tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80441476963210360512024-02-19T00:37:53.235-05:00Ponderings of the HeartMindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.comBlogger1153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-31276803133709583772018-02-10T15:06:00.000-05:002018-02-10T15:06:13.380-05:00Favorite Finds {2.10.18}<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you know what this Wednesday is <i>besides </i>Valentine's Day?</div>
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This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent.<br />
Lent is season preceding Easter during the Liturgical year.<br />
It is a time of preparing our hearts for the coming of Easter.<br />
People do a lot of different things to prepare for Easter.<br />
Some "give up" something during Lent.<br />
Maybe a bad habit like foods that aren't good for them, complaining, or caffeine. Maybe they give up a meal by fasting and praying once a day or once a week.<br />
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Some people "put on" something during Lent. Maybe they commit themselves to pray for a certain amount of time each day or at a specific time each day.<br />
Maybe they commit to reading their Bible each day or serving for a certain amount of time each week.<br />
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Maybe they do specific Lenten related readings and devotionals each day.<br />
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I have been looking for a Lenten Study for myself as well as something to use with our youth small groups during this season.<br />
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Here is one <a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/2018-family-study-for-lent" target="_blank">study</a> that I found for families.<br />
I love that this is intended for families to use on a weekly basis during Lent. If your family is like mine, it is B U S Y. With only one lesson a week, hopefully we can keep up. I also love that it is a way to get my whole family involved in observing Lent together. I will be printing these devotions out and using them with my family this year.<br />
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I found these two studies that I really like for our youth. I will be presenting them to our youth committee tomorrow night and we will choose one to use with our small groups.<br />
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The first one is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mindymc5-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1426792832&asins=1426792832&linkId=348c3b9e615d97ab033975e71df08c79&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Renegade Gospel Youth Study </a></div>
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There is also an adult version of this <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mindymc5-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1426792794&asins=1426792794&linkId=76ca2015bdcac1945f88bacde238f173&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">study</a>. If we choose to do this study, I will probably get the adult version for myself to add to their study and to simply do for myself.</div>
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Another study that I am considering for our youth is this one that is all about the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mindymc5-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1426791569&asins=1426791569&linkId=7cb15dd118a451cf6d70053b652eb2c6&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Passover</a>. I love teaching about the Passover and the Last Supper. Our teens probably don't even realize that they are connected. What a great opportunity to teach them about the connection. </div>
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Have more questions about this Lenten season? Check out this <a href="https://chuckknowschurch.com/archive/14lent" target="_blank">video</a>.<br />
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Will you be attending an Ash Wednesday service this week? It is truly one of the most moving services of the year for me.<br />
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What will you be doing in observance of Lent this year? I would love to hear your plans for this Lenten Season!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*This post does include affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links posted here, and then buy the item, I earn a commission.*</i></span><br />
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-55924960919637464062018-01-27T13:24:00.002-05:002018-01-27T13:24:42.724-05:00Favorite Finds {1.27.18}<div style="text-align: center;">
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Do you like to use candle's in your house? </div>
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I do.</div>
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I like the soft glow of candlelight in the evenings and for some reason, candles just make me feel cozy.</div>
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I am also helping a friend plan her wedding so I have been looking for votive holders that might work with her wedding decor. </div>
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Back in October, we had a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8044147696321036051#editor/target=post;postID=8619801881497482788;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=4;src=postname" target="_blank">Sweet 16</a> party for Allie and I was able to get these votive holders back then for her party from Amazon. I think they looked beautiful on the tables.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (check it out for yourself by clicking on the Sweet 16 link. I would love to hear your thoughts!)</span></div>
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Since I got these at Amazon, that was my first stop for wedding ideas. </div>
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I found these votive holders last night when I was searching.<br />
I love the shape and the dots on these.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mindymc5-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01G4BK7YW&asins=B01G4BK7YW&linkId=2e3a9849af4d2f570aaf447d38f7b789&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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I also found these ribbed votive holders in copper. </div>
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I love them! </div>
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That is all the time I had for searching last night. Where have you gotten your wedding candle decor from? </div>
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I am also dreaming of a mantle full of candles -</div>
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something like this</div>
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<img alt="Mercury glass & candles bring such a warm glow, to this beautiful Christmas mantel!" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/02/1b/e6/021be6d9aab72478e21938d192e7606b.jpg" /></div>
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That's what I'll be searching and shopping for a good deal on next.</div>
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What about you?</div>
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Do you like candles to decorate your home? </div>
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I'd love to hear how you use candles in your home and in your wedding as I help my friend with ideas for her decorations! Especially if you were able to get a good deal on some candle holders of any size! Give me all of your ideas! </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on any of the links and purchase any of the products linked here, that I get a small commission.*</span></i></div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-18661755467084428072018-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:002018-01-20T08:00:21.764-05:00Favorite Finds {1.19.18}<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on the product links in this post, and buy them, I get paid a small commission. Thanks!!*</span></i></div>
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My "favorite find" for this week is not a <i>new </i>find for me. It is a place that my family has loved for a long time.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1096870&u=1700273&m=46239&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EGymboree%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Gymboree</a> has always been one of my favorite places to shop for my kids. </div>
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My girls have all outgrown it now. They are all wearing <i>adult </i>sizes these days.</div>
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(why are they all so grown??)</div>
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But Brady is still in a size that they carry. </div>
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Right now, they are in their <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=474483&m=46239&u=1700273" target="_blank">Gymbucks</a> redemption period right now which makes it the right time for me to shop! If you don't already know, there are periods throughout the year where you can earn Gymbucks, followed by periods where you can redeem Gymbucks. </div>
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For every $50 you spend, you earn $25 in Gymbucks. </div>
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Then, when it is redemption period, you get to redeem them. </div>
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SO, if during the earning period, I spent $100 (subtotal), I would earn $50 in Gymbucks.</div>
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The during the redemption period, I would would use my $50 Gymbuck and get $100 worth of product for $50.</div>
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When you have 4 kids like I do, you work hard at saving money.</div>
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So, for this week's Favorite Finds, I am going to show you some super cute things that I got for Brady with my Gymbucks this time. I was shopping with spring and summer in mind ..... mostly.</div>
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Brady picked out this <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=463150&u=1700273&m=46239&urllink=www%2Egymboree%2Ecom%2Fitem%2Fboys%2Dskater%2Dfry%2Dtee%2D140178667%2Ehtml&afftrack=" target="_blank">Skater Fry Tee</a>!</div>
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<img height="320" src="https://i1.adis.ws/i/gymboree/140178667?&fmt=jpg&bg=rgb(255,255,255)&w=1200&h=1200" width="320" /></div>
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We also picked up these great khacki <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=463150&u=1700273&m=46239&urllink=www%2Egymboree%2Ecom%2Fitem%2Fboys%2Dboat%2Dshoes%2D140179460%2Ehtml%3Fdwvar%5F140179460%5Fcolor%3DGYM001%26cgid%3D%23%3Fq%3Dboat%2Bshoes%26lang%3Ddefault%26start%3D2&afftrack=" target="_blank">boat shoes</a>. He likes this style shoe to wear to church in the summer. Confession, we already have these shoes in Navy for this summer, too! </div>
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The last thing we got today were these awesome<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=463150&u=1700273&m=46239&urllink=www%2Egymboree%2Ecom%2Fitem%2Fboys%2Dduck%2Dboots%2D140176345%2Ehtml&afftrack=" target="_blank"> duck boots</a>. </div>
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It snowed 6 inches here in our area yesterday. Living in the south where it snows so infrequently, we seem to get caught without the proper attire.</div>
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I bought these one size up so that hopefully, we will get more than one year of use out of them.</div>
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That is it for today.</div>
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I hate that my girls have outgrown Gymboree.</div>
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Their clothing is high quality and we have loved them for years.</div>
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Check it out for yourself! Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=480770&u=1700273&m=46239&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EGymboree%20Children%27s%20Clothing%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! By the time you read this, I will be in Pigeon Forge, TN with the youth from our church. It should be a grand time! </div>
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What are your plans? </div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-26065119452759763842018-01-13T19:38:00.000-05:002018-01-18T19:25:48.877-05:00 Favorite Finds {1.13.18}<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on any of the links and buy and purchase any of the products linked here, that I get a small commission.*</i><br />
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Anytime someone compliments something I am wearing or something that I own, I feel compelled to tell them where I got it.<br />
I often wonder why I do that and if I am the only person to do it.....<br />
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I thought today that I would share with you some of my favorite finds of late. </div>
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First, January is full of after Christmas sales and I am a bargain shopper so I have been doing some shopping online.<br />
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I had some birthday money, so I shopped <a href="https://www.anntaylor.com/?cid=AT_YG_BRD_Trademark_EX%7cTrademark&gclid=CKnxsJ-N1tgCFULUgQodA1wDEw&gclsrc=ds" target="_blank">Ann Taylor's Sale</a>. Right now everything in this sale is an extra 60% off.<br />
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I got this <a href="https://www.anntaylor.com/petite-shoulder-tie-sweater/452098" target="_blank">sweater</a> and I absolutely <i>love </i>it. It is so soft and roomy.<br />
<img alt="Shoulder Tie Sweater" height="320" src="https://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000652&itemID=443554&swatchID=6103&recipeName=pdlg488x601" width="259" /><br />
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I also bought this cute <a href="https://www.anntaylor.com/velvet-bow-clutch/453346?skuId=24017749&defaultColor=6039&colorExplode=true&catid=cat1860022&_requestid=896734" target="_blank">clutch</a>.<br />
Ken and I have tickets to see Phantom of the Opera in a couple of weeks and I plan to carry this then.<br />
<img alt="Velvet Bow Clutch" height="320" src="https://richmedia.channeladvisor.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=52000652&itemID=453346&swatchID=6039&recipeName=pdlg488x601" width="257" /><br />
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Yesterday, I shopped <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/" target="_blank">J Crew's Sale</a>. They are currently running an extra 50% off of clearance.<br />
All three of my girls have grown a ton this past year, so I was happy to find that they had some summer clothing in this sale.<br />
I was able to get the girls some<a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shorts/solid/4-stretch-chino-short/G2331?sale=true&color_name=vivid-yellow&isFromSale=true" target="_blank"> shorts</a> . Lillie got these in this gray color and a cute top.<br />
I think these shorts are classics and go with lots of things. They have several colors and lengths.<br />
Full outfits for less than $20 each, <i>yes, please!!!</i><br />
<img alt="4" stretch chino short : women solid" height="320" src="https://www.jcrew.com/s7-img-facade/G2331_GY6005?fmt=jpeg&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=.1,0,0,0&wid=636&hei=636" width="320" /><br />
Maggie got this<a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shirtsandtops/sleeveless/drapey-wrapfront-top/H1490?sale=true&color_name=orange-petal" target="_blank"> top</a> and a pair of the white shorts above.<br />
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<img alt="drapey wrap-front top : women sleeveless" height="320" src="https://www.jcrew.com/s7-img-facade/H1490_BK0001?fmt=jpeg&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=.1,0,0,0&wid=636&hei=636" width="320" /><br />
I also got some great deals from <a href="http://www.gymboree.com/" target="_blank">Gymboree</a> for Brady when they were having their clearance sale last week. That sale is over, but you can still get some gymbucks right now.<br />
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Second, I am a person who loves a good planner. Every year I get one and I write it in and I live by it. Each person in my family has a different color and I keep up with our schedule for each day this way.<br />
One of the best planners I have ever had is made by Day Designer!<br />
It gives monthly calendars and also have a page for each day There is a place for notes and supper planning on each day. These are the details that make me go back to this planner each year. I have had a planner from this company for three years now. I don't think I will go back to another.<br />
Are you looking for a way to get yourself more organized this year?<br />
Go check out the <a href="http://daydesigner.com/#_l_1xz" target="_blank">Day Designer</a>!<br />
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You won't be sorry!<br />
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That's is it for today.<br />
In the same way that I am compelled to tell people where I find things, I feel compelled to ask where they got something when I see something that I like that they have.<br />
So, What are your latest favorite finds?<br />
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-31318373731712758022018-01-01T21:33:00.000-05:002018-01-01T21:33:58.874-05:002018 Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have been so crazy busy for us in this past <i>forever......</i></div>
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so, today we spent the whole day at home as a family.</div>
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Enjoying the New Year and the last day before all of the stuff starts back. </div>
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We played this new game.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxQ3jZdHULpCapBunSC0qvU4HxXK54h0y6r8-1HqkR0zVcgXlRJ8SnF_HdvoXu8yt_Wb0WYds6JGmKHfUfEgelRQDVYV0M1TL4-loRcVESxVCyVeaeg1sdphfsXLg-nfz2lbbLO-guCMV/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxQ3jZdHULpCapBunSC0qvU4HxXK54h0y6r8-1HqkR0zVcgXlRJ8SnF_HdvoXu8yt_Wb0WYds6JGmKHfUfEgelRQDVYV0M1TL4-loRcVESxVCyVeaeg1sdphfsXLg-nfz2lbbLO-guCMV/s640/DSC_0131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T01RosMBT2I31_meaIOlB6f5YKPVBPhqIdabbUMgTvjIrJdzHpRlP232KE1K6G0oaqgsMgu6U5b5BB5SCE_S5s3h7265ZuG5LKOjT-4kf-JYP0u-nHxQuIjMgn-aPDw6uQgxJ7RCYhR5/s1600/DSC_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T01RosMBT2I31_meaIOlB6f5YKPVBPhqIdabbUMgTvjIrJdzHpRlP232KE1K6G0oaqgsMgu6U5b5BB5SCE_S5s3h7265ZuG5LKOjT-4kf-JYP0u-nHxQuIjMgn-aPDw6uQgxJ7RCYhR5/s640/DSC_0132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l4oUYft2cTKwzPS7Hianf0bnmSXuC0mNm2e1VBZvc5S1-p1FqUUfDScQKDRz-V7pjVsjUkJrZrU7vdxwJIIuj9e8EUYobn8ivA1iLg9TUJVLKllX07qwsfu11y6myHwWEgj2H5P7CCQp/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l4oUYft2cTKwzPS7Hianf0bnmSXuC0mNm2e1VBZvc5S1-p1FqUUfDScQKDRz-V7pjVsjUkJrZrU7vdxwJIIuj9e8EUYobn8ivA1iLg9TUJVLKllX07qwsfu11y6myHwWEgj2H5P7CCQp/s640/DSC_0134.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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watched a movie together</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpsIaCyx_WJ6xJHf93QPR36kQ8jKdzwQTU1jkzcmfK-feYhXK1S3oSQtNrZ-eoQbXsO4npNGcfGEqEY50u8ZfP_MqivN0lv2TD2LrmpsnLNnTGSE8jiPmMRORtXEfdw8PQZPkts5kOH9V/s1600/DSC_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpsIaCyx_WJ6xJHf93QPR36kQ8jKdzwQTU1jkzcmfK-feYhXK1S3oSQtNrZ-eoQbXsO4npNGcfGEqEY50u8ZfP_MqivN0lv2TD2LrmpsnLNnTGSE8jiPmMRORtXEfdw8PQZPkts5kOH9V/s640/DSC_0143.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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enjoyed our gas logs on this super cold day,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYs9dLx30Wl2NZK7WtIdk_GYM4wsxvhZtM_fnxxz-GIq68vGDX2tcyUX5ouywqWf74mmhyphenhyphenpOlbzWkM9eZN8tuptufeIsijPL91ZGopqGhKmz3ECdDdtzB8Eh-WJ3zGk7lAdUHgdbp11P9/s1600/DSC_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYs9dLx30Wl2NZK7WtIdk_GYM4wsxvhZtM_fnxxz-GIq68vGDX2tcyUX5ouywqWf74mmhyphenhyphenpOlbzWkM9eZN8tuptufeIsijPL91ZGopqGhKmz3ECdDdtzB8Eh-WJ3zGk7lAdUHgdbp11P9/s640/DSC_0145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and ate a traditional New Year's Day meal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SER0-IfmyUWXdHXj6ph-Htm2yKbrGuX1TgS-1E2w7kjOICuLljKMc-dPECUJzc6fM5KLvWyJ9ZRbSbR3oufm0IXBGhkv1KDjj7_DBgL000dBBnXMvUhREOoh9X35tTLutS4p7xkVEqf7/s1600/DSC_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SER0-IfmyUWXdHXj6ph-Htm2yKbrGuX1TgS-1E2w7kjOICuLljKMc-dPECUJzc6fM5KLvWyJ9ZRbSbR3oufm0IXBGhkv1KDjj7_DBgL000dBBnXMvUhREOoh9X35tTLutS4p7xkVEqf7/s640/DSC_0147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, I sitting here watching the Rose Bowl (Go DAWGS!) and thinking about the goals I have for this upcoming year.</div>
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Every year, I have a word or words that I feel like God is calling me to do or be in that year.</div>
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This year is no different. </div>
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This year, I feel God is calling me to do the following things.</div>
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1. Be Brave </div>
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Scripture says repeatedly "Do Not Fear". </div>
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Ken got me this bracelet for Christmas. I was SO excited for two reasons. First, 20% of this sale goes to Special Olympics. And second, it affirmed to me that Be Brave and not fearing was to be one of my words for 2018. </div>
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<img height="400" src="https://www.alexandani.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/b/cbd17bbss_front_1.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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2. Be Present.</div>
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I spend so much time thinking about what I have to do next and worrying, that I don't focus or pay attention to what is going on now. </div>
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I need to be more present in each day.</div>
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Which I think will lead to more Gratitude. (<a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017-words.html" target="_blank">a word from last year</a>)</div>
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<img src="http://psychcentral.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Be-present.jpg" /></div>
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3. Trust more.</div>
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I know that God wants me to trust him more with more aspects of my life.</div>
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<img src="http://simplesongofjoy.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/trust-god_71412.jpg" /></div>
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I also have a few things I would like to start doing this year. I guess you could call these resolutions. </div>
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*I want to journal more regularly in the evenings. This will be a good way for me to actually write down the ways that I am present and being grateful each day.</div>
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*I would like to make time to blog more.</div>
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*I <i>need </i>to get back to exercising.</div>
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*I would like to possibly start my own business.</div>
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<i>scares me to even acknowledge that....</i></div>
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*I would like to get up early enough in the mornings that I am not simply reading my bible quickly and then getting ready for the day. I would like to have time to read my bible and then sit in prayerful listening for God to speak to me each day. </div>
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* I want to spend more time praying for the people who ask me to pray. </div>
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And keep up with how those prayers are answered.</div>
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*In my marriage, Ken and I both want to do a better job of going on dates.</div>
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*In being a parent, I want to be fully present with each of my kids.</div>
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Time is flying by and they are truly almost grown.</div>
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I have also asked my family to come up with a word for this year.</div>
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These are their words.</div>
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Ken - patience</div>
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Allie - courage</div>
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Maggie - courage</div>
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Lillie - calm</div>
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Brady - kindness</div>
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AND. The DAWGS did it!!!! On our way to Atlanta!!!!!</div>
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What a good beginning to a new year this day has been.</div>
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I know that whatever may come in 2018, we will travel this journey together as a family. </div>
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Allowing God to guide us as we go. </div>
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Do you make resolutions or have a word for the year? I would love to hear what they are!</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-3071104732574059002017-12-31T23:27:00.001-05:002017-12-31T23:35:25.134-05:002017 Books Read<div style="text-align: center;">
I like lists.</div>
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I make to do lists every day.</div>
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I keep lists of all the books I've read each year, too.</div>
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Here are the books that I read in 2017.</div>
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spilled-Milk-Based-true-story/dp/0615835600/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1514775920&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Spilled Milk</a> by KL Randis</div>
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This book is based on the life of the author and is in my opinion the story of how a person can overcome the bad things that happen to them in their lives. (Book Club)</div>
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2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MOVEABLE-FEAST-Ernest-Hemingway-ebook/dp/B018ILVTWK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514776215&sr=1-1&keywords=the+moveable+feast+hemingway" target="_blank">A Moveable Feast</a> by Earnest Hemingway</div>
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I have an affinity for Earnest Hemingway and F.Scott Fitzgerald and their sometimes friendship. </div>
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I loved reading about it from Hemingway's perspective.</div>
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3.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yesternight-Novel-Cat-Winters-ebook/dp/B01AFY976I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514776367&sr=1-1&keywords=yesternight+cat+winters" target="_blank">Yesternight</a> by Cat Winters</div>
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This was a story about a little girl who seems to be reincarnated in a new time, but remembers her former life. It was a bit strange.....</div>
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4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Lucy-Barton-Novel-ebook/dp/B011G3HG5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514776586&sr=1-1&keywords=my+name+is+lucy+barton+by+elizabeth+strout" target="_blank">My Name is Lucy Barton</a> by Elizabeth Stout<br />
A story of mother/daughter relationships.<br />
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5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Day-Revolution-Began-Reconsidering-Crucifixion-ebook/dp/B01ARKFWSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514776822&sr=1-1&keywords=the+day+the+revolution+began+nt+wright" target="_blank">The Day the Revolution Began</a> by NT Wright<br />
NT Wright examines what happened in the world the day that Jesus was crucified and how we may have oversimplified it in modern times.<br />
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6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Invention-Wings-Publishers-No-Annotations-ebook/dp/B00DMCV7K0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514776872&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Invention+of+wings" target="_blank">The Invention of Wings</a> by Sue Monk Kidd<br />
This book was inspired by a real life person - Sarah Grimke, who lived in Charleston, SC.<br />
A great story! (Book Club)<br />
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7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Chronological-Bible-NIV-ebook/dp/B007MB5JP6/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514777117&sr=1-2&keywords=the+one+year+chronological+bible" target="_blank">The One Year Chronological Bible</a><br />
Finished today.....Starting again tomorrow for the 5th (or 6th?)time.<br />
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8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Decrease-Different-Hunger-ebook/dp/B018R7N5JA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514777199&sr=1-1&keywords=40+Days+of+Decrease+by+Alicia+Britt+Chole" target="_blank">40 Days of Decrease</a> by Alicia Britt Chole<br />
Last year's Lenten Readings.<br />
Calling for our fastings during Lent to be more than just giving up chocolate for 40 days.<br />
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9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Figures-American-Untold-Mathematicians/dp/0062363603/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514777347&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Hiddle+Figures" target="_blank">Hidden Figures</a> by Margot Lee Shetterly<br />
This is an amazing story of these super smart women who led our country to put men in space.<br />
I will admit that this book was a bit hard. It read a bit like a a history textbook instead of a novel. (Book Club)<br />
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10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Dr-Buzzard-Bolito-Man/dp/0385493770/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514777586&sr=1-1&keywords=god+dr+buzzard+and+the+bolito+man" target="_blank">God, Dr. Buzzard, &The Bolito Man</a> by Cornelia Walker Bledsoe<br />
What an interesting book this was! A lady from chruch brought it to me to read since we were taking our youth to the islands of Georgia over the summer. It was fascinating. We didn't have time to go out to Sapelo Island while there. Hoping to make this year.<br />
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11.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Book-Biblical-Wisdom-Raising/dp/1476718717/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1514777739&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Parenting By The Book</a> by John Rosemond<br />
Another parenting book? If you are like me, you've read a lot of them.<br />
This was definitely worth reading though.<br />
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12. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Marie-Antoinette-Juliet-Grey-ebook/dp/B004J4WMXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778039&sr=1-1&keywords=becoming+marie+antoinette+by+juliet+grey" target="_blank">Becoming Marie-Antoinette</a> by Juliet Gray<br />
This historical fiction book is the first in a trilogy that tells the story of Marie Antoinette.<br />
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13. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-Jay-Asher-ebook/dp/B0054R6BFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778148&sr=1-1&keywords=13+reasons+why+book" target="_blank">13 Reasons Why</a> by Jay Asher<br />
I read this because there was so much hype about it and I wanted to be able to respond if my daughters asked read it. It certainly gives a lot to discuss with your teenagers.<br />
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14. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Present-Over-Perfect-Leaving-Frantic-ebook/dp/B01863JROC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778277&sr=1-1&keywords=present+over+perfect" target="_blank">Present over Perfect</a> by Shauna Neiquist<br />
I loved reading Shauna's thoughts and I loved that the chapters were short enough to read them first thing in the morning to start my day out right.<br />
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15. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Heart-Dillow-Linda-Paperback/dp/B009O2CE2M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778406&sr=1-1&keywords=calm+my+anxious+heart+by+linda+dillow" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart</a> by Linda Dillow<br />
This book offers much encouragement if you suffer with anxiety.<br />
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16. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Called-Community-Jesus-Wants-People-ebook/dp/B01FKNYM5K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778599&sr=1-1&keywords=called+to+community+the+life+jesus+wants+for+his+people" target="_blank">Called to Community</a><br />
This book is written by a variety of authors. I am still working my way through this book. Each chapter offers a LOT to think on and pray about.<br />
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17. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Novel-Century-Extraordinary-Adventure-Mis%C3%A9rables-ebook/dp/B01KFWXA4A/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778707&sr=1-1&keywords=the+novel+of+the+century+david+bellos" target="_blank">The Novel of the Century</a> by David Bellos<br />
If you don't know that I am a Les Mirables nerd, you will after checking out this book. This book is about how and why Victor Hugo wrote "the novel of the century". It does read somewhat like a history textbook, but I found it quite interesting. (book club)<br />
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18.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Hundred-Grapes-Laura-Dave-ebook/dp/B00P42WXG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778879&sr=1-1&keywords=eight+hundred+grapes" target="_blank">Eight Hundred Grapes</a> by Laura Dave<br />
This was a fun, light easy read for summer time. (book club)<br />
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19. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Character-Discloses-Firsthand-Experience-ebook/dp/B01C3LHS44/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514778961&sr=1-1&keywords=chrisis+of+character" target="_blank">Crisis of Character</a> by Gary J Bryne<br />
Beware of the strong bias in this book against the Clintons.<br />
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20. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Days-Splendor-Sorrow-Novel-Antoinette-ebook/dp/B0067TGTWQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779050&sr=1-1&keywords=days+of+splendor+days+of+sorrow" target="_blank">Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow</a> by Juliet Gray<br />
Book two of the Marie Antoinette series.<br />
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21. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sea-Ruta-Sepetys-ebook/dp/B00YM34WM8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779129&sr=1-1&keywords=salt+to+the+sea" target="_blank">Salt to the Sea </a>by Ruta Sepetys<br />
This is a book that is on the Battle of the Books list for Middle Schools in Catawba County.<br />
It was an excellent story of 4 teenagers in Nazi Germany.<br />
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22. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hired-Notable-Childrens-Books-Readers-ebook/dp/B01496K550/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779350&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hired+girl" target="_blank">The Hired Girl</a> by Laura Amy Shiltz<br />
Another adolescent lit book from the Battle of the Books list.<br />
This story is set in 1911 and centers on the life of Joan.<br />
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23. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Gravel-Memoir-Ruth-Wariner-ebook/dp/B00ZOO3SMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779487&sr=1-1&keywords=The+sound+of+gravel" target="_blank">The Sound of Gravel</a> by Ruth Wariner<br />
Another true story. Very interesting social commentary also.<br />
(book club)<br />
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24. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shack-William-P-Young-ebook/dp/B001B8Z2S0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779556&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shack" target="_blank">The Shack</a> by William Paul Young<br />
This is my second time reading this one. We were watching the movie in our small group so I decided I needed to reread the book, so I would know what was the same and what was from different.<br />
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25. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elle-Coach-Diabetes-Daughters-Everything-ebook/dp/B00RTY0N7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779671&sr=1-1&keywords=Elle+%26+Coach" target="_blank">Elle & Coach</a> by Stefany Scheen<br />
A former church member sent me this book to read. The story of Elle and Coach brought me to tears as I could so relate to everything it shared about her diagnosis.<br />
<br />
26. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Gilly-Hopkins-Katherine-Paterson-ebook/dp/B001UFP6JO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779944&sr=1-1&keywords=The+great+gilly+hopkins" target="_blank">The Great Gilly Hopkins </a>by Katerine Patterson - children's lit<br />
Sweet story that I wanted to read before I go to see it in the movies.<br />
This is also how I got Brady to read it.<br />
<br />
27. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Ugly-Wonderful-Things-Novel-ebook/dp/B01ARRWOOU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514779987&sr=1-1&keywords=all+the+ugly+and+wonderful+things" target="_blank">All the Ugly and Wonderful Things</a> by Bryan Greenwood<br />
This was a truly disturbing book. But offered so much for discussion.<br />
(book club)<br />
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<br />
28. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow-ebook/dp/B000QJLQZI/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514780134&sr=1-4&keywords=alexander+hamilton" target="_blank">Alexander Hamilton</a> by Ron Chernow<br />
This reads a bit like a textbook, but it is so good.<br />
This is going to take a while tthough<br />
<br />
29.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Handmaids-Tale-Margaret-Atwood-ebook/dp/B003JFJHTS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514780227&sr=1-1&keywords=the+handmaids+tale" target="_blank"> The Handmaid's Tale</a> by Margaret Atwood<br />
I was so mad when this book ended without being tied up with a pretty bow.<br />
Still a good book and it will make you think.<br />
<br />
30. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Little-Revisited-Sarah-Miller-ebook/dp/B06WGTZRBD/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514780337&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=caroline+little+house+revisited+by+sarah+miller" target="_blank">Caroline</a> by Sarah Miller<br />
This is Little House revisited. The author says she looked to history and to the little house books to guide her as she wrote.<br />
<br />
31. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Redbird-Christmas-Novel-Fannie-Flagg-ebook/dp/B000FC2MAO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514780443&sr=1-1&keywords=a+redbird+christmas+fannie+flagg" target="_blank">A Redbird Christmas</a> by Fannie Flagg<br />
A sweet pretty Christmas story. (book club)<br />
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32. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Redbird-Christmas-Novel-Fannie-Flagg-ebook/dp/B000FC2MAO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514780443&sr=1-1&keywords=a+redbird+christmas+fannie+flagg" target="_blank">Called to Create</a> by Jordan Raynor<br />
God calls us to be creators with him. How are you creating?<br />
Food for thought!<br />
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33. Silence by Shusaku Endo<br />
This is the story of christian martyr's in china in the 1600's.<br />
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I will be carrying Silence and Hamilton on to next year with me.<br />
As well rereading the Bible.<br />
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What books do you want to read?<br />
Are you carrying any books over?<br />
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Can't wait to hear your thoughts!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(We are a participant in the AMazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.)</span><br />
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-19767902256819309872017-12-31T21:27:00.001-05:002018-01-01T21:42:12.769-05:002017 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like to use this blog as a journal from time to time.</div>
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Today, I want to look back at 2017 and all that has happened.</div>
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It is important I think to remember all that has happened and all there is to be grateful for.</div>
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This might get long, but here goes.</div>
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<b><u>January --</u></b></div>
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*On January 4, Ken and Maggie left for their Daddy/daughter trip (each kid gets a trip with Dad alone when they turn 13. Maggie turned 13 in August of 2015, but January is when the trip came).</div>
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They went on a cruise to the Caribbean where it was warm and where Maggie got to swim with dolphins. Her dream!</div>
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*While they were off enjoying their trip and the warmth of the Caribbean sun, it <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/01/january-snow-day.html" target="_blank">snowed</a> here in The Ford. 7 inches! </div>
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* I helped give a Dr. Seuss baby shower for our friend Courtney. </div>
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*Lillie turned 12 and played indoor soccer.</div>
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*Allie, Maggie and I went with our youth group to Resurrection 2016 in Pigeon Forge, TN.</div>
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<b><u>February--</u></b></div>
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*Lillie continued to play indoor soccer.</div>
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*Ken and I saw Into The Woods</div>
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*Lillie was in Treasure Island at the Green Room Theater. </div>
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*Maggie got to be a model for our friend Jessi, who is an amazing photographer.</div>
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* I spent a lot of time searching for fabrics and trying to choose one that I loved enough to cover a set of chairs with. This was one of the hardest decisions ever.<br />
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*Brady had a heroes project to do in his second grade class. He did his project on Jackie Robinson.</div>
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<b><u>March --</u></b></div>
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*It snowed a little more.</div>
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*Brady started baseball practices, and had a field trip to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in </div>
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Belmont. </div>
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*He also received an award at school for respect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx8WIGtPXO6dcO-WlnfkfUgwEH-kQWRhz07ux3vVEdw4vqe8rMhdnmANnKLJkU_HtiqwRV2iJb5fFn8Y_jHSAUulZ6JWSSPHBBdMfVBhzBOoh-XJhBV6yvxhdtOaYiEFnOWW5YZic4Hlp/s1600/Brady+-+respect+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx8WIGtPXO6dcO-WlnfkfUgwEH-kQWRhz07ux3vVEdw4vqe8rMhdnmANnKLJkU_HtiqwRV2iJb5fFn8Y_jHSAUulZ6JWSSPHBBdMfVBhzBOoh-XJhBV6yvxhdtOaYiEFnOWW5YZic4Hlp/s400/Brady+-+respect+award.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*Lillie was part of her schools Robotics club. They had two competitions - the first was in March (the second was in April).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQhMRWgsVeZeWLDt9PYk97ac2PfnB2NYNcyHXY9AKas4fhn-Bd6nCGjkmMWn_O1o88i0upnOsvXTrILwKgdgUxXZzSRzzH9epmV1SsnaQnhYH0SSzfQeWJpMNzjItmgo69AG_VUOCoTnK/s1600/Lillie++-+sumobot+competition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQhMRWgsVeZeWLDt9PYk97ac2PfnB2NYNcyHXY9AKas4fhn-Bd6nCGjkmMWn_O1o88i0upnOsvXTrILwKgdgUxXZzSRzzH9epmV1SsnaQnhYH0SSzfQeWJpMNzjItmgo69AG_VUOCoTnK/s400/Lillie++-+sumobot+competition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*She was also part of her school's Battle of the Books team.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKBKKoU51KUqleCqyNMKIrU9wVRTmp6hYkCnJEC3KqRBggtiLh9QRoNycLjX5hDc_GEgoc3xc9xNxLlehzxUtvb0jBeXMis2OHmIhk_vcpkvDsgLUywp_tXJQviZhNCQdB6uLiBoFHQ_Y/s1600/Lillie+-+Battle+of+the+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKBKKoU51KUqleCqyNMKIrU9wVRTmp6hYkCnJEC3KqRBggtiLh9QRoNycLjX5hDc_GEgoc3xc9xNxLlehzxUtvb0jBeXMis2OHmIhk_vcpkvDsgLUywp_tXJQviZhNCQdB6uLiBoFHQ_Y/s1600/Lillie+-+Battle+of+the+Books.jpg" /></a></div>
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*Maggie's dance competition season started. She had 4 total competitions (two in March and two in April), where she was part of a large group dance, a duet, a small group dance and a solo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBMRKT_tnyZfYcO1QpANC3ghCeu7FedDkl1rmcToswISyBFJlP2TX4zr2KwRYM88-8TSFn77BiX4-WKGZSqrryodwpPp3gPEH4d31lfZonQM5gQoH_RQLImTZHRQ4ODccfrzrWBHlkQVk/s1600/Maggie+-+March+10%252C+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBMRKT_tnyZfYcO1QpANC3ghCeu7FedDkl1rmcToswISyBFJlP2TX4zr2KwRYM88-8TSFn77BiX4-WKGZSqrryodwpPp3gPEH4d31lfZonQM5gQoH_RQLImTZHRQ4ODccfrzrWBHlkQVk/s400/Maggie+-+March+10%252C+2017.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9MdG0t5J760pbO0Gl35U-eHmMfyCwYh7FKof8rkk9ogFHuMDvVkmYTV1IAlhf-m1HuB_PguvqVEwZtCGmtiUbLEn13PHQ4L4hi4XP2Go5oRCqAmB3ttEibIwIxl5mmlN-GQRJZ1IHCkv/s1600/Maggie+and+Chloe+-+March+11+2017+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9MdG0t5J760pbO0Gl35U-eHmMfyCwYh7FKof8rkk9ogFHuMDvVkmYTV1IAlhf-m1HuB_PguvqVEwZtCGmtiUbLEn13PHQ4L4hi4XP2Go5oRCqAmB3ttEibIwIxl5mmlN-GQRJZ1IHCkv/s400/Maggie+and+Chloe+-+March+11+2017+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*I finally chose a fabric and got my <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/03/new-old-chairs.html" target="_blank">chairs recovered</a>. I LOVE how they turned out.</div>
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<b><u>April --</u></b></div>
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*Baseball continued for Brady.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsS2nGrmGfyJJ_xmu8AvZmvZW8o6bunI1MjU_A5KC1bCGrXgaTy340DjXvExahPHbjrC6hMcDHgSqtIuOZWtrvEeEh5bIFarwZQqt7QhkEZ9FhBDAoO0wtKVIqFFKzyD1W3OHQkwYrEZW/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1432" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsS2nGrmGfyJJ_xmu8AvZmvZW8o6bunI1MjU_A5KC1bCGrXgaTy340DjXvExahPHbjrC6hMcDHgSqtIuOZWtrvEeEh5bIFarwZQqt7QhkEZ9FhBDAoO0wtKVIqFFKzyD1W3OHQkwYrEZW/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXudafffGQxIUsx80fFnATJwTsx-mqVfOnWKoY6mpljC_BX2sPDVDugw4TOr_VnUVwMNe9gCT7YbB7SegrzenlJ-yMIluFPbT6J7PXpIA7-AB7wxidvRp0i2MLfr3nrbixSaID9eKtYum-/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXudafffGQxIUsx80fFnATJwTsx-mqVfOnWKoY6mpljC_BX2sPDVDugw4TOr_VnUVwMNe9gCT7YbB7SegrzenlJ-yMIluFPbT6J7PXpIA7-AB7wxidvRp0i2MLfr3nrbixSaID9eKtYum-/s400/DSC_0005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*We celebrated <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/05/easter-2017.html" target="_blank">Easter</a> and spent Spring Break in Georgia visiting family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nZIVk8K4HJE7QvX8gtDToCixDy1GWebEJrKnw54K3VqyebY9AqWjV7b91otjuh_YwpCz8up_8QKd2uiw7RFAasT7_w16gQ3oh_VUZLHulZUL4RxurpAhPD2TQ_NIIpnqLlYODAbJa2cN/s1600/Allie%252C+Lillie+and+Granny++-+April+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nZIVk8K4HJE7QvX8gtDToCixDy1GWebEJrKnw54K3VqyebY9AqWjV7b91otjuh_YwpCz8up_8QKd2uiw7RFAasT7_w16gQ3oh_VUZLHulZUL4RxurpAhPD2TQ_NIIpnqLlYODAbJa2cN/s400/Allie%252C+Lillie+and+Granny++-+April+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*At church we had our Annual Parade of Tables as a fundraiser for our youth.</div>
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* We had family pictures made by <a href="http://www.jessivphoto.com/" target="_blank">Jessi V Photography</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAcidC8xSCIqoqMIKYpaO6pMHDw2UzbnnnKgXKJr5ELFiaORXtMjL8wwGFS4_UYExhoVwQvZsMMlLek-89onoc2LYqgJa0VawxxNAzqI9xxCsqc_wqYjpDuY42wiwcno38L2WQEcEtiaC/s1600/General+Save-0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAcidC8xSCIqoqMIKYpaO6pMHDw2UzbnnnKgXKJr5ELFiaORXtMjL8wwGFS4_UYExhoVwQvZsMMlLek-89onoc2LYqgJa0VawxxNAzqI9xxCsqc_wqYjpDuY42wiwcno38L2WQEcEtiaC/s400/General+Save-0016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*Lillie was in her school talent show. She sang a song from Moana with her friends Marley and Victoria.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYWP3PH9bVnMFXlaoXwtwWqZpnEru_Bq2RtZXM2bts8hEOCYNTDK4RGpZmeRvNk5XQwoVotEi4u0L55GGw4ppTkNI0GWfeAcUAI581wYbe3OIjRm7NidJOZv4tHi9G9o5TAyqN8PPKfAv/s1600/Talent+show+Lillie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYWP3PH9bVnMFXlaoXwtwWqZpnEru_Bq2RtZXM2bts8hEOCYNTDK4RGpZmeRvNk5XQwoVotEi4u0L55GGw4ppTkNI0GWfeAcUAI581wYbe3OIjRm7NidJOZv4tHi9G9o5TAyqN8PPKfAv/s1600/Talent+show+Lillie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u>May --</u></b></div>
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* Allie and Maggie were in the Bandy's High School Production of <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/05/alice-in-wonderland.html" target="_blank">Alice in Wonderland</a>!</div>
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They did a great job!</div>
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* We spent Mother's Day afternoon hiking on <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/05/mothers-day-weekend-2017.html" target="_blank">The Blue Ridge Parkway.</a></div>
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*Allie had her final band concert of the year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FNH9xOUsXuayR_FviXhQdPjuZH2HpzXJf1pcUFd1J5bkyCaY9AYI9PedbH_IKLu2BPKL9n9RZvkJWGs03mtc7lPH3EaNThqQUq9EOnok4QMchR1DKQca2ukN2cPChn4ExUHsX-6okgyQ/s1600/IMG_5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FNH9xOUsXuayR_FviXhQdPjuZH2HpzXJf1pcUFd1J5bkyCaY9AYI9PedbH_IKLu2BPKL9n9RZvkJWGs03mtc7lPH3EaNThqQUq9EOnok4QMchR1DKQca2ukN2cPChn4ExUHsX-6okgyQ/s400/IMG_5458.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><u>June --</u></b></div>
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*<a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/06/children-get-older.html" target="_blank">School ended</a> with Brady headed toward to "big kid" hallway (third grade), Lillie bridging to 7th grade, Maggie finishing Middle School and Allie completing her freshman year of High School.</div>
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*Our friends Erin and Emily came to visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4GC_tXeAMc_JiZsenrqaD68M0Is4uPB4WjAsFUu-m2EeZP9TOpNmlmaRMBAnDjCOdZlF95nulDdPHyQuAwEa39HWyOhcsaRB8FU6YGD1wb-0QkKIY-Y6-iqJXdwGqXNRq3T0L5y3Tual/s1600/Erin+and+Emily+visit+-+June+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4GC_tXeAMc_JiZsenrqaD68M0Is4uPB4WjAsFUu-m2EeZP9TOpNmlmaRMBAnDjCOdZlF95nulDdPHyQuAwEa39HWyOhcsaRB8FU6YGD1wb-0QkKIY-Y6-iqJXdwGqXNRq3T0L5y3Tual/s400/Erin+and+Emily+visit+-+June+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Allie and Maggie had their dance recital.</div>
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*We had VBS at church. It was super hero themed. Ken played the part of our super hero.</div>
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* We got to go with Wendy as she said yes to her dress and the girls picked out their dresses.</div>
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*We started a community garden with the youth at church.</div>
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*Brady had an abscessed tooth. He was pitiful. His whole face swelled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kTHdY5Z9oR5TC312qdoi1exZ4q9IUlSUOybITYLNZZ72Z0y9vXM8JznQng096loswHXxa3gncU9LAMHi85afKULmfnme5U3n3bFBaZ80eRvoUYy_gurJ8G36A96lgaMzu4CbG6AfKS0L/s1600/june+26-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kTHdY5Z9oR5TC312qdoi1exZ4q9IUlSUOybITYLNZZ72Z0y9vXM8JznQng096loswHXxa3gncU9LAMHi85afKULmfnme5U3n3bFBaZ80eRvoUYy_gurJ8G36A96lgaMzu4CbG6AfKS0L/s400/june+26-7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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*Lillie went to Shakespeare camp at the Green Room and loved it.</div>
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<b><u>July --</u></b></div>
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*We spent the 4th of July in Georgia. <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/07/new-salem-4th-of-july.html" target="_blank">Great visit</a>!</div>
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*Allie took two photography classes at CVCC this summer. One in June, one in July.</div>
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*Brady went to soccer camp.</div>
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*We worked a LOT in the community garden.</div>
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*On July 30, Allie, Maggie and I headed off to St. Simon's Island on a Mission Trip with our youth group. It was an amazing week!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk1mV2okpnhyphenhypheng0Zfj9HXDUxs93FfW2s5G_lQFoi-Yi-d_KWLp2bM1KAGioYsrqjbGOwdIdMorIuQ2aZWtwElOkPeW5lvPusd_zxsfZXYMCdsujGXUdSvWKi96yRPYMfbVucgm1hp7uoIQ/s1600/Mission+Trip+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk1mV2okpnhyphenhypheng0Zfj9HXDUxs93FfW2s5G_lQFoi-Yi-d_KWLp2bM1KAGioYsrqjbGOwdIdMorIuQ2aZWtwElOkPeW5lvPusd_zxsfZXYMCdsujGXUdSvWKi96yRPYMfbVucgm1hp7uoIQ/s400/Mission+Trip+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b><u>August --</u></b></div>
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*While on the Mission Trip, Maggie turned 14!</div>
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*Tripp, Jenny and Kirk came to visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH2wBci80D2EP2q06gduUIqT7_9-PInJipTTPey_oS4UUVCYj1zdlBnkhN6lc2kkohak60UGZ92o2PE9SqAdTqAyu3Ts5UmkC7A494_dXkNEil5dOiNRvF7daYAaUu109Wl34hYnJYuiP/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH2wBci80D2EP2q06gduUIqT7_9-PInJipTTPey_oS4UUVCYj1zdlBnkhN6lc2kkohak60UGZ92o2PE9SqAdTqAyu3Ts5UmkC7A494_dXkNEil5dOiNRvF7daYAaUu109Wl34hYnJYuiP/s400/DSC_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*We got to celebrate the wedding of some amazing people, who have the sweetest love story ever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kaFFS6ZIbBr4epJl18M8oVkF7qpYp9HsL6z-ja2yWhuVZF_k3vj4I4JpdyMOPuqtcFMUBu926LXtotsDfZG9ks3YV78cKV35INHcWTV7qzDoyJm9jvACxdTyEg4chmhF3YsMfEpHI6xc/s1600/Tristan+and+Leslie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kaFFS6ZIbBr4epJl18M8oVkF7qpYp9HsL6z-ja2yWhuVZF_k3vj4I4JpdyMOPuqtcFMUBu926LXtotsDfZG9ks3YV78cKV35INHcWTV7qzDoyJm9jvACxdTyEg4chmhF3YsMfEpHI6xc/s1600/Tristan+and+Leslie.jpg" /></a></div>
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*Brady had <i>another</i> abcessed tooth. =(</div>
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*Allie had band camp. </div>
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*We went on vacation to the beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoO9NnPhhAMa_AhZ84TeqkG2VFRvX4YR4XiSTm0AkoTfcx-1OS7G35lwmiVtSVQQ7kMp7qH8fcoCIyw4Z1lkncXBRDDrICQFB_QDnpS0zp1stHK3crzHojTsl3ewtfscmSakmfw50P_CQ/s1600/beach+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoO9NnPhhAMa_AhZ84TeqkG2VFRvX4YR4XiSTm0AkoTfcx-1OS7G35lwmiVtSVQQ7kMp7qH8fcoCIyw4Z1lkncXBRDDrICQFB_QDnpS0zp1stHK3crzHojTsl3ewtfscmSakmfw50P_CQ/s400/beach+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*The Solar Eclipse happened while we were there.</div>
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*Also while there, Brady turned 9.</div>
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*School started two days after we returned from vacation.</div>
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10th, 9th, 7th and 3rd grades.</div>
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<b><u>September --</u></b></div>
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*Fall soccer started for 3 out of the 6 of us. Ken coached a team of U6 kids, Brady played U10 and Lillie played on a U14 team..... which wound up playing against U16 teams.</div>
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Brady's team took 2nd place. </div>
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*Brady pulled a tooth at school. In the car as we talked about it, he told me that he didn't believe in the tooth fairy. "Parents do that!", he said. He also doesn't believe in the elf on the shelf. I was almost heart broken, until he said, "But that's it! The Easter Bunny and Santa are real!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoM83Z4ZBSPve8-4woQb-t4ezjA-GgfagB-_bC-YFY-xMgJhhGRyA3CHTT71prOF5g27ODQOpN2Bk0BX7dPXHx6X0gZPaIhilgnaLddQrRfag7HU-FjMMvEp85KE2VDUx95OQcjZLkYCb/s1600/Brady+-+tooth+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoM83Z4ZBSPve8-4woQb-t4ezjA-GgfagB-_bC-YFY-xMgJhhGRyA3CHTT71prOF5g27ODQOpN2Bk0BX7dPXHx6X0gZPaIhilgnaLddQrRfag7HU-FjMMvEp85KE2VDUx95OQcjZLkYCb/s400/Brady+-+tooth+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Marching Band started for Allie.</div>
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This year's show was Fiddler On The Roof. They did an amazing job this season!</div>
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*We attended Wendy's first wedding shower. </div>
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*Allie turned 16 and we celebrated with a <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/10/allies-sweet-16.html" target="_blank">party</a>!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxY_uJErjwBmgoVBrDxTlAGqJ-09diMzGHyDkF7L_TRkmL0Msy7uwGtMmt5cFB4-I85lzMrAhVDJ5dnlsZ4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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*Allie and Maggie both went to the Homecoming Dance at Bandy's High School.</div>
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*Maggie wore a cast for about 8 weeks for her Accessory Navicular Bone. </div>
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*We had our Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat on Halloween.</div>
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Maggie was a pink lady, Brady was a death trooper, Allie was a sock hop girl, and Lillie was holy guacamole.</div>
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<b><u>November --</u></b></div>
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*We went to Gastonia to celebrate Kirk's first birthday.</div>
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* We had a sock hop as a fundraiser for our youth.</div>
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*We made a trip to Georgia for Thanksgiving to be with family.</div>
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<b><u>December --</u></b></div>
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*We hosted an <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/12/open-house-2017.html" target="_blank">open house</a> here at the parsonage.</div>
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*We all participated in our church's Live Nativity.We had a blast.</div>
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*We went to see Les Miseables as a family. It was our surprise gift from Santa.</div>
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* Ken officiated three weddings. The girls and Brady were in one of them.</div>
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*Allie and Lillie both had band concerts and Maggie had a chorus concert.</div>
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*Christmas was wonderful. We celebrated with Ken's dad on the 23rd, then with his mom on Christmas Day. My Mom came on the 26th and we will celebrate with my dad in January. </div>
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It has been one crazy busy and full year.</div>
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I know that 2018 will be also. </div>
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Happy New Year's Eve everyone!</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-41667534423497382222017-12-09T19:09:00.000-05:002017-12-09T19:11:02.226-05:00Open House 2017 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been really busy decorating for Christmas the last couple of weeks. </div>
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I wanted to share those decorations in a blog post so I can look back and remember in years to come. </div>
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I asked a sweet lady from church to make some swags for outside. </div>
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They turned out beautifully. </div>
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One for the mailbox.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb3gKtdg5j0Gwm8wQTZ2itDvwF9K-N_tNoebykFTrW05nabPJPKb1o7w26iZen6r2kIse81oJH3DTlFVeekRh2tpCmB_XVh8tJUB1dFEq8pGou0XJVdttZpJg4uUtGcPvrEN9qGzxweFd/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb3gKtdg5j0Gwm8wQTZ2itDvwF9K-N_tNoebykFTrW05nabPJPKb1o7w26iZen6r2kIse81oJH3DTlFVeekRh2tpCmB_XVh8tJUB1dFEq8pGou0XJVdttZpJg4uUtGcPvrEN9qGzxweFd/s640/DSC_0035.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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One for the lamppost. I think they look so pretty! </div>
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Our tree and our mantle.....</div>
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The kids helped decorate the tree. It is a night we look forward to every year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBI5AbhoUEBmH1uJGDrk89ePnoP1ZLH5dSOS8his7g2uzN9Ok8wFGZycplLqkTaSCMwFSk0gb2NnT0ODE7rcyi_7uu6srSpXjvWrUGqZJwVSOXfGwksLb0OswiEzArno-V33ZrWC6niWy/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBI5AbhoUEBmH1uJGDrk89ePnoP1ZLH5dSOS8his7g2uzN9Ok8wFGZycplLqkTaSCMwFSk0gb2NnT0ODE7rcyi_7uu6srSpXjvWrUGqZJwVSOXfGwksLb0OswiEzArno-V33ZrWC6niWy/s640/DSC_0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last Sunday was a beautiful day and evening.</div>
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Our choir presented their Christmas Worship Experience and it was a very meaningful event.</div>
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After that, Ken and I hosted an Open House. </div>
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There were three tables of food. Two in my kitchen. One is in the picture below with my chalkboard and a swag that I made to go on top. </div>
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The ladies of our church brought food for our open house.</div>
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What a wonderful group of ladies - we had an abundance of good food and no one went home hungry. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5P8gs1zva9QVUXoDvt8T2JwcDvgdtBzn8whC7JVNxBfbd4rfkN6XQvNzclhvxqW5cx9z6V0JEunWGqO6dGCqFBwMSkCDb2ghqmFDAeaxuOkDxmOGE-fNL81KFpesiNcBAdTo_2rVQvp_/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5P8gs1zva9QVUXoDvt8T2JwcDvgdtBzn8whC7JVNxBfbd4rfkN6XQvNzclhvxqW5cx9z6V0JEunWGqO6dGCqFBwMSkCDb2ghqmFDAeaxuOkDxmOGE-fNL81KFpesiNcBAdTo_2rVQvp_/s640/DSC_0047.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Table number three was in our dining room. </div>
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In our living area, I added some Christmas ornaments to make this little trough more festive. </div>
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I added a ribbon to this pretty candle. </div>
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I love plaid anything. I love this ribbon that I got at Home Goods.</div>
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I love using items in my decor that have been handed down.</div>
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This year, I have a Santa on my hearth from Ken's mom, an afghan and a tree skirt made by my grandmother, and we always put out this Nativity set that belonged to Ken's grandmother. I also have several things that my Mom has made for me. </div>
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The top of my TV cabinet. My little nativity, Christmas trees and Reindeer make things cheery. </div>
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I use this lantern on my hearth all year long, but for Christmas I added some festive items.</div>
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Ornaments, stars, pine cones, and the Santa from my mother in law.</div>
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Downstairs in the playroom, I added a box of greenery and red Christmas balls.</div>
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I think it turned out well.</div>
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Some greenery on top of the piano. </div>
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My Mom did a Santa theme a few years ago at her house, and since we both have a C as our last initial, she passed it on to us.</div>
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This year, it has found a home in our play room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoJnNpOTwSW385DQ7TFQ2qmavfnqFmrpm-TnPf1_G6Ru5eZIdPUeV2YR05bvJukar-Oj9WqcGGVFoH94vh58_CgEIjxKA66QOOWmN5EhjT1PGlkipsX4JXIiDKOcU6luFkvcGy_rtrDkO/s1600/DSC_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoJnNpOTwSW385DQ7TFQ2qmavfnqFmrpm-TnPf1_G6Ru5eZIdPUeV2YR05bvJukar-Oj9WqcGGVFoH94vh58_CgEIjxKA66QOOWmN5EhjT1PGlkipsX4JXIiDKOcU6luFkvcGy_rtrDkO/s640/DSC_0064.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It was so pretty outside the night of our open house. </div>
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I love all of the pictures of the front porch decor from that evening.</div>
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You can see my Granny's afghan on the bench out front. And my Mom made me the wreath that hangs out there. </div>
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My mother in law made the pillows that have joy and noel on them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ySn0ox43SpgD4WPOxRT4MmLEpNcPZT5bGxxHs4Z9Vv1RFw-p2UPXVMrr_urhV49WrzmHPs8NWTY-6x5eHSVGOXfzsz7zxWBLdWzO3vXm3mYJv8IIlC8QhL5Q8_B9YXNwzux4TsNbqfwf/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ySn0ox43SpgD4WPOxRT4MmLEpNcPZT5bGxxHs4Z9Vv1RFw-p2UPXVMrr_urhV49WrzmHPs8NWTY-6x5eHSVGOXfzsz7zxWBLdWzO3vXm3mYJv8IIlC8QhL5Q8_B9YXNwzux4TsNbqfwf/s640/DSC_0072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought 11 of these lanterns for <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/10/allies-sweet-16.html" target="_blank">Allie's Sweet 16 party</a>. </div>
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I love how they look out on my porch for Christmas!</div>
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On one side of my front door, I have this chalkboard, and these lanterns. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkPo_8dIkhNzx_HWV9aFjRkZOLHN5mazV7F48knaqgE86iYEsTIKBk469KB_xHsZdFUSHk_mZinChA4fyu7P189SG1O3hu1b46qFkHRwhAOLZLDTkoR50FBpRTx5RnrRIkmhHKjDsWsgD/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkPo_8dIkhNzx_HWV9aFjRkZOLHN5mazV7F48knaqgE86iYEsTIKBk469KB_xHsZdFUSHk_mZinChA4fyu7P189SG1O3hu1b46qFkHRwhAOLZLDTkoR50FBpRTx5RnrRIkmhHKjDsWsgD/s640/DSC_0081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the other side of the door stands this pencil tree that we added to our front porch this year.</div>
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The tree skirt is the one I mentioned about that my Granny made. I love it so much,</div>
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One last look of my entryway. </div>
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Our Open House turned out great and I am so excited to have everything decorated for Christmas. </div>
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Thank you so much to each lady who made food for us.</div>
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And thank you to each and every person who came and visited the parsonage last Sunday. </div>
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Ken and I were honored to have you visit the place that you all provide for us to call home.</div>
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<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-86198018814974827882017-10-15T20:04:00.002-04:002017-10-17T08:08:41.996-04:00Allie's Sweet 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting a Sweet 16 Party for my oldest daughter, Allie.</div>
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Her birthday isn't actually until this coming Friday, but due to her marching band competition schedule, we had the party last Saturday. </div>
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I had so much fun putting this party together. </div>
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Maggie and I started planning back in August and decided our color scheme would be Allie's favorite colors - teal and coral.</div>
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When I found this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/498762315/floral-invitation-16th-birthday-sweet?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lp.d2.v2&share_time=1504391261000" target="_blank">invitation</a>, we added navy mix. This invitation was from Etsy and was an instant download after I had ordered it. </div>
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It was the perfect invite for my teal and coral loving, floral and lace loving girl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOOJVEKpLqiE3e6pnYn_bV6rrRoMcyidC1mE9DZ29vemGFb6SPYZi0sgxdmeagLgPFvguvF7s3EgVeHCLUFcYgdRDpvimsf4_yc_jv6COQHOtbE8fdBRc0io9YPpTPrSpiiKKGWG4pm_n/s1600/IMG_9230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOOJVEKpLqiE3e6pnYn_bV6rrRoMcyidC1mE9DZ29vemGFb6SPYZi0sgxdmeagLgPFvguvF7s3EgVeHCLUFcYgdRDpvimsf4_yc_jv6COQHOtbE8fdBRc0io9YPpTPrSpiiKKGWG4pm_n/s640/IMG_9230.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We held it in our church pavilion. I had wanted to do string lights around the outside, but they weren't cost effective, so we opted for strands of Christmas lights. I think it turned out very pretty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D14bl1fbXuL0_qmpJVquOLMb40gsVjwWuWA_j2VxM4vHvLgXKvcvmWVPGLnwBDdfi3BYAKCbzyiKmR4Kgeo-Z229AHP8S2S5XODVxy4caUfNonnP2JcPK1TrPXS-HXF4PwOj8kzm9BWx/s1600/FullSizeRender%255B2804%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D14bl1fbXuL0_qmpJVquOLMb40gsVjwWuWA_j2VxM4vHvLgXKvcvmWVPGLnwBDdfi3BYAKCbzyiKmR4Kgeo-Z229AHP8S2S5XODVxy4caUfNonnP2JcPK1TrPXS-HXF4PwOj8kzm9BWx/s640/FullSizeRender%255B2804%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The food table was filled with all of Allie's favorite things -- pimento cheese pinwheels, buffalo chicken dip, veggies, grapes, and popcorn with candy corn in it. It was a simple menu but it all turned out very well. My mom got all of the food prepared while I was decorating. I would've never gotten it all done without her! (Thanks, Mom!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLZgLf6yjuHye0Wq7ALq4yfJPTgbMs2SRvaYo7I10CeOZU6P8JDXTq4mzu1dDaT1D0r6NKOj3njhh2LfnZOnRfJhyphenhypheneqCcez8zTwoU9s5xeTRbAGms5yaT5OgQ9mUYRDtoCm65hPHuh9gU/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLZgLf6yjuHye0Wq7ALq4yfJPTgbMs2SRvaYo7I10CeOZU6P8JDXTq4mzu1dDaT1D0r6NKOj3njhh2LfnZOnRfJhyphenhypheneqCcez8zTwoU9s5xeTRbAGms5yaT5OgQ9mUYRDtoCm65hPHuh9gU/s640/DSC_0015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cupcakes were chocolate with teal icing and vanilla with coral icing. The cake was vanilla with a lemon filling (another favorite of Allie's). It was covered with navy fondant. All were given a good sprinkling of gold glitter. </div>
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They were made by our favorite local bakery, <a href="http://www.cyntuccisbakery.com/" target="_blank">Cyntucci's</a> and were delicious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURuIeFb9ISW_ccPFnLclRX9WSjAqe7OIaOtDZcJo03tIUE5AZjd92DstYw94SNEo3dYRnVgSEKFkU0tj6qdHqW1jpp8vGVoB-ICQ7RdkH6gaQKNR5C9sf2meHp1X2xMs2oVRN8Idk2a6-/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURuIeFb9ISW_ccPFnLclRX9WSjAqe7OIaOtDZcJo03tIUE5AZjd92DstYw94SNEo3dYRnVgSEKFkU0tj6qdHqW1jpp8vGVoB-ICQ7RdkH6gaQKNR5C9sf2meHp1X2xMs2oVRN8Idk2a6-/s640/DSC_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Behind the serving table, was this sign. </div>
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While we were planning, Lillie asked if she could make a sign for Allie -</div>
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"16 Things we love about you".</div>
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My husband and I went and got the materials, and he built the sign.</div>
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I asked a sweet friend from our church to do the lettering at the top for me.</div>
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She offered to number the sign and make it easier for Lillie to write out her list.</div>
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Lillie, Maggie and Brady came up with this list of 16 things they love about their sister.</div>
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I love that it was such a thoughtful gift and that it turned out beautifully!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW_7xU0rkH7RSkORVko4fM0BPpOlfQ6CYaG9ZJpL-nXFygoludRlcj7nq7Wdu-MFUCpx8c7HyIJ_P1TkQvUkr9Eg6qAj-45aybXc5Yp54X54gEq5pVpWoBEcBH71QbGG-mekMVi5FKnsj/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW_7xU0rkH7RSkORVko4fM0BPpOlfQ6CYaG9ZJpL-nXFygoludRlcj7nq7Wdu-MFUCpx8c7HyIJ_P1TkQvUkr9Eg6qAj-45aybXc5Yp54X54gEq5pVpWoBEcBH71QbGG-mekMVi5FKnsj/s640/DSC_0014.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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Beside the gift table was this sign that we purchased as a gift for Allie.</div>
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My husband and I love the lyrics of this song and thought them a fitting blessing for Allie from us on her 16th birthday. The sign was purchased from <a href="https://www.smallwoodhome.com/" target="_blank">Smallwood Homes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfrv0aFpa9WrBsa6tdezSPRhwZeyO0mZVGkh4kPA2zF_pE_uoMfPPn2n5LiygfFDJQSSkvodxNmg6hRA4aEtr_MZ4dol1v5Ap5HyBTQ5iivT2IswT1R_eFoiMkvoYcbCquxAET7EesN5m/s1600/DSC_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfrv0aFpa9WrBsa6tdezSPRhwZeyO0mZVGkh4kPA2zF_pE_uoMfPPn2n5LiygfFDJQSSkvodxNmg6hRA4aEtr_MZ4dol1v5Ap5HyBTQ5iivT2IswT1R_eFoiMkvoYcbCquxAET7EesN5m/s640/DSC_0019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because we had this party in our church pavilion, we covered the picnic tables with white butcher paper and put a burlap and lace runner on top. I used lanterns and gold and silver votive holders, along with photos of Allie to finish the look. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6jJRX3hD1IYMHJ0e5_cOOJWvszcOoqoBL5HEDnW4Z9bi8609BBziR7nRkKIN3wLTVcR5B_t-os3YwbpEyA9I-J7RNC5hWdMjzQfPJ2f2_PO5z-9FwBib2e_B5xhjkwVoJjjrGf_qW0Tf/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6jJRX3hD1IYMHJ0e5_cOOJWvszcOoqoBL5HEDnW4Z9bi8609BBziR7nRkKIN3wLTVcR5B_t-os3YwbpEyA9I-J7RNC5hWdMjzQfPJ2f2_PO5z-9FwBib2e_B5xhjkwVoJjjrGf_qW0Tf/s640/DSC_0024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The table runners were made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeeannesCreations?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">LeeAnne's Creations</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU9f_Ol9Btv4wi3TuUyEdIEF2NYrSLBfXTm2QCzNKbwz6ft8Sb0HEG7lJJGgT0PDljlkpxCxk0k0QNhk3AlBvMpUq9YGOJxY9LkaAi6xIsNtH4QXW-IJCs3JUZZIBOK5MAViophLGGKnO/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU9f_Ol9Btv4wi3TuUyEdIEF2NYrSLBfXTm2QCzNKbwz6ft8Sb0HEG7lJJGgT0PDljlkpxCxk0k0QNhk3AlBvMpUq9YGOJxY9LkaAi6xIsNtH4QXW-IJCs3JUZZIBOK5MAViophLGGKnO/s640/DSC_0041.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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My dad and his girlfriend took Allie to the mall and got her a necklace and generally spoiled her the afternoon. This party was a surprise for her.</div>
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She says she suspected, but I think we got her.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6fTxOF_k3I-CdOSIQniMPxHSCVk3KGdQwDgblqCuLZuDbLcKZFC3f6vUs1xY-di0lBzwYp_e7lYVfkK6ZsP4yqLZIrDXhz8TMeLHsj1dFBQ5i27RUhhpyFtdTLzhZIM4dTbf-rxVrv6A/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1406" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6fTxOF_k3I-CdOSIQniMPxHSCVk3KGdQwDgblqCuLZuDbLcKZFC3f6vUs1xY-di0lBzwYp_e7lYVfkK6ZsP4yqLZIrDXhz8TMeLHsj1dFBQ5i27RUhhpyFtdTLzhZIM4dTbf-rxVrv6A/s640/DSC_0029.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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Singing Happy Birthday.....</div>
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We also had a Smore's Bar. Lots of graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey's chocolate. But we also had chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, Reese's Peanut Butter cups, Peppermint Patties and Ghiradelli Salted Caramel Dark Chocolates. Everyone had a blast making their custom Smore's, I think! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ7WA4discuB-Z_g4aZMpGuu2ipDGlfh-GXx3xFgtJeBWl-I0vnnkmnQo7HNydcsTuwV1dIpNaZYghPje7kC9LGjjLCusWskoNfS3JzWjNe4m-yHiNDVjAZbKngAIP_0EWKUTglSd87cz/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ7WA4discuB-Z_g4aZMpGuu2ipDGlfh-GXx3xFgtJeBWl-I0vnnkmnQo7HNydcsTuwV1dIpNaZYghPje7kC9LGjjLCusWskoNfS3JzWjNe4m-yHiNDVjAZbKngAIP_0EWKUTglSd87cz/s640/DSC_0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had seen a ribbon photo backdrop on Pinterest, but then realized how expensive that was going to be, so I decided to make the whole thing out of navy tulle. It looks really thin here, but it made for some beautiful pictures. There was also some extra Christmas lights and a tassel garland hanging in front of it. </div>
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Next to the backdrop was a small table with a scrapbook on it. We invited Allie's guests to write her a note. Can't wait to print off all of the pictures for her to have. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW79kX-9ilgSG4Yqe3QU94GbIw-VIS_Q8yNP1lMhtaHH-UaqiPB-AdfqCG-vxiCGcAWRg_y_60vEfMc_6JTYNUg-5y9SpiIHDslsMl8l8sAr7PYwDvaaw0QG8CVDvwg55XdDRMmhjzxDV/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW79kX-9ilgSG4Yqe3QU94GbIw-VIS_Q8yNP1lMhtaHH-UaqiPB-AdfqCG-vxiCGcAWRg_y_60vEfMc_6JTYNUg-5y9SpiIHDslsMl8l8sAr7PYwDvaaw0QG8CVDvwg55XdDRMmhjzxDV/s640/DSC_0010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Allie loves hot chocolate so our favor was cute little cones of hot chocolate. </div>
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My inlaws made these and they turned out so well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv03UuNrrI9q-952dkNFzEiCWCFkNB_gyOaNVGyR2TmxA912keXIGVRnBmAiLAHx9PeO4YRKUtqx9Q3WK7b3jUvcwpjQ_XlYR6WZsYlvKtP19T2yfQHalRiTJTJpJ_LZIERriF1BK50Kt-/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv03UuNrrI9q-952dkNFzEiCWCFkNB_gyOaNVGyR2TmxA912keXIGVRnBmAiLAHx9PeO4YRKUtqx9Q3WK7b3jUvcwpjQ_XlYR6WZsYlvKtP19T2yfQHalRiTJTJpJ_LZIERriF1BK50Kt-/s640/DSC_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The thank you tags were purchased from the same Etsy Store as the invitations. </div>
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Dad and Uncle Tim manning the fire for our Smore's Bar!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfsTlEcas4Ik0CMh99bJAXk3vF2H-P1C426hjNDDpzS9UNiSNUVcxI-hGk9pqEUnlFeofXGQvs-OsaB6o4l5ziOhntaS42Esw6FtWAeT-kOcQu1JBOy-2xJNfPT5I_A7x6rxoI9CUiEiL/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfsTlEcas4Ik0CMh99bJAXk3vF2H-P1C426hjNDDpzS9UNiSNUVcxI-hGk9pqEUnlFeofXGQvs-OsaB6o4l5ziOhntaS42Esw6FtWAeT-kOcQu1JBOy-2xJNfPT5I_A7x6rxoI9CUiEiL/s640/DSC_0040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a fun evening!</div>
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Group shot of all guests under 18.....</div>
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Our 4 kiddo's (see how well the backdrop looked?!)</div>
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We love this girl.....</div>
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Allie seemed to have had a blast and I know that I really enjoyed planning this party. I think it turned out just lovely. </div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-32505046711073383992017-07-12T10:35:00.001-04:002017-07-12T10:35:51.630-04:00New Salem 4th of July<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, Allie is taking a photography class in a town about 30 minutes away from us. Since I don't want to drive an extra hour going back and forth, I've set up office at the local Panera. </div>
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And because I've got some time, I decided that I would take a few minutes before I get started on work and share some pics from our 4th of July in North Georgia. </div>
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We drove over on Friday, June 30th. </div>
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My kids were excited about getting to spend several days with their cousins. </div>
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My Mom and Step Dad live on the bluff of Lookout Mountain, so we enjoyed supper and shot some fireworks off their back deck. </div>
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This picture was taken before one of the fireworks came back toward us instead of going off the bluff. That ran most of us in the house! </div>
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On Saturday, July 1 - New Salem (the community on top of Lookout Mountain where I grew up) had it's annual BBQ and Fireworks celebration.</div>
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We had some great BBQ for lunch and then went home to rest for a while. </div>
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We then went back to the celebration that evening to enjoy some music and watch the fireworks.</div>
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Bradford and Brady</div>
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Holden and his slushie. </div>
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Selfie while we waited on the fireworks.</div>
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As we waited on it to get dark, a big storm rolled in and people scattered.</div>
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We went and got in my Dad's truck and waited for a bit.</div>
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But got out to watch the fireworks.</div>
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Thankfully, we got to watch the whole show. </div>
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Just a couple of shots of the fireworks!</div>
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On Sunday, we went to the church I grew up in and then my sister and I went shopping for a while. </div>
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On Monday, we all went to the movies. </div>
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My Step Dad let Allie drive his car and some of us down the mountain. </div>
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I am not sure I will survive being the mom of drivers. </div>
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How do people do this?!?!</div>
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That evening, we went out to supper to celebrate my Dad's birthday.</div>
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We went to Foodworks in Chattanooga. </div>
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The food was delicious and the company was great.</div>
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We had a great night.</div>
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This is my Dad and his girlfriend with the grand kids (minus one. He was in Gatlinburg with friends).</div>
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This one is of the kids and the parents.</div>
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My brother and sister and I with out Dad and Sandra and her son and daughter.</div>
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Even though they aren't technically related to us, we love them and consider them all family.</div>
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When I was growing up, my mom's family had a tradition of going to the creek that ran through our great grandfather's land every 4th of July.</div>
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My sister and I had big plans to take our kids to the creek and see lots of extended family.</div>
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But it had rained so much that the creek was going to be way up and potentially running too swiftly to get in, so we decided against taking the change and hiking the mile down (and more importantly back up the mountain) just to stand there if the water was too high. Maybe next year......</div>
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We did go to my aunt's house for lunch with several aunts, uncles and cousins. </div>
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We missed those of you who weren't there! </div>
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A few pics of the fun.</div>
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My brother and sister and I. </div>
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These kiddos had a blast running around and playing in the mud. </div>
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This sweet picture is of my 92 year old grandmother (soon to be 93) talking with my nephew about coming to her house. </div>
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My grandmother has 12 grandchildren. Only 5 of us were there on this day. </div>
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We really missed the rest of you! </div>
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We were all truly blessed to have grown up so close together. We saw each other at least once a week at Granny's house and most of us went to school together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoMo21vpHLnE3x76OkbYll3BblDhCN_AhBGwEchJgVdlLu5yPkqnMPowMo_d-THSriTPvAlNmB1IbZaXXihMX4Gb23ykpHkaJ8oQ8kwY21n0jMMWpDTCw0kZrxb-MQ3f9cNAVXujI0RIW/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoMo21vpHLnE3x76OkbYll3BblDhCN_AhBGwEchJgVdlLu5yPkqnMPowMo_d-THSriTPvAlNmB1IbZaXXihMX4Gb23ykpHkaJ8oQ8kwY21n0jMMWpDTCw0kZrxb-MQ3f9cNAVXujI0RIW/s640/DSC_0051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That evening we had another celebration at my Mom's house.</div>
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Lillie and my niece, Miss Caroline, were attached at the hip. </div>
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So sweet.</div>
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The kids had fun drawing all over Grammy and Granddaddy's driveway!</div>
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Then came time for more fireworks! First up, sparklers!</div>
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Then, on to the back porch to shoot more of the "big ones" off the bluff.</div>
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It was a wonderful trip with loads of loud family fun!</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-8699653045992623182017-06-26T20:38:00.000-04:002017-06-26T20:38:48.723-04:00Children Get Older......<div style="text-align: center;">
School here in NC ended a little over two weeks ago now.</div>
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I was struck on the final day of school when it hit me exactly where my family in on this journey of life. I knew what grade all of my kids were finishing, but on that last day of school, it just sort of got to me.</div>
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Brady is now a Rising 3rd Grader. </div>
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It's time for EOG's and real grades from now on.</div>
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He's not a baby anymore. </div>
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In this county, elementary school includes the 6th grade. Lillie had her "bridging ceremony". She is finished with elementary school.</div>
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She is now a Rising 7th grader and is headed to Middle School in the fall. </div>
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Maggie got an award on the her last day of school for computer skills. </div>
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And it was here that I was dumbfounded by how old my kid are. </div>
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I was reminded that this girl is now a rising 9th Grader. </div>
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It's on to High School for her in the fall.</div>
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Allie finished her first year of high school.</div>
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She's no longer a freshman.</div>
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Sophomore year, here she comes! </div>
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I sit and wonder how I got here. It's one of those moments where I just have to shake my head and realize that time really does fly by. It honestly seems like yesterday (almost) that *I* was going to be a Sophomore in high school.</div>
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Goodness, how quickly children get older. </div>
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<i>Lord, my prayer tonight is that you help me be present in the moment. That I can enjoy each age of each child where they are</i>. <i>And that you will use me to bring them all closer to you. Amen</i></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-40082144949938959132017-05-27T09:50:00.000-04:002017-05-27T09:50:03.512-04:00An Authentic Rhythm<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that it's not just me. </div>
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Life moves at an alarming speed.</div>
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Schedules rule our world. </div>
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Each day has its own schedule and it's own frantic pace.</div>
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And, to be honest -- I do it to myself in a lot of ways.</div>
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Sure, having a job is necessary for my husband and I to be able to pay bills and take care of our family. </div>
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School is necessary for my children.</div>
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Those are things that are necessary and dictate part of our schedules. </div>
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The rest is added by us, though. </div>
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Dance lessons, baseball, church softball, as well as the things we add to make ourselves feel like we are being the best parents and that we are having real family time. </div>
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It's all by choice. </div>
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Being "good parents" and doing with and for our kids seems to have taken over in society. </div>
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These days, it seems like in order to be a "good parent" that filling up my kids lives with activity and having my life revolve around those activities is what has to happen. </div>
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I have felt the pressure of this way of life for a long time. </div>
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Just like every parent, I want my kids to be successful in life. I want them to try things and be a part of teams and all of the stuff, for sure. <br />
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Of course, it's no secret that church and the things that happen there are a priority for my family. Most people look at me and think, "Well, it has to be that way. You're the preacher'a family.". But you know what? It's not. Even though we are in attendance at Church every week, it easily becomes "just one more thing on the schedule".<br />
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For a long while now, I've felt that it's not right.<br />
That all of the stuff is too much and that church shouldn't be just one more thing to check off of our weekly schedule. </div>
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Going to Sunday school to learn about God, worshiping the Creator who gives us each new day, and small groups that grow our faith shouldn't be things to check off of our schedules.<br />
Lately, even reading my bible each day has become a check on my to do list. </div>
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The trouble I see in all of this is that I have been working so hard to fill my kids time with the extra stuff that they want to do, things that make me feel that I am giving them the "perfect" childhood that the thing that matters most, easily becomes "one more thing to do".<br />
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I long for authentic faith in myself and pray that my kids will see that in me and want to have their own authentic relationship with God.<br />
That they will see the value of walking with him and putting their faith above all of the other "stuff".</div>
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A while back, a friend recommended this book to me. </div>
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The title alone spoke to my heart. Being present, authentically in the moment, instead of caught up in the frantic pace of our lives, is where I long to be. </div>
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I ordered it and began reading it slowly. </div>
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This morning, this part jumped out at me.<br />
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"My faith has not failed me, but I think maybe I have failed my faith"</div>
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That first line jumped out at me and stabbed my heart. </div>
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Yes, I've allowed the frantic pace, the success, the "things" -<br />
to make it so that I'm not present in my faith.<br />
We have been in church and I have been reading my bible, but a lot of the time these are just things to check off of our to do list.<br />
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That's not authentic faith. </div>
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That's not what I want my kids to learn. </div>
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I want them to learn that being present with God, walking through each day, each moment-- especially the harried and frantic ones, is imperative. </div>
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Having Him as the center of all we do-- not on the periphery, not just one more "check",<br />
but the most important part of each moment and each day.<br />
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That gathering in worship with others is what we are <i>called</i> to do.<br />
And not to be there physically, but to truly worship Him and thank Him for who HE is.<br />
For continually allowing us, the broken, forgetful, frantically trying to "keep up with the Jones" , the ones who make everything else more of a priority than actually worshiping Him -- to come back.<br />
To return and try again to be present with Him.<br />
To walk with Him each moment of each day instead of making Him an after thought. </div>
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That's who I want to be and who I want my kids to be. </div>
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Thankful this morning for the reminder that I've quite possibly failed my faith. </div>
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A reminder that the noise and the speed of life need not overtake the Authentic Rhythm that God has set for us. </div>
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To make His way of life <i>our way of life</i> and not another item on my to-do list. </div>
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Wow. I didn't set out to write this much. </div>
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Frankly, I wanted to post the picture of the quote and share that it spoke to my heart this morning. </div>
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<i>Dear Lord, forgive me for failing my faith.</i><br />
<i> Help me live in your Rhythm and walk with you each day. And help my children see in me an authentic faith and relationship with you. One that makes them long for you and their own authentic relationship with you. Because that is really the thing that matters most in this life......and in eternity. </i><i>Amen</i></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-45493017713907778002017-05-19T09:12:00.000-04:002017-05-19T09:12:38.598-04:00 Mindfully Grateful for this"Di a"versary Day.<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today is Allie's Diaversary. </div>
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It's been three years now since she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.</div>
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It is unlikely that she is even aware of what today is. Matter of fact, I've recently discovered that she doesn't even remember much of the days leading up to her diagnosis. </div>
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But for me, it is a day I will <i>never </i>forget. </div>
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I reread the post I made to keep all of our concerned friends updated on how we ended up in the hospital on that Monday, 3 years ago. You can tell when you <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2014/05/thankful-for-strep-throat.html" target="_blank">read it</a> that all of the new words being thrown at us, the Diabetic language, were new as I messed up several terms. Ketoacidosis, while a correct term can be caused by different things, so technically Allie was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis which is a life threatening condition. Also, I referred to Allie's HCN-1 level as being 11.8 -- that should say A1C. It is the language of our daily lives now, but then we had no clue. And while writing that post, I was still a little in denial and a whole lot in shock.</div>
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It's the question we get asked most often in regards to Allie's Type 1 Diabetes. </div>
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"How did you know?"</div>
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The plain truth is that we didn't know. And I do carry some Mom guilt with that sometimes, but honestly - the symptoms of T1D come on out of nowhere it seems and so fast that I do believe it is easy to miss. </div>
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This anniversary -- May 19 -- isn't a day I celebrate. I would give anything for there to be a cure for this disease so my daughter can be free of counting carbs, bolusing, shots, Humalog, having to stop to think before eating anything at all, carrying a box of supplies wherever we go, medical forms to be able to drive in Driver's Ed that cause so many issues to do 'normal' kid stuff, doctor's appointments and the million of other ways it impacts her that she doesn't let on to anyone. </div>
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But on this day, I will take the time to be mindfully grateful.</div>
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*I will be thankful today that God has indeed taken care of Allie. </div>
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*I will be thankful for her strength and courage. How she just did whatever they asked her to do at the hospital, giving herself her first shot the second day after diagnosis.<br />
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*I will be thankful for the Humalog that smells up my house and the test strips that litter my floor, because these are the things that keep my daughter alive.</div>
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*I will remind myself to be thankful for her determined and stubborn spirit. It is this spirit that can make life hard and relationships strained, but it is also this spirit that made her willing to do what she needs to do - like give herself shots --and work to be healthy. </div>
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*I'm thankful for all the research being done to search for a cure for this disease that one day, maybe she can be free of the counting and insulin shots. </div>
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*Most of all, today -- I'm thankful for Allie. </div>
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And each day that I get to have with her, even the hard ones.</div>
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<i>Allie, I know that you don't even like to talk about your T1D most of the time. And, at the same time, I'm painfully aware that we spend A LOT of our time talking about it......how many carbs in this, count 35 carbs for supper tonight, what was your bloodsugar? What did you do about it?</i></div>
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<i>Are we good on supplies? Do you have your stuff? ......and all of the other questions that fill our days.</i></div>
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<i>I want you to know that even when I am fussing at you to work on keeping your numbers where they should be, that I am oh, so proud of who you are. </i></div>
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<i>You're the toughest girl I know and you are truly a gift in our family.</i><br />
<i>Most of all today, Allie, I am thankful for YOU. All of who you are and I can't wait to see where you are going in this life. </i></div>
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<i>I love you!</i></div>
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<i>Mom</i><br />
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-45488002833135508952017-05-14T21:44:00.003-04:002017-05-14T21:44:50.023-04:00Mother's Day Weekend 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a great day and weekend it has been! </div>
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Our friends, Kandi and Olivia came to visit this weekend.</div>
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On Friday night, we made burgers and homemade fries at home and played a great game of Monopoly. </div>
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On Saturday morning, Allie, Maggie and I headed up to Haywood Street Church to serve with the youth from our church. It was a great day of weeding and painting, and visiting with our friends.</div>
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Kandi, Olivia and Brady went to the skyzone to celebrate Olivia's 8th birthday. </div>
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Everyone had a great day.</div>
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Last night, Kandi and I picked up our friend Emily and went out for Girls Night!</div>
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We introduced Emily to the Melting Pot. </div>
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Great fun and food was had by all.</div>
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Today, we got up and went to worship our creator.</div>
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After church, Olivia and Kandi had to head home.</div>
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That is when the Mother's Day Celebration started. lol.</div>
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Maggie had made me a scavenger hunt with 12 small gifts at 12 stops. The clues mostly rhymed and the gifts were all handmade. A painted heart, sugar scrub, votive holders and more.....</div>
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Allie wrote me a note that said her gift to me was to take pictures for me. Can't wait to see what pics she got today.</div>
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Lillie colored me a beautiful picture and Brady made a heart at school and a hand tracing holding a heart.</div>
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After their sweet gifts, we decided that we would go explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.</div>
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We made a couple of different stops along the way.</div>
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At the first one, we walked to an overlook and had a little fun along the trail.</div>
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Our second stop was at Linville Falls. </div>
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We hiked down to the top falls.</div>
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We stopped for supper on the way home.</div>
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It has really been a wonderful weekend.</div>
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I am headed to bed exhausted but with a happy and grateful heart for all that God has given me.</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-10679650540957683182017-05-12T12:51:00.002-04:002017-05-12T12:51:22.500-04:00Alice In Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bandy's High School did Alice In Wonderland as their production this year. </div>
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I tried unsuccessfully for a week to convince Allie to audition. </div>
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However, she is taking Theater this semester, so when Ms. Sherrill asked her if she and her siblings wanted to be in the play as cards, she said yes. </div>
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Lillie had too much happening this spring to be in the play and Brady said NO.</div>
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Maggie said yes, though -- so the two of them began practices a couple of months ago.</div>
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This past weekend, was show time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPRn76utmih1vMOr4NBXPn4tA-zoTerGlpNUba3hET5f1TkM4JTllbhU3M6GJxHffzwmx6EMx5-NB7ugs3uF9-jBTGo3PQNkF-sPuTaPc1VUNInH56eu4ZMeIClB6SD9Nh2BUnrLCDDi9/s1600/DSC_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPRn76utmih1vMOr4NBXPn4tA-zoTerGlpNUba3hET5f1TkM4JTllbhU3M6GJxHffzwmx6EMx5-NB7ugs3uF9-jBTGo3PQNkF-sPuTaPc1VUNInH56eu4ZMeIClB6SD9Nh2BUnrLCDDi9/s640/DSC_0132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had several friends and church members in the play also. </div>
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Scenes that I captured during the play.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz2q2o3avrEiz2ctkAgk7YS62SkHQuVQjXEN_fZsDb5yI8iKCqn65cqenN_41LOgHJ1275-ltWHu9AbB3NWdlDyg9Se_BLMNA1t6-1bK4T08MQ-u90v7azpj4KMxzQ_miFjJzGbWa30-Y/s1600/DSC_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz2q2o3avrEiz2ctkAgk7YS62SkHQuVQjXEN_fZsDb5yI8iKCqn65cqenN_41LOgHJ1275-ltWHu9AbB3NWdlDyg9Se_BLMNA1t6-1bK4T08MQ-u90v7azpj4KMxzQ_miFjJzGbWa30-Y/s640/DSC_0145.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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At one point Maggie was a shark.</div>
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This is my favorite shot. Her costume was so big that she looked like she had been eaten by the shark.</div>
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Zip-a-dee-do-da-day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9imxWHAzjHD8H7dHq6-PInjhxCRW3yrJHe0lvGo0Qwwuuauezr-jWd0G8F3F3ntJ8r7veTKgNjXqePDKTHIfInko10AOf6D5j0ltIWnV8YgQh6DEzUqgKwCCieyccqyzgkaKdPR2FPH_E/s1600/DSC_0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9imxWHAzjHD8H7dHq6-PInjhxCRW3yrJHe0lvGo0Qwwuuauezr-jWd0G8F3F3ntJ8r7veTKgNjXqePDKTHIfInko10AOf6D5j0ltIWnV8YgQh6DEzUqgKwCCieyccqyzgkaKdPR2FPH_E/s640/DSC_0173.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Painting the roses red! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczEgdsR9qoh3gYSnK1iSasJ2X3hh4K2m9ihJJAQp0CXdIUrBvAu4GZb6-BwNjlWz8xlKYh3sO3mQDMSeGRK6IKHp3h0v0lHnaZv41mAB3Q6FjXVROhgZZYHMb8v0uVKddU8nEtKp3g9fL/s1600/DSC_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczEgdsR9qoh3gYSnK1iSasJ2X3hh4K2m9ihJJAQp0CXdIUrBvAu4GZb6-BwNjlWz8xlKYh3sO3mQDMSeGRK6IKHp3h0v0lHnaZv41mAB3Q6FjXVROhgZZYHMb8v0uVKddU8nEtKp3g9fL/s640/DSC_0181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had lots of family and friends who came to see the show.</div>
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These are Maggie's dance buddies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CWs7vMo5hy8CtpdSANgykONGcazQSWdV7_hE4OmTSmBsTEwNR-RQdHQpG_3gUEtNMjmojYy1w8HEMbey76nOUlGkCj4tZ6Q_0edAsucC7hSg7YhgdExAJL3ojp3uwpn78Y6VlCS1O8_Z/s1600/DSC_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CWs7vMo5hy8CtpdSANgykONGcazQSWdV7_hE4OmTSmBsTEwNR-RQdHQpG_3gUEtNMjmojYy1w8HEMbey76nOUlGkCj4tZ6Q_0edAsucC7hSg7YhgdExAJL3ojp3uwpn78Y6VlCS1O8_Z/s640/DSC_0217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maggie and Chloe</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw0lQiA-3hoh45bZdNRLAyu5M0PZmvOsUoiMnFiSUNA3vAs8arbU9S62ZV4z9WoS6980mi4EP_3_OsjP5nmvF2vhRX_ujjG0r7QggmuO67RK-e2hlton2yNqPapbA8jQRzQ5eSJ6M14uM/s1600/DSC_0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw0lQiA-3hoh45bZdNRLAyu5M0PZmvOsUoiMnFiSUNA3vAs8arbU9S62ZV4z9WoS6980mi4EP_3_OsjP5nmvF2vhRX_ujjG0r7QggmuO67RK-e2hlton2yNqPapbA8jQRzQ5eSJ6M14uM/s640/DSC_0218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nana and Grandpap came on Friday night, but since I wasn't there so I didn't get a picture.</div>
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On Saturday, Granddaddy and Nana LeeAnne came.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0Przgc8IxFXOxH5x5oCH_CXZmcOEI0jvfqj_0nFlWwvF-dStPZEmiDW_2XlH_RBsmdJTLqlJFQkaqLG_Uh_blMBcZlKHryJl1sPpFo4KPWqrin2DrzfI3YZnbEo8kAfmtAdw9V_WwxCt/s1600/DSC_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0Przgc8IxFXOxH5x5oCH_CXZmcOEI0jvfqj_0nFlWwvF-dStPZEmiDW_2XlH_RBsmdJTLqlJFQkaqLG_Uh_blMBcZlKHryJl1sPpFo4KPWqrin2DrzfI3YZnbEo8kAfmtAdw9V_WwxCt/s640/DSC_0222.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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As did Papa and NayNay. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_0AwL38mg4_-8Z89oExzQPo89mc_M6lq30JZjD3-hbGAy3K-wXhAP7mnelM-1idNTD0J-CThgYJa85LRuU3IgpEIZf4RYDPbomEjevIlpbLW_W_LExsIbMNC4DImmxgtGQ2mHaqd519z/s1600/DSC_0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_0AwL38mg4_-8Z89oExzQPo89mc_M6lq30JZjD3-hbGAy3K-wXhAP7mnelM-1idNTD0J-CThgYJa85LRuU3IgpEIZf4RYDPbomEjevIlpbLW_W_LExsIbMNC4DImmxgtGQ2mHaqd519z/s640/DSC_0225.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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It was a great production and a great weekend for all.</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-53062762632069126982017-05-12T12:36:00.001-04:002017-05-12T12:36:14.769-04:00Easter 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up bright and early on Easter so the kids could check out their baskets before getting ready for the Sunrise Service. </div>
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We typically go light on the candy goodies and heavier on necessities. </div>
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Therefore, sandals/flipflops and hair brushes for all. </div>
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As well as some other small things. </div>
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Sunrise Service, breakfast, 8:30AM Worship Service and then Sunday School. </div>
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Allie stayed for the 11 AM service to play her flute, but the rest of us came home.</div>
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Quick pictures after church before heading to Nana and Grandpap's for lunch. </div>
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Easter at Nana and Grandpap's house is always great fun.</div>
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We ate a wonderful lunch, played Easter Trivia, </div>
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had our very own egg roll....</div>
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A relay race....</div>
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Egg Hunts and a Scavenger hunt.....</div>
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After all of the fun, we loaded up in the car and headed out of town.</div>
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We stopped for dinner with friends in Waynesville.....there isn't much open for supper on Easter, but it was wonderful to get to see our friends.</div>
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Then on to Murphy, where we spent the night before heading to Georgia for Spring Break.</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-48618509377888500232017-04-14T21:59:00.001-04:002017-04-14T21:59:25.705-04:00Good Friday Taize Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Good Friday, at our church, we have a Taize Service. </div>
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This<a href="http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/What_is_Taize_worship_and_how_can_it_be_used.pdf" target="_blank"> link</a> share what a Taize service is and where it come sfrom. </div>
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For me it is a very moving act of worship. </div>
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Our sanctuary has been open all day for people to come as they wanted.</div>
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They can spend as long as they like listening to the Taize music, singing if they want, praying and meditating .</div>
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I believe it is a great reminder to us all to take some time.</div>
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Time to remember what Jesus did for us on this day.</div>
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Time to think about all that he did.</div>
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This evening, our whole family went together to worship and pray.</div>
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Throughout this day, and as I prayed tonight, I have been thinking about Jesus' disciples.</div>
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The bible says they were scared and hiding.</div>
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I've come over the last few weeks to identify a whole with these followers of Jesus.</div>
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<i>Especially Peter.</i></div>
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The fear they were feeling on this Good Friday night must have been almost unbearable.</div>
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But today, I couldn't help but think about how defeated they must have felt.</div>
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The man they believed to be their Messiah seems to have now lost the battle. </div>
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They had no clue that Sunday was coming. </div>
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I can't imagine the defeat they were feeling.</div>
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The fear. </div>
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The hopelessness. </div>
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The way their minds must have been racing and doubting and wondering about all they had seen and heard over the last few years. </div>
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Tonight, I continue to contemplate the followers of Jesus and what they were feeling.</div>
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What do you think the followers of Jesus were feeling tonight? </div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-36967943810447268882017-03-21T21:46:00.001-04:002017-03-21T21:46:24.500-04:00New Old Chairs If you see my posts on Facebook, you probably know that I have been looking for fabric to recover a couple of chairs for several months now.<br />
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I got a matching set of these chairs from Ken's grandmother's home after she passed away back in 2014. I do not know for sure when she bought these chairs but I can tell you that the fabric you see here was actually a green hounds-tooth rather than the mustard color you see here.<br />
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I loved the shape of the chairs and knew that I would really like to recover them to use in our home. </div>
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I slowly started looking at fabrics and prices of having chairs recovered.</div>
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It took a while to get over the sticker shock of how expensive fabric is as well as the cost of having furniture recovered and the chairs sat in our basement den area as is for a couple of years.</div>
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This December, I told Ken that all I wanted for Christmas was to get these chairs recovered.</div>
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He agreed and I started looking more intently for fabrics.</div>
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I ordered samples from several places and laid them all out on the chairs to see which ones I liked best. </div>
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I ended up with a lot of samples.</div>
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I learned a big lesson from these chairs.</div>
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I had such a hard time picking a fabric that I know that building a house would be the death of me.</div>
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I had loads of fabric samples and but none of them were right. Some were way too expensive, some I liked but couldn't figure out how it would fit.</div>
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Then I came across this fabric and I could instantly see the big picture.</div>
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We were finally able to get the fabric and take the chairs to be done.</div>
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I absolutely LOVE how they turned out. </div>
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They now reside in my den. I don't know if this will be their final space, but for now, I am loving just looking at them.</div>
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I love how they turned out!</div>
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<span id="goog_1652918515"></span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-57711587919264707232017-03-04T20:17:00.001-05:002017-03-04T20:17:32.331-05:00Lenten Lessons - Saturday, March 4, 2017Notes from my Lenten readings today......<br />
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Lenten Devotions for Everyone by NT Wright (on my bible app)<br />
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Jesus being tempted. "His temptations in this famous story are not just an example, showing us how to resist, though of course they are that too. (Notice how his mind, well stocked with scripture, comes back again and again with the right response.) They are part of the larger story of how 'heaven's rule' came to earth. <br />
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The present power was to be defeated by Jesus. The three temptations here are good things that are being distorted. Part of the discipline of Lent is about learning to recognize the little voices for what they are and to have the scripture filled courage to resist.<br />
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Matthew 4<br />
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Psalm 32 ----<br />
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A "sigh of relief" psalm. It's a great celebration -- I've confessed it all -- it's gone! <br />
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First lines of this psalm list 4 types of problems (that need confession) --<br />
1.'offence' or 'transgression' -- breaking of a known command<br />
2. 'sin' - missing the mark of genuine humanness<br />
3. 'guilt' or 'iniquity' - the murky stuff inside me where there should be clarity and openness<br />
4. "deceit' - the vain attempt to pretend all is well<br />
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<u>40 Days of Decrease </u> by Alicia Britt Chole (Day 4)<br />
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At the end of John's ministry, he beings to decrease in confidence -- harder than decreasing in attention.<br />
He refuses to compete with Jesus.<br />
Jesus wasn't exactly being who John thought he was going to be so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus said "Blessed is he who does not stumble because of me.".<br />
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We have to be honest about our uncertainties.<br />
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John 12:29-36<br />
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<u>Calm My Anxious Heart</u> by Linda Dillow<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> 1 Timothy 6:15 ......He who is </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29804AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29804AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the blessed and </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29804AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29804AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">only Sovereign, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29804AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29804AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the King of </span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-29804k" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29804k" title="See footnote k">k</a>]" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6&version=NASB#fen-NASB-29804k" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote k">k</a>]</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">kings and </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29804AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29804AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Lord of </span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-29804l" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29804l" title="See footnote l">l</a>]" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6&version=NASB#fen-NASB-29804l" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote l">l</a>]</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">lords,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sovereign --- He is the supreme power, Royal power, supreme authority.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-1046743960354111872017-03-03T18:16:00.001-05:002017-03-03T18:16:32.338-05:00Lenten Lessons - Friday, March 3Lent For Everyone Devotional - NT Wright<br />
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When Jesus came to earth he picked people "from the stands" to play on his team. Not the coached and trained....<br />
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"It's very easy for people to imagine that they can be 'religious' -- that can say their prayers, they can go to church they can read the Bible - but basically they are longing on, spectating, while GOD does what-ever God is going to do. " God doesn't need humans to be ready -- coached and trained to do what he wants to do. He's God after all.<br />
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But he wants people to be part of the action, not just spectators. <br />
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"What should the church be doing today that would make people realize that 'heaven' is actually in charge here and now? "<br />
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Matthew 4 - Jesus tempted by Satan, Jesus called first disciples and Jesus healed.<br />
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<u>40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole -</u> Day 3<br />
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"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30<br />
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Decrease is a spiritual necessity. <br />
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Decrease for John the Baptist was less about assets and more about attention. He longed to draw his generations' attention to Jesus. <br />
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"Those who steward attention as means and not end stand tall and serve strong, knowing that all gifts come from GOd and can therefore draw attention to God."<br />
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May MY decrease do the same, May people see God instead of me!<br />
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John 12:20-28<br />
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<u>Calm My Anxious Heart </u> by Linda Dillow (chapter 1 - #5)<br />
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How was Ella able to keep a "holy habit" of contentment?<br />
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I think she chose it by making the decision to not allow herself to wish for anything more or anything less than what she had or was doing at the moment. And by knowing God was always leading and guiding her.<br />
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<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-40946260689842703142017-03-02T20:48:00.000-05:002017-03-02T20:48:10.398-05:00Lenten Lessons - Thursday, March 2These are my notes from my Lenten readings today. I am going to type them up here, when I can so that when Easter comes, I can come back and really see what God is trying to teach me in this season. Because I know he has something for me to learn.<br />
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Lent for Everyone - NT Wright - Devotional on Bible App<br />
Matthew 3<br />
John the Baptist fulfilled one of the most famous OT prophesies of all time. <br />
The God in heaven will come back and be king of the earth......what the Jewish people of the time were waiting for.<br />
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John the Baptist shows up saying that heaven is going to take charge of the earth again,<br />
He is the Voice in the wilderness -- preparing the way<br />
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Not to take God for granted -- God is reshaping Abraham's family<br />
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"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" Matthew 3:8<br />
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<u><br /></u>
<u>40 Days of Decrease</u> by Alicia Britt Chloe<br />
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<i>"Christian spirituality, the contemplative life, is not about us. It is about God. The great weakness of American spirituality is that it is all about us: fulfilling our potential, getting the blessings of God, expanding our influence, finding our gifts, getting a handle on principles by which we can get an edge over the competition. THe more there is of us, the less there is of GOD." --- Eugene Peterson</i><br />
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Insatiable narcissism. " Lent invites us to walk with Jesus through our darker seasons that we want to avoid -- grief, conflict, betrayal, misunderstanding, rejection, pain, etc....<br />
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The disciples are disillusioned by the things Jesus is now doing. They had seen his power. He had raised the dead, healed the sick, calmed the waves and silenced the Pharisees. He now allows himself to be arrested and refuses to defend himself to the same Pharisees. He refuses to save himself.<br />
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John 12:12-19 -- The crowd waves palm branches and waves them, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Jesus rides in on a donkey, The disciples are confused. <br />
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<u>Calm My Anxious Heart </u> by Linda Dillow - Chapter 1 (My Journey To Contentment) - Day 4 --<br />
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Ella was a missionary with pygmies in Africa for 52 years. She had a "holy habit" of contentment. <br />
She wrote her prescription for contentment in her journal:<br />
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*Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather.</div>
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*Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.</div>
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*Never compare your lot with another's.</div>
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*Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.</div>
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*Never dwell on tomorrow - remember that (tomorrow) is God's, not ours.</div>
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Can't wait to see where all of this goes!<br />
<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-46399624212778928782017-03-01T21:53:00.000-05:002017-03-01T21:53:22.667-05:00Ash Wednesday 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent on the Christian Calendar. Lent is the 40 days, not including Sundays, before Easter. <br />
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On Ash Wednesday in my church, we have a special service. In tonight's service, Ken spoke of getting rid of the garbage that stands between us and Jesus. What is it, in our lives, that is keeping us from letting His Light shine through us? <br />
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We wrote those things on slips of paper and nailed them to a cross. By nailing them to the cross, we are giving those things to him. Spending time in prayer at the altar, asking forgiveness for allowing these things to come between us and our Savior. We then had ashes imposed on our foreheads to symbolize the Old Testament practice of someone putting ashes on their heads when they were sorrowful about something. Just as we are sorrowful for the things that stand between us and Jesus. <br />
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It is a beautiful, and very powerful service for me each year. I shared earlier<a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/02/lenten-calling.html" target="_blank"> the call</a> I feel God has for me this Lenten season. In addition to reading the book about contentment, I also have two other devotions that I plan to read during this season.<br />
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One is on my Holy Bible App and is called "Lent for Everyone". It is created and written by<a href="http://ntwrightpage.com/" target="_blank"> NT Wright</a>, a New Testament Scholar and one of my favorite authors. I also love to listen to him speak.<br />
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I will also be doing <u>40 Days of Decrease </u> by Alicia Britt Chole. This book has a devotion, scripture reading, something to fast from each day, and a place for journaling. <br />
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I can already tell that each of these difference Lenten disciplines is going to challenge me, which is the point. This quote about the purpose of Lent was in the 40 Days book tonight.<br />
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<i>"The purpose of Lent is not to force on us a few formal obligations, but to 'soften' our hearts so that it may open itself to the realities of the spirit, to experience the hidden 'thirst and hunger' for communion with God." --- Reverend Alexander Schmemann</i></div>
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I think that says very well what Lent is to be all about. Not adding rules for the sake of rules. But to help us to get rid of the garbage that is standing in the way of communion with God. Decrease in self so HE can increase. Because that is the only way His Light can shine through me. <br />
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Looking forward to the journey of Lent this year. <br />
What does your Lenten call look like? What will your journey be?Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-16258334966411727632017-02-28T17:06:00.000-05:002017-02-28T17:06:00.871-05:00It's Mardi Gras!!!!<div>
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Did you know that today is Shrove Tuesday? </div>
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The Christian Season of Lent begins tomorrow, on Ash Wednesday. Lent is the 40 days before Easter and is a time for Christians to focus on Jesus and some sort of fasting in order to grow closer to God. And as a way to prepare for the coming Easter. I will share more about Ash Wednesday and Lent tomorrow. </div>
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Now, for the significance of today...... The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Shrove Tuesday. It's also called Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday as well as Pancake Tuesday. A long time ago, people were encouraged not to eat fats, butter and eggs during the season of Lent. In order to use up all of those items, people who made pancakes and indulge in sweets and celebration on this day. </div>
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We won't be eating pancakes for supper here tonight. But we will be eating them tomorrow night at church in celebration of Shrove Tuesday before our Ash Wednesday Service at church.</div>
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Will you be eating pancakes and preparing to fast for Lent tonight? Or will you, like my family, be doing both tomorrow?</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-36267258400071247482017-02-27T10:00:00.004-05:002017-02-27T10:00:51.756-05:00Lenten Calling<div style="text-align: center;">
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I awoke at about 5:15 this morning to the sound of the television being turned on. I grumbled at Ken, the culprit of the noise and what I thought was the reason I woke. After about 15 minutes I felt that God was calling me to get up and go spend time with him. I'm reading through a chronological Bible in the evenings, so I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I'm also not involved in a specific bible study at the moment which is what I usually do early in the mornings, so I thought maybe God just wanted me to sit quietly with Him and hear from Him. <br />
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I turned up the heat, make a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch. I sat quietly for a minute...... I glanced at the table beside the couch and saw peeking from underneath a book called <u><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/anxious-heart-womans-guide-finding-contentment/linda-dillow/9781600061417/pd/061417?kw=calm%20my%20anxious%20heart&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CIyBwP29sNICFYU9gQod96EOzw" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart</a></u> by Linda Dillow. A friend loaned me this book so long ago, that I am sure she thinks I have lost it. It has been in a stack for books for quite some time. I knew this was what God wanted for me to pick up today. He was going to have something to say to me through this book. </div>
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I picked it up and began reading the first chapter which discussed a lack of contentment being the reason for our anxiousness. I have mentioned before about my anxiousness and about the words that I feel God leads me to each year. I <a href="http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017-words.html" target="_blank">wrote</a> about those back in early January. This year's words are faith, love, and gratitude. I knew immediately that I had a new word. A word that fit in perfectly with the original words , and one that would help me in the pursuit of the goals that God has given me for 2017. </div>
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<i>Contentment </i></div>
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Lately, I've been super aware of my own negativity and lack of contentment. Linda Dillow says in this book that we can learn to be content. Doing so is one step toward having more faith, more gratitude and more love. Don't you agree? In the first chapter of this book, I was asked to write down Philippians 4:11-13</div>
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<i><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NIV-29454" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29454A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29454A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> whatever the circumstances.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29455B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> whether living in plenty or in want.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29455C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NIV-29456" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>I can do all this through him who gives me strength.</span></i></div>
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I was also reminded of verse 8 of the same chapter......</div>
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<i><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.</span></i></div>
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That is the web address of my blog and I have lately been so caught up in negativity that I couldn't look at the lovely or the good. All I could see was the bad. That keeps me from being grateful, it keeps me at at a standstill in this part of my faith and it keeps me from loving people well. </div>
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As the season of Lent begins on Wednesday, I've heard much talk around about what people are "giving up" for Lent. I have been thinking some on what I would do for Lent. I don't tend to give things up so much as I tend to try to grow in my walk with God in some way. Sometimes, I do nothing at all because I don't feel that God is calling me to do anything. </div>
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This morning, in the twenty minutes that read this chapter, I knew that this year, He had something for me to do during Lent. He gave me something to give up - complaining and negativity - and something to do -- learn to be content. </div>
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I really do love when God shows himself this way. It wasn't Ken turning on the TV this morning that woke me. It was God telling me that he wanted to talk to me. This is my calling for Lent. What is He calling you to do? It will not be easy for me. But it is worth doing. I am looking forward to our Shrove Tuesday Celebration and Ash Wednesday Service this week. (Don't know what all that means? I will share more here this week.)</div>
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Take time today and tomorrow to consider what your Lenten calling might be. I would love to hear all about it! Share it with me here!! </div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044147696321036051.post-81895254217357517022017-01-07T15:26:00.001-05:002017-01-07T15:26:27.759-05:00January Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around here, the mention of snow is cause for celebration and caution. </div>
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Sometimes, when we get the prediction of snow, it doesn't come to fruition, so</div>
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early on, I tend not to pay much attention to the prediction of snow. </div>
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But all week, the prediction of seeing snow has gotten stronger.</div>
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It started snowing about 3:30 yesterday afternoon with the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen falling from the sky.</div>
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It snowed for about an hour and then stopped giving us a little dusting of snow.</div>
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I didn't say anything to my kids, but I secretly thought that the dusting might be it. </div>
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BUT - </div>
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It started snowing again about 9pm last night.</div>
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(I still wasn't convinced that it was going to do much.)</div>
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I woke up this morning about 5:45am and saw in the darkness that it had snowed much more than I had anticipated. </div>
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This is what the view from my front porch looked like about 7:30 this morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SxBCdIpKoA-yl1Ahe0rthRU1IQ1d6bfQJ_Je76DVvuF5pIAWSsWuiK9E67zkq58VOdoPGLOkCE8V2swLV5JuBKY-OBAZKMPvysj4rivzPuY5emWFdu0a4rH2qTKqalq2zbccPKpV9CTr/s1600/IMG_3334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SxBCdIpKoA-yl1Ahe0rthRU1IQ1d6bfQJ_Je76DVvuF5pIAWSsWuiK9E67zkq58VOdoPGLOkCE8V2swLV5JuBKY-OBAZKMPvysj4rivzPuY5emWFdu0a4rH2qTKqalq2zbccPKpV9CTr/s640/IMG_3334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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7 inches of snow!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpuE0q-fgbuK7NMdYuuHIe3FAucD_1j1A4YMQPtLKUCv5HriXrz1_s07L5LbqhZe4letQ_V6SXU_NuN0a44wANWS1kDmrxfEuBDNgx0vJTZgLWQWNGviacuvxGRGHtKXcLMvX5LddgRTR/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpuE0q-fgbuK7NMdYuuHIe3FAucD_1j1A4YMQPtLKUCv5HriXrz1_s07L5LbqhZe4letQ_V6SXU_NuN0a44wANWS1kDmrxfEuBDNgx0vJTZgLWQWNGviacuvxGRGHtKXcLMvX5LddgRTR/s640/IMG_3323.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Around 8:30am, Brady and Lillie went outside to check it out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjtBbSTBTHy-e2FBQZV1oGZtW9dzrvJsjalWhRzfQwBHUT6IZWDrQFbfyNjYkzya610wYuWKcX3bHnYlKMkUn9Eifib7d6yQ14tzcXN4jbD_u_9xbM7GgqxWwC-kQiYnh5_38jWVQIQWE/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjtBbSTBTHy-e2FBQZV1oGZtW9dzrvJsjalWhRzfQwBHUT6IZWDrQFbfyNjYkzya610wYuWKcX3bHnYlKMkUn9Eifib7d6yQ14tzcXN4jbD_u_9xbM7GgqxWwC-kQiYnh5_38jWVQIQWE/s640/DSC_0014.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Around 9:30am, I saw the first peek of the sun.....</div>
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but, it continued to snow until around 11am.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiKdid_21BveSK2n1xZuMU8RUXJIBLnuQku8tQCbDMeKrGArQPwDm8M6egq7c0Y18MI2seIWP7if47B8b-84eqHVHY4Ck_6PD_64I1t3PcdUgIi5IF_lBX7JEQNLEbysmH9IF-BQJwxlO/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiKdid_21BveSK2n1xZuMU8RUXJIBLnuQku8tQCbDMeKrGArQPwDm8M6egq7c0Y18MI2seIWP7if47B8b-84eqHVHY4Ck_6PD_64I1t3PcdUgIi5IF_lBX7JEQNLEbysmH9IF-BQJwxlO/s640/DSC_0026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then the sky started to clear.....</div>
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And everything just sparkled when the sky turned blue. </div>
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The path behind our house. </div>
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Winter Wonderland</div>
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Sunlight through snowy limbs is so pretty.</div>
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We did some cleaning, ate lunch, and then headed outside for some more fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oAYT55-afYNAvcZqwuEp1TidGOzQ7jWSfUmphHj81qVS3gT5w3SaRnffUPSVyisZoqmfUbtxtWPQHGluxMWiullEPSUlPih-NlAzdS7UycsUOfmG4OirI6AB3T2lPYMMN9Y7WSKlqg2c/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oAYT55-afYNAvcZqwuEp1TidGOzQ7jWSfUmphHj81qVS3gT5w3SaRnffUPSVyisZoqmfUbtxtWPQHGluxMWiullEPSUlPih-NlAzdS7UycsUOfmG4OirI6AB3T2lPYMMN9Y7WSKlqg2c/s640/DSC_0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They all love eating snow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfehmXzSGDSgjZ_AzSwSVhujaXc7rwUtb0M2MLvUxysAVQyddgjSj_CPj9vlLLYvUwD6kvKh9Lpp-zESUq-AQi2ZFKNlqNuWQ-sUsG0JaVLLvS2wE1-SHVs9m2FbjtpchkPfeylBf-DVL/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfehmXzSGDSgjZ_AzSwSVhujaXc7rwUtb0M2MLvUxysAVQyddgjSj_CPj9vlLLYvUwD6kvKh9Lpp-zESUq-AQi2ZFKNlqNuWQ-sUsG0JaVLLvS2wE1-SHVs9m2FbjtpchkPfeylBf-DVL/s640/DSC_0047.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Even at 15, she loves the snow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOLxxqxbGn7399EKve80N36DZMvX8B9mxc2sRmqbcyyzAfKsstFMfgGfd7s-i8h7OAuoQ3tfjyLouFCJUWakd2ceZOsdoEW8wit669mYPfELsDSC8y0mvjRgTmZyYL9dooEfXImA5ADZz/s1600/DSC_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOLxxqxbGn7399EKve80N36DZMvX8B9mxc2sRmqbcyyzAfKsstFMfgGfd7s-i8h7OAuoQ3tfjyLouFCJUWakd2ceZOsdoEW8wit669mYPfELsDSC8y0mvjRgTmZyYL9dooEfXImA5ADZz/s640/DSC_0048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not the best snow for sledding today. But they had fun trying.</div>
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Oldest and youngest. </div>
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Lillie went to a friends for the afternoon. They have a big truck and came to get her. </div>
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Maggie is currently in Cozemel, Mexico swimming with the dolphins. </div>
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CANNOT wait to share the pics from her 13th birthday trip. </div>
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It isn't supposed to get over freezing around here until at least Tuesday around here.</div>
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Due to all of the roads that will turn to ice tonight, there will be no church activities tomorrow.</div>
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We will cozy up and watch some movies tonight and enjoy the time with family this evening.</div>
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The snow that melts in the sun today will refreeze overnight, so, if it isn't too cold tomorrow, maybe we can get out try and the sledding again.</div>
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Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592627780339395321noreply@blogger.com0