tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65284520487410191692024-03-13T05:05:23.511-07:00The Littles and The BoyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-66757007450948615562013-12-30T13:20:00.002-08:002013-12-30T15:32:11.115-08:00Christmas Break 2013<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here we are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas Break 2013. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It feels like forever since I have entered a post, and well, I was right. It has been forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Off to an outstanding start to the school year with some of the world's greatest 4th graders. They are precious and we are learning, working hard, and having so much fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel like I have blinked my eyes, and here we are. Christmas Break.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">TWO. FULL. WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can I get a <span style="font-size: large;">YIPPEEE</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">?!?!?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a first in my entire career. Never, ever have we had two full weeks. YIPPEE!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, precious break. You are half done, and let me tell you. . .you have planed yourself firm in my heart and you are doing an excellent job allowing me to soak up all of the snuggles and magic that you can muster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Precious Max caught in a quite moment reading his favorite </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">book to his beloved Bash.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A delightful morning routine filled with snuggles, twinkle lights, and reminder to<br />PRAY BIG.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Magical preparations as we hosted our first EVER North Pole Party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It will now be a yearly tradition. So much fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">was had by ALL and millions of memories were made!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas Morning Puppet Shows. So much JOY in one room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the day after Christmas took us to Grand Forks. Because we just know that is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">exactly what EVERYONE wants to do the day after Christmas. At least it was to see our</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> boy play some fun hockey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, the stick ponies and hats were a hit and took many trips up and down </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the long hallways. Thank you Hilton for putting up with us. HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I can hardly believe it. It means my precious Ollie Finn will almost be three, and Testing season is right around the corner. So, with this last week of break, we plan to "Go BIG or Go Home." There are so many more memories to be made and sweet snuggles to be savored. I'm off to grab a few of those right now from my spirited red-head as the littlest one sleeps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What are you doing with this precious Holiday season?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-christie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span id="goog_91985037"></span><span id="goog_91985038"></span><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-12299746929779332802013-06-20T13:14:00.001-07:002013-06-20T13:14:45.766-07:00And we're off. . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have found our groove. This summer thing is really, really starting to agree with us.</div>
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After a week or so home, I feel like I finally know my darlings better than I do during the school year.</div>
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So, we roll. We roll with this summer thing and we are really getting it.</div>
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And, it's heavenly.</div>
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We drive. A lot. The boy has places to go and things to do, so the rumpus in the back seat can be quite entertaining. . .until it's not.</div>
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The flowers are FINALLY exploding and I LOVE IT! The colors are amazing and my garden needs some attention, but so do the littles. So, the weeds will have to wait. As will the laundry, windows, floors, and dust. My littles are only small for so long, and they trump everything. xo<br />
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The boy and his dog continue to bond. Bauer has blessed us so crazy much and we're having so much fun getting to know this 63 pound dog who TRULY believes he is a 5 lb. lap dog! Cracks us up. All the time. He'll be one next month. . .and they said he wouldn't get to be 50 lbs. Ha. Right.</div>
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So proud of the boy, who earned the MVP award at the Varsity All Star Game for Spring lacrosse. It's a good day when he can play the game he loves and be recognized for just working hard! He was so very thrilled, and we are just so very proud of him. <br />
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This sweet and precious little continues to grow and change each and every day. The little "baby" look is going away. . .he's talking up a storm. Most of the time we can really understand each other. . .and then he'll bust out his best foreign language and carry on for a paragraph or two, then look at me and say: "YES?!" Yes, sweet ollie. Whatever you want. For now. xo</div>
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The red head little makes us laugh a billion times each day. He is our "spirited" one and keeps us on our toes! If you follow me on IG (theboyandthelittles) you witnessed his dropped drawers and his joyful proclamation of "MAMA! I peed overboard!!!!!" He was so proud. Just so, so proud.</div>
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My love continues to work. He's amazing. He loves us more than we can imagine and provides for us more than he should have to. He will never, ever know how much he is appreciated and how all of his boys talk about him during the day while he is away. </div>
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As for me? I'm thankful for the gift of being able to figure this summer thing out. We are far from over scheduled, but scheduled just enough to feel like we're doing somethings that are important as well as have a lot of fun along the way. </div>
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Life is good.</div>
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The snuggles are many.</div>
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The giggles are uncountable.</div>
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We are blessed.</div>
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xo</div>
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christie</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-66423735301905398202013-06-06T13:04:00.002-07:002013-06-06T13:13:04.885-07:00Here we go. . . This is completely NOT how I planned my first blog post of the summer to be.<br />
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But, oh well. I'm rolling with it.<br />
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Summer is here! YAHOO! I should be all "Yippee and YES!!!" And I am! But, I'm kinda not. I'm a little more like "Woah. . .really?" Super pumped to send the last class to 5th grade! No worries about that! They're so ready AND they'll be AWESOME!!!<br />
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But, "Really?" Home with my kiddos? All. Day. Long. OH, boys. Three of them. Oh my.<br />
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So, this hero of mine talks a lot about being a "truth teller." <br />
Here it is! Holy cats, scared. <br />
Yep. <br />
A little scared.<br />
I know 24 other children better than I know my own! It's the truth.<br />
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So, truth is out. . .today has been a good day. It's been hard. ..just a little though. <br />
It has been a mellow day.<br />
All in all, quite delightful. Not too boring, not too exciting. . .just right actually.<br />
It's like sticking my toe into a chilly pool. . .slowly. That's how we're going to roll with this new summer thing for awhile! Or, at least until summer decides to show up and be kind here in good ol' freezin-our-tails-off MN. We'll be ready.<br />
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In the mean time.<br />
I have fed the children.<br />
Twice. (it's only 3:00pm)<br />
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We have played puzzles.<br />
Three time outs. Two for the red head, one for me.<br />
Experienced our first EVER Kiwi Crate project. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moo, the happy woodpecker. Thanks Kiwi Crate!</td></tr>
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Read books. Had the radio on more than the TV (that's awesome). Chased poor Bauer (the boy dog) around the house. More than we should admit to. Giggled. A lot. Shared some precious snuggles and lots and lots of hugs.<br />
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So, here I am summer.<br />
I'm showing up. Ready. Prepared to be a bit overwhelmed at times, but I'm thrilled that you're here to stay for awhile.<br />
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Feeling blessed.<br />
Tomorrow, we hope to tackle creating the summer 'bucket list!'<br />
What's on yours?<br />
Do share!!<br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-41398175037666347752013-05-21T15:10:00.001-07:002013-05-21T15:10:09.450-07:00happy heart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That moment when EIGHT varsity lacrosse boys show up. . .<br />
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completely unannounced.<br />
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They're hungry and they want to hang out.<br />
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These are the Mom Moments I LIVE FOR.<br />
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My heart is beyond full of J O Y.<br />
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I just want this moment to plant itself in my heart and stay awhile.<br />
What makes your heart happy?<br />
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Off to restock my fridge. . .<br />
xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-45634727590246927492013-05-21T13:57:00.003-07:002013-05-21T13:57:58.528-07:00It's the little things. . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the little things I'm holding close these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moments I want to last a little longer. . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those moments I want to make sure that I remember. . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're in a crazy season right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The school year is almost ending (YIPPEE). . .I send another group of 4th graders on their way (always bittersweet). . . .The boy ends another school year (how on earth does this continue to happen?!?!). . . the lacrosse season will soon move into another crazy schedule (hang on and enjoy the ride). . . the littles will be home with me all summer long (let's keep it real here. . . . i get a little tired just thinking about it). . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">walks will be longer. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bed time will have more snuggles. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books will be read. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hands will be held. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">knees will be skinned. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fish will be caught. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ice cream will drip down chins. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">songs will be sung. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fun will be had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will search for JOY in the very little things that happen each and every day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will plant those seconds in my heart and pray they stick around for awhile. Even when things are crazy. Things are always going to be a little crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through it all, God will be faithful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smiles will be big.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">life will still be good. xo</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lacrosse with moo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swing happy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good gravy. driving ms. daisy. </td></tr>
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<br />What do YOU plan on doing this summer?!<div>
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leave me a note! <br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-81892345915594192482013-05-12T08:19:00.001-07:002013-05-12T08:19:52.862-07:00Show me how. . .The four most precious words to come out of my three year old's mouth today. <br />
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"Show me how, Mama."<br />
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Oh, my sweet and precious little. I will do my best.<br />
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It is my hope that I will show you how<br />
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. . .to be kind. It won't always be easy, but we can do it if we try. You will learn, precious love, that a little bit of kindness will go a long, long ways. <br />
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. . .to pray through the joy and praise through the storms.<br />
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. . .to play hard.<br />
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. . . to just show up.<br />
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. . .to have fun with your brothers without cause for a trip to the ER.<br />
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. . . to cheer for others. always.<br />
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. . . to attempt to keep it as simple.<br />
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. . .to be the best sport possible.<br />
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. . . to be brave. Our God is bigger than any scary thing we face, and he's got our back.<br />
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And to show you always how much you are loved.<br />
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No. Matter. What.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-12715738957661783712013-05-06T17:12:00.003-07:002013-05-06T17:12:58.308-07:00flower power.Me: What did you have for lunch today, Max?<div>
<br />Max: pb&j. it was good.</div>
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Me: What did you do today?</div>
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Max: I played hard. I played outside. I took my shoes off. I was happy.</div>
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Me: What was the best part of your day?</div>
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Max: making you the flower.</div>
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Such a precious and proud little.</div>
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Oh, I love him so crazy much.</div>
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xo</div>
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On another fun note, the boy made the varsity lacrosse team. He is still over-the-moon excited. They're playing now, as I'm home with the littles. They're up 9-1 at the half. THAT should make for a happy boy. Proud mama.</div>
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What is making you happy today?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-12463462234037254292013-04-27T14:55:00.002-07:002013-04-27T14:55:50.673-07:00Happy HangoverSpring has finally arrived in Minnesota! Can I get a "YAHOO!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!! YIPPEEE!!!! YIPPEEEE!!!!!!!" ?!?!?! YES! It's here. Windows are open, birds are singing, and all is well with the world.<br />
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Today I am holding tight to the happy hangover from a super special night! I had the outstanding opportunity to go and listen to Glennon Doyle Melton. And YES, she was just as amazing as I had anticipated her to be. <br />
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The church was packed. I was not surprised There was this buzz of excited women who were there to listen to her story, hear her express her faith, and it was nothing short of a massive blessing. Her two favorite verses, are also two of mine. . . . her message of "Here I Am. . ." and "Be still" ring so very true in my ears and flow through my veins on a daily basis.<br />
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Her laugh is contagious her spirit . . . so very BRAVE! I am so blessed that she showed up. It was an honor to listen, to allow myself the time to just be still, and to soak in all the love in that church. <br />
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Meeting her after and sharing a brief moment is a blessing that will stick with me for a very, very long time!!! YIPPEE!!!!!<br />
Love wins!<br />
We CAN do hard things! Brilliant words to live by! xoxo<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious friend Lisa, Glennon, and me. . .the giddy teacher. There were hugs and squeals of JOY!<br />Blessed.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Happy Saturday.</div>
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xo</div>
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be blessed.</div>
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off to go and play in the sun with my loves and hold tight to this happiness hangover! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-51568986850039792202013-04-05T06:35:00.003-07:002013-04-05T06:35:53.315-07:00Our Sweet Life<br />
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There is heaven in this boy. I know I have said this before. But seriously. My little Shepard boy, Ollie Finn, constantly has his darling blankie on his head. I caught him this evening in a moment of peace playing with his leap pad and chilling with his blankie. Love this little. CRAZY much!<br />
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Easter was amazing. The promise, the hope, the feeling of love ....it is amazing. He is risen!! It doesn't get any better than that. Ever. Amen. My boy and the littles were precious with Easter egg hunts, little baskets, books, snuggles, prayers, and love. We had a blessed day. Pure joy.<br />
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We have a happy and blessed house. Even when it's a crazy hot mess. Which. . .is . . . well, most of the time. We are just blessed beyond measure. Loved and forgiven. It doesn't get much better than that.<br />
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Well, we are back at into our groove. Spring break feels like it was forever ago and I can hardly believe how fast it went. It has been a blessing to return to happy darlings at school and get back into a routine with the crazies here at the home.<br />
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Last night brought my normal bible study date. It couldn't have come soon enough. We a loving every second of our Esther study. These women are more precious to me than gold. I love them. So crazy much and they continue to bless me so much. What a gift they are. I also don't know how Beth Moore does it, but she's rocking this one right out of the park. This study is truly nothing short of earth moving. Check out the happy mail day I was blessed enough to enjoy. A whole stack of Bloom books!!! YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE!!! PURE JOY!!! I can hardly contain myself!!!!<br />
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Have mercy...I don't remember the last time I was this excited about getting the mail.....then today arrived. And Carry On, Warrior. . . it is HERE! Sleep is so overrated. I can't wait to dive into these!!! So excited. I can hardly stand it!!!<br />
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That's all for now.<br />
Correcting to do now that the littles are down for the night and the big is at hockey. A moment of peace with a purple correcting pen. Ahhhh.<br />
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xo<br />
c<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-86558058371123914642013-03-26T12:50:00.000-07:002013-03-26T12:50:01.366-07:00Dump.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love my brother.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">darling dinner date before church. xo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMGoodness! I could not LOVE this any more! <br />(cuff purchased from farmgirlpaints @etsy)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silly tubby boys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">question asked: "Moo, what would you do if I gave you a cardboard box?"<br />reply: "Mama, I would build a spaceship and fly to Buzz."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sun setting on a perfect NO SCHOOL snow day. LOVE!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning perfection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my new toy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">202!!!! Best section EVER at the MN State HS Hockey Tourney.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giggles.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_865016719"></span><span id="goog_865016720"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-27928455254899325222013-03-26T12:38:00.001-07:002013-03-26T12:38:14.949-07:00Spring BreakSpring Break.<br />
One of the best weeks of the entire year for those of us who teach. I truly don't know who was more pumped. Me or my students?!?! I think it was me. Hands down.<br />
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Breaks are filled with many, many hugs, morning snuggles, play dates, afternoon naps, and an overall feeling of being blessed.<br />
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I was behind thrilled that break started off with a happy hour with my dear and precious team. Anytime the five of us are together it always ends up with side splitting laughter. You know the kind. Where your cheeks hurt into the next day. Well, mine hurt for almost two days. What memories. I am blessed to teach with them.<br />
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We have continued to have more "boy fun" according to moo.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPnLNy4GEao/UVH3LeS9cgI/AAAAAAAAAKo/qkZPPjnL6oM/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPnLNy4GEao/UVH3LeS9cgI/AAAAAAAAAKo/qkZPPjnL6oM/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
He loved his hot coca date and trip to the zoo. All the time I am looking for that perfect picture that I can take of my sweets. All the while, I am learning that it is really quite a challenge to please a 2, a 3, and a 15 year old at the same time. It truly makes me stop and think. How in the world did it come to this?? Ollie Finn is happy as long as there is enough food and snuggles to go around. Oh, and octopus blankie. Don't forget that. The teenager, struggling this week because "EVERYONE is on a trip to somewhere AMAZING this week .....what are we doing today?.....lets go DO something......and I wish the coach would just post the lax teams already......" mode. Yep. It could be worse. His pleas never last more then 32 seconds and he is right back to his carefree, happy self. There have been many games of pick-up basketball in the entryway, hide and go seek, and chase between he and the littles. It never fails. They all eventually end up in a hog pile of boy fun, laughter, and tumbles. It makes my heart soar and then quickly question if my house will ever, ever, ever be clean again. Probably not.<br />
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Being home makes me long for the Pinterest house. The Pinterest playrooms. The Pinterest vacations and then I serious want to kick my own butt. Seriously. Why does being home make me want to gut the house and just start over? So, down to the dungeon for some toys that never get played with, off to target for some shelves (darn you Pinterest). Oh, and if I only knew how to quilt. ( Darn you instagram) Must. Figure. That. Out. Soon. Then all will be well with the world, RIGHT?!?!?!<br />
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So, it was off to the Galleria with moo in his hockey helmet, jersey, and gloves to fine new quilts for the boys' room since I don't know how to quilt. Oh, the joy that child brought to the Monday night shoppers. Unlike anything I have ever seen before. <br />
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So instead of quilting for my children and gutting my home I will find an insane amount of joy with the homemade lunch we were able to enjoy together, the zoo memories made, and the littles who are totally crashed this afternoon due to the amazing moments that have wore them out. And the teenager who met us at the door and was thrilled to have us back from the zoo.<br />
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Life is really something.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">precious littles at the zoo! Yes, I know. Max has his hockey helmet, jersey, and gloves. Do you KNOW what it's like to try to leave the house without those three items? Have mercy.<br /><br /><br /><br />xo.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-38735135332267416972013-03-02T12:01:00.002-08:002013-03-02T12:01:24.024-08:00Smooshy Frosting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgWFIzioRPQ/UTJYi5rH26I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/rY2A6123FAc/s1600/Ollie+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgWFIzioRPQ/UTJYi5rH26I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/rY2A6123FAc/s640/Ollie+24.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is two. I loved one so much. . .I can hardly stand what two will bring for this precious little peanut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love this little bug more every second . . . truly the happiest child I have ever met in my entire life. Love his little voice, love his sweet chubby little hands, love the little chunk feet that now run at full speed all . the. time. so fun, the little pitter patter of feet. All boy. My boy. I love his smooshy little body, the way he snuggles in and just melts into my shoulder. His giggles stop me in my tracks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is heaven in this boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love his smooshiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love that he is my frosting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My precious ollie finn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-43575038119385931972013-02-17T16:05:00.001-08:002013-02-17T16:05:12.026-08:00two.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_q3WxDSK1k/USFwDftU7KI/AAAAAAAAAJk/uEuVxEZcKL8/s1600/ollie+birthday+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_q3WxDSK1k/USFwDftU7KI/AAAAAAAAAJk/uEuVxEZcKL8/s640/ollie+birthday+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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perfect.<br />
precious.<br />
happy.<br />
two.<br />
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loved beyond measure. . .over the moon and back again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-8810486621427993172013-02-15T06:41:00.002-08:002013-02-15T06:41:47.737-08:00What he says. . . <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Oh, my little moo. . . and the things that come out of his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And. . .here is how it went.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moo. . .do you know what love is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Moo:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mama, it is you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(okay. . .melting heart and eyes fill with tears!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that boy.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He continues. . . “Mama, love is also when I piddle on Kelly’s floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then. . . she gets mad because I missed the toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, I cry for a minute, and then she forgives me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mama, that is love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, my little moo. . . that is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moo. . .who do you love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Moo:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love ollie, and heho, and dada, and bauer, and you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you all love me the best!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-36065239577054498752013-02-14T09:31:00.000-08:002013-02-14T10:51:21.392-08:00Who am I?Lent photo challenge no. 1.<br />
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am a wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the lover of my bigs, my littles, . .friends, family. . .the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the undeserving receiver of forgiveness and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am filled with faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I feel that, at times, I am a failure of a mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Take last night for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Valentine’s Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a teacher and a mother of three boys, one would think that I was elated for all the cute, pink. . . .stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I. . .again this year. . .did not have my crap together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stand Valentine’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There. I said it. </span>As a single mom for 10 years, it was the most dreaded day of the year. . .so I would shower the boy with gifts (matchbox cars.) and hearts (dye cuts from school.) and pizza (frozen) for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(come on . . .at the time, it was the best I could do.) <br />I still feel that I should be more excited about this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Last minute I print free online cards that we need to color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(yep, the night before.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I bake banana bread . . .and lovingly slice it into heart shapes. (mom of the year material, right there.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I muster every bit of patience to just get through the night knowing that this idea of Valentine’s Day, eve, whatever will never, ever match up to the ‘dream world’ that is in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bracing myself for the disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda like photo-shoot-monster-mom who appears for family portraits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I am that mom too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom who reads the same book to my littles each and every night and pause to let moo fill in the blanks with the right words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom who colors the valentines for the littles beacuse they'd rather play pirates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom who loves my boys so darn much that at moments I truly think hat my heart is absolutely going to EXPLODE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean really explode people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurts sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom who tries to love them the best that I can each and every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just on Valentine’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m over that whole date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the mom who is married to the most AMAZING dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I’d be able to breathe if he weren’t here to walk beside me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m that mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And for today, I am going to accept that I am just good enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: AbcTeacher; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now, go spread the love people! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-9163842788181009252013-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:002013-02-02T14:43:56.938-08:00hands and piggies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-penvrFxgNcg/UQ16n0-LV1I/AAAAAAAAAH4/kwoNFFCTteU/s1600/hands..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-penvrFxgNcg/UQ16n0-LV1I/AAAAAAAAAH4/kwoNFFCTteU/s320/hands..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is just something about these little fingers. They're totally toddler fingers. . .still a little chubby, but starting to look like little boy hands. Three is amazing, there is so much one can do at three, and Moo does all of it and so much more. But last night, as he crawled up on my lap. . .his red hair in every which direction, evidence that he had enjoyed a 'good sleep', he snuggled in and folded his hands.</div>
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"They're praying hands, Mama." </div>
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Yes, Moo. . .yes, they sure are. And I love your sweet and perfect little praying hands.</div>
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These are the precious hands that wrap around me with a hug as the moo declares it a </div>
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"1. . .2. . .3. . .squeeeeeeeeeze" kind of hug. Nothing can beat it.</div>
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I wonder what these hands are going to do to make a difference in this world. </div>
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Will he heal others? Will they be helpful to those in need? Will they fix things? Where will they go? </div>
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I pray over these little, precious, chubby toddler hands.</div>
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And then there are those piggies. I've got to get the little bug to sit still long enough to capture his chunks. Oh, those feet. . . his right one, in this picture, trying to get away. . as we just don't have ANY sit in us. . .on the go. The littlest piggies are getting ready to turn two. TWO? Really? Where in the world does the time go. I can't believe the little bug is almost two. It will be here before we know it, then those little sausage fingers and chunk feet will be leaving us. It's crazy, the baby is turning into sweet little toddler. </div>
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We've also experienced a complete word explosion with the little one. Love his little voice. Love his little run. . .love love love the way he squints his eyes when he smiles. . .and the minute I pick up my phone he screams. . ."cheeeeeese!" love my bug and love his face.</div>
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Moo noticed "Mama, we're all stripes today." So a picture moment it was! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bpEKXCzWVs/UQ16qTztzMI/AAAAAAAAAIA/HgsdLjNEQuQ/s1600/Socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bpEKXCzWVs/UQ16qTztzMI/AAAAAAAAAIA/HgsdLjNEQuQ/s320/Socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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thankful for saturday.</div>
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thankful for my loves.</div>
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xo</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-37290752014807730302013-01-27T14:04:00.003-08:002013-01-27T14:04:49.102-08:00Love. These. Boys. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-12588173811107642152013-01-27T13:40:00.003-08:002013-01-27T13:40:45.760-08:00State of Hockey.Hockey.<br />
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It's what The Boy loves.<br />
He loves it more than anything. . . just like a 15 year old should. Days without hockey are long and he finds himself longing for the ice. Thank goodness we live on a rather large pond where he can spend countless hours during the winter months. There is truly nothing better than watching him skate, alone, on a rink in our very own back yard. There is truly nothing like getting a glimpse into his 'hockey world'. The one without the coaches, the pressure from the teammates, the fear of him getting hit from behind, the stress of winning the game. <br />
Here.<br />
He can just be.<br />
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I can't begin to imagine the imaginary roar of the crowd, as he single handedly shoots. . .and scores. . .unassisted. GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! <br />
It's magical.<br />
It's sacred.<br />
It's my boy. The ice. The puck. The game.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg9NTJo2acU/UQWcsjZpbzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XbBWYCt7XE4/s1600/Alex+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg9NTJo2acU/UQWcsjZpbzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XbBWYCt7XE4/s640/Alex+pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then there are the days where it's just so much fun! Youth hockey at its absolute BEST!!!! With the hard work of some really, really great dads. . .the pond hockey tourney was a HUGE success. There is nothing better here in the State of Hockey, than the joy of being able to place a smooch on the Golden Shovel. The boy got to do just that with the help of some fun buddies!<br />
The Flow Rockers won the shovel!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVFq6MUiR3k/UQWdWZ_92OI/AAAAAAAAAGc/TggSgVakV-o/s1600/Pond+Hockey+Champs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVFq6MUiR3k/UQWdWZ_92OI/AAAAAAAAAGc/TggSgVakV-o/s320/Pond+Hockey+Champs.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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This picture makes my heart soar. The huge, open mouth smile. . . again. My boy. Not much better than watching him play some puck.</div>
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The boy. . .the same boy who finds so much joy in the game he loves also being the world's most amazing big brother as he teaches the Moo to skate.</div>
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Oh, how I love this boy.</div>
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xo</div>
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<span id="goog_714032070"></span><span id="goog_714032071"></span><br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-63002455457546287982013-01-26T15:52:00.000-08:002013-01-26T15:52:07.395-08:00The things he says. . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Mama, when I get big like Heho I will get a jacket. Then you can be the princess and we will dance all day and sing." Moo. Age 3.<br />
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Love this boy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-87631331358737898292013-01-18T17:05:00.002-08:002013-01-18T17:05:48.737-08:00Fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Winter 2013. . . where in the world is it going?</div>
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My precious boys in the snow. . .we wish there was more of it to play in this year!</div>
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My sweet loves had a blast building a fort, a snowman, and playing with Bauer in the endless white fluff. Perfection. </div>
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Sweet Moo busy with all of his "hockey guys." The boy's team playing an awesome game! Moo gave this "thumbs up!" as the boy scored the first goal of the game! So fun! Love.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NrafjB8fOg/UPnwZsbuEaI/AAAAAAAAAF0/C-2UMOJbtRA/s1600/305966_10200178661617757_677768002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NrafjB8fOg/UPnwZsbuEaI/AAAAAAAAAF0/C-2UMOJbtRA/s400/305966_10200178661617757_677768002_n.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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silly snow moose.......or dog.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-70530339875501497532012-10-24T19:52:00.001-07:002012-10-24T19:52:19.160-07:00My Sweet Moo!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**Typed 10.18.12 Next time push PUBLISH. Duh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hip! Hip! HORRAY!! Today is THE day! After "too many sleeps!" The day is finally here. . .my precious little Moo is THREE!!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r78AupWV5Q0/UICcaLl-kKI/AAAAAAAAAFI/M_Z0RcD51q0/s1600/Doorenbos+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r78AupWV5Q0/UICcaLl-kKI/AAAAAAAAAFI/M_Z0RcD51q0/s640/Doorenbos+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It feels like it was yesterday, about 4pm when our sweet little redhead buddy entered the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It feels like moments ago when his big brother walked in and saw the standard hospital hat on this precious newborn. . .you know the one. With the pink and blue stripes on it? The boy instantly did his best to grin and look excited while asking, "Is it a girl?!" To watch, seconds later, as his grin turned to absolute out of control joy to learn that this precious baby was a BOY!!!!!!! That is a moment in time that I will never, ever forget.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdmGio6WzaY/UICdQOLpy2I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/QK8k9JRBEoQ/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdmGio6WzaY/UICdQOLpy2I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/QK8k9JRBEoQ/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It feels like, with this Moo, we will forever be kept on our toes! Adventures with this child are waiting around each and every corner! His smile is contagious, his giggle absolutely infectious! His tales as we ride in the car. . .completely priceless. We love to sing songs together. . .a favorite together is "You Are My Sunsine. . ." I sing some of it, stop, and wait for him to fill in the tune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mama: "You are my. . . "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "BEST FRIEND!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mama: "My special. . . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "BEST FRIEND!!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mama: "You make me HAPPY!!!!......"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "When skies are GREY!!!!!!!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mama: "You'll never know. . . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "Dear....how much I WUB you. . . "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Together: "So please don't take my SUNSHINE away!!!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "AGAIN!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so we go again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another car ride tale. . . .as we are driving down the road, he will see something and declare. . . "Isn't that AMAZING, Mom?!?!?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom: "What is it that you see that's so Amazing, Moo?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moo: "Well. . . that parking lot filled with cars. . . or that man crossing the road. . .or that girl on her bike. . . or the leaves on the tree. . . "</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has so many priceless responses. Those responses are reminding me how important it is to slow down and notice how AMAZING everything around us is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, I am so in LOVE with this little redheaded wonder of mine. xo </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-68688196461812516872012-08-13T14:20:00.000-07:002012-08-13T14:20:34.163-07:00Toddlers.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LHCBf7msB8/UClpynVFtiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/zW9K3NZrAq4/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LHCBf7msB8/UClpynVFtiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/zW9K3NZrAq4/s640/DSC_0112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brotherhood.</td></tr>
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It's days like this that I need to look at this picture and remind myself of how very short this toddler stage really, really is. Today, however, it feels like it may never end.<br />
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Starting first thing this morning with the following:<br />
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"Mom! Don't call the ambulance! I not hurt, I just crazy!!!!! OKAY??????" exclaimed by Moo all while scaling the back of the couch. He is TWO. Two. We are so two today.<br />
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How do you suppose one responds to THAT?!?! I have yet to decide. Needless to say, I didn't call the ambulance.<br />
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Why this obsession with the ambulance? I'm not sure. Maybe he's still reliving our trip to children's from the dog bite. The one that resulted in stitches in the palm of his hand and many, many, many two-year-old conversations revolving around drs., hospitals, sick, hurt, and more ambulance-hospital-talk-type-stuff. Back it up to stitches. Moo couldn't even say stitches. So, all week long he's ask me to check his "*itches" Yep. Insert the b. How do you not giggle at THAT? WE have since corrected him and done everything to not laugh hysterically when he mentions them. That and kick ourselves for not getting it on video. <br />
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So back to the ambulance obsession. It's all we can focus on.<br />
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We continue with our day. All of which has included a head first dive into a matchbox car, resulting in splitting the skin between upper lip and nose, a head first dive into the step all while running away from HEHO who, according to Moo is, "being MEAN mama, and he being a BUG!" ***The split however did NOT result in a trip to Children's for some *itches. Just a lot of tears about "I don't wanna go to the hospital! Don't call the ambulance." <br />
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The day has been filled with "please walk, Moo. . .you need to slow down please, are YOU being a GOOD listener? Moo, walk please, Moo, you're going to get a bad owie!!! Please sweetie, you must sit still for just a moment, maybe it's time for you to lay down and relax a little bit, YES. ..a nap! We should take a nap! Please don't hit your b-ollie. Moo, please keep your hands to yourself. Hands are for hugging, not hitting. No, you don't have to sleep. . . yes, you can just look at books and have a little chill time. You're not tired? Okay. Let's watch some show."<br />
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Yep.<br />
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That lasted all of 25 minutes. Both littles pulled a complete and full-fledged Nap Boycott today. So we snuggle and relish in days like these. The days I'm BLESSED enough to be at home with them. These perfect, toddler filled, catch-'em-if-ya-can, wonderful, joy. . .followed by just a bit of stress. . .filled days. I wouldn't trade it for the world. This teaching thing truly gives me the best of BOTH worlds. Even though I have said many times over the past decade+ of teaching that August is really just one long Sunday night. . . even on a day like today. . .I just need it to SLOW DOWN. Please. <br />
I continue to beg Father Time. . . please, just slow it down. I know that I tell friends frequently that you and I are NOT on speaking terms, Father Time. . .but please. Let me just be still with these toddlers and love on them every moment I can.<br />
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Oh, and the phone is ringing! Moo: "I'll get it! I'll get it! I'll get it". . . .really? Does he even know how to answer the phone?<br />
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Please, slow down. I pray. . . slow it down and keep my littles and the boy safe. xo<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-28929699892708240462012-07-25T13:56:00.000-07:002012-07-25T13:56:02.757-07:00LOVE This Day!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
July 25th. I love EVERYTHING about this day! It's the day we became a family. It's a day that I had dreamed about, planned for, and lived for. </div>
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The day itself was beyond perfect. . . a picture perfect HOT summer day filled with joy, friends, love, family, and precious moments. The boy walked me down the aisle, promises were made, candles were lit, flowers were breathtaking, we celebrated life and held dear the ones who weren't able to join us. We served our guests communion, we were joined by the most dear angels on earth to celebrate with us, we ate, we drank, and we were filled with The Spirit who joined us in blessing this day. We danced the night away. Everything was just as it should have been and all was, and still is, well with the world. Love is amazing. Wow. Beyond blessed, still.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wldXwU7G_8M/UA8I6Mo2MUI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B9ELWucWsZo/s1600/Family.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wldXwU7G_8M/UA8I6Mo2MUI/AAAAAAAAAEM/B9ELWucWsZo/s320/Family.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2crvDckYIWc/UA8I82lW9QI/AAAAAAAAAEU/nRrZlfodzgY/s1600/Jeff+and+Christie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2crvDckYIWc/UA8I82lW9QI/AAAAAAAAAEU/nRrZlfodzgY/s320/Jeff+and+Christie.jpeg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOExc4bva8I/UA8JEelSOOI/AAAAAAAAAEc/l9iFfNPppmQ/s1600/Alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOExc4bva8I/UA8JEelSOOI/AAAAAAAAAEc/l9iFfNPppmQ/s320/Alex.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boy, who for months stated "WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!! I'm TOO excited to sleep!!!!!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-Xxfl2Jr4Q/UA8KYEcfIwI/AAAAAAAAAEk/1_VV7pGVTmg/s1600/0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-Xxfl2Jr4Q/UA8KYEcfIwI/AAAAAAAAAEk/1_VV7pGVTmg/s320/0290.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wouldn't change a thing. xo</td></tr>
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**Photos courtesy the beautiful Em of M Photography. Amazing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-86378417024771506592012-07-24T14:06:00.001-07:002012-07-25T04:41:01.472-07:00The Boy and His Dog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is it about a boy and his dog? It's this unspeakable bond of fun, understanding, love, rough-housing, wrestling, and snuggles. We have been blessed with all of the above from our awesome dog Wrigley. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgL0vlhmR0w/UAsZzELnfUI/AAAAAAAAADo/W52QdUZLg50/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgL0vlhmR0w/UAsZzELnfUI/AAAAAAAAADo/W52QdUZLg50/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's my dog and I'm his boy.</td></tr>
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And so today, I just need a moment. A moment to hold on to what I so loved about this dog. As a single mom for 10 years, this is the last link to THAT life. I don't ever want THAT life back, but of the wonderful things that came out of that life, this dog was one of them. He was my reason for my feet to hit the floor on the weekends when the boy was away. That howl, those big brown eyes, and floopy ears, this buddy who needed to be walked, fed, snuggled, and played with. And that is exactly what I did. The boy knew in his heart that this dog was HIS and his alone, but he had no clue to the therapy, healing, annoyance, and love that was gifted to me unconditionally while he was away. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcKUVNOxO4I/UAsZ_MzwOBI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Trlh7Inixlg/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcKUVNOxO4I/UAsZ_MzwOBI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Trlh7Inixlg/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet pup</td></tr>
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I need a moment. I don't do good-byes. . . .I actually don't even enjoy the "see-ya-laters!" A piece of my heart is broken today as I say my "see ya when we get there" to our precious Wrigley. And more than ever, I hope the good Lord has a boat for ya to ride on, a pig's ear for you to hide in His couch, and a big lap for you to enjoy.</div>
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Love ya Riggs.</div>
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xo</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNzmULNFYjo/UAsZ2B7S0oI/AAAAAAAAADw/OA8x59ESnNg/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNzmULNFYjo/UAsZ2B7S0oI/AAAAAAAAADw/OA8x59ESnNg/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until we meet again, Wrigley. <br />
Thank you for being the most loyal and loved dog on the block. xo</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6528452048741019169.post-73066713395221627682012-07-10T14:01:00.003-07:002012-07-10T14:01:47.142-07:00Long live the nana!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n751Ggu1BI/T_yU-Z38k9I/AAAAAAAAADU/Q5uzt3XEA3E/s1600/Max+nana.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n751Ggu1BI/T_yU-Z38k9I/AAAAAAAAADU/Q5uzt3XEA3E/s320/Max+nana.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a super big day around here yesterday. Moo, the lover of all nanas, had a very special visitor. Let me back up just a little bit. About two weeks ago we had the pleasure of getting his teeth cleaned for the very FIRST time. He's got about 4 more months until he turns three, so I figured it was about time. He's great at brushing, his teeth look great, with the exception of a space in the front that the Dr. stated was caused by sucking on his nana. So, the Dr. very gently suggested that it might be time to give it up! Along with that suggestion was the hint that while we're giving it up for Moo, we might as well give it up for the little bug as well before it does to much damage!<br />
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So, Moo has recently become obsessed with Buzz and Woody and I figured, boy, what 2.5 year old wouldn't LOVE to have two new buddies to play with in exchange for all of the nanas in the house!?!?!? Yesterday was the day! Heho even got in on the action. Distracting Moo while we set things up and we all headed up to the room to do a little "picking up" only to discover that the nanas were gone at there were a few new toys on his bed! Oh, the excitement that filled those little eyes!!! He picked up Buzz and Woody and hugged them so tightly and then gently placed them back on the bed. He turned to us and said, "Oh no! The nana fairy has come. She taked all my nanas to give to little babies that need them. Oh, no!!!" If only you could see his little hands held out in front of him, and to hear his very breathy sigh as he realized that this was the end of the nana affair for him. (And the little bug!)<br />
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The afternoon went on, and Buzz and Woody were played with constantly. They were never more than an arm's length away from Moo and after a tubby we prepared for bed. I very gently reminded him that he had to gather his new buddies to join him in bed so that he would have company, and that tonight he was a REALLY BIG BOY without a nana! Oh, I laid it on thick. And, it went perfect! He hopped right up into bed, snuggled his blankie and his new "Best Friwends" (Yes, that's how he says it, with the 'w'!) and he was out for the count. He even made Mama and Dada so proud. . .as this was the first night in 5 consecutive nights that we WERE NOT woken up at 3:30am to help him go and find the nana that fell out of his mouth. I still woke around 3am, but didn't get up. . .just lifted a little prayer of thankfulness that he was still sound asleep and had no nana to search for! Whew.<br />
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Whew.<br />
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What a relief!<br />
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Then came nap time today. He was laying so silently in his bed all snuggled in and I was SURE he was asleep. Then came the frequent trips OUT of bed. <br />
Round 1: "I not tired, Mama."<br />
Round 2: "B-ollie seeping, Mama."<br />
Round 3: "I firsty (thirsty) Mama."<br />
Round 4: "Woody not tired, Mama."<br />
Round 5: "I don't want Buzz and Woody no more, Mama. I need my nana."<br />
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Round 6, 7, and 8. . . quite similar to round 5. Sigh. <br />
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After a little rocking, some snuggles, and praying with him about his beloved NANAS, the moo is FINALLY asleep.<br />
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What does all of this mean? Dada is in charge of bedtime tonight. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150777960935508804noreply@blogger.com1