YPL1HTOOAv4lnzRQyNhALeCnGTjF3AL9gOrptHoZ1flm4pjQS-F4lsFI7BSNOi2u4b6_uG1rDFqjig5jSy_FwEvMXz6J6OL4Q/s640/1-Corinthians-13_edited-1.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Of course I love my family. Right? Or, do I really love them as God has called me to love? We started the study so my children could learn to be patient with each other.<br />
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We will all be sinned against. We will, I promise. How I respond shows how well I understand what God did for me. He sent His only son to die for my sins. Psalm 86:15 tells us that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and <i><b>abounding </b></i>in steadfast love and faithfulness. (emphasis mine) God wants all of us to come to repentance. How is my impatience hindering my children from repenting?<br />
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Jesus was willing to die for me because of His great love for me. Shouldn't I be willing to suffer the smaller wrongs that others have committed against me?<br />
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I know this is not a great revelation, nor, is it deep theological study. However, it pierced my heart. It convicted me that my being upset (impatient) was a speed bump, or perhaps even a mountain the way of my children being sanctified and knowing Christ as their personal savior. I was not being a good example of how Christ loved me. How were they to know and demonstrate patience when it wasn't being modeled for them?<br />
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From Doorposts: "Before we can love with a godly love, we need to meet love. We need to experience love. We need to understand how deeply we are loved." I still have a long way to go, but remembering that God IS love helps me to love better.<br />
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I will fail, I do fail, daily. God is teaching me to be quick to repent, to humble myself and apologize, and to make things right. In doing so, I am able in the smallest of ways to teach my children of God's great love for them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-77905211967673751522016-02-28T21:44:00.001-08:002016-02-28T21:44:25.842-08:00Provision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The blog has been very quiet for over a year now. I have written numerous posts in my head, but they never seem to make it past my brain. </div>
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I am in a season of Provision. God Provides for me, He gives me strength, He gives me rest, He provides wisdom, He provides my every breath. I am learning to trust Him completely. </div>
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I have been busy. I love a busy full schedule. I also enjoy down time. The past year I have seen many babies enter this world. </div>
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I also welcomed my first grandson. I took 2 of my children with me to Minnesota for 11 days. I learned that 2 children were no less work than 8! </div>
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I homeschooled 6 children and had a very busy toddler. I forgot how busy toddlers are. It almost seemed easier when I had a bushel of toddlers.</div>
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I learned how to knit, how to quilt, and how important reading glasses are. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken in White Salmon, WA this weekend,<br />just as we were about to go in to the church for Sean's Uncle Bob's funeral. </td></tr>
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The most important thing I have seen this year is God's faithfulness. He has continued to provide for my every need, and even many of my wants.<br />
I have a whole series of posts (in my head) about what God has taught me this year on love.<br />
Stay tuned, I hope to share with you all that I have been learning.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-24130631710557552712014-12-09T22:25:00.003-08:002014-12-09T22:25:27.626-08:00Touche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a fun weekend planned, complete with The Handel's Messiah, 4-H Project Meetings (Horticulture, Sewing and Shooting), </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreath Making</td></tr>
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Archery Fund Raiser, Community Chili Feed, <a href="http://nwwafair.com/events/2014/lynden-chamber-of-commerce-lighted-christmas-" target="_blank">Lynden Lighted Parade</a>, and Hay Ride and Caroling with our Church!<br />
I invited my Momm, and niece, Sarah, to join us for the festivities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqvIdLaBvx8iFc5aWji2k08sQ0nVSdSCq4UrWDfWxB0Yy81_CXjKAeeI1MJJL0rctTwNqck8WDUBVcYcbEgI95zbTzJ1sMj9QP63IcXD3RfY8Z3B3j8Hk07-GZM1l26fRp_MmJghio70/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqvIdLaBvx8iFc5aWji2k08sQ0nVSdSCq4UrWDfWxB0Yy81_CXjKAeeI1MJJL0rctTwNqck8WDUBVcYcbEgI95zbTzJ1sMj9QP63IcXD3RfY8Z3B3j8Hk07-GZM1l26fRp_MmJghio70/s1600/image2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some like to do it without assistance.</td></tr>
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We didn't actually make The Messiah (the one thing I really wanted to do). We opted for homemade pizza and Christmas movie night instead. It was probably the best choice. The children had to be up early for Project Meetings. </div>
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We all had a fantastic time, made messes and memories, played Playmobile, read books, and spent time together. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeEOM8T-EFZ3DaXaVooz1dr5TlUmOweqBTsgO5iJOwfyfsr_F9Z-HFT5gCp1nU30HO-GRXY5EUrVOl1wG-lAAVxHfwG-vE89n8RLEEwJ_7AJiiX1heFisahoEGoI0NEobx5-O4P5ReKs/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeEOM8T-EFZ3DaXaVooz1dr5TlUmOweqBTsgO5iJOwfyfsr_F9Z-HFT5gCp1nU30HO-GRXY5EUrVOl1wG-lAAVxHfwG-vE89n8RLEEwJ_7AJiiX1heFisahoEGoI0NEobx5-O4P5ReKs/s1600/image1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Others like to check and make sure everything is perfect. </td></tr>
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During the weekend the following conversation was overheard: </div>
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Liberty (5), "Do you know what fed-up means?"</div>
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Sarah (7). "No, What does it mean?"</div>
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Liberty, "It means you are 'done' with something, Like, it's enough already."</div>
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Sarah, "Oh! Like I am fed-up with your whining?"</div>
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Out of the mouths of babes. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-57242969214599757762014-11-30T22:11:00.000-08:002014-11-30T22:11:02.151-08:007 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just cannot believe how fast the time has gone. Wyatt was 7 months on the 16th. I know I am late. Seriously, I am happy to get anything done. I am living by the "It's the thought that counts", "Better late than never", and "I had the best intentions" club. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmmyWoaZ5r18yhu0IS3kEmd5Qrmx5Zu-d94ZFzPmFPVKqsctmW_MEc5GImZ0jsEuG41xcVOxui-YeORAvc168DmAlZYqnuDLAbR_tOoE5-iwGbru-FxLZDFl03HH-1bMJYp38rMGrCB0/s1600/IMG_5293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmmyWoaZ5r18yhu0IS3kEmd5Qrmx5Zu-d94ZFzPmFPVKqsctmW_MEc5GImZ0jsEuG41xcVOxui-YeORAvc168DmAlZYqnuDLAbR_tOoE5-iwGbru-FxLZDFl03HH-1bMJYp38rMGrCB0/s1600/IMG_5293.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyatt's favorite thing to do is roll</td></tr>
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These really were the best pictures that I could manage. You might notice his cute little 7 Month sticker, or the beloved quilt that has been in all his 'month' photos. Yes, they are there just not very well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaAypNsgLfTU-_XlDGKCqIYxYfGL_u_w7PJbiSRzLbJBTkVIZuVXSOc9a7y6nqp7vQHq-H2p8FH0DzEDEfFq1-6nXmShw7m-R56MNAPn63WfMO3KErTTPHCfqMuHr6ZlikU_3J-9TCyQ/s1600/IMG_5294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaAypNsgLfTU-_XlDGKCqIYxYfGL_u_w7PJbiSRzLbJBTkVIZuVXSOc9a7y6nqp7vQHq-H2p8FH0DzEDEfFq1-6nXmShw7m-R56MNAPn63WfMO3KErTTPHCfqMuHr6ZlikU_3J-9TCyQ/s1600/IMG_5294.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't keep this little guy in one place</td></tr>
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This month found Wyatt rolling all over the place. I might set him down in the family room and find him under the dining room table in no time flat! Much to their dismay it brought the end of Lego play for the big kids (at least Lego strewn all over the floor).<br />
Wyatt discovered his tongue and makes the cutest sucking noises. He also intently watches anyone else and what they are doing with his tongue. He joins us for every meal and wants to try all the food we are eating. He has discovered that he can join, or dominate, a conversation by making his voice louder and louder. Wyatt loves to scream, look at lights, nurse, be tickled. He loves all sorts of animals: dogs (when they aren't barking), horses, cows, cats & kittens, and chickens. He laughs and touches them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG8tr265d3ZfwM7xwzu4m0X_Xs577V0p9-hWsvNqJ4TTlSyEDYpWUNBfV7yPk85RtTY2bxKq-EppkAgWQ8k7RS9ZjZHz5InnfwvXZU7GvTVgDVApAY1TliHpZg0hbsIwkK2FGALMeA7k/s1600/IMG_5300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG8tr265d3ZfwM7xwzu4m0X_Xs577V0p9-hWsvNqJ4TTlSyEDYpWUNBfV7yPk85RtTY2bxKq-EppkAgWQ8k7RS9ZjZHz5InnfwvXZU7GvTVgDVApAY1TliHpZg0hbsIwkK2FGALMeA7k/s1600/IMG_5300.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love kissing those cheeks and his neck! </td></tr>
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He has also figured out how to throw a fit, kick, scream and even bite! He is still easy to put to sleep, all one has to do is swaddle him in a tight wrap and give him his binky. He naps well and sleeps fair. He wakes up happy.<br />
Our little guy is already over 25 pounds!<br />
He attended his second birth with me and did fantastic. At one point I was holding him on my hip and he reached out and touched the laboring mama with the sweetest chubby little hands. He also matched his noises to her sounds. He was quiet when she was quiet and cooed at her. He loved the birth ball.<br />
Wyatt watches all that goes on around him, he likes to look out the window and will stare to figure something out.<br />
He recently figured out how to sit up and is happy like that for quite some time. I adore how he sits, most of my children skipped the sitting. He is content in the Ergo. He plays for a long loud time in the Exersaucer.<br />
He is notorious for eating homework that was left on the floor. Still loves to splash and kick in the bathtub.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-54326360536357559502014-11-20T09:39:00.001-08:002014-11-20T09:39:22.680-08:00Outstanding 4-Her<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I began this post a month ago, before she won the Outstanding 4-Her of Whatcom County. </div>
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This was Taylor's 3rd Year doing 4-H at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. She showed in Senior Class for Rabbits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRIqa0_unEz_4Qhyphenhyphen8Zx86xm-LsI4TAjgyyHVpxIIWu3czSYMMEbjlaHGgUhBS0dl3Bawmwop4l1r39Tx0HCJdhs0rpVknIn9gH5a7_VMRJZ9NPj1bTVtQSOIlLkHhRJmQN6jOgq1Mokk/s1600/IMG_4448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRIqa0_unEz_4Qhyphenhyphen8Zx86xm-LsI4TAjgyyHVpxIIWu3czSYMMEbjlaHGgUhBS0dl3Bawmwop4l1r39Tx0HCJdhs0rpVknIn9gH5a7_VMRJZ9NPj1bTVtQSOIlLkHhRJmQN6jOgq1Mokk/s1600/IMG_4448.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Although, this was her first year showing Dairy she showed in Senior class as well, because of her obligations showing Rabbits. Her Show Rabbit is an English Spot, and she got Reserve Grand Champion and Best of Class for Type.<br />
Taylor has diligently chosen rabbits based on what she has learned. She has even attended a Rabbit Show in Enumclaw to get good rabbits for breeding and showing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyzaMxmubaxnYK1-_hP0Z16MKP8xRVI0A6mwVyZMatEm7o4gRLYKZL_WuJDXmgSmGGPqlqCDI2VdjD0Mm2w5GRfMucPmAS43ZcHTFlhgNr3hlNIddfFQSgO276-81e6YmlmVQyKJENVA/s1600/IMG_4462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyzaMxmubaxnYK1-_hP0Z16MKP8xRVI0A6mwVyZMatEm7o4gRLYKZL_WuJDXmgSmGGPqlqCDI2VdjD0Mm2w5GRfMucPmAS43ZcHTFlhgNr3hlNIddfFQSgO276-81e6YmlmVQyKJENVA/s1600/IMG_4462.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Taylor competed against all other Seniors in our County, it came down to her and another member of our club. He received Grand Champion and Taylor was awarded Reserve Grand Champion. They both earned a spot to compete at the State Fair.<br />
State was a great experience for both of them, as well as the other members of our club who attended.<br />
It was a growing experience for both Sean and I, as well as Taylor. As a family, we try to do as much together as possible. Especially when it comes to big events in the children's lives. This was the first time we sent one of our children off with other families to compete, and at a State event as well! Sean was out of town for work, and the logistics of me taking everyone to Puyallup for 3 days was too much.<br />
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Taylor has great showmanship. Much like her father, she is stoic and keeps her composure, but sometimes she forgets to smile. She did impress the judges with her confidence and knowledge.<br />
She organized members of our Rabbit Division to decorate the Rabbit Barn and Our Club received the award for the Best Decorated Club!<br />
When I was walking around the Fair I discovered our Club Booth and remembered that I was supposed to do something about that. I noticed that we were awarded a Blue Ribbon and Best Booth (I am sure I got that name wrong) complete with a $50 premium. Taylor knew I wasn't going to remember, so she implemented that as well.<br />
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I am proud of her growth, and commitment to her projects. From purchasing her animals, to feeding and caring for them she had complete responsibility both fiscally, and with all the daily chores.<br />
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She did her public presentation on Rabbit Breeds of the World. She earned a blue ribbon for that as well! She picked up extra barn duty, went to the Rodeo, and rode rides with friends.<br />
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Since her Pen of Fryer Rabbits earned Best of Class, for the Second Year, she was Third Seller in the Junior Livestock Auction. She requested many add ons and earned enough to get started on her Organic Rabbit business. She has found mentors to help her with marketing, record keeping, developing feed, and other business knowledge.<br />
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A sampling of her ribbons and our club decorations in the Rabbit Barn.<br />
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She was our Club Reporter and won the 4-H News Award for the county. She also earned awards for her involvement in Community Service Projects that she organized and participated in. She also received an award for Outstanding 4-Her of Whatcom County.<br />
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At our End of the Year Celebration Taylor raked in the awards with a Trophy for Outstanding 4-Her of the club, Perfect Attendance, Teen Leadership, and she was elected Vice President of Country Partners Club.<br />
As our daughter enters her 17th year, we couldn't be more proud of her decisions, goals, and character.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-18320963477732813142014-10-20T22:23:00.000-07:002014-10-20T22:23:53.901-07:004, 5, 6 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have the best intentions. I plan blog posts, but never get them written. </div>
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I take thousands of photos, but don't know how to edit or organize them.<br />
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Every time I begin to blog, I spend hours looking at all the photos. That, or someone needs my computer to do their school work.<br />
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Wyatt is a happy baby. He loves his people. and adores animals. He gets so excited when he sees a cat, dog, horse, pig, rabbit, chicken. He laughs and reaches for them.<br />
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At 5 months he started to reach for food and grab. Way earlier than any of my other children. I gave him some avocado, peas and sweet potatoes. He wants to sit at the table with us and hold a big spoon.<br />
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He has grown so much hair in the last couple of months. No, really, he has!<br />
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His 6 month photos did not go so well. He just wanted to eat the sticker.<br />
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He got his 2 bottom front teeth this week and slept in his crib for the first time. He was sleeping all night but now is up a few times. He loves to nurse, but only on one side. We (meaning I) finally gave up on the other side. <div>
He has been on a big car trip, accompanied me to a birth, and to the ER for 3 stitches (for me). All the children still compete for who gets to get him up, dress him, and help with bath time. Liberty can get him laughing the best. He likes to chew on Aaron's chin, Ruby is the baby whisperer and can get him to sleep. Ian likes to move him from place to place, and Wyatt seems to like that. Erik is still trying to teach him things and can't wait to teach him to ride a bike, do a flip, and talk. Wyatt just watches him with fascination. Taylor hangs out with him in the mornings while I am getting everyone else on task, she is also protective of him and likes to feed him when the opportunity arises. </div>
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I cherish this time and love snuggling him, making him laugh and nursing.<br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-33868910779552387872014-07-19T16:37:00.000-07:002014-07-19T16:37:22.886-07:003 MonthsEveryone is growing up right before my eyes. I remember being in second grade thinking that the year was never going to end. I can still picture the calendar on the wall above the blackboard in Mrs. Lugar's class. Will Summer Ever Come? <div>
I still look forward to summer, but it seems to come and go so quickly. Wyatt is now 3 months old, My oldest daughter got married, and I am a Mother in Law.<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2DqRQLh2FeMDTgZl3-AzKsPASSwhBYln4Kk_JPUs7OXfxM25bca1qqaQ1vwzLoG1TrYjyIV2sEyxcE0EFFOvE2m9drUR5aRCZ42Xs4hwigcZoeexV1IZwgvUZgOS7KZXTwSK0PoN_EQ/s1600/IMG_4205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2DqRQLh2FeMDTgZl3-AzKsPASSwhBYln4Kk_JPUs7OXfxM25bca1qqaQ1vwzLoG1TrYjyIV2sEyxcE0EFFOvE2m9drUR5aRCZ42Xs4hwigcZoeexV1IZwgvUZgOS7KZXTwSK0PoN_EQ/s1600/IMG_4205.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty, "It's so fun to have someone to chill with."</td></tr>
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We got 2 kittens, 4 pigs, I had Mastitis, We had a wedding, Mariners game, 25 year High School reunion, got strawberries picked and made in to jam, Celebrated the 4th of July, picked and jammed raspberries, we got started on the blueberries with 87 pounds in the freezer. 4H Season in in Full swing with 3 meetings in one day last week.<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/AVvXsEiIO0LvLwiyz9OmO-Q9fY5f6qKp1XHRe9rbZgE9jSclwRqQr3ZLHfgr1wkI0xocSgROY1jU_UTQ214cSQo1Y3uohDnV1COjp-qPImhGpv0K5iQIxbUFEwnXtbyFns1o86wlEUP76aAStqM/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO0LvLwiyz9OmO-Q9fY5f6qKp1XHRe9rbZgE9jSclwRqQr3ZLHfgr1wkI0xocSgROY1jU_UTQ214cSQo1Y3uohDnV1COjp-qPImhGpv0K5iQIxbUFEwnXtbyFns1o86wlEUP76aAStqM/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His little crooked smile brings me joy</td></tr>
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The fair is just around the corner. I have a few weeks before I am on call for my first birth since Wyatt's arrival. Sean is going on a Tuna Fishing trip and I have started the planning for school in September.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mhDiU8Qal319DA3M5Kke7eEKujfDKenQRUyrvfaoIdNDyzHrQxjk527zHQUGUv8bgJbRBeBLC0ndLejPrtgjZCHNREBKCriO95ryj2jNium7fS2VbWSdzCCKG5zywJt3UO0l3n7L430/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mhDiU8Qal319DA3M5Kke7eEKujfDKenQRUyrvfaoIdNDyzHrQxjk527zHQUGUv8bgJbRBeBLC0ndLejPrtgjZCHNREBKCriO95ryj2jNium7fS2VbWSdzCCKG5zywJt3UO0l3n7L430/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is always smiling, when he is nursing, sleeping, sucking his thumb. Always. </td></tr>
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Meanwhile, every chance I get I sit and stare at the baby. He is such a sweetie. I love that Ian gets up early and waits outside my bedroom. The minute he hears Wyatt cooing he is in there to get him up. The girls always want to choose his clothes and dress him. You have to be easy going to put up with that!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyatt, The.Most. Blue.Eyes.Ever. </td></tr>
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We just finished a major purge and reorganization of the boys room.<br />
Unfortunately, my cooking has drastically taken a back burner. As well as my blogging. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-35929665364861528792014-05-24T22:46:00.002-07:002014-05-24T22:46:23.990-07:00Special Treatment<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;">Probably one of my favorite parts of Wyatt's birth was what I felt was Special Treatment. I have done so many hospital births and worked really hard to develop relationships with the nurses and doctors. I am never really sure how much they remember me, or value what I do. After the care and genuine smiles. Along with the time people took to encourage me, I know that they really do know who I am and value me and what I do when I am at the hospital. <br />
Not only have I attended several births with Heidi, but she was one of my nurses when I delivered Liberty. She saw my name on the board and came in to give me a big hug and some words of encouragement. I was having contractions when Heidi came in, but her hug helped distract me and gave me a great boost of confidence.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolynn and Nurse Heidi </td></tr>
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Karen, is another nurse that I have worked with often, and was one of my nurses when I delivered Ruby. When the kids came in to meet their baby brother, Karen asked, "Which one of you is Ruby?" When Ruby smiled and said she was, Karen told her that she was one of the people who suggested Ruby's name.<br />
I had many other nurses stop in to say hi and offer congrats after the baby was born. Dr. Madsen was my provider when I had the little girls and He came by to give me a great big hug. He said, "Finally, you get to bring one home this time."<br />
I was concerned that my strong preferences would make me a difficult person to care for, while that may be true, I never, not even once felt like I was putting someone out, or that I wasn't important. When I noticed that my pic line had saline in it I requested that it be pulled immediately and my request was granted. When it became obvious that our original plan of having Sean deliver the baby was not going to happen, the doctor apologized to Sean.<br />
All the way through the entire birth I felt protected and cared for. It was an amazing delivery.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-38362148699879200952014-05-23T22:11:00.002-07:002014-05-23T22:11:49.739-07:001 Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe Wyatt is already a month old. My sweet baby is growing so fast. </div>
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I put away the newborn clothes when we got home from the hospital, I was fine with the fact that he was in size 3 month clothes. However, it is hard to believe that he is already moving into size 6 month clothes. </div>
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There have been times that I have gone to put something on him only to find his hand won't fit through the sleeve, or, if I snap the onesie it pulls down off of his shoulders. We weighed him the other day (with Sean holding him on the scale) and he was over 13 pounds.<br />
I absolutely love to sit and snuggle with him. He is such a sweet nurser. He just stares up at me, and nurses till that side is empty, then pulls off and waits for the other side. He hardly ever cries. Unless he has a dirty diaper or big burp. He loves to be swaddled and doesn't mind being held. Wyatt is consistently going between 4 and 6 hours between feeds at night. He does like to start his day early. I can relate to what my Mother In Law said the other day, "I love mornings, I just wish they didn't start so early." I am not ready to get out of bed until sometime after 8, well maybe closer to 9. Truth be told, it is more like 10 but Wyatt is ready to go at 6. I can coax another hour out of him if I am sitting in my chair holding him close, so that is what we are doing for now.<br />
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There is Always a line of children waiting to hold him. Aaron likes him when he is awake, Ian wants him right after he nurses, Erik likes to be in charge of the diaper changes, Ruby loves to get him to sleep, Taylor likes to hold him while she is reading or doing school, and Liberty will take when ever and wherever she has the opportunity.<br />
Erik is ever the diaper hoarder. He doesn't want the diaper to be wasted. He figured out how many diapers a day Wyatt uses and how much each diaper costs. He also figured out how much we have spent on diapers in the last 16 1/2 years, with the average child being in diapers for 2 years. I blocked out the number, you would have to ask him. He knows.<br />
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Wyatt loves to coo and talk. He has the sweetest voice. His smile lights up the room. Aaron loves to smell him and rub his fuzzy head. I love to kiss those cheeks. Ian tries hard to get a smile. We have been so blessed with meals and gifts. I have some recipes that I am anxiously waiting to get a hold of. We were given a gift a few days ago that included 2 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The children were ecstatic! They couldn't believe that they were going to get to eat store bought mac and cheese!<br />
We attended a reunion class for a Childbirth Education Series that I taught last fall and Wyatt was the same size or bigger than some those babies.<br />
He also has many nicknames already. Taylor calls him Little Chap. Sean refers to him as Baby Jep (the spoiled 4th son on Duck Dynasty). I have also heard Wy, Babykins, The Baby, and Little Dub.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-7964377776371007002014-04-26T23:02:00.000-07:002014-04-26T23:02:53.916-07:00Wyatt's Birth <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had in my mind a picture of The Perfect Birth. First, the birth began with going into labor on my own, preferably a little early. My due date came and went and still showed no signs of labor. Don't get me wrong, I was having plenty of contractions but nothing that was "longer, stronger and closer together."</div>
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I was measuring 48" at my 39 week appointment, that's 9" bigger than what is expected. We all knew that I had a large baby, and I had polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid). Knowing that and having the belly to prove it was incredibly uncomfortable. All the tricks I use with clients to get the baby to apply the head to the cervix were not working. I couldn't use the Rebozo or sifting because anything touching my belly hurt. I literally felt like my belly might burst open at any moment. I knew that because of the excess fluid the baby was too high to stimulate labor. However, the contractions were not in vain, I had been between 4-5 CM dilated and about 70% effaced for over 3 weeks. </div>
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I talked with the doctor and scheduled a tentative induction for Monday morning. I knew that breaking my water would get things going. I really wanted some of that water gone so that the pressure would be relieved and the baby's head could be applied. However, from experience I was terrified of a cord prolapse. I have seen it twice, and had a very good friend have a cord prolapse at home. Definitely not something that I was willing to risk. We discussed doing pitocin to get the uterus to start contracting. Again, knowing that I was going to have an unmedicated delivery I really didn't want to artificially begin contractions. The other option was to do a pinhole prick in the amniotic sack and drain off some of the fluid without the risk of cord prolapse. </div>
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When I went to bed Sunday night I knew that I wasn't going to keep Monday's appointment. I was emotionally raw and didn't have the confidence to go through with it. The hospital called to confirm I was coming in and was upset when I told them that I wasn't. </div>
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I spoke with my doctor again and she was fine. Even the nurse Abby was wonderful and listened to me when I cried and apologized for being 'that' patient. When I looked at the schedule for the week I decided to schedule another induction for Thursday. All the while praying that I would go into labor on my own, but not have the on call doctor that was scheduled for Wednesday. </div>
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I was pretty much out of touch with my family, even my mom was here and I just wanted to be left alone. I went to my neighbor's house on Tuesday evening to take advantage of their super deep jacuzzi tub. When I arrived they already had the tub filling, the fire (in the bathroom) was going, they asked what kind of music I wanted and there were some lovely bath salts and candles on the edge of the tub. I am not sure that they planned on me spending 2 1/2 hours in the tub, but it was absolutely wonderful. I was able to completely relax for the first time in weeks. After I got out we hung out and talked for awhile, then Erin walked me home just past midnight. </div>
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Everyone was in bed, and I was thrilled that I didn't have to interact with anyone. I climbed into bed resigned to the fact that I was still pregnant. Then the contractions really started to pick up. I tried timing them, but was too busy focusing on them to start and stop the timer. I knew that they were getting stronger but they sure didn't feel closer together. A few times I had to hop out of bed and walk through the contractions. I was able to breathe slow and deep, then get back in bed. I think I even fell asleep between contractions. At 2:00 AM I decided to call my doctor and see what she thought. I was 40 weeks 5 days, had been having irregular contractions for weeks, and had taken my Heparin shot at 10:00 PM. I really didn't want to get things going if this was another false alarm. I woke Sean up and we decided to head into the hospital. We took our time getting things together, then I had him tell my mom we were leaving. </div>
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In the car I had Sean call Renee and Jess and let them know we were headed in. We asked Jess to let Tami know, since I didn't feel like talking. The drive in was difficult because I couldn't move. I really just wanted to take off my seat belt and get on my knees, but I decided that was too much effort. When we arrived at St. Joe's we had trouble finding a parking spot, then we had some paperwork to fill out. Tami and Renee arrived shortly after us, Tami was quick to recognize that I didn't want to answer questions or fill out paperwork and she intervened on my behalf. I was relieved when they didn't make us go to triage but gave us a room instead. </div>
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I asked for my Pic line to be placed in my forearm but after a couple of failed attempts I consented to a line in my hand, as long as it did not interfere with my mobility. The monitors felt like someone was slapping my skin on my belly. I did not want the belts or the belly band constricting me. The nurse finally figured out that she could use the waistband on my skirt for the fetal monitor and gave up entirely on the contraction monitor. </div>
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I thought that the nurse was extremely patient with me and gave me the time that I needed instead of focusing entirely on the machines, but I was told later that while she was patient, I just politely ignored her. </div>
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Although I had just taken a 2 1/2 hour bath earlier, I decided to try the tub again. It was not as helpful as it has been for prior labors. I still felt like my belly was going to burst open at any minute. I asked Tami and Jess to read Bible verses that I had saved on my phone while Sean sat by me and rubbed my back. I finally decided that I just needed to move. I was feeling very vulnerable and like I just wanted some reassurance. I stopped walking to kiss Sean and to bend over for contractions. I really enjoyed the kissing and it provided me with much needed distraction and a feeling of just being able to let go. </div>
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I think that I pretty much kept my eyes closed and walked circles. Tami opened the curtain to give me more space to walk. A few times I almost ran into something, but stopped short. I liked the feeling of being in Sean's arms, but when my belly would touch him it hurt. Tami seemed to be the right height. I felt bad because I knew that I wasn't light when I leaned on her and Sean massaging my back added extra to what she was already supporting, but it worked for me. I alternated between Jess, Tami and Sean depending on who was closest. But even when I was leaning on someone else, Sean was always there to put pressure on my back. </div>
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I know that we used the oil diffuser and that some oils were used and I found that very comforting, but I don't know the specifics of which oils were used, or where. I also asked that someone place the wet washcloths in the fridge so I would have nice cold ones. They did a great job keeping the cold washcloths on my neck and changing them when they were no longer cold. </div>
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I could tell that I was getting tense and I did not want to get hung up. I did ask for several exams to see if I was ready to push, or if I could have my water broken. Prior to labor I was determined to let my water break when it was ready. I knew that I would be disappointed if I took action, but at that point I just wanted relief. The doctor broke my water because the baby's head was down and it was safe to do. Mostly because I begged her to. To my surprise it wasn't the gush or the relief I was expecting. </div>
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I decided that I needed to enjoy these contractions. I know that sounds strange, but I thought that if I could talk myself into loving each contraction I could progress faster and start pushing. I love pushing in labor. I love the idea that I get to meet my baby soon and that I am doing something to expedite the process. The power behind each push, the progress and the purpose is empowering. I just wanted to get to push. I couldn't help remember the hours of waiting to push and trying to push when I wasn't complete with Liberty's birth and I did not want to repeat that. So when I had a contraction I tried to imagine myself completely letting go, and being consumed in the moment. I talked to myself, I told myself that this was normal, my body was doing exactly what it was designed to do and that it was a privilege to give birth. </div>
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Jess was great with verbal encouragement and telling me that I was strong enough to do this. She was there with strength and gentleness reminding me to stay in control. When the doctor checked me and told me that I had a big fat anterior lip left on my cervix (the same thing that happened with Liberty) Jess encouraged me by reminding me that this was a different birth and that God had all things in his control. </div>
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I know I was not the ideal patient because I couldn't get in the bed. Dr. Kapernick was fantastic and did most of my exams standing up. I remember standing at the end of the bed and she told me to push with the next contraction and we would see if she could get the lip over the baby's head. I did, and she did! I was so happy. I was also so tired. I had been walking, squatting, and moving continuously. I felt like I was going to pass out and go to sleep, so I climbed in the bed. I was concerned because I knew that the shift ended at 7 or 7:30 and when I looked at the clock it was 6 AM. I really wanted this doctor to deliver, because I know she is hands off and trusts a woman to do what she needs done. She knows that we are designed to give birth and allows time for the process to unfold. </div>
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The bed was so low that they raised it up so that Sean, Tami and Jess wouldn't have to bend over so far. I pushed a few times and quickly realized that I was much better off standing up. I leaped out of bed, which sent everyone scrambling because not only was the bed raised and they were afraid that I was going to fall, but I went to the side that had the least amount of room. </div>
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The doctor stood back and let me push then all of a sudden the baby went from still not engaged to crowning. I yelled that the baby's head was here. Because of the size of the baby, they were concerned that his shoulders were going to get stuck and therefore they wanted me in the bed, so that the doctor could help. The original plan had been for Sean to deliver, but we realized that it was going much to fast and needed some assistance. </div>
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They told me to get in the bed, which was still raised. I am still not sure how that happened. I think everyone lifted and flipped me, but I am told that I climbed up while the doctor had her hands on the baby. It looked like she was moving me by the baby's head. I was almost sitting on his head, so they told me to scoot down in the bed. There was a mad scramble to try to disassemble the bed and they had a hard time getting it apart. </div>
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After I was in the bed they took my legs and brought them up to my ears, straightened them out and brought them up to my ears again. This makes the pelvic outlet bigger and they needed it as large as it could possibly be. </div>
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My birth plan said that I wanted the room quiet so that the first sound the baby heard was Sean and my voice. Instead I screamed him into this world. Finally, the rest of the amniotic fluid came out in a huge gush, right after the baby. </div>
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He was placed immediately on my chest and I opened my eyes for the first time. Both Sean and I were crying. I was so happy to have him safely in my arms. I think up until that point I was still unsure how it was all going to play out. I thanked Jesus for the baby, for his safe arrival, and for no complications. </div>
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He didn't cry as much as they wanted him to, and his breathing was a bit raspy so they brought him to the warming table and cleaned out his airway. We were all curious to his weight so I let them weigh him, before I got him back. </div>
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Delivering the placenta felt like I was delivering another baby. The doctor and nurse and Renee were all shocked at the size so they weighed that too. Most placentas weigh about 1 pound. Mine was 3 pounds 1 oz! </div>
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I couldn't stop crying and was so happy. I just wanted to kiss my husband and my baby. I felt like there is nothing better in the whole world than to hold a naked newborn on my breast and know that I get to be his mama. </div>
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When I told the doctor there is nothing like a deadline to motivate someone, she let me know that she wasn't going to leave. She would have stayed to do his delivery. </div>
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Wyatt Valor Slocum was born April 16, 2014 at 6:53 AM. He weighed 11 pounds 6 oz and was 22" long. His name means brave, strong and courageous. A name that we pray he strives to live up to.<br />
While his birth did not go according to my plan, I couldn't have asked for a better birth, or a better birth team. It was so very hard yet, absolutely wonderful.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-16785725680652832352014-04-11T15:29:00.000-07:002014-04-11T15:29:24.247-07:00Waiting….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few weeks ago, Liberty asked to take a picture of me. Oh the perspective of a 5 year old. This week, a little girl in Liberty's class at Classical Conversations said, "Whoa! That looks big! AND it looks REALLY heavy!"</div>
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I really thought that I would have this baby before my due date. I guess he didn't get the memo that Multiparous women are supposed to deliver early. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUyk61xv0NcbNz-GQehMuSD8nbWow5kS1F5vczKGUNpbSnAAmT2HlmPaXkdflDVoERwPSrou4eLtCfmMEhqAF5YUJT9i4_-fpKh4oAM6qWQ4bWYVTY3MxYiMBdXqcg1EyGXpSjoACveU/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUyk61xv0NcbNz-GQehMuSD8nbWow5kS1F5vczKGUNpbSnAAmT2HlmPaXkdflDVoERwPSrou4eLtCfmMEhqAF5YUJT9i4_-fpKh4oAM6qWQ4bWYVTY3MxYiMBdXqcg1EyGXpSjoACveU/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />I started to feel really discouraged. I have been walking around at 4-5CM and 70% effaced for the past 2 weeks. I really expected to see some progress this week, and was contemplating having my membranes swept. Until I learned that I have <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003267.htm" target="_blank">polyhydramnios</a>. It is far to risky to do any intervention unless the baby's head is well engaged.<br />
In my Bible reading I came across Paul talking about being thankful in all circumstances. Sometimes it is so easy to lose sight on all of our blessings. I am not sleeping well and am uncomfortable~ but I am growing a baby! I have the privilege of sharing in God's miracle and He has chosen us to bestow another blessing on.<br />
I am choosing to relish my last few hours, days or weeks of this pregnancy and remember that God has the perfect timing planned for this baby to make his arrival. My arms are aching to hold him. Until then, I will be content in all circumstances.<br />
We had the privilege of having Renee at<a href="http://littleearthlingphotography.com/" target="_blank"> Little Earthing Photography</a> do some maternity photos for us. Be sure to click over and see her amazing work!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-38726039934917425162014-03-30T14:54:00.000-07:002014-03-30T14:54:06.136-07:00Momm's Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For the past 8 years we have Celebrated my Momm's birthday with some beautiful ladies. These are women, chosen by my Momm, who either she has influenced or been influenced by. Typically, it goes both ways. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iyat39hZDJkvPCwH99xq6EPw5vGB7kvjJ5Y6NjInFJmZH4Q71lxCBW4y2SlbdgtJbDYvFISwNjHZ9NsYzuETAK9N7bQVBwuO30Ty2dBbjSpbmMxLwZStj_rqTqcNLG73exbrFGZWVWs/s1600/IMG_3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iyat39hZDJkvPCwH99xq6EPw5vGB7kvjJ5Y6NjInFJmZH4Q71lxCBW4y2SlbdgtJbDYvFISwNjHZ9NsYzuETAK9N7bQVBwuO30Ty2dBbjSpbmMxLwZStj_rqTqcNLG73exbrFGZWVWs/s1600/IMG_3243.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Kelly always graciously hosts the party and sets the table beautifully. Kelly's talent is evident. Every year there is a different theme, and every year the table is a fest for the eyes. Plus, she always sneaks me an extra treat!<br />
This is a highlight for all of us. The encouragement, joy and faith in each of these women always builds me up. It is fun to know the women in my Momm's life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzFPeWQ7JykuWABLwblu3n3XgHbpA1nyz53psojQn5ZxM9UhGryneVFNuIUPGhps-pZdDyXIp4z54L_-ITgnBzsCFxS5GEkhxOKonSXequImrX3GpVMa78a4SVmQOfMrb0UAI7Wuy6MA/s1600/IMG_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzFPeWQ7JykuWABLwblu3n3XgHbpA1nyz53psojQn5ZxM9UhGryneVFNuIUPGhps-pZdDyXIp4z54L_-ITgnBzsCFxS5GEkhxOKonSXequImrX3GpVMa78a4SVmQOfMrb0UAI7Wuy6MA/s1600/IMG_3245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Row: CeLinda, Brianna, Terry<br />Front Row: Carolynn, Momm, Carol, Lisa, Kelly</td></tr>
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We had the party a bit early this year because of people's travel schedules and this baby's imminent arrival.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-87922529860102999812014-03-22T22:06:00.000-07:002014-03-22T22:06:04.023-07:00Oh Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last 3 pregnancies I have been considered high risk due to a genetic condition I have called Factor V, Leyden MTHFR. It causes excessive clotting in the blood, and was one of the main contributing factors to the Pulmonary Embolism that I had after Ian's birth. </div>
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It also means that I am at risk for a small baby (we know that hasn't proven true), and placenta issues. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-ZVLbZ4l8Pl2wrI_2nv04JtTfBWtH-RGx6_0YD6oQfcnDc_ubvwG0vCrJW8sZq5esBkDY2U5a3WaFQcrip2Ke8da_HgyWj0lvjvxLV1usnja_FNT4aIK7V9g0_rmy7Fnv1KVIo-pKLs/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155425536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-ZVLbZ4l8Pl2wrI_2nv04JtTfBWtH-RGx6_0YD6oQfcnDc_ubvwG0vCrJW8sZq5esBkDY2U5a3WaFQcrip2Ke8da_HgyWj0lvjvxLV1usnja_FNT4aIK7V9g0_rmy7Fnv1KVIo-pKLs/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155425536.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As a result I have lots more screening that has to occur to give the doctors some peace of mind. The recommendation is that I come in 2 times weekly for Non Stress Tests (NST) and BPP's (bio physical profile). I told them that I would consent to one test a week but I did not want to do 2.<br />
It really goes against all my beliefs of just letting pregnancy progress, and letting the baby be. In addition they are highly recommending that I stop my medication and then get an induction. Last time they would not take no for an answer, so I scheduled the induction then just didn't show up.<br />
Unless there is a medical reason, I plan to let him come when he is supposed to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WElD0Wzfi3J9C8dzCOswMLZU958-QTga_7n710ErT4QAE2GkuEnaYW3LNiTERs6kgQWEH3YnrnDWVk6Cwb3drt_iDfUhd3_dsV8jtGm-U5FXGTQXgl93xsObc7Fhik0vhuvspFozMxU/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155524644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WElD0Wzfi3J9C8dzCOswMLZU958-QTga_7n710ErT4QAE2GkuEnaYW3LNiTERs6kgQWEH3YnrnDWVk6Cwb3drt_iDfUhd3_dsV8jtGm-U5FXGTQXgl93xsObc7Fhik0vhuvspFozMxU/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155524644.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a result of all these ultrasounds we have gotten to see our little one's 3D image. He always has a hand up by his face so we have not gotten a super clear image. It is fun to see his cute little cheeks but we still wonder if he will have the infamous Slocum dimples. I used to try to give myself dimples by pressing my fingers into my cheeks and sucking in my cheeks. I never got any, but all 7 of my children and my husband have dimples. I get to enjoy all the dimples around me instead of having some I can't see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1-rfGZNhgTgKts3LWl4R39qFqd7N_e15jUDbgFTdPKwAm3a_rBLsa_cQGTh6YYWFD0Gkb3TnsuPzoI9gBk5qxo4v4fi_bz87RhdnzX1GLT-UjHpcEVYMHyMrk0enzKFQyw6d_JCNNL0/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155838655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1-rfGZNhgTgKts3LWl4R39qFqd7N_e15jUDbgFTdPKwAm3a_rBLsa_cQGTh6YYWFD0Gkb3TnsuPzoI9gBk5qxo4v4fi_bz87RhdnzX1GLT-UjHpcEVYMHyMrk0enzKFQyw6d_JCNNL0/s1600/SLOCUMCAROLYNN20140321155838655.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Here, he has a cute little pout, and furrowed brows. I am getting excited to meet him, hold him, kiss his sweet cheeks and nurse this little guy. I can't wait to see if he is as active outside as he is on the inside. I remember when they told me that my placenta was attached on the front and that I probably wouldn't feel my baby move much. I was very disappointed. However, God allowed me the joy of feeling him. Not only that, but I can watch my belly move. I get so excited that I want to tell everyone else to watch too!<br />
I am officially 37 weeks. The countdown begins.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-58503929340179891222014-03-16T22:04:00.001-07:002014-03-16T22:04:18.487-07:00Pizza and Movie Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used to do Pizza and movie night every week. it was a tradition that my children really looked forward to. However, as the children have grown, I found that I had to make so many pizzas, it was too much for me for awhile. I recently found another pizza crust recipe that we like and is SO.MUCH.SIMPLER to make that we re-instituted pizza and movie night. </div>
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I like it because we eat the pizza while we watch the movie and then bedtime is just that much earlier, and there is not very much kitchen clean up. I have also learned to stop the movie with about 10 minutes left and make sure that everyone is completely ready for bed (PJ's, teeth brushed, gone to the bathroom) so that when the movie is over they can go to bed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When did we get to the place of one pizza per person? </td></tr>
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<br />I have 2 children that are gluten free and one of those is dairy free as well so I have begun to purchase their crusts and freeze them to have on hand.<br />
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<b>My Favorite Pizza Crust Recipe (more difficult)</b><br />
Mix:<br />
1/3 Cup Shortening<br />
1 Cup Milk<br />
1 tsp Salt<br />
1/2 Cup Sugar<br />
Heat in a small pan on the stove until shortening is melted.<br />
Add 1 beaten egg to the warm mixture and refrigerate until cool.<br />
Meanwhile, mix<br />
1 tsp Yeast<br />
1 tsp Sugar<br />
1/2 Cup warm water and let yeast rise<br />
Add to the cooled shortening mixture and add 5-6 cups of flour, knead well. Roll out on greased pizza stone and let rise.<br />
Bake at 350 until slightly brown then add toppings and bake until the cheese is melted.<br />
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<b>Good Pizza Crust (super easy)</b><br />
I tend to prefer thick crust pizza, however this crust, in my opinion, is much better rolled thin.<br />
1 1/2 cups warm water<br />
1 tsp yeast<br />
4 cups flour<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/3 cup olive oil<br />
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water, mix flour and salt together. Add the flour mixture to the yeast and slowly add the oil. Let rise, punch down and divide and roll out on a greased pizza stone. Add toppings and Bake at 450 for about 10 minutes.<br />
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Both recipes make 2 crusts. I typically triple them, then add the 2 gluten free crusts. Often, I let each person top their own pizza, then they can eat as much as they want, and have the rest for lunch the next day. I usually feel bad because the gluten free-ers never have left overs and Aaron won't have any the next day while the girls and I have our lunches covered.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-21866437024463074912014-03-02T22:11:00.002-08:002014-03-02T22:11:49.084-08:00Baby BumpAfter our Anniversary trip we stopped at Old Navy so that I could get a couple skirts to help extend my wardrobe for the next few weeks. Sean saw the model and laughed at her "baby bump". Granted, this time around I am much larger than I have ever felt before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pregnant model at Old Navy</td></tr>
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Complete with new stretch marks, measuring at least 3 weeks over my actual dates, varicose veins and heartburn that I have never experienced before. For the first time ever, in my whole life, I am having trouble sleeping. Anytime I am tempted to complain, I remember how blessed I am to get to do this again. I have so many women in my circle of friends who are unable to have babies. The reasons are as varied as the women, infertility, health issues, miscarriage, and unwilling husbands. My heart breaks for them. Yet, it helps me to keep perspective on what a huge responsibility and gift this baby is.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, 7 months pregnant at Old Navy</td></tr>
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After Liberty was born, I was torn about completely trusting God with our family size. We always had, but her birth along with the 2 prior were tough and traumatic. After her birth I struggled with anxiety. I clung to the verse Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the Peace of God, which passes all understanding shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. <br />
I began praying for an answer. Then my hormones took a dive. I started to really struggle with rage, and contentment. After a visit to my naturopath, I discovered that I had ZERO progesterone in my system. I was elated! Not only was there a reason for my crazy moods, but I was officially in menopause which meant no more pregnancy and no more birth. It also meant no more babies, but a very clear answer to prayer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfTkQebZ9ksogE-RqPWeUIrnZbtFjIBJPC8p7cS2hZ8FBBz0rg62B7zh968K3CO0b-tJ5C2nQ96ZG6hoA5iPD3O54Fn53_WBSyVwOgU1FK6Pm-082UKKadeZCTDhZy7DK1Qs_DDmTSK4/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfTkQebZ9ksogE-RqPWeUIrnZbtFjIBJPC8p7cS2hZ8FBBz0rg62B7zh968K3CO0b-tJ5C2nQ96ZG6hoA5iPD3O54Fn53_WBSyVwOgU1FK6Pm-082UKKadeZCTDhZy7DK1Qs_DDmTSK4/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost 8 months.<br /></td></tr>
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It was strange being in a different place. I was no longer the woman with all the little kids. All my children were potty trained, sleeping through the night and we actually make progress when we go berry picking. I finally took down and gave away my crib. I filled my fall and winter with births. I love being with pregnant women. Helping them, supporting them, and cuddling with their delicious newborns. I couldn't deny that my desire for another baby in my arms was pretty strong. I knew that it wasn't possible. Still, every month I found myself hoping that by some miracle I might be pregnant. I knew that would involve a certain amount of anxiety, lots of Lovenox shots, and Birth, but it also meant a baby. <div>
So I prayed, "Lord, please either fulfill this desire for a baby, or take it away!" I really expected Him to take the desire away, I mean that is the most logical answer. The following week I had some bleeding, like 6 hours one day. I was annoyed and the only thought I had was, "I wonder what that was all about?" </div>
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The next month I found my self sick, extremely tired and tender. When I finally convinced myself to take a pregnancy test I was shocked. The only thing I could do was bring that little stick with the 2 lines on it downstairs and set it on the counter in front of Sean. I had absolutely no idea what his reaction was going to be. He looked at it, then looked at me and grinned great big. We decided to keep it a secret for a few weeks ( I am not one for secrets) but it was fun to have him call during the day and say, "We are having a baby!" or whisper, "You're pregnant". I feel like this baby had truly brought us closer together. I'm still not sure the reality of it has fully hit me, but for now I am determined to enjoy the bliss of these final 6 weeks of pregnancy. Praise God from whom all blessings come!<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-26198108556142479432014-02-18T22:47:00.000-08:002014-02-18T22:47:10.221-08:00Five Guys Burgers and Fries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This pregnancy has been difficult for the family as far as meals are concerned. Not too long ago, I just couldn't find any motivation to make dinner. Sean offered to make something for dinner when he got home. However, we got to talking and couldn't come up with anything quick and easy. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FsrqZzZfCKf8eUqLrXfuiVuNYFXWVQQwZbhyphenhyphenKlN9P7lGE0ah4RJWtqRnOjqwx0pIl2qk0SbjyPaPip1a59w-XsnHnq_27aiEahD8qthzK8F6OlQsEo_tSPvZTfwb4is1cuAgHgoWJ8U/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FsrqZzZfCKf8eUqLrXfuiVuNYFXWVQQwZbhyphenhyphenKlN9P7lGE0ah4RJWtqRnOjqwx0pIl2qk0SbjyPaPip1a59w-XsnHnq_27aiEahD8qthzK8F6OlQsEo_tSPvZTfwb4is1cuAgHgoWJ8U/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Does that come with Bacon?"</td></tr>
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The children suggested that we, "Go out for dinner." This made us laugh, because we rarely go out and it isn't exactly in our budget.<br />
The boys fascination with Five Guys Burgers and Fries began last summer when they won 2 $25 gift certificates to Five Guys. They used the certificates when they went on a fishing trip with Papa and Granddad. Ever since then, the girls have wanted to go too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN5As2LPIHSwts3JBDXKvI1u59OVFLU03k6ZOplWPnl9vr05zjcBjO0j2RtZpfpAF6PbVCC1L0VF8gzl1TeTw5gC_ccxjYWDdn_GJpe7ggCyFVS_aQvcNusTj5nvGd82d2FEd3rhYRsM/s1600/IMG_3025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN5As2LPIHSwts3JBDXKvI1u59OVFLU03k6ZOplWPnl9vr05zjcBjO0j2RtZpfpAF6PbVCC1L0VF8gzl1TeTw5gC_ccxjYWDdn_GJpe7ggCyFVS_aQvcNusTj5nvGd82d2FEd3rhYRsM/s1600/IMG_3025.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron taking care of Liberty</td></tr>
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I told the children, "I'm sorry we just can't." Aaron replied, "I can pay for me and Liberty."<br />
Taylor said, "Yes! I will pay for me and Ian." and Erik chimed in, "I will pay for me and Ruby." So Papa said,"Great! I will pay for me and Mama!"<br />
I have never seen the children move so quickly to get coats and shoes on and get buckled in the BRV. That may have been that it was after 7 and they were starving, however I think it was more likely motivated by the desire for a good burger.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ4GH426HvoiI2sccOUT_07l08Dmcvxi3Gkjwsr5zsXadreBRlzLr56LfyxNs4GlmpbnMIeWOf0lLRI6W0qhtoiErG-a1vUWjQxwgOQn3eidwHy4Xa-s87yGaIq8T3OQtSt3FEtBYDkY/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ4GH426HvoiI2sccOUT_07l08Dmcvxi3Gkjwsr5zsXadreBRlzLr56LfyxNs4GlmpbnMIeWOf0lLRI6W0qhtoiErG-a1vUWjQxwgOQn3eidwHy4Xa-s87yGaIq8T3OQtSt3FEtBYDkY/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the food, so that they can serve others. </td></tr>
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It was surprising to me how different each child acted when they were responsible for another sibling. Aaron carried Liberty in, helped her choose her meal, and then served her meal to her. Erik held the door for Ruby. When Ruby was disappointed that they were going to share a drink, he put his arm around her and walked her up to the register and bought her her own drink.<br />
Taylor was completely generous and let Ian order whatever he wanted, even the adult meal complete with fries and a drink. When Ian needed a napkin or ketchup she was quick to get it for him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vYT6dGGBZM8dqQxhy4nq-9Nv3TfkNmrRw9-shsBh3tqAlNVC5Dx1SZyxuuKEwoSX2mh17DxyM29pQaChdAOyYOM4J1zXK22Mkt5IeFD0E9r80w96ApPciop-xRBuNUZ2Cq0bvmG3RPM/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vYT6dGGBZM8dqQxhy4nq-9Nv3TfkNmrRw9-shsBh3tqAlNVC5Dx1SZyxuuKEwoSX2mh17DxyM29pQaChdAOyYOM4J1zXK22Mkt5IeFD0E9r80w96ApPciop-xRBuNUZ2Cq0bvmG3RPM/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby got her very own soda</td></tr>
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I also found it interesting that they wanted to sit with the person they purchased dinner for. There was no arguing over who was going to sit where, or if it wasn't their turn to get napkins. When Liberty ordered her junior bacon cheese burger she asked the cashier if it came with bacon. The cashier laughed and assured her that it did. Then, when Ruby ordered her junior bacon cheese burger, she said, "With Bacon." and confirmed, "Does that come with bacon?"<br />
I guess we don't go out enough to know that a bacon cheese burger comes with bacon.<br />
I loved my bacon cheese burger and Coke with lime. Of course, no outing would be complete without a spill. True to form, Liberty spilled her drink. It was completely out of character however that Aaron grabbed the napkins and started cleaning up the mess.<br />
Each person spent right about $20. They were happy and cheerful to do so, and it was a fun evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfaU0_oSpHU0PvTW8Fwm7z6IqADqwKyAz45Jshb_XrA4jOgfHUzfJEaJF3Ki_U3jlQOsjkzHqwuGE5W1slgGfsx6k2AYJyid29tSzo5zrG1wJcVF4x7Zp0FRCNXKeOPJFg9rMD9cjspI/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfaU0_oSpHU0PvTW8Fwm7z6IqADqwKyAz45Jshb_XrA4jOgfHUzfJEaJF3Ki_U3jlQOsjkzHqwuGE5W1slgGfsx6k2AYJyid29tSzo5zrG1wJcVF4x7Zp0FRCNXKeOPJFg9rMD9cjspI/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The younger children were very gracious and said Thank you a dozen times. </td></tr>
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I never want to forget the generosity and compassion that I saw from my children. I feel like we got a glimpse of how they will treat their future spouses. It gave me hope. My boys showed that chivalry is not dead. AND I got a night off from dinner. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-44666741253786582782014-02-16T23:08:00.001-08:002014-02-16T23:08:50.237-08:00Seventeen Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1994497591172477599" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
Last weekend Sean and I went away for 4 whole days to celebrate 17 years of marriage. Much thanks to my momm for watching the children so we could get away.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3OGrV7l0WG9JgOcpgsCjsRRDx9scMd-A2iBZMK5JhQ4KJ3P2XUCOxOUoBt3vQg6jEJj884Q5aO5M1nO9cN7uHB4DADZ8xEoDfqq3D9L6H8l2luuhsG7Vurng9Sa94iNk-HPeefCxFk/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3OGrV7l0WG9JgOcpgsCjsRRDx9scMd-A2iBZMK5JhQ4KJ3P2XUCOxOUoBt3vQg6jEJj884Q5aO5M1nO9cN7uHB4DADZ8xEoDfqq3D9L6H8l2luuhsG7Vurng9Sa94iNk-HPeefCxFk/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room</td></tr>
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We never really 'dated' in fact, he asked me to marry him on our first date. We spent time together getting to know each other. Mostly at work and Bible Study. When we were engaged we lived 300 miles apart so this kept things pretty simple as far as how we expressed our love and commitment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr5xaxt7ZGdBcki8cRE83LKmj4Xkkw1fhS4EzLzvi1ePZH8Jk3KZg574hPNEum9i3SuDDzLkmdnflEi0Pc4tC4vtzNeh-pQxuEADORIzIQ2-5EY_4cVhJLHhaNFqLYb_z1pzxY1-PwfI/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr5xaxt7ZGdBcki8cRE83LKmj4Xkkw1fhS4EzLzvi1ePZH8Jk3KZg574hPNEum9i3SuDDzLkmdnflEi0Pc4tC4vtzNeh-pQxuEADORIzIQ2-5EY_4cVhJLHhaNFqLYb_z1pzxY1-PwfI/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was actually able to zip up Sean's coat.<br />However, he had to strap on my snowshoes for me. </td></tr>
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This simplicity hasn't changed much over the past 17 years. I would say that in most things I am pretty low maintenance, while others I imagine that high maintenance would be a more accurate description. I knew that I really wanted to go away for our anniversary so I planned a little get away to Lake Chelan. I knew that we couldn't do anything too strenuous or thrilling, being 7 months pregnant and all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XwfCM-KyWix6dsb0Uw4FZDz8YD9EKp3EBatXjbfRJAWJiLBU2ghr6o2b8k71kqZHGjEyfOCj_uQu7wPFTnY48Wd4lBA08KLlY0lzQUnTzs50eritbBg-c1cDMog1nRDkYJvVnvTPCvk/s1600/IMG_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XwfCM-KyWix6dsb0Uw4FZDz8YD9EKp3EBatXjbfRJAWJiLBU2ghr6o2b8k71kqZHGjEyfOCj_uQu7wPFTnY48Wd4lBA08KLlY0lzQUnTzs50eritbBg-c1cDMog1nRDkYJvVnvTPCvk/s1600/IMG_0158.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another photo to add to our collection of foot photos. </td></tr>
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I planned for us to go Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing. However, when we got to Lake Chelan there was very little snow around. When I called to reserve the snowmobiles the man said that he hadn't rented them out at all this year.<br />
We persevered and found enough snow to go snowshoeing. We did a 5K trail, and took it slower than I cared to admit. It was great to get out and be together in the fresh air and sunshine. It was fun to talk about the baby (names), plans for our future, where we have come from and where we want to go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiAFbzKhcM3SyF51w3ALad6a0KUF4Jnhoz4LYgeZNYDXBTT6nYPTeDu4NdJqMMsQYLCNWP3g1nSVrwv2QK9UrMiH-4-eghaNvyUms94a7ukKI3yjqvgfV4TwntwjHcpSZpF7B1OJVmp4/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiAFbzKhcM3SyF51w3ALad6a0KUF4Jnhoz4LYgeZNYDXBTT6nYPTeDu4NdJqMMsQYLCNWP3g1nSVrwv2QK9UrMiH-4-eghaNvyUms94a7ukKI3yjqvgfV4TwntwjHcpSZpF7B1OJVmp4/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love that smile. </td></tr>
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I especially loved not having to plan meals, or feed anyone else. We took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and hot soup, sandwiches and bread for dinner. The lady that served dinner was gracious and gave us the fresh hot cookies and ice cold milk. Although milk was not out for everyone, she had pity on me.<br />
There was a Keurig in the room and about 18 pillows on the bed ~ Heaven for this pregnant mama.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqO2Rtlqc8OmT2jj1hHZbW9VMonleGWMxM6TTp8Cddpy3LDla5XQV_y3jH3QovR2oja20v1tVQj6-DLJ6884ZBYYHo1w3-Qh8TF3WHKj4CKjlIayyaxFV1GgraUDHKo5fx6mctYBMOKk/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqO2Rtlqc8OmT2jj1hHZbW9VMonleGWMxM6TTp8Cddpy3LDla5XQV_y3jH3QovR2oja20v1tVQj6-DLJ6884ZBYYHo1w3-Qh8TF3WHKj4CKjlIayyaxFV1GgraUDHKo5fx6mctYBMOKk/s1600/IMG_3186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pregnancy cravings</td></tr>
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Sean was very accommodating with my choice of snacks.<br />
We explored the local book stores, thrift stores, and restaurants for lunch. We slept in, watched a movie, a beautiful sunset over the lake, tried out the hot tub, and had time to rest, reconnect and feel amazingly refreshed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXoMkBKgKOLABxU9UgSrxWAi9T5iknLgMih9QOWJgA89Fgk48r3f3CZmJMREOMG4iTgNQKlzhQZ7xAm6df9w70JK8_ooqV_Sc7mCPdF1oRD6AwWhVoI6Lg13ICKI3gWp1xN-hzOz31IA/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXoMkBKgKOLABxU9UgSrxWAi9T5iknLgMih9QOWJgA89Fgk48r3f3CZmJMREOMG4iTgNQKlzhQZ7xAm6df9w70JK8_ooqV_Sc7mCPdF1oRD6AwWhVoI6Lg13ICKI3gWp1xN-hzOz31IA/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooching</td></tr>
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On our snowshoeing adventure we came across 8 deer in a ravine just below us. They stopped and stared at us for the longest time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzZjtglbjhzmMh0y8C3VuPz-5kkZxzHSvFyHpIBTy8MG-ECQzLkrC1Fn0AIGU3L5R7Ar8iQnHvRsdTtYHWyWJX_F-MYc4WKAOamjFXMvoTXmrqe_hhdrUXiFl8ctfHva9o02RtZZ5Mv4/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzZjtglbjhzmMh0y8C3VuPz-5kkZxzHSvFyHpIBTy8MG-ECQzLkrC1Fn0AIGU3L5R7Ar8iQnHvRsdTtYHWyWJX_F-MYc4WKAOamjFXMvoTXmrqe_hhdrUXiFl8ctfHva9o02RtZZ5Mv4/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better Together </td></tr>
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The last 17 years have been a crazy ride. Some really difficult and more wonderful. Growing in our walk with God and each other. We are learning to be focused less on ourselves and more on each other. I could not have asked for a better man to do life with. Looking forward to what's to come.<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-19692136974098011442014-02-12T22:45:00.001-08:002014-02-12T22:45:25.245-08:00Baby Bump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's difficult to know where to start when I have not blogged since September! I will give a quick update of my baby belly. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm-J3o9hGA344d0s24FBDCsEImdIjAWLOwSn1Hkt93os3XC0Res4P4qC0W6ULPXzRsoSsQDBzMS3IBqrUX4smkXeYP08QeRh1rzVXd4m3ig2ieoOoVetJ27VviygwzcIerDGd2aEbCrM/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm-J3o9hGA344d0s24FBDCsEImdIjAWLOwSn1Hkt93os3XC0Res4P4qC0W6ULPXzRsoSsQDBzMS3IBqrUX4smkXeYP08QeRh1rzVXd4m3ig2ieoOoVetJ27VviygwzcIerDGd2aEbCrM/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2013</td></tr>
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Sean and I were both shocked and ecstatic to learn that we would be adding another baby to our family. I had morning sickness until about 24 weeks. I really think attitude has a lot to do with how I deal with it. Every time I was tempted to be discouraged or frustrated about my lack of appetite or ability to keep anything down I remembered how blessed I am to be able to carry a baby again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUA1yHzo2Ez1bhyphenhyphenUgu0TGziAZO7cYwacMvUoqThyphenhyphen1Y7_kC9ZWKPm4Z9ugnflloemobmiYVZLY4K8OPB8WWVj0fFvmfyl2ehgEk2gt62u0qZXiymFh32OSrcPqxz9Xsi7qiUK-GeMeRas/s1600/DSC_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUA1yHzo2Ez1bhyphenhyphenUgu0TGziAZO7cYwacMvUoqThyphenhyphen1Y7_kC9ZWKPm4Z9ugnflloemobmiYVZLY4K8OPB8WWVj0fFvmfyl2ehgEk2gt62u0qZXiymFh32OSrcPqxz9Xsi7qiUK-GeMeRas/s1600/DSC_0280.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2013</td></tr>
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The injections are part of it for me, the bruising isn't fun. Especially when my children seem to find the prime spot to bump, and bump it constantly. Again, just part of keeping me and baby healthy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikB2YyTsgG5fxgkdIt6IlctV7rzYJIuBhTACGEJoamncFqhp-m-4tYNbcDCs8iIJUk5aPJ0KcX60wg8n9uRa7NoEe7vBisySoMPSECbAgyMnZ6gUU-g-dBWOdk5QW9N18uk3mTVnBJwcs/s1600/IMG_2914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikB2YyTsgG5fxgkdIt6IlctV7rzYJIuBhTACGEJoamncFqhp-m-4tYNbcDCs8iIJUk5aPJ0KcX60wg8n9uRa7NoEe7vBisySoMPSECbAgyMnZ6gUU-g-dBWOdk5QW9N18uk3mTVnBJwcs/s1600/IMG_2914.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2013</td></tr>
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I am trying to be purposeful in documenting the growing belly, but since I am the one with the camera it seems vain to ask someone to take my photo. I am also terrible at the whole self portrait thing, so you will have to take what you can get!<br />
I was sad when my doctor told me that I probably would not feel the baby move much since my placenta was attached on the front of my uterus. I could stare at my belly all day and I love it when other people want to feel the baby move. To my delight once I felt the baby move I have the privilege of feeling it all the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe-rlLrTEpM-Y5qiLjmIA3h-RED-kYqX2I_tEVzha_YLySp1OgV7GoE6HenZ8BmmWMZZurH7LCUxMqhCql00S5MVwfTtRqW-P39OFEGqE4BQdXk7auJ2lvpHoVAYuUN_T2GO3ndtITpM/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe-rlLrTEpM-Y5qiLjmIA3h-RED-kYqX2I_tEVzha_YLySp1OgV7GoE6HenZ8BmmWMZZurH7LCUxMqhCql00S5MVwfTtRqW-P39OFEGqE4BQdXk7auJ2lvpHoVAYuUN_T2GO3ndtITpM/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2013 <br />The tag says: "Do not open until April 12, 2014"</td></tr>
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My children love to feel and will even compete over whose turn it is. Liberty is in love and will greet my belly before she hugs or kisses me. Sean, who has always been a bit freaked out by the baby is enjoying it more this time too. I love that. He likes to talk to the baby and see how close the baby comes to kicking him. We have a pretty accurate little one in there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0Bax_04gzqEbZ5-iLlB51qr493pCHqqn4vyh2n1LQxlTh-1sSfTbeQdkjWUtyApOlFARRaj2UjN34Bz_l-H8zNUJTyfb4mqvHR5mgQVnkyOhZEJcvrAR11WeSZdgtN-xwXD1teP6Pt4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0Bax_04gzqEbZ5-iLlB51qr493pCHqqn4vyh2n1LQxlTh-1sSfTbeQdkjWUtyApOlFARRaj2UjN34Bz_l-H8zNUJTyfb4mqvHR5mgQVnkyOhZEJcvrAR11WeSZdgtN-xwXD1teP6Pt4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2014</td></tr>
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At my 30 week appointment I was already measuring 37 weeks and the ultrasound showed that the baby was 97%. The doctor made sure that I understood math and told me "That means that only 3% of babies are bigger than yours."<br />
Yes, I understand. I talked them out of making me drink the horrible glucose drink and for my gestational diabetes test I ate a cream filled donut, flavored yogurt, and drank a flavored latte. I definitely do not have diabetes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YTWz-k2WUGBkjhv00aK9gu2YyivZe-73xskMlthcVIgGWt6swptLWPALEeKib-xf-uMA69jQj-Gj3JGUDxaqLwVeNa0rT6QyD3C3Usk4MQA1515WbYporSlkq4UHb4BeC8Fv3_Q5aGQ/s1600/IMG_3172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YTWz-k2WUGBkjhv00aK9gu2YyivZe-73xskMlthcVIgGWt6swptLWPALEeKib-xf-uMA69jQj-Gj3JGUDxaqLwVeNa0rT6QyD3C3Usk4MQA1515WbYporSlkq4UHb4BeC8Fv3_Q5aGQ/s1600/IMG_3172.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2014</td></tr>
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My initial weight dropped 10 pounds and now I am +10 of my original weight, so that isn't an issue either. I guess small babies just are not in our genes.<br />
I have been reading and re reading Bible verses that discuss fear and what God requires of us instead. I am both eager and excited for labor and birth and paranoid about it. I have done this 7 times! 7 times. I am blessed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ_OwJIrSP1Js1XaoyLods9MEVEH3H9QHtoLW36LiJ_YYUtbWgusJ_8iQ0OFf8AaGJyp7UvwviFf4ywlIT2pCk64VZ3WhBVls7ImizqE-dvBs8TTJEFI0I6c2EIJM5JNb-O8EX2L1Sfc/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ_OwJIrSP1Js1XaoyLods9MEVEH3H9QHtoLW36LiJ_YYUtbWgusJ_8iQ0OFf8AaGJyp7UvwviFf4ywlIT2pCk64VZ3WhBVls7ImizqE-dvBs8TTJEFI0I6c2EIJM5JNb-O8EX2L1Sfc/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2014<br />My attempt at a Self Portrait</td></tr>
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This fall I attended 22 births and taught 3 different classes. Birth is in my blood. I know what I want. I know how I want it to go, who I want attending my birth and even when it would be convenient for the baby to arrive. I know that none of that is ultimately up to me.<br />
For now, I will cherish being pregnant, feeling the baby move and the blessing God has so generously given us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-1229430354867287042013-09-29T21:50:00.001-07:002013-09-29T21:50:18.153-07:00Goodbye Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This summer we discovered some new (to us) and wonderful places to visit. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAKekVWRLyz1bAs9PNxGr-uRa1wCUCuE5Ho3xz017u2WTNh3VlbP5a-Yehww1Ir58T_RFEHEKSnFGdMwIskruXHvKt1WJGct8rq4IC12ry-HfLFqKX_zlypBxEq_El__ARDQTUhXP5is/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAKekVWRLyz1bAs9PNxGr-uRa1wCUCuE5Ho3xz017u2WTNh3VlbP5a-Yehww1Ir58T_RFEHEKSnFGdMwIskruXHvKt1WJGct8rq4IC12ry-HfLFqKX_zlypBxEq_El__ARDQTUhXP5is/s320/IMG_2807.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paisley adores Aaron. He is pretty sweet with her too! </td></tr>
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One of the best is The River. We have been coming to The River since June and have really enjoyed watching how The River changes from visit to visit. It is similar to our beach but different in many ways. The best difference is that it is fresh water, which means that showers are not essential when you return home. It is a rocky beach which means that most of our swim stuff is no longer covered in sand. Win Win in my book!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rk3YjWHkgIMEmMADpvS5XGhH7s-V0wYfprzmxb-Qu3rRzCHNBJVF9-e2iaEMiFCXLBHu2cbNHKXlxH8o032j_TuWArKPtfV9V0pLqHODLEBMmTAnigqTj5a0Wy_ynAAis1sFI2X8Qd4/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rk3YjWHkgIMEmMADpvS5XGhH7s-V0wYfprzmxb-Qu3rRzCHNBJVF9-e2iaEMiFCXLBHu2cbNHKXlxH8o032j_TuWArKPtfV9V0pLqHODLEBMmTAnigqTj5a0Wy_ynAAis1sFI2X8Qd4/s320/IMG_2808.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby and Honor discover more sticks.</td></tr>
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Although the water is cold the children enjoyed floating and really excelled at becoming more confident in the water this summer. Life Jackets were mandatory for the 7 and under crowd. Aaron and Erik loved crawdad fishing and finding many of the river dwelling species.<br />
On our last visit of the season there were hundreds of dead salmon. After talking to some local fisherman we learned that they were spawning. The children lined them up on the riverbank but soon grew tired of that. We identified differences between the different species and even found some salmon eggs. They squished some open and felt them and inspected them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7jePWY1hhqzuPHfPN6NVoG_yLPAehiq8s3rsOuWJPKOBqOPEXzFgP8DX4IGHBCLKAqv8FtokFK9qYTqitvkTJNzpAEWWPrWqrQAlQitIjrYvB_sDtcf8WxetJpu2EDNA019-Q_W01E/s1600/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7jePWY1hhqzuPHfPN6NVoG_yLPAehiq8s3rsOuWJPKOBqOPEXzFgP8DX4IGHBCLKAqv8FtokFK9qYTqitvkTJNzpAEWWPrWqrQAlQitIjrYvB_sDtcf8WxetJpu2EDNA019-Q_W01E/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some game where Ian "The Protector of the Littles" was defending against Aaron.<br />It might have been an even match. </td></tr>
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The only downfall is the constant hunger. Between Jess and I we have 11 kids at home and they all need to eat about 47 times a day. We have finally learned to fill the cooler and place it a fair distance away so everyone can help themselves without asking every 2.4 seconds, "What else can I eat?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfLNAUafKD0iK4mSKuU6PSor1WGsjWrl2NYTWfrpDLwRFY235b-2U0TqpNxuDnAm1VoS26WZNQlNIoDj5ODJJ-Fh6ng-bu_c6tV6vYO3bKbtzgXuXhVCl0hRJFB2yzUxHgoDCArNy2DU/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfLNAUafKD0iK4mSKuU6PSor1WGsjWrl2NYTWfrpDLwRFY235b-2U0TqpNxuDnAm1VoS26WZNQlNIoDj5ODJJ-Fh6ng-bu_c6tV6vYO3bKbtzgXuXhVCl0hRJFB2yzUxHgoDCArNy2DU/s320/IMG_2810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I truly love the life my children are experiencing. </td></tr>
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I also love the creativity and space at The River. It allows the children a little more freedom without me constantly hovering over them. They are safe to explore and build forts, rock houses, sand (on the far beach) or simply float. All the while they are within sight of me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC8Gj19i7qdrERquv7G6iWBi8xGzCQQ6UkabpTA4tsLISoC1iKsy7zdJgn5j9VBhg4FIJdXGafa_vDMpnINoGdZ3RD3WvTM1DYSZIT334o68PQNBeJQ7jXm7BRj9KyubMq7wZkOMvrzk/s1600/IMG_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC8Gj19i7qdrERquv7G6iWBi8xGzCQQ6UkabpTA4tsLISoC1iKsy7zdJgn5j9VBhg4FIJdXGafa_vDMpnINoGdZ3RD3WvTM1DYSZIT334o68PQNBeJQ7jXm7BRj9KyubMq7wZkOMvrzk/s320/IMG_2811.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because every 7 year old girl plays with dead fish. </td></tr>
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Still being in the early stages of pregnancy and still feeling quite sick the potty situation was less than ideal. Especially after helping Libby go, I proceeded to puke all over her went. I also had to keep a fair distance from my children that were eating tuna salad.<br />
Otherwise it was ideal to bring my chair down to The River's Edge and soak my feet in the cool water and get up every 45 minutes to dunk under the refreshing water and cool off. Oh how I long to have to cool off again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-18260868515927695782013-09-16T21:17:00.000-07:002013-09-16T21:17:05.232-07:00Fashion Show and 4,000 miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer I was cleaning out a certain closet upstairs. A closet that everyone seems to open the door, throw something in and quickly close it. A catchall full of useless detritus. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9yp2I6gSJ-MwQcIlMj1Txh8tC4bZ-eRcBtNA0O6DaMx77iYnmbADCvndUuHO6WAScg_rmKdPH7cMiASDp5hDDBLSA2gWuxjTQGEd7j0sZqhIqThJQh0sV0UpwadARFuDhIhAMsy38IM/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9yp2I6gSJ-MwQcIlMj1Txh8tC4bZ-eRcBtNA0O6DaMx77iYnmbADCvndUuHO6WAScg_rmKdPH7cMiASDp5hDDBLSA2gWuxjTQGEd7j0sZqhIqThJQh0sV0UpwadARFuDhIhAMsy38IM/s320/DSC_0012.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
I found a whole stack of Sean's old rowing paraphernalia. I was complaining about all the stuff and made the flippant remark that Sean couldn't even get into any of the clothes anymore, why oh why must we store it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU_0SG1ocIInHzmij0JaBg0xfDtakhhv0YY3nHY9NqLOogBFz08D8psTZyznwvdmeDPd88O5nsmgvjNdTvQIKCLv9NUtKbIcVf-gibp0kqqeAMhppDoEbEGkJgMOqTm14COb0B707dgQ/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU_0SG1ocIInHzmij0JaBg0xfDtakhhv0YY3nHY9NqLOogBFz08D8psTZyznwvdmeDPd88O5nsmgvjNdTvQIKCLv9NUtKbIcVf-gibp0kqqeAMhppDoEbEGkJgMOqTm14COb0B707dgQ/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
What ensued was laughter and a spontaneous modeling show starring Sean!<br />
Alas, he fit into every single thing in there, with room to spare! Mind you, not that any of the Olympic uniforms will ever be seen in public, but they could.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKNH3MDm-SCdOxmaX57hAmvI6-sgpucpSjGCppwrxe5OSOwPWNA2BfiH92uDGbPfnGjL-tpu04BwijD4OGZJFVINMk4-maTAEjeBQ0UhhOILjfQquGhA0ZfPdPuLXSN-ZZuwVgSWAfjI/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKNH3MDm-SCdOxmaX57hAmvI6-sgpucpSjGCppwrxe5OSOwPWNA2BfiH92uDGbPfnGjL-tpu04BwijD4OGZJFVINMk4-maTAEjeBQ0UhhOILjfQquGhA0ZfPdPuLXSN-ZZuwVgSWAfjI/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We also found his WWU Letterman's sweater. It was a fun walk down memory lane, with lots of stories the kids and I had never heard before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDBIsP0yVGC3ukb1B1kaaRz8UXun077NTkmhwJZ279eIgTItjbPakzts_Gi7Ec9w9SajcGqBJENvEEpKaWsTdVKmqRB7sCCxLMBFKvMv4gsduJUhFNkPBd4kTydOOtPGHWxlyY32vw2U/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDBIsP0yVGC3ukb1B1kaaRz8UXun077NTkmhwJZ279eIgTItjbPakzts_Gi7Ec9w9SajcGqBJENvEEpKaWsTdVKmqRB7sCCxLMBFKvMv4gsduJUhFNkPBd4kTydOOtPGHWxlyY32vw2U/s320/DSC_0014.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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As of this week, Sean has ridden over 4,000 miles on his bike since last September. He began riding his bike as a means to save some gas money. However, he really enjoyed the challenge and the fitness. I confess, I was a bit disappointed that he was seeing such great weight loss and fitness when it seemed like I was really trying and he wasn't doing anything but riding his bike to and from work. </div>
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As a runner, I always looked at bike riders as sort of 'weak' I mean really, how hard is it to get on a bike and pedal. That is until I began riding with Sean. Ignorance is bliss. No wonder he is in such amazing shape. He rides a single speed fixed gear bike. That means that he must always pedal (no coasting, even downhill) and he can't ever shift. Sometimes, he rides uphill with just one foot. I tried that once just to see how hard it was. I have regular pedals and wear my running shoes, Sean has clips on his bike shoes and is attached to his pedal. I felt like an idiot. </div>
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I am not sure how he logged 4,000 miles in 12 months including the few months that he took off due to freezing rain, snow, ice and pitch black. I have a whole new respect for bikers, especially single speed bikers that I happen to be married to. Thank you so much Honey, for your sacrifices, commitment, and example of steadfast determination. I admire you. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-19811754852224934672013-09-04T07:38:00.002-07:002013-09-04T07:38:57.532-07:00And So It Begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week marks the beginning of a new homeschooling year. Yesterday we began a new program called, Classical Conversations. The children go once a week for tutoring and the rest of the learning and teaching happens at home. </div>
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I new we needed something different after all the struggles last year and this seems like an answer to prayer. I always say, "Be careful what you pray for." </div>
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I know this is going to be difficult. I have more accountability, the children have more accountability and there is much more writing that we have ever done before. Not to mention, the Latin! I plan on learning a lot and covet prayers for my patience and grace as we go through these growing pains. </div>
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I also began my twice daily Lovenox shots this week. This is a medication that I must take when I am pregnant to help prevent blood clots. For some reason it was emotional for me to start. Not because it hurts, it does not feel good but I have felt much worse, but I think because it means that birth is that much closer. I struggle with anxiety surrounding the actual birth much more these past couple of pregnancies. After I finally worked out the dosage with the doctor ( I had to hang up on him once because I had a child with a minor head wound that was bleeding profusely) I felt like I could breathe easier.<br />
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We started cutting our logging truck loads of wood this week. We got 5 cords or dry moved and ready for use and over half the load bucked, split and some stacked. I had some very hungry, sore and tired people on my hands. I feel a sense of security about knowing that I will be warm this winter. I almost am looking forward to cozy fires and reading books ~ Almost. I am not quite ready to say good bye to the warm sunshine. <div>
Sean and I have ridden the past couple mornings in the fog. I have to say it is not a beginning that eagerly anticipate. It sure was nice this morning when the sun (behind all the clouds) came over the horizon and lit up the sky.<br /><br />
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My garden is in full bounty and begging me to can. I managed 21 pints of blackberry jam, 7 pints of balsamic fig jam, a dozen pints of rhubarb jam. Up next: green beans, corn, and peas.<br />
Last week we managed hike a Baker, a trip up to Canada, dentist appointments for all the children, a potluck and orientation for Classical Conversations, a fabulous party with some wonderful homeschooling friends and a Doula Client meeting.<br />
Maybe I am ready for fall and life to slow down a little. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-81271642571406500002013-08-17T08:52:00.000-07:002013-08-17T08:52:15.092-07:00Fair Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All my children were together on Friday. We have all been here all week, but with the busyness of everything we were hardly ever in the same place at the same time. </div>
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My momm and my mother in law were helping with food, laundry, driving, cleaning, and watching the littles. So when we were at the fair, we weren't necessarily all together. Add to that, Sean went on a Tuna Fishing Charter so he wasn't even there for 2 1/2 days.<br />
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I had a great idea to get all my children with their Grandmas. Just to keep it straight I gave them all birth order numbers. My momm said, "Wait, You and Sean need to get in here with your children."<br />
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I said, "OK, but wait! I need to add another number if I'm in the picture."<br />
Maybe not the best way to announce the arrival of baby #8, but I did not know who to tell when. Because when you tell the children it goes viral.<br />
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2 minutes after we told the children and grandmas some fellow 4H moms came out and congratulated us! I asked how they knew so quickly and they said that their son was watching and texted them!<br />
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When someone asked Ian if he knew why I was holding #8 He said, "Yes, It's because Mama is younger than me!"<br />
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Taylor's excitement was so fun! I think everyone else was in shock! Aaron was grinning ear to ear and told EVERY.SINGLE.PERSON he knew. It went something like this:<br />
Aaron skipping up to Jake, "My mom is having a baby!" Turn and leave to go tell the next person.<br />
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We are thrilled, I fell so blessed to have the privilege of being pregnant again.<br />
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God is so good.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-45782475207079505382013-08-12T21:40:00.000-07:002013-08-12T21:40:25.131-07:00North West Washington Fair Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our first day at the fair proved to be a success! We started with Poultry Vet checks, since I got the time wrong and they wouldn't accept the birds yesterday. </div>
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We headed out this morning with what was supposed to be 12 birds in the BRV (Big Red Van). I looked around and did a mental check as we were leaving the driveway and asked Erik where his show chicken was. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron's livestock Check In</td></tr>
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He got extremely frustrated with me as I had already sent him back inside for his Country Partners T shirt, then again for his water bottle. He replied, "Do I have to get everything?" Yep Buddy, you need a show bird in order to show a bird. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik's Livestock Check In</td></tr>
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We made it, passed vet check did weigh in and headed to the Dairy Barn. The boys were doing Start to Finish, where they take a calf that has never been worked with before and do everything working as a team and show the calf at the end. They get judged on how well they work together and how well their calf does.<br />
Half way through I got about 6 calls and texts saying that they were calling for my boys to show poultry. I had talked to the judges and ran over to make sure it was still going to work. Thankfully we worked it out and they gave me a 15 minute warning. I went and got the boys and somehow Erik got Clear Kote on his arm, which was burning and itching, so we found WD40, and nail polish remover and got it off, changed, headed over to poultry. Did fit and show, got 2nd place and ran back to finish Start to Finish where they got 3rd overall.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian loved these tires!</td></tr>
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During lunch, Ruby opened her container and spilled the entire contents all over the ground. Of course, it was major drama with lots of tears but we managed.<br />
Geaba helped us locate some of our projects that we entered, we can't wait to find the rest. We brought the girls home and bathed them, read to them and put them in bed. Sean and Grandma stayed at the fair with the boys and Taylor so they could finish their barn duty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My prize winning beans</td></tr>
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I was pleasantly surprised that most of my entries won first premium, with the exception of my zucchini muffins that got 3rd. But I couldn't find my green beans. I looked everywhere and finally found them in the Best of Fair Display cabinet. Yep, I feel sorta like Almonzo Wilder and his prize winning pumpkin. My beans. I grew them, picked them, snapped them, then canned them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this boy</td></tr>
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Aaron is so easy going. He has the most tender heart and a love for small children. He is compassionate, funny, and pretty laid back. He is much like a large puppy who doesn't know how much space he takes up but since he is so kind, you don't really mind that he is taking up so much space. Just keep him fed. This was his outfit for the day, with the exception of showing, and he liked it.<br />
I like the life my children are living.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-58294639982872697982013-08-06T07:59:00.000-07:002013-08-06T07:59:09.738-07:00"Big Hill" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am really a big picture kinda girl. I love to go do things and often plan without a whole lot of though behind the details. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDeNn-Ci5mTdQgMGzJ4LAV_z-xdwfDlruT6Qwg0CSm9k-nppUIiQKElrSfsJj3rmALAVLDnWSVdhniTAFonxzMN0lQnpo2LBznlh7jxVNlhH4R_VPGLjKegH5hzmQ_MECOutXM3Zoxqw/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDeNn-Ci5mTdQgMGzJ4LAV_z-xdwfDlruT6Qwg0CSm9k-nppUIiQKElrSfsJj3rmALAVLDnWSVdhniTAFonxzMN0lQnpo2LBznlh7jxVNlhH4R_VPGLjKegH5hzmQ_MECOutXM3Zoxqw/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin, Ian, Erik, Aaron, Ruby</td></tr>
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It was a gorgeous day, and I really wanted to go for a hike, but did not want to drive too far. I looked up some local hikes and found one not too far away. It was called Big Hill. In my mind 'Big Hill' means that a hill, not a mountain. It was also rated 4 star. To me, 4 star is a fabulous hotel. Something beautiful and to be desired. Apparently the star rating for hiking is a bit different than for hotels. A 4 star hike means DIFFICULTY. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDCpz3Ffzq5Io9rDed4k2JGCciJJL5A1_6D5PEB2cucENYfPZCHJON3savBSnS6oDYptHpOswA-54tGFpB1J3aS2QFxKi1k1159m_-wWHURZ7aorUYu53_rSZRLFvOe_STQigJuZpbXk/s1600/IMG_2355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDCpz3Ffzq5Io9rDed4k2JGCciJJL5A1_6D5PEB2cucENYfPZCHJON3savBSnS6oDYptHpOswA-54tGFpB1J3aS2QFxKi1k1159m_-wWHURZ7aorUYu53_rSZRLFvOe_STQigJuZpbXk/s320/IMG_2355.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik eating sardines and pickles for lunch</td></tr>
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I guess that is common knowledge among hikers, I just missed that memo.<br />
I invited a friend with 4 children to go with me, on the hottest day of the year, to Big Hill and off we went. I was even more thankful for our Ergo as the hike proved to be too strenuous for Liberty. Ruby was able to hitch a ride on some of the boys some of the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzypGrD5lU13ubPLibon2HP8xhNWVpWmYWCEI6d_bqXvwbnmi8Et88X1Y3fkdn1rYMIHzJJ56uIKMXx4XIVQ8U1nLf6mbHaKxA3zG1HkEp1jbTlroBgQr3qDJRcao2kTEYCWjULbna2c/s1600/IMG_2357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzypGrD5lU13ubPLibon2HP8xhNWVpWmYWCEI6d_bqXvwbnmi8Et88X1Y3fkdn1rYMIHzJJ56uIKMXx4XIVQ8U1nLf6mbHaKxA3zG1HkEp1jbTlroBgQr3qDJRcao2kTEYCWjULbna2c/s320/IMG_2357.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my girls</td></tr>
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Taylor really is a get her done kind of girl and doesn't waste time getting there. Her and a couple of the older children said they would wait 'up ahead'.<br />
Ian was constantly looking for photo opportunities. and is the "protector of the littles". It's pretty funny to hike with children. I just keep plodding along where they run ahead, stop, wait, lag behind, climb a rock, climb a tree, slide down a hill, and run ahead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH6s0AeC7gFvMm2-IjGTnPTYereMdJuSsoNfY1kUDgRi2uU9h6vvMqtE0grqA4xsK8dt3hp5FbADgzd8N7_Lc9VpOaTYbgupQWkMMq4qtPYr-cdj239GRR3KAOZnV1_yrugIJDMUwrb8/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH6s0AeC7gFvMm2-IjGTnPTYereMdJuSsoNfY1kUDgRi2uU9h6vvMqtE0grqA4xsK8dt3hp5FbADgzd8N7_Lc9VpOaTYbgupQWkMMq4qtPYr-cdj239GRR3KAOZnV1_yrugIJDMUwrb8/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron, Ian, and Calvin</td></tr>
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Going straight up hill with a 30+ pound girl on your back does make your calves shake and burn, in case you wondered. We kept going up and up and up. Finally all the food we brought was gone, all the water was gone, all the little kid energy was gone, and the big kids were gone.<br />
I waited in this small patch of shade while my friend went up ahead to find the older children. We waited a long time, a very, very long time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgGRwnjTzXNlLBD1oTd7wdUtFGKTz2d6tWmoyWvj457T_BvpYC5xWAd6GUC3z7sLFi0ggqBgbIfAjTN4a2nFb-HLx6Tu2qnJ7mCrdIkDmZD5B3xYzL6rKYtecO5jHMH4hU5rpPtNwqoE/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgGRwnjTzXNlLBD1oTd7wdUtFGKTz2d6tWmoyWvj457T_BvpYC5xWAd6GUC3z7sLFi0ggqBgbIfAjTN4a2nFb-HLx6Tu2qnJ7mCrdIkDmZD5B3xYzL6rKYtecO5jHMH4hU5rpPtNwqoE/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty and Ruby in the only shade we could find. </td></tr>
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I don't think we will have that problem again. We discovered that it was a 5 mile round trip hike with a 2,500 foot elevation gain. That's 1,000 feet per mile! On our way home we crossed a bridge and spotted a perfect swimming hole. I quickly pulled over and we all jumped in! Incredibly cold but refreshing. We missed the Personal Fitness meeting for Scouts, however, I think we got it covered. </div>
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Shockingly, the children all begged to do it again! When clarified, I realized it was the swimming part that they wanted, thankfully, not the hiking part. </div>
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We have returned to our swimming hole many times this summer. Now it's one of my favorite happy places. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994497591172477599.post-26569893876441720332013-08-04T22:48:00.001-07:002013-08-04T22:48:55.519-07:00Time To Make A Little Noise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The blog has been super quiet for 3 months! I know because I was reminded by a friend. It's not that nothing is happening, it's that I don't even know where to start when I get so behind. My goal is to make a little more noise here, so at least I know what we have been doing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H7-7ChOxrgi2qtu5kBwytfrcQ_bxZsVCH1GdlNVsh4oweKhUfBTqNmgrHpo1O79okLakPWLkFhJxGTCWwVXMXMiHO44CTa-gOBAz3V8czSkpTnK2b9I6JP67xii9X60eIIxPCekObWM/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H7-7ChOxrgi2qtu5kBwytfrcQ_bxZsVCH1GdlNVsh4oweKhUfBTqNmgrHpo1O79okLakPWLkFhJxGTCWwVXMXMiHO44CTa-gOBAz3V8czSkpTnK2b9I6JP67xii9X60eIIxPCekObWM/s320/IMG_2349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik leading our 4H club in the Lynden Parade</td></tr>
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We are in full swing Fair Mode. This is the last week to get things turned in prior to the fair, the last week to get the animals ready, have them make weight, clean clip and groom them. We have to get the labels made for all our still life exhibits, and finish up the last minute decorations.<br />
One girl in our rabbit division just found out she is deathly allergic to rabbits. Her mom was in charge of the rabbit barn decorations. Now, I am in charge of the rabbit barn decorations! What?! You never noticed decorations in the barns!? That's OK, I hadn't either.<br />
Next time you wander through the animal barns at the fair, take a look. A lot of time, effort and creativity goes into those decorations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrmRhK2WwWsyvj6a0RWxkLlcmbzNkapG6XfHyjGyrClAkeUxak-_vECV53QUrlXDzGT5w0MTOYR69ZwSx-KFO7bcLIlCz3O0J-d6NLIuiO4NLRiDrvSfyMOxVucjupEnw3rVi8cY6JkI/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrmRhK2WwWsyvj6a0RWxkLlcmbzNkapG6XfHyjGyrClAkeUxak-_vECV53QUrlXDzGT5w0MTOYR69ZwSx-KFO7bcLIlCz3O0J-d6NLIuiO4NLRiDrvSfyMOxVucjupEnw3rVi8cY6JkI/s320/IMG_2341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty, Ruby and Willie (formerly known as Lilly)</td></tr>
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We feel like 4H provides our children with some wonderful opportunities and life lessons. We recently participated in one of the local parades and brought several of our animals to be on the float or walk alongside the float.<br />
Taylor had to be there early to decorate and I really did not want to spend more time than I had to, so I agreed to bring her lamb to the parade. I mean, How hard can it be? She gave me his halter and a Rubbermaid tote to put him in in the BRV. In theory this should work. I put him in the tote along with 5 of my other children and he promptly stood up and cleared the tote completely when he pooped all over the van. When we arrived in Lynden the closest place we could find to park was 6 blocks from the float. What Taylor forgot to tell me was that David, her lamb, had never walked with a halter before. He just follows her around. Think Mary and her little lamb. He doesn't follow me. We had 2 rabbits a lamb, 5 children and 6 blocks. I proceeded to pick him up, which many people walking by thought was "so cute"! He looks little but must weigh at least 75 pounds. Then he pooped on me. I had to cross 4 streets keeping track of my children, not dropping the lamb, and trying to keep Liberty from grabbing the part of my skirt with lamb poop on it. I wasn't having fun yet. I also drove by what looked to be a promising garage sale but opted not to stop because I didn't think we would have time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nubEF9scrWbuMhe1GWbkYjErAjXE7dcIKIHqTxw459QOtPuL0kivxvCZcfxDTEw-Y_7gHi_w1Fr_Kz8ZfaO3_bVRWzaK-HJd97n5ZOzTdGuPL8Br43VRiem7lUyhWY7salZusveJ_Bw/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nubEF9scrWbuMhe1GWbkYjErAjXE7dcIKIHqTxw459QOtPuL0kivxvCZcfxDTEw-Y_7gHi_w1Fr_Kz8ZfaO3_bVRWzaK-HJd97n5ZOzTdGuPL8Br43VRiem7lUyhWY7salZusveJ_Bw/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess' mug shot for her Dairy Certification</td></tr>
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When we finally arrived my arms were shaking and I was really looking forward to putting the kids on the float and going to watch the parade with my friends. Our 4H leader had a different idea. I was supposed to ride on the float to keep my kids safe. *sigh* put on a happy face and wave. I can do that. It was discovered that the tractor pulling our float wouldn't start, so they jump started it and could not turn it off for fear it would die again. I had the joy of sitting for 45 minutes waiting for our turn in the parade, breathing tractor exhaust, with lamb poop on me and children eating way too many lollipops (I think they were supposed to throw them).<br />
When my mom commented that I must really like parades, I could only laugh and say that I do it for my children.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10224410673080090432noreply@blogger.com3