tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88909270518455980362024-03-13T02:38:56.156-05:00This Little LightAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-9355637794003438612013-06-11T09:23:00.002-05:002013-06-11T09:23:42.784-05:00Enough<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is my strength and my portion. My joy is complete in Him. With each new breath, I truly receive more and more, and still more of Him. To finally be in a position to say that, to KNOW that…I could not come close to expressing how that feels. Yet I am there. I am truly there. My God, my Savior…is enough. He is my completion. He is my beginning and my end. This has been God’s cry for me for 2 ½ years now. Perhaps even longer, I just wasn’t really tuned in. I know, however, that He has been calling me to this place for 2 ½ years now. I have prayed through it…cried through it…screamed through it, and now…I have arrived and I am basking in His goodness, His love, His blessed comfort. I know that my Lord has beautiful gifts in store for me, in His perfect time. With His grace, and His sufficiency…I will have the patience to wait for these precious gifts. In the meantime, He has given me so much and continues to, even now, even here. My life is rich with blessings. He has new mercies for me each day. He has them for all of you, as well. God wants to be your everything, He wants to be enough for you. And now, I can happily and confidently tell you, He IS enough. All praise, honor and glory to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the coming weeks, I hope to share a bit more of my journey and I hope you will come back to be a part of it. God’s blessings on your day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-12478153756575722342013-04-16T09:53:00.000-05:002013-04-16T09:53:25.622-05:00Perfect LoveI was blessed to attend an annual women's retreat this past weekend, with an awesome group of women from my church. The theme of the retreat weekend was 'Can You Hear Me Now' and focused on what we can do to hear God's voice. The verse that seemed to really grab a lot of the women was <br />
1 John 4:18 <em>There is no fear in <b>love</b>. But <b>perfect</b> <b>love</b> drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made <b>perfect</b> in <b>love</b>.</em><br />
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Fear is real. Fear is all too present, all too often. In the wake of yesterday's tragic events in Boston, fear will resonate with so many, invading their very lives. There is an answer to this fear, a counter to fear. God's perfect love. It casts out all fear. Fear does NOT come from God, rather it can keep us from hearing God, and His will for our lives. <br />
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Father God, we ask that you would enter into the chaos in Boston in a powerful way, casting out all fear, anxiety and panic. Replace it with your perfect love, bringing peace, comfort and healing to all those who are hurting.<br />
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Romans 8:6 <em>The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and <b>peace</b>.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-26683964996567248872013-01-27T13:43:00.000-06:002013-01-27T13:43:16.662-06:00Texas Fun!Here I am, for what seems to have become my semi-annual post. The truth is, I was having trouble accessing my blog and just never took the time to try to recover the password, etc...lazy, I know! In any case, I really have wanted to get back into the swing of blogging/writing. And I do miss visiting so many of your blogs too! With the dawn of Facebook, I keep connected to so many of you that way, still...it isn't quite the same, and I don't get to see ALL of you there. <br />
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Life is moving right along for us...my dear Benjamin and I. Hard to believe that he will actually be three years old in just a few months! We just got back from a visit to my parents, who are wintering in TX this year. While we did endure some cooler than average weather, we were able to soak up a few really nice days and make some memories! Benjamin loved the Gulf of Mexico, and had fun running back and forth throwing seashells in the water. I could have stayed there all day with him, just watching him splash and scream...but the water was quite cold!<br />
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My little man is quite the social butterfly and his thing lately is to ask virtually EVERYONE (or so it seems somedays) what their name is. Fortunately, for him, he met some pretty nice and indulgent people along the way. We met 'Cowboy Jack' at a restaurant and he was able to try on his fancy hat!<br />
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Benjamin is also a real animal lover...too bad our kitty is so skittish and still uncomfortable being out and about when he is around and awake. I know someday they will be great friends!<br />
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One of the nicer days was spent at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, TX! The picture with the goat above was taken there, at the petting zoo. Well, that's a kind of petting, right?</div>
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It was great to have a week with grandma and grandpa, who he hadn't seen since they headed south back in October. And now we won't see them until mid to late April, so it was great to have the time with them!</div>
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I hope this post finds all of you well and enjoying the new year. God's blessings to you all!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-82192931875922223092012-07-04T18:40:00.001-05:002012-07-04T18:40:46.581-05:00Look Who's Two!I guess I should think about trying to blog a bit more often, not just after Benjamin has had another birthday. I miss writing and getting around to visit all of your blogs too. Here is a peek at my little man and a Happy Independence Day to all of you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBHP_EPLYp4PMqBB7EOWjFuomVud1XJEoFiayb1dGu2AAgHr0Q1ylOUrbcXNhmZYMAQF_phZfiQ5zjQrHliMHT1Gw2u_N-Yqg0yTdPC69PuI2f9d8i7g-CkZFOuZcDpjubIGa_1DaT7JE/s1600/s41132s1118229_3_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBHP_EPLYp4PMqBB7EOWjFuomVud1XJEoFiayb1dGu2AAgHr0Q1ylOUrbcXNhmZYMAQF_phZfiQ5zjQrHliMHT1Gw2u_N-Yqg0yTdPC69PuI2f9d8i7g-CkZFOuZcDpjubIGa_1DaT7JE/s320/s41132s1118229_3_3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ0AQGXrnucb-jOx4UzuiV4ALOzpUlgvfMkVvNzcb-MoFrsCyjcGA_reavgeYNJd97OW2vVxj2IOxTUUiYkDO7P4oMitEWy2liCenc_3NrzHhYyjPH0alMCA6KG37d3gPVzys21Lmqk0B/s1600/s41132s1118229_9_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ0AQGXrnucb-jOx4UzuiV4ALOzpUlgvfMkVvNzcb-MoFrsCyjcGA_reavgeYNJd97OW2vVxj2IOxTUUiYkDO7P4oMitEWy2liCenc_3NrzHhYyjPH0alMCA6KG37d3gPVzys21Lmqk0B/s320/s41132s1118229_9_0.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iHfDT4KN-CJ9P4londCF2pLXcd7PNYdz4JPvuZKNfiCmltidbmolpHskEmI1A_kME3YgbnlL9xhbGMjJcWRcJtY4GtIJ8VYgr-55-7Jw8OcJkriJIZo9SBMJzAf485zInKTCA_iSb9EV/s1600/s41132s1118229_6_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iHfDT4KN-CJ9P4londCF2pLXcd7PNYdz4JPvuZKNfiCmltidbmolpHskEmI1A_kME3YgbnlL9xhbGMjJcWRcJtY4GtIJ8VYgr-55-7Jw8OcJkriJIZo9SBMJzAf485zInKTCA_iSb9EV/s320/s41132s1118229_6_0.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-71471621323341328242012-05-26T14:19:00.000-05:002012-05-26T14:19:03.548-05:00A Valley Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are days when I feel as though I have been in the valley for so long that I can barely remember how life looks from the mountaintop. Those days are long...full of self-pity, doubt, defeat, darkness. On those days, the valley looks dank and desolate. I feel trapped, suffocating in the narrow, air-tight valley. I feel bound by the steep hills and mountains, which close me in on every side. The valley seems to stretch on forever, offering no escape. I long for the openness and the light that the mountaintop offers. I yearn to take deep, lasting breaths of the fresh, mountain air. Often, I have found that I feel closer to God on the mountaintop. It's easy to offer God praise, honor and glory when there is nothing to hinder my view. More often though, I find myself crying out to God, asking for help. Help to escape the darkness. Help to find brighter days in the comfort of the open air, in the warmth of the sun. There have been times when God has offered me just that kind of help, lifting me up and out of the valley, as only He can. There are also times, such as this, when God chooses to walk along with me. He lends me His eyes, helping me to find the beauty in the valley.<br />
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While the mountaintop offers beautiful, breathtaking, majestic views...the valley holds its own special kind of beauty. As we walk along the floor of the valley, He points out the fertile soil, ripe with beautiful flowers. Flowers that God has created for me to enjoy. Flowers that are much smaller, their beauty much less significant, when viewed from the mountaintop...if able to view them at all. As we walk along, I breathe in the fragrant air, which suddenly doesn't seem quite so suffocating. While looking around me, I notice how quiet and isolated the valley is, providing the perfect landscape for an intimate walk with God. It no longer seems inescapable, unending, all-consuming. He has chosen to meet me in this valley, not to carry me straight to the mountaintop, but to point out all of the gifts He has for me on the valley floor. As the riverbed recedes and the waters begin to evaporate, rather than finding myself parched and dry, I realize now, that God has met me here to quench my thirst, providing me with just enough strength to continue on. I begin to see just how much I would be missing out on, if I were still on top of the mountain. There is so much richness to be found here, if only I allow Him to take me by the hand, revealing His purpose for me in this valley experience. While it seems we can see forever on the mountaintop, from the valley floor I realize just how limited that view can be. I know there are things I am seeing here that would never come into focus from so far above, things that can only be seen through God's eyes. Every morning I ask God for more of Him and less of me. I don't want to miss anything He wants to show me on this guided tour of the valley.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-10066033609680326982012-02-20T15:33:00.000-06:002012-02-20T15:33:32.285-06:00Hanging In...My blogging skills have been even beyond lacking. It's been a bit of a rough go for me lately and I am working to start bouncing back. As always, the one bright light in my life is my Savior, Jesus Christ and, coming in a very close second is my precious Benjamin. Take a look at this picture and just TRY to wonder why!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkeSRMA65cz-YgEHd84KcBSiLTJ3vW1Ro3drbzKiDXuEARs0KF34tDkMhImiOLAR8kHClnPK977VvDE0VF63n71XAX5B0QCbznU4CMYRwGIO4oQr3WA7kq9rKJ7HMGDQkRJ0hyphenhyphennDeOyN3/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkeSRMA65cz-YgEHd84KcBSiLTJ3vW1Ro3drbzKiDXuEARs0KF34tDkMhImiOLAR8kHClnPK977VvDE0VF63n71XAX5B0QCbznU4CMYRwGIO4oQr3WA7kq9rKJ7HMGDQkRJ0hyphenhyphennDeOyN3/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Sorry about the red eye...I used to be able to edit these but for the life of me, can not get to wherever I was that let me do that! Here are the highlights of what we have been up to...<br />
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Benjamin took his first plane ride in mid-January to visit his grandma and grandpa. It was a really nice break for us, even though the weather wasn't ideal. We left Minnesota just at the right time too. We have been enjoying a very unseasonable winter, with mild temperatures and very little snow. While we were gone we missed cold temperatures and a huge snowstorm! Here are a few pictures from the trip.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGrIaH_ftZpodSNIyGciUGWWxy70GSX1y8gSx0kTeAOPbs37jAofzQgHa7CdWN32xH87a_ABRSXAxa6j9oDmMAlDJhuxueufX2uXWI_PdW17kfIInwXnftG8JUjvIh-eOChsCaVLlrmlC/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGrIaH_ftZpodSNIyGciUGWWxy70GSX1y8gSx0kTeAOPbs37jAofzQgHa7CdWN32xH87a_ABRSXAxa6j9oDmMAlDJhuxueufX2uXWI_PdW17kfIInwXnftG8JUjvIh-eOChsCaVLlrmlC/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlLpLy4KJI8eW7i4KBmZb6l0ijRIstupVIfqspN24E4JTcax6XOei_d5dWdnyMbISf8NU5Sg5xtt3-IJjxRy8B_32tCrOmIj29ZGzaYUGSpmSjpZBcMIZh-S9z06Xar_4_iT0XuQzyYV1/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlLpLy4KJI8eW7i4KBmZb6l0ijRIstupVIfqspN24E4JTcax6XOei_d5dWdnyMbISf8NU5Sg5xtt3-IJjxRy8B_32tCrOmIj29ZGzaYUGSpmSjpZBcMIZh-S9z06Xar_4_iT0XuQzyYV1/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We've been back for a few weeks now and are just settling in and looking forward to spring. We took advantage of a warmer than average Saturday this past weekend and took a trip to a favorite outlet mall. Benjamin fared much better than mommy when it came to our purchases...I had no luck, but it was worth it just to see the smiles on his face! Sunday we were able to get together with Benjamin's favorite uncle for lunch. <br />
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It was a nice weekend. I hope to be back with some more pictures and updates soon!<br />
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God bless you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-86986772328278556872012-01-02T17:51:00.001-06:002012-01-02T21:06:52.601-06:00Unseen ThingsThere is no question that 2011 was a tough year for me. While there were so many blessings (#1 blessing pictured below), it was heavily wrought with loss as well. Earlier today, I was having a very difficult time and found myself turning to all of the loss experienced, as opposed to focusing on all that God has for me to gain right here, right now. I was in the midst of my moment of grief and praying that God would take this cup from me, when He reminded me that this is temporary. I have heard this a lot from God in the past year, and found myself sighing and telling God that YES, I know this is temporary, but it happens to be my temporary REALITY right now and I think it sucks! And then...God broke through and said no THIS is temporary... ALL of this is temporary. Only I am eternal. God told me to stop looking at my circumstances as if THEY were eternal, meaning that when this particular set of 'temporary' circumstances falls away and I find myself back on the mountaintop, the things of this world will STILL be temporary. Then He gave me this verse from the Bible:<br />
2 Corinthians 4:18 <em>So we fix our eyes not on what <b>is</b> seen, but on what <b>is</b> <b>unseen</b>, since what <b>is</b> seen <b>is</b> temporary, but what <b>is</b> <b>unseen</b> <b>is</b> eternal.</em><br />
I am so thankful to have a God who loves me so much, that He is willing to break through those moments I would rather spend wallowing in self pity, to bring me such a humbling, transforming and ETERNAL truth!<br />
I am thankful to know that when my eyes, once again, become focused on my less than perfect circumstances...I am as close to the truth as closing them and remembering that which is unseen, unchanging and everlasting.<br />
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Hebrews 13: 8 <em>Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.</em><br />
Happy New Year from our house to yours!<br />
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<span class="keywordresultextras"></span><iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="stSegmentFrame" name="stSegmentFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fpost-create.g%3FblogID%3D8890927051845598036&jsref=&rnd=1325542103645" style="display: none;" width="0"></iframe><br />
<div class="stwrapper" id="stwrapper" style="left: -999px; top: -999px; visibility: hidden;"><div class="stclose"></div><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="stLframe" frameborder="0" height="350" id="stLframe" name="stLframe" scrolling="no" src="" style="left: 0px; top: 0px;" width="353"></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-73369070284221033652011-12-11T05:25:00.000-06:002011-12-11T05:25:07.624-06:00Uncluttered HeartsAs we are approaching yet another Christmas in celebration of the coming of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, I am aware of a new heart condition. No, this is not a bad thing...we have enjoyed good health in 2011. In so many ways, Benjamin and I have had a very prosperous year. We have received an outpouring of love and support from friends and family, whom God has chosen to use in ways that have touched our hearts remarkably. While my heart still so often hurts...in other ways it has become most uncluttered. While decorating and trimming the Christmas tree this weekend, an old, familiar carol struck a new chord with me. Consider this lyric from "Joy To The World"...<br />
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<em>Let every heart prepare Him room.</em><br />
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It was as though I were hearing the lyrics for the first time as I prepared our 'rooms' for Christmas. I have not been lamenting over how I am unable to wrap more and more presents for Benjamin this year. While hanging a special ornament from the tree, however, I found myself thinking a bit about what 'might have been'. As a single tear rolled down my face, God stopped me short as this lyric jumped out, reminding me of the reason for this season once again. It is my prayer that amidst the busyness of the holiday shopping, parties and celebrations, you will stop to remember to prepare Him room within all of your hearts.<br />
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God bless you all and have a very Merry Christmas. <br />
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Trudy, Benjamin (and Santa and Mrs. Claus too!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-38308201523316816642011-11-22T08:50:00.000-06:002011-11-22T08:50:19.228-06:00Checking InWow, it has really been two months since I've last checked in here. Life has been crazy as a single mom and I find myself with little to no energy to do much of anything!!!! I promise to be back with an update and some pictures of Benjamin, who is growing so much and has nothing 'baby' left. I adore him and he continues to be such a light to me and brings so much joy!<br />
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Today, I am stopping in to ask for some prayer support. My dear friend and co-worker Kathryn, is in her last moments here on earth, as she lies in her hospital bed, about to succumb to the cancer that has ravaged her body for more than a year now. Please pray that God would remove any pain from her, that she might have comfort and peace as she leaves this world and enters Heaven. Pray for her family as well, especially her mother and brother, who have been at her side through all of this. As many of you know, it is often the caregivers that experience the most exhaustion through these difficult trials. I am asking that God take her swiftly now and that peace would wash over that family with the upcoming holidays.<br />
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I am also praying that all of you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. I will leave you with a quick shot of my little guy, since it's been so long!<br />
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God Bless!<br />
TrudyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-46707034753016848882011-09-24T07:52:00.000-05:002011-09-24T07:52:21.453-05:00Six Word Saturday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grandma and Grandpa - On Their Way!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, we are still alive in these parts even though we haven't checked in for quite a while. Things have been crazy to say the least. Big changes...including a divorce that was finalized this past week. More to come on that later, but suffice it to say, I am not happy</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">about this as it is never what I wanted. I am still praying and trusting in God to fulfill the promises He has given to me. For now, we are looking forward to a fun weekend. My parents are coming down this afternoon and tonight Grandpda will babysit Benjamin while my mom and I attend 'Girl's Night Out' at church. Tomorrow we will head to church and then to my aunt's for lunch and a visit. They are going to stay over until at least Monday, which is fabulous since they will be heading south for the winter in just a few short weeks! I hope you have some fun and relaxation planned for your weekends too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">God bless you all!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-73731945623241161482011-08-16T10:38:00.000-05:002011-08-16T10:38:19.268-05:00Weekend Fun!I am getting so horrible with posting again. I just haven't been feeling terribly inspired lately, but will do my best to bounce back. One thing I NEVER have trouble doing is sharing pictures of my beautiful family. Benjamin is growing and all over the place now. I love how curious he is about everything! I enjoy just taking him for walks outside and watching him explore everything around him. We had a very busy weekend, but it was so much fun! On Saturday morning, we met a friend from church at the zoo. Benjamin loved the petting zoo and had lots of fun with the goats!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFGIr2EZNx3tJp0rAYvDEm76eOrjuXL_5e9XR7hRY9YSYtoBYgywmw8a1Fu-1VuOSQvdKIuFs58XPnjEz4PbPZ5jC8xVAuvbPcCVaTrY215j8PGhvsBKZxISAH29qKUTo9RPJ2ErHi5f8/s1600/toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFGIr2EZNx3tJp0rAYvDEm76eOrjuXL_5e9XR7hRY9YSYtoBYgywmw8a1Fu-1VuOSQvdKIuFs58XPnjEz4PbPZ5jC8xVAuvbPcCVaTrY215j8PGhvsBKZxISAH29qKUTo9RPJ2ErHi5f8/s320/toes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQsYgFjEGRIp83Uz5Fa7yKkh5bC_a8QUt4OagzTyBXmDEJSV0n2LIkx0RAtnu_fDF2WwJGPDAswammewqEV_Gh4i5FsSuDPz59TBZkPlNexXbVqfNixL_Dy8Y6fdGGxlo8lIb6n2txJXU/s1600/hugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQsYgFjEGRIp83Uz5Fa7yKkh5bC_a8QUt4OagzTyBXmDEJSV0n2LIkx0RAtnu_fDF2WwJGPDAswammewqEV_Gh4i5FsSuDPz59TBZkPlNexXbVqfNixL_Dy8Y6fdGGxlo8lIb6n2txJXU/s320/hugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>He still has a fascination with feet and toes...and apparently this isn't restricted to human beings!<br />
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Saturday evening we had plans to meet my birthdaughter Madeline and her mom at a park. Our dear friend and photographer Michelle was going to be taking Madeline's senior pictures! I can hardly believe that my firstborn will soon be 18 and graduating from high school next year. It was a beautiful evening and we had lots of fun and laughs. Here are a few pictures from the photo shoot!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRARgJz2w2aAStGFbRLMEtjlVpp-R5h21waVCPJ9zoOePqC4viCENEYxhfm3cOsb7EwTZ5ipJf-2Y7iBiClhJW9OFAjgBoQPA2FDYtLlOhyphenhyphenAEpEJe0sBbHgTVanO6wJ0fVA5GTiBnOKyi/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRARgJz2w2aAStGFbRLMEtjlVpp-R5h21waVCPJ9zoOePqC4viCENEYxhfm3cOsb7EwTZ5ipJf-2Y7iBiClhJW9OFAjgBoQPA2FDYtLlOhyphenhyphenAEpEJe0sBbHgTVanO6wJ0fVA5GTiBnOKyi/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPvXNEZGrqpnniPGrOBPkXtZsJX_j7HTzuKeFdKt7QsolnxTtW_Tk8Rl1b9LZx9OPIfVQvTVSl9ukMuLOrSq8SNPYp6f_g8BYkwUjk70i_J7LTh8oM-G7n8VvxJHLTgCto9GDB77lBKAI/s1600/MADIEBEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPvXNEZGrqpnniPGrOBPkXtZsJX_j7HTzuKeFdKt7QsolnxTtW_Tk8Rl1b9LZx9OPIfVQvTVSl9ukMuLOrSq8SNPYp6f_g8BYkwUjk70i_J7LTh8oM-G7n8VvxJHLTgCto9GDB77lBKAI/s320/MADIEBEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sunday we went to church and on a whim decided to head to our county fair afterward. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we enjoyed our time there. I think we are both still recuperating from our busy weekend but thankfully, have a quiet week ahead.<br />
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God bless you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-19730924463785957862011-07-27T15:59:00.002-05:002011-07-27T16:02:25.531-05:00Photo Fun!Last week we had our photographer and friend Michelle over for dinner and she gave us the cd of our <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1-year photo shoot. I wanted to share just a few more of my favorites with you here. He is still growing so much and is already trying to eat his mom out of house and home!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIDdj8JBoZuIknjXNoYE9RSoTiZH5Gyp0ZISTG30t34CEYAgZ34nsvzQww3apyCg0YoAFqjJpIoagHyWFGFbiw4bFeZf4cZ2LQeXP4xcmYy5n8OUexaaVW3VRAneanIbW3pMqY9-8SNzX/s1600/angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIDdj8JBoZuIknjXNoYE9RSoTiZH5Gyp0ZISTG30t34CEYAgZ34nsvzQww3apyCg0YoAFqjJpIoagHyWFGFbiw4bFeZf4cZ2LQeXP4xcmYy5n8OUexaaVW3VRAneanIbW3pMqY9-8SNzX/s1600/angle.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFQeH5Ei0Lev6bAnucloepQt2uKsw6XpXc1uDWyRcrWAsVmtzXV-_g1Crzybf1gg6Z_B4mQesVL2-_j5Z1NAkXpsCvuflecinlzhobdxFUr3yEkwB6-8kFvm77xF-CMWuXueBmNzhnj9P/s1600/kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFQeH5Ei0Lev6bAnucloepQt2uKsw6XpXc1uDWyRcrWAsVmtzXV-_g1Crzybf1gg6Z_B4mQesVL2-_j5Z1NAkXpsCvuflecinlzhobdxFUr3yEkwB6-8kFvm77xF-CMWuXueBmNzhnj9P/s320/kiss.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9cxqGwLGMJZCcifXDOO81C8hRJlxwywJanYn5sQZdamc3ZPCv5vcNPP-6vq_cQkR2-UOXbnPp19xsUQac7gnNHYJPLzHloUAT0vSh11-q76pN-X1jlL7xizvnhKtmScP8XcEwJOUqdiq/s1600/face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9cxqGwLGMJZCcifXDOO81C8hRJlxwywJanYn5sQZdamc3ZPCv5vcNPP-6vq_cQkR2-UOXbnPp19xsUQac7gnNHYJPLzHloUAT0vSh11-q76pN-X1jlL7xizvnhKtmScP8XcEwJOUqdiq/s320/face.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>God bless you all my friends!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-21398923005328098502011-07-19T10:05:00.002-05:002011-07-19T10:05:44.040-05:00Footprints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm_e-onxmHHGPVErUXzSD-IN701xMY8M6DPRamvdeoHt9WxsNDgn9GmdGbZ4IlL-ORc3PBt8JIZionSHaZM_RWDF_YXlfiUK8Mki87dKNXNtdxulE7N1n6FSxAF7AqGGVQpR-2Mkf7HYg/s1600/feet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm_e-onxmHHGPVErUXzSD-IN701xMY8M6DPRamvdeoHt9WxsNDgn9GmdGbZ4IlL-ORc3PBt8JIZionSHaZM_RWDF_YXlfiUK8Mki87dKNXNtdxulE7N1n6FSxAF7AqGGVQpR-2Mkf7HYg/s320/feet" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning, as I was beginning my morning devotions in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit to guide my way through this day, I had the image of footprints. I love the very popular ‘Footprints’ poem that I know you must all be familiar with. However, this particular image of footprints did not bring me to the poem and its’ well known meaning. It is true that Jesus is most definitely helping to carry me through this dark and difficult time in my life, which would mean that often there would be just one set of footprints in my line of vision. Today, as I prayed, I could see myself taking each careful step through the day, purposefully seeking to match the footprints laid out before me. At times these steps are easy to take, my feet just naturally fall into the prints while, at other times, I must stop and catch myself from falling out of step. During the pause, I am able to seek counsel and direction, before mindlessly trudging ahead into uncharted territory. At other times I get so caught up in the journey I don’t stop to take these necessary pauses, which results in my day landing far off course. At least, far from the course that God has planned for me. I praise Him and thank Him for His mercy and grace, as He waits expectantly for me to, once again, look toward Him to guide my steps. More often than not lately, my steps would not make my old marching band proud, let alone my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In recent days I have found myself stuck in the muddled footprints of fear and anxiety, only to blindly leap into a huge puddle of mistrust and disobedience. It’s true I am quick to confess these sins as I cry out to God, but just as quick to fall back into them. As I once again confessed my fears and anxieties to God today, He led me to this passage from 1 John 1: 5-6:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This is the message we have from him and declare to you, God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But it we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a glorious way to begin my day, with this reminder that there truly is no darkness with God. He goes before me, lighting my way, patiently waiting for me to invite Him into my day. When I do so, I deny myself and my own selfish, destructive path, and follow in His perfect, blameless footprints.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God bless you all my friends!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-81426961454870956082011-07-11T11:18:00.000-05:002011-07-11T11:18:50.191-05:00Oh Where Oh Where Has My Baby Gone!Benjamin had a big day yesterday...his first haircut! He did remarkably well, considering he still isn't feeling the greatest. We are heading back into the doctor today and I will be quite surprised if he does not have an ear infection. I took him to a place that specializes in children, which was just great! They even gave me a few locks of his hair for a keepsake. Here are a few pictures from our big day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGvH61TF8_PAPeoS5sfwFqpoaSab6rWk7SsSfcF9ACziTE3txn7qYLryA_DF3AZ_jfbwsKIYshFBhWdhiWAa_dMo6pDkTSPn1GMaCNuXZF-GGVyGFnupTHligKpajMwoHTVqowDB3Gzar/s1600/before+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGvH61TF8_PAPeoS5sfwFqpoaSab6rWk7SsSfcF9ACziTE3txn7qYLryA_DF3AZ_jfbwsKIYshFBhWdhiWAa_dMo6pDkTSPn1GMaCNuXZF-GGVyGFnupTHligKpajMwoHTVqowDB3Gzar/s320/before+haircut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Before the cut....bye bye fine baby locks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524BD6VOjOgqtEkSQ_POJtEA43ETbePUZrXgLV2wEtwVEj9IMWz2tUnPWxrq1aX-AiF8FucJowqXUMnsB6zFGEp9RxJZYg1tilk4Bp6vQ8-pbTdmrTC1_uLeBIYNCETsIsqBYGtUIGgtQ/s1600/during+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524BD6VOjOgqtEkSQ_POJtEA43ETbePUZrXgLV2wEtwVEj9IMWz2tUnPWxrq1aX-AiF8FucJowqXUMnsB6zFGEp9RxJZYg1tilk4Bp6vQ8-pbTdmrTC1_uLeBIYNCETsIsqBYGtUIGgtQ/s320/during+haircut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> He's thinking "this isn't so bad mom!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCLIqH_bdTDUzgvk3ScS-NSe3IHAZDvYQPKLBULuFkmPjLcGoHpjepouMjRKppE513-yYSH0QaAyfpGRRigwWNTEygK9eEGlgu5ZVZ2Na-hdL43hSw2GLYWqW6lLMAPqhDvwyoo8qgfSC/s1600/sad+haircut+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCLIqH_bdTDUzgvk3ScS-NSe3IHAZDvYQPKLBULuFkmPjLcGoHpjepouMjRKppE513-yYSH0QaAyfpGRRigwWNTEygK9eEGlgu5ZVZ2Na-hdL43hSw2GLYWqW6lLMAPqhDvwyoo8qgfSC/s320/sad+haircut+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wasn't too crazy about this part!<br />
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God's blessings to you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-10901960251823073942011-07-05T10:13:00.001-05:002011-07-05T10:13:55.941-05:00A belated Happy 4th!This greeting arrives a bit late...but here's hoping yours was great!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXvTN_7DARqd2m3STYAIw-XPh4GIalNfGXh2fOni0fQxic70ajq6FN4JuzGEqH_2kufZbHRbDZsJjPU5Fsquv6G4B9AeWa0mK_in682Hn7KtiPx5v3ZZZVUL9TiN69X9fbJVBrmlx4gla/s1600/momnben1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXvTN_7DARqd2m3STYAIw-XPh4GIalNfGXh2fOni0fQxic70ajq6FN4JuzGEqH_2kufZbHRbDZsJjPU5Fsquv6G4B9AeWa0mK_in682Hn7KtiPx5v3ZZZVUL9TiN69X9fbJVBrmlx4gla/s320/momnben1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Happy Independence Day from our house to yours!<br />
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Galatians 5:1 <em>It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burndened again by a yoke of slavery.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-37014298436903641692011-06-27T11:56:00.002-05:002011-06-27T11:56:57.874-05:00A Beauty Lesson<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have run into the same vehicle a handful of times over the past 5 or 6 months on my way into the office. She must work down the road from me and, as coincidence would have it, I have ended up behind this vehicle on a few separate occasions. I remember this vehicle because there is script on the back of it that says something to the effect of: “Want to look younger in just 10 minutes…ask me how” and then it lists her phone number. When I first saw this, naturally I was curious enough to want to catch a glance at the driver, to see just exactly what she was ‘selling’. Of course I was expecting to see a young, beautiful woman who looked like she had just stepped off the pages of the latest fashion magazine. Imagine my surprise, when my eyes met up with a middle aged woman with yellow, leathery skin and a cigarette hanging from her lips. As I stifled a laugh, I thought to myself that indeed this could not be the person at the helm of this small business enterprise, surely she must be borrowing the vehicle? As I said, I have run into her on a couple other occasions, most recently just this morning. It has been several months since I have seen her though so as I pulled up behind her at the stoplight, I thought to myself that perhaps she had quit smoking at least. No sooner had I completed that thought than I saw her reach up to her window to deposit cigarette ashes. Nope, guess not. (disclaimer: For any smokers reading this, I hope you won’t take offense, but I do hope you will take notice)!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This got me to thinking about the aging process and just how much we do, especially as women, to try to defy it…to work against the clock. I will admit to having started to color my hair and use an anti-aging product, but I am approaching 40 VERY quickly. In any case, I have always chosen to reflect on who God made me to be, to focus on the inward beauty as much, if not more, than the outward beauty. And to serve as a reminder to me, and all of you reading as well, here is how God views His creation:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 45:11 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Song of Solomon 4:7 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ezekiel 16:14 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Peter 3: 3-4 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all, my friends!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-85299799255540526172011-06-23T09:24:00.001-05:002011-06-23T09:25:38.866-05:00Richness in the Valleys<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemg6-BxsbAFx9KownPAjAwiId0KE1xmW4zYpVRiaUU5fMpMVsval7f_ITAOkKnebL9ZIrQmUvpeprAzaXzkfLAm7zPlCYTGUi4JRJ5OlRdmSSVrgLtl3XHNDLVY5qQKFycOyTAeFNscv/s1600/valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemg6-BxsbAFx9KownPAjAwiId0KE1xmW4zYpVRiaUU5fMpMVsval7f_ITAOkKnebL9ZIrQmUvpeprAzaXzkfLAm7zPlCYTGUi4JRJ5OlRdmSSVrgLtl3XHNDLVY5qQKFycOyTAeFNscv/s320/valley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been in a valley for quite some time now and look forward to reaching the next mountaintop along my life’s journey. However, I am in no rush to hit that peak, for it is here in the valley, that I am strengthened, encouraged and uplifted by God. He is teaching me so much, helping me to grow in Him, depend on Him alone, learn from Him and praise and glorify Him even here, even now, in the midst of this valley experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wanted to share a poem I came across today, written by Jane Eggleston. I am going to repost it but you can find the link <a href="http://llerrah.com/dreams.htm">here</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes life seems hard to bear,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Full of sorrow, trouble and woe</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s then I have to remember</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That it’s in the valleys I grow.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I always stayed on the mountain top</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And never experienced pain,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would never appreciate God’s love</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And would be living in vain.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have so much to learn</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And my growth is very slow,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I need the mountain tops,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it’s in the valleys I grow.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do not always understand </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why things happen as they do,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I am very sure of one thing.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Lord will see me through.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My little valleys are nothing</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I picture Christ on the cross</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He went through the valley of death;</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His victory was Satan’s loss.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Forgive me Lord, for complaining</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I’m feeling so very low.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just give me a gentle reminder</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That it’s in the valleys I grow.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue to strengthen me, Lord</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And use my life each day</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To share your love with others</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And help them find their way.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you for the valleys, Lord</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this one thing I know</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The mountain tops are glorious</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it’s in the valleys I grow!</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May you find richness in your own valleys of life and, in so doing, learn to appreciate those mountaintops all the more!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s blessings to you all!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-773199838246364832011-06-13T22:04:00.000-05:002011-06-13T22:04:56.198-05:00Some Photo Shootin' Fun!Our dear friend Michelle took Benjamin's pictures again this weekend...we will call them his one year pics, even though he is already over 13 months old now!!! Amazing. I will have lots more later but here is a little sneak peek at the amazing work she does.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpxRVhTCnnQN9WTV4k_rv5ZhwKJ4kp6YL2aqVfcAD6fYcxTnr9_L6nsW-tPeOmmxupySRd-FTy5H1_iO8ZfPhhMiAmKpFLNy3YW-xWVPD4IBg_lJbGe3BktZfgDdGzdar8gHnCwUxcj6d/s1600/suit+angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpxRVhTCnnQN9WTV4k_rv5ZhwKJ4kp6YL2aqVfcAD6fYcxTnr9_L6nsW-tPeOmmxupySRd-FTy5H1_iO8ZfPhhMiAmKpFLNy3YW-xWVPD4IBg_lJbGe3BktZfgDdGzdar8gHnCwUxcj6d/s1600/suit+angle.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmuguKa_Jl8e57LSQwejKjx5CtvLmEhTrqsc7oG2xzyDqAsO3-XOfHpOgPw2myjnzTR1j0C7L9uYBekBNzb5Ci0Ib010GblGVi5QXdJeFP_fqOzrcaEo59vo4OAA2CtSSeEr2B807NmCb/s1600/mom+and+b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmuguKa_Jl8e57LSQwejKjx5CtvLmEhTrqsc7oG2xzyDqAsO3-XOfHpOgPw2myjnzTR1j0C7L9uYBekBNzb5Ci0Ib010GblGVi5QXdJeFP_fqOzrcaEo59vo4OAA2CtSSeEr2B807NmCb/s320/mom+and+b.png" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WGxPF0r9uRXdz7D1IZOU9mQH4BQhAsJlUkoqZpKtk6NLtJ3oqhtXNbyxf3V0Id9AiYRosBRKgEFsCToj9lgubGu9645-cUv94XXupUDHO_VcNFBUy7elhpVDKUdWm1R9wZ8LpbZlsQql/s1600/DSC_1100-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WGxPF0r9uRXdz7D1IZOU9mQH4BQhAsJlUkoqZpKtk6NLtJ3oqhtXNbyxf3V0Id9AiYRosBRKgEFsCToj9lgubGu9645-cUv94XXupUDHO_VcNFBUy7elhpVDKUdWm1R9wZ8LpbZlsQql/s320/DSC_1100-2.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdeY-2i57AtQIZCaj5N5YBwyHumfWqF3cn1nMQnI4bs4uBI9ddfKeMjD8MDOJFuuO-PJ_Lt4Xp3RIzw6ASg-c44tlyXsALFHKC4RsXqNVcj1Kzj-u4sP86KrgiHK3nMXxf4jZf80wq6XP/s1600/suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdeY-2i57AtQIZCaj5N5YBwyHumfWqF3cn1nMQnI4bs4uBI9ddfKeMjD8MDOJFuuO-PJ_Lt4Xp3RIzw6ASg-c44tlyXsALFHKC4RsXqNVcj1Kzj-u4sP86KrgiHK3nMXxf4jZf80wq6XP/s320/suit.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">This little guy is walking all over the place now and learning so much. He is an absolute joy! I hope this finds you all well.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">God's blessings to you and your families!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-15048726622690627422011-06-06T14:11:00.000-05:002011-06-06T14:11:28.705-05:00A Belated Birthday Post!Now that I am finally back 'online' again I am able to post pictures. So here is a very late birthday post from Benjamin's 1st birthday party over a month ago! We just had a little party for family at the apartment and he had a great time. He really had fun with the cake and all of his new toys too. My big boy is walking now also, which I can hardly believe. I'm afraid to blink these days!!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And lastly, a favorite of mine from the weekend!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi021wu2Ojm8GW-76uwd4yn50Y9Uqc25SbUEavi_jPojV4cGmJvRG9IEEeDzZ48ZONKY3C5GnTcGCXC1_vLCX4kt1MYLQlEBqjpHRdfKBkZ30nWNwGwPDBaGG7M2lJDOBoU31VLKM6e2gz2/s1600/347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi021wu2Ojm8GW-76uwd4yn50Y9Uqc25SbUEavi_jPojV4cGmJvRG9IEEeDzZ48ZONKY3C5GnTcGCXC1_vLCX4kt1MYLQlEBqjpHRdfKBkZ30nWNwGwPDBaGG7M2lJDOBoU31VLKM6e2gz2/s320/347.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">God's blessings to you all!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-68746079845607972222011-05-25T11:08:00.000-05:002011-05-25T11:08:24.823-05:00Z is for Zowie!<center><a href="http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html" target="_self"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99AN-czrn5-OwE7TcLn7kNpDBG8JnOFESIdp6qdBMUXmw1oJ_f0pLdJoJcVUb5DsG2ksqR2cZjzuo9BPXk5E2ukcBW1Cpjek6W9r_GKGes7MW-u2SRcV3HA1o2rScbm32iuRGcGxr9IK-/s240/A-ZApril.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><div align="left"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used to love watching episodes of the classic Batman TV series. I must confess, while I have seen a couple of the movies, they just don’t cut it for me. There was something pretty cool about Adam West as Batman/Bruce Wayne. I remember laughing uncontrollably when the fight scenes would start up…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ZOWIE!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">POW!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ZAP!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KABOOM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then there are some of my most favorite classic lines from the different characters!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Catwoman: I’m not just pussyfooting around this time, Batman!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Batman: I’m just going to hang around the bar. I don’t want to look conspicuous.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robin: Under this garb, we’re perfectly ordinary Americans.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The show held a perfect combination of mystery, intrigue, suspense and humor. I know that I still use the phrase ‘Holy (insert anything here) Batman!’ quite often.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And just like that, I have officially completed the A to Z challenge, and I was only 25 days late in doing so. Oh well, at least I can say I finished it. And in perfect time too…I now have a computer at home again (thanks to a friend from church) so I will be able to get back to blogging more regularly and visiting all of you as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s blessings to you all!</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-84450769608667829672011-05-18T09:00:00.000-05:002011-05-18T09:00:13.085-05:00Y is for You Alone<center><a href="http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html" target="_self"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99AN-czrn5-OwE7TcLn7kNpDBG8JnOFESIdp6qdBMUXmw1oJ_f0pLdJoJcVUb5DsG2ksqR2cZjzuo9BPXk5E2ukcBW1Cpjek6W9r_GKGes7MW-u2SRcV3HA1o2rScbm32iuRGcGxr9IK-/s240/A-ZApril.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have just come from an amazing retreat weekend with the women at my church. God completely filled me and fully equipped me with His Holy Spirit, armed and ready for all that is before me. I feel renewed, refreshed, revitalized and completely in awe of the greatness of our God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Early Saturday morning, I had some quiet prayer time and was sitting in a little room at the retreat center, with big picture windows overlooking the beautiful grounds. I had just finished reading a devotional book and was starting to journal and just praying for God to break through all of life’s ‘not so great’ circumstances….I looked up and outside just as the wind was starting to pick up. As the wind blew forcefully through the trees, carrying the branches to and fro, I heard God whisper to me ‘Even the wind cannot blow without Me.’ Tears began to fall as I was immediately humbled and questioned ‘Who am I’? Who am I to question God’s faithfulness, His promises, His sovereignty over all? Without Him, I am absolutely nothing. He continued to remind me throughout the retreat weekend just how very big He is, that there is NOTHING that is beyond His reach.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For You alone are God, You alone are good. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s blessings to you all today!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-91257643430800639032011-05-11T10:21:00.000-05:002011-05-11T10:21:48.849-05:00X is for Generation X!<center><a href="http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html" target="_self"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99AN-czrn5-OwE7TcLn7kNpDBG8JnOFESIdp6qdBMUXmw1oJ_f0pLdJoJcVUb5DsG2ksqR2cZjzuo9BPXk5E2ukcBW1Cpjek6W9r_GKGes7MW-u2SRcV3HA1o2rScbm32iuRGcGxr9IK-/s240/A-ZApril.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apparently, I am a ‘Gen Xer’…since I fall within the guidelines of those set forth for Gen X.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a little homework on the origin of Generation X and, courtesy of Wikipedia, learned that the term was coined back in the 1950’s. My generation is referred to as the ‘baby bust’ due to the drop in birth rate following the baby boom (my parent’s generation). I don’t necessarily feel that I relate to, or resemble many of the character traits that have been set forth for the Gen Xer’s. Here are just a few:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a group of young people, seemingly without identity, who face an uncertain, ill-defined (and perhaps hostile) future.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A generation of teenagers who sleep together before they are married, were not taught to believe in God as ‘much’, and don’t respect parents.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often the children of divorced parents, change is more the rule for the people of Generation X than the exception.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am happy to be the exception to that last one! My parents have been happily married for close to 45 years now! So, I guess I don’t really identify myself with the characteristics of a Gen Xer, but technically I do fall right in the middle of the time frame.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sorry this was kind of boring…still trying to finish this challenge and I was really stuck on the letter X!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-24848523652802242002011-05-05T09:40:00.002-05:002011-05-05T09:40:31.358-05:00W is for Wishful Thinking<center><a href="http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html" target="_self"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99AN-czrn5-OwE7TcLn7kNpDBG8JnOFESIdp6qdBMUXmw1oJ_f0pLdJoJcVUb5DsG2ksqR2cZjzuo9BPXk5E2ukcBW1Cpjek6W9r_GKGes7MW-u2SRcV3HA1o2rScbm32iuRGcGxr9IK-/s240/A-ZApril.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am winding down the home stretch of the A to Z challenge. Of course, the whole idea of this challenge was to post every day (except Sundays) throughout the month of April. Clearly, I did not accomplish this, but I just can’t quit before I reach the end of the alphabet. Call it persistence, call it stubbornness, call it perseverance, call it what you will…but I am going to finish! And now I am one letter closer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">W is for wishful thinking. As we have just celebrated Benjamin’s 1<sup>st</sup> birthday (still hoping I can get some pictures posted here, somehow…sometime), I am continuing to watch him grow and learn new things each day. I could swear someone handed him a book on his birthday when I wasn’t watching, that was titled something like ‘These are the things you have to do now that you’re 1’. He is started to try to repeat words and sounds that I say more often now. He is getting closer every day to taking that first step. I am amazed, when watching him play with his new toys, at how quickly he is catching on to how they work. His little mind is just going a mile a minute. So that’s where the ‘wishful thinking’ comes into play. It has always been my dream to be a wife and mother. Beyond that, I have also hoped to be able to stay at home with my children. Unfortunately, that is not a card life has dealt me at this point. While I am definitely proud to be a working mother, supporting my child the best I can, my heart always feels like it is split when I am at work and Benjamin is at day care. I feel this especially now, at this busy time in his life, where he is learning so much, so quickly. My heart just breaks that I cannot be with him. This week especially has been very busy. We have had something going each night this week, which leaves little time for snuggling or playing when we get home. It’s time to hop in the bath and get ready for bed. Then, the morning comes and I usually have to wake him before we leave. Change him, dress him and we are out the door again. There seems to be little time for quality time. Tonight I am looking forward to a quiet evening with my beautiful son, to play, cuddle, sing and dance. I will never get these moments back…and I plan to soak them for all they are worth!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s blessings to you and your families today!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-27034560832996840392011-05-02T15:17:00.000-05:002011-05-02T15:17:20.179-05:00V is for Vroom!We celebrated Benjamin's 1st birthday yesterday! A fun time was had by all. I only wish that I could share some pictures with you but, alas, I am unable to upload them to my work computer and am without one at home. I fear the best I can do is try to scan the pictures I have, which will greatly compromise the quality. So, I will likely have to wait until I have somewhere to save the pictures and will just have a picture extravaganza at that time!<br />
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Benjamin was thrilled with his party and thoroughly enjoyed his birthday cake. He picked up his whole piece and squished it in his hands to start out with. Then, when he discovered it was something he could eat, he REALLY dug in. It was priceless! The theme of the day seemed to be 'Vroom'. Let's just say, there was no question that this was a birthday party for a little boy (I'm saddened I can no longer call him my 'baby). He got a car with a nice long handle for mom to pull him around in...he loves it! He also got a little fire truck and fire hat that he can sit in and move with his legs. He got a little farm tractor and also a school bus...so lots of transportation for this little one. He also got his first laptop computer and toolbox! Now, if only mommy could save the pictures to his <br />
V-Tech laptop, we'd be good to go.<br />
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It was a wonderful day and I am so blessed to have my little light!<br />
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God's blessings to you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8890927051845598036.post-14569585375827587742011-04-29T13:32:00.000-05:002011-04-29T13:32:59.860-05:00U is for Unbelievably Behind!<center><a href="http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html" target="_self"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99AN-czrn5-OwE7TcLn7kNpDBG8JnOFESIdp6qdBMUXmw1oJ_f0pLdJoJcVUb5DsG2ksqR2cZjzuo9BPXk5E2ukcBW1Cpjek6W9r_GKGes7MW-u2SRcV3HA1o2rScbm32iuRGcGxr9IK-/s240/A-ZApril.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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It has not been a very successful challenge for me with regard to my timing of the posts. Last year, I remember priding myself on keeping up (for the most part) even while very close to giving birth to my son (born May 1). This year has proven more difficult as I do not have a computer at home right now. This also means I have not been able to visit the others taking part in this challenge as much as I would have liked to. I hope to have a pc at home again soon so that I can get back to some more regular blogging and lots more visiting as well!<br />
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Alas, for now...I will just keep plugging away, trying to complete this challenge, hopefully before the first week of May is out! I do plan to come back and read many of the A to Z posts when I have more time to do so!<br />
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God's blessings to you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033873209155596679noreply@blogger.com4