tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68901903114802792922023-03-29T05:44:28.437-04:00Coffee CubBusterThe 1984 National League Championship Series was played between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs. San Diego won the series three games to two to advance to the World Series. The 1984 NLCS was the first postseason series EVER for the Padres since the franchise's beginning in 1969. Because Katie Ann Blair arrived in the world in the middle of the series, her father hence forth referred to her as Katie Cub Buster.Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-51661264906436493482020-03-19T10:52:00.003-04:002020-03-19T10:52:31.084-04:00Carefully CarelessHead to my new site where I'll continue to blog...<br />
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<a href="http://carefullycareless.org/">carefullycareless.org</a>Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-45496506813334397622020-03-13T15:19:00.001-04:002020-03-13T15:19:39.791-04:00Feb-Mar PHOTOS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-3239007589717401362020-03-01T16:01:00.001-05:002020-03-01T16:01:08.244-05:00Break from the blogAs March begins, often we hope for a great thaw in our land. Now Georgia certainly doesn't have any icy soil that needs warming, but our yearning for more light and fresh newness to keep us from numbing appears universal.<br />
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I have written on this blog for ten years now. From singleness to newlywed to mama of four sickly, but now active, growing boys. It's been a place for me to purge, process, and pray through some of life's biggest changes and challenges.<br />
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It's also helped me keep distant family and friends informed, but I've felt for some time it's come to an appropriate place for pause.<br />
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I know that I have many more mountains and valleys to travel if the Lord wills it, and many more personal lessons that I'd love to share and reread to my kiddos one day (and if anyone wants to organize and compile this little landscape into a memoir, please be my guest), but I do not ever want to assume a posture of numbness as it relates to our regular routines.<br />
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I read a wonderfully inspiring article <a href="https://annvoskamp.com/2020/02/hard-place-how-to-let-lent-loan-you-more-real-hope/">here</a>, regarding another woman's fresh wonder and woo over God's word. A book we can become numb to over time because of our easy access to it.<br />
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If there are no twists, no turns, no wonderments in Heaven, just wonderful awe and worship as if it were new to us every day, then we assume a posture of pronounced joy like a child. We are perfectly content, anxious for nothing, concerned only for the present moment filled with God's presence.<br />
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It is this same posture I want to practice here on Earth. I do not have to wonder as an adult would, What is next? What lessons must I learn? What hardship must I endure? What will I be excel in life?<br />
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Instead, I can wonder as a child. Wondering at the very moment I am enjoying or enduring. Wondering why the rainbow seems to follow us as we drive from here to there. Wondering if when I wake my illness will be completely gone. Wondering whether the sun will make snow or spring tomorrow.<br />
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When we wonder in awe at God's perfection, we can stop staring at life's uncertainties and simply worship the Creator instead of the creation. We do not have to worry in wonder. Rather, we worship in wonder.<br />
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I wonder what will happen to this little coffee composed landscape, but for now and eternity, I will worship my wonderful God.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's wonderful that this little man can run pant-less in the cold and not wonder whether his legs will go numb!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We finally arrived at regular bathroom use and our reward- Menchie's ice cream! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As Daddy was quarantined with the flu last week, we all didn't wonder whether it was A or B, but decided to shout V for homemade volcanoes!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rocks, playdough, and magic reactions were wonderful.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>More wonderful was the wonder at how vinegar and baking soda reacted so well!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There wonder at their first real rainbow was worth remembering forever! It truly followed us all the way to our destination. Quite poetic I think.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I couldn't have planned this any better! Luckily number one baby was at school, or we'd probably have to wonder about punching out another hole here.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sweet brown-eyed boys Levi and Luca got a touch of daddy's flu, but we certainly can't complain. Life gives us plenty wonders to enjoy. </b></td></tr>
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I have loved wondering who is out there reading here and learning alongside of me all these years. I will miss you, but I am still here. Please know you are loved and created with such wonderful intent to wonder without fear. Be where you are while your child-like faith grows into fearless wondering for we are not promised tomorrow, but we have the promise of wonderful eternity.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Coffee CubBuster<br />
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<br />Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-3625460665548795002020-02-24T16:10:00.001-05:002020-02-24T16:10:27.792-05:00Monogamy, Monotony, and Manna<i>Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. If you don't, I don't care. I'll just wear my underwear.</i><br />
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We've been singing that ole' hymn a lot around here with our constant cloudy weather, and Mr. Roman is taking it literally as we continue potty-training pant-less.<br />
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It's much of the same here. It often feels I've said these same words over and over again, and I hesitate to even say them in new ways.<br />
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Have I typed all that needs to be typed on this safe space?<br />
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Shall I continue to teach the same lessons day after day without proof of progression?<br />
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Will I always be beautiful, interesting and mysterious to the same man I met and married many moons ago?<br />
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Monogamy, Monotony, and Manna are not celebrated words in our culture. Yet I will choose to exult them here.<br />
Instead of crying about the rain or our "meatless" routines, we should recognize that a diet without meat or sun may be just what our bodies and land need right now. We may thrive in less than glamorous circumstances.<br />
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We should cease accepting singleness and sameness as punitive and press into this delicacy as sweet assurance. Otherwise we may risk gorging ourselves on a meat that only makes us feel miserable. <br />
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Living and loving the same things every day invites a deep, fresh love and appreciation that only miraculous manna can produce. I will choose to sing in the rain, and I'll invite you to do the same.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A special Valentine's waffle for my sweet loves.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Or maybe a few spicy ones ;)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We had a special Valentines date from our bucket list. Monogamy and Andrea Bocelli do not disappoint!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I signed up to help at Levi's school party, which he knew full well, but this was his stare at me the whole time! Love this sweet one.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boys found a statue entitled something like, "Mother laying with child." They climbed all over it, which felt quite fitting. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>All this rain doesn't stop our outdoor adventures. Luca experienced his first "puddle walk adventure"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi revelled in an early b-day gift on his head! So little brother tried to join the attention too.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Puddle walks that produce gutter bugs are the best!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I just keep watching this little boy eat normally and not scream in pain afterwords; I lift my hands in gratitude!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Big brother officially started baseball, and it's all the rage right now. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We ventured outside our sameness to trip travel with daddy in Nashville, but some moments looked quite the same as our normal nest routine. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There's something so sweet and simple about this age...all my boys can enjoy playgrounds and parks together. No frills necessary.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We did experience a few frills at the discovery center. Well worth the drive!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I highly recommend visiting The Opryland Hotel even for an hour! We grabbed pizza and awed/danced at the free fountain light show!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chattanooga Choo Choo was perfect for all the boys, minus this little parental pardon snafu.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCe4yvWMoKk/XlLXgKNegMI/AAAAAAAAYVM/_d26eg9ZpDE8GUtcZhi_3GAhp81BPFZ_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1414.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCe4yvWMoKk/XlLXgKNegMI/AAAAAAAAYVM/_d26eg9ZpDE8GUtcZhi_3GAhp81BPFZ_wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1414.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He's really tough, and God's really good. Only a few minor scratches to bring home.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And the memories were better markers anyway!</b></td></tr>
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Lots of love and Manna from our hearts to yours!<br />
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~M&M&M BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-56333950289839619582020-02-09T15:03:00.002-05:002020-02-09T15:03:39.256-05:00Not too hot or too cold...When food sits out too long or bakes at too high a degree, it gets hard, it toughens its texture. Cold things also become hardened by too much cold. Stick snow in the freezer, and it will harden quickly to ice. Open frozen dessert to that same frozen air, and it is frost bitten, hard to scoop and enjoy.<br />
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The human heart is no different. Too long in trial and a toughening occurs. Too much exposure to the cold reality of this world, and coldness envelopes a once warm-beating organ into an igloo.<br />
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Too much time with a single individual, and you are likely to experience a cold outer shell forgetting the soft squishy affection that comes with fresh appreciation. That's probably why Proverb 25:17 was advised, "<i>Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you." </i><br />
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This all begs the question, how do you commit to anything without hating it or hardening to it over time. Marriage? Children? Church? Friends? Career? And if it's all going to have stale-mates and stale moments, how do we regain gratitude for it?<br />
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My sons' spicy sass this week begged a similar question. As I single-parented through the week, I became more and more ugly, gaining less and less respect and appreciation in my house. Quality time is part of my love language, but our time together doesn't always feel "quality" even in the best of circumstances.<br />
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We had eyes and legs almost gouged out with sticks, scopes and scans undertaken for blood clots, and a heavy hand separating feisty male fighters to the ground, (just a normal boy-mom kind of week right?). <br />
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As I felt my heart and attitude cover with snow, God sweetly walked me to Isaiah 30-32. I had forgotten how God “longs to be gracious” to me. He desires rest, peace, and security for me...not just continual discipline and life lessons. I have His spirit willing to speak truth and tell me the way I should go. He is my continual stream in the desert, my undisturbed rest and confidence in peacefulness. Only when I am willing to strip off my “fine clothes,” my “complacency” and my "earthly security" can I live is this “fertile field” with His Spirit poured out on me.<br />
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In other words, God may not want us to be worldly "happy," but he longs for us to be constantly "fruitful," and when we are bearing fruit in the middle of a snow storm, we are nothing but joyful. We are tasting, smelling, and picking the choicest fruits of summer while the world is sitting and complaining about being stuck inside. With God's son and spirit, we are dancing through the snowy fields, seeing and singing something new.<br />
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As I sit and write, I am taking a much-needed break from my normal care-career. We all need breaks, changes, and a fresh perspective in order to appreciate those soft squishy faces in front of us every day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As Georgia would have it, we started the week in sand and ended in snow!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank God Levi's eye reflex is faster than his other reflexes. He saved his left eye because of it, and only had a large splinter to remove from his leg after our soapy bath. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bubbles and Popsicles always distract from boo boos.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g68lU_cV8TI/XkBY3Si2WrI/AAAAAAAAYNg/yp16hgeIq6MJpKaCfAl42ECcUD8kvNB0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1621.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g68lU_cV8TI/XkBY3Si2WrI/AAAAAAAAYNg/yp16hgeIq6MJpKaCfAl42ECcUD8kvNB0QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1621.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My sweet curly-head was more than ready for his next bronchial scope...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmFxXX5mwnY/XkBY_3RZoPI/AAAAAAAAYNM/ibghx0i4vgAJY2tCPRfYPYMjX-rVcZtcQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6227.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmFxXX5mwnY/XkBY_3RZoPI/AAAAAAAAYNM/ibghx0i4vgAJY2tCPRfYPYMjX-rVcZtcQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6227.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I wonder if the day will come when Luca will still need scopes but won't distract as easily.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Praise God! This was the first time they found NO blood clot! We are <i>slowly</i> weaning his meds and will rescope this spring and/or summer to check for re-growth. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As temps dropped quickly, we all prayed for and played with snowflakes.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As soon as daddy returned, it was time for Levi's date. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There's nothing better than to see your kids with no agenda but to enjoy them.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Such a different date from his big brother. I've never seen such a little person eat so much raw fish!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVtmMLtFYSo/XkBYuFqWw3I/AAAAAAAAYNc/cmXZfRCujfQhdHq2koUvIXNcqjHWFa1EQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0692.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVtmMLtFYSo/XkBYuFqWw3I/AAAAAAAAYNc/cmXZfRCujfQhdHq2koUvIXNcqjHWFa1EQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0692.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And his innocent appreciation for everything brings new joy to all who see it.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIf6n87ehI8/XkBY3RnxdhI/AAAAAAAAYNI/THbSj0xBYJ0u9rgUWu85iN4qaxBjSinVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIf6n87ehI8/XkBY3RnxdhI/AAAAAAAAYNI/THbSj0xBYJ0u9rgUWu85iN4qaxBjSinVQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>God heard our prayer, and He decided to answer it exactly as we wished!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3HnnwTkHxw/XkBZCNHEgZI/AAAAAAAAYNM/t_A9C1cI7oYyJrlO8s73g0cyBu4kTlrkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6498.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3HnnwTkHxw/XkBZCNHEgZI/AAAAAAAAYNM/t_A9C1cI7oYyJrlO8s73g0cyBu4kTlrkQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6498.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The cold air did wonders for our appreciation. We all loved it more than words. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFoUw59k42A/XkBZEwTpEuI/AAAAAAAAYNg/ZgWMHq6GOCo43ifBuqZNsGNaEXOO43rwACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8834.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFoUw59k42A/XkBZEwTpEuI/AAAAAAAAYNg/ZgWMHq6GOCo43ifBuqZNsGNaEXOO43rwACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8834.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I think I like it better than sand and swimming. All are somewhat safer at this age, equally as worn out, and there's no sand in the car!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>From sushi to snow.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>From boys picking me "flowers" and baking sweet spring treats...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>To boys picking snowball fights and eating "snow cones"</b></td></tr>
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I absolutely love snow, and I thank God for this sweet "break" and fresh air.<br />
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~HotandCold BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-85736403465436863022020-01-29T14:45:00.001-05:002020-01-30T15:17:49.322-05:00What the scale says...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day many moons ago, I was shaken to wake for a rare meteorite shower with my betrothed...<br />
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While this seems like a fictitious line of a sappy romantic novel, it indeed happened and still feels dream-like as I remember my groggy state throughout that rare occurrence. I share this memory to admit my love of astronomy (which I currently get to learn again alongside of my first grader) and the grandiosity of the world, yet I do not share the same love of astrology as some do and those stars shooting across the sky.<br />
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Many people follow, believe, or simply enjoy the differences and details of stars as they relate to zodiac signs. As a "Libra" my symbol happens to be quite fitting though, (whether coincidence or choice, who knows). The scale fits my desire to "avoid all extremes" (Ecc. 7:18) and keep life in a "perfect" balance.<br />
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Just like a kid watching the plates weigh down on one side, and then the other, we all tend to over correct or barely correct in order to adjust our own personal scales accurately. Like all children, I once lived only for myself. I thought having children would help correct some of those selfish tendencies on my one sided scale, but one child barely added any pounds unless you count the actual pregnancy scale.<br />
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I forced my baby to "get on my schedule" no matter the cost. Then, four kids later, and I over corrected my scale so that my needs were hanging high in the air never being touched. In hindsight, I can see the error in both corrections.<br />
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Now that I enter the first year in seven years without a baby or a pregnancy to change the scale, I see an open opportunity to add weight on either side I choose. I don't want to return to my old ways of planning out all my time (because it's not <i>mine</i> to start). Yet I don't want to rid myself of selflessness either. Instead, I need proper margin in my life that has held the weights evenly in place these last couple of years.<br />
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Through the mountains and valleys, carving out time in the beginning, middle, and end of my day to quietly read, rest, reflect and relate to others has aided in my sanity and sufficiency. Why return to reading the Bible just once a day or slowing down at the end of the day when I have maintained peace in the storms doing otherwise.<br />
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Those carved out times have to be purposeful for the risk of over-planning in our plugged-in culture takes hold and screws the scale again. Albeit, that time still needs to be flexible to minister to others, invite hospitality, soak up and meditate the word or simply sit with a hurting child.<br />
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Either way, when we do not set up margin ahead of time, we feel the effects of exhaustion, distraction, and irritability reminiscent of those affected by the winter blues or cold and flu season. Finding balance does require times of heaviness on one side teaching us, like kids, what the right correction looks like. Learning is always a good thing.<br />
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Learn how to gently, yet properly balance the scale on both sides. Only then can we make the choice to stay balanced when the opportunity comes to take things off, or put more things on one side of the scale. A two-sided scale won't balance itself. Due diligence and managed margin along with purposeful prayer keep it in check no matter the season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi has been in a season of waking too early and going to bed too late, but slowly and surely we are seeing some balance on that scale too.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We balanced our long weekend with a free trip to the Cyclorama and History Museum on MLK Day! Who knew they'd have a train too!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Just a little indoor ZUMBA on a cold and rainy afternoon. It cracks me up every time!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Enjoying some outside fun in the cold with my boys. Have to balance my own personality with this one!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This one keeps the scale and grocery bill moving up with all his snacking habits!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>No winter blues for these blue-eyed boys</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I love the determination I see in each one!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The gift that keeps on giving.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roman is inching his way on the toilet training. We haven't moved far, but he'll definitely do more because of his brothers than any parental authority! The gift of many baby boys!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>If we can't have any snow, then we'll make some!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Two simple ingredients made for a fun winter activity.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Please pray for this sweet baby boy who will undergo another bronchial scope next week! The balance of medicating and un-medicating him to shrink his internal birthmark requires a team of doctors! So thankful for that perspective balance!</b></td></tr>
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~Scale Buster!<br />
<br />Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-3850164954751461432020-01-19T15:44:00.003-05:002020-01-19T15:44:32.047-05:00Homogeneous<i><b>Homogeneous</b>: composed of parts or elements that are all the same kind; same nature, essentially alike. (Dictionary.com)</i><br />
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I've noticed in our current upswing building and updating economy, the trend lies in a neutral clean slate. Bricks, slabs, and panels are all finishing with an "unfinished" look. Primer is the popular primary color. While I love white and grey as much as the next gal, and love the frugality of unfinished styles, I can't help but see the similarities between our structural preferences and our identities. We just saw the inspiring film, <i>Just Mercy</i>, based on the book and true story of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard Law graduate and founding executive director of Equal Justice Initiative, fighting poverty and challenging racial discrimination in the criminal justice system. Not only was the film about his impact on death row inmates powerful, but his <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice?language=en#t-55250">2012 TED talk</a>, highlighted the power of identity. He spoke of the power that TED talks have solely because of their "identity" A speech on some other platform would not carry as much significance. He said, "TED has an identity. You can actually say things here that have an impact around the world." Stevenson mentions much of history and problems that occur when we choose to ignore those moments that were heinous to our nation. "We risk losing our identities," he says because we must integrate hopelessness with creativity and innovation, not ignore those topics that seem despairing. In other words, we have to examine things with both our minds and our hearts.<br />
Our country seems to pride itself on diversity (at least it hopes to celebrate it more readily), yet we are stripping away the fundamentals of distinctiveness by extracting personal pronouns. We mustn't get too personal or categorize gender or familiarity. In an effort to include everyone we begin to exclude everyone. In hopes of not offending differences, we have actually begun to all look the same. The homogenous homes, public restrooms, standard schools, and political correctness of our day has moved us to blot out the beauty of our heterogeneity. As with humanity, when there are those desirous of eradication of any kind, we don't gain more distinction, but less diversity. Forced neutrality negates our convictions and concerns itself with the wrong motives. Whether you know where it lies or not, we all have an identity in something. Trying to homogenize the world only hurts our ability to identify with anyone. Stevenson's great line from the movie and on TED talk reinforces the power and importance of identity: "Each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done."<br />
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As I strive to humbly show my boys that we will all make mistakes, and they are more than those mess ups, I also thank God for making them such unique and distinct individuals, currently figuring out their little identities as they grow together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We love Miss Carrie and her care and concern for our little boys! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These are the days!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Therapy homework along with all other homework is back in full swing!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We hurt big, and we hug big in our house of boys!</b></td></tr>
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~Coffee CubBusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-11729584540441802412020-01-05T15:10:00.000-05:002020-01-05T15:10:07.226-05:00Welcome 2020Recently, I was caught up in a whirlwind of whimsical novelty. In an unexpected encounter, I was encouraged to join in an entrepreneurial venture as a content writer. I was the perfect candidate; it was fate, and the pursuit was flattering. Plus, I could write from the comfort and convenience of my home as I continued homemaking. I could literally have my cake and eat it too in the proposed coffee café concept. In the midst of this hour-long delivery and debrief, I walked away feeling as if the proposal was sweetly planned, yet like young romance, time apart soon cleared the clouds.<br />
While there may still be writing in my future career, I quickly remembered how easily I am wooed, especially if God's divine nature is mentioned. Since I don't have many close friends that strictly work as mothers, there's an unspoken, cultural pull to join the force of "part-time" working moms. Our technological advances make staying at home seem silly if not impractical. The pendulum as swung to make homemakers a minority.<br />
Too often we drink the punch of the "new year" ready to start the "new you" that's been on the back burner, but if we aren't careful, we'll forget to pray, question, and look deeply into the decisions that affect those we most love. <i>Accolade strips armor like candy entices kids.</i> Our need to feel independent and worthy also blinds us from the reality of ephemeral circumstances. In essence, I must continually confront the balance of not losing myself to my kids and not losing myself to my culture. I certainly fail from time to time, but that's why every day is an opportunity to open fresh new starts. We don't have to wait until the clock strikes midnight or the calendar year changes. God's mercies are new every day, and all we can do is open up dialogue with ourselves and others to see if it's the right time to make a change. We can't be afraid to change, but we can't be afraid to stay right where we are for the transient time set before us.<br />
Our family entered 2020 with some of our favorite endeavors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>NYE 2020</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Smith tradition- Fondue and fireworks (and funny faces)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca's first time bowling. Consensus- he prefers snacking.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New Years Day hike- Luca preferred napping.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day trip to Athens and there awesome free zoo!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New 2020 tradition once a month one kid gets to join date night!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not sure they'll want to go through the arches for real one day, but they love seeing where mommy and daddy met!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>They sure love "dressing" like daddy. Love these sweet growing boys and their dreams for 2020!</b></td></tr>
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We finally got all of Roman's test results back, and there is nothing to report. He has no allergies, no sensitivities, and no issues that could be detected through his procedure. While most may think this is a frustrating result, we are thankful and thrilled to report that he has also ceased having any pain for the last month! There isn't always a huge appetite on his part, but that's to be expected with a busy little boy. We thank you for praying for him, and hope we get the same results for Luca's scheduled bronchial scope next month! Praying for clear results!<br />
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Have a hope-filled start to your New Year!<br />
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~Coffee Content CubBusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-54793209947261685082019-12-31T17:14:00.001-05:002019-12-31T17:14:47.626-05:00Changing Christmas MugsOnce upon a time, people only left home for war or in search of a "better life" (i.e. fortune, fame, or freedom). Today, most people in North America have the choice to leave their childhood nest simply to experience and explore the world. Our family loves experiencing and exploring, which is why we've taken so many trips even with little ones. However, there's a reason so many songs and movies profit from the line "home for the holidays." Things change when you leave the nest, and don't always reset when you return. Although it's not so much "things" that change, but people.<br />
Young family units begin with fresh coffee beans (permit me the caffeinated comparison). They are plucked straight from the coffee cherry shrub and ready to cultivate. The family plants itself together and decides what drinks fit best with their personal style. They can change how things are roasted from their past, or keep classic creations brewing. Either way, when we start from scratch together, it is easier to grow together. Day to day with the same people, forces us to smell sweet aromas for better or worse, but when time or travel take us apart, there is a learning curve, which short occasion gatherings cannot account for such consumption. <br />
Moreover, we tend to assign "mugs" to our closest relatives, (mine probably has a classic cross or coffee bean). If we outgrow our assigned cup, or worse, no longer relate to the slogan at all, it is difficult for the rest of the family catch up to speed on what to serve us. We stumble and offend each other simply because we don't carry the right coffee, and we don't like running around on raw beans or egg shells for that matter, especially with "family." The great thing about family is that they are always family, but the bad thing is that we don't permit changes with family as easily as we do with our friends. Families that live near each other grow together like neighbors or co-workers, but when the breakroom coffee gets too stale too often, you can quickly change careers. You can't, or shouldn't, kick or quit your family. <br />
Even the son of the most high God felt the fatigue of "home for the holidays" like so many of us. The book of Mark provides a little insight into Jesus' empathy with our predicament as he went to his hometown.<br />
<span class="text Mark-6-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“Where did this [Jesus] get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that </span><br />
<span class="text Mark-6-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Mark-6-3" id="en-NIV-24411" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,</span><span class="text Mark-6-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span>Judas and Simon?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24411F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24411F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Mark-6-4" id="en-NIV-24412" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24412H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24412H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span> <span class="text Mark-6-5" id="en-NIV-24413" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24413I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24413I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> a few sick people and heal them.</span> <span class="text Mark-6-6" id="en-NIV-24414" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">He was amazed at their lack of faith" (Mark 6:2-6).</span></div>
The miracle baby from Christmas grew up in faith and became the fulfillment of long-awaited prophesy. His closest relatives had trouble adjusting to the change. He was <b>offensive </b>living out His personal calling and life to save those same family members.<br />
If nothing else, we need to thank God he remains relatable regardless of time change. He stays the same while allowing us room to grow.<br />
We also need to leave our doors and mug cabinets open for our loved ones to choose their cups, while also giving ourselves grace choose the wrong one out of habit. When beans sit and roast for too long, the taste is bitter, but God never said that our relationships would be free from strife. Rather, we love because He first loved us, and sent His son into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst (me speaking, but also in 1Timothy 1).<br />
I am so thankful that our little plants were given healthy soil this Christmas season because it seems the last five years we have been in or near hospital, and hospital coffee tastes terrible. There are definitely no personalized mugs to be had, which can also be a good thing! With no plans or preparations, the simplicity was a sweet smell that I pray I never forget with time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The sweetest bean in his own sitting mug.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Double trouble</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwSyHRaQRQU/XgpGexwCPYI/AAAAAAAAXqw/D6cAJJInMOgt8ZFGvwkrFnNnelavIMLDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwSyHRaQRQU/XgpGexwCPYI/AAAAAAAAXqw/D6cAJJInMOgt8ZFGvwkrFnNnelavIMLDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0755.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A new nativity thanks to our Dee Dee!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKtjfESP-QY/XgpGfboZ85I/AAAAAAAAXq4/3ukvltC0ZuQr1EStLQfRBVZVzmnxBXBswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKtjfESP-QY/XgpGfboZ85I/AAAAAAAAXq4/3ukvltC0ZuQr1EStLQfRBVZVzmnxBXBswCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0756.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sipping on my own coffee</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We decided to check out some RVs for future family travel dreaming. Roman asked me to take his picture to remember the moment!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJrzkGGYzwA/XgpGfsGkxzI/AAAAAAAAXq8/jrjb9Y1ce2cP5VdasNGU42vyvNddCMuJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJrzkGGYzwA/XgpGfsGkxzI/AAAAAAAAXq8/jrjb9Y1ce2cP5VdasNGU42vyvNddCMuJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0799.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I won't ever forget that moment!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks for our bean bags Gibby! They are the best ever! Even portable for that future RV!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJO5qV50Bps/XgpGhZBKsYI/AAAAAAAAXrI/oC191_pI2asAYGCgFwcxJyd0LO-roN_hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJO5qV50Bps/XgpGhZBKsYI/AAAAAAAAXrI/oC191_pI2asAYGCgFwcxJyd0LO-roN_hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0826.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We love celebrating birthdays, especially the ones when we all give gifts to each other!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Goodwill gifts after Christmas didn't leave our heads!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkDVJafWE9k/XgpGjRdKcBI/AAAAAAAAXrc/DJ8tAY9tdIU4EeqazYJ72KZqfLb6hRg3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkDVJafWE9k/XgpGjRdKcBI/AAAAAAAAXrc/DJ8tAY9tdIU4EeqazYJ72KZqfLb6hRg3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0841.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Warm Christmas means funny faces!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0s9sgT1J7c/XgpGje-Pg7I/AAAAAAAAXrY/mevRdgLiaBQELOJL8mKlGRMOc7G1kXArACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0s9sgT1J7c/XgpGje-Pg7I/AAAAAAAAXrY/mevRdgLiaBQELOJL8mKlGRMOc7G1kXArACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks to those beanbags, we had new activities to play!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I spy four little guys</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>No snow? no problem! Box sledding!</b></td></tr>
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We had a blast! The boys even purchased new slogan coffee mugs for mommy and daddy from the dollar store. I think they know us well right now!<br />
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~Christmas MugBusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-42945992688125854472019-12-19T16:22:00.002-05:002019-12-19T16:22:24.498-05:00Shutting DownI recently finished a book called, <i>Competing Spectacles</i>, that refocused my vision. Doesn't every individual and corporation do the same thing from time to time? We hire marketing, design, or investment firms, to help us revamp, refresh, or rebrand in order to avoid a total shut down? Partial shut-downs help us find where the paint is chipping or the chips are getting stale.<br />
Whether its a revival or corporate fast, the goal is to remain running, and we need to regain focus and momentum to do that. If not, a slow fade like the end of a broadway spectacle begins to dim our lights; our initial zeal for a cause, a calling, or a company cannot withstand the test of time. It's simply natural to become disenchanted as time progresses. In the same way that time can heal, time can also hurt us when it comes to our self-awareness and resolve. What better way to distract our focus than to have screen handy 24/7.<br />
The author of <i>Competing Spectacles</i>, Tony Reinke, states that "we are now more media obese than we are physically obese. And we are not happier. We are lonelier. We are more depressed" (134). Only I would add that we are not even aware of our depression or our physique because we continue to consume and binge watch in order to avoid the problem, just as an overweight individual continues eating to avoid facing their weight issue. When culture says something is "normal," then time allows us to relax the initial shock and become anesthetized to it, and then our consumptions slowly increase. I'm not saying that everyone who watches Netflix is media obese, nor is it wrong to enjoy the luxuries of technology (I certainly appreciate ordering groceries from my phone and having them delivered to my car in the rain). Reinke echoes this notion when he iterates that, "The antinomian who watches whatever he wants in the name of Christian freedom is just as naive as the legalist who celebrates his rejection of all television and movies and screen time as evidence of his Christian holiness" (135).<br />
Screen time is all relative, but when it entered American homes in the 40s (the 19s that is... as my son reminds me... when things were "old" because it will soon be a different 40th century) it changed our world in a greater way than almost any other invention with the exception of transportation. That being said, it's not a matter of how much or how often (although pediatricians are now required to question parents on their children's screen time). Rather, I'm reminding myself that we need to be able to recall a world without screens and enter that world from time to time. If not, we may start seeing what South Korea has already experienced: children sent to digital detox boot camps. "<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The [South Korean] government sees it as a national health crisis and is now taking drastic measures to help the country's 2 million addicts" (</span><b style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/matthew-carney/6634066" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self" title=""><span style="color: black;">Matthew Carney</span></a>,</span></b> 2015, abc.net). No one will be surprised by the pendulum-swing. Just as we needed more gyms and personal trainers when cars took away our regular cardio activity, we will soon need to find ways to unplug in order to keep a new obesity from rising to national crisis levels. Technology is always a blessing and a curse, but if we could simply self-regulate by shutting down more often, maybe we could naturally avoid obesity rather than looking for a pill or a camp.<br />
Christmas is one of those "natural" shut down times. We can choose to veg out, we can check out, or maybe we can unplug, literally, from all screens for a day or two in order to refocus, remember, and avoid a complete personal or governmental shut down. Instead of complaining about the busyness of the season, we could try to create our own barriers by turning off in order to tune into something brighter.<br />
All isn't always calm here, but it's always very bright. The light of the world came as a little boy, which I personally love imagining! Here's my bright boys getting ready for the real star...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Annual Christmas tree farm festivities!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One of my favorite parts of Christmas.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silas ended his first chess semester with a trophy! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERuPhDhov0M/XfUu0auKsxI/AAAAAAAAXoI/_verMy2UyusSj3WqwaAuSHph4hej2NeVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERuPhDhov0M/XfUu0auKsxI/AAAAAAAAXoI/_verMy2UyusSj3WqwaAuSHph4hej2NeVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0664.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>After nap curls even without humidity! Just like his daddy. I can't cut them for a while!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12Mhc-qbeuQ/XfUu0-DaZSI/AAAAAAAAXoU/gi_DZmRK_Dcru1fs9ORCbZHztiAB8NqaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12Mhc-qbeuQ/XfUu0-DaZSI/AAAAAAAAXoU/gi_DZmRK_Dcru1fs9ORCbZHztiAB8NqaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0674.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Christmas cookies I've ever made!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ou-uVLkwWY/XfUu1FI-XaI/AAAAAAAAXoc/7u3qjhh7clUIzKtd6Ol2jSutsrzYqMf5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ou-uVLkwWY/XfUu1FI-XaI/AAAAAAAAXoc/7u3qjhh7clUIzKtd6Ol2jSutsrzYqMf5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0677.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Twins needed new jammies. Everyone is getting taller over here!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OnECjHtYgU/XfUu1kgJaiI/AAAAAAAAXoY/vfrwkACEgYYu6N8ngXj-eBZCwEb3z6sjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OnECjHtYgU/XfUu1kgJaiI/AAAAAAAAXoY/vfrwkACEgYYu6N8ngXj-eBZCwEb3z6sjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0689.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And this cookie wanted to keep on his big-boy Christmas socks all day.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvVuc3aMaXM/XfUu2BNRv8I/AAAAAAAAXog/-uSK_JiIEvoYbIvKtuPeMSUBdlnOdRaSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvVuc3aMaXM/XfUu2BNRv8I/AAAAAAAAXog/-uSK_JiIEvoYbIvKtuPeMSUBdlnOdRaSACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0691.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He's getting too big</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYgnG4hhSQs/XfUuxevR4LI/AAAAAAAAXnk/ykjik2jMWN0v2eeTjeVt8G6aX6bcYghaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYgnG4hhSQs/XfUuxevR4LI/AAAAAAAAXnk/ykjik2jMWN0v2eeTjeVt8G6aX6bcYghaACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0586.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And everyone is enamored with him!</b></td></tr>
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Roman enjoyed these cookies thoroughly! Except for the lactose test that we are waiting to receive, all has come back clear and normal! A huge answer to prayer! Thank you! We are seeing slow improvement, but just have to "shut down" for the season, watch, and wait. Like all kids are doing right now! :)<br />
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~ShutDown BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-27885922075816907022019-12-09T15:23:00.004-05:002019-12-11T16:13:49.625-05:00Waiting for prayerWe had more sweet people say they were praying for Roman's endoscopy/colonoscopy than I would have imagined. As a standard procedure that wasn't even in a hospital, I wouldn't have predicted such protection partners. Yet, the prep work the day before proved harder and less hopeful than prayer should inspired. It wasn't just watching Roman become more and more lethargic as he refused to follow instructions and risked dehydration. It wasn't the frustration I felt as the doctor told us to discontinue the process and possibly forgo the following day's procedure. No, it was more than that. We felt it from every angle with every relationship under our roof at odds and ends. So what happens when prayers feel empty? When you hear of prayers, but you feel none? Does this mean prayer is pointless, or people are passive? Neither.<br />
Our true root-test comes in the wandering. When the Israelites had seen miracle after miraculous preservation only to find themselves wandering in the desert, they began to doubt God's goodness. <i>Why save us to watch us slowly die?</i> But as Psalm 106 explains, "They soon forgot what He had done and <b>did NOT WAIT </b>for His plan to unfold" (verse 13, NIV). We (even more so in our instantaneous Alexa, Siri, Prime culture) don't know how to ask and then WAIT to receive. To endure the cold, hard, seemingly pointless pain produces a true faith. Faith that proves genuine, not faith that only loves when times are good. True love loves at all times. Thus, true faith doesn't "scorch from the sun" because of lack of root. Rather, it can withstand heat or hardship and accept the good with the bad because the roots are deep and sturdy. These roots have been tested and weathered to improve their strength and grip in the ground. Shallow faith with shallow roots only pushes people further away from truth. I have never met anyone who didn't want to be loved deeply. Neither does our loving Creator. He wants our love to be genuine. We must be tested on occasion to see whether our love is rooted in gifts or in grace.<br />
There are plenty of times when I have truly felt the power of prayer. Then there are "yesterdays" where it feels absent. Yet, I wonder how much worse it would have felt had those prayers not been said. We can't give up when things are hard, nor would we want others to stop loving us when we are hard to love. God's goodness, thank goodness, does not depend on our faithfulness. It may take years, or a lifetime, but I pray I can WAIT to see His perfect plan unfold in the unknown. As we enter a season of Advent <i>waiting</i>, and as we <i>wait</i> for Roman's biopsy results, may we love all the same and even more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27P37VU6ULA/XewOLTxj8bI/AAAAAAAAXlY/o5AZGYRWY5Mk23gGfYfHVGFIHIXRnAbyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27P37VU6ULA/XewOLTxj8bI/AAAAAAAAXlY/o5AZGYRWY5Mk23gGfYfHVGFIHIXRnAbyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0572.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He may have swallowed a popcorn seed or two because that's all they found in his belly during the procedure! ;P</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okazlb-7lA0/XewOLfR608I/AAAAAAAAXlc/d5HtIy8hh2gLWyGGoQOq9kDup8wcntjFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okazlb-7lA0/XewOLfR608I/AAAAAAAAXlc/d5HtIy8hh2gLWyGGoQOq9kDup8wcntjFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0573.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turns out mama made this whole bowl, but Ro doesn't like JELLO! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lxm4HrUM0M/XewOLrzyZjI/AAAAAAAAXlg/y90CIL3ii18AWl4wTSWCsQgG76e7SSgkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lxm4HrUM0M/XewOLrzyZjI/AAAAAAAAXlg/y90CIL3ii18AWl4wTSWCsQgG76e7SSgkACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0575.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He's turning out to be one of the toughest kids in the house. A steady, calm rock for us all (also a little stubborn as a rock!).</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1pb7EdceNo/XewOL-_mbZI/AAAAAAAAXlk/n11LiR3CK7QWabxAFLMVKVeFkSM07IaiACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1pb7EdceNo/XewOL-_mbZI/AAAAAAAAXlk/n11LiR3CK7QWabxAFLMVKVeFkSM07IaiACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0578.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Strange how quickly they let you leave after the procedure. Buddy fell right back asleep.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23ppKUPtcNI/XewOLzISZgI/AAAAAAAAXlo/laTcP19oZWk47a9_jANmJ4gWGI6fqSIXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23ppKUPtcNI/XewOLzISZgI/AAAAAAAAXlo/laTcP19oZWk47a9_jANmJ4gWGI6fqSIXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0581.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But a date with mommy and real food later made all our hearts happy!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzThN9ZvKv4/XewOJgkeJQI/AAAAAAAAXls/ERMItMbHWfs5GU4VdPTUF46KXMU7emM-gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzThN9ZvKv4/XewOJgkeJQI/AAAAAAAAXls/ERMItMbHWfs5GU4VdPTUF46KXMU7emM-gCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0556.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This little man is making everyone smile. If he has food, he'll sit and watch the world. </b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpJ01kL6fFw/XewOJuo8qCI/AAAAAAAAXmA/5LTA1toFjYcAD-cLYz-5--wZWzmtcl5YACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpJ01kL6fFw/XewOJuo8qCI/AAAAAAAAXmA/5LTA1toFjYcAD-cLYz-5--wZWzmtcl5YACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0557.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ksT-qwcsaQ/XewOJiR2t6I/AAAAAAAAXl8/JgeA8iC6p4MvCrqkQjBJMwRxgRS77zgngCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ksT-qwcsaQ/XewOJiR2t6I/AAAAAAAAXl8/JgeA8iC6p4MvCrqkQjBJMwRxgRS77zgngCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0558.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Literally. If only I could hear his thoughts. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mddat6oZ5YI/XewOKgw26MI/AAAAAAAAXl8/H572ShdSfforjmKL8jyVc7Jg3p464OVUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mddat6oZ5YI/XewOKgw26MI/AAAAAAAAXl8/H572ShdSfforjmKL8jyVc7Jg3p464OVUQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0561.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But he's growing up too fast. Tackling big brothers and all. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcoXFNkLLf4/XewOK3-TMiI/AAAAAAAAXls/VtFG8PcIsOk8kpqv0im1T83KuefWe_8PQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcoXFNkLLf4/XewOK3-TMiI/AAAAAAAAXls/VtFG8PcIsOk8kpqv0im1T83KuefWe_8PQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0562.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He's my first climber too. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeUIY2vOCDs/XewOLP5Qv8I/AAAAAAAAXlw/eUjtxC224MMb4IXIuS_-JvDlDHFd8DHrgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeUIY2vOCDs/XewOLP5Qv8I/AAAAAAAAXlw/eUjtxC224MMb4IXIuS_-JvDlDHFd8DHrgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0568.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I spy a fourth boy who wants to sit at the big boy table. We need more chairs!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMsYlslg0sg/Xe6lQHmuqeI/AAAAAAAAXmo/TX9Kl3WdnTY1oMJmHzGUtowAe3RcVqIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMsYlslg0sg/Xe6lQHmuqeI/AAAAAAAAXmo/TX9Kl3WdnTY1oMJmHzGUtowAe3RcVqIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0635.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>All that Roman time meant date days were in order. Mama- Si date at the library with competition and treats of course. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeOnI6bhfjg/Xe6lQHWsy6I/AAAAAAAAXms/nIP-eEUzASsMLS6eg5Vmu7c8V8facaEXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeOnI6bhfjg/Xe6lQHWsy6I/AAAAAAAAXms/nIP-eEUzASsMLS6eg5Vmu7c8V8facaEXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5046.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi- daddy date with cards, cribbage and a little PGA fun. </b></td></tr>
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We are so thankful to learn there's no blockage, foreign object, or disease inside our Ro-man. We will learn later this week if there are any major allergies causing his tummy trauma. If all is clear, we will keep waiting for the good-eating days, and pray for wisdom to trust in the wandering ones.<br />
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- Waiting BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-75530187912302296202019-12-03T10:43:00.000-05:002019-12-03T10:43:22.299-05:00Don't fall asleep<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Charter, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">“Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n91FJD_1UEA/XeVqBcKdUmI/AAAAAAAAXhw/QK0LWN26FzoPA0PlpwLXrkfMm0vQXWaewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n91FJD_1UEA/XeVqBcKdUmI/AAAAAAAAXhw/QK0LWN26FzoPA0PlpwLXrkfMm0vQXWaewCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0410.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm so thankful that even when kids are sick, they still want to have fun and hold to traditions.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQB9wi8piI/XeVqBQIP5gI/AAAAAAAAXhs/ueHXGN7iGgQJ7BcjzpqHX2mvFuMEpfmVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQB9wi8piI/XeVqBQIP5gI/AAAAAAAAXhs/ueHXGN7iGgQJ7BcjzpqHX2mvFuMEpfmVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0416.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our thoughts on this Friday's prep procedure instructions. Thankful for humor!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMCk6x0xZnA/XeVqBRCo5WI/AAAAAAAAXh0/HdYw3gpyRx41iBBGNc3O8X9hExQ3tLDdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMCk6x0xZnA/XeVqBRCo5WI/AAAAAAAAXh0/HdYw3gpyRx41iBBGNc3O8X9hExQ3tLDdACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0423.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful we have enough provisions to keep this guy going! He never wants to put food down. He's always ready to eat!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8yhdnOyrgM/XeVqCNQXQmI/AAAAAAAAXh4/OsO4NwQgZHwuaEx27-4JilD2rmtg5gPcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8yhdnOyrgM/XeVqCNQXQmI/AAAAAAAAXh4/OsO4NwQgZHwuaEx27-4JilD2rmtg5gPcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0427.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful that we can all still ride together when we are under the weather.</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMSr2-ubYio/XeVqCDK5bDI/AAAAAAAAXh8/kQQMwGIRjfUZXc_e3WZLeROwYK4IlLlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMSr2-ubYio/XeVqCDK5bDI/AAAAAAAAXh8/kQQMwGIRjfUZXc_e3WZLeROwYK4IlLlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0435.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for pumpkin turkeys!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTUJ8wGstjM/XeVqCbhwwRI/AAAAAAAAXiA/cpKsg03f0nAt6zjvIj6xJc5FEVhidK27ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTUJ8wGstjM/XeVqCbhwwRI/AAAAAAAAXiA/cpKsg03f0nAt6zjvIj6xJc5FEVhidK27ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0439.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for big turkeys...</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oKQri62n-4/XeVqCch1K2I/AAAAAAAAXiE/s7JZZKyO9jgxOYh4BB49x_3MSRc2_W1rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oKQri62n-4/XeVqCch1K2I/AAAAAAAAXiE/s7JZZKyO9jgxOYh4BB49x_3MSRc2_W1rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0442.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And little ones too!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmeH8VciCM/XeVqC7L81eI/AAAAAAAAXiI/9bdwu4x-WgMgxeEuX5-hi6kb80JlknbsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmeH8VciCM/XeVqC7L81eI/AAAAAAAAXiI/9bdwu4x-WgMgxeEuX5-hi6kb80JlknbsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0447.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for mommy's cooking helpers, and reinforced knees!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FipyPRG-I/XeVqDEudNtI/AAAAAAAAXiM/IY1cNqeuswoxHjx9ehdvoOx3TClIao40wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FipyPRG-I/XeVqDEudNtI/AAAAAAAAXiM/IY1cNqeuswoxHjx9ehdvoOx3TClIao40wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0448.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful this boy wants to cook and eat knowing he once ate through a tube!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZ7ORSrkfo/XeVqDSJia7I/AAAAAAAAXiQ/4tTgmlLJJa8X0PDO_Ff9kj0abkzYDC-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZ7ORSrkfo/XeVqDSJia7I/AAAAAAAAXiQ/4tTgmlLJJa8X0PDO_Ff9kj0abkzYDC-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0454.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful they love to watch</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5xpRLP55Ek/XeVqDu96XdI/AAAAAAAAXiU/2aYzWJRnDrs062L9ST_mzeVGaVW4hb4CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5xpRLP55Ek/XeVqDu96XdI/AAAAAAAAXiU/2aYzWJRnDrs062L9ST_mzeVGaVW4hb4CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0479.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful we can get four kids to say "cheese!"</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu8OkhSSd7s/XeVqD7t5OKI/AAAAAAAAXiY/sxN_D5-5wSYwVeGect0ouj_RE-NFWUjeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu8OkhSSd7s/XeVqD7t5OKI/AAAAAAAAXiY/sxN_D5-5wSYwVeGect0ouj_RE-NFWUjeACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0486.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful laughter is our best medicine!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHs8EnLBaxU/XeVqEK5pDWI/AAAAAAAAXic/wtTaNvVAL94oY8CJ3FgGX_aUz7sjrxqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHs8EnLBaxU/XeVqEK5pDWI/AAAAAAAAXic/wtTaNvVAL94oY8CJ3FgGX_aUz7sjrxqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0496.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for rocks in water!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPkoYUdIXpo/XeVqEV5fXeI/AAAAAAAAXig/6cKbLwd_5Yclu9s_wahFZ5nvO5b3bG5gACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPkoYUdIXpo/XeVqEV5fXeI/AAAAAAAAXig/6cKbLwd_5Yclu9s_wahFZ5nvO5b3bG5gACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0499.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful Silas is always excited about what we are doing!</b></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhMqvgVnFbA/XeVqEws9TkI/AAAAAAAAXio/ybvBLmZUa1w1q2FQDR9rOUAn3whrzIoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhMqvgVnFbA/XeVqEws9TkI/AAAAAAAAXio/ybvBLmZUa1w1q2FQDR9rOUAn3whrzIoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0502.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful that joy is contagious!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9FglNjtkqE/XeVqFH8TwLI/AAAAAAAAXis/5OdjxRAOJyYoyNUNZAMAU-oLN-98pZyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9FglNjtkqE/XeVqFH8TwLI/AAAAAAAAXis/5OdjxRAOJyYoyNUNZAMAU-oLN-98pZyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0503.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for Papa's help!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRwsnOlk1ig/XeVqFW1SmsI/AAAAAAAAXiw/DIUejOaB-WgP-_OHrQZ4D86FfsssPA4yACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRwsnOlk1ig/XeVqFW1SmsI/AAAAAAAAXiw/DIUejOaB-WgP-_OHrQZ4D86FfsssPA4yACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0504.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful we got to take our "rock" gems home!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGh27wkBSto/XeVqFtq7XCI/AAAAAAAAXi0/8fW1O4fwR9EjZRTYp-PIL5eTbdZjoHkawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGh27wkBSto/XeVqFtq7XCI/AAAAAAAAXi0/8fW1O4fwR9EjZRTYp-PIL5eTbdZjoHkawCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0511.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful we aren't underground miners!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDq9cyoLHyE/XeVqF2_jHMI/AAAAAAAAXi4/UWHnxs85-00SduAUi__RtoEER5y1VbObQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDq9cyoLHyE/XeVqF2_jHMI/AAAAAAAAXi4/UWHnxs85-00SduAUi__RtoEER5y1VbObQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0513.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful no one had a meltdown while under the ground for half an hour!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fhGWDbMxuE/XeVqHrXAspI/AAAAAAAAXjU/9cu07_T4vWEgQawSqGrCMlOCRsbxlpLIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fhGWDbMxuE/XeVqHrXAspI/AAAAAAAAXjU/9cu07_T4vWEgQawSqGrCMlOCRsbxlpLIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1080.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for our thanksgiving balloon-pop tradition!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Z0td57Ce8/XeVqH_r1nUI/AAAAAAAAXjY/1Ak8PeGCsqEjCLdR2sqYb_Kw47yclAgEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Z0td57Ce8/XeVqH_r1nUI/AAAAAAAAXjY/1Ak8PeGCsqEjCLdR2sqYb_Kw47yclAgEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for fun guessing games</b></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJqNSwKnK1o/XeVqIWe8gXI/AAAAAAAAXjg/KExrWXiTZccwLMaNmHlSDBL-iDSzO-wPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJqNSwKnK1o/XeVqIWe8gXI/AAAAAAAAXjg/KExrWXiTZccwLMaNmHlSDBL-iDSzO-wPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1135.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for Papa's visit and beautiful weather while he was here!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXqaOWrjMI/XeVqIkGRLhI/AAAAAAAAXj4/ot8BNnY_KFQYwzDo-C-0NC-Y8MdVVaF_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXqaOWrjMI/XeVqIkGRLhI/AAAAAAAAXj4/ot8BNnY_KFQYwzDo-C-0NC-Y8MdVVaF_wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful this little guy is so strong and can breathe while running.</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpxOriJieeI/XeVqHXd94dI/AAAAAAAAXj0/XUjAA6E6W6c5BOIEQd4DuMEgeZxQP17qwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpxOriJieeI/XeVqHXd94dI/AAAAAAAAXj0/XUjAA6E6W6c5BOIEQd4DuMEgeZxQP17qwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0549.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful he's so determined to be part of the brother's bond!</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHmD7hu76Ic/XeVqGsDSpII/AAAAAAAAXj0/n9UJnlZH8cUv9YiVKNJrcjNweuYhbWg1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHmD7hu76Ic/XeVqGsDSpII/AAAAAAAAXj0/n9UJnlZH8cUv9YiVKNJrcjNweuYhbWg1wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful for their imaginations!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydkz6k8Hv3w/XeVqHWYnG4I/AAAAAAAAXkA/Ix63zxIhUI8-Jy_J0Ya-k2Kc1_zNkhqQACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydkz6k8Hv3w/XeVqHWYnG4I/AAAAAAAAXkA/Ix63zxIhUI8-Jy_J0Ya-k2Kc1_zNkhqQACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0552.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful this guy is eating better this week!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankful he's still growing despite all the non-eating days. Thankful he wants to be a daddy when he grows up, and thankful for all the prayers for some answers after Friday's procedures!</b></td></tr>
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~Thankful BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-39477337620813536252019-11-24T21:10:00.000-05:002019-11-24T21:10:08.323-05:00Two kinds of patienceI'm not sure I grasp the point of pursuing transient social tech like <i><a href="https://www.snapchat.com/">Snapchat</a>.</i> If memories are worth erasing, why are we posting them at all? I have many moments worth erasing, don't get me wrong, but typically my blunders aren't worth remembering without retrospection. I need to ponder before I post, then I can aptly understand my misgivings. I completely appreciate humorous humility for the sake of authenticity, but I like transparency that lasts longer than a few seconds.<br />
When my husband keenly and gently pointed out my lack of patience the other day, <b> </b>I began to ponder this humbling notion. I searched this blog because I was certain my past medical traumas with Levi and current profession would argue for my increased patience over time. Instead of finding justification though, I found amazing memories that served as friendly reminders, like the whistle of a tea kettle, prompting me to take the water away from the the heat. I completely forgot that Levi had so many unexplained medical problems during his stint in the hospital: NEC colitis, a UTI, low white blood cell count, etc. Every question was raised, to the point that I became certain all doctors are literally just "practicing medicine." They were guessing why he could not thrive; only God knew that one, and God brought me through those seasons of "<i><a href="http://coffeecubbuster.blogspot.com/2015/04/longsuffering.html">longsuffering</a>," </i>which I have already forgotten. Thus, looking back on my moments of misery and uncertainty with Levi has encouraged me through the "guess work" I see doctors pondering over Roman's current issues. I was beginning to lose my patience with it all over again.<br />
As it turns out, there are two kinds of <b>patience </b>(probably more),<b> </b>and I still trend towards lacking in both areas (as much as I'd like to pride myself otherwise...its all relative). The first type occurs through constancy-- like the constant dripping of a faucet, the constant repeating oneself, the constant holding your tongue, or the the presence of constant noise. The second occurs through endurance of the unknown--the problem that demands immediate attention but requires quiet waiting, the fever that takes time to break, yet that time table is unknown, the uncomfortable situation you know needs an adjustment, but you should really tarry before reacting. This kind of patience is much harder for me to apply. I want to make immediate adjustments and changes if I denote trouble. I don't love research or reviews. I just want to jump in and hope for the best. My better half has allowed me to see the error of my ways while reminding me that every single person needs more patience in life. It's not a natural instinct. Look at Adam and Eve, they probably should have pondered and prayed longer before listening to the serpent, but they made a "quick" decision because they felt confused, scared, and humiliated. If you ponder it, God is never in a hurry. He has no problem watching the world at war with each other because he knows what eternity looks like. He didn't plan for war; he doesn't enjoy watching his loved ones perish, but he is eternally patient.<br />
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<i><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30532A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30532A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30532B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30532B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span class="text Ps-90-4" id="en-NIV-15383" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"A thousand years in your sight</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-90-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">are like a day that has just gone by,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-90-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">or like a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4</span></span></i><br />
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I will continue to be thankful that my patience is still growing, and I am learning along with my little loved ones. My Roman has even taught me to sing a sweet song of joy when everything in me wants to scream alongside my screaming kiddos. It certainly changes the atmosphere. As does a little fresh fall air...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This sweet boy is literally becoming a little boy. He looks so grown up in his brothers' fall clothes!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu6ibkFdH68/XdWshjCDSkI/AAAAAAAAXfo/Pf5TamGQiMACGWmk04R2YITldwDMusAsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu6ibkFdH68/XdWshjCDSkI/AAAAAAAAXfo/Pf5TamGQiMACGWmk04R2YITldwDMusAsACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0336.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And this one is still my baby too, but he's racking leaves now!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_7LAIItPhY/XdWsh7KelMI/AAAAAAAAXfs/0q28R-JRaK4bd67lY6gTWIH1RxedVm8XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_7LAIItPhY/XdWsh7KelMI/AAAAAAAAXfs/0q28R-JRaK4bd67lY6gTWIH1RxedVm8XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0340.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This one couldn't be sweeter if he tried. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KD-BKEFDqA/XdWshBuvzDI/AAAAAAAAXfg/iIAPqh-JJK86BrUBDtpw82RPFlLUH9EoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KD-BKEFDqA/XdWshBuvzDI/AAAAAAAAXfg/iIAPqh-JJK86BrUBDtpw82RPFlLUH9EoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0332.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And this big boy still loves his rocks, water, and occasional bird-siting!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcgfyAbiLM/XdWsiEd0MlI/AAAAAAAAXfw/2nVjoNkjUa4jkJgJrYYauAqb2An8p_RuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcgfyAbiLM/XdWsiEd0MlI/AAAAAAAAXfw/2nVjoNkjUa4jkJgJrYYauAqb2An8p_RuACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0344.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We love our fall leaf piles!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LYKjnoad0A/XdWsf3VofcI/AAAAAAAAXfM/_VlkM4vOZ3Y_af5tw7P47NPjGiCo9-F2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LYKjnoad0A/XdWsf3VofcI/AAAAAAAAXfM/_VlkM4vOZ3Y_af5tw7P47NPjGiCo9-F2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0306.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I can't keep up with little Luca, he wants to do EVERYTHING his brothers do.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLI8qz2XbKY/XdWsfyc-EXI/AAAAAAAAXfQ/zRKMo5vrX8MXazVXQX8iVDfq-XdFlY6ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLI8qz2XbKY/XdWsfyc-EXI/AAAAAAAAXfQ/zRKMo5vrX8MXazVXQX8iVDfq-XdFlY6ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0307.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Including brush his own tooth</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkFniJSItyo/XdWsf9HzF9I/AAAAAAAAXfU/5hp1MiCLtyISExnYGxwMKn9MFibOZ80JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkFniJSItyo/XdWsf9HzF9I/AAAAAAAAXfU/5hp1MiCLtyISExnYGxwMKn9MFibOZ80JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0310.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And sit on the potty!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GidQDVoqU_4/XdWsgVbPMeI/AAAAAAAAXfY/O8eQ97LNXugve3oPDX-dbx7HJqORIXdWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GidQDVoqU_4/XdWsgVbPMeI/AAAAAAAAXfY/O8eQ97LNXugve3oPDX-dbx7HJqORIXdWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0324.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Speaking of big kids, look who is reading to the younger kindergarten class all by himself!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aMKdYKOEqU/XdWsgrM5olI/AAAAAAAAXfc/KQT20Jm2nawg62SJ6Q3Vywt4MwDdLGZ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aMKdYKOEqU/XdWsgrM5olI/AAAAAAAAXfc/KQT20Jm2nawg62SJ6Q3Vywt4MwDdLGZ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My little reader</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYcE9Cr_tKk/XdWsiRgSBJI/AAAAAAAAXf0/46dAylDnXEYmzHekZud5UCw4yDnnyrw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYcE9Cr_tKk/XdWsiRgSBJI/AAAAAAAAXf0/46dAylDnXEYmzHekZud5UCw4yDnnyrw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0365.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I can't get him to stop growing up!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTcO1S5n8aE/XdWsiYVlqUI/AAAAAAAAXf4/NjSU9MQBSWwbkCuX_SWMu6xzhLNJt2CWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTcO1S5n8aE/XdWsiYVlqUI/AAAAAAAAXf4/NjSU9MQBSWwbkCuX_SWMu6xzhLNJt2CWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0373.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But a daddy package prank got all to slow down for a bit. If only I had recorded his scream!! ;D</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmOqcurldlI/XdWsinRUq5I/AAAAAAAAXf8/HXoujle4dbAxNhs7EFiiuIkJZjZdLmPWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmOqcurldlI/XdWsinRUq5I/AAAAAAAAXf8/HXoujle4dbAxNhs7EFiiuIkJZjZdLmPWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0375.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanksgiving songs with Levi. He wore the clothes this year!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcXmIAzlXmE/XdWsi4b09nI/AAAAAAAAXgA/Jr4bKaFgNtspmVSADEu2RPwN6OAAJ-8DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcXmIAzlXmE/XdWsi4b09nI/AAAAAAAAXgA/Jr4bKaFgNtspmVSADEu2RPwN6OAAJ-8DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0381.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And sang the songs</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>After school dates are the best!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi's face when I was in the lead of "war cribbage"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi's face when he beat me! His trash talk was my favorite thing ever!</b></td></tr>
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We have already brought Roman to the hospital since his second fever virus in two weeks hit this week. Thankfully it's not related to his GI issues and merely another round of viruses between brothers. We are scheduled for his endoscopy/colonoscopy on December 6. Please pray for patience through that process too! We may or may not get answers, but at least we'll cross some things off our unknown list.<br />
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<i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17</i><br />
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~Patience BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-87047155034619103632019-11-13T20:12:00.001-05:002019-11-13T20:12:44.321-05:00Three off the Tracks!If a high speed train containing twelve connected cars manages to loose just one inch of one wheel on the seventh car, due to a rushed human error, the entire train would derail. However, as seen through children's toys, it takes a little time for the one car to affect the other eleven. There may be a few bumpy spots, but the rest of the locomotive will travel quite well for some time before the whole train stumbles off the track. Similarly, when we run through life on autopilot, we can skip over some significant steps that slowly but surely derail us. We are left in the wake of the aftermath wondering how such a crash occurred and/or could have been avoided. Most of us continue to learn like children. After significant pain, we learn not to touch the "light bulb" again. My third baby boy turned three this week, and touched his first heated light bulb before bedtime reading. Now every night, he reminds all of us: "don't touch the light!" One little burn, and his memory was seared. Likewise, I need little sparks on my railroad to keep me from slowly slipping into old habits of apathy, pride, selfishness, fear, and the like. Thus, my great Father has put us back on the hospital train to keep me purposeful. Without purposeful passion, we put our focus on misplaced dedication: the perfect home, perfect body, perfect vacation, perfect title, perfect accomplishments, perfect relationships. None of which are harmful at first, but give way to empty empathy or disappointing disillusions.<br />
While not the news we wanted, our recent respite seems to have ended. Baby Luca returned to his blood pressure medicine to try and shrink his ever-growing subglottic hemangioma. If the meds don't work in the next few months, we will discuss laser surgery. Moreover, our birthday boy is back on the no-eating train. After a pediatric doctor appointment, his gurgling/cramping belly mixed with low weight-gain sets us up for our GI appointment Monday with the strong possibility of an overdue colonoscopy/endoscopy.<br />While this may sound disappointing, no one is dying. We are well despite the irritability, and I truly feel peace about our usefulness in hospitals and clinics right now. My little three year-old train man knows the Thomas and his Friends are "really useful," and we should be too! What better way to experience these "little years" than to feel useful in the place God has us. May we rejoice in our lot and see the beauty and purpose in it all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Two years later... same place, same boy, different world. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marta Train ride. Who could have picked an easier birthday wish? Love my Ro. You would have thought we were headed on his first roller coaster :)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A quick visit to a train museum was an added bonus.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My baby is growing up!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roman was showing me his muscles, his "big boy muscles," as we tried big boy underwear. With all the GI issues, this underwear lasted approximately 10 minutes before it was tossed in the diaper trash. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roman thinks we all need to do "righty" work to stay strong. His "twin" does this kind of homework so what else could you expect? (He'll have a great right hook.) </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>You are all kinds of strong my third-born three year-old. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He was excited about a brownie; he requested a birthday brownie; when push came to shove, he didn't eat any brownies. :(</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But our funny-man still had a good b-day!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy Birthday Wild Man! We love you!</b></td></tr>
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~Train BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-68903042353489514542019-11-04T14:22:00.001-05:002019-11-04T14:22:34.035-05:00Comfortable ChangesWhen I first starting having children, I recall someone telling me that the second I felt like I had the hang of things, they would quickly change, keeping me on my toes (and knees). While this is true for most kids, our Super Early, Super Strong, Levi Joe doesn't come with the same patterns as standard children. We sometimes say he has "special needs" when describing him to strangers, but this doesn't accurately define his personality or personal differences. Levi isn't a "special needs" child in the way our society would understand that label, but his specialties simply require a degree of study that exists only through constant relational exposure. Take his sleep cycles for instance. Sometimes Levi wants to mummify himself in his covers until he falls asleep and can wake up fully soaked to the bone from sweat. Sometimes he wants to smash the right side of his body into the side of an armchair in order to relax and fall asleep (much like he was positioned in utero). Other times he prefers laying on the hard floor with no pillows, no blankets and nothing but a book under his arm in order to rest easily. We constantly ask Levi to do things that we think will benefit his overall strength and comfort, but often times the things we think are useful for him are actually, in his opinion, quite unpleasant. It reminds me of the old movie <i>Cast Away</i>: after years of sleeping on the hard beach floor, Tom Hanks' character is uncomfortable when he finally receives a soft bed after his rescue. He tosses and turns until he resorts to sleeping on the hard floor in peace and tranquility. He had to relegate himself to what felt comfortable to him, not his surroundings.<br />
My eldest son was just asking me about the difference between FACT and OPINION, and it was difficult for him to see that some things that seem like facts are, in fact, (<i>pun intended), </i>opinions<i>. </i> I.e.<i> </i>Beds are comfortable- FACT or OPINION? I believe it is a FACT that all humans desire a certain level of physical and emotional comfort. However, the mode of comfort is objective. Recently, I heard a pastor speak about the importance of stepping outside our "comfort" zones in order to reach people around the country and world with the Truth of the Gospel. Stepping outside what is natural and comfortable looks different for everyone. Getting up at five in the morning is very natural for some and very uncomfortable for others. Eating dinner on the floor is normal in some cultures and horrifying to others. Raising four boys makes some people shutter and others jump for joy.<br />
The point is that we constantly evaluate whether we are living in a state of ritual comfort that numbs us to the needs around us. If we can begin to force ourselves to be somewhat uncomfortable, we achieve new lenses of accuracy. In other words, when your accustom to calling scraps of metal, precious gold, then you miss out on the treasures actually in existence.<br />
It also points us to focus on our own planks. I would never want my discomfort in raising four little boys to be compared with that of a mother who has had twelve babies in the African Sahara. Likewise, we cannot judge others for not living our same lives. None of us is the perfect judge.<br />
<i>"Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank</i> <i>in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take that speck out of your eye' when all the while you have a plank in your eye. You hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3-5).</i><br />
Thus, personal introspection is key to proper vision-- as our vision and bodies fail with age, our objective becomes clearer and clearer when refocused. Focus on becoming more like Christ, not becoming more comfortable with your surroundings because those will constantly change as you grow.<br />
And since we are all still growing, we decided to dress up for Halloween as "when I grow up." We want to be...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Diver, Chef, Golfer, Writer, Batman and Train driver!<br />Happy Birthday to my main man here too!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We love Daddy's b-day and fall, and all things related to both.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's that time... they just keep growing in size and number.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Loved being a small part of the Kyra Karr Foundation Prayer walk this weekend too (a little too bright and early for some).</b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fit them all in here again, but it was worth the fun pic!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Look who joined the forward facing crew!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pretty typical Luca face... full cheeks, observing life.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nothing like pumpkin-picking day!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi's fall festival day is a close second!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Since Levi exclaims that he IS a chef now, he needs to help with all the cooking!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Go for it dude</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>(Thankful for kid knives!)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Set up alone takes way longer than it should with these boys, but it's about the memory-building, right?</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This one <u>loves</u> getting gooey.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This one hates it. He just ate bread while we worked.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Up to his elbows in pumpkin!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silas decided they needed some painting stations while daddy carved with adult knives. I liked that plan!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not too messy, but wrong side of the canvas. :D Typical Ro</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finally did it! Great Halloween and Daddy day!</b></td></tr>
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We head back to CHOA tomorrow to re-scope Luca and give Roman some new ear tubes. Please pray all goes smoothly with two under anesthesia simultaneously!<br />
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~Comfort BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-67115715864441582582019-10-29T15:58:00.001-04:002019-10-29T15:58:18.262-04:00Hard wavesHeartache and hard times seem to come like heat: in waves. Right now, I feel I have escaped the wave. I feel a sense of respite and relief. My world doesn't seem to be hanging in the balance of the next uncertainty. However, I feel the wave around me in the lives of others. It feels as if I'm sitting in the middle of my sweet autumn breeze while I'm hearing story after story of diagnosis, loss, and turmoil. Once upon a time, I would anxiously pray and wonder when my time of turmoil would next hit, but I've had my share of storms since then. Now I can praise God in good times, knowing the hard will come again. Instead of living in fear, I feel assurance that I will again experience respite and joy, and one day all my sorrows will cease when I leave this body. There's no sense in trying to avoid waves; if you have someone bigger, who created the oceans, then you can live at a level of ease no matter your circumstances. When I hear of these hurts, my heart hurts too, but I have hope, and I hope for them, pray for them, and look for ways to ease the hurt from my own heart for them. Carry the burdens together, but don't let them weigh you down. There is a greater peace that surpasses all human comfort. It's not a matter of if, but when hardship will come. Like death, hard times are inevitable. You just have to see each moment as purposeful as it relates to your overall story. Our family is trying to dress in "when we grow up" for Halloween, and I could only come up with "writer." (<i>This isn't my best attempt either.) E</i>very good author knows that stories, even fairytales, are not made up of lives free from heartache. Rather, the ones with twists, turn, and triumphs over evil make the tales worth telling. Here's the last installment of our travel tales. There were definitely twists and turns, but we only caught snaps of a few moments worth sharing....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The rock-lined coast was more beautiful than a phone can capture.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A fun coffee bus stop!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hearst Castle proved anti-kid, but we had our own laughs at the grandeur here.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>While the kid scavenger hunt kept this one busy, we soon learned the pitfalls of gaining stuff only to collect dust as a museum.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boys were not allowed to be boys here.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I wonder if Mr. William Randolph Hearst would have approved of the strict behavior rules...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We only lasted through the outside, the ropes got a little too tight inside for our crew. Even a poor older man was scolded for stepping off the carpet one too many times! At least the boys echoed their love of playtime instead of "stuff you can't touch!"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I think the place in Morro Bay was a favorite. The boys loved watching the sun go down behind the rock. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Quick visit to one of the first Spanish missions in San Louis Obispo. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On vacation, ice cream makes a lot of tiredness disappear (and then come back stronger later.)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Freedom! Nothing breakable out here!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Why was Morro Bay a favorite? All the boys will tell you about the "marble game" invented with cool shells and marble runs. They literally looked like a bunch of poker fellas. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dino parks come in a close second to marble games. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sweet travel buddy.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A park with a marble maze!? Who could have dreamed of the coincidence!?</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>They kept calling the palms, pine trees. :)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our last stop at Venice beach was quick. Boardwalks were just made for people-watching.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Traveling from L.A. to Atlanta on an early flight was a long day. Enough said.</b></td></tr>
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Here's to our next tale... may it have as many twists and turns that make us all grow closer together and to our "ocean creator!"<br />
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~Wave BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-29369683320113644342019-10-26T14:26:00.001-04:002019-10-26T14:26:07.200-04:00More SnapshotsImmediately upon our return home, everyone wanted to head back to a "new cabin." At least we know that they all love to travel in case we ever decide to take this crew mobile living. Here's a quick snapshot at San Francisco and Monterey...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Some of our favorite pit stops were random unknown attractions like this amazing family farm!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOSKtpoxxsM/XbSLG8SKyII/AAAAAAAAXRY/QZohk3Luih0H7p_icwgSJzp-nSnZ1gyggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOSKtpoxxsM/XbSLG8SKyII/AAAAAAAAXRY/QZohk3Luih0H7p_icwgSJzp-nSnZ1gyggCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9498.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I guess crops don't always produce, so they built an attraction on the grounds that would guarantee an entry fee!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZL1IYvUaRk/XbSLG_UkGUI/AAAAAAAAXRU/N61tPktS8ekOA-eRnzyhKH3SW1UfXt-NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZL1IYvUaRk/XbSLG_UkGUI/AAAAAAAAXRU/N61tPktS8ekOA-eRnzyhKH3SW1UfXt-NACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9507.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And exit fee :D</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1D_yoLAaU/XbSLHfaYKeI/AAAAAAAAXRc/Tzn0h5t7pH89JXtgKR2MY_nCBZKZUg4LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1D_yoLAaU/XbSLHfaYKeI/AAAAAAAAXRc/Tzn0h5t7pH89JXtgKR2MY_nCBZKZUg4LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9511.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And extra special attractions for an extra special fee...always cheering each other on to the finish line.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_PoPPj-PE/XbSLHt-8AKI/AAAAAAAAXRk/tzJvuhWdViMXT7fkmnC9EKWFGZWcWgozQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_PoPPj-PE/XbSLHt-8AKI/AAAAAAAAXRk/tzJvuhWdViMXT7fkmnC9EKWFGZWcWgozQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9522.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boys loved all the bridges and tunnels around the Bay Area.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8P-F9uVH4Hg/XbSLIBGbUWI/AAAAAAAAXRo/WHJjApI7MicaHUFjXXw4x_IJJI0hfMzNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8P-F9uVH4Hg/XbSLIBGbUWI/AAAAAAAAXRo/WHJjApI7MicaHUFjXXw4x_IJJI0hfMzNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9526.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My Oakland-living brother had never even heard of the Bay Area Museum. Your itinerary and attractions change with kiddos. The boys LOVED this one. </b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0bplmY6WUI/XbSLIcX1dGI/AAAAAAAAXRs/FSKMQ1cEyiYhpE0tRvRl5a5BDTNMyGtwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0bplmY6WUI/XbSLIcX1dGI/AAAAAAAAXRs/FSKMQ1cEyiYhpE0tRvRl5a5BDTNMyGtwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9528.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h73b5pDYiB8/XbSLJrEfRNI/AAAAAAAAXR4/jX7sbPp8_2sCkwcB-8tJds0LlwOb6gcNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h73b5pDYiB8/XbSLJrEfRNI/AAAAAAAAXR4/jX7sbPp8_2sCkwcB-8tJds0LlwOb6gcNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9544.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We don't belong to gyms, we just play with our kids.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct6bcHvSl28/XbSLJyZnMKI/AAAAAAAAXR8/OD4Dz4rfHSM0f9aXYb4JGEZwlcLScozjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct6bcHvSl28/XbSLJyZnMKI/AAAAAAAAXR8/OD4Dz4rfHSM0f9aXYb4JGEZwlcLScozjACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9546.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With Levi's weak hand, he needs extra assistance, so Roman had to fend for himself for a moment. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QunHW71O6uU/XbSLJ6z152I/AAAAAAAAXSA/hxi6JFtVLK8wWtULUM_MHctDjRk7IhYQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QunHW71O6uU/XbSLJ6z152I/AAAAAAAAXSA/hxi6JFtVLK8wWtULUM_MHctDjRk7IhYQACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9554.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kid museums are the best!</b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh35rV-S1ag/XbSLKKwrqMI/AAAAAAAAXSE/cS-BvnG6_IY2gVd1ydhTxt5F1QtALFYKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh35rV-S1ag/XbSLKKwrqMI/AAAAAAAAXSE/cS-BvnG6_IY2gVd1ydhTxt5F1QtALFYKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9558.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qI0t-E50bNc/XbSLKj0B_KI/AAAAAAAAXSI/gWWXNENrQm0PPvKKTLFJcUSgdTtn2a62ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qI0t-E50bNc/XbSLKj0B_KI/AAAAAAAAXSI/gWWXNENrQm0PPvKKTLFJcUSgdTtn2a62ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9564.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A snack in Sausalito is also high on my recommendation list. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpym3Df1s4/XbSLK5WZnmI/AAAAAAAAXSM/RkT5Q0oQ06Yt961Jv_sgLhtqlywIYwDIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpym3Df1s4/XbSLK5WZnmI/AAAAAAAAXSM/RkT5Q0oQ06Yt961Jv_sgLhtqlywIYwDIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9570.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We had already felt winter and fall, now it was time for spring and summer...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y9CWfiQEZk/XbSLLS4zoTI/AAAAAAAAXSQ/sGbfzUlchVI88N-P-CIUib4k0JzKoQQUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y9CWfiQEZk/XbSLLS4zoTI/AAAAAAAAXSQ/sGbfzUlchVI88N-P-CIUib4k0JzKoQQUACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9582.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We are almost ready to start our own <i>Full House</i> show.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWWuGmwcSA/XbSLLsFogAI/AAAAAAAAXSU/zsLW7tINWNMHA3i0Xt4sFRl69wU-6GGCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWWuGmwcSA/XbSLLsFogAI/AAAAAAAAXSU/zsLW7tINWNMHA3i0Xt4sFRl69wU-6GGCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9586.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rainforest wonders...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dp48_bBGTgY/XbSLLrM1AcI/AAAAAAAAXSY/zq148qThk0INu-8nP17bzS1PSK-Du1h9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dp48_bBGTgY/XbSLLrM1AcI/AAAAAAAAXSY/zq148qThk0INu-8nP17bzS1PSK-Du1h9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9587.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Real world wonders...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWN8y6A8Njc/XbSLL1zmvlI/AAAAAAAAXSc/w_XW_zbeXHEMTSPbkLqWIdjXHVjWAmUTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWN8y6A8Njc/XbSLL1zmvlI/AAAAAAAAXSc/w_XW_zbeXHEMTSPbkLqWIdjXHVjWAmUTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9593.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our Oakland home view... the boys watched the sunset every night in Cali.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdeaE8Qefio/XbSLMYw6qPI/AAAAAAAAXSg/_bDP_KlXtqMVhN3Q1xcEvSkVyCAR1d8swCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdeaE8Qefio/XbSLMYw6qPI/AAAAAAAAXSg/_bDP_KlXtqMVhN3Q1xcEvSkVyCAR1d8swCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9604.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Time to go get daddy from work!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBc6vpdcUSw/XbSLMuNrxDI/AAAAAAAAXSk/qzj6AKKJgcwMaoq-4BDD1-xxM4oyweTrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBc6vpdcUSw/XbSLMuNrxDI/AAAAAAAAXSk/qzj6AKKJgcwMaoq-4BDD1-xxM4oyweTrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9613.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But let's putt putt first.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1HT9D5-DeI/XbSLNcZrhAI/AAAAAAAAXSs/lzDMIJm9yW0ifZW6y2MfjB3pCZ3LQ4arQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1HT9D5-DeI/XbSLNcZrhAI/AAAAAAAAXSs/lzDMIJm9yW0ifZW6y2MfjB3pCZ3LQ4arQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9618.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And eat a little Ghiradelli.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYvYfF6mTE/XbSLNjrFCdI/AAAAAAAAXSw/LZULpq39jNgPi3bEBv8-NZFejOhEBLkJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYvYfF6mTE/XbSLNjrFCdI/AAAAAAAAXSw/LZULpq39jNgPi3bEBv8-NZFejOhEBLkJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9622.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beach and rock time...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnJR7Z8WDHA/XbSLSxELV6I/AAAAAAAAXS8/Fa-bCqQ1JuchWkyECod1Ss0_Mes-aLI1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnJR7Z8WDHA/XbSLSxELV6I/AAAAAAAAXS8/Fa-bCqQ1JuchWkyECod1Ss0_Mes-aLI1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gorgeous place in Pacific Grove</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twDIfysaQx0/XbSLSxdmYJI/AAAAAAAAXS0/R1y8t_c48hQe5IO-Ga88J76d3nmYjvAPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twDIfysaQx0/XbSLSxdmYJI/AAAAAAAAXS0/R1y8t_c48hQe5IO-Ga88J76d3nmYjvAPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4834.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Since we can't climb furniture at home, we got lots of climbing done out west. <i>Probably why they slept so well.</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coffee shop stops also happen regularly on vacation. Start 'um young!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We had a ball at the Monterey Aquarium! I think we even liked it better than our huge one at home.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Time to drive down the coast.</b></td></tr>
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One more photo burst coming your way soon...<br />
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~Coffee CubBusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-68851134479487260352019-10-22T15:30:00.002-04:002019-10-22T15:30:38.998-04:00Cyclone CenterTwo weeks on the road with for little boys has its share of hassle, yet, so does having children in general. It is natural to seek comfort, but the more our society invents ways of achieving maximum convenience, the more children are viewed as a burden rather than a blessing. Babies eventually sleep, toddlers eventually care for themselves, and we all eventually grow old. You have kids knowing the phases change quickly, and the blessings outweigh the burdens. Likewise, if you love traveling, you will eventually get over the bumps of packing and unpacking, airplanes and airports, time and space changes. Then you will arrive at a beautiful new phase <i>together</i>.<br />
As we started our trip out west, three of my four boys were sick, two were not sleeping well, one had just busted out his teeth and one was barely eating. Four days into the trip, everyone was healthy, sleeping through the night, and eating everything in sight. It wasn't a magical vacation; there were meltdowns and discipline dilemmas, but it was a gift of stepping outside our normal cyclone.<br />
I know that we can all get caught in our own "spiral," where we are so entrenched in the eye of a tornado that we lose our sense of reality. Whether its a work-related issue, a relationship encumbrance, or an uncertain obstacle, the walls of a cyclone block our ability to see past the problem. We begin to feel trapped by the dark clouds, and imagine unrealistic darkness that exists eternally everywhere. Sometimes we literally have to evacuate the area in order to see the sun somewhere else. In the case of California, people were evacuating homes due to potential wildfires. Their heat, similar to a southern cyclone, can feel like it's liable to hit your home any minute. We must change our scenery when we feel a little burnt in order to breathe better. I admit often times my pride keeps me from feeling any burn or cyclone symptoms.<br />
I had my 35th birthday in Yosemite this year, and with a little time to reflect, I recall my continued refinement with what it means to rest right. It wasn't enough for me to <a href="http://coffeecubbuster.blogspot.com/2019/02/wandering-in-wilderness.html">muse</a> on the topic of rest and later teach about it last <a href="http://coffeecubbuster.blogspot.com/2019/02/r-r-real-rest.html">February</a>. Lessons that are set on repeat tend to leave lasting imprints that forever change us.<br />
I was recently reminded that God created the Sabbath before the fall. It is not a result of our selfishness that we need time alone, it's a gift, which reflects humility: <i>we are not God.</i> The world will run just fine without us. As a homemaker I can see the worthiness of my calling, forgetting that I am not supernatural. I cannot give to the point of burn-out in the name of selfless love, hoping to mimic my maker. Nor should I join the "put yourself first" bandwagon, seeking to stop when life feels uncomfortable.<br />
<i>"Do not be overrighteous, nor overwise--why destroy yourself? Do not be wicked or foolish--why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes" (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18). </i><br />
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We cannot live in the uncomfortable, yet we must endure that which makes us uncomfortable in order to receive divine comfort. I am beyond grateful for our trip--the memories, the moments, the milestones, but I owe much gratitude to my husband and his organization, NAMB, who both continue to humble me with affirmation and encouragement as I stand beside my man growing future generations of men simultaneously. When the cyclone begins to surround, real men can pull me out before I reach the center. These boys are not the center of my universe, but at the center of my daily life, and I love learning and loving them each day...<br />
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Sorry ahead of time for the overload, but this is just the first two places on our travels...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Getting ready to leave ATL airport!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca's first snow in Lake Tahoe!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guess who felt jet-lagged.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Some of the best homeschooling happens during travel time!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>That's a little better Ro!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Headed by Lake Mono on our way to Yosemite.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I spy two of my cubs...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My b-day moment of bliss.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Choo Choo time!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This was probably the last trip I'll have someone sleeping this way.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Someone got tired again...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It is fall time!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Don't need front teeth for s'mores!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Loved hiking throughout Yosemite!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mama deer with three boys (i'm just assuming their boys)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These boys hiked hard!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Worth it.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I convinced another one how great fall time is!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>God's grandeur and gifts.</b></td></tr>
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more pics to come...<br />
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~Cyclone BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-81099486889454990222019-09-15T16:07:00.002-04:002019-09-15T16:07:37.977-04:00Weighted by worryExtended summer heat has a way of looming like excess baggage. Waiting and wondering when the weather will change parallels the uncertainty of hurricane predictions. How long? How much damage? How many preparations are necessary? These questions arose during the lurking stomach virus my family endured last week. Will you escape it's wrath or are all the precautions pointless?<br />
Instead of weather weight, I've found myself carrying a familiar worry for one of my sons' physical weight. My third-born continues to vacillate between appearing healthy and thriving and lacking energy to play due to his constant low appetite and stomach pains. Every day is a wonder...which child will wake today?<br />
I recently prided myself on overcoming the fears I once held through forced confrontation. After many years of heavy burdens through pregnancy struggles, Levi's little life, and losing many things I once loved, I thought I had conquered all my fears. Yet I failed to see the many names worry wears.<br />
<i>Worry</i> has a way of warping. It camouflages and calls itself <i>insurance</i>. Insurance is a necessary part of increasing possessions. Those living near large bodies of water know full-well the weight of flood insurance. Money is given ahead of storms in order to help lesson the load if and when the real hurricane hits. The future protection gives breathing room in the present uncertainties. The invention of insurance now seems invaluable, but when worry disguises itself as warranty, it is more destructive than a category 4 hurricane.<br />
Roman had a strange "stomach virus" two weeks ago that later unveiled itself to be part of his GI issues. We have been waiting and watching for his tummy trials to turn severe before rescheduling his colonoscopy/endoscopy. Thus, when he was the first hit with last week's virus, I was ready to head to the ER and request immediate procedures in search of some overdue answers. BUT the rest of us (minus little Luca, who had just returned from the hospital), soon fell hard with the same bug quickly changing my concerns. As we have lingered in our lethargic state, I feel physically lighter, but emotionally heavier. I am still trying to pour all my preparedness into precautions. Canning, purchasing sand bags, and filling up gas cans, I am storing up for the next hurricane and pouring all my "money" into helping my kids maintain weight and health, yet I'm actually taking hours off my own life.<br />
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<i>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Luke 12:25)</i><br />
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I used to believe I no longer worried because I didn't store up food and clothes while concerning myself with having enough stuff. Trusting God's provisions in all areas of my life feels after facing many of my fears, so I must not have any unwarranted worries anymore, right? Wrong.<br />
I saw Jesus' words in new light today. He pointed his disciples away from the needless worry of having enough food and clothing, but I have concerned myself with whether or not Roman will eat enough food and fit into his clothes enough. I'm storing up cans of worry in a different manner, but the underlying issue is all the same. I've stopped trusting in His perfect plan.<br />
How did I quickly revert to my old ways? At what point did I forget his miraculous hand on my second son's weight worries? Why must I lose heart and carry a burden I was never intended to carry? Because I am human, and I need a Savior. Because He wants to carry it for me. Because only then can I help carry the burdens of others. When parents see my joy through repeated children's hospital visits, I can assure them God has seen me through many heavy, hard days. The burden can be light if we let it go, and we must let it go over and over again. We can trust in a greater purpose than storing up superfluous cans and sand bags. While preparedness isn't wrong, there is a fine line between insurance and angst. We will never perfectly predict a hurricane's path because we are not in control of the weather. Likewise, we will never need to perfectly prepare for any other life disaster because we are not in control. The storms will come, and God will always prepare us for His good in His own perfect way. It's a faith that comes only through trials by fire and storms. A faith that is more precious than a perfect fall day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We hoped to wave goodbye to summer heat at the lake, but it has lingered well into September. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca's joy at the hospital is much more contagious than my own!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The burden of blood clot has given him a trust that I never knew as a child. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We were both ready to see if his internal birthmark grew while off medicine.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Unfortunately it did grow to cover 20 percent of his airway, which meant an unexpected overnight at CHOA.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We watched, we waited, and we enjoyed alone time together.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU-JyP3Tv1M/XX6ViCQSzgI/AAAAAAAAW2k/DRK4TcHG1CkkGFAkMiAyrQqakoy8u_UsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU-JyP3Tv1M/XX6ViCQSzgI/AAAAAAAAW2k/DRK4TcHG1CkkGFAkMiAyrQqakoy8u_UsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9105.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The docs collaborated and decided that because he has no breathing issues, we will not return to meds and watch him for two months before scoping again in November. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>After weathering the stomach virus, we all put our minds to sweeter days to come. We will venture out west in two weeks for a two week-long work/family trip, and hiking in Yosemite with a baby on my back meant birthday hiking shoes! Silas said he "set up a great pre-hiking pic for me." Not bad buddy! Maybe he should set up all our family poses out west! We can't wait! </b></td></tr>
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We have tried many different options with Roman including dietary changes, incentives, blood work, stool samples, and there's not much left but to put him under. Please pray that God would make it obvious what we need to do to help him or simply watch him without carrying his weight with us. May we have the patience and peace when he refuses to eat, and move forward in the wise way. Also, please pray that Luca's hemangioma doesn't grow anymore while we are away from our docs, and Levi's falls due to right-sided weakness would decrease (especially when hiking!). He has his own special hand weight that we can increase or decrease weight as he strengthens. If only we could learn to do the same with our worries.<br />
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Thank you so much for praying with us! We cannot carry our weights alone.<br />
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~Weighted Buster<br />
<br />Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-20069040033707915962019-08-29T16:07:00.000-04:002019-08-29T16:07:20.452-04:00Tolerance increaseI often wonder if the handle of this blog is a bit bewildering. Now that most of my thoughts and words are consumed with child-like consumerism, my thoughts on coffee are fewer and father between posts. However, my consumption of deep, dark demitasse increases every year. After becoming a barista at the age of sixteen, my view of caffeine changed. I never wanted my tolerance level to exceed that of a healthy norm as I saw the negative side effects play out around my work place, but I cannot say the same is true for my taste tolerance. The strength of coffee needs to be higher on the charts than the average Joe (pun intended). I have no problem drinking rich, black decaffeinated coffee as my tolerance and enjoyment for the flavor quality has strengthened over time. When I was working behind the counter pouring and brewing espresso, I frequently burned my fingertips. Like a seasoned chef, I also have the benefit of strengthened temperature tolerance. My tongue and fingertips can handle burns better than others. So it goes: as our pain <i>frequency</i> increases, so does our <i>tolerance </i>because<i> </i>tolerance deals more with <i>quantity</i> than quality. Burn me once, and I may forget the pain. Burn me twice, I may not forget for a while, but burn me 162 times, and I'm likely to have a completely different definition for the word "burn."<br />
Recently I heard a perfect parallel regarding the 162 day suspension that Alex Rodriguez underwent for his involvement in <a href="https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10278277/alex-rodriguez-suspension-reduced-162-games">Major League Baseball's Biogenesis scandal</a>. Rarely do sports analogies hit home with me, but our pastor mentioned this story as it relates to suffering, more specifically the length or <i>quantity</i> of suffering, which registered with my own story. Apparently A-Rod commented in a recent interview on the length of his suspension, noting that he would not have changed or grown the same had it just been a fifty day withdrawal. Instead, (and these are my interpretations not quotes) the 162 days was perfectly suited to recalibrate and reinforce new behaviors. In other words, had he come out of his punishment or "suffering" too soon, he may not have learned the lesson needed for permanent change. But why suffer or endure in any way if you can avoid it?<br />
I've regularly heard people say their "pain tolerance" is low when confronted with the idea of enduring any physical pain without medication, and I used to think pain tolerance was associated with genetic predisposition. However, the extreme difference between my children with regard to pain has revised my stance. Levi and Luca have endured more physical examinations and surgical procedures than their two blue-eyed brothers, and their pain tolerance is much higher. Do we then hope for more hardship in order to increase our tolerance level? Not necessarily, but we should seek to adjust our mindset in the midst of trials.<br />
It has taken nearly 425 days for all four of my children to simultaneously sleep through the night. Not quite a serious trial, but in the midst of sleep deprivation, your whole world can feel like a trial. I'm sure I still have many sleepless nights ahead, but thankfully there has been a massive shift in my outlook on sleep. I could share many positive side effects of sleep deprivation, which I would not have understood five hundred days ago. <br />
Furthermore, our tolerance levels can transform our response to value. A shower before 8:00 in the evening, or more than an hour alone in a single week equates to a pampered vacation for me. Many mothers can relate to this type of shift. What was once an expected part of daily routine becomes an unexpected form of self-indulgence. It is my hope that I can somehow maintain this tolerance level once all my children are self-sufficient.<br />
<b><i>Our "suffering" serves to solidify our wholeness, lest we return to a life of fragments. </i></b><br />
My little Levi continues to prove the truth of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NIV">James 1:2-4</a>, and while he still has many years of maturing ahead, I believe he could personalize these verses better than many other four year-olds he knows. It's easy to pity those around the world lacking what we enjoy and tolerating what we believe intolerable. Perhaps we need to shift our tolerance a bit in order to see their authentic joy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi's joy about going to a "big boy" class was contagious!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q47k2fEtERc/XWA672QviNI/AAAAAAAAWr4/7_LgmgZ808s_3Xmp23kIw8BmUAQMkmnAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q47k2fEtERc/XWA672QviNI/AAAAAAAAWr4/7_LgmgZ808s_3Xmp23kIw8BmUAQMkmnAACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We have shown up every day since the first day with new bumps and bruises. All par for the course with this strong little man.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>School starting means we are looking forward to fall and travel fun. Luca fit right into the size-up fashion show.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Everyone loves fall around here.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silas has a great first week of first grade!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>His kindergarten class has seemingly over prepared him, which has made our adjustment so much easier!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We love Veritas!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Due to increased mosquito population, our grape-tomato plant is about all that has thrived this garden season, due to lack of tender care. Luca and Levi are the only ones enjoying the crop with me!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My tough cookies...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My tender sweets...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We don't get to ride the big yellow bus yet, but I think this will suffice. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Everyone seems ready for school this year, but only the two big boys get to bring lunch elsewhere.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But they still know how to crack up at our lunch table. </b></td></tr>
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Little Luca will be intubated during his bronchial scope on Tuesday. We pray his tolerance for this procedure makes it another easy and positive one. Thank you for all the prayers!<br />
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~Tolerance BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-80328523593730252932019-08-18T17:46:00.000-04:002019-08-18T17:46:01.145-04:00Where I fit in the puzzle...Not everyone likes the limelight, not everyone enjoys great attention, and not many seek worldwide fame, but deep down, every single person holds a desire to be "known". Whether it's merely by a single significant other, or an entire city, we all want to be understood and loved for who we strive to portray. Social media has made "being someone" and "doing everything" much more covetous. It's the Oz behind the current: a facade we've created in our minds, which only disappoints after our striving ceases and the curtain opens.<br />
If we buy into the notion that we must be "known" by the world, we will chase after our tails in single madness. Yet for a stay-at-home mother, the monotony can crowd your view of reality as well. There are moments that make the months worthwhile, and there are weeks that weary your means of existence.<br />
After seven years of "new baby" preparations, I find the change of seasons satisfying and scary all at once. I no longer seem to know what I prefer. I haven't lost my deeply rooted tastebuds, but figuring out my "purpose" after so many pregnancies feels perplexing. I'm a completely different person now than I was before all these little boys came into my life. I have found a strange comfort in doctor's offices and therapy clinics, but now they no longer encompass my entire schedule. I'm not exactly an ex-con re-entering society, but I do feel a strange shift in my soul. <br />
Of course my life isn't suddenly becoming equivalent to that of an empty-nester. I still have more than one child in diapers and many more lessons and therapeutic treatments to undergo. Many would chuckle at my mental colloquy; my life is increasingly busy, and I don't want to add anything to my plate that may take away from the sweetness of this brief season, but I also don't want my identity to become lost in the sea of scraped knees or after school activities. So it's not so much a question of huge life changes for the whole picture, but my purpose in the tiny puzzle pieces.<br />
The Bible speaks directly into the importance of women staying busy in their own homes with their own lives lest they "become idle, going from house to house as gossip, busybodies" (1 Timothy 5:13). Thankfully, I've never cared for a life of idleness, but it's important to me that I find the right kind of busy for this season. We all have our own crosses to bear and journeys to take, but the natural desire to prepare and compare often steals my joy of living in the messy, monotonous moments. We can't just hope to stumble into significance, we must find our purpose in the individual puzzle pieces. <br />
I providentially landed on words I wrote for a women's gathering last February, which I needed to preach to myself: <i>we think our significance comes from what we do, not who we are... we feel an unstated need to prove ourselves to ourselves and others by doing rather than being, which makes us weary from the working.</i><br />
How fickle is the human heart? We constantly need to learn the same lessons over and over throughout our lives. I need to rest in the reassurance that if there's something more to be done today or tomorrow, God will give me that prompting. I just have to abide in Him, and find my identity, or my being "known" by Him, enough. Then, He is always faithful to provide the rest. One day at a time...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>An unexpected "back to school" bash at our church provided the landscape to get all six of us in a photo!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silas' first injury was a mere sprained ankle from trying to Ninja up the house walls. I'm sure this is the first of many new kinds of doctor's visits. Several days later, Luca was prescribed urgent care after he walked into our dining room table! Luckily it was a simple muscle spasm. phew...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi is a sensory kid for sure! You never known how you'll find him satisfying those tactile tendencies.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roman is proving to be "safety Steve." Much like Silas, he is quite cautious.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>But little Luca and his little curls, are favoring the sporadic mess of little Levi.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Look who loves walking and golfing!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>They all love the range with daddy!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>His personality brightens every room!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca just wants to be part of the party</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A quick overnight from Papa is always fun too! I think Levi may choose to learn guitar instead of piano like big brother Si.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A mom of 8 recently told me that every little boy is the equivalent of having 2 little girls. I think I have to agree with that assertion. There's always a fine like between fun and frenzy!</b></td></tr>
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Luca is scheduled for his bronchial scope to recheck the blood clot growth off medicine, September third, please pray it goes well! And two big boys start school this week, pray for their adjustments (and mine) to a new schedule.<br />
Puzzle pieces may be missing throughout our house, but I see my own beautiful picture coming into play.<br />
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~Puzzle BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-3742170836139414202019-08-11T14:50:00.000-04:002019-08-11T14:50:29.717-04:00Homeschool Hybrid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once upon a time there was one option for education: all eligible pupils of all ages entered and learned all together under the tutelage of one teacher (who must have been a saint!). Fast forward many generations and one became three options. If you had money, your children went to a nice private school where they were hopefully guaranteed an advanced degree, or you attended your locally zoned public school, choosing your residence based on preferred zonings, or you were quite socially awkward and stayed at home under the instruction of your mother. </div>
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Today, their are more options than many people realize. Charter schools, international schools, homeschool hybrids, religious or church affiliated schools, public, private, or even a mix of all of the above. Thus, like many things today, the plethora of options, which should be a gift, can feel overwhelming for many young parents. </div>
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As an educator and a mother, I've weighed and prayed about each child, each year, because I sincerely believe there is not one type of schooling that is best for all children. I admire those parents that don't choose "one route" for their family, but take things a year, or even a month, at a time. As I've mentioned before, my best friend's greatest concern before she passed away was her eldest child starting school. Now in heaven, I'm sure Kyra would tell everyone not to worry so much about your kids, academically, socially, or even spiritually. We can't save our kids of discomfort any more than we can control the wind. </div>
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That said, I'm excited to try my hand at the Homeschool hybrid thing from the parent's perspective. I taught at Veritas when I had just one baby at home. Now as the parent of a first grader, my love of academic organization is aiding in our family preparations. I'm sure I'll be pulling my hair out some days, but after visiting our local public school for the after school activities meet and greet, I felt a peace that we made the right decision for this year. Sometimes I hate all the options we have in our bustling little city, I don't need seven groceries stores within a mile of each other, but in terms of education, choices are a blessing. Silas will go to Veritas a couple times a week, and attend his publicly zoned school for after school activities! Let the learning commence...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Every one of my kids has had a different favorite "teething toy". Luca may end up in the dentistry field considering his choice. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Because of our late school start, we had our own little smith science day. First, homemade catapults...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Second, erupting volcanoes!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finally, homemade fossils we later hid in a sandbox to dig up! Definitely a boy day.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca is really wanting to join the big boys in all their school and summer fun. He is the first to respond to "say cheese!"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First time family fishing at our local park!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sorry Luca, you can't join everything yet.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We've already received homework from all our teachers! Love it!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Silas needed his own space to ensure we could complete all this homework. Matthew built a "Murphy desk" while I was away in California! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Now you see it...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Now you don't! It's incredible. We love our daddy!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Plus he found me this "gently used" gem for our learning room! I was really excited to get it stocked!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's all coming together...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I quickly regretted this luau green we painted our dining room six years ago, but now I think it just might inspire some great thinking! ;)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This boy is now learning to walk! He just couldn't let everyone learn without him!</b></td></tr>
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~Homeschool BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-49668228522723165382019-08-04T15:03:00.002-04:002019-08-04T15:03:35.579-04:00ChangesUnless death parts you, family is always family. Even if you change legally, your blood is still from the same bloodline. This explains the depth of love that such ties create. Blood doesn't change, yet we all change in every other capacity. This may be the reason family units experience more tension than chosen friendships. We find it hard to understand a changed member of our family. Spouses must grow together as they change; they are required to continually "learn" one another, but extended family members tend to change away from one another. Because of different life experiences, family reunions tend to favor a "get to know you" mixer rather than a mingling reunification. Whether subtle or severe, all change is significant as it relates to our overall development, but if you aren't given space or grace to change, you feel as if people have placed you in a claustrophobic box. If you stubbornly fight against change, you'll simply isolate yourself from an ever-changing world. Sameness dulls our senses and hinders our capacity to mature. As every child matures, so should every adult. Seasons change, people change, yet the Creator of the world never changes (Hebrews 13:8).Why on earth would we want to believe and love an unchanging God if change is such a positive virtue?<br />
Because change is essential to our refinement and our purification. God is already perfect; He is always pure and always lovely, no matter the season. We, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do and will not achieve such a status until our life on earth ends.<br />
While on this earth, we need to not only look for ways to change subtly and severely for the betterment of our being, but we need remember that our loved ones might be changing in a different way from us. We may not understand it, we may not agree with it, but we can earnestly seek to love each other out of reverence for a perfect God who made us all.<br />
"<i>Be completely humble and gentle, be patient bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).</i><br />
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I was blessed to reunite with my siblings last weekend in sunny San Diego. My big sis from Texas, my little bro from San Francisco, plus Luca and I, all met up in Southern California to affirm and celebrate my dad's decision to proclaim his love for the Lord through baptism. The changes in his life were awesome to see. It was a quick but sweet time of catching up and getting reacquainted with people I love and adore. We have all changed over the years, but we all love each other without reservations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I've certainly seen them since the top picture was taken, but it was fun to reminisce on the changes!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luca was a great travel partner. Couldn't have asked for anything better!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nothing like sunny San Diego to let your hair down!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nicole brought my little nephew, and he's changing every day!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Uncle Matt had some one on one time with little Luca :)</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kind of a fun change to be an only child for once. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Pacific Ocean was a great setting for a baptism!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>You are awesome Dad!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks for a great weekend Papa!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of changes since we were last looking at sailboats together.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I know our grandma was smiling from down on us. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One thing that hasn't changed: my dad's love and giftedness in baseball... So fun to watch him win the championship!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These boys didn't change too much while I was gone, but we did change our footwear to get ready for school season! Glad their feet are the same size and their favorite colors are the same.<br /><br /><br /></b></td></tr>
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~ Changing BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-22246939556096071232019-07-24T15:41:00.001-04:002019-07-24T15:54:48.733-04:00Power Outage<div style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;">
<b>Whenever I bake or cook, I do dishes as I go. Sort of part of my motto: maintain as I go. I never like a complete disaster that takes more time to remedy than needed. If I clean as I go, there’s less built up for later. It’s definitely not a perfect system. Some people prefer to focus on one thing at a time in order to do that one thing really well. Multitasking means I do lots of things, but not all that well. Yet, organization brings me great peace, and I like to think I do it pretty well. <span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Summer thunderstorms also provide me with a strange sense of peace. There’s something simple and still about the raging storm rolling through unexpectedly. It’s quite an oxymoron. When we lost our power from a quick thunder bolt a few weeks back, it was really peaceful. The normal sounds ceased: no hum of the fridge, no sound of screens, and no tumble in the laundry room. These noises were replaced by flickers of candles, whispers of little boys holding flashlights, and sweet sounds of rain. Now I was certainly happy when the air and fans started up again in mid July, but that hour was a nice change. Having four kids in five years has been kind of like our summer storms. It was unexpected and surprising at first, but it changed my tendencies, bringing a different kind of peaceful storm. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>My desire to maintain peaceful order has always been less about control, and more about pressure. I do not like feeling as if a clock is running down seconds, and I have to make a quick decision. Where I have mastered cleaning while cooking, I fall very short when placed in a pressure cooker. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>My husband, on the other hand, frequently masters tasks best under a tight timeline. He was determined to build us a dining room table to eat at during our first Christmas in our first home. Three days before the big family dinner, and he was just beginning the carpentry steps. However, after two, almost, all-nighters, we were eating dinner together on a beautiful farm table that may or may not have had a little wood stain still drying under our plates. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Nevertheless, his tenacious spirit is different from my own. We both tackle a to-do list with very different motives. I prefer getting things done way ahead of schedule rather than risk a last minute scramble. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>When it comes to the health of my boys though, I struggle when there’s a call to watch and wait for the storm to get worse before taking necessary precautions. I want a preemptive prescription in order to avoid a massive power outage. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Roman’s tummy, Levi’s hand, Luca’s throat, even Silas’s seasonal allergies all require a worsening before we should intervene. This goes against my nature, but just like mother nature, I’m learning that the future power outage may actually provide a peace I never expected. You don’t focus on when the power will return; rather, you keep your eyes on the skies enjoying the magical sounds of the moment, trusting you’ll see differently when the candles run out. </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>An endless supply of Dawn soap helps us tackle pre-storm jitters </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Look who's shifting up on the bike scale!?</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ro is learning to balance!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Si is learning handle bar breaks!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi Joe is learning how to pedal with training wheels!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He has good days and bad. He's still downing Pediasure for weight maintenance, but the good days are that much sweeter!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This little man is about to have his last dose of blood pressure medicine! Please pray that he handles the change well, and when we scope in September, there's not blood clot left!</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>No matter the storms ahead, we will power through with prayer and petition, giving thanks to God for all his good works!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>~Power Buster</b></span></div>
Kthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890190311480279292.post-47795642851213239672019-07-13T16:08:00.001-04:002019-07-13T16:08:42.322-04:00SUPER menWhenever I take one of my boys to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, I'm always asked (as if it changes each month) how I best receive instructions. Do I prefer paper, verbal, demonstration, or hands-on tutorials? I think I frequently respond, "all of the above depending on the day, sleep deprivation and amount of children with me." Then, I receive a pity chuckle, and they hand me paper copies, but I appreciate their consideration that not everyone absorbs and processes information identically.<br />
There are plenty of personality tests, enneagrams, and other assessment indicators created to help people identify their learning styles, but most teachers of little ones can pinpoint character traits after the first week of preschool. When little Levi was lying helplessly in the NICU for one hundred and fifty days, similar to a teacher, his nurses began telling me that his eyes were "very expressive." They seem to believe, after watching all types of fragile babies, that Levi was absorbing his surroundings and communicating with the strongest muscle he had at the time. As he's continued to develop I know that Levi has questions and concerns that he can't express verbally, and often times it's his eyes that speak loudest. Because I often speak about Levi's care when he's in the same room, I decided to make sure he understood why.<br />
"<i>Levi, do you know why you have to have therapy all the time and your brothers do not?"</i> I asked him the other day. He responded, <i>"I don't know,</i>" but this is a typical easy answer for Levi. <i>"No, that's not true. You know a lot. Why do you think you have speech therapy and hand therapy Levi?" </i><br />
<i>"Cause... I strong." </i>This could also mean, <i>because I need to get strong.</i> I proceeded to provide an explanation that was not premeditated. I'm not sure how I landed on it, but I believe God knew it was the best way for Levi to understand the truth at his age.<br />
<i>"Yes. Levi, you are SUPER Strong! </i><i>And you were born SUPER early, so you like to do things the Super way. You are like Super Man Levi, but sometimes we can't do things the SUPER way; we need to learn to do them the Right way. Do you understand?" </i>He seemed to really appreciate this explanation, probably because I compared him to Super Man.<br />
Not everyone can fathom truth in the same way. We don't typically tell our kids about sex, drugs, and murder at the age of three, but that doesn't mean we lie to them either. We explain truth in a way they can comprehend. Likewise, if someone is taught from infancy only to believe in things he/she can see, then the truth of God may fall on deaf ears. Hearing bible verses or sermon anecdotes doesn't open everyone's eyes to the reality of the gospel, any more than a verbal lashing about the fires of hell, (although I've heard of people understanding their need for a Savior in this way). How then do we know how to process our surroundings?<br />
Spending time with Levi helps me unwrap his layers in order to help him make sense of his world. We must spend time with God if we want to discover the truth about Him and His proclaimed son and Spirit. Having someone tell us about him is great and essential, but it is not everyone's best learning style.<br />
Our learning styles do change with the seasons after all. Just the other day, I had a "come to Jesus" moment as I was reading a new Bible with my little one playing near by me. It was as if I was comprehending the words for the first time. I'm not sure how or why it happened, but an obscure chapter in the Old Testament seemed to connect the dots to the New Testament. I was overwhelmed by the cohesiveness of the Bible, and plainly saw how desperate mankind has been over the course of time. Strangely, after years of loving the Lord, I finally recognized God's eternal patience with me, more so than any parent I've ever known. That patience, which I'll never be able to mimic with my own children, is an absolute gift; I could do nothing but give praise and gratitude, before I was immediately interrupted with childish mischief. Life changes quickly; the Word stays the same, but our understanding of those words can grow and develop with age.<br />
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18). As Super Levi learns to do things the "right way," I will always encourage him in his super powers as God provides him the super natural ability to grow and change. The super natural may sound silly to some, but it's a super reality to him who trusts and believes in faith.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Super hero day at Tellus Museum was a hit! Silas described it as "Best day of my life!"</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The best thing about brothers: Silas agreed to put his "weak hand" in his shirt so Levi would do the same and "get strong for five minutes."</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sumo Strong!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A had to keep the theme going... Super Protein Bowls for dinner!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This super kid has all our hearts!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Annual Firefly catching night!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He was super impressed he could catch his own this year!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not a super power, but a lightning catcher!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The two dollar movie matinee didn't last long, but it helped with a rainy tired morning. These super brothers do love helping each other though...</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Levi and Roman have a sweet duality as they help one another in weaknesses</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We planted sunflowers in the garden this year, and Super Silas was excited to see them grow taller than him.</b></td></tr>
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Levi will get his bones checked next week at his Orthopeadic appointment, and we pray they keep growing strong and straight because he won't wear any braces anywhere, anymore. No incentive is enough at his super age!<br />
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~Super BusterKthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329081411710116328noreply@blogger.com0