tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61381715052257531222024-02-01T19:00:32.305-08:00The Kovanda FamilyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-35523737368105018772019-03-01T19:53:00.000-08:002019-03-01T19:55:07.193-08:00Grace Falling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The snow falls—covering the earth with a blanket of white sparkles. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2e/1/16/2744.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❄️</span></span> Quietly falling, bringing hope. Yet, it interrupts our days and seems to sabotage our plans for the day. I didn’t plan on shoveling, the bad roads, or yelling at my kids 10 times to get their snow gear on so we can get out the door.</div>
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As it blankets the earth, there is nothing we can do to stop, adjust or change it. So if I stop and listen, I can hear the hope that falls with the glistening white. Do I all<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ow it to fall and script a new, fresh pan for the day?</span></div>
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I hear God whisper to me, “Let this Hope fall around you today and let the interruption be a divine appointment, full of grace.”</div>
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Don’t all of our souls cry for hope? For those we love and for ourselves to rise from the ashes of despair that so easily weigh us down?</div>
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God whispers in the hope falling that He is enough. Let it blanket our souls. Yet, He also whispers an encouragement for us all to keep hoping. He will make all things bright and white again like the snow that falls.</div>
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Keep hoping for your pra<span style="font-family: inherit;">yers to be answered. For the sickness to heal. For hearts to be healed. For relationships to be restored. For truth to win. Keep hoping that each deposit in this life now has eternal significance.</span></div>
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Our world is a loud place. I am thankful for the snow that helps me find the quiet spaces that fill our hearts with hope. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2e/1/16/2744.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❄️</span></span></div>
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Have a beautiful, hope-filled da<span style="font-family: inherit;">y!</span></div>
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36 inches of snow in February! Second most on record ever! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-24249468470572780912018-03-29T18:36:00.002-07:002018-03-29T18:36:51.031-07:00Tribute to Grandma Morgan<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A tribute to our Grandmother Morgan March 29, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Grandmother’s love was like a
garden, bringing fresh, new life to those she loved and tended to. Her servant’s heart ministered to each one of
us. Seasons of life brought different
sacrifices, but her steadfast love remained.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proverbs 31 says “She sets about
her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” This describes our Grandma well. She served until she physically could serve
no longer. Lessons were taught about
cooking, canning, gardening and birds. Lessons
were caught about faith, devotion to her church family, service to others,
prayer and humility. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma always had the gift of song
in her heart. She was constantly
blessing us all with the tunes that she hummed.
A true reflection of Psalm 56:16 “Each morning I will sing with joy
about your unfailing love.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are so many memories with our
dear Grandma:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Memories of searching for the first
buttercup, finding it with her in the Green Hollow valley. Beenie weenie picnics by the stream near her
house. Sleepovers with pancakes and
bacon the next morning. Camping trips to
Waitts Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The most amazing potato salad and
deviled eggs served at family dinners. Jesus’ Birthday cake each Christmas along with
thoughtful gifts for each Grandkid and Great-Grandkid. Strawberry and root beer floats. We never worried about going hungry at her
house!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twenty-six years of being the
supportive wife during the annual Plowing Day at their ranch. Years of sharing their
bountiful harvests and her famous sweet pickles from their vegetable garden. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma and Grandpa understood the
importance of a legacy passed on. Her
love grew with each generation added to the family. There were special trips to visit Children,
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren across local counties, states even the
world. The way she related to and
desired to know about our lives made each one of us feel unique and loved. All of us Grandkids can remember special times
with them. The love for her Great-Grandkids
was also incredible. She talked with and
related to each one so beautifully, no matter how young. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just two days before her homecoming
with Jesus, she spoke to our girls, asking questions about their lives, loving
on them with compliments. What precious
memories we will forever cherish. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa and Grandma weren’t afraid
to grow old together. There were seasons
of change, of trials, of sacrifices; times of supporting each other, embracing
changing roles. Through it all, they
were pillars of strength together, never wavering in their steadfast devotion
to God, to each other, and to their family.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just a few short weeks ago, they
were the winners of the anniversary dance at a Grandkid’s wedding. Almost 67 years together. Grandma couldn’t be more proud and us
Grandkids couldn’t be more inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was no fear in her final
breath, as she reminded us she knew where she was going. Words can’t adequately express the gratitude
of being able to spend some of those last moments with her, singing and praying
her into heaven, watching her meet her Savior with so much peace. In that moment, leaving us with the
invaluable lesson of how to grieve full of hope. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From life’s first cry, to final
breath, Jesus commanded her destiny. She
truly lived her life as a sacrificial servant for her Lord. We will miss this
incredible woman as she leaves a “Wife/Mom/Sister/Aunt/Cousin/Grandma/Great-Grandma/Friend”
sized hole in all our hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But we rejoice that she is walking
across heaven on her hands, like she did so many years ago in the gym, free of
pain and suffering. We are honored and
blessed to be a part of her heritage. We
are inspired by her love and commitment to our Lord and family. With thanksgiving we cherish the memories we
have with her. We miss you and love you
so much!</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-23673428908770228472018-03-25T15:36:00.000-07:002018-03-25T15:36:43.320-07:00Grandma Morgan"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, not depth, nor any other created thing, will be able ot separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39<br />
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Grandpa Morgan quoted this in the hospital on Friday, March 23rd while holding Grandma's hand as she peacefully slipped away from us towards her home in glory. That morning he told us all how much they loved all of us, and how he wasn't always able to express that, but it's exactly how he felt. </div>
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It's kind of hard to believe she is gone, as it's been so quick. A couple weeks ago, she ended up in the hospital because she was so weak. Now, just shy of two weeks later, she is dancing with Jesus. </div>
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We got the official word from Dad and Mom on Tuesday that she had Leukemia. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Tuesday and we stopped in on Wednesday evening before Awana. She was completely coherent and asked Kayla all about her concert the night before. She commented on how pretty Audrey's braids were. She told us the story about how she had all these "suitors" but how she chose Grandpa. She told us that it's ok to cry, and that we need to talk about it after she's gone. She told us she wasn't crying for her, because she knew where she as going, but she was crying for us.<br />
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A big change happened started happening on Thursday. She started slipping further and further away from us and closer to her eternal home. When I left Thursday afternoon, I told her "I love you Grandma." She said "I love you" back to me. The last words she spoke. By that evening, Bridgett, Shelby, Aunt Cindy and I stayed with her. It was heartbreaking to hold her hand and watch her writhe in pain. She was reacting to some Benadryl. Just as they were about to give her something else to try and reverse the medicine, she shook her finger at us. It was like she was saying "don't give me more medicine!" It was a tender moment. From the time they gave her that, she settled down and started sleeping peacefully.<br />
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By the next morning, there was a big change. We all knew the end was in sight. By early afternoon, her breathing actually changed and became more regular. Around 2:30, she took about five breaths through her nose, and then she opened her eyes. She opened her eyes to see Jesus take her home. It was surreal to watch. I ran out of the room to get Grandpa and Dad and when they came in, Grandpa just collapsed. Dad reminded him she was not here any longer, and in no more pain. Grandpa responded with "I know, but it's still so hard." It was such a few tender moments between them. The weight of the world on their shoulders. The reality of a future here on earth without a wife, without a mother.<br />
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We surrounded each other with love and dad prayed and we sang "It is Well."<br />
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I have experienced this twice now, but it is amazing to me how quickly our body becomes a shell. The color and breath of life leaves our earthly temple and you know there is nothing left there but the earthly shell. It makes letting them go that much easier, because we know "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Spirit."<br />
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Some of my most precious memories of her:<br />
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Picking buttercups around their housgrounds<br />
Spending the night and eating Grandma's yummy food and Grandpa making us strawberry floats<br />
Jesus' birthday cake at Christmas dinner<br />
Her humming the song placed in her heart. ALL the time!<br />
Their trip to Boise to come watch my choirs perform<br />
Taking our girls out to trick or treat to them<br />
Going out to their farm to pick raspberries<br />
The sweet pickles she used to make<br />
Her loving, giving Spirit to all she served<br />
Her coming with Grandpa to visit Kayla in the hospital when she was born<br />
Her love for babies and great-grandchildren<br />
Her ability to really communicate with children by getting down at their level and talking with them, not to them.<br />
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We rejoice because she is no longer in pain, but we are sad because of the Wife, Mother, Grandma, Grandma-Great hole she leaves in all of us. Thank you for your constant prayers, endless songs and sacrificial love to all of us! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-18419742007966470282017-12-31T23:00:00.003-08:002017-12-31T23:00:53.370-08:00A Memorable Week-to say the least It has been said that we gain wisdom by keeping our mouths closed and our eyes and ears wide open.<br />
<br />
It has been a week of keeping my mouth quite closed, but not necessarily in a way I would have chosen. Funny thing about it, we don't usually choose the bumps in the road and how they come along. If we did, would we really sign up for it? Would I choose to say, "Yes! Give me that to deal with, because I know on the other side I will have learned something and things will all "work out" in the end.:" But if I'm really honest would I say, "pick me?" I wish I could say I would. But my flesh is weak, and I don't like hardships any more than the next person.<br />
<br />
I posted this on Christmas afternoon with the following family pictures:<br />
"May we keep our eyes and ears wide open to receive the most blessed gift of Christmas."<br />
<br />
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<br />
It's easy to post the beautiful smiling pictures, because we always want to put our best foot forward, right? Who doesn't want that? To look at those faces smiling back saying in that moment, everything was so good.<br />
<br />
In a few hours from that post, we had parked just outside the Davenport. We were meeting up with Ben's Aunt Faye and Uncle Scott. We had a nice, short visit and this is what we found when we got back to our car:<br />
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In that moment you just think, "Really? Someone would do this to ME??"<br />
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Followed by a moment of panic and a million thoughts running through your head like....<br />
<ul>
<li>What was in there that someone wanted so bad?</li>
<li>What was taken?</li>
<li>Is everything replaceable? What was taken that is irreplaceable? </li>
<li>Do we call the cops? Will they ever catch the person?</li>
<li>How can someone be this desperate?</li>
<li>Why didn't they take more?</li>
<li>It's 20 degrees out here and how am I supposed to get my family to our destination without freezing? </li>
<li>My kids are crying. What do I tell them?</li>
<li>How are we going to clean this up, it's 7:30 on Christmas night?</li>
<li>Where's the nearest gas station?</li>
<li>Really, someone didn't see this happen? We were just outside the Davenport!</li>
</ul>
<div>
You can only "freeze" so long and then you have to take action. Thankfully, Ben called the cops to report (not that it does any good), we got the girls in their seats (which were untouched, thankfully), threw as much of the glass into the street as possible and headed off to find a gas station. <br />
<br />
We about an hour away from our destination so we had to figure out some way to get the window covered so we could travel the rest of the way to the Christmas house. (We rent a big house with my family every Christmas instead of exchanging presents--we love it! See blog post from beginning of the year.) <br />
<br />
First attempt: Duct tape a plastic bag to window. We quickly figured out this doesn't work when traveling along the freeway as I am trying to hold everything tight so it doesn't get completely sucked out the window. Ben yells "Is it too loud?" I yell back, "what?" Yes, maybe too loud.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile we have sweet Audrey bawling her eyes out behind us so sad that they had taken Mommy's bag with all her stuff in it. Picture it--trying to drive down I-90 with garbage sack taped to passenger side window, trying to calm the girls down.<br />
<br />
I finally say we have to pull off and try something different.<br />
<br />
Next attempt:<br />
<br />
Close a bed sheet in the door. Brilliant. Why didn't we think of that? Now we could make our way down the freeway in a bit more peace. The girls were exhausted, upset and hungry. Meanwhile, me, 26 weeks pregnant is trying to just keep it all together. <br />
<br />
This is a first time experience for me. I have never had anything stolen of mine (that I can remember.) That night, I happened to have quite a few things stolen that can be replaced but a handful of things that cannot. Of those is my favorite travel Bible my Grandmother gave me the year I graduated. It has been on all my mission trips with me. I pray it finds its way into the hands of someone who has yet to find Jesus.<br />
<br />
There were quit a few teachable moments with the girls. They just couldn't understand why someone would do that. I tried to explain, but silently in my heart that I did feel a bit violated, if I may say so.<br />
<br />
It's a reminder that this world is not our home, and that our possessions are just that---possessions that we can't take with us. Life is a mere vapor. May I daily be reminded of that to keep my perspective eternal. (Maybe without the break-in). :) But if need be, so be it.<br />
<br />
The timing was kind of interesting as we had just celebrated Christmas that morning with the girls and we had talked about how we didn't "need" any of the things we would be getting. We talked about donating some of our things we already had. Not sure if this counts since we didn't voluntarily give it away, but it did all kind of bring a smile to my face.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the Christmas House, putting it behind us (after spending the next day cancelling credit cards/changing passwords/cancelling checks/etc), looking forward to a week together with my family. We so enjoy our time together. This is the 8th year we have spent this week together like this. A week of meals together, outings, watching movies, playing games, and just being together. Often we ski, or go to a water park, or something along those lines.<br />
<br />
But, 24 hours later....this was my reality...<br />
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<br />
Keeping it real here folks. No more picture perfect smiles. Instead, sitting in an urgent care with my mask on after they asked "do you have a cough?" Trying real hard to keep my aloha on. (But feeling more like the kid on the sign behind me.)<br />
<br />
Of course my oxygen levels were going to drop trying to breathe through that mask on my face. My husband was back at the house with our two sick girls, so my dear sister took me in. She was so good at keeping me distracted. Bought me water, cough drops and kept the family updated. <br />
<br />
After a little over an hour, we were finally taken into a room. She takes my blood pressure and asks if I'm normally low. I say yes, but asked her what I was at she responded with 99/58. Wow, not normally THAT low. :) Baby was moving great though and had a fantastic heart beat.<br />
<br />
Now came the fun part. Getting swabbed to see if I had the flu. Two nurses came in, masked and ready to attack. Telling me they were each going to do one, but not at the same time. Let's just say I figured out quickly which one was still training.<br />
<br />
30 minutes later, the Doctor came in and I was given the news that I tested positive for BOTH Influenza A and B.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas to me! This explained the fact that I had been unable to physically get out of bed for 2 days. It takes a lot to get me down, but apparently that's a symptom of the flu.<br />
<br />
I spent most of the remainder of the week in my room, trying to contain the bug. Unfortunately, it is very contagious and most everyone else has gotten some sort of sickness. Of which I do feel horrible about. <br />
<br />
You know what's beautiful about it though? We are all in it together. Everyone has pitched in and helped. My husband has been a rockstar, taking care of me, and our sick girls and helping with meals. Now it's caught up to him, and he's come down with it. My family hasn't kicked us out, but instead told us we should stay so they can help take care of us.<br />
<br />
Insult to injury-just as I felt good enough to be "on duty" for the girls, and let Ben get some good rest since he was sick, I'm also cleaning up puke from the girls gagging on their coughs. Ah, the beautiful realities of life.<br />
<br />
I am overwhelmed by the love and care from my husband and family. I am reminded that sometimes God's love comes out in the most tangible ways. In the bringing of food, the refilling of my water bottle, poking their head in to see if I need anything, helping take care of the girls.<br />
<br />
I was able to go outside today and get this picture with my girls.<br />
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<br />
It will be a reminder to me that God does heal all our sicknesses (we aren't there yet, but making baby steps!), except for the one that might take us home. It's a reminder that there is always beauty to be thankful for. A reminder that there is so much more behind the smiles in a picture. There are stories to know. A reminder to not take my health for granted. A reminder to always look for the silver lining. A reminder to be still. To not rest in my own strength. <br />
<br />
A new year begin tomorrow. A new fresh white piece of paper that is just waiting to be written on. The story of 2018. I know I usually tend to take a stab at writing the story the way I think it should go. May I never forget my lessons from the past, but boy am I sure looking forward to a new chapter beginning. Once again, I am reminded to let go and let the true author take the pen and write HIS story.<br />
<br />
May I remember the lessons of Be Still. Surrender. Abide. <br />
<br />
May 2018 be full of less of me and more of resting in HIS strength. Less striving. More brokenness. More remembering that He IS working all things for our good. More receiving the grace he so lavishly gives. <br />
<br />
Happy New Years! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-54945364862925804042017-12-31T13:39:00.000-08:002017-12-31T13:39:27.096-08:00The HIGHS and LOWS of 2017Some days are so long, and yet, here I am looking at my blog realizing a year has gone by without another post since early January. I hope some day it will be fun for my girls to look back and maybe read some of these, so for that reason alone, I'll try to record some of our memories of the year. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The blessings in our HIGHS this year: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Getting to take our girls snow skiing for the first time back at the end of December. </li>
<li>Celebrating Audrey's 4th birthday with my Grandma's 90th birthday.</li>
<li>Seeing Audrey's love for coloring and drawing grow through the year. She takes her time and does such a great job staying in the lines. Maybe a future artist? </li>
<li>Watching Kayla perform in her first Spring Concert as a Kindergartner in March. </li>
<li>Seeing Kayla finally develop an enjoyment for Kindergarten last spring and such respect and love for her teacher, Mrs. Kiblen. </li>
<li>Watching Kayla make new friends.</li>
<li>Surprising sister Bridgett with a girls trip to Leavenworth for the weekend to celebrate her 40th birthday! What special memories!</li>
<li>I was able to run in my first relay race-the Palouse 100K-with our team Pacing the Dream: Todd Kinley, Shelby Ledbetter, Heather Cammack, Dave Ledbetter, Brian Vandenburg, Lori Brown, Dana Repp and Steve Bretveld. I ran the first leg of 6.8 miles and I did it in PR time! </li>
<li>It motivated me then to train for speed and run my fastest 5K ever with Jamie Kinley at the Seattle Rock and Roll 5K, meanwhile cheering Dave on in his half marathon! </li>
<li>Helping Kayla prioritize piano lessons under my Mom's direction and watching her perform in her second Spring Piano Recital.</li>
<li>Audrey has enjoyed being in gymnastics. She did a great job at her end of the year performance in May.</li>
<li>Seeing how proud Kayla was on her last day of Kindergarten!</li>
<li>Ben and I getting to celebrate 10 years of marriage with a trip to MAUI for 9 nights by ourselves! So thankful for my parents being able and willing to watch our girls for us during that time. </li>
<li>We were able to take 3 "camping" trips with our camper down to Clarkson over the Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. Extra fun is that we were able to do it with extended family as well.</li>
<li>Special visits from our dear friends the Dalys' and Kuntzs'.</li>
<li>Summer activities of Dance Camp, Cheer Camp and Swim lessons</li>
<li>Ben's parents making two trips out to see us this year.</li>
<li>Spending a weekend with the Vandenburgs on Lake Coeur d Alene</li>
<li>Ben and I getting to go to Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, NeedToBreathe AND Garth Brooks all in the same calendar year! Better yet--with friends!</li>
<li>Our girls getting to spend a week in Montana with their Grandparents and Cousins at Granny Camp.</li>
<li>Finding out we were going to add another baby to our family! </li>
<li>Getting to tell the girls they were BOTH going to be big sisters. </li>
<li>The girls coming up with their own idea to do a Lemonade Stand and helping make all the treats and items they sold. It was a smashing success in our front yard! </li>
<li>Spending time with good friends at the park, water park, in each other's living rooms, at McDonald's or wherever the meeting was. </li>
<li>Boating in the hot summer sun. Skiing, tubing-seeing the joy on the girls' faces as they road in Grandma's new tube! </li>
<li>Watching Kayla turn 7. Where has the time gone? She takes such good care of her dolls and loves to do crafts and coloring. She also started up gymnastics again in the fall, and really enjoys it. She learned Angles We Have Heard on High on the piano for this Christmas season and LOVED playing it! </li>
<li>The girls participating in their first 5K Fun Run in Pullman.</li>
<li>Getting our cat Foxy from the Humane Society. She has been a special addition to our family.</li>
<li>Celebrating Thanksgiving in Vegas with the Kovanda Family! </li>
<li>Celebrating with Bridget in her College Graduation! We are so proud of you!</li>
<li>Having a peaceful Christmas morning together as a family of four. </li>
<li>Spending a week together as family at the "Christmas House." This year, it took on a little different meaning, but we truly are family! </li>
<li>FAMILY--through sickness, health, joys and trials, I am sooooo thankful for my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The blessings in our LOWS this year:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I was very sick the first 3 months of this pregnancy. So sick, I didn't really feel like doing much of anything and felt nauseous all the time! In this time, I was thankful for those that stepped in to help and minister to me and our family. I was also reminded about times of resting and how they are just as important as times of play!</li>
<li>Ben lost some great help at work this fall that had really been a huge blessing to him. He is still figuring out what this new norm looks like</li>
<li>Seeing our kids make bad choices from time to time, and feeling like failures as parents. This reminds us that none of this is our doing. There by the Grace of God go we.</li>
<li>Getting a horrible cold at the beginning of December and being forced to miss some important activities. A reminder to be thankful for our health when we have it. </li>
<li>Having our car broke into on Christmas Day. (More on this later). Still processessing. </li>
<li>Coming down with influenza A AND B the day after Christmas. More on this later too. :)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Congrats if you made it to the end of this. Haha! We praise God through each one of these highs and lows because HE is always our good, good Father. Thankful for the past and looking ahead towards the future. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-68206745912002039202017-01-02T20:34:00.000-08:002017-01-02T20:34:27.796-08:00The Joy of Christmas at the Christmas House 2016Instead of exchanging gifts with my parents, siblings and our families for the past 6 years, we have rented a house for the week of Christmas. It has truly been the best "investment" and worth more than the price tag of any gift I could have ever received. <br />
<br />
We spend the week making memories and feasting on wonderful food while just "doing life" together. <br />
Yes, we are smiling in most of these pictures, but no, we are not perfect. <br />
<br />
Yes, we find joy in the small things, but no, we are not without our own trials and hardships.<br />
<br />
Yes, we all have our flaws and differences, but no, we don't let those stand in the way of cultivating lasting friendships.<br />
<br />
Yes, we are loud, we are messy, and there is never a quiet moment, but no, we don't care if you stop in on us and see who we really are. <br />
<br />
Yes, Satan wants to tear all 16 of us apart because we try to be a light for Christ through our love, but no, we are held together by God's amazing grace, brought together by the bonds of Christ that are not to be broken.<br />
<br />
Yes, we spend 7 days together, and no, we don't come home upset or mad at each other.<br />
<br />
In fact, we all grow closer together. It's a place where we are shaped and believed in and taught how to love deeper. <br />
<br />
We are grateful for each other, for here is where we have learned to love, learned to fight, and learned to rise about it all to love back, fight back and share that with others.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful for this gift-a gift gift of having a place to belong=FAMILY.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-85351449277898081612016-11-21T07:33:00.001-08:002016-11-21T07:33:21.601-08:00Today I am thankful for FAITH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Faith---<br />
<br />
Not just wishful thinking or a hoping for<br />
<br />
Not putting it in this world<br />
<br />
But a pure confidence in claiming the promises of Jesus. <br />
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It's not about having MORE faith, but about putting my faith confidently in the right ONE.<br />
<br />
Putting it in The One who never disappoints. <br />
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It's clinging to Jesus.<br />
<br />
When all around me gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. <br />
<br />
It's confidently hoping for the things unseen. For eternity. For the things that truly matter.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for faith. For without it, my relationship would be so rule bound. So legalistic. So robotic. But Jesus has given us the opportunity to "make it our own." To give us a free will to seek after Him. To allow us to rebel, and question. To trust in Him when nothing else makes sense. To have confidence in Him when the circumstances around me seem to not make sense. <br />
<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for the opportunities that stretch my faith. For the questions, for the doubts, for the insecurities. For it's in these fires that my faith is refined. It's tested. Hopefully it doesn't just come out stronger, but it comes out more confident in the one I put my faith in. <br />
<br />
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."<br />
Hebrews 10:23<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-61192003480785750432016-11-09T15:16:00.001-08:002016-11-09T15:16:47.230-08:00Today I am thankful for life that has been set apart before it was even formed! I will just warn you right now that I'm sure this will offend someone who reads this, so don't say I didn't warn you. This is heavy on my heart today, and I feel led to share. <br />
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Today I give thanks for life. Life begins at conception. <br />
<br />
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5. <br />
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This is a promise that God knew us before he even FORMED us. So EVERY life is important and begins immediately. How anyone thinks they should have the "choice" to be able to say if that life lives or dies is beyond my comprehension. Before you start arguing, I'm not passing judgement on anyone who has made that "choice" to end their babies life. I am truly saddened and feel for the hurt and pain you have and still probably experience. And no sin is greater than any other. My God can forgive ALL our sins and give us a fresh start. Praise Him! <br />
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Maybe I feel strongly about this because I have lost two babies in the womb. Our first miscarriage was 7 years ago on April 6, 2009. It was the deepest pain I have ever experienced. I have a blog post about it. Our second loss was just 7 months ago, also on April 6, 2016. Today was my due date. How "ironic" they happened on the day, just 7 years apart? I think not. For God had their days numbered before they were even formed. <br />
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I know they were real. I know they were in the womb. I know life had begun. I haven't really shared about this most recent loss. Maybe because I've been busy keeping up with my husband, 6 year old and 3 1/2 year old. Maybe because the pregnancy was a surprise, and it was a weird thing to process. Maybe because it's a process, and I'm not sure where I'm at. <br />
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For those of you that have experienced this, you understand this pain. A silent pain. A loss. A death. A mourning. But one that doesn't have much closure. <br />
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I feel like I was blessed with a little bit of closure this time. For we had been to the doctor at 9 weeks and I was able to see this picture on the screen. They asked if I wanted a printed picture. I was in a daze but said "yes." How thankful I am for this. At just 9 weeks you can see the baby. It was real. There is no "choice." It had been given life for those few short weeks. And now, it has eternal life.<br />
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I knew immediately something was wrong because the first thing they show you on an ultrasound is the heartbeat. They show you how fast it is going. At 9 weeks, it should be going strong. I just saw this picture. And then nothing. Silence. It was strange, because I just had a bad feeling about it before I even walked into the doctors office that morning. The next few days were a blur, and then life "went on." But it's a hard grief to explain. Maybe Levi says it best:<br />
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A quote from "Through the Eyes of a Lion" by Levi Lusko who lost his daughter at 5 years old:<br />
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"With grief, the horrors gradually subside but never go away entirely. When something is stripped out, there is always a hole. God is good enough to coat the raw and jagged edges in grace, if you will let him. The pain in your life will remain, but like an oyster that covers an unwelcome irritant, layer by layer, to protect itself, we can turn it into a pearl."<br />
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Because of Jesus, we all have hope. Because of the hope he gives us, even in the worst storms, we have an anchor for the soul. Hope is a confident expectation that all is not lost because Jesus is our living hope. <br />
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Another quote from him: "God has taught my heart to sing again, and tucked away in the minor key, I hear his promise of all that is yet to come." <br />
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From the great hymn The Solid Rock:<br />
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. <br />
On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.<br />
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God will put to use what he puts us through. Life is all about perspective. <br />
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On a day when there is so much division and hatred in our country, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. God has not promised us an easy life, or for our country to be prosperous, or for us to have great Godly leaders. We turned our back on him as a nation years ago. We are a country full of imperfect people, electing imperfect people. But He has promised us that He is in control, that He is good, and that He never changes. He is not finished with us yet, or His second coming would have already happened. <br />
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We must pray. We must love. We must respect. <br />
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So today my perspective is to give thanks for this beautiful little life I was privileged to carry for 9 weeks. I am thankful that God honors and ordains life from the very beginning. EVERY life matters. EVERY baby matters. Praise God for this indescribable gift. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-56249534303651692702016-11-07T21:30:00.003-08:002016-11-07T21:30:51.119-08:00November 7Today I am thankful to be an Aunt. My second nephew Matt was born on this day 10 years ago. I love him. I love his personality and the way he tackles life. Kayla takes a lot after her cousin Matt. I am realizing I don't have too many pictures of him and I. :( <br />
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I love you, Matt. Thank you for being you. Wild, fun, adventuresome, and never afraid to tackle what lies before you. <br />
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I am blessed with 8 nieces and nephews, and I could do an entire post about each one of them. But to keep it short, I will say I am so grateful for the relationships and opportunities I have to build with each one of these precious people. I know it is a huge blessing that we are all close, and that we have these relationships, and for that, I am THANKFUL!<br />
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ANNIE!!! I need some pictures of you!!! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-50094222658116978892016-11-07T21:01:00.000-08:002016-11-07T21:18:32.444-08:00Yesterday I was thankful for...This young lady...<br />
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My beautiful sister! <br />
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Thankful for a spontaneous trip to Spokane yesterday evening to celebrate our birthdays! Yes, hers was in July, but sometimes life gets in the way. Mine was just last week, and she was gracious enough to treat this older sister to a yummy dinner with even better converstaion and over 2 hours of carefree, no-list, no-kids, no-agenda, Target shopping. Why yes we roamed target...and made this "meme" come to life...<br />
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with my sister and a Starbucks in hand...</div>
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Does it get much better than that?! <br />
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There are so many things I could say about this fabulous sister of mine, but tonight, "thank you" for being my friend, my companion, and someone I can just be myself around. Thank you for always keeping me young with fun adventures. <br />
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Surviving the Olympic Park tube rides!</div>
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Luke Bryan @ Salt Lake City!</div>
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Why yes, we had LB PIT seats! </div>
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Why yes, it was a team effort to "catch" Little Big Town's guitar pick! </div>
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Why yes, the trip included In-And-Out Burger!</div>
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Enough Said :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I LOVE YOU!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-33234780985084149502016-11-05T22:55:00.001-07:002016-11-05T22:55:57.147-07:00Lots to be thankful for on this Sunny SaturdayToday I give thanks for a warm sunny Saturday of 65 degrees on November 5th! <br /><br />It was a day for sleeping in and no agenda.<br />
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It was a day to be home with my girls. <br />
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It was a day for doing a few last things in my yard before winter sets in.<br />
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It was a day for sidewalk chalk and kicking balls around in the yard. <br />
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It was a day for finding worms and making homes for them in glass jars.<br />
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It was a day for stopping to take in the beautiful creation all around us. <br />
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It was a day for sisters to make memories together.<br />
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It was a day for rest time, to revive the soul.<br />
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It was a day to practice some swimming skills at the aquatic center.<br />
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It was a day to celebrate Matt's birthday with the family.<br />
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It was a day to rest, to recharge, to take in the everyday beauty around me. To enjoy the girls, to enjoy where we live. To be so in the moment that I forgot to take a picture to remind us of the day. The memories are etched in my mind. Thank you, Lord, for all the things we tasted and saw today!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-49172382592650000302016-11-04T22:30:00.001-07:002016-11-04T22:30:34.145-07:00Today I give Thanks...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For all of the wonderful people who have helped us with the First Friday ministry. We felt lead to serve families in the same stage of life as us by provided an opportunity to give parents a night off--free of charge. We prayed about it for several months, and continued to feel the Lord tugging at our heartstrings to join Him in serving those around us. <br />
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It has been 2.5 years and we couldn't do it without the many helpers who give of their time and energy. We continue to meet on the First Friday of each month and continue to see new kids come each month. We have seen 96 kids come since we started. We average about 25-30 each month. We are so blessed to be a part of this ministry! <br />
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I know I will forget someone, but I'm going to attempt to list their names here. <br />
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We are THANKFUL for you. Sydne Weerts, Nelda Strevy and Armeda Hayer serve month after month. Tirelessly. Without complain. They WANT to be with these kids. We are so blessed. <br />
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Others who have helped: Pastor May, Pastor Steve, Pastor Dean, Dean Gibler, Freda, Dean and Wayne Miller, Jamie Kinley, Justin and Bridgett Morgan, Becky Elfers, Loretta Paulson, Alan and Cathy Morgan, Andy Carriker, Melissa Carriker, Jeni Tussey, Adam and Erin Kroll, Aaron Lawhead, Brenton and Heather Cammack, David and Shelby Ledbetter, Jamie Kellog, Darlene Kroll, Doug and Lori King, Megan Dorman, Carlena Schlunegar, Greg and Denise Huber, Morgan Willson, Holly Rimbey, Kylie Kackman, Riley Kincheloe, Emma Neu, Jaydon Soncarty, Chase Barelocker, Hailey Lomax, Airelle Grimoud, Dana Kincheloe, Cigne Reynolds, Norah Burrill, Lilly Swan, Averi Mackleit, Shyah Antoine, Greta Geier, Mark Morgan, Kimber Kelton. <br />
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WOW. I'm sure I've forgotton someone, so please forgive me. What an incredible outpouring of love to support young parents! <br />
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Not to mention those who have donated paper, money and other supplies to keep the ministry going! <br />
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THANK YOU!!! What a blessing to join God where he is already working! Come join us! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-3160158880374234742016-11-03T21:55:00.000-07:002016-11-07T21:04:56.671-08:00November 3Today I am thankful for my freedom and my right to vote. I filled out my ballot tonight. While so much uncertainty and unrest is amongst us in this election, I am thankful I know the one who is ultimately in control and who ultimately has the last say and who has already won the battle.<br />
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No, there are no perfect candidates. But we have a right, and we should use it.<br />
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VOTE!! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-82472887565130359192016-11-02T13:53:00.000-07:002016-11-07T21:05:21.467-08:00November 2Today I give thanks for life, for these girls. They are a gift. They have been entrusted to our care. Not all babies make it into this crazy world we call home, but these two have, and we are so thankful for this time with them. <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They are beautiful-inside and out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They live with passion. They are unique. They have a purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray they find Jesus and seek Him with all their hearts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalms 139:14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every life is precious. From the moment of conception and that first heart beat. For He formed us in our mother's wombs. He knows each hair on head. He has a plan for each of us, and He set that in motion before even time began. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-74376430947553054332016-11-01T22:15:00.000-07:002016-11-02T06:49:42.151-07:00Sitting in my Thankful ChairI find when I am grateful, I complain less. So in a month where we are supposed to be thankful, why not put it "on paper."<br />
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Today I am thankful for my incredible husband. Life is busy, he works hard, we don't have much quality time together, and yet, he still knows the way to my heart. He loves me--all of me. My good, bad, ugly and beautiful.<br />
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This is how my birthday started yesterday.... :)<br />
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The note said to go buy myself a donut or coffee or whatever I wanted. The card was filled with words of affirmation. Ways I feel loved. The day was filled with these texts:<br />
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Love you!!! Happy birthday!!!!!!<br />
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You are a great wife and mom! Love you. Have a wonderful birthday!!<br />
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You are so great at Serving your family! Thanks for keeping us organized<br />
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I am honored to have you as my wife because you Love and pursue the Lord.<br />
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Thanks for making my lunch everyday! <br />
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You are a great wife and mom! Love you. Have a wonderful birthday!!<br />
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I am blessed. Sitting in my thankful chair for the man God gave to me!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-31733626793138882942016-09-01T21:03:00.002-07:002016-09-01T21:03:26.060-07:00To My Sweet 6 Year Old6 years ago today I held you in my arms for the first time. <br />
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You forever changed me. For a moment, I was relieved of the stress I carried not knowing if you would be delivered safely into this world. For a moment, I was overwhelmed with peace and a love I cannot explain. A love that goes deeper than anything I have ever experienced. </div>
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6 years ago, after that brief moment, the "Mom Radar" set in. What was I supposed to do next? How do I feed you? When do I feed you? What do I do when you cry? When do I pick you up? Will you pee enough? Poop enough? Cry enough? Sleep enough?</div>
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I suppose you can say, it doesn't ever leave. That built in concern and nurturing spirit you get for your children from the moment that pregnancy test is positive. Some may call it worry, some may call it stress. I like to think of it as the Mom Radar. :) </div>
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Fast forward 6 years, and today you start Kindergarten. </div>
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You have grown into a beautiful young girl who is passionate, and lives life with everything you have. Anything "new" has always been a challenge, so you were nervous for today. It's ok. So was I. So was your teacher. :) </div>
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I am reminded of so many lessons I feel the Lord was trying to teach me 6 years ago when I was fighting for your life on bed rest at 21 weeks pregnant: </div>
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There are times (many) when I have to let go, and trust the plan of the Father. This world is scary, and it's a world where I fear you could be swept away by so many things. But I have to LET GO, in order to LET GOD draw you out out to the path and plan He has for you. Yes, he has entrusted us to be your parents, but you were His first. </div>
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I will always long for control. It is my human nature. Just when I think I can control something, or someone, I am swept off my feet (sometimes literally), and placed in a humble state. </div>
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Let go. Trust. Pray. Hope. </div>
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I have been praying so much in preparation for this day. It has helped. We have talked a lot with you about this day. What it will be like, who you will meet. How things will be different. That it's ok to be scared. That you are not alone. </div>
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But nothing could prepare me for this next moment:</div>
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There were no words, just tears and I froze. You clung to me and just cried and cried. I didn't know what to tell you except that you had to go, and that you would be just fine. That I love you. We both survived and even had smiles before too long. But those moments of letting go and walking away from you while you are in tears, tear at my heartstrings. I know this is nothing new under the sun, that many have gone before me, and many will go after. And the years will fly by and I will wonder where time has gone. </div>
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We love you more than you will ever know. We cherish you. We are challenged by you. We are humbled by you. We learn to live life a little fuller because of you. We prayerfully lead you. But the hardest part is letting you go. So today, we continue to open up our fists we tend to close around you, trying to control everything to be just fine. </div>
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We let you go, prayerfully giving you back to the One who entrusted you to us. We send you off to clear the paths God has placed before you. </div>
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Happy 6th Birthday our dear sweet Kayla Grace.</div>
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2 Thessalonians 3:3</div>
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"But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one."</div>
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Joshua 1:9</div>
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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."</div>
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We can't wait to see what lies ahead for you in the next part of your journey! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-25095204381849625492016-05-19T07:37:00.001-07:002016-05-19T07:37:18.738-07:00Be still, my heartForgive the quality of these photos, but I just couldn't help myself the other night when I went to give my girls a kiss and found this:<br />
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Sometimes when the days are crazy and I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round, I get overwhelmed by my job as "Mother" to these two sweet ones. <br />
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Then I stop and see these sweet sleeping ones. <br />
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A dad who hasn't even cleaned up from his long day at work, and yet lays on the floor, bringing comfort. I may be biased, but he truly is one of the greatest dads. He is so great with the girls. He works hard, but always has enough energy to play with them and listen to their stories from the day. <br />
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Little Sister who is full of life and sleeps soundly because she has made the most of her day. As long as she has her "favorite blankie" all is right in the world. Ah, if only life was so simple.<br />
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Big sister who lives her life with great passion and loves pink. (If you couldn't tell.) She challenges me every day of my life. She teaches me so much and seeing her sleep peacefully is one of life's greatest gifts. <br />
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There will be a day when the "crib" is too small, when they don't want pink walls, or pink polka dots, or even don't ask us to "lay on the floor." So for these moments, help me to slow down and enjoy and see the gifts that are before me. <br />
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It is a scary world we live in. To release our kids to Our God is a daily job. There are so many things I can't control. Well, let's be honest--most I can't.<br />
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But I can rest in the fact that He is in control, and continually give them to Him. <br />
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I pray that they will "desire truth in the inner parts," (Ps. 51) in a world where truth and absolutes have gone by the way-side. <br />
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I pray that in seeking for truth, they will find Our God and desire a personal relationship with Him. That it will be THEIR choice because God is drawing them to Himself.<br />
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I pray they will seek out great friends who will live life with them.<br />
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I pray they will never be afraid to ask questions and continually learn.<br />
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I pray they will be confident women who can stand up for themselves.<br />
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I pray they will learn to say "no" and respect other people's "no."<br />
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I pray they will continue to be best friends.<br />
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I pray they will always know how much their dad and I love them. No. matter. what. <br />
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Lord, "teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Ps. 51) and use us to continue to guide and shape these sweet girls you have gifted us with for this season of life. Help us to not cling to them, yet rather hold them lightly--with open hands to You--enjoying the beauty of the moments. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-17436884939883963642016-03-04T22:43:00.002-08:002016-03-04T22:55:43.385-08:00Our Bridgie!<span style="font-size: large;">My next post is about this wonderful lady! We have know Bridget for several years now because she has graciously been the babysitter for the summer Bible Study we attend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She had been doing some babysitting off and on for us the past year and last summer, however, we had the opportunity to have her live with us! Those of you that know our house probably wonder, where? Well, Kayla willingly gave up her room to Bridget and moved across the way into the office. It was a tight space for Kayla, but she loved every minute of having Bridgie upstairs with her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a blessing this young woman is to us! It was the perfect balance of having her around to help during the long days of Ben at work, and yet her having the freedom to continue working and come and go as she pleased. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls fell quickly in love! They were (and continue to be) Bridgie's little shadows and light up whenever she is around. The summer was full of long hot days and lots of slip and sliding! We spent time at the river, camping, canning, eating meals together, princess parties, watching movies and just living life together. She helped with yard work, house work and kid work. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Not only was she a blessing in helping with the day to day work, but just to have her presence around was so uplifting. Summers tend to get long with Ben working so much, and her positive spirit and bright attitude made the days go quickly. She had a fun "sleepover" night in her room on her last night in our home, and the girls had fun doing some make-up. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make-up time!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did take some time to play and spent time time at the water park, as well as doing a little shopping. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shopping Day!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was bittersweet when she moved out because we couldn't imagine not having her sweet spirit around daily. We were excited for her and the cute old house she found. Thankfully, she only lives 5 minutes away. We had a small Christmas celebration together before she went home for the holidays. I cherish this picture of my three girls. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love these girls!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas with Bridget!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcaAkL_SfDNTt-e-6rtSzWC13CeYMzuHBj2tZXFqEgp9nUv2QSvvZSZ70AkFgNxnlHPUG1QJC7b9Xsuy-lAANsa8oLw39OG7yjVFiySHtWD-q50djdJh2XCpBBQDL_yfithhuiW6RVOE/s1600/Santa+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcaAkL_SfDNTt-e-6rtSzWC13CeYMzuHBj2tZXFqEgp9nUv2QSvvZSZ70AkFgNxnlHPUG1QJC7b9Xsuy-lAANsa8oLw39OG7yjVFiySHtWD-q50djdJh2XCpBBQDL_yfithhuiW6RVOE/s320/Santa+photo+1.jpg" width="227" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Santa photo, which is a long standing tradition for Bridget. Audrey was super excited about it.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We know she is destined for great things, working with and loving on people. She has so many gifts in working with and serving others. She is selfless, giving and always willing to help however and whenever she can. God has given her lots of "mommy abilities" already, as I see her with my girls, and with all the kids she interacts with at AWANA. She truly has a gift and calling to work with kids and we are super excited to see where God takes her when she is done with school! Although we MIGHT selfishly be a bit sad if He takes her far away from us. We will be so excited for her though, that we will just have to get over that! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being a part of our lives, Bridgie. We pray for you and for your future, that God will lead you where He wants you. We pray for that that amazing man of yours, wherever he is is, that he is getting ready for you and the amazing wife and mother you will be! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for giving me opportunities to "breathe." I appreciate your willingness to give of your time to invest in the lives of our girls. We look forward to many more memories in the future. Of which will include some more nature walk, right?! Haha! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-45307885139559043282016-02-22T07:52:00.005-08:002016-02-22T07:59:55.880-08:00Silence Sometimes the silence is a welcome reprieve. For those of you with kids at home, or busy jobs, you understand this. To just be alone for an hour or two, with the sound of silence can be water to a weary soul. I never understood this until I had my ovarian torsion and was forced to bed rest for three months. I am the type of person that "goes" most of the time. It was hard for me to stop. But I was forced to, and forced to recognize my sin of being unable to just BE in God's presence. <br />
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But this silence takes on a whole new meaning now that I have my kids here "on the ground." I don't think I've ever really understood the verse, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10<br />
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It is no secret that I'm an extrovert and thrive on being around people. But now that my life is full of my "little people" I crave that sweet stillness with God. I am not fully refreshed unless I have some of that quiet stillness before the Lord, when I know I won't be interrupted. Some may think, well you're a stay at home mom, so you have nap time, and then once they are in bed, you have that. I used to be someone who thought that. Although I am thankful for those times, if I am home, and in the same place as my beautiful daughters, I always feel "on call" for lack of a better term. They could need me in a moments notice. So this silence is best found when I can physically be away from them for just an hour or two. <br />
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I used to feel selfish about that. And think I wasn't a good mom because I "needed" that. But I've learned I'm actually a better mom when I have had some time alone. Time to let God refresh my weary soul so that I can pour into my family again. I am so thankful I have a husband, and other family and friends that allow me times to do this. <br />
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I want other moms out there to know it is ok to ask for help. It is ok to admit that your soul is weary and you need some time to "be still." Maybe that means finding someone who can take your kids for an hour so you can have time at home. Maybe that means leaving them while you go sit at a coffee shop, or go for a walk. We all get refreshed in different ways. Pray and ask God to show you how He can best refresh you.<br />
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Our society of "I can do it all and then some" doesn't help us at all. We are supposed to be strong, confident and able to manage the house, the hubby, the kids, the job and still have a "pinterest perfect life." There is no way that is what God has called us to. He has called us to be obedient to HIM, not to the world. <br />
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"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 1 Corinthians 12:8-9<br />
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He can still use us in our weakened state. In our state of "winter," in our state of being overwhelmed with the noise. For it's in that time that we allow Him to take control and work through us. It's in that time that we fall to our knees and our faith is deepened. It causes us to wait and waiting forces our hearts and our minds to grow in ways we never imagined.<br />
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Sometimes the noise is more than we can handle. Sometimes we can get away and have the silence, and other times we are told to wait and lean on Him.<br />
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I am thankful for times of silence that are welcome rest for the weary soul. <br />
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"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. REST in the Lord and WAIT PATIENTLY for him..."<br />
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Psalms 37:4-7<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-73296905730538210822016-02-20T10:26:00.000-08:002016-02-20T10:26:12.075-08:00New siding project (March of 2015)I didn't blog much last year, so I'm trying to catch up a bit. <br />
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Last spring in March, we had the house resided that we currently live in. After the bad hail storm the summer of 2014, we decided it was time to update as much of our siding got damaged. It sure is fun to see the transformation of this over 100 year old house! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o1PerYzMux9Vf_GlWD1gNl5cj8fGRhoqdmsLEFNKGiphxP_3NSXm6hom_HPsE7NHi6d9D72Q7lEDWF0fsjmk0L2FWq6UqUF6_NZy4L8l9vm5LSClwsBQ53xNP3sAy-NQh0UcdR7Tpcw/s1600/new+siding_3206_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o1PerYzMux9Vf_GlWD1gNl5cj8fGRhoqdmsLEFNKGiphxP_3NSXm6hom_HPsE7NHi6d9D72Q7lEDWF0fsjmk0L2FWq6UqUF6_NZy4L8l9vm5LSClwsBQ53xNP3sAy-NQh0UcdR7Tpcw/s320/new+siding_3206_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKjrAPYV4OulrorytacC9tLjMOta682d0YDkGP8LIUnWorV68oD2Y70K8mtTYFDuM_tp-1mSBsAo9m48P3OdC8Yk-gLCHYUT2_r1sggShBDzjQkboZQz4imswBi-8qbyOmNkUC50Ot4Q/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKjrAPYV4OulrorytacC9tLjMOta682d0YDkGP8LIUnWorV68oD2Y70K8mtTYFDuM_tp-1mSBsAo9m48P3OdC8Yk-gLCHYUT2_r1sggShBDzjQkboZQz4imswBi-8qbyOmNkUC50Ot4Q/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdvB0UsmK0dVbn5KyqYl_vGETuUn8Gnlbrvaho6rRiGmi0mqerLvYtuuI4kQ85bAEQIl3YMnxGryyMsXe8W_00aH64pt4Jsbr8xNdXFJS3DcrEk32hbXn-oPfxpnWziHIxOXjC8ZZthM/s1600/new+siding_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdvB0UsmK0dVbn5KyqYl_vGETuUn8Gnlbrvaho6rRiGmi0mqerLvYtuuI4kQ85bAEQIl3YMnxGryyMsXe8W_00aH64pt4Jsbr8xNdXFJS3DcrEk32hbXn-oPfxpnWziHIxOXjC8ZZthM/s320/new+siding_3211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNthwf_d1O1yD9eu0M2jttpG0SzJieoSfAQcdHO1mgfWIJnEC7caVMKU2S0YJ0RuBm7-NjBlPDrdRa86mo7v7LY4y_QHfvJ8t2VNMb1epugOfQeeEan-VIpRVT56m8S77lLP4sHsbaOLk/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNthwf_d1O1yD9eu0M2jttpG0SzJieoSfAQcdHO1mgfWIJnEC7caVMKU2S0YJ0RuBm7-NjBlPDrdRa86mo7v7LY4y_QHfvJ8t2VNMb1epugOfQeeEan-VIpRVT56m8S77lLP4sHsbaOLk/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONeX2Z4UVdDZ6IQ8D27pjAmhqA-uGu-Y-IWS4u3WE9Y4f23BhbyTQnptbHK1Z4YLhjv9PPQ2gv-0jKdwtuRuKpEy4N60eKTpx4tfaXW8_L8Sct7O4ADRjNA_1VeWWUhwVwRa86FzxRzw/s1600/new+siding_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONeX2Z4UVdDZ6IQ8D27pjAmhqA-uGu-Y-IWS4u3WE9Y4f23BhbyTQnptbHK1Z4YLhjv9PPQ2gv-0jKdwtuRuKpEy4N60eKTpx4tfaXW8_L8Sct7O4ADRjNA_1VeWWUhwVwRa86FzxRzw/s320/new+siding_3201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlDkdBEHmY8brmQcEMCjvjmSs_qX2GU2zOb-SBKYRZHDvEoeAX99H-Vko9NvHz98mlR0nkRMaq9zZgNI1QWeM06V7pe5JzzmvdUog9f9GFj897KqCS7viNQTnhjY2dyV-hKSxurzexvo/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlDkdBEHmY8brmQcEMCjvjmSs_qX2GU2zOb-SBKYRZHDvEoeAX99H-Vko9NvHz98mlR0nkRMaq9zZgNI1QWeM06V7pe5JzzmvdUog9f9GFj897KqCS7viNQTnhjY2dyV-hKSxurzexvo/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br /><br /></td></tr>
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We also finally finished our tile backsplash in the kitchen! That had been on my to-do list for 6 years! Thanks to Pastor Steve for helping me out! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXcQZUq7xaoB0yquBNj7mTNsXRYxSAQ7fiMoeNfZWcHFCHgbAB9kpZoYQVZ_LSRNUoC2xqSqKd_TajlrgDRn9QiV1Np1keyL8SN4felykyGQdicC5dz1Vt6mKUm67w_n7o39Y4BdLSzg/s1600/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXcQZUq7xaoB0yquBNj7mTNsXRYxSAQ7fiMoeNfZWcHFCHgbAB9kpZoYQVZ_LSRNUoC2xqSqKd_TajlrgDRn9QiV1Np1keyL8SN4felykyGQdicC5dz1Vt6mKUm67w_n7o39Y4BdLSzg/s320/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW6bIrg8MUEL_8WgjQXRTDGsE1ONtDK8BoefwFZTOiwd13JFMnCooc-cLeEX5y4m4jmyYTrNtP0d8Z8zfAloSRO6aTrdweG2OYHDa8L74kxvm0C6NFCZKpFFe-EmOZeBgP-OPcF4WhUQ/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW6bIrg8MUEL_8WgjQXRTDGsE1ONtDK8BoefwFZTOiwd13JFMnCooc-cLeEX5y4m4jmyYTrNtP0d8Z8zfAloSRO6aTrdweG2OYHDa8L74kxvm0C6NFCZKpFFe-EmOZeBgP-OPcF4WhUQ/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxItdAGAjqdNQAWNo1B0EEabqWfS9VWobHQHCyUe8a9BD0hkQZl3Rp9kA7e9BjF9cP2bHeorLGM-uTWN4ZtxAYETXU7t-NMrjjgB6mCHUbrnr5ZfGZNhDFevjmCvXOztwVu8yUqzTVSk/s1600/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxItdAGAjqdNQAWNo1B0EEabqWfS9VWobHQHCyUe8a9BD0hkQZl3Rp9kA7e9BjF9cP2bHeorLGM-uTWN4ZtxAYETXU7t-NMrjjgB6mCHUbrnr5ZfGZNhDFevjmCvXOztwVu8yUqzTVSk/s320/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiuAvy7ifBJjyGpjrDva6tIyX641975ZS3RSg1Z6gtAce2e7jX5gEViwa0d1y9yIzByVLnGQnLHq1GMwKrtSHRc9z54r2tADXzs5pXUfPTRjtHJukWa1IR4Gkjx81FPlFsclyZSrP5rs/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiuAvy7ifBJjyGpjrDva6tIyX641975ZS3RSg1Z6gtAce2e7jX5gEViwa0d1y9yIzByVLnGQnLHq1GMwKrtSHRc9z54r2tADXzs5pXUfPTRjtHJukWa1IR4Gkjx81FPlFsclyZSrP5rs/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdDiRHKW81mgOKK768PnWKjpxsRjbdHRF7rjF24w2DYua4rT9LM5xaCGNmTqkbhzRSz5bWP9JPDOT62b1lnMiTf8JhQN5vX0YZ3shmZ9eoKkKUkQztjDvXVrZznMiG4RZDUM3yutJufY/s1600/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdDiRHKW81mgOKK768PnWKjpxsRjbdHRF7rjF24w2DYua4rT9LM5xaCGNmTqkbhzRSz5bWP9JPDOT62b1lnMiTf8JhQN5vX0YZ3shmZ9eoKkKUkQztjDvXVrZznMiG4RZDUM3yutJufY/s320/Tile+remodel+before+pics_4895.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFJQ6n0y5cQ6fr3GzLJKtpB1j4OLIMass-_qAYep-o9pxbXCBWz-2avXZr6qucRsu_OFA17a7emdTgNTZgZ4AY2LUCfZA55BfAFtq7ELkapOLJl6ZOjT5HonDAczg9qYOdY38rWRca7k/s1600/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFJQ6n0y5cQ6fr3GzLJKtpB1j4OLIMass-_qAYep-o9pxbXCBWz-2avXZr6qucRsu_OFA17a7emdTgNTZgZ4AY2LUCfZA55BfAFtq7ELkapOLJl6ZOjT5HonDAczg9qYOdY38rWRca7k/s320/Siding+and+tile+after+pictures_6281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<br />Excited to finally have the kitchen "done" for now! :) <br /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-20295717963302673292016-02-08T11:46:00.001-08:002016-02-08T11:54:59.792-08:00Grandma's 89th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcsMJOnJyz-uqv95UrogZeaMowWzg0U_L4n_bVMxhTHLZ5S-yrxSnprLdNNhwAAjzhql092lQEWYHU8Fzs58YBLJ8tR1bVjCnmgh1a_ZE_jahmo_pD7hQnKs42oojGQky_yqHJvsTmm4/s1600/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcsMJOnJyz-uqv95UrogZeaMowWzg0U_L4n_bVMxhTHLZ5S-yrxSnprLdNNhwAAjzhql092lQEWYHU8Fzs58YBLJ8tR1bVjCnmgh1a_ZE_jahmo_pD7hQnKs42oojGQky_yqHJvsTmm4/s320/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6120.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday to this amazing woman! Grandma, you make 89 look fabulous! Thank you for inspiring us to live life long and to the fullest!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa77sfxoBb-AzOj33Mmlk-hIAu5CaO1W0prrP7Vni_SOYLsPUW54azroo3rGoxO5-YamnewAWJWv3G4_XIEVJI0lDzAuLEKLZHN6VdR5q6FLgSw6n6HJH4yu9i5lLzD2ly6QNQRMMGds/s1600/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa77sfxoBb-AzOj33Mmlk-hIAu5CaO1W0prrP7Vni_SOYLsPUW54azroo3rGoxO5-YamnewAWJWv3G4_XIEVJI0lDzAuLEKLZHN6VdR5q6FLgSw6n6HJH4yu9i5lLzD2ly6QNQRMMGds/s320/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6122.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN3HV-NNybsS7eMyGEjcwoIaho6bul61BSDvBKxqcFFxKlMYcNoOeAfB0Iu-_LeLWupx-ezMXgQaMZIsFKw-ET4fzEQBnMvPBKG5bNfiix2hn2J314froxbUff5fIMAJwrHgxLQy-Jjk/s1600/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN3HV-NNybsS7eMyGEjcwoIaho6bul61BSDvBKxqcFFxKlMYcNoOeAfB0Iu-_LeLWupx-ezMXgQaMZIsFKw-ET4fzEQBnMvPBKG5bNfiix2hn2J314froxbUff5fIMAJwrHgxLQy-Jjk/s320/Audrey+birthday+Mom%2527s+camera_6140.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I am so grateful for you and our relationship. It is so special that you and Audrey get to share your celebrations together, and I am thankful for the relationship that you have with our girls.<br />
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Thank you for being the rock of our growing family, for praying for us and for continuing to lead us in pursuit of the Lord first, above all else. Thank you for being an incredible Mom, Grandma and Grandma-Great. You are so special to us and we love you so much! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hqD3hTnrkpQhzfFc15w9_cViZHcI_NxK_P55SX6pvZ8yE-v2FBZOFTH-W8P8AkPMRlN4goi-b-R6DXsnMMb6SAms58zo2UyahjRNO-ToRmNJ4qipmX7olVRgPsBsiKWOpRnTqHvyJlQ/s1600/Family+Merged+2016+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hqD3hTnrkpQhzfFc15w9_cViZHcI_NxK_P55SX6pvZ8yE-v2FBZOFTH-W8P8AkPMRlN4goi-b-R6DXsnMMb6SAms58zo2UyahjRNO-ToRmNJ4qipmX7olVRgPsBsiKWOpRnTqHvyJlQ/s320/Family+Merged+2016+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-56529055370703998872016-02-04T16:54:00.000-08:002016-02-04T16:57:44.655-08:00Bringing Annie Joy HomeAs half of the Morgan Family traveled to China to bring sweet Annie Joy home, we had our share of adventures here. We are so thankful and blessed to be a part of such a close family. To get to spend so much time together, making memories is such a gift. Forgive me for the long post, but I have been recording the days as we have been going along. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">January 6-10, 2016</span> (Days 1-5) were spent with mostly Papa and Nama Knox. Although we had our share of fun on <span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, January 7</span>, as we helped out while Lori had to work. Ashley was at school, but Beth and Emma came over for a few hours to play and rest. We played dress up, made headbands and ate lunch together. Emma was convinced all things, including herself, were sticky. Hmm. This is an interesting and sticky situation. We didn't have our favorite buddies or blankies, so Aunt Shelby made an emergency run to the store. She was kind enough to bring back some coffee for us. At one point, all four littles (including my two) were asleep at one time. We ended the day, sad to part ways, but a taste of what was to come in just a few short days. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, January 10, 2016 (Day 5)</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
Our day started with receiving pictures of our new little Annie Joy in the arms of her new family! What JOY it brought us to see them together and to share that with our church family. You are so loved by your new community Annie! We celebrated the news by taking Grandma Miller and Grandpa and Grandma Morgan out for our own "Authentic" Chinese experience at Eddy's for lunch. They were oozing with excitement as they looked at the pictures Shelby had printed out. Grandma Morgan wanted to share with anyone who would listen. <br />
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That evening, Uncle Dave and Aunt Shelby brought Emma and Beth over our direction to start our 12 days of fun! We took baths and everyone was exhausted. We got everyone settled into their new "home away from homes." Emma has a twin blow up bed in the office with cute pink sheets and a heart bedspread. She was asleep before the Colfax Crew made it back to Colfax. Beth has a fun teal and brown bed upstairs in Kayla's room. She gets the biggest bed as it is queen size! There are a few more toothbrushes in our basket now.<br />
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Just as we were settling into bed, we got a call from China!! Bridgett was calling us on a video chat through wee chat. Beth was still awake and shot up in bed when she saw who was on the other side of the phone. We were able to "meet" Annie briefly and see some of our dear family 5000 miles away!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday, January 11, 2016 (Day 6)</span><br />
The day started with me being awoken by Emma's sweet voice talking in the other room. It was happy at first, and then turned to cries. She was distraught, I think, and unsure about her surroundings. Once she was settled, everything was fine, but it sure made this Auntie's heart race! <br />
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The day started with the girls opening their bag marked "Day 6." The cutest little pack of gummy bears were in there. Bridgett was kind enough to put enough in for our girls as well. They were all excited to eat them! Bridgett also wrote sweet notes to the girls, telling them what they were up to for the day. <br />
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It was two braid day, and all four girls got piggy braids. Emma was beyond excited to get her "Anna" (from Frozen) braids for the day. We did crafts and the girls made necklaces, and pictures galore! It was super cold here today, so we bundled up and went for a quick walk to the mailbox and back. <br />
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Uncle Dave, Aunt Shelby and Ashley came over after Ashley got out of school. We put together puzzles and spent time together.<br />
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Then it was time for Happy Meal Monday! We made it to McDonalds for 5 happy meals and mini cones. Just as the girls were playing, we got a call from China! We were all able to meet Annie as a family. What JOY! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, January 12, 2016 (Day 7)</span><br />
We started our day with the usual potty time, breakfast, getting dressed and doing hair. It's amazing how much time it takes just to do all that with four little girls! It was bun pony day for hair today, although Emma requested "Anna" braids again. Today in their bags they received princess fruities, and my girls' eyes lit up with they realized there was some for them as well! <br />
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It's gymnastics days for my girls, so Bridget Hahn came and stayed with them for a couple hours, while I took my girls to gymnastics. We got home in time to eat lunch together. The girls are all eating great and not complaining about my food. (Well, mostly...) :)<br />
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The girls had rest time again, and I actually taught one of my Tuesday lessons, so Bridget came back to play with them. They love being with her as well! I am a bit under the weather, but am doing fine, energy wise, as I am being held up by the prayers of many! Thank you to those that are praying for all of us and our strength! We got another quick call from China, and sweet little Beth is missing her mommy. There were a few tears, but then a silly photo shoot and some smiles came quickly. Beth is enjoying her cozy queen size air mattress with a satin sheets and cozy blankets in Kayla's room. <br />
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Beth is missing her big sister for sure, but Ashley is having a blast being on her own at Aunt Shelby's!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, January 13, 2016 (Day 8)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were small packs of gummie bears in the Day 8 bag The girls so enjoy hearing the notes each day and seeing the pictures that were sent the night before.</span></span><br />
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Dress up was on the agenda today and we had two Queen Elsa's, a fairy princess and princess Anna.<br />
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I surprised the girls with a trip to the library. I thought it took me forever to get packed up or anywhere with my two girls, but try two 5 year olds, a 4 year old and an almost 3 year old. Whew! It took us all morning to go to the library and make one other stop. They had a blast reading books and playing with toys at the library. I let them each pick out two books and they have been enjoying reading them. <br />
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We also did some coloring and had some more rest time. (I don't know if this is more important for them or for me.) We then set out for Cubbies! Audrey and Ben have come down with the nasty cough, so we sent Audrey with Aunt Shelby and Uncle Dave while the rest of us headed to AWANA! We were serenaded by 4 different songs coming from 4 different girls in the car. Some of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard. Love these girls and their hearts. <br />
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It's never a quiet ride and I have decided I have found a way to keep Kayla quiet in the car---Emma! Putting them together in the back seat is an interesting combination! The girls all did great and recited their verses. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, January 14, 2016 (Day 9)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were pink and blue candy canes in the bags today! It is always so fun to read to the girls the notes Bridgett put together ahead of time.</span></span><br />
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After our normal activities of breakfast and getting ready, the girls played with play dough and did some great creations! Beth and Kayla made cupcakes and Audrey was into making cookies. Emma soon decided she would rather color. She is very focused and does a great job!<br />
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We then got 8 bows in their hair with bun ponies and decided to head out the door for a great adventure--Bonkerz! (An indoor play center in Moscow). I took all four of them over for a couple hours, and they had a blast! They were almost too tired to each lunch by the time we got home. This mommy/auntie may have gone through the Starbucks drive through on the way home. :)<br />
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They all rested and then we enjoyed dinner together with Uncle Ben. We had picnic beans and muffins. Beth loved the picnic beans! Uncle Dave, Aunt Shelby and Ashley all came over for a visit in the evening. The girls all played well together. Kayla went home with them as she had pre-school in the morning. She and Ash were looking forward to having a sleep over!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday, January 15, 2016 (Day 10)</span><br />
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With Kayla at pre-school, Beth, Emma Audrey and I had a quiet morning at home. We braided hair and played. It was soon time to pack up and head to Colfax though. I have a commitment on Friday's in January helping Mr. Cammack with the Jr. High girls choir and so Aunt Shelby had some special time with the girls. She was generous in feeding them lunch and taking care of them for awhile so I could also take Grandma Miller out to lunch and to her hair appointment. We picked Kayla up from school, and then decided that her and Beth would spend a few more hours with Shelby for some big girl fun! <br />
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Emma and Audrey came home for naps. They have a special relationship. They are usually fighting with each other, pushing each others buttons. But today, they did really well. We all sat on the floor together and built blocks. Emma is content to play by herself, but she is doing really well at playing together.<br />
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Once Kayla and Beth arrived with Uncle Dave and Aunt Shelby, we opened our bags for the day. I also had bags for the girls, as they all received new PJ's!<br />
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How fun to put them on and have a PJ party after our big ham dinner! What joy to have 5 girls and 4 adults around our dining room table.<br />
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We did a photo shoot, and made precious memories reading together on the couch.<br />
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Kayla, Beth and Ashley went with Aunt Shelby and Uncle Dave for a sleepover!<br />
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I'm afraid Beth didn't get much sleep. She really hasn't been sleeping well, and the poor thing is so tired! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, January 16, 2016 (Day 11)</span><br />
Uncle Ben stayed home for the morning and made us waffles and eggs for breakfast! Yum! Emma and Audrey were loving their time without the big girls! <br />
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The big girls were having fun at the Ledbetters!<br />
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The big girls showed up around 10:30, and they opened their bag. Nail polish today! You know what that means for later on!<br />
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We all packed up in "Red" the minivan and set off for our "shopping" adventure. We may have only made two stops, but it sure was fun! We went to Walmart and picked out some shopkins, and made it to Wendy's for lunch. <br />
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We put everyone down for naps (except Ashley) and she rested by playing Shopkins. One by one as the girls got up, we painted their nails. It sure was fun painting 70 nails!!<br />
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Emma's didn't last too long, but we at least got it documented!<br />
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Kayla went back with Uncle Dave and Aunt Shelby for another sleepover. She is having a blast getting so much time with Auntie! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, January 17, 2016 (Day 12)</span><br />
We woke up in time to get all three girls ready for church by curling hair, braids and opening their bag.<br />
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Today's gift was a new Strawberry Shortcake movie! How fun! They all went to Sunday School and did well sitting through church. We all took up an entire pew with Grandma-Great Miller in the middle! We took everyone to New Garden for lunch and Grandpa and Grandma Great Morgan met us. We shared another meal, more pictures, and lots of memories.<br />
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We then took Emma and Audrey back home to rest and the Ledbetters took the oldest three for a few hours. <br />
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It was then pizza and popcorn night!<br />
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The girls are all playing so well together, they hardly even ask for movies or the Kindle! We did watch Rapunzel tonight though, and Uncle Ben made us popcorn. I gave them the car for the camper we bought over Christmas (toys) and Beth and Kayla had a blast with that!<br />
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A big victory for the day was Emma woke up dry from her nap (with a pullup). We made a super big deal about it, and she was so excited about it! Go Emma! She has been wear panties, even when we go out and about and hasn't had an accident yet!<br />
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Tonight we went Audrey and Beth home with Uncle Dave and Aunt Shelby for a sleepover.<br />
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Ashley is staying here with us tonight and is in the room with Kayla upstairs. They were too tired to even talk and fell asleep within minutes of being tucked in!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday, January 18, 2016 (Day 13)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Audrey and Beth spent the night at Shelby’s and when they
showed up this morning, we all had braids in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Even Shelby and I!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> You would have thought we planned it!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In <span style="font-family: "calibri";">their bags
were some more gummy bears.</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Sydne came
with us and we went over to Bonkerz in Moscow.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">The kids had a blast!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">It was
super busy, but we played for a couple of hours.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Ate lunch at Wendy’s again, and that worked
well.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">We came home for naps, and Shelby
and Sydne took Kayla and Ashley back to Shelby’s.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Their ride home was a slight adventure!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the littles slept here for a bit, we
all loaded up and went into Shelby’s to head to Randy and Bobby’s for hot
tubbing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Kayla is still pretty sick and
got herself pretty worked up while at Shelby’s.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I stayed behind with her while the others went and had a blast!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Audrey even warmed up to Bobby.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">They all loved Beau and had a great
time.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Shelby made dinner and we enjoyed
the yummy food at her place.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">We bathed
them all there, and I took the 4 littles home with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, January 19, 2016 (Day 14)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The girls were exhausted and everyone slept in!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They had glow sticks in their bags today, and
were they ever excited about that.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kayla
coughed all night so I moved her to the couch so she wouldn’t keep Beth
up!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bridgie took Audrey to gymnastcs so
I could stay with everyone else.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We
played “birthday party” (it was Beth and I’s birthdays), and colored.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We ate lunch at home, and went down for rest
time.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Aunt Shelby and Ash showed up and
we did our picture frame craft. They had fun making them for Mommy, Grandma and the Aunties. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Audrey
went home with them.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> You can only imagine the fun that was to be had!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had a quiet
evening at home with dinner, baths and early bed times.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kayla ended up on the couch again, and Beth
didn’t want to be upstairs by herself so she moved to the other couch.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was another late night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 15)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In their bags today was a bag of licorice.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have hardly watched any movies in two</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">weeks so I let them watch a movie and eat the
licorice.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They have been pretty homesick
the past two days, so we try to stay busy.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s so impressive to me how well they all play together.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Of course there are arguments, but overall,
they are happy to just play.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They don’t
even request to watch a movie, even after all this time.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We made our necklace craft this morning
too.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We at lunch early so that our rest
time was early.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are so looking
forward to the arrival of everyone tomorrow!!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, January 21, 2016 (Day 16)</span><br />
The day has finally come! The girls were bursting with excitement at the thought of seeing the rest of their family today and meeting Annie! <br />
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We got everyone ready and met Shelby and Ashley at her house. They had made adorable signs!<br />
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We headed off to Spokane to run a few errands before everyone arrived!<br />
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The girls did great as we did a potty stop at Nordstrom and ate lunch at Red Robin. An older lady came to our table and told us how well behaved "our girls" were. <br />
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It was finally time to head to the airport. Uncle Dave and Ben arrived before us and we all gathered in excitement! What joy to see them all walk out towards us! The journey has just begun.<br />
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We have memories we will cherish the rest of our lives, and hopefully by documenting them, the girls can someday read about all the fun times we had. We are so blessed to live so close to each other and we look forward to all the memories ahead with Annie now in our bunch! <br />
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Precious moments of meeting Annie</div>
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That moment when you see you Parents, Brothers, Grandparents, Nephews and new sister and niece!</div>
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The Morgan family is now complete--Annie Joy is Home!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-8980468972424100932015-04-08T23:09:00.000-07:002015-04-08T23:09:34.782-07:00Comfortably in Control?I don't know about you, but this is a place I like to be in.<br />
<br />
Comfortably in control. Making decisions after I have prayed about them, masking lists, checking things off the list, moving forward in life in a relatively "controlled" manner. <br />
<br />
When I went through all I did with Kayla and her pregnancy, I was taught a very tangible lesson that I was NOT in control, and that she was never "mine" to control. It took a life-threating event to shake my world of "control" and make me realize I either had to trust The One who was in control, or I was going to drive myself crazy into trying to control what was not mine in the first place. <br />
<br />How often I so easily fall into this cycle. I thought I "learned" my lesson with that situation, but here I am again, realizing I am having to be reminded of it again. <br />
<br />
You see, this is right where God wants me. If I was always able to sail through life, "controlling" everything, I would have no need for Him. No need to rely on Him. No need to ask for His help, for His wisdom. <br />
<br />
I find myself at His feet again, begging Him for his wisdom, for him to pry open my controlling hands around "my" life and let him take what is already His. <br />
<br />
Why do I make it so hard? Why do I stress about these "temporal" things?<br />
<br />
I am continually reminded of my Grandpa Miller's life. He would have been 91 this last month. He lived with eternity in view. As long as I knew him. He didn't stress about the things he couldn't control. He gently laid them in his Father's hands, and lived life with passion and purpose. <br />
<br />
I pray this would be my mindset. That I would live with eternity in view. That I would let go of the control I so often want to have in my life. That I would let go of all the "details" of life that I let bog me down. <br />
<br />
That I would pray. Pray fervently, without ceasing. For wisdom, for my husband, for my children, for those I love.<br />
<br />
That I would love. Love intentionally.<br />
<br />
That I would show love and patience with my girls and my husband, and those I come into contact with.<br />
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That I would LET GO of the things I cannot change and hold fast to things I know to be true.<br />
<br />
There are circumstance in my life now that are drawing me to my knees, because I have no other place to go. <br />
<br />I am frustrated with my parenting..I feel at a loss, I feel like I am doing nothing right.<br />
<br />
I am frustrated with my sharp tongue...I am frustrated I say things I don't want to say, and that I don't say things I do want to say. I am frustrated that I don't encourage some of the people I love the most with my words. <br />
<br />
I am frustrated that I don't know how to love well. How to let go. How to create boundaries, how to communicate boundaries. <br />
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I am frustrated that it takes me so long to get to a place of contentment in one area of my life, and then I finally get there, only to have that contentment swept out from underneath me.<br />
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Ah, it can be so easy to stay in that state of frustration, and yet, I serve a God bigger than all that. I am thankful that He IS IN CONTROL. All I have to do, is open my hand up around all these frustrations that I so tightly cling to, and let Him have them. Allow the Holy Spirit to take control, to lead, to guide, and direct my steps. <br />
<br />
Isaiah 55:8-11<br />
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. "for as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."<br />
<br />
Thankful that I serve this God that will accomplish all that he purposes to in me! <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-5991824059563907352015-01-09T06:59:00.002-08:002015-01-09T06:59:49.323-08:00My Grandpa"Come soon, Lord Jesus" were the ending words of EVERY prayer my Grandpa Miller (my Mom's Dad) ever prayed. As long as I can remember, he was living with eternity in view, looking forward to meeting his Savior. His wait is over, as he is dancing on streets of gold now. Praising and glorifying the One who gave him so much life!<br />
<br />
A life to live. Live he did. To it's fullest! I have never met a more sacrificial, encouraging and loving man than my Grandpa. He was the first to tell you what a wonderful job you did with a hearty "Congratulations!"<br />
<br />
He gave the longest, most generous hugs saying more than words could ever express. "I love you, Jesus loves you, I'm so proud of you, I'm praying for you."<br />
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Him and Grandma are true examples to all of us of what living for the Lord really looks like. They did more than talk the talk. They walked it. Even when the going was tough. When they had little, when they had plenty. No matter the circumstances, they were content because they trusted the One who was in control.<br />
<br />
I have never experienced someone leaving this earth in the way I did Wednesday night. As I watched him peacefully enter into Glory, so many emotions were racing through my mind. <br />
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Most of all <em>thankfulness</em>:<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> that he was not experiencing any pain<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> that he was surrounded by those he loved, and that loved him<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> for my grandma's example of a loving, serving wife. She was living out her "I will...until death do us part." Right before his last breath, she said "I am ok with letting him go, I just don't want him to experience any pain." A selfless, loving, servant's heart by his side until his time on earth was done.<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> for the legacy and heritage he leaves, as family members and friends flooded his bedside for those short passing hours.<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> for his children who surrounded him, letting him know "It's ok to go, Dad. We will take care of mom. You can go." It was as if that was all he needed to hear, because it felt at that very moment that his spirit left. He had breathed his last breath here on earth and was ready to meet his Savior. What a glorious homecoming I bet that was. I'm sure he was greeted with: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> for God's mercy in letting him peacefully enter Heaven. So many people experience such a long road with loved ones as they are passing on. It was not the case with him. God was so gracious to allow it to be so quick and peacful.<br />
<br />
<em>Thankful</em> that we know it will not be the last time we see him. That we will have a glorious reunion with him someday!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so honored and blessed to be a part of this man's heritage. I am proud and humbled to have known and loved this wonderful servant of God. I have so many memories I will cherish forever. <br />
<br />
Some of my favorites:<br />
<ul>
<li>Taking me on my first snow skiing adventure. He was the most patient teacher</li>
<li>Playing happy birthday on the harmonica at all of our birthday parties</li>
<li>His constant words of encouragement</li>
<li>His love and appreciation for any music I played or sang</li>
<li>Sleepovers at their house</li>
<li>Sharing a glass of chocolate milk with him</li>
<li>Working in their garden and yard with him</li>
<li>Coming to Spokane to visit us in the hospital to meet his great-granddaughter Kayla</li>
<li>His hugs. There was nothing like them.</li>
<li>His zest for learning </li>
<li>Spending time at their home, cleaning for them. These were the ordinary, precious moments I was able to share with them. I started when Kayla was very young and went monthly. It was so neat to not only have that time with them, but to have Kayla and Audrey interact with them as well. </li>
<li>Watching him hold Kayla and Audrey's hands as we prayed for the meals we shared together on those "cleaning" days.</li>
<li>His eternal optimism</li>
<li>Visiting him in their "new" apartment in town. I cherish so many memories of just stopping in to visit in the last few months. He lit up when Kayla walked in the room. </li>
<li>His love and thankfulness for life. It was never old or mundane. He had a truly thankful heart.</li>
</ul>
I wrote this poem for him on his 90th birthday last March. The picture is of us on his day of celebration. <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A Tribute to 90 Years<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">90 Years of life,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">with a beautiful woman by his side.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life of love and blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Four Children, Twelve Grandchildren<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Twenty-five Great-Grandchildren<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life of love and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A strong and gentle man,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ready for life’s battles.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life of passion and endurance.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A student of all things,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Never too old to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life of inquiry and wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A man of God, pursuing Him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Praying continually for family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life of dedication and integrity. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank you for the gift of life and love<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You share with all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A life full, a life worth celebrating!</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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We will celebrate his life and lay his body to rest this Monday. Grandma has asked that Mom and I play our "Hallelujah Chorus" 4 hands piano piece. My grandpa had such an appreciation for music. Sometimes I think he came to church just so he could worship the Lord through my mom's piano playing. Each Sunday he told her how beautiful her music was. He especially loved this piece. I played through it last night and could barely get through it as my eyes welled up with tears.</div>
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Tears not because I am sad for him at all. He is in Heaven. Rejoicing with Jesus. Tears because for the first time I could picture someone I knew and loved standing before their Lord, singing:</div>
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"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!</div>
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For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.<br />
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
The kingdom of this world<br />
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,<br />
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;<br />
<br />
And He shall reign for ever and ever,<br />
For ever and ever, forever and ever<br />
<br />
King of kings, and Lord of lords,<br />
King of kings, and Lord of lords<br />
<br />
And He shall reign,<br />
And He shall reign forever and ever,<br />
King of kings, forever and ever,<br />
And Lord of lords,<br />
<br />
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! <br />
And He shall reign forever and ever,<br />
King of kings! and Lord of lords!<br />
<br />
And He shall reign forever and ever,<br />
King of kings! and Lord of lords!<br />
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"<br />
<br />
<br />
Tears because selfishly we will miss this tender-hearted man with a smile like no other. Tears because we will miss not having his prayers. Tears because he leaves a "Husband/Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa/Friend" sized hole in our hearts. <br />
<br />
Yet tears of joy because he pain-free, worshipping his "King of kings"<br />
<br />
Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
I love you so much Grandpa. Thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you for your inspiration. Thank you for your love and commitment to our Lord!<br />
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Most of the family at Grandpa's 90th last March (2014)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138171505225753122.post-33483516865802647182014-11-02T16:00:00.000-08:002014-11-02T16:00:15.915-08:00SimplicityI've been making time to read a little bit lately. When I do it, I'm not sure, but I find little snippets of time to do something I really love to do. I suppose it's my "TV" time, as I hardly watch any TV.<br />
<br />
I've been reading "God's Whisper in a Mother's Chaos" by Keri Kent. One of the best books I've read so far. A must read for all you young moms out there. She writes from in the trenches. She has two young kids, and writes about real life, happening now. Not as an older woman "looking back" at her "raising up kids" years. There is wisdom to be gleaned from those women too, but I just appreciate a different perspective! <br />
<br />
I so appreciate her brutal honesty. It reminds me that I'm not alone in this often so lonely time of life. It's crazy how I can be surrounded by so much noise, and yet feel like I am drowning in my own piles of laundry, dishes, to do lists, and whining children. <br />
<br />
I LOVE MY JOB! Don't get me wrong. My children bring me such joy. They have taught me more about unconditional love than anything else. I think I have a better understanding of how much Christ truly loves us now that I have kids. There is nothing they can do that will make me love them less. Like, maybe, but love, no. :) <br />
<br />
A chapter I read recently was on simplicity. So often I think of this as physically cleaning out the closets and bins of "stuff" that seem to accumulate. I LOVE doing this. There is something freeing about getting rid of "stuff." I think the simplicity God desires of us is much more than just "getting rid" of stuff, but the willingness to have an open hand with the things/people he has given us. <br />
<br />
It's more about contentment than about the number of pairs of pants in my closet. He desires that I hold ALL He has given me with a grateful and open heart and hand. <br />
<br />
There are times when He DOES ask us to give up things, or people. I believe it's much easier to do that when we have practiced the discipline of contentment. Like Paul says "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." He wrote this from prison.<br />
<br />
Back to simplicity. I don't have a hard time simplifying my possessions. We live in a small home, drive simple cars, and I don't require a lot of expensive things. (Although I do love me a good pair of UGG boots and a North Face jackets, I won't deny!)<br />
<br />
But it's not a hard thing for me to hold those with an "open hand." <br />
<br />
It's much harder for my to simplify the activities that fight for the quiet places in my soul. It is the day to day busyness that creates spiritual barriers that keep me from slowing down and hearing God's voice in the chaos of life. <br />
<br />
For me, simplicity is making less of me, so that He can increase. (John 3:30) <br />
<br />
It's about carving out time and places in my life for that to happen. <br />
<br />
How can I focus on God when everyone around me is jumping (literally--Kayla right now...) up and down, fighting for my attention, waving their needs in my face?<br />
<br />
Focusing on the simple truth that Jesus is Enough. I am enough when I focus on becoming like Him. Keeping my perspective. <br />
<br />
Everything I do, I do for Him. This makes the mundane tasks, even the ones I enjoy have purpose. Simplifying life by focusing on doing it all for His glory. <br />
<br />
It's about slowing down for me. Stopping, turning off the mixer to do my next task. Not just putting it on the slow speed while I try to do three other things at the same time. Meanwhile, over-mixing whatever is in the bowl because I couldn't slow down enough to focus on the present task at hand. Actually turning off the beaters of the to do lists, friends to meet, appointments to keep. Focusing on what is in front of me. Becoming more deliberate of living in Jesus' presence moment by moment. <br />
<br />
I might have more patience with my husband and kids. I might have more joy in folding laundry. I might not worry so much about my "to do" list. <br />
<br />
I might just experience the blessings of simplicity. <br />
<br />
When I begin to let go of living the impossible standards I place on myself, I experience God's presence in a more real and tangible way. <br />
<br />
Isn't this what I wish for my daughters to learn? To enjoy the life that God has given us? To not let society drive the decisions we make? To become confident daughters of The King. To desire to live our lives through His filter. <br />
<br />
To live a life of thankfulness. Of contentment. Of Joy. Of Peace.<br />
<br />
This is my prayer. I encourage you to find whatever "simplifying" means in your life. <br />
<br />
Focusing on Christ. Moment by Moment. This is mine. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980834070613618731noreply@blogger.com0