tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60305368677539567312024-03-08T14:30:21.333-06:00A Farm Wife's LifeAn attempt to share the humor of life on a farm and in a homeschooling household of many.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.comBlogger1063125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-7225429213783006782016-05-04T08:57:00.002-05:002016-05-04T08:57:49.463-05:00Value in the Mundane<div style="text-align: center;">
One day there won't be super-hero socks, little tan pants, or small pink and blue things on my clothesline. </div>
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I know that I will miss the little bodies that created so much laundry to clean and dry. </div>
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With offspring that span as many years as mine, I get a somewhat unique view of the passage of time and the growth of my children----from large work clothes down to itty-bitty onesies, I know there is value in the mundane. </div>
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While the world tells me to "get out", </div>
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I know in my heart there is much to do *here*.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-27722698440848931612016-03-25T16:09:00.000-05:002016-03-25T16:09:06.335-05:00Sweet Silas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-45104580626192567942016-03-16T22:57:00.000-05:002016-03-16T22:57:10.355-05:00Fortnight<div style="text-align: center;">
This sweet baby boy is two weeks old tonight.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-88626377171577093792016-03-08T22:15:00.000-06:002016-03-08T22:15:00.525-06:00My New Squeeze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He seriously just about the cutest thing ever.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-78698238895732763842016-03-04T10:54:00.000-06:002016-03-04T10:54:34.701-06:00Meet Silas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet Silas Aaron.</div>
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Abram was right all along--a baby BOY!</div>
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We got to meet him on Wednesday night at 8:00 after</div>
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a very quick (VERY QUICK) labor.</div>
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His birth is a great story,</div>
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I'll tell it soon.</div>
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As close to perfection as we will see on earth.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-11429848754705044032016-01-15T07:38:00.000-06:002016-01-15T07:38:01.819-06:00Wordless: Thinking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-49896385946629912192016-01-14T07:36:00.000-06:002016-01-14T07:36:06.981-06:00I Guess Ruby Had My Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-11309686761429890732016-01-05T07:53:00.001-06:002016-01-05T07:53:45.915-06:00{Real} Family Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the last time I took a "nice" picture of all my kids was when I had....two kids. </div>
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Here was an attempt at only six of mine and, well, it's typical.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-53054667836046533822015-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-11T06:00:06.067-06:00Works for Me Wednesday: The Dishes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd8IEabtCcQFmdk1vOAP2WAR34CONM0jpSYWF1YnbZRjA2T3v5DLijT4g8Llz7NNpzQGi4y9f5Oqc1Xkv5BZcdCllrygYfKd-NF38HGzqLhvqmYdygpph1Ln4I6fvL0E7WWAu-VuXuQls/s1600/IMG_3578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd8IEabtCcQFmdk1vOAP2WAR34CONM0jpSYWF1YnbZRjA2T3v5DLijT4g8Llz7NNpzQGi4y9f5Oqc1Xkv5BZcdCllrygYfKd-NF38HGzqLhvqmYdygpph1Ln4I6fvL0E7WWAu-VuXuQls/s640/IMG_3578.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
This <i>could</i> look like we need a lesson in how to load a dishwasher.<br />
It'd be great if I had a working dishwasher, but I don't.<br />
So we use it as a giant dish-drying rack instead.<br />
It <i>(sort of)</i> works for me!<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-7893433308871695932015-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-09T07:17:50.565-06:00Changes on the Homefront<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have been quiet here on the blog</div>
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even though things been anything <i style="font-weight: bold;">but</i> quiet here in our life.</div>
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In September our 18 year old nephew Noah moved in with us.<br />
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Christopher turned 10.<br />
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Linnea turned 15 and I didn't get any pictures. <i>*sigh*</i><br />
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We had our annual family hayride at my parents' farm.<br />
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We had our 19th wedding anniversary.<br />
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The boys played a ton of football<br />
and we drove to a lot of games.<br />
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In October my baby Cece had her 1st birthday<br />
and started walking.<br />
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Linnea began to participate in a choir comprised of all homeschooled students that meets once a week.</div>
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Isaiah's football team had an undefeated season record.<br />
We made it to every game, sometimes driving some pretty big distances for this farming family.<br />
They won their section championship and made it through to the semi-finals for our state.<br />
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Linnea is going out for basketball this year and practice will start soon.<br />
I'm excited for her but will miss her in the house knowing she will be gone often<br />
for practice and games.<br />
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Starting in late July/early August, I got "promoted" to work in the barn.<br />
haha.<br />
I do the morning milkings now because Dennis has a job in town.<br />
During football season, I also did many of the evening milkings so that we could be on the road as soon as Dennis got home from work.<br />
I used to milk all the time up until Andrew was born so it's not exactly new to me<br />
but Linnea and I have had to really work hard to keep the house running<br />
with me in the barn every morning.<br />
It took some adjusting for everyone<br />
and the boys and I have admittedly butted heads a few times on a few things<br />
but all in all it's been a very positive thing all the way around.<br />
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Andrew became a teenager last week<br />
<i>aaaaaand </i>I didn't get any pictures on that day either.<br />
He is really growing up in so many ways.<br />
Today I heard him moving cows in the pasture and thought his voice is sounding more like Dennis' now.<br />
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Abram is adding words to his vocabulary daily.<br />
He took his time speaking, but has a lot to say now!<br />
I'm always a little sad when they change the sweet way they say some of their words...<br />
He used to pronounce his name "A-mum" to "A-bwum"---still super cute, but I get nostalgic about stuff like that.<br />
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THM<a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank"> (Trim Healthy Mama)</a> is still going well.<br />
I highly recommend it.<br />
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I don't know how much total weight I've lost because I've been gaining<br />
some in preparation for Baby #12 who is due to arrive in March.<br />
(the farthest "down" I got was 65 pounds lost)<br />
I have felt quite well this pregnancy, the only "ailment" being fatigue.<br />
I don't know that I can blame that entirely on the pregnancy, though,<br />
as there are several other factors in my life that are likely contributors.<br />
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I appreciate all the "checking in" since I've been posting so rarely.<br />
I'm still here...just a tad busier and away from the internet,<br />
perhaps a bit more guarded with what I say.<br />
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I cannot quite wrap my brain around the fact that we are almost to double digits in November.<br />
I love the changing of the seasons and I find things to look forward to in each one.<br />
Right now, I am enjoying the coziness of sweaters and multiple cups of tea,<br />
kids with cheeks rosy from the chill wind as they play outside in the dusk before supper,<br />
the quietness of the barn in the mornings<br />
and the brisk wind that dries the clothes so quickly on the clothesline.<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-48520424477292861142015-11-08T16:05:00.001-06:002015-11-08T22:22:27.516-06:00County Fair<div style="text-align: center;">
I actually remembered to bring my camera along to our county fair this year.</div>
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I am finally getting around to posting these pictures.</div>
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Elijah showed this little Holstein-Jersey crossbred calf.</div>
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Ruby was so excited about showing this little Milking Shorthorn this year;</div>
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it was all she could talk about for <i>weeks</i>.</div>
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Then, the morning of the dairy show, all her confidence dissolved in a puddle </div>
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of uncertainty and we were left with <i>this </i>face.</div>
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The picture didn't focus correctly, but you can still see what I mean.</div>
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She settled in after just a bit of time in the ring.</div>
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At her age, 4Hers are required to have an adult with them in the ring.</div>
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I have several to choose from, haha.</div>
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Nathaniel was Ruby's adult.</div>
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(It does sometimes feel weird to me that I have "adult" children...)</div>
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Mr. Christopher had a round of anxiety to begin with as well,</div>
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and it was my fault.</div>
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His white show pants somehow got left home; I still don't know how it happened</div>
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though if I were a betting woman, I'd say it had something to do</div>
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with the number of 4Hers I have showing, the number of cows to milk at home before the show,</div>
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the number of children I have who are not yet old enough for 4H,</div>
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and the number of miles we live from the fair grounds.</div>
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It seems likely, anyhow.</div>
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Isaiah has a special affinity for colored breeds of dairy cattle.</div>
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This little shorthorn earned him a trip to the state fair.</div>
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Elizabeth </div>
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Ivy </div>
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Abram</div>
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Isaiah and Linnea each showed a Jersey</div>
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These two little boys were too stinkin' CUTE.</div>
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Abram is in the gray shirt and Colby is in green.</div>
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Colby's mama used to show in our county, too.</div>
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Full circle...</div>
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Monkey see, monkey do.</div>
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One of my favorite pictures.</div>
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Andrew with his dry cow, Ingaborg.</div>
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Monkey see, monkey do. :)</div>
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4H friends!</div>
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Linnea showed Grandpa Wayne's horse Princess.</div>
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Between the dairy show, the horse show and the sheep show, </div>
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she kept me moving.</div>
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Cece likes to do "SO BIG".</div>
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baby teeth...</div>
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Christopher and Elijah enjoyed watching the horse games.</div>
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Isaiah and Linnea each went to the state fair,</div>
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Isaiah with his heifer and Linnea with her sheep.</div>
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Only eight months until we do it all over again!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-31073850827749852292015-09-01T07:06:00.004-05:002015-09-01T07:06:58.982-05:00This Girlie Has a Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ruby turns <i style="font-weight: bold;">SEVEN</i> today!!</div>
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This is one of my favorite pictures of her,</div>
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taken on her 5th birthday.</div>
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Happy Birthday,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Horsie Girl.</div>
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We love you!!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-79442833461580713072015-08-31T17:17:00.000-05:002015-08-31T17:17:38.329-05:00The Wedding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linnea was a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding last month.</div>
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I brought my camera but only got some pictures after the ceremony.</div>
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It wasn't until I sat down in the pew that I actually took stock of my situation;</div>
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I brought seven children ages 9, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2, and 10 months to a wedding </div>
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where there would be no other adult or teen who could help me.</div>
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I sort of broke out in a cold sweat,</div>
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then reminded myself that I had put on my big girl pants and that I could do this.</div>
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I had to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>*gulp*</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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This was taken as the newly married couple exited the church.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elizabeth wanted to stand next to Linnea, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-vdmnjj-9s/Vd4Y3dK2r9I/AAAAAAAAaV8/TsWBfiKpqHw/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-vdmnjj-9s/Vd4Y3dK2r9I/AAAAAAAAaV8/TsWBfiKpqHw/s640/IMG_3514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the next week and half, Elizabeth told anyone she could that Linnea got married.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was her way of saying "Linnea was in a wedding" but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
three year olds have a way of losing things in translation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu68YnQBnO4/Vd4ZQVDtFHI/AAAAAAAAaWU/qujYJn4LQWI/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu68YnQBnO4/Vd4ZQVDtFHI/AAAAAAAAaWU/qujYJn4LQWI/s640/IMG_3517.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those <i>lashes</i>!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrcS4_VYdNM/Vd4Z9hGnCYI/AAAAAAAAaXA/0mcAaQmPB6M/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrcS4_VYdNM/Vd4Z9hGnCYI/AAAAAAAAaXA/0mcAaQmPB6M/s640/IMG_3522.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bubbles were a lot of fun for my crew!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uikdQBJOBPg/Vd4abXH9scI/AAAAAAAAaXc/tHCqj3S1wyg/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uikdQBJOBPg/Vd4abXH9scI/AAAAAAAAaXc/tHCqj3S1wyg/s640/IMG_3527.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abram, like a moth to flame, was drawn to the black dirt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
next to the sidwalk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In light khaki shorts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Obviously.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OpTUmpW9TY/Vd4bUVsbSlI/AAAAAAAAaYU/Oo-w9HLKX6o/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OpTUmpW9TY/Vd4bUVsbSlI/AAAAAAAAaYU/Oo-w9HLKX6o/s640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christopher was an excellent helper to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sg38f7PwaAZ5Oyp27dmrTXFyW6fPkBiIKXhIWCEoFaaxuYG6ENVdlyK6wyYx1t1ktzUhhMQzVbS564v466TuTzUedOK1ipS6rZiQw5UN_BC_k7MxPAYOj-n_sVvIgEJ5bgdV_hVBK7KU/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sg38f7PwaAZ5Oyp27dmrTXFyW6fPkBiIKXhIWCEoFaaxuYG6ENVdlyK6wyYx1t1ktzUhhMQzVbS564v466TuTzUedOK1ipS6rZiQw5UN_BC_k7MxPAYOj-n_sVvIgEJ5bgdV_hVBK7KU/s640/IMG_3544.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUKbwUOcuVc/Vd4cxe-CtLI/AAAAAAAAaZ0/aWywtAF5au8/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUKbwUOcuVc/Vd4cxe-CtLI/AAAAAAAAaZ0/aWywtAF5au8/s640/IMG_3556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These lovely ladies...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cece and Linnea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kP3-d8kXHM/Vd4dKZ-HV1I/AAAAAAAAaaM/SxMRE9-nTQo/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kP3-d8kXHM/Vd4dKZ-HV1I/AAAAAAAAaaM/SxMRE9-nTQo/s640/IMG_3564.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our dear friend Amy was also in the wedding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how this picture turned out of both of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BB8NXO6H1B0/Vd4dVZbousI/AAAAAAAAaaU/2JV8skxXU0w/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BB8NXO6H1B0/Vd4dVZbousI/AAAAAAAAaaU/2JV8skxXU0w/s640/IMG_3565.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ivy and Ruby wanted to each take turns with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linnea's bouquet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Rd2lcuQTTvQjXlUITo1au4eGmR_kB-Czs8HLwSAYtoC2B9xKhlducLJACB42yN3dGRZM_RNYSP2dhk9KiEylHOfi_3M7-LBHVsCMroxkzkQZQD6Q_ptQygfbaLU0cL3X-wL3GTGfiOZ/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Rd2lcuQTTvQjXlUITo1au4eGmR_kB-Czs8HLwSAYtoC2B9xKhlducLJACB42yN3dGRZM_RNYSP2dhk9KiEylHOfi_3M7-LBHVsCMroxkzkQZQD6Q_ptQygfbaLU0cL3X-wL3GTGfiOZ/s640/IMG_3570.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwFygbfrrdk/Vd4eEIn4_aI/AAAAAAAAabE/lpCGB4zmUf0/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwFygbfrrdk/Vd4eEIn4_aI/AAAAAAAAabE/lpCGB4zmUf0/s640/IMG_3571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This boy, though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Px-K1u9BLrg/Vd4dqZxBpoI/AAAAAAAAaas/rrx9W7mzzB4/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Px-K1u9BLrg/Vd4dqZxBpoI/AAAAAAAAaas/rrx9W7mzzB4/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you <i style="font-weight: bold;">stand</i> how cute he is?!?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-5742513001230649052015-08-26T06:30:00.000-05:002015-08-26T06:30:02.769-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Bubbles <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ1YAZR-LiqWeKS1Y60soWerVUEbhrHuabQoAKk3GyXh5yArhSL2vbLoXxJ6LLZBKsgwMvdIWp0HmAyjgATd7QDCwIsOaubOaI1spsD_CL6jjW6AdXnLX27HFErfW2Xb565Zcn3GnQM_z/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ1YAZR-LiqWeKS1Y60soWerVUEbhrHuabQoAKk3GyXh5yArhSL2vbLoXxJ6LLZBKsgwMvdIWp0HmAyjgATd7QDCwIsOaubOaI1spsD_CL6jjW6AdXnLX27HFErfW2Xb565Zcn3GnQM_z/s640/IMG_3533.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl81U_6lx44qnxYb-GdOnQ2SBJHqPxSLUKNJ5KszCwd-28SMwLGQlOST5j3JkYWr4De8e6Zf-Nf37_LVI1WQvLWKSpfK8Y5o3X8BlI_morIP6PG2H__FSA4CbptKzPLewGLwLZ_JKcMM8E/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl81U_6lx44qnxYb-GdOnQ2SBJHqPxSLUKNJ5KszCwd-28SMwLGQlOST5j3JkYWr4De8e6Zf-Nf37_LVI1WQvLWKSpfK8Y5o3X8BlI_morIP6PG2H__FSA4CbptKzPLewGLwLZ_JKcMM8E/s640/IMG_3546.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-61737432749162831732015-08-06T22:27:00.001-05:002015-08-06T22:27:12.978-05:00Sometimes Things Get In the Way<div style="text-align: center;">
My posts have been few and far between, haven't they...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
many is the time I have sat down at the computer to put together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a post and then been called away because of a spill or a tumble</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or some other pressing need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More often, though, I sit to write and I can't seem to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
piece my thoughts together well enough to hit publish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's this big <i style="font-weight: bold;">thing</i> in the way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I just can't seem to write around it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This thing has been a big part of my life </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and so much hearkens back to it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or is currently affected by it...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't discuss it publicly and so it ends up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I don't discuss much of anything publicly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've got some pictures that I plan to post--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because I've got <i style="font-weight: bold;">great</i> subject material--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just have to get them all uploaded so I can retrieve them here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took some pictures at the county fair this year,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the kids have all been to camp,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
VBS was great,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and summer here in MN has been just lovely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really do hope to be able to work around this thing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's in my way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you stick around for when I do.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-57672423938531605142015-06-26T07:37:00.001-05:002015-06-26T07:37:17.932-05:00One of My Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3mCJU1u1xKXqJoLQ7cqxFo6ZeTQiCXzAwsg9G6m2sX3lz09JgrVPIqEWtWapdssqFFHLXRtmMZTqb7JdysaRiuz9aeqFinVS1VawHj5lc7Tt2eaCiJu4dvlt1ZxpraHhNMUQKJ-Ll-7V/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3mCJU1u1xKXqJoLQ7cqxFo6ZeTQiCXzAwsg9G6m2sX3lz09JgrVPIqEWtWapdssqFFHLXRtmMZTqb7JdysaRiuz9aeqFinVS1VawHj5lc7Tt2eaCiJu4dvlt1ZxpraHhNMUQKJ-Ll-7V/s640/IMG_3110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This ranks among my favorite pictures,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for obvious reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Ivy on the trampoline ~</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-86736172178530464842015-06-17T06:30:00.000-05:002015-06-17T06:30:01.041-05:00Wordless Wednesday: I Love These Little Piggies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGeL9zHsVeb_ATb5Hl0oH5NeIoaFtNOpAXFzpcIGuITXqQH9Ly1gp7i-Jl8qwGsVkuGspL1rCdHy7T9yfSrcVEkQgeXJGsguQTG6-xdBBdHU7YsQcGt0fQC5k1TTxXsY6TyWSkBqLnrJZ/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGeL9zHsVeb_ATb5Hl0oH5NeIoaFtNOpAXFzpcIGuITXqQH9Ly1gp7i-Jl8qwGsVkuGspL1rCdHy7T9yfSrcVEkQgeXJGsguQTG6-xdBBdHU7YsQcGt0fQC5k1TTxXsY6TyWSkBqLnrJZ/s640/IMG_3244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-18401329336192664822015-06-15T17:23:00.000-05:002015-06-16T17:28:45.700-05:00Six Months with Trim Healthy Mama<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I started <a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> on December 15, 2014. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t3-VaN8wxN7fTijgePGFXennBjEjByUOs8qgHYyxSfQB1Dm4PyBSHQnDdfNj-Gdg3U52402xQUKPpquQiaq3cEYrYengr6ZO603ma4S0ECP5i4xfprjLGrGfM0uqd5l0_fa3nt_oesHd/s1600/IMG_1862+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t3-VaN8wxN7fTijgePGFXennBjEjByUOs8qgHYyxSfQB1Dm4PyBSHQnDdfNj-Gdg3U52402xQUKPpquQiaq3cEYrYengr6ZO603ma4S0ECP5i4xfprjLGrGfM0uqd5l0_fa3nt_oesHd/s640/IMG_1862+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was taken on Cece's baptism, December 7th.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Today
marks 6 months and I have lost 50 pounds, starting at 235 and now down to 185. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRm00s7O5Sm61INLNCLzJnZ9WdQqMXzPp-94Qc6a-9z3fMIftOwkwKCtA1pSrmpwSLijLtHbyIrV-YBz2FNBzVKX8oCR-G9HIJaWUuYUcMF5ROz4-RvBJjGd2UawZf95R7sws4k1uK8TL/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRm00s7O5Sm61INLNCLzJnZ9WdQqMXzPp-94Qc6a-9z3fMIftOwkwKCtA1pSrmpwSLijLtHbyIrV-YBz2FNBzVKX8oCR-G9HIJaWUuYUcMF5ROz4-RvBJjGd2UawZf95R7sws4k1uK8TL/s640/IMG_3210.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am AMAZED at the transformation of my body!
I have been this weight before, but never this shape. Skirts and pants, as well as shirts, are
longer now because my arms, backside and hips are much smaller. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am so glad I didn’t give up on all the clothes I had
stored away for “ONE day…” because now I “shop” in my own closet and storage
bins! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I have lost weight with THM but have gained much: I can wear
my wedding ring again after 7 years of not being able to. I can play with my kids at a playground or
run after my toddlers. I can mow our
yard with a push mower and feel good doing it. I can walk for exercise again
(though I didn’t start exercising until after 40 pounds were off—my joints
finally felt so much better). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I didn’t set a goal when I began because </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1) I was afraid to fail </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
2) I didn’t know—and still don’t—how to
decide on a number and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
3) IT’S NOT ABOUT
A SPECIFIC NUMBER! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I have brought eleven children into this world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I ever made a comment
about my weight, people would say something like “Well, after x-number of
pregnancies, it’s understandable…” But I
knew that having several babies was no “excuse”—and I knew it wasn’t truth. I
know now that I was pairing the wrong foods.
I was a mix of Whole Grain Jane and Farm Fresh Tess (get the book and you'll know what I mean!). I might choose 2 slices of whole wheat toast
with peanut butter and jelly and a glass of orange juice for breakfast. A lunch
meat sandwich, a few chips or pretzels and an apple for lunch (which you know I call dinner), and beef roast
with cooked carrots, roasted potatoes, fresh bread and a glass of milk for
supper. I wasn’t eating “bad” food—it’s that the food was not fueling my body
the way my body requires.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Meals are categorized according to (S) for Satisfying, (E) for Energizing, or (FP) for Fuel Pull which is all explained in the book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I keep my menu VERY simple. With 11 children, it has to be! I
typically have a fried egg with cheese (S) or oatmeal (E) for breakfast and
coffee with half-and half. For my noon
meal, I often choose to fry a salmon filet and have a (S) salad with sunflower seeds,
parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper with a side of cottage cheese and a
strawberry smoothie to drink. I am the only one on THM in my family because I
am the only one with a weight problem.
Though we are pretty much a meat & vegetables family, I also have
several days in a month where pancakes or mac & cheese with chicken nuggets
or peanut butter sandwiches is going to have to suffice for the crew. I will
choose egg salad or maybe tuna salad for myself on a Joseph’s pita. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I don’t
always have enough money for protein powder and I’ve enjoyed several (even too
many!) cheat meals, sometimes out of necessity (we live very rurally so grocery
shopping is a TRIP) and sometimes out of indulgence/lack of will power. I’m sure I would have lost more by now had I
stayed 100% on plan but I love that in 3 hours, I can make the next right
choice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My high blood pressure is a thing of the past & I lost
fifty pounds by eating good food!!
Though it can be tempting to search the web for lots of THM recipes, I
have found the recipes and suggestions in the book to be quite sufficient. I
appreciate so much the work that Pearl and Serene put into the book!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I had to really search for a “before” picture of me because
I always made SURE to be either behind someone or out of the picture entirely. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’ll call this other picture my “during” (instead of
“after”) because I don’t know where THM is going to bring me on this journey!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A blog I have found to be particularly helpful is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gwens-nest.com/" target="_blank">Gwen's Nest</a> and her fabulous<b><i> <a href="http://gwens-nest.com/trim-healthy-mama-quick-start-guide-new/" target="_blank">Quick Start Guide</a></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I can do this, I KNOW you can, too!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-29685757290484164512015-06-04T06:30:00.000-05:002015-06-04T06:30:01.768-05:00To Keep a Toddler Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSvYIjMoqf34A_lxF2Ijxb9IRA55Bprbf_bmF51fKcUcwBXKW4xxSN9M9ApJQkt3cO5h8C9jeDxRPFRy4DpUQG3ykAT_6g-mn8WgTCa7u5sJvta2TkzNFuMox3xciZd4JoH5AyQDAx7rd/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSvYIjMoqf34A_lxF2Ijxb9IRA55Bprbf_bmF51fKcUcwBXKW4xxSN9M9ApJQkt3cO5h8C9jeDxRPFRy4DpUQG3ykAT_6g-mn8WgTCa7u5sJvta2TkzNFuMox3xciZd4JoH5AyQDAx7rd/s640/IMG_2896.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was warm one day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this squirt bottle kept Abram <i>veeeeerrrrry </i>busy!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-70516208612972899952015-06-03T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-03T06:00:01.255-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Cece is 8 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixRS-_1KtYw/VWOROHtjJYI/AAAAAAAAYlI/SEv39WbpewI/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixRS-_1KtYw/VWOROHtjJYI/AAAAAAAAYlI/SEv39WbpewI/s640/IMG_3037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-79871531967045239092015-06-02T11:47:00.002-05:002015-06-02T11:47:41.490-05:00Linnea's Confirmation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXvm8WyCby4/VWOSM3hgwkI/AAAAAAAAYmI/ZAaxkTldeNc/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXvm8WyCby4/VWOSM3hgwkI/AAAAAAAAYmI/ZAaxkTldeNc/s640/IMG_3045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linnea was confirmed May 24th.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the help of my family,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were able to put together an open house party for her after church.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--N_8BHMnQmQ/VWOSRWOI_VI/AAAAAAAAYmQ/RX8TpKHTP-s/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--N_8BHMnQmQ/VWOSRWOI_VI/AAAAAAAAYmQ/RX8TpKHTP-s/s640/IMG_3046.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ugQe47_0w/VWOR-EnqpCI/AAAAAAAAYmA/u1aiw9bx94k/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ugQe47_0w/VWOR-EnqpCI/AAAAAAAAYmA/u1aiw9bx94k/s640/IMG_3043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me, Linnea, and Dennis</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSSLx8krrZ4/VW3creFliWI/AAAAAAAAYpY/-aYhex1ouao/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSSLx8krrZ4/VW3creFliWI/AAAAAAAAYpY/-aYhex1ouao/s640/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our crew.</div>
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It was the best of what was taken.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvRl2MtfTgA/VWOQ8O9z-_I/AAAAAAAAYlA/nn0LmsKeGro/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvRl2MtfTgA/VWOQ8O9z-_I/AAAAAAAAYlA/nn0LmsKeGro/s640/IMG_3035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Linnea with Dennis' parents</div>
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Grandpa Gayland & Grandma Harriet</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VU4fzXY_9tw/VWOQ4tkH4fI/AAAAAAAAYk4/g6ConNvImcY/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VU4fzXY_9tw/VWOQ4tkH4fI/AAAAAAAAYk4/g6ConNvImcY/s640/IMG_3033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All the grandparents </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLauCxXFrIk/VWOQjNcQLzI/AAAAAAAAYkg/O9-z_45zNOo/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLauCxXFrIk/VWOQjNcQLzI/AAAAAAAAYkg/O9-z_45zNOo/s640/IMG_3031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My parents and my grandma Mavis</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kxxwpp1LMs/VWOQMFrOyGI/AAAAAAAAYkA/1iMxbS7BwdM/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kxxwpp1LMs/VWOQMFrOyGI/AAAAAAAAYkA/1iMxbS7BwdM/s640/IMG_3027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This picture sums up their relationship.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two enjoy one another's company.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfiVSGEEd7M/VWOP6Nb2urI/AAAAAAAAYjw/jLIY5abXgUI/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfiVSGEEd7M/VWOP6Nb2urI/AAAAAAAAYjw/jLIY5abXgUI/s640/IMG_3025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ7mcEhN-jw/VWOPkKDQ80I/AAAAAAAAYjg/HccHICxb1Kk/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ7mcEhN-jw/VWOPkKDQ80I/AAAAAAAAYjg/HccHICxb1Kk/s640/IMG_3022.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXdD8ur1kkN2MQMs2n6rxct2ETJtGCVGqzrGJc5IC9p7aW867V1sCYJUuuGdn6MOI45PG0P6s5WNoJbIojLwHk8pTGaU6-rdaapYDGq_qupSMosX9HS9jiYIqxHXsKJrQqQjQj63INiG/s1600/IMG_3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXdD8ur1kkN2MQMs2n6rxct2ETJtGCVGqzrGJc5IC9p7aW867V1sCYJUuuGdn6MOI45PG0P6s5WNoJbIojLwHk8pTGaU6-rdaapYDGq_qupSMosX9HS9jiYIqxHXsKJrQqQjQj63INiG/s640/IMG_3020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Elizabeth and Abram ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I was taking pictures after church</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these two thought it quite fun to be "up front" in church.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDM724D3Y_E/VWOPL8b_8VI/AAAAAAAAYi4/6UCILNhTXUU/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDM724D3Y_E/VWOPL8b_8VI/AAAAAAAAYi4/6UCILNhTXUU/s640/IMG_3017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linnea's godparents,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my sister Bethany and her husband Mike.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A very nice picture!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are the two preceding shots.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTcSNc-YFIs/VWOO15MXkeI/AAAAAAAAYiw/GLcn0ag7iRc/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTcSNc-YFIs/VWOO15MXkeI/AAAAAAAAYiw/GLcn0ag7iRc/s640/IMG_3015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3QqFM3XwsILeYdWe3x7pRaYU4R74LbXxVGRN3LXptsVEEtRp9wRArlxu6H92RaCTj3fcB_f9GeBrZXgOYSDdOf1SgYUbEvA81BhQXo6ZLjMRlowDjlyK22A1UfodfUTW3CL6RLa34Ssk/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3QqFM3XwsILeYdWe3x7pRaYU4R74LbXxVGRN3LXptsVEEtRp9wRArlxu6H92RaCTj3fcB_f9GeBrZXgOYSDdOf1SgYUbEvA81BhQXo6ZLjMRlowDjlyK22A1UfodfUTW3CL6RLa34Ssk/s640/IMG_3016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Indeed, a picture worth a thousand words.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JT4DaqkJsw9foMdAnr11SNZskGMEsMfteYsqUmcFkjAMBPcio-fceLvl4C97Ifg0kPx-gS6zm046eK3051wMCLJu5sr7roTeWKSv274QCkFc7qg9USSh6OO9SRVvoXEos_6F9Eyr1d2q/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JT4DaqkJsw9foMdAnr11SNZskGMEsMfteYsqUmcFkjAMBPcio-fceLvl4C97Ifg0kPx-gS6zm046eK3051wMCLJu5sr7roTeWKSv274QCkFc7qg9USSh6OO9SRVvoXEos_6F9Eyr1d2q/s640/IMG_3013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abram was given a turn with his cousin Wade's camera.</div>
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He wanted to be like all the adults taking pictures.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ-t3Yd-Mko/VWOObov3wRI/AAAAAAAAYiU/r-NEcaX3Hvw/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ-t3Yd-Mko/VWOObov3wRI/AAAAAAAAYiU/r-NEcaX3Hvw/s640/IMG_3012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My brother Aaron is another of Linnea's godparents.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5LPuV0l_k8/VWOOEJ7iqEI/AAAAAAAAYiA/tx4w7_6o5v8/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5LPuV0l_k8/VWOOEJ7iqEI/AAAAAAAAYiA/tx4w7_6o5v8/s640/IMG_3010.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UO5RfuAZaMU/VWONWQIiTzI/AAAAAAAAYhQ/J61Eg9hFalM/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UO5RfuAZaMU/VWONWQIiTzI/AAAAAAAAYhQ/J61Eg9hFalM/s640/IMG_3003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linnea's other set of godparents,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melissa and Scott</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-76602473604233346742015-06-01T21:47:00.001-05:002015-06-01T21:47:53.501-05:00Makeup Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A nearly-empty eyeshadow compact is a treasure to</div>
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my three year old.</div>
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Add in a willing little brother</div>
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and life's golden.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrxa6xrLBFc/VWOKevug75I/AAAAAAAAYeg/G0ex9nLB52c/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrxa6xrLBFc/VWOKevug75I/AAAAAAAAYeg/G0ex9nLB52c/s640/IMG_2939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-66984586293925181512015-05-20T23:14:00.000-05:002015-05-20T23:14:29.326-05:00Wordless Wednesday: This Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA1XuuHjmRDuRoRmn1efzQqGGIYw6_mH6h5U2fCPobpfWnJvgU0P-WxFKkap-_sD08y4S2b4vKkabRUN9QH_s-SfP9f0Ei01WGqGAOtmBQYtnHoSdvAtvrEQ68lxoehlOagXVQAIRa0Lg/s1600/11201204_1640624806167039_1355580116_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA1XuuHjmRDuRoRmn1efzQqGGIYw6_mH6h5U2fCPobpfWnJvgU0P-WxFKkap-_sD08y4S2b4vKkabRUN9QH_s-SfP9f0Ei01WGqGAOtmBQYtnHoSdvAtvrEQ68lxoehlOagXVQAIRa0Lg/s640/11201204_1640624806167039_1355580116_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-45770576512573157722015-05-19T07:37:00.003-05:002015-05-19T07:37:42.233-05:00Stick Figures<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah is our resident artist.</div>
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He likes to draw more than just about anything!</div>
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Art is by far his favorite subject </div>
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and a reward (sometimes bribe!) for him </div>
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is free time to do art.</div>
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Though this picture is rather basic,</div>
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it makes me laugh to see all the detail he put in to stick figures.</div>
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His initial decision to draw stick figures, he told me, was that </div>
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we have such a large family that he'd have used up a LOT of time</div>
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drawing us all in greater detail. Haha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3GdLJIR3xUT42kNslzw_gMUGr6y6i_5ZDK0dYgK0zAUJnr52uKRCPQtGiqrei9GrSweCUQAjwXUjDql_nnZm2y4yK7PGliTMlVMoHRRG35zz4Ji_tBSQ4AtQmjS3tyIRa6UTqmfbgSDd/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3GdLJIR3xUT42kNslzw_gMUGr6y6i_5ZDK0dYgK0zAUJnr52uKRCPQtGiqrei9GrSweCUQAjwXUjDql_nnZm2y4yK7PGliTMlVMoHRRG35zz4Ji_tBSQ4AtQmjS3tyIRa6UTqmfbgSDd/s640/scan0001.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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1. Mom</div>
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2. Dad</div>
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3. Linnea</div>
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4. Nathaniel</div>
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5. Isaiah</div>
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6. Andrew</div>
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7, Christopher</div>
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8. Elijah</div>
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9. Ruby</div>
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10. Ivy</div>
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11. Elizabeth</div>
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12. Abram</div>
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13. Cece </div>
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(with all the sparkle around her, you can tell the baby is especially loved!)</div>
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Numbers 14-16 need a little more explanation.</div>
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#15 is Grandpa Wayne and on either side of him</div>
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are #14 Great-grandma Mavis (his mom)</div>
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and #16 Grandma Cindy.</div>
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Elijah didn't want Grandma Mavis to have to stand all by herself.</div>
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Numbers #17 & #18 are Dennis' parents</div>
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Grandpa Gayland and Grandma Harriet.</div>
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After giving me time to look over each one and admire his work,</div>
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he looked at me with a sly smile, a twinkle in his eye, and said,</div>
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"Now, you may notice that I, ahhh, had to draw</div>
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Nathaniel and Dad with a little bit, ahh, <i style="font-weight: bold;">fuller</i> sticks for their middle..."</div>
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as he made a round motion in front of his own stomach.</div>
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I laughed and then thanked him for his kindness </div>
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when drawing Mommy and the grandmas</div>
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with regular stick figures.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6030536867753956731.post-19676332464837350102015-05-18T09:18:00.001-05:002015-05-18T09:18:16.805-05:00Operation Encouragement<div style="text-align: center;">
My friend Gretchen has a great idea.</div>
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She usually does.</div>
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Click on over and sign up to have her send you a real live paper letter to encourage you.</div>
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I did!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.hesowsandshesews.com/2015/05/operation-encouragement.html" target="_blank">Operation Encouragement</a></i></span></b></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332873650426306530noreply@blogger.com0