tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16673040678847171822024-03-05T23:15:03.316-05:00My Little Sunbeamsthe Lingg family blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-42224813698466284652016-10-23T21:30:00.000-04:002016-10-23T21:30:22.515-04:00It's Been A While...It's been a while since I've posted anything on this blog and that's putting it mildly. I've played around with another blog or two but never with the consistency and effort I put into this one for so many years. I suppose because this blog started with a way to share my family, a place to keep photos and memories.<br />
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I had to laugh, a bit in shock, just a few weeks ago when Gabby asked me how to get your picture on Google. She had googled her name while at school earlier that day and of course, did not see any photos of herself. I'm sure part of that is because the school has firewalls and security measures in place to limit Google search results but also, I'm not sure I ever tagged any of these photos with her name.<br />
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As I explained to Gabby how all of this works - to the extent my own knowledge would allow - I realized she and Samantha had no idea this blog even existed. I am certain I had showed them at some point back when I was regularly posting but they were so little and really had no idea what I was showing them other than photos of themselves on a computer monitor.<br />
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Later that evening we hopped on the computer and browsed as many posts as time would allow. Samantha could finally see that yes, hundreds, thousands really, of photos do exist of her as a baby and toddler. I always feel guilty when the girls drag out photo albums and browse through the two albums full of Gabby's photos - only to ask, again, and be told, again, that I don't have any of Samantha's photos in an album. One day!! I promise, one day I will get them in an album. But hopefully after Samantha got to see the photos on the blog here she felt a little better, knowing I did take lots of photos and we did have lots of fun when she was a baby and toddler too!<br />
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There is no way I could ever get this blog caught up, to fill in all the empty spaces of what we have been up to since my last semi-regular posting. The girls continue to grow up so fast!! Our family has changed so much. We have moved and changed schools. We lost our Mattie-girl and cried but gained our first fish Sapphire and smiled. We continue to be a dance family which has become a full time job. Oh yeah, I also have returned to the workforce full time. Life has been good. It has had its ups and downs but no complaints. It is far from perfect, but I love our life and I love our family and I of course look back on the photos and posts from the days of little ones running around, spreading their messes and sticky fingerprints, and I sigh because those days went by so fast (yet at the time so slowly!!) But I also, when I slow myself down enough to take the time to notice, how great my little girls and my time with them is now. They are growing up and I am so proud of them. They are smart and beautiful, inside and out, talented, and loving and kind. They are a handful and then some.<br />
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So maybe I'll be back here again soon...who knows, only time will tell!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-31270310897435994472015-02-18T09:35:00.002-05:002015-02-18T09:35:37.545-05:00Snow Day #2As expected, schools are closed for the second day in a row. Our first makeup day has been scheduled for this coming Saturday. Other makeup days I guess will be decided once we see just how many days we'll be out this week. Some have said we'll be lucky to return to school on Friday.<br />
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My ideas for yesterday went pretty much as planned. The girls watched some television and played some video games but we also went outside for a little walk - a very cold little walk - and we also got some crafting and some baking and some hot chocolate in our day as well.<br />
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The children catching snowflakes craft turned out pretty cute. I have them hanging on our sliding glass door today. They are certainly unique!! Look at those mouths full of teeth!!<br />
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I made blueberry muffins - two batches. There are only two muffins left so it is safe to assume we have done our share of eating as well. I also made chili. A whole lot of chili. Apparently I thought I was feeding the neighborhood or that we would want to eat chili for every meal for the next week. Good thing I have an extra freezer!<br />
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I doubt we go outside today even though it is supposed to be a tad warmer. It also is a lot wetter and muddier today - both I would rather avoid.<br />
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Unless we make a quick run to the grocery store for a couple of items, today will most likely be a stay in, stay warm, watch tv (for the girls), read (for all of us), catch up on work (for me) kind of day.<br />
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The cold is apparently planning on sticking around a while. Our forecast...<br />
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Brrr...I get chills just thinking about it. It looks like it is going to be a fireplace, hot chocolate, soup, lots of layers kind of week around here!<br /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-71954663256192977522015-02-16T10:45:00.000-05:002015-02-16T10:45:24.183-05:00Snow DaysSchools are releasing early today, grocery stores are packed with people getting stocked up on milk, bread, water and the fixings for soups and chili - and probably junk food, all in anticipation of the winter weather forecast to hit our area late this afternoon.<div>
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Will we get snow or will it be mostly sleet and freezing rain?</div>
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It is less a matter of "if" but more accurately "how many" days will school be cancelled? Which leads us to "how many Saturday plans will be ruined due to school makeup days?"</div>
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This will be our first experience with making up school on a Saturday having just recently moved to a year-round school schedule. The girls were less than thrilled with the news. So far we love year-round school. Having to go to school for even a half day on a Saturday will most likely be the biggest negative. </div>
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My plans for the next day or two are fairly simple. I have a couple of items to pick up on the way getting the girls from school. I have a short list of recipes to make, preferably all this afternoon to be warmed up as needed the next couple of days, and a hope to get laundry caught up.</div>
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I am sure the girls would love to spend the next 24-36 hours at home in front of the television exhausting all of their Netflix shows or playing the Playstation but I refuse to let them spend the entire time in front of a screen. I decided to do a quick search of some simple winter crafts and activities that would not require a trip to the store for supplies. I think I found some good possibilities!</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133630313919613419/" target="_blank">Frozen Nature Art</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133630313919613397/" target="_blank">Salt Crystal Suncatchers</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133630313919613401/" target="_blank">Winter Watercolors with Salt Artwork</a></div>
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And how cute are these portraits??</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133630313919613391/" target="_blank">Catching Snowflakes</a></div>
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Hopefully in between cooking and cleaning, supervising arts & crafts with the girls and of course the work I will have to do from home, I'll find the time to get some reading in as well. It is an exciting week for books for me!! Probably the one I am most excited about is <a href="http://fringehours.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Turner's "The Fringe Hours"</a></div>
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I preordered this book and assuming this weather doesn't interfere, it should be delivered tomorrow. I cannot wait to get started.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-41839349714753965312014-03-07T13:30:00.003-05:002014-03-07T13:30:47.171-05:00Raising ChildrenThere are moments - like when the girls are fighting and fussing or just completely ignoring any and all instructions and directions given them by me or Ed - when I think to myself "What am I doing wrong? I must be a terrible parent!" During these moments it is so easy to want to throw my hands up in defeat.<br />
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And then there are moments like this morning when I attended a Kids of Character breakfast at Gabrielle's school. Each month, the school recognizes students for a particular character trait. One student is chosen by their class to go to a special breakfast and receive a certificate in recognition of this trait. This morning Gabrielle was recognized for the trait of "tolerance." The school counselor explained the kids chosen for this trait were kids who treated everyone with respect and kindness. Everyone equally, regardless of any differences. I elaborated to Gabrielle this meant whether she agreed with someone or liked the same things, she respected their opinion and the person and that she showed love and kindness to them.<br />
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I have always tried to instill in both girls that they will not agree with everyone, they may not even "like" everyone, but everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and love. That's what Jesus tells us to do. To love one another just as he loves us.<br />
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And I guess Gabrielle was listening. She may not always demonstrate at home these traits but I'm happy - and proud - to know she is indeed living these things out in the world.<br />
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Let's face it, in reality I think most kids act out at home in ways they would never imagine elsewhere. We get to see the "worst" but how comforting it is to be reminded of the best and to know that maybe I'm not that terrible of a parent and just maybe I'm doing something right.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-80463078080048113592014-03-06T10:50:00.002-05:002014-03-06T10:50:19.869-05:00Ash Wednesday & Lent 2014The first day of Lent was yesterday, Ash Wednesday. For the past couple of weeks I have been praying, journaling, thinking, and meditating in hopes God would make very clear to me something I need to give up or take on this year. I was beginning to think it would never happen. But in God's timing, right?<br />
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I began talking to the girls yesterday morning during our car ride to school about Lent, reminding them what it is, and asked for them to consider giving something up or taking something on this year. We continued the conversation during and after dinner last night. I suggested we as a family give up fast food. I am ashamed to admit just how much I have depended on drive-thru and take out dinners over the past few months. It's gotten really bad. Well, one would have thought I had snatched away the girls' most loved possession at the mention of no McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Sonic or Wendy's (no, not the frosty!!) for the next 40 days. Their reaction and begging backfired - now I'm even more convinced we need to give it up. Let's be honest here though - giving up fast food will be a lot harder for me than them. I'm the one who has to get the meal planning and cooking back on track regardless of how long and busy the day has been!<br />
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In addition and much more important in my opinion, we decided to take on daily Bible reading, devotions, and prayer just before bedtime every night for the next 40 days. The girls were excited by this suggestion and as soon as it occurred to me, I knew it was God-inspired (in his perfect timing!). Another really honest moment here - this will be more challenging than no fast food! I have become incredibly rushed with bedtime routines. At the end of the day I'm exhausted. Wiped out physically, mentally, emotionally. Most nights I'm fussing to get them in bed and rushed with tucking in and goodnight kisses. Adding 15-20 minutes of Bible and prayer time every night regardless of how tired I am, regardless of how late past bedtime it might be - well this will be a challenge.<br />
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We were unable to attend our church's Ash Wednesday service - 7:00 pm on a school night at this age just was not going to work unfortunately. But we did begin our daily devotions. I think it will take a few days to figure it out. Gabrielle read a passage from her <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/adventure-bible-for-early-readers-nirv-3-9aef2da72527867fe2437437c29620f0.html" target="_blank">Bible</a> about Jesus' baptism then I read the same story from Samantha's <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/the-jesus-storybook-bible.html" target="_blank">Bible</a>. We then read a short devotion and took turns praying. I hope to have more discussion about what we've read in the future (hopefully I'll be able to answer their questions!) and maybe on the weekend incorporate some sort of activity to go with what we've been reading. <br />
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It will be a challenge but then I think what the next 40 days might look like, what will Easter be like after 40 days of the girls and I together focusing on Jesus. I'm hoping for an amazing experience. I'm hoping the girls and I both will learn so much together. I'm hoping at the end of the 40 days we will have enjoyed this time together and this time with God each night that we won't want to stop.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-17647908628963188112014-02-26T23:02:00.001-05:002014-02-26T23:02:42.616-05:00Ten YearsHi Daddy!<br />
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Has it really been 10 years?? Ten years since God took you home? It's so hard to believe it has been that long. But then, if I'm honest, so much life has happened it is kind of hard to believe it has been only 10 years.<br />
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I can't help but wonder what you would think of me, of my life, if you were still here. I like to think you are looking down on me at least from time to time. But what would you say, what would you think, if you were still here with us?<br />
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To say I gave you a difficult few years before you passed would be putting it mildly. I imagine many of my decisions aged you and Mama quite a bit. And for that I'm sorry. If I could go back...well actually, no, I don't, I can't live with regret - even for my worst choices. Only because now I see how God can and has worked even the worst of things for good in my life and He certainly is not done with me yet. But I am truly sorry I caused you and Mama so much hurt back then.<br />
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As sorry as I am, I am equally as happy that you were alive long enough to see my life take a turn for the better before you passed away. I have a good life, a great life, a blessed life - the life I think you would have wanted for me. I am thankful you met and got to know at least a little the man I would marry. I am grateful you were able to give us your blessing - just three short months before you were gone. While I will always be saddened you were not able to walk me down the aisle, I will always hold on to the knowledge we had your blessing.<br />
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Ed is a good man. Reminds me of you in some ways. He is one of the hardest working people I know, very responsible, serious and committed to his job. He doesn't do it for praise or acknowledgement but for our family. There is nothing he would not do for us. In that way he reminds me of you.<br />
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Oh how I wished my girls could have known you. You would have loved them and spoiled them rotten for certain! I love that while they have never met you and have no memories of their own of you, they still talk about you. The girls are well aware they have a Poppy in heaven watching over them. Though they never heard you say it, they both know what it means to "give me a smell". (For any non-family members who might happen to be reading this, that is the way my daddy asked for a kiss!) From time to time, one of the girls will say "I wish I could have met Poppy." The only response I can ever get out is "So do I, honey, so do I."<br />
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Ten years. Time and life goes by so quickly. I miss you. Miss you more than words can express. And I suppose that feeling will never go away. I think of you often. I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way but while I think of you often, I try not to spend too much time at any one time thinking about you because even after ten years the feeling of loss is still so fresh in my heart. Writing this was done through many tears.<br />
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I think - I hope - you would be so proud of all of us. You are dearly loved and sincerely missed. And maybe if I could change one little thing I would tell you face to face just one more time "Daddy, I love you!"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-44572299446619553652014-02-03T13:53:00.000-05:002014-02-03T13:53:12.276-05:00Weekend Wrap UpFinally! With the weekend came warmer temps and some activity for our household. The snow was fun and at all but after 3 days of cancelled school and the wet turned muddy mess, we were all ready for some nicer weather and to get out and about a little!<br />
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Saturday night was a very nice treat for Ed and the girls. It was Daddy-Daughter Date Night! Because of prior plans, Ed was not going to be able to take the girls to a Father-Daughter Dance at the girls' dance studio. To help make up for it he took them out for a special night on his own. They saw "Frozen" movie again but this time it was the new sing-along version. My oh my, how the girls love to belt out those songs! This was a big hit - being aloud, encouraged even, to belt out along with everyone else in the movie theater to their current favorite tunes! Date night is only complete with dinner, right? so after the movie they went to Milton's for their favorite pasta.<br />
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The girls were so cute getting ready for their night. We actually did not mention any plans to them until Ed got home from work on Saturday afternoon. He asked them if they wanted to go out on a date and they both replied "sure" not all that enthusiastically. Then while they were picking out their clothes and getting their hair done, they both kept asking what a date was, what do you do on a date, and all these other questions. They were so excited and didn't even know yet where they were going!!<br />
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It was a nice evening for Ed and the girls and a nice quiet evening for myself as well!<br />
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Yesterday was the Super Bowl of course. Usually I will admit I make way too much food. I enjoy watching the game but of course I love the excuse to make a bunch of snacky, maybe not so great for you, food! Thanks to the snow days of being stuck at home with the girls, I had a bunch of new recipes to try out. That's what happens when you finally get a chance to reorganize all the pins on Pinterest and catch up on the dvr'ed Food Network shows!<br />
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I was really not wanting to go overboard so I narrowed down my menu to four items. All new recipes. And all four big hits and successess!! Rarely does that happen. To actually try four recipes all at one time and for them all to be keepers!<br />
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Since they were such big hits I thought I'd share the links to the recipes with you!<br />
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For something to snack on by the handful throughout the afternoon -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1A6VkpcdgU/Uu_iecRQY9I/AAAAAAAAGvM/QSYMGSs_u6o/s1600/bacon+%2526+nuts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1A6VkpcdgU/Uu_iecRQY9I/AAAAAAAAGvM/QSYMGSs_u6o/s1600/bacon+%2526+nuts.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/sweet-and-salty-bacon-and-nuts-recipe.html" target="_blank">Food Network</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/sweet-and-salty-bacon-and-nuts-recipe.html" target="_blank">Sweet & Salty Bacon & Nuts</a>. This is a Giada recipe. The only substitution I made was pecans for the almonds (Ed loves pecans, but not a big a fan of almonds). Deliciously addictive!<br />
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Our first course of sorts, ended up being kind of a late lunch mid-afternoon for us -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz0A5GRX00k/Uu_ieCLQN8I/AAAAAAAAGvI/EbZ3Bf5xWTw/s1600/fondue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz0A5GRX00k/Uu_ieCLQN8I/AAAAAAAAGvI/EbZ3Bf5xWTw/s1600/fondue.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Food Network</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/beer-and-italian-sausage-fondue-recipe.html" target="_blank">Beer & Italian Sausage Fondue</a>, also a Giada recipe. Rich, a little salty, and oh so filling! After about four small crostini dipped in this cheesy deliciousness, I wasn't sure I would have room for anything else later!<br /><br />
The main course, our meal while watching the game -<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/sweet-and-sticky-pork-ribs.html" target="_blank">Sweet & Sticky Pork Ribs</a>, another Giada recipe. I apparently watched two episodes of game-day food!! Sorry, there was no photo to swipe from Food Network's website and I was way too busy eating to take my own photos yesterday! These were messy, as all good ribs should be, sweet with a slight kick to them. Easy to prep but they do take a while to cook. Well worth the wait though!<br />
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And finally, for that sweet finish after the savory and saltiness of the other foods -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hR7LAeQfP8/Uu_ie0FB8BI/AAAAAAAAGvU/BCOZOjj49Fk/s1600/caramel+butter+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hR7LAeQfP8/Uu_ie0FB8BI/AAAAAAAAGvU/BCOZOjj49Fk/s1600/caramel+butter+bars.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo borrowed from <a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/09/chewy-caramel-butter-bars.html" target="_blank">Cookie Crumbs & Sawdust</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com/2013/09/chewy-caramel-butter-bars.html" target="_blank">Chewy Caramel Butter Bars</a>! I made these on Saturday night while Ed and the girls were out. Man, these are incredible!! This was a recipe I pinned who even knows how long ago and definitely one of the gems I rediscovered when reorganizing my Pinterest boards.<br />
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I seriously and strongly recommend trying all of these recipes. They were all big hits at my house and will certainly be requested for again and again!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-82788968012572266422014-01-31T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-31T07:00:05.485-05:00Friday FavoritesI had planned to do a "Throwback Thursday" post for these photos but decided to hold off instead of putting up two new posts in one day. I'm calling this "Friday Favorites" because these are probably two of my favorite photos ever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samantha - about 1 month, wearing one of my favorite little outfits - a simple little onesie from Meemaw but if you look closely you'll notice that is a turtle monogram. Could this be when her love of turtles started?? This photo is just so sweet. I love her little hand up towards her face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my Gabrielle - a beautiful photo (which is difficult for me to say as I don't care for really any photo of myself!); I am about 6 months pregnant, maybe 7? I remember the day of this planned photo shoot, done by a friend of mine, I was feeling so tired and just blah. I wanted to cancel but after I saw the photos I was so glad I didn't. I love having this moment between me and my little one captured. As she gets older, there are definitely frustrating moments between us, mostly because we are just too much alike. I love my little girl though. She will always be my precious little girl just like in this picture!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-64495210530334268522014-01-30T11:07:00.000-05:002014-01-30T11:07:07.549-05:00Sledding for the First Time!What's a snow day without sledding?<br />
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We don't own a sled but a few years ago I saw an idea on a blog I read regularly to use a laundry basket. At the time the girls were only 3 and not quite 1 so the laundry basket was ideal. Ed attached Mattie's leash and pulled them around. They loved it (until the basket tipped over and well, you would have thought they had dropped several feet but my girls are a tad on the dramatic side and they were little).<br />
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The girls saw the pictures of themselves in the laundry basket a few days ago. With the memory fresh in their mind, they asked if we could take the laundry basket out again. When Ed got home from work yesterday we piled on the layers and headed out one last time for the day.<br />
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The girls were a bit disappointed at first when I informed them they were not going to be pulled with a leash this time around. They are not babies anymore! Big girls get sent down the hills on their own!! But they quickly realized how much more fun real sledding is (if you can call sliding down a short little dip in a laundry basket "real sledding"!)<br />
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We don't have any real hills near our house but we made do with the slight slope of our front yard. After a few turns in the basket our friendly neighbor across the street brought over their real sled for us to try out. Wow - this was so much better!<br />
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Mommy even gave it a try. I can't believe this was the first time I have ever been on a sled but I did grow up on a pretty flat island and only had snow a few times ever. This was so much fun!<br />
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I will be buying a sled the next chance I get. Ed's comment was "if that's what it takes to only have snow every 3-4 years, go for it!" He is not a big fan of snow. He does have fun with the girls in the snow though.<br />
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The next time we'll be prepared with our own sled and will have to search out some better hills!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-80839267092457023702014-01-29T20:44:00.000-05:002014-01-29T20:44:28.340-05:00January 29, 2014Another snow day for us! As far as amount goes, it was ideal. Timing? Well, not so great because we now have two more days of school to make up this year. But it was a fun day so maybe it was worth it?<br />
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School was let out early yesterday to avoid buses on the road during the beginning of the storm. Well, the snow didn't start here until almost 7:00 last night so early release really wasn't necessary. I understand making any kind of decision about school delays, releases and cancellations is a difficult one and no choice is ever going to make everyone happy. But an early release with reasons of snow only made for a long afternoon anticipating the white stuff.<br />
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It was cold and it was getting late but I promised the girls they could go outside during the actual snowfall this time around. The first flakes were teeny tiny little things but we bundled up and headed out regardless.<br />
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We awoke this morning to a winter wonderland for sure! Everything was so pretty covered in snow!!<br />
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Snow cream was for breakfast - obviously, right? We are in the south!<br />
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Right after our breakfast of champions we bundled up again and headed out to play. The snow was dry and powdery. Not good for making snowmen. We made snow blobs instead!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabrielle's snow man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samantha's snow man - I made the hump, she decorated it.</td></tr>
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We walked around and explored the yard. We even went to the creek in our backyard, through the "forest" as the girls call it. The girls have only been back there once or twice. As a child, I played in the woods all the time, near a big ditch. Funny how I do not let my kids do the same thing when I have nothing but fun memories of the same experience. But I guess I was a little older when I was running through the woods with my friends! Back to present tense, the girls were nervous in the beginning but soon the nerves turned to fun on our "adventure."<br />
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We were outside for a quite a while before the cold started really getting to us. One last thing to do before heading in to get dry and warm - snow angels!!<br />
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Playing in the snow is only fun if you warm up afterwards with hot chocolate, right? I used my espresso/latte machine to froth the milk for the hot chocolate. It makes the best hot chocolate. Hot enough to warm the body but not too hot to not sip on right away! And so thick and creamy too!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesiness at its best!</td></tr>
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<br />It is freezing now!! Actually, it is way below freezing right now, literally. School has been cancelled again for tomorrow. The only plans for the evening - to not get out of the warm bed any more than absolutely necessary and sleep in a little tomorrow!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-57416393010418296802014-01-27T14:37:00.000-05:002014-01-27T14:37:12.055-05:00Food Bank Kids' DayOn Saturday a group from our church went to the <a href="http://www.foodbankcenc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FBCENCHome" target="_blank">Food Bank</a> for a kids day mission project. We learned a little bit about how the food bank works - where the donations come from, who receives the food found there, etc. The kids seemed to have the general idea, giving answers to all of the coordinator's questions. I really liked how the coordinator explained to the kids what they meant as "people who are hungry." She asked them if they knew that feeling, sometime after breakfast but before lunch when your tummy is a little rumbly. The kids all confirmed they knew that feeling. She then explained that is not the type of hungry the food bank serves. The food bank is for people who don't know where or when their next meal will come from. Their refrigerators and cabinets are bare and they don't know when they will be able to get food.<br />
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Wow! I hope my girls were paying attention. Even though I knew the purpose of the food bank, to hear it put in those terms and really think about it is heartbreaking.<br />
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After learning about the food bank we were assigned our jobs. Our church group, as well as other individuals who came on their own, were given the job to bag up potatoes. There were about 6-7 huge crates of potatoes and we were to sort out the bad ones and bag up the good ones in about 10 lb. portions.<br />
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It was at times a dirty and yucky job but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Gabrielle even asked if we could go back another day. Yes!! Absolutely!! I would love for our family to do more hands on service projects for our community. While we donate to various causes when we can, I think a hands on, giving of your time, and even seeing face to face the people you are helping is so important. And I think it helps the girls understand - and even give me the reminder I need - just how blessed we are. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NIV-24044"><span class="woj">"For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NIV-24045"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’</span></span></i> <br />
<i><span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-NIV-24046"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-NIV-24047"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NIV-24048"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’</span></span></i><br />
<i> <span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NIV-24049"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"></sup>“The
King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"</span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>~ Matthew 25:35-40</i>, NIV</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-77085266212648814842014-01-25T10:04:00.000-05:002014-01-25T10:04:02.746-05:00Snow DaysWe had our first snow of this year. It may end up as our only snow but with high temperatures not getting out of the low 40s any time in the foreseeable forecast, I would bet we may just end up with another little bit before this winter is over.<br />
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The snowfall was a bit of a disappointment - for me anyway. Just enough to have school cancelled for some, delayed for others. Not enough to really play in or even build a tiny snowman.<br />
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The girls were excited to see even a little white stuff. They did not seem to mind it was barely anything at all.<br />
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The snow began falling around 8:00 pm. I chose not to let my girls go out and play even for a tiny bit while the snow was coming down. Maybe I should have. Hopefully if we indeed do have another snow this winter it will start while it is still daylight. What kid doesn't want to catch a snowflake on their tongue and dance around, run around while snowflakes are falling? After seeing the movie "Frozen" their passion for snow has only grown exponentially.<br />
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My favorite part of the snow and cold? The moments I could stay inside, wrapped up in a blanket with a nice hot cup of coffee!!<br />
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The dogs could not really care less for the snow and cold either.<br />
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Actually in the past, when we have had an actual measurable amount of snow, the dogs probably had as much fun as the rest of us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRLKZsDMqRnyuT0J8YEBnMiwv42dl0ciVYuBo0qbNYmDZ7uEnwcKqf-xKRUDhNwohNh6Jz-0KnhYbfjacjtUG4Mzmoo1Dhe8FxETFqziu0OsBGjziWUUX4YsVuCDcRtByQQWoiBLU61I/s1600/DSCN52004537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRLKZsDMqRnyuT0J8YEBnMiwv42dl0ciVYuBo0qbNYmDZ7uEnwcKqf-xKRUDhNwohNh6Jz-0KnhYbfjacjtUG4Mzmoo1Dhe8FxETFqziu0OsBGjziWUUX4YsVuCDcRtByQQWoiBLU61I/s1600/DSCN52004537.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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If I could place an order, specify exactly how much and when for snow, this amount in the picture below would be great, start falling on Friday morning and be gone by Sunday night. Ed gets aggravated with missing work and closing the warehouse due to the weather and would not enjoy the snow with us if it messed up the work week. Plus now that we have school aged children, missing school is fun only until the make up day arrives!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5EPmDi1uUii5p-r16DJ5JNDGe_7vETyWPee4kF_uKtcmJCm0juwT9QnTpn4TQ1pIa9MVSXQPQIVhaaKJsFutPlWOHDQuT6sqrAE1Im1s-ltLjKD-7Aao3U_rhY6ll1dNwluCfjigH20/s1600/DSCN52184555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5EPmDi1uUii5p-r16DJ5JNDGe_7vETyWPee4kF_uKtcmJCm0juwT9QnTpn4TQ1pIa9MVSXQPQIVhaaKJsFutPlWOHDQuT6sqrAE1Im1s-ltLjKD-7Aao3U_rhY6ll1dNwluCfjigH20/s1600/DSCN52184555.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinezng_42mR77Wq0Kt_cxX8yjmnJxtiKHoczvKfi-1IZ0qsmSe6cMnCtG9SosQRVNv62JrpffQDY_tQyfCzqfAlCttUfabIVH_sZHfLCKrFWFeQNi0-jcsqmlmWFiKIc6wHFxl6bWO8Xs/s1600/DSCN52274564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinezng_42mR77Wq0Kt_cxX8yjmnJxtiKHoczvKfi-1IZ0qsmSe6cMnCtG9SosQRVNv62JrpffQDY_tQyfCzqfAlCttUfabIVH_sZHfLCKrFWFeQNi0-jcsqmlmWFiKIc6wHFxl6bWO8Xs/s1600/DSCN52274564.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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Only time will tell what the rest of the winter will bring!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-64804840972452251932014-01-22T23:21:00.000-05:002014-01-22T23:21:27.997-05:00Turtles, Turtles and More Turtles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 - Samantha's very first trip to the aquarium. I can't believe how little my lil' munchkins were!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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A trip to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is a must at least once of our many trips to Meemaw's during the year. During my childhood I probably went to the aquarium only a handful of times total - maybe. I have been more than that in just the seven years since becoming a mom!<br />
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What can I say? The girls love it and I love seeing their reaction each and every year. From complete awe as little toddlers, even babies, to a little apprehensive and unsure of whether the glass would truly hold back the water and fish once they were older toddlers and preschoolers, to now where there is still the awe and amazement but also a new found appreciation and desire to actually learn more about what they are seeing.<br />
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Samantha, we have said for a while now, is destined to work somehow with sea life. She is absolutely obsessed with all creatures in water but her all time favorite animal - turtles, especially sea turtles.<br />
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This sea turtle seemed to come right up to Samantha which absolutely made her day. She was convinced the sea turtle came up to her because it knew she loves turtles.<br />
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There were plenty more turtles to be seen...<br />
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sand turtles...<br />
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various other turtles (sorry, can't remember any of the names!!)...<br />
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even some statue turtles!<br />
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The favorite was probably the new Sea Turtle Rescue area, an interactive, hands-on activity where the girls got to examine, care for and release their own little sea turtle.<br />
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It was a quick stop this time around but still worth the trip. I'm sure we'll be back in a few months at some point over the summer!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-39601519668918784652014-01-21T21:17:00.000-05:002014-01-21T21:17:49.726-05:00A Creative WeekendTaking advantage of a long weekend, the girls and I visited my mom. It was a nice weekend for several reasons, like seeing my 6 month old niece for starters. Of course, I enjoy visiting with all my family, with my brother and my sister-in-law and nephew, but of course there is nothing like seeing nieces and nephews - especially when they are still babies!! The last time I saw this sweet girl was just before Christmas and since my little family was still recovering from the flu, getting near little Natalie was a no-no.<br />
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Lots of delicious food and almost gluttonous eating also made the weekend great. I have always said for some reason we all become insatiable bottomless pits when we are at my mom's! For lunch one day we hit the Pizza Inn buffet where our slices of dessert pizza equaled the number of regular pizza we digested. Shrimp Alfredo, clam chowder, apple dumplings and some incredible Nutella cupcakes (courtesy of the SIL) - and that wasn't even everything of course. Let's just say I'm fairly sure my jeans are a little snugger today.<br />
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The big highlight of the weekend was probably the crafting though. I would typically consider myself a fairly crafty, somewhat creative and artsy kind of person but for the past year my life has certainly not exhibited that part of my personality. I'm not sure I even realized just how much I missed it until I started working on stuff this weekend. (kind of like being away from blogging for so long)<br />
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It started with a trip to Hobby Lobby. Being only my third, maybe fourth, trip to this crafter's heaven, I wanted to be able to take my time and really look around - as much as you can with two kids begging you to buy every other item that catches their eye!<br />
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I had a couple of projects in mind. I have been wanting to make a burlap wreath for our front door. Burlap ribbon was on sale so score!! I bought all the materials needed and on Sunday evening put together my wreath. I had forgotten that a thicker wreath would not fit well between our front door and the storm door. Fortunately this wreath does fit - barely. The flower gets a little smooshed but not terrible.<br />
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The other project I have been wanting to make is a chalkboard for my kitchen wall. I had envisioned finding THE perfect mirror or frame or platter from a consignment store, something with some vintage flair, painting it with chalkboard paint and maybe hanging with a ribbon. And then I found this chalkboard and my dream of creating the perfect chalkboard for my kitchen went right out the window.<br />
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The look of the swirled wrought iron frame was exactly the style I had pictured in my mind. It was on clearance so even better. I did have some doubt, questioning whether I could have made the perfect chalkboard myself for a better price. The fact I spent a bit more than I had planned didn't help the doubt. The several "little" items like craft kits for the girls, Valentine items for the girls' school Valentines, and a couple of other random goodies added up quickly! Fortunately after consulting my friend Janie, I decided the purchase was well worth the clearance price I paid. And I couldn't be happier with the purchase.<br />
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Of course when I got home I discovered the chalkboard is wider than the area in the kitchen I had planned to hang it. Figures. But no worries, I'll have to rearrange some photos which I've been wanting to do for some time anyway, and then I'll have a perfect wall for the chalkboard and maybe some additional artwork of some sort.<br />
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The craftiness continued with a refresher course for my mom on how to work her Cricut machine. She is part of a card group at her church. They meet once a month and make and share cards and techniques. She was wanting to get more creative with her card making and finally make use of the Cricut cutter my sister gave her a few years ago. I loved it. The girls loved all the cute little critters we were making as well. We let them keep the first couple of creations while I was showing Mama how it all worked. And then my mom made quite a few on her own for various cards she knew she would be making in the next couple of weeks.<br />
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I am happy to report my own Create a Critter cartridge is being shipped to my house as I type. Now I'll just have to make the time to get some cute little things made for the girls to use on their school Valentines - as I promised them every time they begged Meemaw to let them keep everything she was making.<br />
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Gabrielle used her critters to make a picture to hang in her room. It turned out really adorable.<br />
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Now to keep the creative juices flowing... Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-83943482918327330532014-01-17T21:19:00.001-05:002014-01-17T21:19:37.382-05:00Striking ResemblanceIt is the time of year my dad is on my mind even more than usual. And maybe that is why my first thought when I opened up the December/January issue of Thriving Family magazine and saw this picture -<br />
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was "that's Daddy!"<br />
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I could not take my eyes off of this cartoon drawing of MY Daddy. I texted the picture to my brothers and sister to get other opinions. Sure enough, they couldn't believe the striking resemblance either. Everything from the hair, ears (which are hard to see in this picture of a picture), the moustache - even the plaid button up shirt. There is no doubt that cartoon is Joseph Guthrie of Harkers Island, NC. But how this cartoonist who remains unknown to me was able to capture my Daddy is beyond my understanding.<br />
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And just to prove it's not a biased opinion of my family, here are some old photographs of my Daddy.<br />
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And now one of my Daddy older (but wearing the plaid shirt so you get the full effect)<br />
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Now, you tell me, what do you think??<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-418622953734772792014-01-11T21:09:00.000-05:002014-01-11T21:09:35.013-05:00"I'm Being Raised By Wolves"There are times - lots of times - when I look at my daughters and I think to myself, "Where did the time go? How are they so grown up already??" Like many mothers, I get sentimental and get "baby fever" even though in my mind and really even in my heart, I know our family is just as it should be right now. We are content being a family of four.<br />
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As much as I miss about the baby stage - the sweet smell of a baby, the ease with which they smile and giggle at you, the serenity and peace you experience when rocking your little one - I have to admit having older kids is a lot fun. We have gone places and experienced new things in the past year or so that would have never been possible with a baby or even a toddler in the family. Today is one example.<br />
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Ed was able to get tickets for N.C. State vs. Virginia basketball game today. This is the third "big" sporting event we've taken the girls - the first a State football game last year and the second a State basketball game this past November. Unfortunately tonight my girls got their first lesson in how difficult it is to be a Wolfpack fan at times.<br />
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It was certainly not their best effort. In fact, from the very first minute of the game I'm not sure there was really any effort put forth by the Wolfpack!!<br />
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Yes, it was bad. Unfortunately it didn't get any better. We left with 7 minutes left in the game. On the radio on the way home we heard the final score. We lost by 30 points. Ouch!! No, it isn't easy being a Wolfpack fan!!<br />
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But the night was still fun - for most of us. Unless something changes, and it certainly could, Samantha is not a big fan of sporting events. I guess sitting or even standing for that long just isn't her thing. Gabrielle loves it though. In fact she was in tears when we left early. She loves the crowd, the cheering, watching the cheerleaders and the dance team, the food - all of it. She truly loves it and has a blast!<br />
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The food is the one thing Samantha does enjoy at the game. Ed and I had bbq nachos. It kind of sounds weird and gross - or at least it did to me the first time but goodness, it's pretty tasty. The girls had cotton candy, pizza and a hotdog. Oh, and Sierra Mist. They never get sodas unless we are out somewhere like a sporting event or something similar so this is big treat for them.<br />
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And dippin' dots. We all shared some dippin' dots. It was the only saving grace for staying at the game any longer after halftime. Samantha by that time was whining and crying to go home. Ice cream always does the trick.<br />
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My kids are still growing up way faster than I would like but I think I'll keep my big kids and enjoy all these experiences through their eyes. I'll just have to get my baby fix with someone else's baby from time to time. <br />
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**I thought I would take a minute to explain the title of this blog post. One of the photos displayed on the jumbotron at the game was a sweet little thing wearing a onesie with this printed on it along with a Wolfpack patch and matching Wolfpack bow. It was too sweet and cute!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-42183315998544697022014-01-10T15:56:00.001-05:002014-01-10T15:56:48.034-05:00Finding NormalFinding normal. Getting back to a typical routine. Getting back in the flow of daily life. This seems to be the theme for many of us after a long Christmas break. It is the end of the first full week of the new year. It has been an adjustment and for us not a smooth one.<br />
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Twice this week we had 2-hour school delays due to frigid temperatures. At first, I was excited - "Oh yay, we can sleep in a little!" And we did sleep in a little but the whole day was thrown off because of our love for sleep. Not to mention, it kind of messed up the girls getting used to a full day at school, going to bed early, getting up early. I'll be honest - we are all a little grumpy this week having to get back to homework, school and work schedules, packing lunches, and all the other regular household duties.<br />
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Yesterday in the rush of getting out the door to avoid anyone being late, Mattie was left out of the kitchen. Our dogs are never left free roam of the house while we are away or sleeping. Their "room" is the kitchen. They have plenty of space to walk around. Their beds are kept there as well as their water bowl and food. I think they even think of it as their room sometimes - a space they only have to occasionally share with the rest of us. Yesterday I unknowingly locked Mattie out of her room giving her freedom to the rest of the house. If only I could have been a fly on the wall to see what she and Bella thought of that whole deal.<br />
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Con for Mattie - her water bowl and food was out of reach. Pro for Bella - more than a double portion of breakfast as evidenced by Mattie's empty food bowl. Fortunately (? not sure this is really 'fortunate' but) for Mattie our toilet seat was left up. She does love her potty water. Gross I know, but it is very much true. My first reaction when I realized she had been left out all day was panic. The girls' rooms were the first to be checked. I could only imagine what favorite toy, crayon or clothing Mattie got into and chewed to destruction. Surprisingly the rooms seemed to have remained untouched. Peculiar enough though Mattie was not on the couch when we entered the house as I would have expected. Instead she came from down the hall, from the bedrooms. I am certainly curious where she hung out all day. And I am very curious whether Bella enjoyed having the room to herself or if she sat at the gate, with her back towards the living room, her usual stance when she is mad or pouting.<br />
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Although nothing seemed to have been ruined as far as being chewed on, Mattie did leave a couple of "presents" on the carpet which was really baffling considering she manages to hold it all in all day when in "her" room.<br />
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The dog incident is just one of several examples I could give on our week not going "smoothly." Finding normal is tough and I guess to expect it to happen in as short of a time period as a week is unrealistic.<br />
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Yesterday I was reminded though by the words of a dear friend that for some us, "finding normal" this year is a lot more painful than simply adjusting to getting up early and homework. For many this will be the first new year without loved ones. For some this will be the first new year as a single parent. And there are other struggles, other challenges some are facing the beginning of this new year.<br />
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It's painful. I know. I've been there. With each holiday or big event the year after my dad passed away and again after Ed's mom passed away brought on a lot stress, anxiety, sadness - even confusion and this feeling of being torn in two. After all, some of these events should have been full of joy like my wedding and the birth of my second daughter. But with each of these, there was also the reality that someone was missing. Someone I loved and missed dearly. And it was painful. Sometimes, despite the fact so much time has passed, it still is painful.<br />
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This week I finished a book by Beth Moore, "Feathers From My Nest." In one of her chapters she wrote this:<br />
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<i>The goal of life is not the absence of pain. It's the presence of glory. God's glory. And sometimes that comes most vividly with pain.</i></blockquote>
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I am learning it is okay to feel pain, to be angry with the circumstance, with what I can't understand. I am still learning to go to God in those moments of pain, of missing someone, of facing a seemingly impossible challenge. My hope and prayer for all those faced with a difficult "finding normal" is to hold onto hope. Hold onto God's promise for all of us. Seek God to get you through the difficult moments.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."</i></b></blockquote>
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<b><i>~Psalm 62:8</i></b></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-8156675871614633202014-01-05T23:23:00.001-05:002014-01-05T23:23:31.307-05:00Oceans (Where Feet may fail) Live CYW13 - Hillsong UNITED<br />
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This is such a beautiful song. After hearing it only once on the radio I wanted to hear - I had to hear it - over and over. Not just because it has a beautiful melody and is sung by someone with obvious talent and a beautiful voice but the message just hits me. It hits me to my very core to the point it often brings tears to my eyes. It is a powerful song with a powerful message. I couldn't help but share it.<br />
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My favorite part is towards the end, when the following verse is repeated several times:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders</i><br />
<i>Let me walk upon the waters</i><br />
<i>Wherever You would call me</i><br />
<i>Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander</i><br />
<i>And my faith will be made stronger</i><br />
<i>In the presence of my Savoir </i></blockquote><br />
I guess some would call this "conviction" - this pull I feel lately, this desire to spend more time with God, to obey Him, to trust Him, to follow His lead no matter how difficult the path. With Him it is possible to "walk upon the waters" - but what a scary step that first one is.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eLqTZ07ja7g" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-9597685424587506002014-01-04T13:40:00.001-05:002014-01-04T13:40:24.342-05:00After the HolidaysChristmas and New Year's Day have passed.We have all started to return to our normal schedules of school and work. The Christmas decorations have all been taken down. The boxes are still stacked in the hallway but I'm sure they will make it into the attic sometime this weekend. By the way I love how taking down the Christmas decor instantly makes the house look bigger and cleaner! And it is definitely winter with a high temp of only 42 for today. Other parts of the country have it much worse but I have to say, with the exception of only a couple of days, it has been a very cold start to our NC winter this year. Wonder if we'll get any of the white fluffy stuff??<br />
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Last night we had a nice warm evening in. Dinner was in the crockpot so I didn't have to come home from work and worry about that. Ed surprised me by coming home for lunch yesterday and washing all the dishes for me. My mouth dropped open when I walked into the kitchen yesterday evening and realized all the mess I had made that morning with prepping dinner for the crockpot, making lunches and breakfast had all been taken care of for me.<br />
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Gabrielle watched Star Wars IV: The New Hope for the first time last night. Samantha started out watching it with us but lost interest fairly early into the movie. She said she just didn't get it, went to her room and happily played there by herself for the next hour or so. Gabrielle was really into the movie. Ed and I were both surprised by just how much she enjoyed it. We only had to fast forward through a couple of parts - parts we didn't want to try to explain and parts that may be a little too scary/gory for her. Fortunately Ed is like most men and seems to have the entire trilogy memorized and was able to tell me in advance when I needed to skip a scene.<br />
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I'm hoping to spend the rest of the weekend in the same manner - just a nice easy weekend after the holidays!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-78194775568274773052014-01-01T17:12:00.001-05:002014-01-01T17:12:09.167-05:00Goodbye '13...Welcome 2014!!!Happy New Year everyone!!<br />
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I could go into all the things I want to do differently this year, list all the resolutions I could come up with, but I won't bore you or myself with the same typical list of things I want to do better this year. After all the list never really changes much.<br />
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Instead I had planned to write about my "one word" for this year, but it seems the word I chose for this year is a very popular word for 2014 and you probably have heard or read or seen where others are going to be more "INTENTIONAL" for 2014. So I won't bore you or myself with that either.<br />
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I will, however, briefly, write about how we brought in the new year.<br />
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It was a very laid back, casual evening. Just me, the girls and Ed. A simple dinner of sloppy joe squares and green beans. Some sugar cookies for dessert. And an evening together on the couch watching "Despicable Me 2". I was the only one awake at midnight, as usual. But barely. I was asleep probably 5 minutes after midnight.<br />
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Today, the girls and I had a fun evening at our friend Casey's. The kids played while we had coffee and chatted. Then her kids Gus, Anna & Bridgette and my girls made gingerbread houses. Both of our families had run out of time prior to Christmas for this annual tradition so we decided why not get together and do them on New Year's Day! I think a new tradition may have started. *smile*<br />
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Amazingly the Lingg gingerbread house made it all the way to Youngsville safely and still intact.<br />
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Now to finish cooking a traditional (with slight twist) New Year's Day dinner - honey spiral ham, collards, baked sweet potatoes and yeast rolls. The house smells delicious!!!<br />
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Happy New Year everyone!! May your 2014 be blessed!! <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-28581775046460146882013-12-25T21:03:00.000-05:002013-12-25T21:03:58.596-05:00Merry Christmas!!Merry Christmas everyone!!<br />
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It was not until our church service last night that I could sincerely wish anyone a merry Christmas. For some unknown reason I just wasn't feeling it this year. I felt guilty for not being in the Christmas spirit. After all, I have several friends who have had difficult situations and experienced big life changing, some even tragic, events this past year and yet I was the one being a bit of a scrooge.<br />
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I still cannot tell you why I haven't felt very Christmas-y this year but being at our church's Christmas Eve service helped turn it around for me. I love being in church on Christmas Eve - it's a beautiful service and feels so warm and peaceful.<br />
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After church we did our annual tradition of a Christmas light cruise followed by opening one present once we got home. The girls got new pajamas which they loved! Their dinner (we had had various appetizers and finger foods before church) consisted of cinnamon apples, cookies, and warm apple cider.<br />
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I remember always waking up especially early on Christmas morning, just bursting with excitement to discover what Santa had left us. My expectations of the girls doing the same thing were squashed. We finally heard Gabby climb down from her loft bed around 7:00 this morning. She climbed in bed with us, asking when we could finally wake her sister. While Ed was in Samantha's room around 7:30 to wake her, Gabby confessed she had already been up once during the night and had a preview of Santa's loot. I'll admit, I was quite disappointed and sad at the confession. It is their first expressions of surprise and excitement where I get my joy and I felt kind of robbed of that. Plus it was just another of many recent reminders just how quickly my girls are growing up (Gabby styled her own hair today as well as changed her earrings on her own for the first time). When I saw my disappointment and sadness was causing Gabby to be upset I had to get over it and tell her it was okay. I'm sure I did it more than once myself growing up.<br />
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The girls were super excited with their gifts - the ones from Santa and the ones from us and each other. We had a low key morning, hanging in our pajamas, eating cinnamon rolls, playing with all the new stuff. We decided to check out a matinee after lunch, the new Disney movie Frozen. I had planned to take the girls one day this week while I was off work and they were out for school but it was nice to go when Ed could also go with us. Frozen was a really cute and funny movie, maybe one of my favorite Disney princess movies.<br />
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And now it is nearing bedtime on Christmas night. I am not certain what the next few days hold for us. Ed will return to work tomorrow. I'm off the rest of the week - well off from being at the office, I'll be working some from home. I am hoping to get the girls' rooms straightened up some, finding new homes and organization for the new toys. I have not done much cooking or baking lately and would love to do some baking with the girls. For the most part I am going to play it by ear, having some fun, relaxing and enjoying our time together - knowing the next few days pass far quicker than I would like.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-37096109345169226792013-06-26T14:39:00.003-04:002013-06-26T14:39:57.797-04:00VBS 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week our church was transformed into ancient Athens and our kids visited and spoke with Paul, learning all about how God loves us all, no matter what, even when others don't.<br />
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Leading up to VBS involves a lot of planning and preparation. This year I was asked to be the Marketplace Director - the one to organize and coordinate all the crafts the kids do at the various "shops" during the week. <br />
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It takes a lot of work and a lot of volunteers - from food and games and music and group leaders and decorations. By the end of the week we are all just completely worn out - even the kids. <br />
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But the conversations you get to have with those kids...<br />
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comments about God's unconditional love and forgiveness... <br />
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and to see them sing and praise God with such excitement and conviction...<br />
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to watch as they so happily bring in their donations each night for various missions...<br />
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to even hear some of them stand in front of over 200 people and give their testimony... <br />
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well I think we would all agree all of the hardwork was well worth it. And what we as volunteers got out of VBS is far beyond what we put into it.<br />
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We're already looking forward to next year...<br />
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Wonder where we'll go and who'll we meet then!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-31212994502996891752013-06-24T19:33:00.000-04:002013-06-24T19:33:01.838-04:00Our First Trip of the Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
School had officially been out for two days when we packed up and headed north for our first trip of the summer. Off to Pennsylvania we went!</div>
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Ed's dad met us in PA and he along with Ed's Aunt Louise were our tour guides of sort for the weekend. We stayed with family the entire trip. The hospitality we all received was tremendous. It was so nice to spend that kind of time with family we don't see nearly often enough.</div>
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The trip was packed full of activity but while exhausting was such fun!!</div>
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Gettysburg, PA - I initially was not sure how much the girls would enjoy this part of the trip. I thought they might get bored by it all. Man, was I wrong! They had a blast. By 4:00 that afternoon they were tired and hungry and we definitely bordering a meltdown. But it was nothing a snack and hour ride in the car didn't cure. By the time we made it to Hanover, where we were staying, they were re-energized and ready to go for another few hours.</div>
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This was kind of the trend for the entire trip. We stayed on the go during the day but by the time we finished dinner each night the girls were anxious to do more. I don't think they got to bed before 10:30 the entire trip!</div>
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We visited Lancaster County (Amish Country) where we rode the Strasbourg train, ate some of the best pretzels ever, went on an Amish style horse & buggy ride through an Amish farm.</div>
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A couple of nights we walked across the street from where we were staying in order to attend a carnival. The girls rode a bunch of rides, played some games and of course enjoyed some funnel cake and cotton candy.</div>
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One day we spent walking through downtown New Oxford for the 57th annual flea/antique market. It was really interesting to look through all of the items and treasures people were collecting and selling. No big purchases for us though. While I found several items - mostly dishes and kitchen items - I would love to own, we certainly don't have space for those types of things right now!</div>
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We came home on Father's Day. After unpacking the girls and I took Ed out to one of our fave restaurants Thai Cafe for dinner.</div>
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It was a really fun trip and weekend and a great way to start the summer!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-24620838223198054762013-06-17T22:01:00.000-04:002013-06-17T22:33:59.758-04:00Summer Bucket List 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
Summer is here!</div>
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Both girls have been out of school for a week now. The 2012-13 school year could not have passed any quicker and I have a feeling I will be saying the same about the summer before I know it. </div>
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My ideal summer would be plenty of fun, a few trips and cool experiences, and as much relaxation, down time, free time as possible. Summer offers more opportunity to be non-schedule oriented. Notice I said "more opportunity" - our days of being completely non-schedule oriented are behind us but I don't see that as necessarily a bad thing.</div>
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Sometimes, however, I have grand ideas at the beginning of the summer. Hundreds of ideas floating in and out of my mind of cool things to do and see. A mental list of all the activities I'm going to do with the girls and all of the projects I'm going to get caught up on around the home. And then August comes and we are shopping for back to school supplies and gearing up for another crazy schedule. And I find myself getting a little disappointed because all of a sudden I remember those things I had wanted to do. I am saddened at the idea of the summer that could have been. </div>
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OK, so maybe I'm being a little dramatic (maybe that's where G gets her theatrical side from!). But summer definitely goes by quickly and there are always things I had really wanted to accomplish or places I wanted to take the girls that never happened. This year, in an attempt to savor the summer and make the most of it, the girls and I created a Summer Bucket List. </div>
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On this piece of paper we have 40+ ideas, activities, things to do, to make, places to go and even foods to eat. The items on this list range from big vacation trips we have planned for a while to simple things that we can do spur of the moment - making s'mores, water balloon fun, star gazing.</div>
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The final item on our list is to create a Summer Bucket List photo album/scrapbook together. I hope to capture as much of the fun as I can in photographs and for the girls and I to decide on which pictures to print and include and even have G and Sam draw some pictures and write some captions for the photos. </div>
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I'm making it a goal to also record as much of the fun here on my blog which has sadly been neglected for a long, long time now. </div>
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We may not get everything checked off our list. I certainly want to leave room for spontaneity and unplanned opportunities. But we shouldn't ever wake up and utter the words "I'm bored....there is nothing to do." As long as there are items uncrossed on this list, we have something to do!!</div>
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Happy Summer everyone!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1667304067884717182.post-6612552388482273312013-02-28T09:37:00.002-05:002013-02-28T09:37:37.903-05:00iScream {Let.It.Go. Blog Hop}<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God. My times are in Your hands." ~Psalm 31:14-15 (AMP) </span></span></span></i></div>
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I love looking through old photos and reading old blog posts. I love to look back on the days when I had little, little babies. To remember the days when we had no schedule, no place we had to be on most days. Days when I just sat on the floor to play or at the table to color. Impromptu trips to the library for story hour or an afternoon at a park. Or even a picnic lunch in the backyard followed by hours of swinging and sliding and running. During those days I had time - or rather took the time - to bake cookies and muffins and other little treats on a fairly regular basis. </div>
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If I'm not careful, though, I can get caught up living in the past. Obsessing and dwelling on all the good memories of those days.</div>
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But not every day of those years were filled with feelings of bliss and content. When I am really honest with myself I also remember the lonely afternoons of a stay-at-home mom, the afternoons I desperately needed another mom to talk to, or the moments I longed for an activity other than changing diapers and washing bottles and sippy cups and the other daily tasks of a homemaker. </div>
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It's those moments that made me feel I needed more. To have a complete and happy life I needed to fill up my time and my family's time with busyness. And so I did.</div>
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Today I have a kindergartener, a preschooler, a part-time job, and a church with which I am actively involved. Most of our days are filled, filled, filled with one activity after another. School functions, homework, children activities at church, women's Bible study at church, teaching Sunday school, dance classes for both girls, work, meal planning, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning house, cooking dinner, packing lunches, taking the dogs to the vet, administering our senior dog's daily doses - I could go on and on, as most moms could. It's no wonder I feel overwhelmed. It's no wonder at the beginning of the year I felt like we had taken on way more than we could handle and our chaotic life needed simplifying. Even more accurate, at the beginning of January I was ready to quit everything, and I mean <b>everything</b>!</div>
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This <a href="http://melissataylor.org/" target="_blank">Let.It.Go. study</a> has opened my eyes and heart to so much already but when I read the title of Chapter 7 - "When Your Schedule Screams (and You Want to Scream Too)" - I knew Karen had to have written this chapter personally for me!</div>
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"At every turn is an activity (many worthwhile) begging and beckoning us to blessed busyness." <br />
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"Maybe, just maybe, if we got intentional about weeding out commitments and obligations before the schedule started its bossy chant, we wouldn't need to seek such control in the first place." <br />
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(Chapter 7, page 140)</blockquote>
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"Intentional." When I set about to fill up the life of my family, I missed out on the key point of being intentional about it. I have overfilled my schedule with activities and tasks that are not necessarily bad things, but I did it for all the wrong reasons. And I was trying to fill a void I was feeling, a void that no activity can fill, but one only God can.</div>
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Karen gives us several tools in this chapter to help us "trim the fat off our schedules" (I so love the phrasing of that). While some of my responsibilities can not be cut out, so many of them can and others can certainly be managed more efficiently (see Chapter 5 "Micromanaging instead of Mothering" and Chapter 6 "Hovering Over the Home").</div>
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My favorite - <b>Stand back and ask, "Why?"</b></div>
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<i>"Don't sign up for every happening without a valid reason."</i></blockquote>
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My other favorite - <b>Say yes because you feel called, not because you consider yourself capable.</b></div>
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<i>"Resist answering in the affirmative unless you know God desires for you to serve, give, lead, or teach in this area."</i></blockquote>
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All of the tools Karen gave us in this chapter are great. I have taken some time to review all of the activities that fill our family's schedule using these tools and have come to the conclusion there are a lot of changes to be made, whether it is an activity we need to cut out completely or a matter of allowing other members of my family the opportunity to take on a responsibility around the house.</div>
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I am hopeful and encouraged my family and I can take some time over the next few weeks and months to assess our schedules and our activities together and make some important decisions, decisions and changes that will benefit all of us.</div>
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"When we don't feel stalked and chased by our schedules, we're more likely to find a place of calm and order." (Chapter 7, page 143)</blockquote>
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Sounds exactly what this Momma and the Lingg family needs! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861465034903575398noreply@blogger.com2