tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74274396593852475642024-03-18T21:39:55.333-07:00The Blessed WifeKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-22223476561078726822012-06-05T20:10:00.000-07:002012-06-05T20:10:21.571-07:00He is my joyAfter a mostly sleepless night, I woke up to a very, very stinky smell.<br />
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Our dog, who is about 12 weeks old and has been an outside dog for the past three weeks, had been given a bath last night and allowed to stay inside. He did great for the almost five hours preceding bedtime. No accidents at all. Unfortunately, that was not the case when I woke up this morning. There were eight gross, stinky poops in our kitchen where we kept the dog for the night (but no pee! Ha!). Have I mentioned I'm pregnant? And while morning sickness is mostly absent, it likes to show up when stinky smells and early mornings collide. <br />
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About a millisecond after I discovered the poopy crime scene, Sawyer decided it was time to wake up. Thankfully, James jumped to the rescue. He let the dog out, got Sawyer up, changed him, and kept him occupied while I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen (mopping the floor three times over should never happen before 7am).<br />
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Needless to say, it wasnt the best start to the day. <br />
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But I had my husband and my little man with me to start the day. And Jesus changed my heart to be a little more like His this morning. And I am counting it all joy to have been able to clean up all that poop with my two working hands and legs, to have been able to stay home and do five loads of laundry and scrub toilets, to be able to do fun crafts and learning activities with my incredibly active two year old, to feel a little life jumping around inside of me, and to have been able to kiss my husband when he walked though the door. <br />
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I am one blessed wife and mom. And I'm so thankful Jesus is my joy.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-79556601235998649852012-06-01T17:45:00.001-07:002012-06-01T17:45:25.485-07:00Sawyer: 2 years and {almost} 3 months(this was originally written about two weeks ago. Also, blogger is stinking it up, so my apologies if it looks all weird)
This last year has flown by! I'm afraid that if I don't at least post some currents about Sawyer's life, I'll forget all about it by next year. So, here's what's up in little man's life:<br />
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-Weight/ height: at you 2 year doctor appointment back in mid-march, you were about 35 inches and just under 30 lbs (chunk)<br />
-Your hair is still blonde, but it seems to be getting a little darker these days--you have little darker patches<br />
-Your eyes are still the most vivid blue, and your dark eyelashes make them stand out even more. I get stopped all the time where ever we go by people commenting on how beautiful your eyes are.<br />
-You wear size 2T clothes and size 7 shoe.<br />
-You are about as rambunctious as they come--100% boy and 100% two year old. You love to run and jump and dance and climb and shout and sing all.the.time. Most of the time it's great, but there are times when I wished you liked to sit still a little more. :)<br />
-You are excellent at verbal communication. You have an extensive vocabulary and you use it often. You even know the names of some dinosaurs. You know the entire upper case alphabet (visually and verbally), although we are currently working on recognizing all the lower case letters and the sounds of the letters. You can also count to twelve, sing-spell your name, and you can recognize circle, oval, star, heart, and sometimes rectangle. You are working on your colors and favor blue. I am so proud of you for loving learning already. I really hope you continue!<br />
-One of your favorite things to do is read. Daddy and I often find you sitting in your room "reading" a book, and you ask us to read stories to you all the time. I love it!<br />
-You are a snuggler and Daddy and I love it! You don't like to sleep in the bed with us (and haven't since you were a tiny baby), though. You think is play time. :)<br />
-You are still sleeping from 7pm to 7am, although lately you ave been getting up around 6:30. You are still taking an afternoon nap from 1pm to about 3:30-4pm. That nap seems to be shortening more and more, though.<br />
-You are an excellent eater. You love all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and meats. The only things you aren't really fond of are pasta, soups, and rice. I think it's a consistency thing. Your new thing is to ask for sandwiches for everything. You love pb&j's. You still drink a cup of milk with breakfast and dinner (2%) and have half juice/half water (or just water) for the rest of te day.<br />
-You are getting really good about walking with Daddy and me while we're out and about. I still feel like I need a leash for you sometimes--you like to dash when I least expect it.<br />
-You had your second trip to the beach this month. We went with Aunt Jocelyn, Uncle Jason, and Ellie. You loved the "big sandbox" and "big water." You did really good on the trips up and down (with one little melt down at the beginning of the trip back).<br />
-You've finally started to like to pray--ha! We still have to keep about a two foot distance from you (or else you like to swat us in the face), but you put your hands together and repeat everything we pray. You will even pray by yourself after we've prayed. It is just precious.
-You have a new buddy--our dog, Bear. At only 10 weeks, he's already about as big as you. You have a love hate relationship with him. You hate when he tries to nip you (typical puppy), but you love to roll all over him and play fetch with him. I think it will be good practice for you for future siblings.<br />
-which brings me to my next update: you've got a little brother or sister on the way! We've all known since the second half of February, but I think this will be my first time blogging about it. Your sibling should be here at the end of October. We talk with you about it a lot, but I'm not sure you've grasped the entire concept. For instance, when I ask where the baby is, you first point to my belly (or a random body part), then say that he bay is in your belly. Ha! I think you will be an excellent big brother! We are all so excited!
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It is such a blessing to have to have you as our son! You are so full of life and joy and it is impossible to be unthankful around you. Your mommy and daddy love you immensely!
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-69049869728132132232012-02-17T06:39:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:39:16.372-08:00Last WeekAnd here's what was up last week:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP7fh86AjOLnsnq3bWf9FDOXdPOGxgSMpi1PtYfsFFYwANNaSBXhdPO3-w3XnyBl8zGbg932HwbhQTAj83Tan7gCcg476BTHUoYWwyuJAPQRRRWx6XUK0LD4MdL4W7fEZ4ITn-9B-knxm/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP7fh86AjOLnsnq3bWf9FDOXdPOGxgSMpi1PtYfsFFYwANNaSBXhdPO3-w3XnyBl8zGbg932HwbhQTAj83Tan7gCcg476BTHUoYWwyuJAPQRRRWx6XUK0LD4MdL4W7fEZ4ITn-9B-knxm/s640/IMG_3653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Apparently, Sawyer ate paper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxvCacn6rjYN8aqxZmUPLXUjH_LLHmQHq8Pr1NTSyfhUoxw3wjiGluzK3D2i0sirlxOVL-e_xWY9bb12DIZ6sgz9Cl2WAjoNRGqa39V9UyMCe9Jer1LqEUXBFw_rIy8A759R6SmGZkPuP/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxvCacn6rjYN8aqxZmUPLXUjH_LLHmQHq8Pr1NTSyfhUoxw3wjiGluzK3D2i0sirlxOVL-e_xWY9bb12DIZ6sgz9Cl2WAjoNRGqa39V9UyMCe9Jer1LqEUXBFw_rIy8A759R6SmGZkPuP/s640/IMG_3657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made Venison Chili.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckZ-HssTNvMspmSxC0S365e1TN-iT3ttTUxkBtak8YZJY_CHEt2BJpqyAQPQKQGLC3VFAy3J-nsRDb2bgyUrhJh4Aq9apQE-thQ8mgzzFjhxr2ux2pfy58DZwpwX_2rfcdnyMVhDRZW8R/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckZ-HssTNvMspmSxC0S365e1TN-iT3ttTUxkBtak8YZJY_CHEt2BJpqyAQPQKQGLC3VFAy3J-nsRDb2bgyUrhJh4Aq9apQE-thQ8mgzzFjhxr2ux2pfy58DZwpwX_2rfcdnyMVhDRZW8R/s400/IMG_3705.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry for the terrible flash lighting)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sawyer doing one of his favorites-reading</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTIz8pQSJbmavZHXK2VEjItn82uJ810Mu7MFuTDjLV7rOzLClHslTDk7qmhWDGvfOEmVh2zu_e6WBIqFsM2q0JYA2G2VxG1vmxtPDLux4JkkY5enC2_qF3nBC0oLPBp5e55ramYXxW6DI/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTIz8pQSJbmavZHXK2VEjItn82uJ810Mu7MFuTDjLV7rOzLClHslTDk7qmhWDGvfOEmVh2zu_e6WBIqFsM2q0JYA2G2VxG1vmxtPDLux4JkkY5enC2_qF3nBC0oLPBp5e55ramYXxW6DI/s640/IMG_3696.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then little man stole the photo album, a "pow pow" was given, and that's where the week's photo's ended. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-9000626276138137982012-02-17T06:13:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:13:05.040-08:00The Week Before LastHere's what was up the week before last:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AJSWzEw-ED593RrPvKhhvraI1uBto62NehPCx3iAr_eYTTcc2FaFoUeTA_Xk51uR4Q5Mus3gq0cBTLilGRi7HPNc1sh-16AXs0uC-CkuJcE-RBspqNTBWAlO63gyhUMqv27KDHdAjITT/s1600/_MG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AJSWzEw-ED593RrPvKhhvraI1uBto62NehPCx3iAr_eYTTcc2FaFoUeTA_Xk51uR4Q5Mus3gq0cBTLilGRi7HPNc1sh-16AXs0uC-CkuJcE-RBspqNTBWAlO63gyhUMqv27KDHdAjITT/s640/_MG_3493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">February Painting Day 2012</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpcWjbbrJtjWN-h92QiaL1v8xpYiV1wzVLdafkQp1AnQicAywdpZ5af9XQyVeurf6f53vhhR-xLbQVsplUDqjg7I7wGRHj5xoSK-yzhn197Yg_Q2rm2Hd4rH9R5FCzxNN-ngQ3AqGHO3N/s1600/_MG_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpcWjbbrJtjWN-h92QiaL1v8xpYiV1wzVLdafkQp1AnQicAywdpZ5af9XQyVeurf6f53vhhR-xLbQVsplUDqjg7I7wGRHj5xoSK-yzhn197Yg_Q2rm2Hd4rH9R5FCzxNN-ngQ3AqGHO3N/s640/_MG_3503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure he was trying to eat the canvas here</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">One of the finished works (we did two)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Homemade Play Dough Fun</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLBaPBs4faJ46i0R3xUHmB1P1_Jt6311Xyt5F9NjEJFRGpVwzymQJup4w4Ji21PoyAaqKjU1mJCGDLr-lMFMOlI2K5EkCMDRKNCJVTH8PIhkdLUqTI_ku6hVBTT6saQjLOVkRthhctw9T/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLBaPBs4faJ46i0R3xUHmB1P1_Jt6311Xyt5F9NjEJFRGpVwzymQJup4w4Ji21PoyAaqKjU1mJCGDLr-lMFMOlI2K5EkCMDRKNCJVTH8PIhkdLUqTI_ku6hVBTT6saQjLOVkRthhctw9T/s640/IMG_3564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how I love those little hands!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">homemade dough</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFMD-kKwXU9ekAmpQtbf9TTN6mn48lE4OlxsCgFX7hTCr_qmlj_DfyMstqqmT6ZPu4oeQLmP6ULETTEalo_FNrpr_iTO3FeuSA2rhoZcPLu2PH5o6PKubTWyApgavVUSz7G4Tf8wfcAsx/s1600/IMG_3639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFMD-kKwXU9ekAmpQtbf9TTN6mn48lE4OlxsCgFX7hTCr_qmlj_DfyMstqqmT6ZPu4oeQLmP6ULETTEalo_FNrpr_iTO3FeuSA2rhoZcPLu2PH5o6PKubTWyApgavVUSz7G4Tf8wfcAsx/s640/IMG_3639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">work it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsQwk_QdZQYhOglWSetPDzDiJE8xOCq8A40KUvqY-3lUY2PDHZ5Bq6Czk-aKhPjGYa2KjasPe81oxXesH3wU2JqZHuvltY8e8sUTUYmNw3RhwXT9FscG1RQp9zOHDyJozc-b8LajhZpY8/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsQwk_QdZQYhOglWSetPDzDiJE8xOCq8A40KUvqY-3lUY2PDHZ5Bq6Czk-aKhPjGYa2KjasPe81oxXesH3wU2JqZHuvltY8e8sUTUYmNw3RhwXT9FscG1RQp9zOHDyJozc-b8LajhZpY8/s640/IMG_3630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">all done!</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-36074523864693397762012-01-27T18:32:00.000-08:002012-01-27T18:32:54.709-08:00the {first half} of the week in picturesSo, I started this post on Monday. That means it's only taken me all week to get the thing finished. Bare with me. I may only have one little, but he's a busy one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBPJE31dKiaHtYivAgMEAOvuGwyn-kG2Wv1tmH8Yjir1CPI3vXf1hyhz-BbQFVmL-W04pRW4w45NMIaGXnhRgBqnPjw2kHVOnVK92_OFpCz9h-0i_o7sW7Jcs8LXj7Wjat08rl4w4jlbh/s1600/photo-walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBPJE31dKiaHtYivAgMEAOvuGwyn-kG2Wv1tmH8Yjir1CPI3vXf1hyhz-BbQFVmL-W04pRW4w45NMIaGXnhRgBqnPjw2kHVOnVK92_OFpCz9h-0i_o7sW7Jcs8LXj7Wjat08rl4w4jlbh/s400/photo-walk.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
good gracious, he's handsome, right? we couldn't resist the amazing weather--65 degrees in January!<br />
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reading (The Grinch)--one of his favorite things! I hope he continues to love books as he grows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq38oZDAeds8nMGO60BVyyxkFPvySvRelLFBMVzpUbBdtf7knxbSKD70vNX4WWTZnkGMhtpKL2hK6redSB1St9y8yPDXu3YZTEsqXVs2MgPS-zJ-LkvG1x6EeNCFQ6ppADAmSJyc5Shz7p/s1600/photo-typicaldude.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq38oZDAeds8nMGO60BVyyxkFPvySvRelLFBMVzpUbBdtf7knxbSKD70vNX4WWTZnkGMhtpKL2hK6redSB1St9y8yPDXu3YZTEsqXVs2MgPS-zJ-LkvG1x6EeNCFQ6ppADAmSJyc5Shz7p/s320/photo-typicaldude.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
typical boy (sorry for the blurriness-I couldn't resist)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWIOST-QUwLgvFwDyayRXVFsz0r8gOBGaZyb_9_Lbxn5b6Tqd1FzUVKv0MALbwV0wJ1EMVRlAB9MoNeM09RSmt3EBRMnVlnF06rkg9MOA9k8Pspw_eFvj22OSAxt4cHFHJAR_-qf2DEP/s1600/photo-s&j.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWIOST-QUwLgvFwDyayRXVFsz0r8gOBGaZyb_9_Lbxn5b6Tqd1FzUVKv0MALbwV0wJ1EMVRlAB9MoNeM09RSmt3EBRMnVlnF06rkg9MOA9k8Pspw_eFvj22OSAxt4cHFHJAR_-qf2DEP/s400/photo-s&j.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
sawyer hanging out with uncle jason while I got me some ellie time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP-0e8tvcmKskrTcWOUoMBD5j3gB-bBDTYtBAiWMI5mb93cZtHnRZbomE3bop4khwIC0S-KyymIaXh8YSqL3DAX7IQlPp7MIcys3Kidh4UCZrScNp6r1ZoxT_dlplE-ysfEiID9ZjcAAC/s1600/photo-1stflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP-0e8tvcmKskrTcWOUoMBD5j3gB-bBDTYtBAiWMI5mb93cZtHnRZbomE3bop4khwIC0S-KyymIaXh8YSqL3DAX7IQlPp7MIcys3Kidh4UCZrScNp6r1ZoxT_dlplE-ysfEiID9ZjcAAC/s320/photo-1stflower.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
this is the first flower that Sawyer picked for me. he pulled it right up, handed it to me, and said, "flower, mommy." my goodness, how my heart swooned!<br />
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ok, now here come some photos from a real camera (aka: not the iphone). ha!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrH0bGebRQoGviwlSALahQlgAszu0IUeZ5XF3knZrwtpNJTgKpJiTVjmLPI147Ul9XxbUkG58mZKTui82voyjN-6aoG1hV0BKl144-V-nqL7tiIrIpEJc3_GuG1BGWrvfks42CSRKIOBK/s1600/_MG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrH0bGebRQoGviwlSALahQlgAszu0IUeZ5XF3knZrwtpNJTgKpJiTVjmLPI147Ul9XxbUkG58mZKTui82voyjN-6aoG1hV0BKl144-V-nqL7tiIrIpEJc3_GuG1BGWrvfks42CSRKIOBK/s640/_MG_2992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
coloring and cheerios--perfect combination.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo7y-BtQjmPoHsh0lxKY6L8njE7Q90CcD18_jwXd3322Idx_tEUKQRTADJtZwZtbPx6Vsz_Go_q6F866bzKzU_PxRO-IKvZJKrbf7WUqZt7OOBR1YDMDXUXQnzJDWFG5qH4kEPnsepd5j/s1600/_MG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo7y-BtQjmPoHsh0lxKY6L8njE7Q90CcD18_jwXd3322Idx_tEUKQRTADJtZwZtbPx6Vsz_Go_q6F866bzKzU_PxRO-IKvZJKrbf7WUqZt7OOBR1YDMDXUXQnzJDWFG5qH4kEPnsepd5j/s640/_MG_3004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
you can only kinda tell here, but he was picking up his cheerios using the tip of his crayon. who needs a spoon when you have a pointy crayon?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSeORsUiXqsbGbks6Bx616IajilqeMI7J41A7tWhYQFLlzyVYzbgRZQ7y_Z4vHxxhVd6OiP_pLNb-qmax6UslogvGqMoPssaLa15o3pnKSIROGPSv6nXI-IVdwAq0y19Hc7pDgJC6i-ve/s1600/_MG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSeORsUiXqsbGbks6Bx616IajilqeMI7J41A7tWhYQFLlzyVYzbgRZQ7y_Z4vHxxhVd6OiP_pLNb-qmax6UslogvGqMoPssaLa15o3pnKSIROGPSv6nXI-IVdwAq0y19Hc7pDgJC6i-ve/s640/_MG_3005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
hey woman, what are you looking at?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2POxbwMZGI6SGycueNcpzIT9dek7_LtZqtirwZiqwUoZ-vUxMO4jtQ-bu335w6uTTFfURbH2VI8mDDcflwmqOH823qlcw1k1_20RqnHRlw5y9FKId03J21m5wtnDsqxN4yhb3qiqECSV/s1600/_MG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2POxbwMZGI6SGycueNcpzIT9dek7_LtZqtirwZiqwUoZ-vUxMO4jtQ-bu335w6uTTFfURbH2VI8mDDcflwmqOH823qlcw1k1_20RqnHRlw5y9FKId03J21m5wtnDsqxN4yhb3qiqECSV/s640/_MG_3010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Eat then color. Eat then color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi0MqyNMm0eTZYT22SHlApSOf4OIaYvZWEgRazJol2EOOLaeV6Kb3jduvxRXCI_dOdJK-DRD1hScG7tZfX1SIL6hnSMCJj777N1dM-afkVQ-Qzy_HAJgphtrwkGCz8UbbFMkqybfBKgJj/s1600/_MG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi0MqyNMm0eTZYT22SHlApSOf4OIaYvZWEgRazJol2EOOLaeV6Kb3jduvxRXCI_dOdJK-DRD1hScG7tZfX1SIL6hnSMCJj777N1dM-afkVQ-Qzy_HAJgphtrwkGCz8UbbFMkqybfBKgJj/s640/_MG_3013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
here, you color, mommy!<br />
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So, pictures, as promised. Only a week late.<br />
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And please excuse my lack of non-focused photo taking ability. That's why I have a photographer husband, right?<br />
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Hope you have a lovely Friday!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-73833535265399636452012-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:19:37.411-08:00Toddler funToday, by about 8:15, I started counting down the hours and minutes to nap time. <br />
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It has already been one of those days.<br />
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After talking to lots of other seasoned moms, reading plenty, and allowing myself to acknowledge the fact that Sawyer's showing THE signs...you know where this is going, don't you?<br />
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Yup, potty training.<br />
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He's got the vocab down, tells me when he needs to go pee-pee and poo-poo, knows the whole sit on the potty process, and absolutely detests wearing diapers.<br />
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The thing is, he doesn't want to sit on the potty without some sort of pants/undies/diaper on. <br />
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The boy loves to sit on the potty when mommy and daddy do, and even when I ask him to sit while he goes potty in his diaper. Once that bare-bottom is out, though, the melt-down begins. And oh my goodness, have I mentioned he has his daddy's lungs? And probably my dramatic tendencies. <br />
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So, today, we've had three pees on the floor, and zero wins for the potty. We watched potty videos (which he thought were awesome), we danced, did lots of positive affirmation for the little wins. But nada for the potty. I'd love to hear suggestions, I think. Actually, maybe just prayer. <br />
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Also, I'm out of toilet paper.<br />
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Also, it's pouring outside, which I normally love (I'm a rain and cold weather--why am I in Alabama, again?), but my toddler needs fresh air, and so do I when there's a crazy toddler inside.<br />
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Also, I need to go grocery shopping, but as I said, it's pouring.<br />
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Also, I have yet to shower (next on the list after mopping my pee-pee floors)<br />
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Also, this morning, Sawyer found a muffin and now there are crumbs everywhere--and I mean that very literally. <br />
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So, while I am utterly thankful for my hilarious and charming little boy, and the blessing of being able to stay home with him and manage our home, it was just one of those days where nap time couldn't come soon enough. <br />
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Thank you, Jesus, that nap time is here!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-57349536581940005292012-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:13:48.541-08:00Cranberry Peach Pie--yum!A day or two ago, I had the urge to bake. More specifically, I had the urge to bake with peaches. This was mostly because the peaches I had prepped and frozen from summertime were staring at me--seriously, every time I opened up my freezer, there they were.<br />
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That's when that handy little website, <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, came to my aid.<br />
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I simply began a broad search for peach recipes.<br />
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Cranberry Peach Pie was one of the first recipes. It sounded perfect because I just happened to have some cranberries in the freezer, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvX8JIxKI2uA8acfuUCRIiNYuCHENS5jlwN3ZxS-DkWhLHTPLpwmS9d674V0DugKQBy7WpTwZlAgZSQH1wVVITHSl-Dnwb1vI209KnClRGkkDrk_OQGJkBXBhBJz_hr_K9Nn27RR9PJT/s1600/piefilling2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvX8JIxKI2uA8acfuUCRIiNYuCHENS5jlwN3ZxS-DkWhLHTPLpwmS9d674V0DugKQBy7WpTwZlAgZSQH1wVVITHSl-Dnwb1vI209KnClRGkkDrk_OQGJkBXBhBJz_hr_K9Nn27RR9PJT/s400/piefilling2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The recipe that I found was linked back to <a href="http://simplysogood.blogspot.com/2010/11/cranberry-peach-pie.html" target="_blank">Simply So Good</a> blog. She's got some other yummy-sounding recipes listed, too--definitely worth a look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WwfZnRQYy0i5iN7Lx0wa-01kn6eFzuQqoqFFlPSJYpNyQiyvKl2DfXp7qhZx_hQjHWywHG5jAm9cqTiLfK10PCx7kOTtq-FwMzBFPo16n0QUelzdUeW5DYGNuFFi5wWFW-214Tu1m6d9/s1600/piefilling.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WwfZnRQYy0i5iN7Lx0wa-01kn6eFzuQqoqFFlPSJYpNyQiyvKl2DfXp7qhZx_hQjHWywHG5jAm9cqTiLfK10PCx7kOTtq-FwMzBFPo16n0QUelzdUeW5DYGNuFFi5wWFW-214Tu1m6d9/s400/piefilling.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Notice that I managed to take a few pictures while I was at it? I promise I'm getting better!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5QOY0e1Na2zUhFgr1oLUCjQGMRW5u6zP1hs6BRxtKapJXE7-vLJ8JamvYCFeERX1aGATmP3wB0p-bmAKkyTVRZA8Z9mONBrZKQSxtkd6PShGvEKjhG2zLpxeoug4fzZ7k2-9tSqV2_mE/s1600/uncookedpie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5QOY0e1Na2zUhFgr1oLUCjQGMRW5u6zP1hs6BRxtKapJXE7-vLJ8JamvYCFeERX1aGATmP3wB0p-bmAKkyTVRZA8Z9mONBrZKQSxtkd6PShGvEKjhG2zLpxeoug4fzZ7k2-9tSqV2_mE/s400/uncookedpie.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Also notice that I didn't do the crumb topping as the recipes prescribes below. I was out of brown sugar (of all things!), but I did have an extra pie crust (I just bought the rolled dough stuff). I also haven't mastered making my pies pretty, so that's why it looks goofy.<br />
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Here's the recipe (courtesy of <a href="http://simplysogood.blogspot.com/2010/11/cranberry-peach-pie.html" target="_blank">Simply So Good</a> blog) :<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cranberry Peach Pie</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1 (29 oz) can peaches, drained, reserve syrup</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1 cup reserved peach syrup</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups sugar</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">3 tablespoons cornstarch</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon almond extract</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">9-inch pie shell, unbaked</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Crumb Topping:</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">3/4 cup flour</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/4 cup sugar</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/4 cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">5 tablespoons unsalted butter</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/2 cup rolled oats</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1/2 cup chopped walnuts</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">For the filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar and cornstarch together in a medium sauce pan. Add reserved peach syrup and cranberries. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries crack. Add drained peaches and almond extract. Stir together. Pour into unbaked pie shell.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">For the crumb topping: Combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, mix in the butter. Stir in rolled oats and chopped walnuts. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #ddf6d7; clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Sprinkle topping over pie filling and place in oven to bake for 40-50 minutes.</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS2RnHZEwHPpjAd2jRcoX6zHVHPWSrgId_d5SG22FXouBvGFxR9VeI5sxwDtlTHtsOgMpdu8aioCtn-g4C9JkvR69ihOaj-qvWAhbU-iidjM7-1Mxw9m-IYMabA5-iJXlQCCFunbA_PIm/s1600/finished+pie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS2RnHZEwHPpjAd2jRcoX6zHVHPWSrgId_d5SG22FXouBvGFxR9VeI5sxwDtlTHtsOgMpdu8aioCtn-g4C9JkvR69ihOaj-qvWAhbU-iidjM7-1Mxw9m-IYMabA5-iJXlQCCFunbA_PIm/s320/finished+pie.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Yeah, I'm lazy and don't want to edit this picture so it's not on it's side. So.</i></span></div><br />
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It was so good, and perfect with vanilla ice cream. I love how the cranberries and peaches complimented each other. Mine did turn out a little juicier than her's appeared, but I say the more the merrier!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-19750887931439357242012-01-11T12:15:00.000-08:002012-01-15T20:41:37.869-08:00I'm a very proud Aunt!Yep, it's true! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCKunb98niqE9qTh0MutSoSGcmYJGbjf61Ixm1ld79yvX6NW61RsngX2FL_IC8cbx1qyteg09dASPcgCKpEWnQ7gbiyppk1kSEljb0wVPKSWhns2XrzLP8PcmsJB54ZtQnSyf_JuTpjJZ/s1600/elliewithus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCKunb98niqE9qTh0MutSoSGcmYJGbjf61Ixm1ld79yvX6NW61RsngX2FL_IC8cbx1qyteg09dASPcgCKpEWnQ7gbiyppk1kSEljb0wVPKSWhns2XrzLP8PcmsJB54ZtQnSyf_JuTpjJZ/s400/elliewithus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>photo courtesy of my sweet <a href="http://daneesey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MIL</a></i></span></div><br />
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Miss Eleanor "Ellie" Pearl, my <a href="http://jocelynmerkel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">sister-in-law'</a>s brand new baby girl, arrived on Tuesday at 4:26pm. She weighed in at 6lbs and 9oz, and she was 18 inches long. She is completely beautiful! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAcyWCzbdPfKc0ywIHiXXm1uk0mwFLaG3PoKM_fX0FVsWOggrV6phO0EMbe8mvJqoscyXpzhAG2u-nAPNZ3kvQbDlV1FmidWXD758oFx55LhTkFar_y9eUC8UR9P9ewJT0pFl4AIgOqCQ/s1600/ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAcyWCzbdPfKc0ywIHiXXm1uk0mwFLaG3PoKM_fX0FVsWOggrV6phO0EMbe8mvJqoscyXpzhAG2u-nAPNZ3kvQbDlV1FmidWXD758oFx55LhTkFar_y9eUC8UR9P9ewJT0pFl4AIgOqCQ/s400/ellie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>courtesy of <a href="http://www.lighthouselifeinpictures.com/" target="_blank">Lighthouse Photography</a></i></span></div><br />
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The entire day was spent checking my phone every five minutes for an update. I was a mess!<br />
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James called me crazy and told me I needed to slow down as we were packing up to head to the hospital so I could congratulate my sweet SIL and BIL, and hold sweet Ellie. <br />
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She is every inch of perfection! She was wide awake while we visited. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj3pBKMUpj3wnI9ngdqgJINy-4L34aPfYGlsjFn6OeUZziWu9NVBbjcXaLOXtYNtkGybVui1oC0OadQuwWp_NQHdvnuGQnnS3hHSwVGU3bcTyBTRheUvIrdgcsVuVO__nQgZQN1PqLsxo/s1600/ellie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj3pBKMUpj3wnI9ngdqgJINy-4L34aPfYGlsjFn6OeUZziWu9NVBbjcXaLOXtYNtkGybVui1oC0OadQuwWp_NQHdvnuGQnnS3hHSwVGU3bcTyBTRheUvIrdgcsVuVO__nQgZQN1PqLsxo/s400/ellie2.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">courtesy of <a href="http://www.lighthouselifeinpictures.com/" target="_blank">Lighthouse Photography</a></span></i></div><br />
That dark hair! And those big blue eyes! Goodness gracious! I'm in love with my little neice already! <br />
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Sawyer, on the other hand, was not too keen on me holding her. He had a fit when his Neecey handed her over to me. He quickly realized his Paw Paw was available and was who he wanted to hold him. :)<br />
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I must add, though, that this morning he was asking for Ellie. He specifically (and clearly!) said, "I want (to) see Ellie!" So, so sweet!<br />
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God is faithful and I am so thankful for it!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-80917934584772624202012-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:59:40.911-08:00My Son, Future Rock StarSo, in our house, we like music. I mean, we like it a lot.<br />
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We have daily dance parties, in which we turn on apple tv and James, Sawyer, and myself jam outrageously to fun music (mostly rap--ha!).<br />
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James plays guitar (and flute!) and we both sing at our church.<br />
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Music is a very important part of life for us, and it was obvious that Sawyer would just have to get in on the fun.<br />
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I think we're doing pretty good so far. We got this little video a couple nights ago...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9EcErGYIFM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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My goodness, they make my heart sing! <br />
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My cup runneth over!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-61222735673848346972012-01-08T17:51:00.000-08:002012-01-08T17:51:41.803-08:00Tea WreathFor this last Christmas, I decided to try to do as many handmade gifts as possible.<br />
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Unfortunately, there's a fine line between "thanks for putting all your time and energy into this, but I'll never really use this" and "wow, thanks for taking time out to make this because as soon as you saw this you thought of me and knew I'd get some use out of it."<br />
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So, when I saw a Tea Wreath tutorial during my crafty gift hunt on Pinterest, I immediately knew I had found a useful and thoughtful handmade gift idea--specifically for my mom-in-law and sister-in-law, both avid tea drinkers.<br />
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The craft was super cheap, and amazingly simple.<br />
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Here is a link to the full tutorial: <a href="http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/kojotutorial-tea-tea-tea-kitchen-wreath.html">Tea Wreath Tutorial</a>.<br />
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And believe it or not, I actually remembered to take a few pictures while I was making mine!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIlUCUyBLE/TwNcoKNjQfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/9NS0FiM4bIY/s1600/teawreath1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIlUCUyBLE/TwNcoKNjQfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/9NS0FiM4bIY/s200/teawreath1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(back)</span></em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Z64X6yQrQ/TwNc6DGcb-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/zmNlCdaEQUU/s1600/teawreath2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Z64X6yQrQ/TwNc6DGcb-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/zmNlCdaEQUU/s200/teawreath2.jpeg" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(front--sorry for small image and poor quality--stinking old iphone!)</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuB3B2ge-A8/TwNdvDuQJPI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ig5B5J6e0UI/s1600/teawreath3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuB3B2ge-A8/TwNdvDuQJPI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ig5B5J6e0UI/s200/teawreath3.jpeg" width="149" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(MIL's tea wreath)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8fvAv4J2J4/TwNeBIdemLI/AAAAAAAAAFU/S7pom81Dz6U/s1600/teawreath4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8fvAv4J2J4/TwNeBIdemLI/AAAAAAAAAFU/S7pom81Dz6U/s1600/teawreath4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(SIL's tea wreath)</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you make or receive any homemade gifts for Christmas or your birthday? I'd love to hear about them and what you think about making and receiving homemade gifts!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">KP</span></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-53243482643042568252012-01-06T13:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T13:00:24.876-08:00Favorite Things FridayMy new favorite thing? My <a href="http://erincondren.com">Erin Condren</a> life planner, of course! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWKmJQwi8g0/TwNVlYyur1I/AAAAAAAAAEY/Z-R8FXxd_wc/s1600/PLN122201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWKmJQwi8g0/TwNVlYyur1I/AAAAAAAAAEY/Z-R8FXxd_wc/s400/PLN122201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNpZbxAlVRg/TwNTyd_r-JI/AAAAAAAAAEA/yQEZITZjTxg/s1600/planner1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo courtesy of erincondren.com--my iphone pics were just not doing the job)</span></i></div><br />
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I had been eying it since <a href="http://kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly's Korner</a> mentioned it, and I had even put it on my Amazon birthday list. Little did I know that my super awesome SIL, <a href="http://jocelynmerkel.blogspot.com/">Jocelyn</a>, was gifting it to me for Christmas. To say I was excited was putting it lightly. I mean, I squealed when I opened it up. And I had a moment. It was great. <br />
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Anyways, it is the super gangster awesome version of any planner you've ever had. As mucatom a tech-savvy family we Panter's like to be (right), I have to write everything down. I have two or three apps that are for planning/ organizational purposes, but they just weren't doing it for me. My Life Planner has each day broken down into three parts--Morning, Day, and Night. Each section has plenty of writing space, and there are even goal and to do list sections for each week. As if that wasn't good enough, there are notes spaces for each month, cute little stickers to use to color code and label special dates (i.e. birthdays, date nights), as well as pockets to store things like church bulletins and sale fliers.<br />
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It is amazing!<br />
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Have I mentioned you can personalize your planner? Not with just a favorite design--I'm talking family photo on the front, people. The original price is a little steep for a planner, but it seems like there is always some type of coupon code out for items on the <a href="http://erincondren.com/">Erin Condren</a> website.<br />
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Have you ever used a life planner before? What are you thoughts?<br />
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I'm loving mine so far, and I highly recommend it!<br />
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Love, KPKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-12006200859631552082012-01-04T13:16:00.000-08:002012-01-04T19:30:52.219-08:00Going green: cleaning suppliesLately, I've been trying to tweak our lifestyle and go the green route where we can. One of the easiest and cheapest changes I've been steering towards is making my own cleaning supplies. From laundry soap to clogged drains, there is a safer, greener alternative to almost anything. Here are some of the ones I've found:<br />
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Counter cleaning: sprinkle counters with baking soda; scrub & rinse with water<br />
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Window cleaner: 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 gal water; combine and pour into spray bottle (you can also substitute lemon juice or club soda to avoid vinegar smell)<br />
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Clogged drain: pour 1/2 c baking soda, follow with 2 cups boiling water; if needed, chase baking soda with 1/2 c vinegar. Cover drain tightly. Wait about 10-15 minutes, then flush with 1 gal boiling water<br />
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Disinfectant: 2 c water, 3 tbsp liquid soap, 20-30 drops of tea tree oil; combine and store in spray bottle<br />
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Dry laundry soap: 2 bars of Fels Naptha, one box Borax, one box washing soda; grate soap, combine all ingredients. Stir and store in air tight container. Use between 1 tbsp and 1/4 cup--depending on load size and condition of clothes ( I use 1/4 c almost every time).<br />
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There are loads of other cleaning recipes, so get on out there and find/ try some! I'd love to hear what you're using!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-553482339700507462012-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:30:34.027-08:00New Year, New ThemeWithout even thinking about it, it seems like every year starts out with a new theme.<br />
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This year, I'm thinking that my personal theme is going to be joy.<br />
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So what does it mean for me?<br />
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It means remembering that Jesus is my joy. Reminding myself that happiness and joy are not always married together. Finding joy in the little things--homemade laundry soap, using chalk on the sidewalk, snuggling.<br />
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What's your theme?<br />
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Cheers to a new year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlLLvotffA/TwNW7O30TxI/AAAAAAAAAEk/UvUOfzi4W5U/s1600/newyear2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlLLvotffA/TwNW7O30TxI/AAAAAAAAAEk/UvUOfzi4W5U/s400/newyear2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, my husband is weird--photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/danielfperezjr?ref=ts">Daniel Perez</a>)</span></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-88760731607227724522011-12-28T12:38:00.001-08:002012-01-02T13:24:59.239-08:00Resolution Time, PeopleAs much as I hate it, I unwillingly make resolutions.<br />
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You know--lose weight, read more, etc.<br />
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So, I thought I'd share my goals for 2012 and see what everyone else is resolving to do in the new year.<br />
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#1. Read through the Bible chronologically. Our church is doing this, and since I've never done it in chronological order, I'm excited to see how things flow together.<br />
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#2. Get down to my just married size. We've ousted the scale at the Panter home, so I'm just going on size here. I'm currently about two sizes aways, and I would really, really like to be able to go to the pool without wearing shorts and a shirt over my swimsuit--ha!<br />
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#3. Organize and Simplify. I've already started going through my 1,012 junk drawers and closets, so, hopefully that's a start.<br />
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#4. Use less. Less electricity, less non-sustainable items, less harmful products. I'm hoping to start line drying our clothes soon, as well as change as many cleaning products as I can to homemade, non-toxic mixtures.<br />
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#5. Be intentional. For me, this means having a daily plan for Sawyer. I'm thinking of gong somewhat lesson plan style ( I'd love to hear input on this!). It also means using my time well when the hubs is home. Another post (or more) to on this intentional notion. <br />
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I am thoroughly excited about 2012. Are you? I'd love to hear resolutions and thoughts!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-32127581514019814642011-12-23T18:01:00.001-08:002012-01-02T13:32:35.214-08:00Less is MoreI think I'm drinking the less is more kool-aid, folks.<br />
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Less (or no) electricty<br />
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No (unnecessary) buying<br />
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Whole, organic food only<br />
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No bottled water<br />
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No unnecessary travelling via automobile<br />
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Can I (and more importantly, my family) commit to something like this?<br />
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I think we can. And not only will it be good for the earth and all that, it will be saving money and rearranging our outlooks. James and I are both material junkies. The iPad, the hair products, the new shoes, the video games. We have our lives revolving around these things.<br />
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But what if we pushed it aside--even for just 3 months. Maybe it would open the door for a closer relationship to Jesus. Maybe it would brighten our marriage. Maybe Sawyer would grow up learning that using your imagination is a wonderful thing.<br />
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So, as we begin the lovely year of 2012, here are our family Less is More goals:<br />
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-No more than 5 hours of television in a 7 day week (baby steps, people)<br />
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-Organic only meats and chicken, milk, and eggs. We have venison instead of beef, and that is 100% o-nat-u-ral. We will also be doing our best to eliminate processed foods. (again, baby steps) No individually wrapped convenience items (i.e. candy bars, snack packs), and way less paper towels. <br />
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-Between the hours of 7:30 and 3:00 ( for at least four days a week) no lights or heat/air conditioning (we have a wood burning fireplace that will make up for the heat and lots of windows). On gloomy and frigid days, we'll keep the candles going and the heat around 60. <br />
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-Limit my trips to town to once every two weeks (we live in the sticks so automobile is pretty much the only way to get anywhere)<br />
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-No buying any clothes, shoes, or personal items unless absolutely necessary. Since Sawyer is a growing munchkin, he'll likely need an item or two, but I'll definitely check thrift stores first.<br />
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There are so many other things I wish I could do like plant a garden, walk or bike to places instead of use a car, etc., but where we currently live just doesn't give allowance. I'd also love to be able to say I'll only buy unprocessed organic food, but the reality is that I'm on a super tight budget. I do, however, want to see what I can do on my tiny budget. Who knows, maybe my utility bill will be low enough to allow for extra in groceries. Maybe our very American appetites will lessen and we won't feel like we need as much food.<br />
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I'm pretty excited about this little project. Anyone else out there wanna join?<br />
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Be sure to follow/link up to my blog!<br />
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Much love,<br />
KP<o:p></o:p>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7427439659385247564.post-42051601913712052112011-06-12T17:41:00.000-07:002011-12-23T17:47:12.192-08:0015 Months<div class="MsoNormal">15 months </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot believe it--honestly, how did this happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the momma to a 15 month old little boy!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is perfect in every way, so incredibly smart and witty, and already has the sweetest heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is full of life and joy and curiosity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes my days perfect when he grabs both sides of my face with his capable little hands and plants a big wet one on me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that when we ask him where is belly is, he lifts his shirt well up over his head, and stick his little finger right into his belly button.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that as soon as the camera comes out, and we ask him to "say cheese,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he knows right away to crinkle up his big blue eyes, and flash his charming, toothy smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love his obsession with pointing out everything in the house, then repeating me as I spout out the names of everything his inquisitive little mind can think to point out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ball, light, da-da, ma-ma, pa-pa, dog, ber-ber (the cat), book, hi, and bye-bye are all in his vocabulary.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moo, meow, arf, quack, hiss, grrrr, baa, and roar are all the cute little animal sounds he can make.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His little head shakes "no" when he doesn't want something (like when we asked if he wanted a little brother or sister anytime soon. :)).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arms assume the universal shrug for "where is it" or "I don't know" when we look for things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tall, slim self is constantly compelled to climb everything, jump over anything, and eat just about anything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a talking machine, and a ham to boot (definitely a miniature James).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to investigate and talk to other babies and kids.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He already loves to give things to everyone--I hope he retains that through life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still has an enormous love for books and bouncy balls. :) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is such a joy and privilege to be able to raise a child.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, at times, overwhelming to think that I am responsible for teaching him about life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my responsibility to teach him how to be a respectable citizen of the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my responsibility to teach him about loving others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my responsibility, most importantly, to teach him about Jesus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, I am just in awe of God's grace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And once again, I count myself most blessed.</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16987898339710158479noreply@blogger.com0