tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87498143793751817092024-02-07T02:42:09.271-08:00Our Blessed NestMatt. April. Nathan. Ella. Adeline. & Evelyn.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-87910476889355007682017-08-16T06:23:00.000-07:002017-08-16T06:23:10.870-07:00Evelyn's 5th Birthday Interview<div style="text-align: center;">
Our sweet Evelyn Jane Lucille, as it goes with every kid at every birthday, it's hard to believe how big you are. I remember so vividly the day you were born. You were my most traumatic labor-coming in the middle of the night and five weeks early, but pink and beautiful and completely healthy. Now that I know your personality, I have no doubt you meant it this way. I'm sure if you could've you would've have given us a big cheesy grin and blurted out "ha-ha".</div>
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I love your sense of humor. You are genuinely funny and bring joy into our home. You are always saying or doing something mildly inappropriate, always trying to walk the line and see what will make us laugh and will get you into trouble!</div>
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You can also be a fireball when angry. Your newest thing is to put your hands on your hips and shout, "how dare you" when you feel violated. May the Lord soften your heart and give you a desire for righteous justice.</div>
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You love to try new things, and you go forward in life with little fear. If your big sisters are doing it, there's a good chance you are going to do it as well. You will not be inhibited by your age or size-you <i>will</i> climb that tree, you <i>will</i> ride your bike, you <i>will</i> run that race...<br />
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I am always asked, "where does she get her hair?". It is still so bright and golden blonde. The quick easy answer is from her father. The other day you told me you wanted to dye it brown...<br />
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You are our most snuggly. Always giving a hug or a kiss, or when we are caught off guard, a lick on the cheek. </div>
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I pray that God will use the sweetness in your heart (and the fire in your belly) for His kingdom work. May your love for Him grow more and more!</div>
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"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evelyn's 5th Birthday Interview:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite food is: Gummies!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />My favorite sport to play is: Swimming & Skating </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The best show on t.v. is: Mickey Mouse & Elmo (we don't even watch these shows ever...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The coolest person on Earth is: God</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />My favorite thing to learn about is: God </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Reading Lesson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: China</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite color is: Orange...I mean, pink.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I grow up I'm going to be : a Vet, even though I don't want to take care of snakes...actually, I want to be someone who works at the pet store</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My favorite song is: How Far I'll Go (Moana)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The book I am loving right now is: an Animal book...actually, my favorite is a baby book</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Three words that describe me are: E-V-E</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I was little I used to: Throw away my own diaper</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite season of the year is: Winter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The snack I like best is: Gummies</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The food I really dislike is: Zucchini</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My best friend is: Krista & Veronica</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />If I had one wish, it would be: Having baby rabbits. Lots and lots of baby rabbits until they are stacked up and touch the sky.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My best memory is: Finding Treasure in Swimming Lessons</span></span></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-41663003645822110032017-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:002017-08-16T06:24:07.344-07:00Ella's 9th Birthday Interview<div style="text-align: center;">
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Embarrassingly, but also typically, I'm just getting to birthday interviews and here's it's been 5 months since Ella's birthday. The good news is that I just did 3 kids in one shot, so maybe I'll get caught up....until Caleb turns 1 this weekend!</div>
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So, Ella Grace, you are 9 years old. I remember holding your sweet little purple face when you were born and thinking, "Is this really my baby?!". You had dark hair and olive colored skin and you were so beautiful. Of course, given your genetics you have become fair-but still quite beautiful (despite your genetics ;))<br />
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You continue to amaze me with your positive attitude and your ability to get your hands dirty. You love to have a good friend by your side, but you aren't afraid to try new things on your own. </div>
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You are always thinking, always planning. You know very clearly what you want to be when you grow up-it just changes frequently. In fact, you change your mind frequently about most things, "I'll take the grape popsicle....actually, I'll have an orange." That's our Ella.</div>
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This year, you completed your first year of public school. Last Fall your teacher said you were "exemplary." I agree. You do your work when it needs to be done, and you do it (mostly) well. You are kind and sweet to all of your classmates, whether it is the shy girl or the boy with "anger issues". You don't make judgements, you just see a friend.</div>
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You laugh often. You cry often (over some big things, but mainly small), and have to be reminded that it's going to be okay. Don't worry sister, roll it over to Jesus.</div>
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You are forever crafting, wanting to be in the kitchen, drawing pictures, writing a book, or climbing a tree. Oh yeah, and you're a great big sister. I can trust you with Caleb if I need to finish a task quickly and that is precious to me. </div>
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God is changing you and growing you each year. Lean into Him, He has great things in store for you!</div>
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<span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-ESV-29221"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29221A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29221A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>by grace you have been saved <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29221B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29221B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>through faith. And this is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29221C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29221C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>not your own doing; <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29221D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29221D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>it is the gift of God,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-ESV-29222"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29222E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29222E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>not a result of works, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29222F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29222F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>so that no one may boast.</span> Ephesians 2:8-9</div>
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And without further rambling from me, here is Ella Grace's <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9th Birthday Interview:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite food is: Sour Cream & Onion Chips</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />My favorite sport to play is: Volleyball </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The best show on t.v. is: Wild Kratts</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The coolest person on Earth is: Carol</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />My favorite thing to learn about is: People in History </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Dancing & Singing</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: France</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite color is: Blue or Turquoise</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I grow up I'm going to be : Hair Stylist</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My favorite song is: True Colors</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The book I am loving right now is: Matilda</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Three words that describe me are: Dance, Live, Love</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I was little I used to: Spit -up</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite season of the year is: Spring, because it's the prettiest</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The snack I like best is: Cheeze-Its</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The food I really dislike is: Zucchini</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My best friend is: Lyla</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />If I had one wish, it would be: That I could climb a really tall tree</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My best memory is: Watching home videos with my family</span></span></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-71399237974765102452017-03-05T17:47:00.001-08:002017-03-05T17:52:23.650-08:00Addie's 7th Birthday Interview<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span>We're still catching up around here, and since birthday interviews are our favorite thing to look back on, I'd thought that I would get Addie's completed....even though she's almost 7 1/2! </div>
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Addie continues to be passionate (read, moody and difficult). She has big emotions and big ideas, all wrapped up in a small, curly blonde-haired package. </div>
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Addie loves to sit and be read to, and she's slowly developing a love for reading herself. If she can, she would choose to be outside. She's always playing and imagining. She loves to run, and though she's still so young, it seems God has given her gift for it.</div>
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We love this sweet feisty girl. We can't imagine our family without her!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">Adeline's 7th Birthday Interview:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite food is: Breakfast Sausage</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My favorite sport to play is: Soccer </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The best show on t.v. is: Wild Kratts</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The coolest person on Earth is: Daddy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My favorite thing to learn about is: History </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Running!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Arizona</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My favorite color is: Pink</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />When I grow up I'm going to be : A<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Mommy That Helps Mommies Give Birth to Babies</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite song is: This is My Father's World</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The book I am loving right now is: The Story of the World</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Three words that describe me are: Loves Soccer So Much</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />When I was little I used to: Cry</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My favorite season of the year is: Fall, because it has so pretty leaves</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The snack I like best is: Popcorn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The food I really dislike is: Corn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My best friend is: Molly</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />If I had one wish, it would be: To be a Doctor Right Now</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My best memory is: When I was born (I watched it on a video)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-79283553890241948072017-02-18T20:51:00.002-08:002017-03-05T18:57:29.074-08:00First Meetings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since baby "Teddy" came late at night, the children didn't get to meet him right away. As you can imagine, they were at the hospital first thing next morning. They were all very giddy and excited to see and hold their new baby brother. And Papa was of course excited to meet grandbaby #11.<br />
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It seemed diplomatic to go in birth order. </div>
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So, first Nathan got to hold him,</div>
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then Ella,</div>
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Adeline,</div>
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and Evelyn.</div>
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Evelyn looooves babies. She felt pretty special to get to hold "her" baby all by herself.</div>
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Finally, they even let Papa have a turn...kind of. :)</div>
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Matt likes to make sure I get in at least one photo, so here's me with all the kids. My new brood of five (though Caleb's hard to see). After the baby, the kids considered my bed the second most exciting thing.</div>
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The weekend coincided with our nephew's birthday party, so my sister Brenda and her family also got to meet him in the hospital. As a bonus, Matt and the kids got spend a few hours at Chuck-E-Cheese.</div>
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We also were pleasantly surprised that some friends from church also stopped by for a visit.</div>
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With their four kids and our five, it was a full room!</div>
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Since the kids were always with us, Matt and I didn't have a lot of time to discuss a name. Matt took the kids home that night as well and stayed with them. We had a list of five names we were choosing from and had to speak in code. For example, "I'm leaning towards C, but how do you feel about S"? It could have been fun to include the kids in the conversation, but I knew they would have opinions and would likely just end up upset their choice didn't win.</div>
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We had the middle named settled. We had chosen Louis, after my mother Lois. </div>
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For first names we considered: Caleb, Harmon, Henry, Silas, and Theodore.</div>
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As you know, we choose Caleb Louis. </div>
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Caleb seemed the most "Thompson-like". The other boys in the family, Matthew and Nathan, are Biblical names that start with a consonant (if you're curious all the girls are non-Biblical names that start with a vowel).</div>
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We also loved the character of Caleb from the Bible. Joshua 14:14 states that Caleb "followed the Lord, the God of Israel, whole heartedly". My soul would desire nothing greater than to see all of my children follow the Lord whole heartedly...and so it was the chosen name.</div>
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Side note: you may have been thrown by the name Harmon...I was too. Matt really liked it though, and it is kind of cute. </div>
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The rest of the hospital stay was spent snuggling baby and of course enjoying all of our provided, prepared meals...my personal favorite! </div>
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I like this photo of Evelyn. I imagine it's the moment where she realized she's not the baby anymore and everything is about to change!</div>
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The boys. </div>
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Nathan is so happy to have a brother! </div>
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Next adventure: Home!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-79780345764250466862017-02-13T20:06:00.001-08:002017-03-05T19:03:30.033-08:00Introducing Baby "Teddy": A Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the story of the day we got to meet sweet Caleb Louis Thompson.</div>
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Like many birth stories, this really starts the day before...My children were convinced we needed to check out the new space exhibit at the local science center. So, knowing our days were numbered I agreed we should go. I got my 37 week pregnant, puffy self out and we spent an afternoon walking around the air conditioned (a must in August), three-story tall museum. Later once we were home I finished up our laundry-which requires multiple trip from the basement to the second story. By the end of the day I had done a lot of steps (too bad I don't have a fitbit) and was exhausted!</div>
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After the kids went to bed, I remember looking up what vegetable our baby was comparable to and reading an article on the benefits for baby of going to 39 weeks. I even told Matt my goal was to make it 39 weeks (I hadn't 3 out of 4 previous pregnancies), and we went to bed.</div>
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The next morning was a Saturday. I woke up earlier than usual for a weekend, because my water had broke! So much for my plan! From experience, we knew a few things: 1. Once you go to the hospital, they don't let you leave 2. I wasn't going to start contractions for a while, and likely not without "help" 3. The baby was coming this weekend!</div>
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We milled around the house and Matt spent the morning getting work done in the basement, (which we've been working on finishing for about 1 1/2 years, sigh). I purposely ate something, because I was also aware that I wouldn't get to eat once I went in!</div>
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The kids found this massive caterpillar, so that added to the excitement!</div>
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(We did keep it, and it is currently wintering on our back deck...we'll see if we get a giant moth this Spring. Gross or cool, I'm not sure yet).</div>
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After lunch I decided to go for a walk. Fittingly Evelyn came with me and I got to take a lovely summer walk with my "baby" for the last time. It was perfect. We played eye-spy and she told silly stories and I soaked up every minute knowing our lives were about to drastically change.</div>
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I finally decided around 2:00 to call the midwife, and she of course told me to come in. At that point I told Matt is was "time" and we made the kids aware of what was about to happen. They were over the moon excited! Everyone all of sudden was filled with giddy. Nathan was concerned about how I was feeling, but mainly they were ready to meet their brother!</div>
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Here's a belly shot before we left. Since this was baby #5, I didn't get any before this!</div>
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The whole way to the hospital, a quick 10 minute drive, the kids say, "Happy Possible Birthday" to the baby, nicknamed Teddy.<br />
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We walked into the hospital as a family, and were given another sweet moment. As we passed by, we were able to see my mom's photo. I didn't even know it was still up, but they have a running video of photos of organ donors. We were just in time to see her photo. It was a special blessing since I'd cried many tears over not having my mom here to meet this baby. Our God is good.<br />
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By God's perfect provision we already had arrangements for our kids to go to a friends' house that evening. We were suppose to go on a date, but we figured this was kind of like that. Matt dropped them off at 5:30, and we continued to wait around to see if something would happen. We tried different natural stimuli, and in the end I opted for Pitocin, a drug that starts contractions. Many women are scared of it. I however am not, since I've now had it with every.single.labor.</div>
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My dad graciously picked up the kids at our friends' house, they came to say good night, and then I wanted to be alone since the contractions were getting more intense. </div>
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My goal was to have this baby by midnight (Evelyn was born at 3:40 a.m. and the whole experience scarred me). Labor progressed slower than I expected, but then in a matter of about two contractions I went from 6 cm to ready to push.</div>
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Two (maybe three) contractions after this, baby boy Thompson arrived!</div>
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It was the most precious moment. I soaked up every second of him laying softly against my chest. I hope I never forgot his squinty eyes searching around, and his squished little head. He had a prominent cone head and a swollen chubby face. He was so dear, and so completely ours. Matt and I laughed and cried over how precious and wonderful this little baby was that was given to us.</div>
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As a bonus, he was born before midnight, 11:46 pm!</div>
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He weighed 7 lbs 3 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.</div>
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Perfect.</div>
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This baby didn't have a name yet, but that would come later. </div>
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We were so glad for the quiet time we had with him. The next day with be full of family and visitors. </div>
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After a room transfer we all went to sleep around 3:00 a.m. completely exhausted. </div>
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(Unfortunately I was up at 4:30 a.m. so famished I couldn't sleep...)</div>
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I am so thankful to God. </div>
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I do not take this life for granted, but may I try to live with my hands open to His plan for baby boy.</div>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-74460937488238704532017-01-19T20:02:00.000-08:002017-01-19T20:02:47.847-08:00Nathan's Interview: Age 10<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So....life happened and the blog went by the wayside. Much has happened in the past 6 months (like ahem, a baby being born), and sitting down to type about it just hasn't seemed a priority.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">However, recently after watching a few home videos (oh the sweetness) and going through family albums and baby books I realized how much we like to look back. It reminds us of the good times and the hard times, and how faithful our God is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">So, I'm picking up where I left off: Nathan's 10 year birthday interview. He has since had a half-birthday (yes, that's a thing, and no we don't celebrate it), and I'm sure he would answer some of these differently today, but it brings a smile to my face to read through these.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">So, without further ado,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nathan's 10-year Birthday Interview:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My favorite food is: Pizza</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My favorite sport to play is: Baseball or Football</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The best show on t.v. is: Bot Fights</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The coolest person on Earth is: My Father</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My favorite thing to learn about is: How Machines Work</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Play Sports</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />If I could anywhere in the world, I'd go to: </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">India</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My favorite color is: Black & Blue</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When I grow up I'm going to be : a Geotechnical engineer, like Dad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My favorite song is: Your Love is Saving Me by Shawn McDonald</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The book I am loving right now is: Lord of the Rings</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Three words that describe me are: Noble, Trustworthy & Creative</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When I was little I used to: Dribble with Two Basketballs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My favorite season of the year is: Summer</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The snack I like best is: Pizza</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The food I really dislike is: Zuccini</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My best friend is: Dane & Mark</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />If I had one wish, it would be: The Whole World Would Know Jesus</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My best memory is: My 10th Birthday!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">I left all the answer as is. I love his heart for Jesus, and his great love for his earthly father too. Nathan is a strong-willed, take charge, first born son, and it's nice to read the sweet innocence in these answers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">Photos will have to wait (I did take some), but our old computer was laid to rest, and we have yet to upload them onto our new one. Another day...</span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-52755679686012999882016-07-07T11:41:00.001-07:002016-07-07T11:41:52.886-07:00A Super Hero Show.<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of the school year, the two third-grade classes at Nathan's school took an interim break to learn about theater production, which concluded with a performance on Friday evening. A group called Dakota Players from the Black Hills area came in to teach the kids about the ins and outs of putting on a play. They passed out parts, and the kids learned the script during the school day that week.</div>
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It was fun to see Nathan's first performance. It was titled, "The Super Hero Show". Nathan played a chemical scavenger, which is sort of like a minion for the bad guy...who of course in the end learns a lesson and turns out to be not so bad. All the kids got a lot of stage time, and Nathan had about five lines.</div>
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He was super nervous, but he delivered his lines well and did a great job. It was fun as a parent to see him do something out of his comfort zone and to try hard to do it well.</div>
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They performed in their gym, so it was difficult to get any good photos during the show (no elevated stage), so I did my best to get a few after the show. </div>
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All the kids were pretty pumped after the performance!</div>
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Nathan stayed in character and went for the tough look!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-70584986284945683312016-07-07T11:22:00.000-07:002016-07-07T11:22:27.426-07:00Evelyn's 4th Birthday Party!<div style="text-align: center;">
Eveyln's theme for her fourth birthday party was "ocean sprinkle". It combined her two loves: sprinkles and Nemo. </div>
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As her party was starting, I realized my camera battery was dead and the iphone photos seem to have gone missing, so I missed photographing the first half of the party. You can picture it though: food, drinks, eating, and kids running throughout the house. </div>
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After eating and wrangling the kids back inside we had birthday cake. Evelyn's favorite color is still orange, so she wanted orange frosting on her cake, and of course sprinkles. </div>
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Like most kids, Evelyn loves to be the center of attention!</div>
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Following cake and ice cream, we went to the other room for presents!</div>
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Once again, she received lots of great gifts like some clothes, a puddle jumper, a Hello Kitty pillow, a movie, and some gardening supplies.</div>
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The big hit for the afternoon was some bubbles she received from Papa.</div>
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We were blessed with great weather, just a little wet so some kids were slipping and sliding a little!</div>
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It's always a joy to get together with family and celebrate! </div>
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We're so thankful for cousins, grandparents, and aunties and uncles that are near! </div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-17986955805344196432016-07-07T07:02:00.001-07:002016-07-07T07:02:02.975-07:00Evelyn's Birthay Interview : age 4<div style="text-align: center;">
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Our dear sweet Evelyn, you are growing up before our very eyes into such a big girl. Already you are 4 and full of beautiful, spunky personality.</div>
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You love babies (and pacifiers) and are always eager to help out in any way. You make us laugh every day with your quirks, from the popular "Are you joking me?" to the daily licks and hugs that you give. You love to belt out worship music when you go to the bathroom, whether at home or in public, and we can hardly go out without someone commenting on curly blonde hair. You are quite the story teller-which sometimes get you into trouble. </div>
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You love keeping up with your big brother and especially playing house with your two sisters.</div>
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I can't imagine our little family without you in it. </div>
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God has a great plan for you, and we're so glad that we get to witness the journey. </div>
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We love you!</div>
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The kids and I love to look back on their birthday interviews. So, even though it's a couple of months late, here's Evelyn's </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4-year Birthday Interview:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite food is: Mac & Cheese</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite sport to play is: Soccer</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The best show on t.v. is: Clifford (side note: I think she's seen Clifford one time)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The coolest person on Earth is: an Astronaut</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite thing to learn about is: Jesus</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Hug People</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If I could anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Arizona</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite color is: Orange and Yellow</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I grow up I'm going to be : a Princess or a Momma</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite song is: Away in a Manger</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The book I am loving right now is: Christmas in the Manger</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Three words that describe me are: Away in a Manger, Papa, and You (pointing to me)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I was little I used to: Eat some gummy worms</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My favorite season of the year is: Snow</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The snack I like best is: Popcorn</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The food I really dislike is: Salad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My best friend is: Olivia and Lisa</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If I had one wish, it would be: Puppy</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />My best memory is: Sucking on sippy cups, bottles and pacies</span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-12428342355453092692016-06-27T13:23:00.001-07:002016-06-30T14:26:41.108-07:00Arizona Trip 2016.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we got married, we planned on visiting Matt's mom in Arizona about once a year. Easter naturally became the perfect time for a visit since it's still chilly in SD but sunny and 80 degrees in Tucson. It also means we get to spend a holiday with Matt's family. </div>
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Well, four children later, once a year turned into four years. Evelyn had never been there outside the womb, and the other children were barely able to remember it, so it was a top priority to go this year. As a family of 6, traveling by plane costs a small fortune, but we have no regrets! It was a wonderful visit, well-enjoyed by all, and we definitely won't be waiting four years until we return again!</div>
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So, it's been a few months, but here is a photo recap of our trip to Arizona. </div>
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Lots of photos, few words: Arizona Trip 2016 in a nutshell!</div>
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Favorite part of Arizona, Grammy and Grandpa's house!</div>
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A trip to the Desert Museum:</div>
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Ella still likes snakes...sigh.</div>
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Thompson cactus!</div>
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I had to take a picture of Nathan because I had such an enjoyable time at the museum with him. Instead of keeping up with the group we walked slowly through and observed and discussed several of the different plants and animals. We were amazed at how beautiful the dessert can be when you get down close and look at it. God is such a wonderful Creator!</div>
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Bedtime stories with Grammy later that night.</div>
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Next day-getting ready to go horseback riding! </div>
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It was a very casual setting; no pomp, no real structure...manners and business etiquette seemed to be optional as well.</div>
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These places sometimes end up being the most fun. Everyone gets to relax and enjoy themselves. We ended up waiting over an hour for our horses to all be ready, but the kids got to run around in a covered pen filled with goats, ducks, chickens, lambs, and other farm animals (including a tortoise). It was great!</div>
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Nathan and Logan definitely enjoyed chasing the ducks around the most. They were able to grab a couple, but they definitely missed a lot!<br />
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Finally, time to ride horse.<br />
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Evelyn got to get on first to see how she would do. Not well. Thankfully she had a very patient, gentle horse. Once others started getting on their horses, Evelyn warmed up to the idea. She ended up riding Stormy for the full hour without ever complaining, a real cowgirl! </div>
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The kids were all very into whose rode which horse (which we had no say in). <br />
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Here's Uncle Josh on Blacky.</div>
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Grammy on Nugget. </div>
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Ella on Wilbur. </div>
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Julia and Annie. </div>
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Nathan and Buddy.</div>
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Addie and Molly. </div>
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Grandpa Joe on Kimmy.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Matt on Pal. </div>
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Matt and Pal were a sweet pair. They brought up the rear (right behind Goody and I). I found out that both of them were highly reliable and hard working, but also a little obstinate and head strong. They bonded.</div>
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Following the trail ride, we had hot dogs and baked beans for lunch.</div>
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For dessert, cupcakes to celebrate Ella's birthday!</div>
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Next day:</div>
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Start off with some egg dying,</div>
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then hiking at Sabino Canyon.</div>
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Everyone loved hanging out in the small stream. The boys were also highly interested in a small "cave" they found. Thankfully no mountain lions were discovered!</div>
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Next day:</div>
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Egg hunt!</div>
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The boys probably did about a hundred potato sack races. We started making them bring their prizes back because they were piling up too much stuff.</div>
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Everyone was very amazed by a local magician. He was pretty good.</div>
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Later on we went swimming, then watched a few episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. Aunt Elaine and Uncle Danny drove down from Phoenix for the afternoon.</div>
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This was likely our children's first exposure to Andy.</div>
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Human Pyramid!</div>
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Easter morning, getting ready to head to church.<br />
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Klein Family. </div>
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Girls.</div>
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Thompson family.</div>
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Evelyn was not into it. </div>
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Grammy and Grandpa with the grandkids.</div>
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After church and lunch, egg hunt at Grammy's.</div>
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...then time for some more relaxation!</div>
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Final day before traveling home: zoo day!</div>
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As you can see, it was a great trip!<br />
We look forward to doing it again (hopefully next year)!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-83246288310984315422016-06-26T18:18:00.001-07:002016-06-26T18:19:11.166-07:00Ella's Interview: age 8.<div style="text-align: center;">
Whoa, so it's been a while since I've blogged anything-and life keeps racing forward. Since there are a few major things going on (baby growing, home renovating, sports, birthdays, on and on and on...), I'm going to try to catch up-we'll see how it goes! </div>
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Ella's birthday was over three months ago, but I still haven't posted her birthday interview. </div>
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So, here's an interview with Ella, age 8:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;">My favorite food is: Pasta<br />My favorite sport to play is: It's hard to choose between soccer and basketball<br />The best show on t.v. is: Martha Speaks<br />The coolest person on Earth is: My brother, Nathan <br />My favorite thing to learn about in school is: Math<br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: Draw on my Boogie Board<br />If I could anywhere in the world, I'd go to: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Visit the queen of England<br />My favorite color is: Blue<br />When I grow up I'm going to be : A Photographer <br />My favorite song is: Where Your Treasure Is (song of verses Matthew 6:19-21)<br />The book I am loving right now is: Ramona Quimby, age 8<br />Three words that describe me are: Nice, Artistic, & Frustrated<br />When I was little I used to: Play Outside<br />My favorite season of the year is: Fall, because there's not a lot of bugs and it's warm and cool<br />The snack I like best is: Granola Bars<br />The food I really dislike is: Squash and zucchini<br />My best friend is: Lyla and Kjersten<br />If I had one wish, it would be: To see my grandpas and grandmas that have died<br />My best memory is: My 6th birthday because I had a Frozen birthday party with my favorite colors</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">and jewels on my cake.</span></span></blockquote>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-61220421421705840962016-03-12T21:45:00.000-08:002016-03-12T21:45:46.850-08:00Ella's 8th Birthday Party!<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight I'm sitting on our couch lamenting the amount of sugar I've eaten, and totally in denial that tomorrow I'm going to have an 8 year-old daughter...Today we celebrated Ella's 8th birthday with our family!</div>
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Ella's birthday is at a fun time of year. Typically the snow is melting and we're seeing the first signs that Winter will indeed end and Spring is coming! Ah, so hopeful!</div>
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Ella's chosen different party themes in the past, but a garden theme seems to be a repeated favorite. It's so perfect, and this year was one of those years! Although it was subtle, the party theme this year was "flower garden".</div>
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The menu:</div>
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pizza</div>
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berries</div>
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veggie platter</div>
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potato chips</div>
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juice & soda</div>
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(pretty much all the usuals) </div>
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<br />I purchased these glass milk bottles at Michael's a few years ago for about $1 a piece. They've been a good investment since I use them for most every birthday. We also found these cute pinwheel straws at the Target dollar spot (can I still call it that?). </div>
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Ella wanted vanilla cupcakes this year, and not the typical chocolate birthday cake. I was a little disappointed since I love me a large slab of chocolate cake. The nice thing was that these sweet rosette cupcakes were super simple. Yay for not being up until 2 AM decorating cake!</div>
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She's such a sweet girl. She's been so excited to have her birthday party! It makes me happy to see her happy!</div>
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Following lunch, the children played outside. Ella was blessed with another beautiful day for her birthday party. Today it was sunny and 70 degrees...Not to bad for mid-March!</div>
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After expending some energy, which was mainly in the form of shooting each other with Nerf darts, they switched gears and painted terra cotta pots.</div>
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Each kid decorated their pot with lots of care and attention. </div>
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Then we ventured into new territory for us: the pinata! I'm so thankful it was nice out and this was an outdoor activity. I'm just hoping it isn't something that is requested often!</div>
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Birthday girl got to go first.</div>
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Our weapon of choice was an aluminum bat- it was effective. The children had a little too much fun beating up the butterfly.</div>
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Evelyn didn't want to try at first, but then she was all in. She was actually the first one to get some candy to fly.</div>
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We then went in birth order. Candy kept trickling out and thankfully Nathan (the oldest) gave it the final blow.</div>
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Candy! </div>
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Then for good measure, the children decided to continue to beat the poor butterfly.</div>
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Finally they were convinced that it was done and the candy was gone.</div>
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Next it was present time!</div>
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Addie gave Ella her gift first. She crocheted her a ring and a toy for her Littlest Pet Shot. It wasn't super distinguishable-but it was sweet.</div>
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Here Ella is saying "Thank You".</div>
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I like that at every party people seem to congregate on the steps. It helps add space to our living room!</div>
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Ella received lots of nice gifts besides Addie's. She also received: a Little Pet Shop, Minions, a sticker book, bracelet craft, and a Boogie Board.</div>
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Only one thing left...cake!</div>
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Happy Birthday Ella! </div>
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It was such a treat to celebrate your special day! </div>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-28235786506112627972016-03-07T21:09:00.001-08:002016-03-07T21:09:10.796-08:00Little Mermaid: A Blanket DIY!<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you to everyone for your kind words of congratulations! We are excited to welcome baby #5-but honestly didn't know how everyone would react. We've only received love and kindness; not a single sarcastic remark or eye-roll. We have the best friends and family!</div>
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I decided to post quickly about a recent (not as exciting) project the girls and I worked on. One Sunday afternoon, Addie and I were perusing Pinterest...great parenting I know. But, she found a <a href="http://www.madeformermaids.com/mermaidtail/" target="_blank">mermaid blanket </a>and instantly fell in love with the idea. I clicked the link to read through the tutorial, and it looked easy enough so we decided to go for it!</div>
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The next day was President's Day, so we ventured out to the fabric store, where Addie picked out the colors of fleece she would like to use (pink and teal...that's my girl!).</div>
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We started on it later that day, and after a couple of evenings <strike>remembering how to use my sewing machine</strike> working on it, it was complete!</div>
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The <a href="http://www.madeformermaids.com/mermaidtail/" target="_blank">tutorial</a> was super easy to follow, and the whole process only took a few hours. </div>
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(The first time through I did have to watch the attached to video to understand one step, I also changed the length of the body by a couple of inches to customize it to fit Addie)</div>
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Addie was pleased with the end results and we all felt very accomplished to finish a project so quickly!</div>
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It's basically a fleece sleeping bag with a tail. In fact I was thinking maybe they'd be good for camping when it's cooler. They could get in these first before their sleeping bags to stay extra cozy.</div>
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But, this blanket is made for lounging and for pretend play...who doesn't want to be a mermaid, especially one that is warm and fuzzy?! </div>
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You can see I made a second one. For the second one I didn't even need to use the tutorial, it was that simple. I had my pattern already cut out and I was able to make it in one evening over about 2 hours. </div>
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If you're interested, I spent about $15 to make the first blanket. This also included coordinated colored thread for the tail fin. For the second blanket I spent just under $10. Thankfully fleece is on sale this time of year, but I think it's on sale quite a bit. </div>
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It's not pictured, but Ella actually worked beside me and made one for her "American Girl" doll. Even with her imperfect cutting and sewing, it still turned out well. She could just use scraps, so her cost was $0!</div>
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The second mermaid blanket wasn't for Ella though. The girls together chose the colors, and we made one for my niece who was turning 8!</div>
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So, if you're needing a simple sewing project that daughters of all ages will love...here you go! </div>
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<i>(The tutorial does also include photos in case you want to make a shark for a boy. My boy wasn't interested though).</i></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-1192262708670509312016-02-28T20:36:00.002-08:002016-02-28T20:36:51.958-08:00Guessing Game!<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday we thought it would be fun to play a guessing game with the kids. The rules were we would show them a picture one kid at a time, then they had to guess what it was. Once they had their turn they had to wait in the kitchen as to not influence the next guesser...</div>
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First up was Nathan:</div>
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He guessed correctly and figured it out in about thirty seconds. This isn't his first rodeo.</div>
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Ella was a different story. </div>
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She figured out it was a baby, but just which baby she was confused about.</div>
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Is it Evelyn? Addie? </div>
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Me? Nathan?</div>
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She even wondered if a friend of ours was having a baby..</div>
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Then Nathan came to offer a few clues...</div>
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Finally, here she's asking me, "Mom, are you pregnant!?"</div>
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Addie did not want to participate in this activity and started off pretty grumpy. She quickly warmed up when she saw the photos.</div>
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She knew right away that it was a baby.</div>
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Matt pointed out to her the date on the photos, so she soon figured out what this all meant!</div>
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Finally came little squirt:</div>
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No idea... </div>
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Matt explains this is a baby, and the baby is inside Mommy's tummy...</div>
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Evie loves babies!</div>
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So, the cat is out of the bag! </div>
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Blessing number 5 is expected to arrive around September 5, 2016-which quite fittingly is Labor Day!</div>
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Thankfully, everyone is overjoyed!</div>
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Five can seem like a lot of children. The reality is we live in a three bedroom house, don't drive a large SUV, and are <strike>surviving</strike> thriving on a single income. However, when I look at the above photo I feel I could have a dozen (I mean, I won't, but just look at 'em!)</div>
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We are so blessed, beyond our own comprehension.</div>
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Thank you Jesus!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-58221177092065600382016-02-18T22:18:00.002-08:002016-02-18T22:18:54.140-08:00Popping Corn.<div style="text-align: center;">
Our entire family loves to participate in gardening. OK, well we all like the idea of gardening, and we start with great gusto. Then it usually ends up being Matt's project late summer, and then finally ends with me cursing the carrots because it's so dirty and laborious to dig them all up and wash them. </div>
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That being said, I'm so grateful for our garden. It's not large since we live on a normal city lot, but we've learned to grow what we will actually eat (and what we've had good success with in the past).</div>
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The harvest our children most look forward to is popcorn! </div>
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It grows just like regular sweet corn, so once the stalks are brown in about mid October we pick all the ears. Then we hang it all up by the husks and wait for it to dry. This is about a three month process. -(gardening provides so many lessons in patience)- </div>
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This year, I used the ears to decorate in the fall time, then once it became Christmas season I hid them in the coat closet. I don't know if I'll do the same next year, as it became a common game to see who would find a popcorn kernel in their shoe!</div>
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In the past, we've removed the kernels at Christmas and eaten our popcorn during our family celebration.</div>
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This year we waited a little longer and instead took advantage of a snow day when Nathan and Matt were both home and blizzard conditions assured we were all staying in.</div>
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We popped some later and it turned out great!</div>
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We are also going to try to keep some of the kernels for planting in our garden this year. The only disadvantage with planting popcorn is that you could just buy a bag of popcorn kernels cheaper then what it cost to grow it yourself (because we bought starter plants). If we can keep and plant our own seeds, then it will make more sense...either way we'll probably keep planting it since the kids like it so much. </div>
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It's fun to enjoy some of the fruits of our garden in the middle of winter.</div>
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-Some people eat canned tomatoes or beans all winter. Our supplies are long gone (if there were any), but we got popcorn!</div>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-65684712618068022442016-02-15T20:20:00.001-08:002016-02-15T20:20:50.544-08:00For the Love.<div style="text-align: center;">
Eeks, this year is screaming by. I hope I will get to reflect more on this crazy year later-but for now I'm focusing on a recent highlight for our kids: Valentine's Day!</div>
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I don't know at what point in my life Valentine's day went from a romantic holiday to a day for the kids to exchange cards and candy (or in the girls' case, not candy). This year I even spent an afternoon cutting and gluing all for the sake of love. It's not ideal-but instead of complaining, I will seize this opportunity to teach our children about giving and love.</div>
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Nathan's class had a Valentine's party with card exchange, games, and a Valentine's box competition. He was adamant that his cards not have anything that may sound romantic...don't want to give the wrong impression!</div>
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He went with mini boxes of Star Wars stickers. It was simple enough, no card, just dutifully write each kids' name on the box-we didn't even buy candy. Everyone was happy.</div>
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If it wasn't for having a big brother in public school, Valentine's day wouldn't have meant much to the girls. However, they wanted to make a box<i> too</i> and exchange cards with <i>their</i> friends at Classical Conversations (our homeschool group). It was super last minute, but dear old mom pulled through and organized a Valentine exchange (last minute because I was hoping someone else would do it). It was simple, but the girls and I got to create bags for each of the students. We made a total of 50 Valentine bags. I cut out hearts and all three girls glued them on to the bags. They were all one of a kind! (I should have taken a better picture to showcase their hard work.)</div>
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It sounds tedious, but it ended up being a blessing for us to get to work together to do something kind for our friends.</div>
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The girls also wrote out cards to their classmates. They couldn't bring candy so Ella picked out some cards with woodland creatures that came with an eraser...they were cute. Addie ended up handing out Ella and Nathan's leftovers, so that worked out well too!</div>
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Finally for their box reveal! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Matt and I opted to not participate this year. We still had memories of gluing on Gandolf's beard into the wee hours <a href="http://thethompsonnest.blogspot.com/2015/02/labor-of-love.html" target="_blank">last year</a>.</i></span></div>
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Nathan made a piranha plant from Mario Bros. He wanted it to be square and thus look pixelated. He said some of his classmates thought it was a cat....</div>
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(he didn't win any prizes, and though he is competitive, he was not competitive about this event, so it was ok)</div>
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Addie constructed an owl.</div>
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Ella made a Valentine fox.</div>
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(which he had to cut open to get the Valentine's out)</div>
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Evelyn didn't make a box, but still got a photo since she's pretty in pink. :)</div>
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Our actual Valentine's day consisted or church, lunch at Qdoba, and then basketball practice for Nathan and Ella. It wasn't romantic or special, but it was good.</div>
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What would we do without this crazy bunch?!</div>
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Hope you had a happy Valentine's Day!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-1410171404525600952016-01-09T21:17:00.002-08:002016-01-09T21:17:58.710-08:00Christmas 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
It's nine days into 2016 and to say that it's come in like a lion would be a total understatement. We never would've dreamed of all that would change in just a short week...but, for now I'm going to take a moment to reflect on the end of 2015, since life continues to barrel forward.</div>
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The girls and I started our break on Monday of Christmas week. Nathan had to still go to school on Monday and Tuesday, but on Tuesday his school had a holiday sing-along. The girls and I were able to join him. We even got to bring cousins Mayah and Micah who had just driven in from Colorado. It was fun. We love to see Nathan in his school element and they sang a great selection of songs. It was even right before his lunch, so we stole him away to Subway for a fun lunch-and then promptly brought him back to finish his school day (which I think was mainly partying). </div>
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I enjoy watching him sing, it brings joy to my heart.</div>
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Nathan's first day of break was Wednesday December 23. After staying up way too late watching Minions and wrapping Christmas presents, we left this day for Papa's! Matt had to stay and work one more day (someone's got to), but the kids and I left and got a head start on cookie baking. It was great because two of my sisters, Brenda and Amy, were able to be there also.</div>
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This is what usually happens at Papa's. Evelyn is pretty glued to him.</div>
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Christmas Eve we traditionally meet with the Widman family. These are my aunts, uncles, and cousins on my dad's side. It's the only time of year we get to see many of these people. It's always a good time, and even our kids look forward to seeing their second cousins...even if they can't remember their names!</div>
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Quite a few kids were missing this year, but here's the bunch that was present! </div>
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For several years, we've been meeting in the American Legion hall in De Smet. It works well and now it just seems normal.</div>
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The second cousins draw names and do a gift exchange. Always a highlight!</div>
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It's hard to go wrong with babies and Ninja Turtles!</div>
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In years past, the adults have done a white elephant exchange. This year, Aunt Val (love her) started a bingo game. There were even prizes available, so of course the kids loved it. Perhaps it will be a new tradition!</div>
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Mainly though we play, run around and chit-chat...</div>
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Fast friends are made over Ninja Turtle love. </div>
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(these are three great men)</div>
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Barrett, with his grandpa, is currently the youngest member of the family!</div>
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Following our time with extended family, we attended church and then drove back to Papa's house.</div>
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I tried to get a photo of the full moon, but was limited by my lens and photographic skills. It was super bright. I guess there won't be another full moon on Christmas until 2034!</div>
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We ate appetizers and ham sandwiches for dinner. Then it was time for jammies and presents. It's always a full house!</div>
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It's hard to tell what it is, but Matt got his phone charger returned (from Amy) as a Christmas present!</div>
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The girls were all excited to get Calico Critters. I believe Addie got the kangaroo family.</div>
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Nathan was <i>very </i>excited to get both Rush Zone (a football game he's been wanting) and a Pacman plug and play game. He even later referred to it as a Christmas miracle that he got everything he wanted!</div>
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Addie got a knitting machine from her cousin. She loved it, and Matt loved rolling the yarn into a ball all.night.long.</div>
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Here's the knitting machine getting ready for action...</div>
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and leg warmers!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (made 90% by the efforts of Matt, who we may now have to refer to as "The Knitting Machine")</span></div>
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Christmas morning, we opened (more) presents, feasted on a turkey dinner, then cleaned-up and drove back to our home. We had our family Christmas that night. It was very low key. We ate some leftovers from lunch, drove around and looked at lights for a very short time because the weather was getting bad, then came home for yet another gift exchange.</div>
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This year, for the first time the kids drew names for each other. The rule was they had to pick out and buy the gift by on their own. Given budget restraints of certain kids, we made the limit $5. After shopping with the girls one day I wanted to up it and just help them a little with the extra cost, but I decided to stick to my guns! I'm glad I did. Everyone put thought into their gifts and really enjoyed giving. (Yay, because that was the point!)</div>
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Nathan and Addie ended up drawing each other's names.</div>
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Nathan got Addie some headphones, which she loved!</div>
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(Matt took Nathan shopping, and they did spend more than $5. Slight miscommunication, but we figured it's okay because Nathan has stashes of cash).</div>
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Addie picked out a Lego Mixel for Nathan. She chose this one because it was purple, but it turned out he said this is the one he wanted!</div>
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Evelyn and Ella had each other's names.</div>
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Evelyn picked out a hair bow and a Little Pet Shop for Ella.</div>
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Ella picked out some dress-up shoes for Evelyn. They're Evelyn's favorite princess, Anna from Frozen.</div>
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I was glad the gift exchange went so well, we'll definitely do it again!</div>
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Matt and I also got each of the kids a small gift. We don't get them a lot because they get so much from others. For example, we got Ella the robe she is wearing. </div>
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Matt and I don't typically exchange gifts. This year I got him a gift card to go see the new Star Wars movie with a friend, and I was expecting nothing in return.</div>
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Instead he surprised me and got me a new camera lens! I've been wanting a better portrait lens for a long time, but wouldn't ever justify the money to buy one for myself.</div>
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I was so excited! I love that now I can finally get that bokeh I've been craving! I did lots of little test shots changing focal points and then showing the kids what the image looked like. </div>
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This was Nathan's favorite.</div>
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(he's behind a family of sea otters :)</div>
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In addtion the kids opened up gifts from Matt's mom. (I feel like I just keep talking about gifts) Nathan was super excited to get a new game for his 3DS. It was a remix of original Nintendo games.</div>
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Matt perhaps liked the game a little too.</div>
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I can't remember what conversation was taking place here, I just remember it was funny. </div>
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(I obviously enjoyed playing with my lens...can't wait to take it outside!)</div>
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The girls got some LPS from Grammy.</div>
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The following day was low key. We did enjoy a Skype call with Grammy and Grandpa Joe. You can see Addie in the background jamming out with her headphones.</div>
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We cancelled travel plans to Minnesota because of the weather and instead spent the weekend snuggled in. </div>
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We still have yet to celebrate Christmas with Matt's family. The weather has not cooperated well, but we'll get there!</div>
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The Christmas celebrations we have enjoyed have been wonderful. We have a great family and much to be thankful for!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-65455795249538925372015-12-31T06:40:00.001-08:002015-12-31T06:41:01.227-08:00Addie has a Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, lots of stores put out Christmas stuff before Halloween, so I'm going to write about Halloween the week after Christmas! I'm bucking the standards...</div>
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Halloween in our home was better know this year as Addie's birthday party day! She invited all her cousins, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. Naturally, we also made it a costume party!</div>
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We keep the parties pretty simple: food, cake, and gifts. This year Addie chose to have a "Princess Hulk" theme. It's fits her perfectly. On a typical day, she can't decide if she wants to be a lady or just get outrageously mad and smash things to bits.</div>
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She had a purple and green Hulk cake (though it was important that it was primarily purple). </div>
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We dined on pizza then thankfully it was a gorgeous day so the kids just played outside much of the afternoon.</div>
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After they tired a bit, they came in for presents and cake. </div>
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Here she is checking our her new Hulk "doll".</div>
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Another love of Addie's is baking. Now she is all set!</div>
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Following presents she blew out her candles-all six of them!</div>
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You can tell from these photos how nice it was outside. It looks especially desirable now since we woke up to temps of about 1 degree.</div>
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These are the best attempts at all the kids in their costumes! </div>
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After the party died down, we ate a light dinner and headed out for trick-or-treating!</div>
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What a day! It started with partying and ended with talking with neighbors who dish out candy...lots of candy!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Addie!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-8792489229897165272015-11-01T18:37:00.002-08:002015-11-01T18:37:49.878-08:00Adeline Marie, age 6.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dear Addie,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You are such a blessing. After being our mellow,easy going baby, you grew to be our spunky little fire cracker. You are our wild card, refusing to conform to anyone's standards. You drink life's cup to the full, expressing every emotion-joy, anger, sadness, fear-passionately. You are slowly, slowly gaining self-control. ;)</span></div>
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You love to draw, paint, go for bike rides, run, and sing songs. Lately we've enjoyed listening to hymns of praise that you make up while in bed.</div>
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You also humble us most every day. If we ever thought we knew anything about parenting, God gave us you to keep us always searching and seeking His wisdom!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> You are perfectly sandwiched between Ella and Evelyn. You are a dear friend to them both and a protective big sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We love you beautiful Adeline Marie! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">God is continually working in your heart, and we are so privileged to get to be a part of this great adventure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">With Adeline turning 6, I did our annual birthday interview. It was fun to look back at the <a href="http://thethompsonnest.blogspot.com/2014/10/5.html" target="_blank">previous year's</a> and see how her answers changed (or in some cases didn't). This year's theme in her answers seemed to be love for Daddy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My favorite food is: hot dogs<br />My favorite sport to play is: soccer <br />The best show on t.v. is: Wild Kratts<br />The coolest person on Earth is: Daddy<br />My favorite thing to learn about in school is: our bodies<br />The thing I do the most awesomely is: climbing the ladder<br />If I could anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Colorado</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My favorite color is: pink<br />When I grow up I'm going to be : a mom, just doing nothing<br />My favorite song is: This is My Father's World<br />The book I am loving right now is: The Bible<br />Three words that describe me are: Love my dad<br />When I was little I used to: take off my shirt and dance in the background of my brother<br />My favorite season of the year is: October<br />The snack I like best is: Veggie Straws<br />The food I really dislike is: zucchini and squash<br />My best friend is: Molly<br />If I had one wish, it would be: my Daddy holding 100 pounds<br />
My best memory is: At four years old having flower blankie, Love-A-Bear, and Swim baby and sitting on Daddy's lap at Papa's house.</span></blockquote>
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Thanks, Fall baby!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-31018931670977376062015-10-29T21:01:00.002-07:002015-10-29T21:02:36.702-07:00Adeline's Birthday!<div style="text-align: center;">
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We now have a 6-year-old in the house!!<br />
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Her day started very early. She was uber excited to open her package from Grammy. It had arrived a couple of days prior, so the anticipation was building! We let her open in the morning (even though Nathan and Matt weren't there), but she had to wait for her sisters. She may have "accidentally" woken them up...</div>
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(all of these photos are with my phone and therefore a little blurry, I'm disappointed iphone)</div>
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The package was exactly what she was hoping for. A robe and a suitcase! </div>
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They also happen to both be Frozen. Addie loved them. She's been playing with her suitcase and wears her robe every morning. It does make me want to get one for the other girls too, the mornings are starting to get chilly!</div>
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The birthday girl got to choose what she wanted for breakfast. No surprises here, she decided on donuts!</div>
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After doing a couple of fun errands and spending much of the day at home playing, we set out to get Nathan at the usual time. The girls love to play on the playground while we wait.</div>
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The weather was decent. Not sunny, but not cold or windy either, so after getting Nathan we went to the zoo. I <i>could</i> say that Addie picked this event out, but since we have a pass I just asked her if she wanted to go, and she said yes. :)</div>
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It worked out well because they still had decorations set up from zoo boo the previous weekend.</div>
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Here's the crew! Love them.</div>
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I didn't notice until after I uploaded the photos that the girls are pretty matchy in their pink and turquoise. Since, I've noticed they often match. I usually just send them upstairs to get dressed unsupervised; I'm picturing them planning and coordinating their outfits!</div>
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They were intrigued with what the brown bear might do next....it wasn't much, but it is still is humbling to think about.</div>
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We came home to meet Daddy, then go out again for birthday celebration dinner as a family (f you haven't noticed, birthdays last the entire day!). Addie's fine dining experience of choice: Dairy Queen!</div>
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It was a fun day! </div>
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I love you my sweet butterscotch-dipped cone buddy!</div>
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There will be more celebrating with extended family this weekend...and of course, I'll be back with an obligatory birthday interview!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-18994765779263392012015-10-24T20:39:00.000-07:002015-10-24T20:39:58.150-07:00Exterior Painting Update: Bye, Bye Brown House!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you ever go into a project knowing that it's going to be a big time and money suck...but hoping it's worth it in the end?</div>
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Maybe that describes most <i>all </i>house projects.</div>
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We endeavored on one such project this summer: painting the exterior of our house.</div>
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Last summer we had a hail storm that reeked havoc all over the
neighborhood. Our house fared well, but the siding and paint got
dinged up. We were never in love with the color of our house to begin
with, so we decided to dive in and switch it all up! </div>
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We knew it would take a lot of time, so the first thing we did was get some estimates to hire it out.</div>
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After getting two bids that both far exceeded what we wanted to spend, we stopped doing that. Then we started looking into doing the work ourselves. Since our house is on a hill and two-stories tall, there were a few challenges. We would need to rent some taller ladders and/or scaffolding, and there was also the danger of falling. We both knew full well that <i>I</i> would not be going up a 30-foot ladder, and even though Matt is confident with heights, it certainly wasn't ideal to have his ladder on a hill with only his scaredy-cat wife as a spotter.</div>
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So, we opted for what we hoped was the best of both worlds: hire out the difficult stuff and paint the rest ourselves.</div>
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Now that it's finished it doesn't seem so bad, but I will admit that it took us three months from start to finish (July-October), and there were many days when I felt like every free moment went to painting. I would get up and paint an hour before the kids woke. Then in the afternoon I would paint an hour while they had quiet time. Then Matt would come home and we'd try to get a few hours in after dinner. Thankfully the weather was great (not too hot or humid) and the days were long!</div>
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So, let's get to it. </div>
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Here is the "before" of our house, what Nathan affectionately described as a "big, ugly brown box".</div>
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(I still remember taking this photo from the van while driving by before closing) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejqIjfq74Kob9YEbKj9863v1LFDY0WFJ02XKQ96NEB27VhwP4j8GXDy6JUcSSt8eLhH6_UMUHuPPo7VM7fIUISn6Y_wYQVUFe0NZAY5Y_S1_LHHuEIb4zD1fPLYuj4vCmurTLM7Z4fd67/s1600/1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejqIjfq74Kob9YEbKj9863v1LFDY0WFJ02XKQ96NEB27VhwP4j8GXDy6JUcSSt8eLhH6_UMUHuPPo7VM7fIUISn6Y_wYQVUFe0NZAY5Y_S1_LHHuEIb4zD1fPLYuj4vCmurTLM7Z4fd67/s400/1168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brown siding, brown doors, brown roof...brown, brown, brown. </div>
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Here is the "after":</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lVW9cKjL898xFb5JUyzgmbjTlUvJfWUlS98g0vZUlBEGRMuKzwkRPV9nwbzGolEsD2zg0ttCN9gDvongW5_NupEUuAWAZWR8qHMSNgG3HvICMhLXRAXgc9mdtlICTvBExjeaPpqrrfkz/s1600/house+exterior+update+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lVW9cKjL898xFb5JUyzgmbjTlUvJfWUlS98g0vZUlBEGRMuKzwkRPV9nwbzGolEsD2zg0ttCN9gDvongW5_NupEUuAWAZWR8qHMSNgG3HvICMhLXRAXgc9mdtlICTvBExjeaPpqrrfkz/s400/house+exterior+update+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Improvement?</div>
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It's not completely finished, because I still intend to add some shutters and a window box to our puny front window to beef it up a little. We also plan on redoing the landscaping next Spring. (We're sick of caging all of our plants, so we're going fully deer resistant...hopefully). And, what to do with that front door?</div>
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I do however, love that it's so much lighter! No more blah brown (well, except the roof). </div>
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We even painted the garage doors, which Matt was hesitant about, but I'm so glad we did. At one point, Addie told me to quite painting everything white...but if just felt so good!</div>
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Since we had all the light fixtures down, we replaced those as well. Bye-bye 1980s brass!</div>
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I found this light for the front door at Menards of all places.</div>
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(...and we still have an ugly doorbell)</div>
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For the garage, I bought two barn style lights on super sale at a local lighting store down town.</div>
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This is the west side of our house. We hired out the just the upper half of this side.</div>
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Finally, here is the rear of our house. </div>
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We also hired out the upper story back here. I took this late in the afternoon, so excuse the crazy shadows! Part of the reason, it took so long is because we waited to do the left side of the back until after the garden was done for the season. So, there was about a month where we mentally checked out of the painting project and didn't do anything.</div>
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These lights on the back are not new, but show evidence of the Asian invasion. Asian beetles were everywhere, ugh!</div>
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I should also mention that Matt replaced a dozen or so of the siding boards which were damaged or just in need of replacement.</div>
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So, for better or worse the painting project is now over!</div>
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We are still negotiating a few things with the painting company we hired (unfortunately we did not have a positive experience), but in all we saved about $2,000 by doing some of the work...no small amount of changed! Granted, we could've saved even more by painting it all, but you have to pick your battles! </div>
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Now, excuse me while I go off and finish our basement!</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-87397789848896614192015-10-22T19:40:00.000-07:002015-10-22T19:40:07.022-07:00Indian Summer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anne Shirley has a way of saying most everything simply and well, and I whole-heartedly agree with her. </div>
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We've been enjoying amazing October weather: sunny, 70's, and no humidity.</div>
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A week (or has it been two?) ago we were able to drive out to a pumpkin patch a few miles outside of town. We met some friends, and between the sunshine, fresh air, friendly service, and great value we all left with even more excitement that what we came with. </div>
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The first minutes at the patch were primarily spent running,</div>
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then thinking over pumpkins,</div>
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selecting the just right, perfect pumpkin,</div>
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which naturally means the biggest pumpkin you can find,</div>
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and hauling in the loot. </div>
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After pumpkins, we picked a few apples and bought some produce from the shed.</div>
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At the last minute, the girls picked some zinnias.</div>
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As I write this, the warmer days are behind us, and the nights are creeping in earlier and earlier....but praise God for these sweet Autumn days! </div>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-50100682957339091612015-10-12T12:11:00.001-07:002015-10-12T12:11:05.383-07:00A Wonder-fall Wreath.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't this weather <i>wonder-fall</i>!</div>
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(my niece made up that word and I thought it was clever).</div>
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In the spirit of Autumn, I decided to get crafty and make a wreath.</div>
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My poor door is usually not decorated and left to bare its 1980s facade. I love, love wreaths, but they are so, so expensive. So, I took Matt's advice and "just made one myself".</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">sidenote: Matt has this amazing ability to make things that require real skills himself. A gift I'm quite thankful for.</span></div>
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So, after a quick visit to Pinterest I found a few inspirations (what did we do before Pinterest?). </div>
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I really wanted something colorful to pop against the door, but I also liked the texture of burlap. </div>
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I decided to combine the elements and came up with this:</div>
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In general I like the outcome. </div>
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My biggest critique is that it looks a little more "country" than I normally like. I think if I would have off-centered the "T" that would've help. It also doesn't look as colorful as I would like from the street, but what to do...</div>
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It <i>was </i>super easy to make, and way less expensive than just buying a wreath!</div>
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I purchased a metal wreath form,</div>
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.<a href="http://img.hobbylobby.com/sys-master/root/hdf/hac/h00/8968413937694/161273%5B5%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Box Style Wreath Frame" border="0" data-2x="//img.hobbylobby.com/sys-master/root/h22/h62/h00/8968414003230/161273[6].jpg" height="200" src="http://img.hobbylobby.com/sys-master/root/hdf/hac/h00/8968413937694/161273[5].jpg" title="Box Style Wreath Frame" width="200" /> </a></div>
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burlap, artificial leaves/flowers, floral wire, and a metal T. The burlap just weaves in and out between the wires and around the wreath. It's pretty easy to work with. The stuff I bought had a funny, chemical-like smell that I didn't love, but I'm not sure if that's normal. Then I attached some of the leaves with floral wire and others I hot-glued...then, viola!</div>
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<br />This project sat in my living room for almost a week waiting to be finished, but actual hands on time was only about an hour and a half. So it could easily be done in an afternoon (well, after I typed that I realized that nothing gets <i>easily</i> done in an afternoon around here...).</div>
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Here's to completed projects! Now to just finish painting the house... </div>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-10815764396073518542015-10-08T17:21:00.004-07:002015-10-08T17:21:36.013-07:00In a Pickle.<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry for the title, I can't say the word "pickle" without thinking of The Sandlot, and how Benny the Jet got Smalls out of the "biggest pickle any of them had ever seen". This post, is not about that, but merely about pickles... <br />
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It started a couple of weekends ago, we went to the farmer's market downtown. In my ideal world, we would go every Saturday and get our veggies for the week, and of course some fresh cut flowers. I love all the smells and colors of being at the farmer's market (even if it is near a meat packing plant).</div>
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In reality, we usually think of it about once a year, and we end up buying things like cinnamon rolls (not complaining about the cinnamon rolls).<br />
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Getting to the pickle part: Addie and Evelyn <i>love</i> pickles.<br />
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I used to be the same way, I remember even drinking the juice out of the jar...gross. I haven't caught them doing this yet, but I can totally see Evelyn going for a swig.</div>
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So, when we were at the farmer's market and Addie saw the little cucumbers for pickling, she really wanted them. They did look like bins of actual pickles. Once she found out we could <i>make</i> pickles, she was excited to try it.</div>
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I conceded and bought two pounds of pickling cucumbers. I've never made pickles before, and most homemade pickles I've eaten I have not liked, so we decided to start small. We also picked up a bunch of dill.</div>
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We looked up a couple of recipes online (then had to go out again to get pickling salt), and decided to make a refrigerator version of dill pickles </div>
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It was so quick and so easy! </div>
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It was about 15-20 minutes in the kitchen, and then we had pickles! </div>
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(well, technically we had to let them sit in the refrigerator for two days...then we had pickles!)</div>
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All three of the girls helped, but Addie and Evelyn were especially pleased with themselves...and with the fact that there were pickles in the frig!<br />
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If I had it together, I would have taken a photo of them trying the pickles two days later. </div>
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It was a mixed review. </div>
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The pickles were crunchier and a little "zingier" than store bought. I thought they were delicious, but I could see how a 6 year-old version of myself would disagree. The girls preferred the littlest ones over the bigger pickles, I think because they were softer. In the end, they each ate and enjoyed the pickles, though they took a little getting used to.</div>
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It definitely was worth it and we'll do it again!</div>
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If you're so inclined, here's the recipe (though I didn't follow it exactly):</div>
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<b><a href="http://theprudentgarden.com/small-batch-refrigerator-dill-pickles/" target="_blank">Small Batch Refrigerator Dill Pickles</a></b></div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">3 lbs pickling cucumbers
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">1.5 cups vinegar (white or cider)
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">1.5 cups water
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">2 tbs salt (pickling or kosher)
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">1 chili pepper (I used Serrano, but a jalapeƱo will do too)
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">3 tsp dill seed
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">3 cloves of garlic
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<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">3 glass pint canning jars with lids
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<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions">
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Wash and slice the cucumbers lengthwise (trim there top and bottoms, they are bitter).
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Sterilize the glass canning jars in boiling water. Remove them from the hot water and sit them on the counter.
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add the water, vinegar and salt in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Mix it until the salt dissolves.
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add a clove of garlic and a teaspoon of dill seed to each pint jar.
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Slice the chili and divide among the jars.
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Pack in the sliced cucumbers and pour the brine on top. Make sure to keep a half inch space at the top.
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<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Put on the lid and let it sit for 48 hours in the fridge. They will last up to 2 months.</li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span></span></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749814379375181709.post-73355135861307893062015-10-02T21:28:00.001-07:002015-10-03T16:36:56.980-07:00First Camping Trip.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past summer, I got an itch to go camping.</div>
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As I reflect on my childhood, many of my my dearest, funniest, (and best remembered) memories are from camping. I didn't go with my mom and dad-they're not the camping sorts-but with my Grandpa and Grandma Garner, and usually a few aunts and uncles and several cousins. It's been twenty years (eeks), but even now as adults when we get together a camping memory usually weaves itself into the conversation.</div>
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I was wanting this for my children. They should experience camping, and make memories. They should be surrounded by nature and cook dinner over a fire and sleep on the hard ground (that's important, right?) </div>
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I mentioned my desire to go camping to some good friends of our, Jim and Megan. Jim takes his kids camping regularly, and it was really him who got the ball rolling. It went from "I think we should go camping" to "Ok then, here's the link, go make your reservation".</div>
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So, we set out to go camping with our friends the first weekend after school started. Immediately after making the reservation online, fear set it. What was I doing? Matt and I have never been camping together. We have children that are afraid of the dark! Nathan and Ella slept in the tent one time, two years ago, and they woke up at 6 a.m. because they were frightened by the shadow of a bug. I suddenly realized all the things that could go wrong!</div>
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But, we pressed on...and I'm so thankful we did.</div>
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(I should mention that we did have the foresight to choose a state park within 30 minutes from home, we were only going to be gone for about 24 hours, and I had a bail-out plan.)</div>
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We loaded up the mini and managed to strategically fit everything. The kids were a little surprised at how much "stuff" we were taking...sleeping bags, tent, cooler, folding chairs, blankets...it was a little different than an over-nighter at Papa's.<br />
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After a quick drive and setting up our tent, we went for a hike. The weather was near perfect. Not hot, not cold, not humid, not windy. Just sunny and nice. It was fun to go out on trails that I hiked as a girl. Most of it felt very familiar.<br />
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The first twenty minutes was more like speed hiking...very loud speed hiking.<br />
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But once the kids got running and screaming out of their system, we settled to a pace more conducive for nature exploration. We found many amazing spiderwebs and had several conversations about moss. :)<br />
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I love this group of kids!<br />
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This is the final stretch of the hike.<br />
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This photo is blurry (because I took it while walking), but I thought these two looked sweet. It turns out Matt picked Evs up because she had to go potty. Shortly after this, Evelyn got her first peeing in the woods experience...<br />
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Nathan found this leaf suspended in a spider web. Even in person the web was extremely difficult to see, so he had the idea to take this photo. He's using "the force" to hold the leaf in the air.<br />
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Once back to the site, it was time for dinner prep. We went with a camping staple:hobo dinners!</div>
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(meat and veggies wrapped in foil)<br />
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While dinner cooked the dads took some kids fishing. Many of the girls stayed back with me. They played at a park while I read a book by the fire...total bliss.<br />
(It was also a good call to go camping with older, responsible kids.)<br />
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Then it was time to eat. I'm guessing not every crew would go through the trouble of setting the table while camping, but these are not ordinary girls!<br />
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It was great to watch them put such joy and detail into getting the table ready.</div>
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Evelyn, who loves most of God's small creatures, was very excited to find a woolly bear!</div>
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After dinner, the boys went fishing again and I got to hang out with the girls!</div>
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We read some more and talked some girly talk in our jammies.</div>
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After a while, they got impatient and started making "smacos". </div>
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Our night ended sitting around the campfire eating s'mores. Evelyn fell asleep in my arms, and everyone else went to bed, with no issues, at about 10:30. Spending the day outside makes one tired, which is good because at 34 the ground <i>was</i> a little harder than I remembered it. It was also forecasted to be chilly during the night (about 48 degrees), but we planned accordingly and even that wasn't a big deal.</div>
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We woke up bright and early and made some french toast and coffee over the fire while listening to Rend Collective. We then did some more exploring and fishing, packed up, and called it a day. </div>
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Everything went so smoothly, it makes me think it couldn't happen so well again.</div>
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The first camping trip is under our belts, and we can't wait to go out again next summer!</div>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09957607841625171153noreply@blogger.com0