tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44040724388092409862024-03-18T22:13:44.886-05:00Finest Hour"There comes into the life of a man, an opportunity for which he and he alone is suited. What a pity, if in that moment, it finds him either unwilling or unprepared for that which would be his finest hour." -Winston ChurchillBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-43140897717033788532014-06-30T14:42:00.000-05:002014-06-30T14:46:59.543-05:00Exhausted Moms <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Being a Mom is one of the
best experiences in life. We wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, there
are seasons when we find ourselves exhausted. It’s okay to identify it and even
laugh about it. Here are 21 indicators you may be an exhausted Mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <b>You
know you are an exhausted Mom when:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">1. You try to vacuum a piece of
dried scrambled egg off the floor while running over it 20 times, trying to
suck it up, rather than bend down to scrape it off the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2. You’ve washed the same load
of laundry 3 times because you can’t remember to get it into the dryer before
it starts to smell. When your husband questions you about it, you respond by
saying, “I haven’t done that in like…a couple of days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">3. You see a puddle of water on
the sink, from your child’s last hand washing, and smear it around the sink
with the towel and call it “clean” for the week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">4. You’ve shaken the organic
puff jar from the other room to get your infant to come back to the room you
are in much like you would call an animal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">5. You ignore the peas dropped
on the floor at dinner because they are easier to pick up once dried and
vacuumed the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6. You hear an urgent request
for “SNACK!” while scrubbing pans and 30 seconds after watching your child
consume the entire full four course breakfast you just cooked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">7. You try to rock two sick boys
in a rocking chair at once, while they kick and try to kill one another for more
space on your lap. You hold back nasty words about how badly it hurts when a
stray heel or elbow hits you in the breast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">8. Your toddler laughs and
shakes his head while reminding you that he and his brother keep “pooping all
day long.” You know this. You don’t need a reminder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">9. You realize "dusting" is just a fancy word
for puffing a quick breath of air at any piece of furniture as you walk by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">10. You forget what you’ve
done all week but can check the sofa cushions. Traces of each meal, craft, and
any activity are shoved there. It’s a memory book of sorts to recap your
adventures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">11. You savor the smell of a
clean little boy because that smell only lasts .2 seconds from when he gets
toweled off and runs or crawls out of the bathroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">12. Your dishwasher is full of
utensils but no plates or cups because you have been using disposable dishes as
much as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">13. Your child is eating mustard
with a spoon and painting his face with ketchup. You don’t care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">14. You try to sleep at
night, but The Curious George theme song won’t stop playing in your head. In an odd
way, you are comforted by it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">15. There’s a new sand box by the
laundry basket in your son’s room. It’s where he takes his clothes off and
the sand and dirt pour out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">16. You pull the vacuum out of
the closet every day. You don’t vacuum every day, but it’s the only way the
kids will pick up toys. It may have something to do with your threats that the
vacuum eats toys that don’t get picked up. The best laugh you’ve had all week
is at how fast they are moving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">17. You catch a virus and your
toddler keeps asking if you “trow up yet?”..…in an anxious hopeful way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">18. Brotherly conflict management
has been simplified to “Hit him back” instructions to end the matter. Normally
you care enough to encourage “using nice words” with each other. That stopped
days ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">19. In the morning, you try to
remember which child you were up with in the night and how many times. Then you
realize how pointless it is when you can’t remember what day it is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">20. You spent ten minutes trying
to justify your case against poking little brother in his eyes before you
realize you’ve been manipulated out of ten minutes from a toddler. You’ve been
outsmarted again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">21. Each night while preparing
dinner, both boys cry simultaneously and competitively for your attention. You
zone out to a certain level and bob your head to a rhythm of a made up song in
your head about how one day you might go crazy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-29565384254033727332014-04-08T07:18:00.001-05:002014-04-08T07:18:35.564-05:00Continuing Her Legacy
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOUioghUt3ZX6lvSQjKvAbv1thHUrZWD6qKbWH363dZV3dC2iCXSPoNUpMF5PY4fG3u6ktSXmT1lg7tOa7KcVqkscALZaWmMEF0MoQ4apySJy7kJDIdsdPD9t5uEcZEpSqHOlZFzD-kw/s1600/Mom+April+12+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOUioghUt3ZX6lvSQjKvAbv1thHUrZWD6qKbWH363dZV3dC2iCXSPoNUpMF5PY4fG3u6ktSXmT1lg7tOa7KcVqkscALZaWmMEF0MoQ4apySJy7kJDIdsdPD9t5uEcZEpSqHOlZFzD-kw/s1600/Mom+April+12+2012.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">One year ago on April 12<sup>th</sup>, my Mother’s journey
here on earth ended and her new life in paradise began. Such a painful event
for us turned out to be a beautiful beginning for her in another place. It
seems there is no other way to honor her memory than to make an effort to
remember the love that lived within her, and spread it to others. Mom loved to
laugh and to do kind things for others. This is why it’s so appropriate to do a
little of just that on the anniversary of her going home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Below is a list of 12 kind things to do on the weekend of
April 12<sup>th</sup> in memory of Mom.
Would you do one, two, or even more?
If so, please let us know what you did or plan to do so we can be
encouraged her legacy is continuing on.</span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Leave a piece of paper with a written joke in a
pair of pants at a clothing store. The one thing Mom enjoyed more than laughing
was to make others laugh.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Take flowers to a local nursing home and request
the bouquet be delivered to someone who doesn’t have many visitors. Mom spent many
days visiting her parents in the nursing home and had a heart for those there
that seemed lonely.</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Leave an encouraging note on a car parked at the
hospital. Mom and her loved ones spent many long days at the hospital feeling
very discouraged by circumstances.</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> If you haven’t already, sign up to be an organ
donor. This could have been a lifesaving gift for Mom, had there not been a
shortage of donors at the time she was so desperately sick and in need of one.
Sign up now and be a lifesaving gift for someone else one day.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Leave a gift of cookies or another treat for a
service worker in your area (garbage removal, policemen, firemen, snow removal
crews, postal worker, etc). Mom was known for baking cookies and taking cans of
Coke to the snow plow crews as they drove by in the storms.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Put a gift card in a cookbook at the bookstore.
Mom LOVED cookbooks.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Take a box of dog treats to your local Humane
Society. Mom’s “Best Birthday Present Ever” was a rescue dog she and Dad
adopted. Lily (the adopted dog) was a true friend to Mom especially when she became
homebound and very sick.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Donate a children’s Bible to your church and
request it to be given to a child that would want or need it. Mom loved
Vacation Bible School each summer at her church. While cleaning out her closet,
after she died, we found all her name tags she saved from each year of teaching
and helping at VBS. There were many.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Donate to a non-profit organization that helps
children in poor countries. Mom had a fear of flying, but found ways to help
those in need overseas without having to board a plane.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Leave
an encouraging note on a dressing room mirror. Great memories were made on
shopping trips with my mom, sister, and grandmother.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Do
something silly with a friend, take a picture, and put it in an album or frame.
Mom and her best friend used to dress up in crazy costumes each year and ride a
double bike in the local parade. They had a blast, made people laugh, and made
special memories.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Make
a meal for someone in need. Mom made many meals for those who were sick or in
need. She, my sister, and I spent a day making food and filling my
grandparent’s freezer with meals. Mom made me take pictures of everything and
everyone that day. Seemed silly then, but now I’m glad she had me take the
pictures.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">1. Read a book
about Pancakes. (Optional) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2. Gather
utensils & ingredients <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Pancake Mix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Egg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Pan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Pancake Flipper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Step Stool (so toddler can see and help)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Spoon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Plates <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Forks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Butter knife<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Cup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mixing Bowl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Measuring cups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Toddler (Most
important)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprYzNcfKxHu3NtzLNXIPtq-sMqDCmoV1I1LkdIsOEQUYu6_eLGOys5UrvTYL5gSzCeo8gYpvfGMaAsccUTbphkoiqtr2EG2yiZArtzscwS83OH2QlxYONc9OflNSuURMVpklpyj_0wfc/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprYzNcfKxHu3NtzLNXIPtq-sMqDCmoV1I1LkdIsOEQUYu6_eLGOys5UrvTYL5gSzCeo8gYpvfGMaAsccUTbphkoiqtr2EG2yiZArtzscwS83OH2QlxYONc9OflNSuURMVpklpyj_0wfc/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">3. Measure 1
cup pancake mix and pour into bowl. Toddler will want to stick finger in mix
and lick it. Relax. It’s a part of learning. Let him do it. There are no raw
eggs in it yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4XIcwQZ1C_Z5NCFMJiW8wm06bANQ6YuG6rGDNwqiraaL-3anr_iv2_48gJ3dao6EKRGWl7q5EYwiDgKHfYJrLuFSEPcFc1vSThoXNldgwQZ_U-ixyChJtlSXEUKWc_dmqOlUEXiIKDU/s1600/IMG_5362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4XIcwQZ1C_Z5NCFMJiW8wm06bANQ6YuG6rGDNwqiraaL-3anr_iv2_48gJ3dao6EKRGWl7q5EYwiDgKHfYJrLuFSEPcFc1vSThoXNldgwQZ_U-ixyChJtlSXEUKWc_dmqOlUEXiIKDU/s1600/IMG_5362.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">4. Measure ½
cup milk and pour in bowl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVEmz4oI10rhFwr8llrhvWA4zJALlh9Uz6QUZ-7QgDuvstW2SbmV9SUC_3PVUahQ7zfCZX_5PJQlYpxjjqt7kRK-gN22vFkUFRO-RrtqrEOm7tFx8G81Oz3A9ABw_Hh_Te0zg9QiW8NA/s1600/IMG_5365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVEmz4oI10rhFwr8llrhvWA4zJALlh9Uz6QUZ-7QgDuvstW2SbmV9SUC_3PVUahQ7zfCZX_5PJQlYpxjjqt7kRK-gN22vFkUFRO-RrtqrEOm7tFx8G81Oz3A9ABw_Hh_Te0zg9QiW8NA/s1600/IMG_5365.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">5. Crack one
egg into the bowl and mix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U0eE0pmoFSGa5j6Z10fQ6E6FbU-AerIzJnzTEpUttP1IV6lIAwM_6ANnz_2wkppRyGuSt7LQw1La-8yeaAkcI15hbxPN5ygo-qQJBT2x9t1zkN67mCQXcA1yvI1qEH-Q2JPK6PtY7fI/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U0eE0pmoFSGa5j6Z10fQ6E6FbU-AerIzJnzTEpUttP1IV6lIAwM_6ANnz_2wkppRyGuSt7LQw1La-8yeaAkcI15hbxPN5ygo-qQJBT2x9t1zkN67mCQXcA1yvI1qEH-Q2JPK6PtY7fI/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6. Let toddler
stir. Yes, it will make a mess. Relax. It’s a part of learning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXm9LvTWpLYbr46lN5olvH6B4FEZBlQ_PGZ3L-qQlr6_QCzogVlOzR-UpetYaSOPgZuGrtoPduRU0w8l7IZORHr1gJa47fNbUvC3v_BskSwMmEYj0b2ZfqJc5BdWeuxPowdMWYTjL-I8/s1600/IMG_5346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXm9LvTWpLYbr46lN5olvH6B4FEZBlQ_PGZ3L-qQlr6_QCzogVlOzR-UpetYaSOPgZuGrtoPduRU0w8l7IZORHr1gJa47fNbUvC3v_BskSwMmEYj0b2ZfqJc5BdWeuxPowdMWYTjL-I8/s1600/IMG_5346.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">7. Scoop ¼ cup
of batter and pour into pan. Toddler should be nowhere near the stovetop. He
should already know this concept a good year or more before making pancakes. If
he doesn’t, stop what you are doing and have an overdue safety lesson before
continuing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5G2t9Lb0D4nCT_bFCiuUqpXs1xbfNR23mLDKNSLts_eNX-lzkXBKwJR061Qm8c7Os8-waE8h1ul0tlyAPiBpsx1dWyFsEO8a1jyYRFnjRJN2hKGNNtiaVrONtlQPYFqUNzPEvqOirOo/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5G2t9Lb0D4nCT_bFCiuUqpXs1xbfNR23mLDKNSLts_eNX-lzkXBKwJR061Qm8c7Os8-waE8h1ul0tlyAPiBpsx1dWyFsEO8a1jyYRFnjRJN2hKGNNtiaVrONtlQPYFqUNzPEvqOirOo/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">8. Wait for
pancakes to bubble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMP9xESTPpxc8nsRLPrngMGOa4k-z0EuZW39yzwMFh-HYDW-LOpm0-gw8E4BMz6DQ2K0Hl8UhG17zNcLoGoJl6TcXUpMGauN0EHxhalinnwIqwqJ4jCLIxeZ3xSlgIV-LRfptVKbjry8/s1600/IMG_5348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMP9xESTPpxc8nsRLPrngMGOa4k-z0EuZW39yzwMFh-HYDW-LOpm0-gw8E4BMz6DQ2K0Hl8UhG17zNcLoGoJl6TcXUpMGauN0EHxhalinnwIqwqJ4jCLIxeZ3xSlgIV-LRfptVKbjry8/s1600/IMG_5348.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">9. Leave phone
unattended while toddler takes pictures of the black countertop without you
knowing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">10. Flip pancakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC20oSdgbplYfiHixonx-CSItisWlyG2XbVtXHvjTcVs2fjKUTqzTVPkQ4nx8ziraXk1Bynm_wVRa-6ln-3YWwTMjIqrZzGxk9rVYWfVb0VPfWs_uc-XmGktt_tJyrxuTKB2t9hXtz8E/s1600/IMG_5364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC20oSdgbplYfiHixonx-CSItisWlyG2XbVtXHvjTcVs2fjKUTqzTVPkQ4nx8ziraXk1Bynm_wVRa-6ln-3YWwTMjIqrZzGxk9rVYWfVb0VPfWs_uc-XmGktt_tJyrxuTKB2t9hXtz8E/s1600/IMG_5364.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">11. Cook for a
bit longer. Don’t worry about perfection. If toddler helps make them, he will
care less about taste and appearance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ76ciY_MyQZkn959ztiCDQ1fEkjs3Whi_hQ2VRCedY_AUjk4jp5NzdDeQ-OAlQEi1ZAkMIpzQsYLWiUAf5ztGMl5rkC7aLh2F6LFcm8Brd-05wBLxnkUznyxX89c2grbrI3qr2mzu9U/s1600/IMG_5366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ76ciY_MyQZkn959ztiCDQ1fEkjs3Whi_hQ2VRCedY_AUjk4jp5NzdDeQ-OAlQEi1ZAkMIpzQsYLWiUAf5ztGMl5rkC7aLh2F6LFcm8Brd-05wBLxnkUznyxX89c2grbrI3qr2mzu9U/s1600/IMG_5366.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">12. Remove
pancakes from pan and place on plate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">13. Lightly
butter and pour syrup on pancakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">14. Happily agree
to toddler’s genius request to wear a birthday party hat while eating
because you understand his valid point-birthday hats have to be worn while eating "cake" (even pancakes)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCpgVx4-qfDVMKM6Rj7AC2iwHmjeIhWvzhOijxuRCOsnzJ7v954QLiHF4_plfyUR_q4WiasOLbT6gY-pg00TmHdlpG-fQKkgeNam8RfHjCAc9fQWOzornCPQMafcdj0nWOfR4DJJVSw/s1600/IMG_5368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCpgVx4-qfDVMKM6Rj7AC2iwHmjeIhWvzhOijxuRCOsnzJ7v954QLiHF4_plfyUR_q4WiasOLbT6gY-pg00TmHdlpG-fQKkgeNam8RfHjCAc9fQWOzornCPQMafcdj0nWOfR4DJJVSw/s1600/IMG_5368.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">15. Eat and enjoy (Bonus if toddler eats so much, Mom
worries he will get sick.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">Happy National Pancake Day!!! </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-19129922503115124642014-02-06T19:30:00.000-06:002014-02-06T19:30:34.146-06:00Still Small Voice
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I sort of have an irrational
fear that while I’m putting my children in their car seats, someone will come
behind me and knock me over the head. They will take my purse, my child waiting
to get in the car, my child in the car, or whatever they want. This explains my slightly paranoid looks over the shoulder as I wrestle them into their
seats. Yesterday didn’t help in regards to this image in my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It was broad daylight
yesterday when I walked out of Kohl’s. I didn’t have my head down looking at my
phone. I wasn’t distracted at all. I did however, have my hands full. My 2 year
old didn’t want to hold my hand as we walked to the car. It’s a rule he holds
my hand while walking in parking lots. As I somewhat dragged him to the car
with his legs half bent and crying, I was reminding him of this rule. One hand
was occupied doing this and the other was pushing the stroller. I hit the
remote start to the car as we walked towards it since it was cold. I thought
the car could heat up as I was buckling the kids in. We got to the car and as I
was buckling in my 2 year old, I did several looks around outside of the car. I
saw nothing. I looked back to my son and buckled the straps on his car seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Just as I looked up, a man
wearing a camouflage jacket was walking, at a decent pace, towards me and my
child in the stroller. He came out of nowhere. I stopped what I was doing and
looked at him. He said hello and I respond back with the same. For a split
second, I felt bad. I had judged him as someone up to no good. He could tell I
was watching him. He quickly turned 90 degrees and went a completely different
direction. I had a bad feeling. Something wasn’t right. Why did he turn when I
saw him walking towards me? It was odd. Next he turned back around and came
towards me again. “Excuse me. Do you have cash to spare so I can buy a gallon
of gas?” He asked, as he kept getting closer. A sense of calmness mixed with
knowledge of knowing what to say, and to do it boldly, came over me. I planted
my feet firmly on the ground and stood up straight. I made direct eye contact
with him and didn’t take my eyes off him. “I’m sorry. I don’t have any cash on
me at all,” I responded with a serious look. I lied. I had cash, but there was
no way I was about to lean back in my car and turn my back to him leaving my
child between us. He gave me a
frustrated look and then walked away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Here’s the thing. I’m all
about helping someone who needs a few bucks, I am. Gut feelings and that still
small voice override any ounce of compassion in me instantly though. Something was off here and I sensed it right
away when he came back towards me. Call it discernment, paranoia, or a sixth
sense. I think God places a gift in Mothers the day He allows them to become a
Mom. It’s the same one He gives Mother bears. Because of it, we can sense
danger and stand up to it instead of cowering from it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">What do you need to be bold
about today? May you find that gift deep within and put it to good use. Listen.
He still speaks in that still small voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-47038638518210196132013-10-24T13:20:00.001-05:002013-10-24T13:39:49.552-05:00Big Step<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">On a recent walk, I was
talking to my husband about something I’ve been wrestling with for quite some
time. In a brief and rare moment where I wasn’t rambling, he was able to slip
in some advice. It was good, really good, and not just because he was able to
spot a pause in my ramble. His advice gave me the direction I was looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ever have something weighing
on you that you feel you should be doing but haven’t yet begun to act on it? I’m
not talking about the pile of laundry near the washing machine or the dust on
the TV stand that’s screaming for attention. This is something you can’t
seem to shake. It's an awkward place between blatant procrastination and a longing to jump in head first and going for it. I have. It’s been going on for almost a decade. With much prayer and encouragement
from loved ones, I’ve decided to take a leap of faith, and do it. I’m casting
fear of failure aside and taking a big step. That sentence alone makes me take
a big breath to slow my heart rate down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m going to go skydiving. Okay,
that’s not it, albeit on my bucket list. Drum roll, please…..I’m going to write
a book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m not sure how long it will
take or what exactly it will look like. However, I've got a vision and am excited to see where the
Lord will take it. If you think of it, would you pray for me in this journey?
I’m walking by faith on this one, friends. I encourage you to do the same. What
have you been putting off? Try taking a step of faith with me, and let’s see where
we go with it. Hang on tight. It could be a wild ride!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Proverbs 16:3</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will
succeed.”<span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-15605792641075983442013-09-23T14:16:00.002-05:002013-09-23T14:21:34.411-05:00A Birthday Letter to My Son<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My oldest child has a
birthday this week. I say my oldest, as if I have lots of kids. As if he’s a
man in his twenties or something. Neither is true, and he’s turning two. It
feels like he is two going on twenty some days. He’s growing up way too
fast. I decided to write him a letter
for his second birthday. It recaps a few things from this year and explains why
his Mom is the way she is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dear Son,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Happy Birthday! What a year
it has been. We’ve laughed, cried, and had lots of fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It has been an eventful year
for you. You became a big brother this year, thus being dethroned as the only
special little person in the house. That’s a rough road to walk, especially at
your age. You are a great big brother though, and are sharing your life in a
wonderful way with him. I pray you will be best friends soon. I just know you
two will have so much fun and probably get into lots of trouble too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You broke your first bone and
survived without missing much of a beat. You added a million different words,
looks, concepts, memories, and most importantly- dance moves to our world. Boy,
you can dance, and it makes everyone smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We said goodbye to Nana this
year. She lives in heaven now. She was my Mommy and your Grandmother. She loved
you very much. You made her smile even on the days she was feeling very sick
and was in so much pain. Saying goodbye to her was very hard for Mommy. You
made it easier though. You reminded me life goes on and is still good. You
reminded me to cherish the little things you do, the everyday memories we make
in life, and to remember we aren’t promised a long time together. We must make
the most of the days we have. You helped
my broken heart start healing. Thank You. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Adding your brother to our
family has been a big deal. You’ve been a great helper, just like a big boy
would. The day I had your brother, I left for the hospital before lunch. A few
hours later, you arrived to meet him. I remember it vividly. You came walking
in dragging your wheeled car/bag bag behind you. You had grown up in a matter
of hours. You were no longer a baby. You were a big boy. It literally took my breath away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Lots of things take my breath
away about you. You’re a kind hearted, long lashed, funny, loud music loving,
fast moving, sand castle building, break dancing, wiggly, handsome little man.
I couldn’t love you any more than I already do, and nothing will ever change
that. I have lofty dreams for you and big prayers. I think you may just change
the world one day. It’s not hard to imagine. You’ve already changed my world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I think you will grow up to
be a good man, much like your Dad. He’s a good man too. I love you, Son. It’s
why I’ll probably cut your grapes in fourths for the rest of your life. It’s
why I keep cleaning your ears in public, and fix your hair with freshly licked
fingers in front of others. It’s why I kiss you…a lot. I know you think it’s
too much. It’s not. It’s why I’ll play with your hair every time you get near
for a cuddle. It’s why I’ll worry about you getting hurt, hover over you trying
new things where you could get hurt, and double check your seat belt. I can’t
help it. I will love and want to protect
you always, even when you can’t see it or understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">On this, your second
birthday, I wish for you a happy day. I wish for a day of no Time Outs. I wish
for you a day of laughter, love, and maybe a gift or two from your Dad,
Brother, and I. May your year ahead be fruitful and full of joy, growth,
safety, good health, blessings, and fun.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy. Happy Birthday, to you! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Love, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mommy</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-59553260831591311362013-09-03T15:55:00.002-05:002013-09-03T19:19:41.887-05:00You Might Have a Newborn If:<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-51710681142338421932013-07-06T09:21:00.001-05:002013-07-06T09:21:40.048-05:00Almost Ready For Baby Boy's Arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_dUvaEgN3yAW_6CkhCT2uB6vgRqAQV5hIHabbIFCSDIfY7DDA1mm5SQ6xJ5BjkVTSEoVb8080mnLc7pjJmqXlY3vOI32PZpnV-Hd60cbgvasaGhnssZFTSjPUKdohyphenhyphenbwFqpfT2yDRHQ/s640/blogger-image--1698824697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_dUvaEgN3yAW_6CkhCT2uB6vgRqAQV5hIHabbIFCSDIfY7DDA1mm5SQ6xJ5BjkVTSEoVb8080mnLc7pjJmqXlY3vOI32PZpnV-Hd60cbgvasaGhnssZFTSjPUKdohyphenhyphenbwFqpfT2yDRHQ/s640/blogger-image--1698824697.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUOgxEAkrqiPO9AlSc9niSqKqjxQYPalLUQbgBsD0azCAfiivinybola_eVZuhvPwf37g6fv-ZoGHHd3oJ5YIFaszkpYV8nHduK1c4Ify5lxaRzn7gXKDqwVq20uPhDzt25VaOSPaGI4/s640/blogger-image--1379312365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUOgxEAkrqiPO9AlSc9niSqKqjxQYPalLUQbgBsD0azCAfiivinybola_eVZuhvPwf37g6fv-ZoGHHd3oJ5YIFaszkpYV8nHduK1c4Ify5lxaRzn7gXKDqwVq20uPhDzt25VaOSPaGI4/s640/blogger-image--1379312365.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadS0FirsXo27uGvzFqPeDd3NciXxeMYuZNmprm6GhSd0m54HE3awxp9GdhlFFlsn3IILSfnXgAZ7XEgfM3TquKjca2UVtzb_Fl_HUjVaX2VNPOcmUf3BnwJQAs0fJaue-x9qoNBjqE9E/s640/blogger-image--435388610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadS0FirsXo27uGvzFqPeDd3NciXxeMYuZNmprm6GhSd0m54HE3awxp9GdhlFFlsn3IILSfnXgAZ7XEgfM3TquKjca2UVtzb_Fl_HUjVaX2VNPOcmUf3BnwJQAs0fJaue-x9qoNBjqE9E/s640/blogger-image--435388610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWhK0TtLx5j2aKynoectVQCFvVq2aYEeFJ6PV9qxIRPBPiUpIl7hh2jmsYwM-bCaLnGjmP48vlBeHR8QSUbkG1yRrbrD4mPBo91PL-Ah6jK3kGc5MsPqMh-eAT8O-oVUaySteSv-zRO0/s640/blogger-image-869382762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWhK0TtLx5j2aKynoectVQCFvVq2aYEeFJ6PV9qxIRPBPiUpIl7hh2jmsYwM-bCaLnGjmP48vlBeHR8QSUbkG1yRrbrD4mPBo91PL-Ah6jK3kGc5MsPqMh-eAT8O-oVUaySteSv-zRO0/s640/blogger-image-869382762.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-11071408819607570392013-07-02T12:16:00.001-05:002013-07-02T12:21:22.430-05:00You Might be Pregnant and Raising a Toddler If:<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-43592179988466659552013-04-30T21:11:00.000-05:002013-05-07T13:34:31.111-05:00When The Answer Is "No"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ever pray for something that
didn’t get the response you were hoping for? Ever have faith in something that
didn’t happen? Ever knock on the door only to seemingly have it opened enough
for you to see to the other side, but then slammed in your face? Ever been so
disappointed it physically hurt? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe you were left with a
feeling of rejection, abandonment, or a feeling of being shunned. Maybe you
felt confused. Maybe you were crushed and dumbfounded. Maybe you felt deceived
or were just numb. We are told if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we
can move mountains. What if you have faith greater than that seed, but the
mountain doesn’t move? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After the death of my Mother,
I really wanted to stand up and shout to the world that we are all going to die,
and most of us will have a slow suffering death. I was mad at the world that
had robbed and put her though so much. I realized it will rob most of us in
ways that will march us to our inevitable death bed. I thought everyone should
know this truth. Pretty encouraging, right? Thankfully, I restrained from shouting
this out in crowds in an effort to protect my family and friends from thinking
I was losing my mind. As the sting of
losing her battles the blessings that flood my way, I’ve lost the want to
stress that point to everyone. That’s a good thing. Light is stronger than
darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As my Mother laid in a hospital
bed getting sicker and sicker, I had all the faith in the world God was going
to save her with the transplant she desperately needed. I waited. Day after day
after day, I waited. As I poured over scripture that reassured me He saves and
heals those in need, I clung to that hope. The door violently slammed. The
transplant never happened, and the answer to my prayer was, “No.” I can’t
express how much it hurt. I knew He could have saved her, but He didn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I refuse to go to Him with
the question of “why?” I know what the answer would be. I knew it the second
the question even popped in my head after she died. Job in the Bible asked it
and was put in his place. I think The Lord responded with something like,
“Where were you when I formed the earth?!” I know my place and am not going
there with that question. When it’s all been said and done, I’m left with the
fact I still trust Him. I know He sees
all the “what if’s” of every situation and makes decisions based on what is
best for us. Maybe what was best for her was not that transplant. Maybe it’s
not all about me, and what I want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Here’s the thing: A sovereign
God always hears, always cares, and always answers. Sometimes the answer isn’t
what we want or even what we have faith in. There’s a difference between what He <b>CAN</b> do and what He <b>WILL</b> do. Ouch. Not many praise songs on that topic, is
there? We don’t like to talk about it, but it’s reality. We live in a dark world.
Bad things happen. Sometimes He doesn’t
answer the way we want. The question isn’t whether He is sovereign. The
question is whether we will still trust even though we hurt, and even when the
answer is “no.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I struggle with parenting my
son at times. I try to teach him manners, respect, and the difference between
right and wrong. There are situations where he does everything right. He asks
nicely, he is respectful, and does everything I’ve taught him. Sometimes I have
to tell him “No” anyway. As I watch him cry and hurt about what seems so
unfair, I hurt too. I hate hurting him, even when I know it’s what is best for
him. Recently, it’s in those moments I
realize my parenting is just a mirror image of the One who made and parents me.
Just as I hope my son will trust me because I know what’s best, I need to trust
God’s plan too. I must go on and move forward. I still hurt, still process, and
still feel angry at the world and all the darkness in it. I however still trust
in the One who hurts with me. I still trust His plan even though there are
things I don’t understand in it. After all, He’s the One directing the steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
Proverbs 20:24 </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-42526025478217174732013-03-04T12:25:00.001-06:002013-03-04T15:07:29.155-06:00Big Boy, Slides, and Joy in Today<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEupZKwrN1yF0TTexvxSTaYowXZFg-xuk-xE4gFh1KrAmsrlYPqgqeXiQNQuj7S2Pf37rifhU4EzyicjCCcm2PRoVp_OAFmQPLSKTGHof4PB7Xg0JMWIP76qVri64QtpYdHguAoWGwIQ/s1600/IMG_4970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEupZKwrN1yF0TTexvxSTaYowXZFg-xuk-xE4gFh1KrAmsrlYPqgqeXiQNQuj7S2Pf37rifhU4EzyicjCCcm2PRoVp_OAFmQPLSKTGHof4PB7Xg0JMWIP76qVri64QtpYdHguAoWGwIQ/s400/IMG_4970.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It’s not like I wasn’t warned
this would happen. My little boy is
growing up way too fast. Yesterday at
the park, he climbed the ladder up to the slide by himself. Although I was clapping
and cheering him on, I was oddly hurting a bit at the same time. Sometimes, he
hasn’t needed me to be at the bottom of the slide to catch him when he musters
the courage to go down. Once at the park
yesterday, he wanted to try a bigger slide.
It was higher up so, I walked behind him, just in case he would need
me. Although he did need some
encouragement to go down, it didn’t take him long. What a bittersweet moment of
sadness vs. joy as I let go of his hand and watched him spiral down the “big”
slide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He’s a sweet boy. You can see
it in the mornings when he gently lifts my shirt to see the growing belly we
call, “Baby.” He then leans in and kisses
his baby sister/brother and pulls my shirt to cover it again. You can see it
when his Daddy comes home from work and he promptly snuggles in for an extended
time of cuddles while whispering “Dada, Dada,” while smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Sure, we have entered into
the world of tantrums. We have learned and even frequent the word, “No,”
throughout the day. We throw our food and forget that yelling is an “outside
voice.” We kick and cry through diaper
changes. I’m even known to have daydreams of taking a random bubble bath to
allow Calgon to “Take me away.” Those necessary tests of boundaries are normal
for his development, and I know that. This season is a strong one, shaping who
he will become later in life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I dream of the man he will
grow up to be at the same time I ache to see him grow. In many ways, he’s still
that little baby I brought home from the hospital and always will be. I know, I
know, just wait until he goes to kindergarten, or to college, or gets
married. The slide is just the
beginning. I dream and pray for the man he will become, but just didn’t realize
he was on his way so quickly. Is there a way to freeze time to get a few more
cuddles in? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nope, there’s not. That’s why
today when the weather man announced it will be 85 degrees out, I decided to
change our plans. I looked over my list, (Yes, I’m so anal, I keep lists on
everyday tasks. Why? Because they make me feel like there is actually order in
the world) and moved playing outside in the sand box to #1. We may even eat our
lunch outside- picnic style. Today, I choose to not give an internal eye roll
at the sight of him reaching for the same book we’ve read 8 times already this morning. Today, I embrace it. In a blink of an eye, he won’t need me to read to him
anymore. In a split second, he <i>will</i> be going off to college. And so, I’m
thankful for today and all that comes with it. Although it may throw a few challenges
my way, it feels pretty close to being perfect.
Today I celebrate cheering from the side of the slide instead of having
him on my lap and going down with him. It’s a different viewpoint to watch the
wind whip through his hair, but it’s a pretty blessed one at that. At this viewpoint,
I get an even better shot of his smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-63973102475836780902013-02-27T09:28:00.003-06:002013-02-27T09:32:41.016-06:00Getting Rid of Stuff<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Recently I’ve entered a
season of seeing the overwhelming need to get my “stuff” together. I need to get going on transforming our old
office into the nursery for the baby. The cleaning out and re-organizing the
house to fit everything is not something I look forward to doing. I’m
procrastinating, and I know it. I know I’ll need to throw things out that I
really want to hang onto. This house is
only so big. It can’t hold everything. When it’s done, and clean, fresh paint
is on the wall, and everything is in the correct place, that will be a great
feeling. It will be worth it all in the
end. A beautiful and precious baby will fill the space where the unneeded stuff once was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Here’s the thing: The office
isn’t the only thing I need to clean out. Turns out I’ve got other “stuff” to
deal with too. Ever sense you need to
make some changes, and then that reminder keeps popping up every time you turn
around? That’s where I’m at, and I can’t
seem to dodge it. Not only does the closet in the office have baggage that
needs to be thrown out, so does my heart.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Pride. Anger. Stubbornness.
Guilt. Insecurity. These are just a few of the things that need to be hauled to
the trash. Let’s face it, these things won’t be going to the Goodwill donation
bin. Nobody wants them. They need to be trashed. I know exactly what dumpster
has their name on it. Learning to let go and pitch them in? That’s the hard
part. For some reason, it’s hard to let
them go. Unfortunately, they fall into a group of things that hold many of us
captive of enjoying the life we were meant to have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The scary part, and the one
most pressing upon me, is that if I don’t take care of the baggage now, I’m
overwhelmingly realizing my children will inherit it. Oh, how I long for them
to not battle the same issues I do. I
long to be a better wife, mother, and follower of Christ. That is the core of
the plea I can hear from deep within. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I’m thankful for other women
that spur me to be a better person on a regular basis. Challenge can be
healthy. I’m thankful for a supportive
and prayerful husband, especially one who loves me and probably doesn’t see how
flawed as I know I am. I’m thankful for a church that isn’t afraid to say it
like it is when it comes to the need to change, and somehow manages to speak on
the very topics that are pressing on my heart each week. I’m thankful for instrumental
people who are willing to hold me accountable in my spiritual sojourn’s goals.
I’m thankful for the Lord giving me the courage to take steps in making changes
and slowing getting a jump start on the Spiritual Spring cleaning I so
need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And so, my journey to clean
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throw out things I don’t need, to make room for something precious and
beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Instead
of bronze I will bring you gold,</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I
will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your
governor and well-being your ruler. – Isaiah 60:17</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-84457177027443433802013-01-09T08:37:00.000-06:002013-01-09T08:39:09.462-06:00First World Problems <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK5dCvRe9jGBJMMe4r5JXXaktyPUYDlpSTogqL6ZAlLLwCNbQcyweohMg4sRjI94KStwgfU2BfU3nQAU1CnVaPCEUrawjaiejo-rQd2Kydsmoi80NRjxaGBHFiiNKvL4R9zRPK-W5niE/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK5dCvRe9jGBJMMe4r5JXXaktyPUYDlpSTogqL6ZAlLLwCNbQcyweohMg4sRjI94KStwgfU2BfU3nQAU1CnVaPCEUrawjaiejo-rQd2Kydsmoi80NRjxaGBHFiiNKvL4R9zRPK-W5niE/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Quilted Northern Commercial:
"It's time to get real about what happens in the bathroom. Stop all the
cutesy stuff and start talking about what you really want from your toilet
paper.......(In a very serious tone of voice) For myself, for my family- It
keeps us clean" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Wow. People are dying all
over the world from hunger and we need to get serious about what we want from
our toilet paper? Is it me, or are we really missing something?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I know marketing is geared
towards what society demands. I get that. We demand luxury. I’m not saying
people should be uncomfortable in the bathroom either. Perhaps I’m on high
alert after a recent discussion with friends about need vs. luxury. However,
let’s face it, if “not soft enough” toilet paper is your most pressing issue in
life, you are among the richest people in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I’ve seen some of the poorest
of poor in the world. I’ve even
envied that something they have where they appear to “get” life better than I
do. And I, being the one who lives a life where I have more than I need. Then
again, I do live in a country where we “need” to get serious about toilet
paper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The picture above is of a little boy I met a few years ago. He and his 4 other orphan brothers lived in a small shack by themselves. The stale food behind him is all they had to eat for the week. Soft toilet paper was not on the top of his list of needs. He represents millions of others lacking basic needs to survive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Perhaps we need to get
serious about things that truly matter in life. Perhaps we need to spend less
thought and money on toilet paper and more on others. Perhaps the finer things
in life cannot be bought but experienced. Perhaps we should get real, and stop
all the cutesy stuff and start talking about important things in life. Why? For ourselves, for our families, and for
others that are in true need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-13139262292856607302012-12-30T09:06:00.001-06:002012-12-30T09:51:48.513-06:002012 Year End Review<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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At the end of each year, I try to come up with a list of
things I’ve learned or gleaned some sort of knowledge or humor from. In random order, here’s what made the list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>My 2012 Year End Review</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-You may be getting too attached to your morning news show
when you feel betrayed by seeing one of your favorite field reporters on
another network.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We are attracted to water. We do recreation in it, on it,
and around it. People want to build their homes by it. People build ponds to
enjoy it. It’s as if we are drawn toward it like metal to a magnet. Perhaps it
has something to do with how we all started off in amniotic fluid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-There are a lot of hurting people out there. Many are out
there hurting others. Some don’t even know it. Hurt people- hurt people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-A smile goes a long way. Further than just from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Toddlers don’t digest kiwi seeds. You should know this
before you have a moment of freaking out over what seems to be bugs in your
child’s diaper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-A great place to hide things is under the couch. Apparently
I don’t clean under there often.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Give a child a toy, he will play for a minute. Give a child
a box and he we play for an eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I should listen to Christmas songs year round. Perhaps I would be more accustomed and
desensitized so I wouldn’t cry at every song I hear from Nov-Dec.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Definition of
nap- “A short sleep during the day.” I have no idea what this means.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-If wanting a bunker
makes me a crazy prepper, I’m in trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Sometimes there’s
a fine line between a toddler kiss and a bite.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Wet forgotten
laundry in the washer not only sours, it breeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-If an epiphany, a
great workout, or a dinner with friends fail to make anyone’s Facebook page,
did they really happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Sometimes people
use large words to feel smart. Really, who throws out “Dichotomy” in casual passing? You’re smarter than me. I get
it. (Ashley, this isn’t referring to
you)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Your child may be
constipated when his diaper falls to the floor, during a diaper change, and
your friends hear a thud in the other room. Prunes, Anyone?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Once you get a vehicle
with a third row, you have officially
left your “younger years” behind. If you
are totally okay with that, you have officially entered “maturity.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Remember those
paper origami fortune things we made as kids? They were the kind that you moved
with your thumbs and pointer fingers and had several layers that predicted your
future? They don’t work. I didn’t marry a New Kid on the Block, have 10 kids,
live in a mansion, or drive a Ferrari. I did way better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-#TTLOT. Caring for the suffering of the world will
change your life for the better. Give it a try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Now that my child
actually watches cartoons, I’ve realized they just don’t make cartoons like
they used to. By that, I’m referring to The Get Along Gang, Shirt Tales,
Rainbow Bright, and The Monchhichi’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Singing WITH my
cuddly son while he falls asleep AND hearing my husband and son giggle while
playing don’t just top my 2012 list of coolest things. It may top the coolest
things ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-You may be in an
exercise rut when you see a sale on Spanx and your heart flutters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Seeing my husband
try to get his foot out of a stirrup of a bucking horse might have been one of
the most frightening things I’ve seen in a while. Ironically enough, it’s just
plain funny now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Air travel with a
baby/toddler is hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-A friend’s
terminal cancer disappearing because of thousands of prayers lifted up from all
over the world? Powerful. Life Changing. Blessing to witness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-I don’t know why,
but sometimes when the world doesn’t make sense, watching the sunset puts
things into perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-It’s awesome my
parents have a dog they love. It’s not awesome they want me to treat her like a
sibling. It makes me feel weird.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Sarcasm- my
family’s “go to” coping mechanism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Different doesn’t
equal bad. Change equals growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
-Silent prayers
whispered in the deep recesses of your heart are heard and answered. Don’t
think for a second they aren’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-85227989797756413712012-10-01T15:40:00.002-05:002012-10-01T15:40:31.718-05:00The Great Outdoors Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had fun celebrating our son's 1st birthday. Since he loves being outdoors, I thought an outdoor theme would be lots of fun. Here are pictures from the big day!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-53603296851599854962012-08-09T11:34:00.002-05:002012-08-09T11:35:41.689-05:00You Might Have a Toddler If:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You have ever scooped dog
food out of your child’s mouth more than once in a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You go down the childproofing
aisle just to see if they have come out with anything new to help you since you
were there yesterday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-Your friends ask you if you
got your hair done recently and you reply, “No, I just stopped fixing it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You cringe at opening the
cable bill for fear your child has ordered new channels via the remote when you
weren’t looking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You are practicing your “Poop
is not Finger Paint” lecture because you have a feeling you will be preaching
it soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-The Sound of Silence only
makes you nervous. Silence = They are in to something they know they shouldn’t
be in to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You fight the urge to not
laugh during a scolding because they are so stinking cute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">-You are convinced your child
will be an astronaut, disease curer, professional athlete, or anything else
super cool because you think he is exactly that…super cool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">-Fun games like chase are
way more fun now than they ever were when you were a kid. And let’s face it,
they were pretty fun back then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You savor cuddles when you
get them because they don’t happen as often as they used to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">-You are blown away each day at how something so little can take up such a big part of your heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-67919143022565140782012-07-26T09:07:00.002-05:002012-07-26T10:08:19.510-05:00Letting the Conscience Win<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">I think of
it when I’m tempted to leave my grocery cart in the grassy knoll in the parking
lot instead of walking a half -mile to the nearest cart holder. I think of it
when I change my mind about buying something at Target, and want to put my
unwanted beauty product on the shoe shelf in front of me. Who walks to the
other side of the store to put it back where it came from? Let’s face it; the trek from Beauty to Shoes
is a journey. But then a stereotypical image of a worn out cart boy or a tired
stock clerk pops into my mind. “Treat people how you want to be treated,”
bounces off the walls of my head as I try to ignore it. "Not now. I’m in a
hurry, Conscience. Come back later when I’m in a do-gooder mood." Ultimately, the c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">onscience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"> usually wins out and I pout my way to doing the right thing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">It’s not
exactly the cheerful giver attitude I’d be proud to have, but I’m a work in progress
like everyone else. Treating people how we would want to be treated, paying it
forward, and doing unto others as you would want them to do unto you is a
revolutionary idea. It takes a certain amount of removal of self to do it
though. Who wants to do that? Most days, not I. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe that’s
the problem. Most of us, most days are
playing out that “not I” mentality even though we know from experience we always feel better if we decide to listen to that inner c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">onscience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">. Could it be that the world would have less violent crimes, theft, abuse,
and even loneliness if we could all embrace the concepts of love, kindness, and
the value of treating others how we would want to be treated?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">So many
blame guns for violence, media for laziness, poor laws for crime, and
government for the condition our society is in. What about us? Are we not to
blame? Imagine a freeway with less road rage, passive aggressive-less (I’m
aware that’s not even a word) arguments with loved ones, a hate-less society,
and a world where everyone looks out for their brother instead of constantly
looking over their shoulder. I realize
the reality of this is slim other than it playing out in a Disney movie on the
big screen. But maybe it could start in
our own home, our own city block, our own workplace, or even just at our local
grocery store. It only takes a spark to
get a fire going, and in the wake of a time of so many terrible things going
on, maybe a spark here and there could actually make a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Call me
idealistic, (You wouldn’t be the first) but I have hope. Although we are all self-centered,
I do believe there is an innate sense of doing good and ability to love in us
all. After all, we were born with it, and it’s why we were created, to love and
be loved in return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.
Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems
hopeless.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> –
Gilbert K. Chesterton<o:p></o:p></span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-2497005360915972722012-07-02T11:03:00.001-05:002012-07-02T11:11:14.613-05:00Top Ten Signs Your Child is Teething in Random Order<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1. Your child is trying to chew odd things…like the
floor<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2. Sore gums have caused cranky fits that leave
everyone involved needing a bath after dirty diaper changings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3. You lift them up and ask them to give you a kiss
and instead you get drips of luke warm drool showering your lips. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4. You find YOURSELF taking Tylenol before each
feeding<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Your dog isn’t chewing on your slippers nearly as
much as your child is<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
6. <span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>You feel like throwing a party when you feel
something hard poking through their gums<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
7. You have said “Mommy doesn’t want you to chew
her toes” more than once in a day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
8. You purchased almost everything in the teething
relief isle at Walgreens just out of desperation<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
9. "Please help a tooth pop through his gums soon”
is on your daily prayer list<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
10. You
just figured out those strange crescent moon shape marks on the chair ottoman
are bite marks<o:p></o:p></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-42052489894463172022012-05-14T11:44:00.001-05:002012-05-14T11:54:17.206-05:00Lord of the Fruit Flies<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few weeks ago I realized we had a rotten lemon in the
bottom of our fruit bowl on the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first missed sign was a few fruit flies in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Side note- I HATE fruit flies. I assumed that
if I got rid of the lemon, the flies would go away. No such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, after all the fruit was eaten out of
the bowl, the flies remained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around
this time, we were headed out of town on vacation. There was no food on the
counter. All the garbage cans in the house were emptied, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew when I came back from our trip,
the flies would be gone. They would have to die if they had nothing to eat for two weeks,
right? Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On occasion I have been told, I am stubborn. I like to think
of it as persistent. Either way, I was not about to let those flies get the
best of me or my house. I wanted to find a way to get rid of the fruit flies <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for good, and without spraying chemicals
around the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was there such a
way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a little research and read that if you
put fruit in a bowl and cover it with cling wrap with a few small holes, you
can create a trap for the flies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I adapted
this plan to something a little fancier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sick, but I wanted to see the trap from a 360 degree view and be able to
count those little buggers when they did get trapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put two small clear plastic cups together
with a few pieces of fresh fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
taped around the seam with packing tape to secure it. Then, I went out to my
husband’s tool box and found what best describes it as a dental tooth pick. (I’m
positive this is NOT what it is used for but it gives you an idea of how big it
was). I wanted something that would poke a few really small holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trap is supposed to work by attracting the
fly and allowing it in the cup but not back out. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put it all together and left it on the kitchen
counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few hours later, I checked on
it, and no flies were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummer. So
I thought. After another few hours, one fly fell for my trap. Then another.
Within 24 hours, I had caught all the flies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The flies were all officially caught and now gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thought I’d pass along this chemical free way
to get rid of one of the most annoying little bugs. Cheap, Easy, and maybe even
a little ego boosting too. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Grnp3oIdu7eVDlluLqmvJC2rto5xjhwiIc6Xztduvz8btfZWLNwArJpSa24STiIcIZ47ktpyD7U6XIw5Ty6bml1duh_7_cubEpXMLiC0xyMnJjQXySgTKTnEYXUksCOyMs2M8PYQm4/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Grnp3oIdu7eVDlluLqmvJC2rto5xjhwiIc6Xztduvz8btfZWLNwArJpSa24STiIcIZ47ktpyD7U6XIw5Ty6bml1duh_7_cubEpXMLiC0xyMnJjQXySgTKTnEYXUksCOyMs2M8PYQm4/s320/photo2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-15379761239022527172012-05-09T00:57:00.000-05:002012-05-09T01:11:14.616-05:00What I Admire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I didn’t realize how much I would admire my child. I mean, I know everyone says you learn more from your children than you could ever imagine. I’ve been told to beware that they will teach me more about myself than we can teach them about anything. One thing I didn’t expect is to admire his personality as much as I do and so soon. He is just over seven months old and already has me captivated. Yes, he’s cute, and of course I think he is brilliant at just about everything as most parents do (and should). However, there are a few things that really stand out.
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He loves music. He especially loves the worship music at church. Once the music starts (and sometimes in anticipation just before it starts) he begins dancing. I don’t mean a head bobble or rocking back and forth. He dances with everything in him. Every part of him is moving, and you can feel the energy pouring out of him. Every ounce of him dances. His little heart beats so fast, you can feel it pounding in his chest when he takes a break to catch his breath. His arms flail about as if they are wings of a bird and about to take flight. If you aren’t careful, he will literally dance right out of your arms. He dances so hard he eventually crashes into your arms and sleeps after three or four songs. Wouldn’t you know it, he can actually keep a beat with the music! I wish I had a passion and carefreeness about me for things like that. I admire it. I wish I had a zest for life to where I would leave inhibitions behind to a point where I crash because I danced so hard. There’s such innocence about it. He doesn’t have the weight of the world on his shoulders…yet. I only wish I could protect him in a way that he will always feel that carefree.<br />
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He smiles and smiles BIG. When this little guy smiles, it’s not from ear to ear. It’s more like nose to chest. He opens his mouth wide open, and it’s the cutest thing ever. It’s as if he is taking all the happiness in. We recently took him on his first plane ride. He was pretty excited and smiling…big.
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He tries new things. So far we haven’t found a food he won’t eat. Sure, we have foods he doesn’t like as much as others. I’ll put it in his mouth, and he will make a face of disgust. Then this sweet little boy will open his mouth for more, even though he doesn’t like it. What a brave little man to keep eating it! Turns out that if you keep tasting something you don’t care for, after a while you acquire a taste for it. I think I knew that already but it took him to affirm it in person. Let's face it, when a child models good behavior, it's the best way for us parents to learn. <br />
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I’m quick to talk. Shocking, I know for the people who knew me in my former “shy” life. My little guy slowly takes things in and observes. Like a sponge, he soaks it in and lets it permeate. In a new place or situation, he is usually quiet. Then when we are all alone in the car, he talks. Oh how I long to be still and observe before jumping to conclusions, judging harshly without the full story, and speaking when I should just sit quiet! I’m a work in progress.
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The list of what I have learned could go on further than I have room or time to write about. These are just a few. It’s amazing how much you can admire a wise person when they are so very young. Maybe it’s because I’m his Mother and probably a little bias. Or maybe, just maybe, this kid is on to something about how to live life. I pray that is the case and he never loses the many things I love and admire about his personality. This world is a harsh and dark place at times. May you always be a light in this world my sweet and precious boy. You will make a difference in this world, I can see it already.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-64640735061330729812011-12-30T10:36:00.001-06:002011-12-30T10:43:55.122-06:00Happy New YearThis year has been a whirlwind. Here is a list of a few random things I’ve learned, experienced, and captured in the book of 2011 that will be placed on the shelf of my memory. Happy New Year, Everyone! <br /><br /><br />-Blonde hair , short hair, Long Hair, Brown hair- My hair styles in one year alone could be a Dr. Seuss book. <br /><br />-Sometimes the best things in life come in big packages…like 9 lb 10 oz packages. <br /><br />-Going to the beach while pregnant really is the best way to go. You can eat as much as you want because your maternity bathing suit and baby are your ticket to not having to suck anything in. <br /><br />-Good things come to those who wait. ..especially when the wait is long and painful. <br /><br />-Season changes with weather often leave me with wardrobe variety and allergies. Season changes in life leave me with new friends, new beginnings, and spiritual growth. <br /><br /><br />-Only the cuteness of your child can overcome the trifecta of being peed, pooped, and puked on in a matter of hours. <br /><br />-The Epidural- Best. Invention. Ever. <br /><br />-Every parent of an infant needs a ceiling fan. If you have had an infant, you know why. <br /><br />-A husband that will get up during midnight feedings with you is a keeper. One that cracks jokes and makes fun of you while you’re working the breast pump at 2 AM…even better. <br /><br />-Peeling potatoes, spreading homemade pizza dough, and cleaning a lasagna pan that that did not get sprayed with oil- The 3 most annoying kitchen related activities known to man.<br /><br />-I should NEVER watch shows about UFO sightings or hear ghost stories right before my husband goes on a business trip. <br /><br />-Yelling at a computer printer doesn’t help it unjam. <br /><br />-Sugar Feet, Princess, and Kiddo- The three favorite names I’ve been called by grocery store cashiers<br /><br />-Never underestimate the value of a delivered meal to a family with a newborn. <br /><br />-A few toothless smiles cover a multitude of sleepless nights<br /><br />-Pintrest is dangerous thing for my “Can you make me this” list for my super creative husband <br /><br />-Time flies when you are having fun so try your best to savor the moments while you’re in them!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-75772102683577332822011-12-20T10:05:00.002-06:002011-12-20T10:08:21.897-06:00Merry Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbA9eMkGbTO9v22ZOeO0OEWUR5AYd4ZhceyIVtQ5Rg37joRWlu78xYa6_nyoLkI0dIUCz2l-r0bPeqqlDkeefiuiuD0M71EgScCa5MpJpubIhMhDPa38jB8ODyUVlP8YWmVQs69LtyRc/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbA9eMkGbTO9v22ZOeO0OEWUR5AYd4ZhceyIVtQ5Rg37joRWlu78xYa6_nyoLkI0dIUCz2l-r0bPeqqlDkeefiuiuD0M71EgScCa5MpJpubIhMhDPa38jB8ODyUVlP8YWmVQs69LtyRc/s400/IMG_2273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688243043575352370" /></a><br />Merry Christmas from our house to yours!!! May you have a blessed Christmas celebrating the real reason for the season..A King was born unto us!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-28076454421625762922011-11-15T22:22:00.009-06:002011-11-15T22:32:04.164-06:00Homemade Liquid Handsoap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsDXF2dYJw1Zypp3h2HW6v4rRD6KfExcVAKymBpDdSfYklmFB2xNU8szG7oaOyiSiUzQeMtgyr2wcz8B1wKkVPauTOiyCItuapPoERiLHwjOWJbamB51Ge5zN_lng1NDcRDWwEy0r6ss/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsDXF2dYJw1Zypp3h2HW6v4rRD6KfExcVAKymBpDdSfYklmFB2xNU8szG7oaOyiSiUzQeMtgyr2wcz8B1wKkVPauTOiyCItuapPoERiLHwjOWJbamB51Ge5zN_lng1NDcRDWwEy0r6ss/s400/IMG_2237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675445798208888882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepA9bosos8RpdTRLixMssCIDiPl9DTJm_w157NzeW7oYzuHNOgiL4KH73IL48MkItGlMC5tYkdg0-q1SHGflROamCDh7-6Lfuk6ug2EkRy5Pef2oQ8Ts18sq5VyABTDQm0MTeJnuSLAo/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepA9bosos8RpdTRLixMssCIDiPl9DTJm_w157NzeW7oYzuHNOgiL4KH73IL48MkItGlMC5tYkdg0-q1SHGflROamCDh7-6Lfuk6ug2EkRy5Pef2oQ8Ts18sq5VyABTDQm0MTeJnuSLAo/s400/IMG_2243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675445717875075826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTdzTTWOGrlAhajHG8TzPGds8l6gE0_2fgBenxUyXrxOwsvonJkRBaCa0SjWvBw97Z2iUuWRkDfdl_Qds4ijcPDmddo2ZH9VFHQ9X5HcvuBDM0Lq6yg3f8MbiA0_0n7GiCDQWi0omc58/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTdzTTWOGrlAhajHG8TzPGds8l6gE0_2fgBenxUyXrxOwsvonJkRBaCa0SjWvBw97Z2iUuWRkDfdl_Qds4ijcPDmddo2ZH9VFHQ9X5HcvuBDM0Lq6yg3f8MbiA0_0n7GiCDQWi0omc58/s400/IMG_2244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675445633697653378" /></a><br /><br />A couple of my soap dispensers were getting low and I noticed my refill jug only had a few drops of soap left in it. The other day I also ran across a recipe for homemade hand soap. I thought, “Why not?” And so I did. <br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2- 4oz bars of soap (not beauty bars or moisture bars. Needs to be bar soap)<br />2 Tablespoons of Glycerin (Found in the first aid aisle)<br />1 Gallon of Water<br /><br />Large pot, cheese grater, wooden spoon, and container for soap<br /><br /><br />First use the cheese grater to shave the bars of soap. Next place the soap shavings in 1 gallon of heated water (heated at high heat close to a boil). Add Glycerin. Stir until all soap shavings have melted. Remove from heat. Let sit undisturbed for 10-12 hours. Stir soap with a wooden spoon. Soap will have hardened. If needed, take electric mixer and mix up the soap. Add water if after mixing, it is not the consistency of liquid hand soap. Pour into container and store. <br /><br /><br />The bars of soap were $1.75 for 2 bars. The Glycerin was less than $3 and I used a small portion of the bottle (less than half). The gallon jug is over twice the size of the Softsoap refill that I usually buy (See picture to compare). The cost of making this soap was just a fraction of what you would spend at the store. It was kind of fun to make and was very easy to do. The bar soap I used was Pomegranate Mango (Softsoap Brand). It’s got a nice scent and a pretty pink color too!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-19378685079589109222011-11-13T00:28:00.006-06:002011-11-13T08:51:57.306-06:00You know you've been baptized into parenthood when...<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br /><br />-You can’t leave the house because you have run out of clothes that don’t have vomit on them<br /><br />-You’ve been pooped, peed and spit up on all within a matter of a few hours<br /><br />-You keep checking the baby’s diaper and then realize the smell of urine is coming from your own clothes and left from the last diaper leak<br /><br />-You find yourself humming a strange tune in the grocery store and then recall it’s the song from the baby bouncer music box<br /><br />-You ride in the car with white noise blaring through the speakers just to get some peace and quiet <br /><br />-You learn how to do most household chores with one arm<br /><br />-You agree that no one should cry over spilled milk, but would argue for the exception of breast milk. If that spills, it’s more than acceptable to cry<br /><br />-You can put the 20 pieces of a Dr. Brown’s bottle together in your sleep<br /><br />-You kiss your baby’s temple and get smeared eye goop on your face and somehow you’re not really bothered by it<br /><br />-You’ve considered taking a swig of your child’s Milicon because it’s easier than trying to find the bottle of Tums in the other room<br /><br />-Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at times one in the same meal<br /><br />-You need to change your camera battery as often as you do the baby’s diapers<br /><br />-You love watching your baby sleep peacefully and could literally stare at them in awe for hours while doing so<br /><br /></span></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404072438809240986.post-33566293533723667202011-10-29T21:42:00.003-05:002011-10-29T21:55:52.594-05:00DIY Fisherman Costume<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBA68qbTU1gArgdLNJ6wD6pTKvS2SWdkdASJhysS4PxXwyggtAmBxTpSdlP6FakVW8iwqi8L5X4BGDgImGYv_bJns7hhsWB1BWnHmwKPqjjitGdLjv7bI8qsud_BVzlK2QsFS4RXRmAU/s1600/IMG_2191a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBA68qbTU1gArgdLNJ6wD6pTKvS2SWdkdASJhysS4PxXwyggtAmBxTpSdlP6FakVW8iwqi8L5X4BGDgImGYv_bJns7hhsWB1BWnHmwKPqjjitGdLjv7bI8qsud_BVzlK2QsFS4RXRmAU/s400/IMG_2191a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669113506509624210" /></a><br />We made our costumes again this year. I was pretty proud of the fact I spent less than $10 on the whole family's outfits. The shark costume was supposed to cost $12.50 at the store. That was the sale price since it was 50% off. I thought that was a good deal. It was the last one in that size, and when I got to the register to pay, I saw there was no tag on it. The cashier insisted on looking the code up in her computer. When she did, it rang up as $0.68! I felt guilty and pointed it out to her. She told me, "I looked it up and it says shark costume and that's a shark costume. I'm giving it to you for that price." She looked frustrated with me for trying to point it out. So...i just let it go and was happy to get a bargain! As for the adult costumes- we had the clothing and hats already. All I had to do was buy safety pins, fishing worms, and a few bobbers. My creative husband took our antique fishing rods and put them on a couple wooden sticks. Easy DIY costumes!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917039570713602550noreply@blogger.com0