tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63802609525802618682024-03-13T15:42:09.006-04:00Our Family Ramblings!Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-47207722425761643292011-09-22T19:58:00.000-04:002011-09-22T19:58:59.349-04:00Love, Compassion, Grace VS JudgementI know, I know... it has been awhile! I hope to remedy that problem. <br />
Okay... so here I go. I have a lot of thoughts so this may end up a jumbled mess, but I will try and organize them the best I can! <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gty0O3TTZGM/TnvLljbd2PI/AAAAAAAADeg/7zsYcHt18z8/s1600/is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gty0O3TTZGM/TnvLljbd2PI/AAAAAAAADeg/7zsYcHt18z8/s1600/is.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I will start with a question a dear friend asked me last week while we were hanging out at the local splash pad. I have been thinking a lot about it lately. She said, "what does loving someone that is broken REALLY look like?" Does it mean just sending them a text saying, " I love you... thinking about you?" Does it mean being there when they need you, but at arms length or when it is convienent? Does it mean getting down and dirty with the broken, helping them sift through the pieces of their brokeness and helping them glue the pieces into a beautiful mosaic? How does loving someone through their brokeness translate to daily living?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think an excellent way to start is to realize that we are ALL broken in some way, shape or form. Some more broken then others. Some experienced devistating circumstances to lead to brokeness, some just broken from being a sinful being. Nevertheless , all broken-- all in need of love, connection, and friendship.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Showing the broken grace is needed. Grace means :mercy; clemency; a pardon. Why grace? Because it is by Grace that we have been saved through Christ Jesus. Remember your own forgiveness and grace that was afforded you by our Lord. (Eph. 2:8) Because that emulates our Lord. (Gen 5:1 -- we are made in HIS likeness) Follow that up with compassion. Jesus led by compassion. So much so that he broke his own father's laws to show compassion. (Luke 13:10) The good samaritan not only showed compassion in thought, but put into physical tangible actions! (Luke 10:30) It really has amazed me and is something that I have been learning in a BIG way over the past months.... It is a shame on us, but sometimes we don't show or understand the degree of grace we should show to others until we are in the place of needing that grace ourselves.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I do know that one thing the broken do NOT need is judgement. Nine chances out of ten the great judge (the Lord) and refiners fire has already been at work in the brokeness. That is more than likely where their brokeness has come from. They don't need your "fire". The definition of judgement is the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind. I love the last 4 words! These circumstances are almost always not based on fact or by being a "scholar of another" and ripping off the packaging to open the box of their lives. It is all about where the mind takes it. No one has ever been healed or restored by judgement. Compassion and love, yes! If we are looking to change lives, judgement needs to go out the window and let grace and love abound!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We as Christians are usually the worst offenders of passing down judgement. I would almost be more accepting of judgement from a non-believer. But we as Christ followers should know better. To whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) There are times when rebuke and correction are necessary and founded by truth in situations, but other times, if we are honest... the situations are just uncomforable to us , out of our box, some new way that the Lord is choosing to work his big picture that we aren't familiar with. We may not like the situation or circumstances in someones life and how uncomfortable it feels to us, but we are called to LOVE, show COMPASSION, and offer GRACE-- not just in word, but in deed!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These words come from a truely broken vessel. I seek HIS face daily, trust his promises, walk with him through the fire and pray for beauty from these ashes. I KNOW HE is creating a beautiful mosaic, and I am thankful for those ppl who are helping me slap in the grout to make it complete!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">XO</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-73839721468530537482011-05-16T11:38:00.000-04:002011-05-16T11:38:21.775-04:00Praise you in this storm!<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VHlQ6sBEO9A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-29690845669345977782011-04-18T12:57:00.000-04:002011-04-18T12:57:17.580-04:00Is HE everything or just a story?I heard a song on the radio that is an oldie but goodie by Christian music's standards! It is by a group called Avalon. I think the timing of this song is very significant being played this week as we go into "passion week"--The week prior to the Death, burial , and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus! My mind and heart cries out for you to take the stories and really seek the reality of them!<br />
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I have grown up in a Christian home most of my life. Went the Sunday school like a good girl, joined the youth group, memorized scripture, and even attended a christian school from 1st- 12 th grade. I heard the stories, my parents drilled them in But at a point , we have to evaluate ... are they just stories-- just a page of history? There is a time when all these stories become the catalyst for making your faith your own-- not just what your parents want you to believe. To know him is to love him and to love him is to make him your everything!<br />
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What does the story of Easter mean to you? Is it just a story, or do you live it, breathe it, thank HIM for it! Do you read the story and then put it back on the shelf till next Easter? Our Lord did the most amazing thing for you and I... came to earth in human form, took on the critics, testified to the truth of our heavenly father, was beaten, and crucified all because of his love for us. <br />
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Is HE everything to you... is he how you live, breathe, talk, act? Have you made he stories a reality in your life? I love how Avalon sings it... they can do a much better job of sharing my heart with you. So here you go! <br />
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Have a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-12240341579391071792011-04-16T14:51:00.000-04:002011-04-16T14:51:19.026-04:00Sunny Splashin' Saturday !<div style="text-align: center;">Today was such a beautiful day. Hubby and princess had rehearsal ALL day for Sound of Music ,so I packed up the other two and headed to our quaint little downtown for the farmers market and to let Monkey play for a while in our brand new splash pad. What a great area!!! It has added even more excitement and charm to our downtown area! After some fun in the sun, we went to lunch at the local pizza place. (our favorite!) I really enjoyd our day!!! Here are some fun pics!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iAJKULQ54g/TaniRsHudaI/AAAAAAAADdc/1GCcpgmTbB8/s1600/P1000523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iAJKULQ54g/TaniRsHudaI/AAAAAAAADdc/1GCcpgmTbB8/s320/P1000523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Took her a while , but she warmed up the shooting streams of water from the ground beneath! :o)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TYIniScbH4/Tanh-Xjo72I/AAAAAAAADdQ/URLQX2gd_Ic/s1600/P1000512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TYIniScbH4/Tanh-Xjo72I/AAAAAAAADdQ/URLQX2gd_Ic/s320/P1000512.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dashing between splashes to follow mom!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g27ZnEn822U/TaniDTu2bDI/AAAAAAAADdU/BPecWO6acV4/s1600/P1000515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g27ZnEn822U/TaniDTu2bDI/AAAAAAAADdU/BPecWO6acV4/s320/P1000515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMpMzfBhGxQ/TaniHOFq5SI/AAAAAAAADdY/bPthrt262-I/s1600/P1000518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMpMzfBhGxQ/TaniHOFq5SI/AAAAAAAADdY/bPthrt262-I/s320/P1000518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Big brother too "big" for the splash pad, but patiently waited without complaint so his sister could play!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tarU3Ar13iY/TanidNnh-0I/AAAAAAAADdg/FRXlzqExOQ8/s1600/P1000526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tarU3Ar13iY/TanidNnh-0I/AAAAAAAADdg/FRXlzqExOQ8/s320/P1000526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Found mom among the fountains!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uko2dCjgIbk/TanioGbVg6I/AAAAAAAADdk/1IgCUVRxYxI/s1600/P1000529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uko2dCjgIbk/TanioGbVg6I/AAAAAAAADdk/1IgCUVRxYxI/s320/P1000529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8O6R7Jqsrc/TanixfjoHDI/AAAAAAAADdo/zw7yiyduJfs/s1600/P1000534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8O6R7Jqsrc/TanixfjoHDI/AAAAAAAADdo/zw7yiyduJfs/s320/P1000534.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This woman was standing at the foot of the splash pad , arms raised, bible in hand... praying over the pad and the families there! I love it! I then noticed her later walking around downtown , praying over our town. If only we all had that much conviction to go and openly prayer for strangers!!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziYEgxAeTd8/Tani0t0Ts6I/AAAAAAAADds/T6aDGItWUtU/s1600/P1000536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziYEgxAeTd8/Tani0t0Ts6I/AAAAAAAADds/T6aDGItWUtU/s320/P1000536.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nO_Axaj4G_k/TanjDZ5OOrI/AAAAAAAADd0/ILDrLo-uG0k/s1600/P1000532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nO_Axaj4G_k/TanjDZ5OOrI/AAAAAAAADd0/ILDrLo-uG0k/s320/P1000532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">GOOD day!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-uQQ3E0s6Y/Tani_sxgfNI/AAAAAAAADdw/moA2mFzYh-k/s1600/P1000538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-uQQ3E0s6Y/Tani_sxgfNI/AAAAAAAADdw/moA2mFzYh-k/s320/P1000538.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My you too find "sunshine even on a cloudy day!" ;o)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-43284245386190371922011-04-14T09:22:00.000-04:002011-04-14T09:22:32.388-04:00Dragonfly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ych95Z3nfM/TabxCD3R9TI/AAAAAAAADdM/NG38m2YuFVU/s1600/imagesCAZTST03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ych95Z3nfM/TabxCD3R9TI/AAAAAAAADdM/NG38m2YuFVU/s1600/imagesCAZTST03.jpg" /></a></div>Most of you that know me and some that don't because I have told you... know that I just adore Dragonflies! I love anything with them on it! I never really knew what my attraction to these awesome creation of God were. So I decided to go on a fact finding mission and see what they were all about! <br />
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We have dragonflies EVERYWHERE down her in Florida, which makes sense because they are mostly found around marsh lands, ponds, and lakes because their first stages of life are aquatic! You can see one flying around or you can see hundreds in a field just buzzing in a group. They really are fascinating to me! They are fast little bugger too... On record... the fastest dragonfly was clocked at 60 mph! Of course that is out of the norm, but generally they fly about 35 mph. Can you imagine how fast those wings are flitting to get those kinds of speeds!<br />
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Another reason I love them... the eat our pesky mosquitoes! God's natural pest control system! I love it!<br />
When I dug deeper into the Dragonfly cultural significance... I found one that I particularly loved!<br />
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Japan:<br />
In Japan dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature, especially <a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Haiku">haiku</a>. The love for dragonflies is reflected in the fact that there are traditional names for almost all of the 200 species of dragonflies found in and around Japan. As it symbolizes courage, boys are given the name of "Tonbo", meaning dragonfly. The shape of the archipelago of Japan, as seen on a map, is said to be that of a dragonfly. Hence the leading male character in Kiki's Delivery Service, in a non-Japanese setting, is named "Tonbo" so that the Japanese audience can identify with him. (wikipedia)<br />
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That is just so cool to me because I can remember MANY times looking back where I have been going through a rough time or needed an extra pick me up and was visited by a Dragonfly! I remember one day, when I was taking a LONG walk. It was hot, I was tired, the baby was cranky, the dog refused to listen and I just wanted to make it home. Wouldn't you know a dragonfly came down out of nowhere and landing at the head of my stroller canopy! It was almost as if to say, "I am gonna help you flit home-- now let's get going!" <br />
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Some of you may be thinking, "HOKEY"! But I see this as a way of God using his beautiful and magnificent creation to help his children with little reminders of HIS grace, strength, and courage! When I see them now, I remember God's promise that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will remember that God does not give us the spirit of fear. I will remember that no matter how insignificant I think my struggle is , my Lord cares and my happiness lies in him!!! <br />
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Wow, all I can say is that thank the good Lord I am not Japanese or having any more children or my son just might just end up with the name "TONBO"!!<br />
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Next time you see our wonderful dragonflies ... remember strength, courage, and happiness and where it all comes from!! Thanks Lord for BIG reminders in the form of one of your littlest creations!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-17349612794540809392011-04-09T21:15:00.000-04:002011-04-09T21:15:53.774-04:00Spring Fever in the Garden!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spring has sprung and summer is charging in!!! It was a whopping 90 today! Yikes!! I managed to get my butt out of bed on a Sat. morning and take the kiddos down town to the "garden festival" that is held in my sweet little town! (I think I have mentioned before how much I LOVE my town!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think the festival gets bigger and better every year! Lots of garden goodies, local growers with their fruit and veggies, kid's zone fun, music, yummy food and lots more! Here are some pics from our day! This one is my sweet baby girl taking a rest on the festival shuttle!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5_HyIAoH-w/TaEC3YL_lfI/AAAAAAAADdA/9AxdcQX34dM/s1600/P4090460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5_HyIAoH-w/TaEC3YL_lfI/AAAAAAAADdA/9AxdcQX34dM/s200/P4090460.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We saw some awesome chalk artists doing their thing on the sidewalks of city hall! Great talent!!! This one was of course my favorite. It is going to be a humpback whale. It was cool to go back through out the day and see their progress!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aprmM1P7bSI/TaEBjB5HUEI/AAAAAAAADc0/pNLIXCffQZU/s1600/P4090462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aprmM1P7bSI/TaEBjB5HUEI/AAAAAAAADc0/pNLIXCffQZU/s200/P4090462.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a pretty funny and talented juggler that kept the kids laughing!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5RynGNqiaI/TaECGItDoRI/AAAAAAAADc4/6LeD2eNaTRw/s1600/P4090463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5RynGNqiaI/TaECGItDoRI/AAAAAAAADc4/6LeD2eNaTRw/s200/P4090463.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then on to the kid's zone where everything, even snakes, yuck... was hands on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VJtaSfw8Mo/TaECJe2Rx9I/AAAAAAAADc8/ME7RYZtdjFA/s1600/P4090479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VJtaSfw8Mo/TaECJe2Rx9I/AAAAAAAADc8/ME7RYZtdjFA/s200/P4090479.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9DySS2CUqY/TaEBH7e5QYI/AAAAAAAADcs/qq2qH6Vp5rs/s1600/P4090481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9DySS2CUqY/TaEBH7e5QYI/AAAAAAAADcs/qq2qH6Vp5rs/s200/P4090481.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Monkey didn't want ANYTHING to do with that snake-- That's my girl , so she settled for a chicken!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bMu6uDPs20/TaEDIK1uEAI/AAAAAAAADdE/hJlHzQ0Fdeg/s1600/P4090475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bMu6uDPs20/TaEDIK1uEAI/AAAAAAAADdE/hJlHzQ0Fdeg/s200/P4090475.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time we got home, we were wiped out!! Great day!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a blessed week!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-31145122852478437842011-04-07T14:23:00.000-04:002011-04-07T14:23:00.693-04:00Sure aint your classic sunday school song!Driving home the other day from picking up the kids from school with my radio on to our local christian radio station that is "safe for the little ears" :o) , My favorite artist came on and with his new song "I will follow"! Yes, I am referring to Chris Tomlin! As the music started, Monkey, said... "mom this is my favorite song" and proceeded to sing all the words! WHAT?????????<br />
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As she sang, "where you go, I'll go"... "when you move, I'll move"... "if this life I lose, I will follow you"! Oh, poop... here come the water works!! I sobbed as she sang in the back seat! I could only pray that those words would resinate in her as she grows, and she will fully understand the awesomeness of that song!!!<br />
Thank you Lord for that gift in the backseat!!! <br />
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Now sing with her!!!!!!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nnwz3xx_yGs" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-52064351298117265272011-04-01T20:47:00.000-04:002011-04-01T20:47:47.883-04:00The view from my beach chair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IQFVJfiOO0/TZZtChYiXvI/AAAAAAAADb0/EfDKYCBGhes/s1600/P1000071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IQFVJfiOO0/TZZtChYiXvI/AAAAAAAADb0/EfDKYCBGhes/s200/P1000071.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can not even tell you how badly I needed a beach day! I just love the enormous vastness that the ocean is and that my God has created it ! I feel closer to him almost when I am there... well when I am not being pulled in a hundred directions, and I am not hearing "mom" all day long! :o) I do love the view from my chair though! My kids playing in front of me enjoying God's playground! I don't we think we realize how much he has given to us as "free" entertainment!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today we packed up after 2 days of being cooped up in the house on spring break because of nasty weather and headed to the coast! My parents, brother , and his 2 kids joined us as well! It was SO windy because of the outgoing weather front! But the skies were clear , not a cloud in the sky, and the humidity was low! It was just perfect!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Guess what? I even got to take a LONG walk on the beach by myself! BOO YAH!!! Just me and my thoughts... yoikes...yes, I do have them from time to time-- not always pretty, my IPOD , and my God! As I walked further down the beach the crowds of people started to diminish, and it was quiet and peaceful! I was pretty much a lone.. well me and a few hundred seagulls that looked like they were up to no good! Hundreds flocked above my head! All I could do was pray they didn't poop on my head! ;o) It was a pretty great time except when I am a lone with my thoughts, my heart, and God... we tend to wrestle! I really have to get to the beach by myself more often! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The kids had a great time with their cousins!! The highlight of their day was rescuing a fish stuck in the sand! :o) I did come home with a pound of sand in places I did NOT need sand and pretty good sun burn! Enjoy the pics! You can click on them and they will enlarge!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3PVh2wMfpc/TZZtY6D3xSI/AAAAAAAADb4/PqJMBPmbDuA/s1600/P1000068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3PVh2wMfpc/TZZtY6D3xSI/AAAAAAAADb4/PqJMBPmbDuA/s200/P1000068.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't really care for this pic of me, but she was so darn excited to go to the beach and so cute too! Yah, whatever... you can't take the "hick" out of a PA girl, no matter how long she has lived in FL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI7h33BJ5Hs/TZZt2F-dCnI/AAAAAAAADcE/eiCf32jGRFU/s1600/P1000089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI7h33BJ5Hs/TZZt2F-dCnI/AAAAAAAADcE/eiCf32jGRFU/s200/P1000089.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nRIxgfxB7A/TZZuJiZpgKI/AAAAAAAADcM/ZRhrX27T-SU/s1600/P1000093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nRIxgfxB7A/TZZuJiZpgKI/AAAAAAAADcM/ZRhrX27T-SU/s200/P1000093.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my dear son's dream come true!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To bury his sister!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxDozqtaW1Q/TZZvrSoQ59I/AAAAAAAADck/4kO9ogHB2u8/s1600/P1000120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxDozqtaW1Q/TZZvrSoQ59I/AAAAAAAADck/4kO9ogHB2u8/s200/P1000120.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PAYBACK, Baby!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaOLfFxdoN4/TZZvTJC0xGI/AAAAAAAADcY/nfioHsBMzxE/s1600/P1000096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaOLfFxdoN4/TZZvTJC0xGI/AAAAAAAADcY/nfioHsBMzxE/s200/P1000096.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanging out with some friends!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr6gYEhIOos/TZZviBupQcI/AAAAAAAADcg/mtIuVtAvmkQ/s1600/P1000113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr6gYEhIOos/TZZviBupQcI/AAAAAAAADcg/mtIuVtAvmkQ/s200/P1000113.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGpQCege18o/TZZvVaIAcfI/AAAAAAAADcc/RKFFBfYcP8M/s1600/P1000109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGpQCege18o/TZZvVaIAcfI/AAAAAAAADcc/RKFFBfYcP8M/s200/P1000109.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids, the cousin, and me on the jetty! Yup, still a "hick"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc5Xh-y9z8Q/TZZv0LUVSUI/AAAAAAAADco/-Eiw7yBJrkc/s1600/P1000123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc5Xh-y9z8Q/TZZv0LUVSUI/AAAAAAAADco/-Eiw7yBJrkc/s200/P1000123.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monkey's dream come true! To be the little mermaid! She kept repeating the lines from the movie as daddy was burying her! So funny!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all had a blessed Friday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love you all!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-4126605728371722722011-03-30T18:38:00.001-04:002011-03-31T11:49:38.394-04:00Grandscape-- God permeating my past, present , and future!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koqtCPjIJ_o/TZOvd2uIWII/AAAAAAAADbw/f91adKMcQpQ/s1600/entwined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koqtCPjIJ_o/TZOvd2uIWII/AAAAAAAADbw/f91adKMcQpQ/s200/entwined.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>Oops, here I go again!! Being real and vomiting words and emotion-- twice in one week, whew!! (you asked for it , Jaimie! :o) <br />
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So this upcoming week in MOPS we will be re-visiting MOMOLOGY: Grandscape!! As I sit here editing the lesson DVD ,and praying over what will be shared in the meetings, I am forced and convicted to reflect on my own mothering and the grandscape of that journey with Christ ,and where He fits into that grandscape!! God permeates our past , present, and future. He wants to hold our hand through it all , in an intimate relationship. This is true for every avenue of our lives, but I am reflecting specifically on motherhood since that is my current thought process right now!<br />
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1. <u>What do I think about this idea that God wants to guide me through this Grandscape?</u><br />
WOW! the creator of the universe... the healer and giver of life... the one that spoke the world into existence with his very words... the one that caused the red sea in the OT to part... etc... wants to hold my little , worn, calloused, and painted fingernail hands through my journey of being a mom. A job that some ppl take very lightly at times and fear isn't important other than securing the human race. On the flip side... it scares me a bit because I am such a control freak! This God that I can not see, audibly hear, or touch is asking me to have faith in Him and His plan for my children and my mothering. WHAT? Can I truly do that? Can I fully let go and let HIM guide my mothering? Can I yield the plans I have for my kids to the great shepard?<br />
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<strong>Psalm 23</strong> says I can , because "He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. <br />
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, <br />
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." <br />
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I am also comforted in knowing that my Lord knows everything there is to know about me. Psalm 139 says He knows I am a control freak. He knows my desires and my plans for my kids and my mothering. He knows it all ... he gave me kids that He knows I can mother . His plan is perfect!<br />
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2. <u>How has God guided me in my mothering journey?</u><br />
That, my friends, is a question that could take 13 years to answer! I could share so much over the past 13 years, but rather I focus on my past 5 years of mothering! Guiding via handholding is such a beautiful picture. Instead of guiding by taking his hand and waving me in a direction or putting "signage" for me to follow, he grabs my hand and shows me the way! Not just hand in hand, but the intimate "fingers entwined" , "I am not letting you go" kinda hand holding!! I see Him in my mothering every day in every way. Looking back through the picture books in my mind, I can see His fingerprints everywhere! In a more deeper intimate way lately, though. As the struggles get bigger, deeper... the need for His guidance becomes even greater. <br />
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Starting with my miscarriage in 2006, I could see Him gently showing me that I wasn't in control of my mothering. He was the one that gave and took away. Through the whole ordeal I slowly saw how he orchestrated each detail with his infinite grace and perfect will. He was taking my hand and guiding me through it. Don't get me wrong... it took me awhile to be okay with what His plan had brought me to. But the day I could reflect and say, "it is well with my soul" was a day I will never forget! <br />
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Aching for the baby I had lost, the Lord did see my tears and the desires of my heart. A year later, he gave me a another chance but all the while teaching me, guiding me, and showing me HE was still in control. Even through His lessons and refinement of my heart and soul, he NEVER let go of my hand. Savannah , my now 3 year old, was a twin. Obviously, at the time that I had lost her twin, I thought this was a cruel joke and how could this be perfect and pleasing to Him? Then there was a risk that I could lose Savannah as well? WHAT? Really? Where was he guiding me? Was I letting him guide me? I couldn't feel his hand in mine anymore. Again, he knows me in and out! He guides me! His will IS perfect! There were reasons...at the time I couldn't see... but now in retrospect, I know it was perfect! And I KNOW he never let go of my hand!<br />
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When my daughter, princess, was going through her cardiac issues ,and we were in a sea of unknown... he never let go of my hand.... I was in such a place of peace that it was almost sureal to me. I began to think "should I be more freaked out about this?" The answer... no! He had shown my back in 2006 and 2007 via my miscarriage and loss of a twin that He was still on the throne and was holding my hand and guiding me through every up and down of motherhood!!!<br />
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God loves us so much... John 3:16 says that "God so love the world that he gave his only son." Now we know that His son died for us so that we might live. There is no greater example of love. If you have any doubt of how much he loves us-- pick up the greatest love letter of all time from Him... the bible!<br />
Maybe it’s been a long time since you picked up your Letter of Love. I pray that today that you’ll pick it back up, hold it in your hands, and read it for the first time all over again.<br />
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Motherhood is such a challenge, a beautiful fulfilling challenge! I love my job-- my ministry, but I could NOT do it without my Lord! Face it... it is stinkin' hard with him. Can you imagine doing it without him? He wants to be in relationship with you. He wants to hold your hand through your mothering journey. He wants to guide you so you don't have to do it alone. Even the Lord is on a mission of NO MOM ALONE!!<br />
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All you have to do is let him guide you and hold your hand! When you are diapering the baby, feeding them, dropping them off at daycare, cruising the grocery store isle, or even just sitting on the bed being quiet... He is there guiding you like it says in Psalm 139:10 (our theme verse this year) "even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." FAST... not wimpy... not like a limp noodle-- he will hold you FAST!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-24004701377485662522011-03-28T20:23:00.000-04:002011-03-28T20:23:25.900-04:00Who am I apart from them?I don't normally get real and deep on my blog, but on the slim chance I do...sometimes it is doozy. The beauty of a blog is I can get it out, but you DON"T have to read it! Your choice! This is me... raw and real!<br />
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I have had a lot of struggles this week in my heart and in life that spanned a lot of things that left me weeping in worship on Sunday at church. I won't bore you with <u>all</u> my struggles , but hopefully encourage you in my realizations and truth!<br />
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Who is them? Them is my family... my friends... my ministry team... my church. I have felt over the past few years ... that I at times have lost myself in relationships, in motherhood, and in ministry. Who have I become? Am "I" still in there or am I a version of what I am supposed to be for the minute it is needed? Have I missed something along the way? Am I where I am supposed to be? You ask... girl, why are you questioning these things? Don't you know that God places you where you need to be when He needs you there? Don't you know that God pre-ordained each minute of your life? Don't you remember that HE is in control of the good , the bad, and the ugly for HIS glory?<br />
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I do know this as truth, but sometimes during the breakdown of my walk with Him, the enemy sneaks in and allows my mind and my heart to hear and believe lies! I have been hit HARD this week by a lot of them and it has shaken me. Ranging from issues my husband and I are having- to I am nothing without "THEM". Obviously ALL lies.<br />
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It is so easy to get to this place if you are not seeking HIM daily by the minute. Staying in His word.<br />
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I was spurred on into this arena by a friend's tragedy this week. She lost her husband in a car accident after being married only for a year. I began grieving with her on my own. In my grief for her, the questions came in.... What would I do? What if my family or motherhood were taken away? My current ministry at my church allows relies on my motherhood as well. Who would I be? That definition of my life being stripped away would leave me with ... just "me"? I have been a mom for 13 years... I shutter at being just "me"... or have I enough identity in Christ to carry me through to be more than just me? Have I done things for this side of heaven that have been worthy of Christ in me? If I had to start over without my "definitions" would I be lost or know who I am? Am I just a mother and a wife now, or am I truly something greater?<br />
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Lesson learned through seeking his face: My true identity , my first identity, is daughter of the King. Anything beyond that is a blessing of my father. Jesus didn't seek an earthly identity. Uultimately Jesus’ identity, worth and power came from His Heavenly Father and not from the validation of any earthly being.<br />
Have I involved myself in ministry in the areas that please him?<br />
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Ultimately my identity is in CHRIST! The lies are gone. HE has started a good work in me, and will carry it out to completion. I don't fear the lack earthly identity any longer. I know that whatever this world holds for me I am still daughter of the King. He holds me in his arms and loves me like crazy. This world will disappointment me, my husband will disappointment me, my kids may "hate" me someday in the heat of an argument, but...... those moments won't define me anymore.<br />
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Psalms 139 says...You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. <br />
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. <br />
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. <br />
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. <br />
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. <br />
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, <br />
too lofty for me to attain. <br />
<br />
and goes on to say....<br />
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. <br />
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, <br />
I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you <br />
when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. <br />
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; <br />
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. <br />
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them! <br />
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— <br />
when I awake, I am still with you. <br />
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I am HIS and He is mine!!! If all things of this earth were to fade away and it is just He and I... I know that <br />
I would be okay and have still have an identity..<br />
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I am also not JUST a mother or wife or daughter or friend... I am a minister to them! They are my ultimate ministry. Have I ever been bogged down by the stress, logistics, and same ole family stuff-- felt unappreciated or undervalued-- wanted to walk away? Of course... but instead of thinking of it as a loss of myself and not being validated for my work... I view it as my ministry... sometimes ministry doesn't go seen or valued on this side of heaven. Jesus lamented, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family” (Mark 6:4). <br />
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I will be upset, I will revisit these emotions and doubts, I will hear and believe lies again... it is only human, but I will strive to seek him daily, stay in His word, and remember who I am apart from "them"!!!<br />
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I choose to trust our often marginalized Messiah to shape my identity and define my future.<br />
I love being a mom and having my earthy "definitions", but I will continue to strive to perfect my greatest identity of all... Child of God!!!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-81207702178510358842011-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:002011-03-14T14:00:18.004-04:00FLASH MOB!!!!!Princess had an opportunity to take part in a flash mob in our city! It was choreographed and planned by friends of ours, so when the plea for participants went out.. .of course Princess jumped right on board! Me... not so much! I will leave the drama, dancing, and singing to her! You are welcome!!!!<br />
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They first did it at a local shopping area and then went to our little down town area to do it for all the unsuspecting bikers, shoppers, and Sunday strollers!!! It really went well!!! They all did a great job!! If you are looking for princess , she is in the center then gravitates to the right side!<br />
Enjoy !!!!!!!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dE8KTMm9DWI" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-87999375565831806802011-03-10T12:03:00.000-05:002011-03-10T12:03:28.678-05:00Are you "dog" tired? Where do we draw the line?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZSmE71-eGH4/TXkD-lRoT2I/AAAAAAAADZc/rRv1oAVq0LI/s1600/thistired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZSmE71-eGH4/TXkD-lRoT2I/AAAAAAAADZc/rRv1oAVq0LI/s200/thistired.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Hey guys! I know it has been a few weeks since I have posted... crazy busy here! That is what leads me to my next thoughts! I was having my quiet time with the Lord this morning and He brought this devotional to my heart and mind! So, I though it was so worth sharing with you!<br />
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<em>Scripture reading: 1 Cor. 10:14-33</em><br />
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In two short phrases, the apostle Paul practically wrote a thesis on simplification. For every one of us who ever wondered where to draw the line, juggled too many balls at once,or had trouble making up our mind, Paul offers a timely simplification: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." We differ in talents, gifts, and resources, but the hands of time strangle us all. We desperately need a time management course-- but who can fit it in? :o)<br />
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When our beloved Michael was little, he loved to "help" me in the grocery store. Once he begged me to buy our dogs a large bag of rawhide bones. His face was so animated that I agreed, but when we arrived home I forgot about the purchase, Michael-- always a sneak-- slipped the bag out without my noticing. Later that day, a strange commotion in the backyard seized my attention. Our dog , Sunny, was hopping frantically in every direction, kicking up more grass and weeds than a weed eater, and panting as if she were fighting for her last few breaths. When I walked out to investigate, I heard Michael laughing mischievously, and then I saw them-- at least 100 "bones" scattered all over the back yard. Sunny was frenzied. So little time-- so many bones!<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I'm not "dogging" us for trying. Most of our "bones" are good ones. We've just got too many to chew. <em>In our attempt to do a hundred good things, we may not do any of them well</em>. We're caught in the captivity of activity-- hopping frantically in every direction, tongues dragging, and lungs panting. We're dog tired. <br />
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God never meant for us to live frenzied lives. Back breaking schedules are not His idea. How can we, believers in Christ, restructure our lives ad find a little refreshment?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><u>Reestablish the goal:</u></strong> Isaiah 43:7 tells us we were created for His glory. The purpose of our brief journey on this planet is to glorify God. He desires for us to pour the best of our energies</div><div style="text-align: center;">into God's works. Go back to the basics!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><strong>Redirect your focus:</strong></u> Matthew 6:33 makes a revolutionary promise. If we seek God first, </div><div style="text-align: center;">He will direct our schedules and help us to discern His priorities through the work</div><div style="text-align: center;">of the Holy Spirit. Give this approach a try... it works!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Rethink your motivation: </u></strong>Galations 1:10 prompts us to ask ourselves if any of our</div><div style="text-align: center;">activities are seeking man's approval rather than God's. If we seek to please</div><div style="text-align: center;">people rather than God, rules will constantly change and expectations will soar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Rest in God's will: </u></strong>Hebrews 4:10 says, "Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own</div><div style="text-align: center;">work."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? God is not unreasonable. He does not heap on stress and then refuse to grant us rest. None of us can do 100 things to the glory of God. Let's find rest in His will and do a few things well!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"whispers of hope" by Beth Moore</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-5719419861705298822011-02-09T19:45:00.000-05:002011-02-09T19:45:03.001-05:00More flip video gems!Some more for your viewing pleasure!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Princess doing Caroling prior to her "Christmas Carol" show!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> (for nannie and pop pop!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8-A4j3YNPSRLZq7uv3MKmWHH8A0YCWtEkY7Wk3kRtbKN4OmsqOQL9lTvN5gUDfK391mkiu8HCyeLkLqVKpw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monkey the <span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Sports-nintendo/dp/B0017Q4DGI?ie=UTF8&tag=ourf0b-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Wii Bowling </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Bowling-Ball-Nintendo/dp/B002GEA4U4?ie=UTF8&tag=ourf0b-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ourf0b-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0017Q4DGI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ourf0b-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002GEA4U4" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span>champ!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMyBnp6RaxsSHk9R_pGBVfqur5cqdW8j0iJhXV6qqt2qvm79rGfSmAw4pHPp53ENIwmrisO6WwyOmmdhrr7w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monkey and her BFF!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyKneZq7vXxkibt7-INzHtBDnbAmlyoqw1u2SIgIL60arjyBOSq-jH6hnCitGuMA_nsXxfYlJ07Ahzd4ZCFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Singing Twinkle twinkle for Pop Pop!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQuWghLZrg5eHuyk_w8o2STc_8M1kJfMQDfgx_5ySBObHMSS4ZXWs1eXWvM35XdmUyr_Qq9QQ0nwuRiMee1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy your weekend!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-73628088708008040342011-02-09T14:35:00.000-05:002011-02-09T14:35:46.553-05:00Some long lost videos!<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Hey friends and family!<br />
I have finally emptied my flip video and found some gems!<br />
Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The princess breakfast Epcot for Monkey's birthday! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIWTTbmcTmNYe_glr_ECvqKGk1RmWFuM3r23olGcmPM6EafFrn9n2f9AeVuBXk5jWojH2hMk3dm79gl07NAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hugs from one of her favorite!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgUVpqh6Gjso7tm8n5TGWduuZaHQFkNwp8ExwEghIV1ETkCdw19syCREDMDJwPHSnoKRvO7llrxMoXVWKRCQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Talking to Ariel!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCci0-_E1m18tjXuf7Kx-KHvy-LNZPbcx_B797qJ_iGUko1vfNvoa8Q79wJtiQF5RgHbMlKrXIG2cvohT3oA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making a wish!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzheHuUE0Kbl67fEyGH9qEDCzfS8NsUSKkQ5jkyoMP-05CideuHIhGN6mCRam2dq4kYYmATx4ff1AY9eu0HkA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few fun videos from our Princess breakfast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Gems to follow!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-23807345058482427212011-02-07T09:59:00.001-05:002011-02-07T10:33:02.451-05:00Super Bowl Sunday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TVAHX7TJi3I/AAAAAAAADX8/-wjixO7KCc0/s1600/P2060230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TVAHX7TJi3I/AAAAAAAADX8/-wjixO7KCc0/s320/P2060230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay... I concede! Congrats to the Packers! I have to admit... I was a lot irritated at how the Steelers played at times. Too many turnovers! Never the less... it was a good game! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was very annoyed at the biased reporting. I felt the two sportscasters' reporting of the game was very one sided in favor of the Packers. And really... could we stop focusing on Ben's sin and report the game play. Was it really necessary to show newspaper articles about a man's sin that happened last year? I think NOT. They had him failing in the game before it even started because of moral failure. This game wasn't about a time for Ben's redemption, but for a team to be a team and play football! Okay... off my soap box.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let's talk about the entertainment for one second! WHAT IN THE WORLD? I personally thought it was terrible.. from the national anthem to the black eyed peas! The audio was off (aka they sounded horrible), the choreography was cheesy, and I just thought they could have done better... </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> Our half-time entertainment was singing Happy Birthday to my hubby! I tried to convince him that the only cake they had was a SB one! LOL! It was yummy! He didn't get a Steeler victory for his birthday, but with the season being over... time for NASCAR! That makes him VERY happy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TVAHrv849_I/AAAAAAAADYA/e9rbCLqGO7g/s1600/PICT0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TVAHrv849_I/AAAAAAAADYA/e9rbCLqGO7g/s320/PICT0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>I still love the Steelers and will always be a hometown girl! </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We will be back next year ready to rumble!!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-24302060315179539782011-02-04T19:32:00.004-05:002011-02-04T19:32:45.038-05:00GO BLACK and GOLD!!!!!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">GO STEELERS GO STEELERS GO!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am a Steelers fan! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am originally from the PITTS area! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I will always love my black and gold!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TUyYddmWYTI/AAAAAAAADX0/uDVQDUGpPr4/s1600/P2040229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TUyYddmWYTI/AAAAAAAADX0/uDVQDUGpPr4/s320/P2040229.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> I am SO excited that we are going or # seven!! Seven is lucky right?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TUyYgsS5JtI/AAAAAAAADX4/LaS9LcICbPQ/s1600/P2040228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TUyYgsS5JtI/AAAAAAAADX4/LaS9LcICbPQ/s320/P2040228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am that parent who is a fan as well!!! The girls love their jerseys!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the video...</div><div style="text-align: center;">get excited, get pumped, and cheer them to victory!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-dz41e5Ya34" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-58825469223951110682011-01-11T12:29:00.000-05:002011-01-11T12:29:17.877-05:00My baby is turning 3!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TSySklzNZlI/AAAAAAAADXk/v-clTnS8jh8/s1600/176_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TSySklzNZlI/AAAAAAAADXk/v-clTnS8jh8/s1600/176_0062.JPG" /></a></div>**SNIFF** ** SOB**!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet little Monkey is turning 3 on Monday! </div><div style="text-align: center;">January 17th, 2008 was a sweet day in our world for so many reasons!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was sitting here pondering what I could possibly say and how I could possibly express my deep emotions when I talk about my sweet girl! I am so incredibly blessed! She has been such a ray of sunshine, source of laughter, and a complete humbling of my spirit! I am amazed each day how she teaches us to love, forgive, laugh, have faith, and adore our Lord!! Even at 3 , she is wise for her years! I would love to take credit for that, but that would not be the case... you see... the Lord fashioned her even from the womb! She fought odds and her arrival into this world was purely HIS design and NOT mine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are new or need a refresher in the story of MONKEY... you can start <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4my3kids.blogspot.com/2009/01/journey-in-review.html">here!</a></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then you can visit</span> <strong><a href="http://4my3kids.blogspot.com/2009/01/journey-gets-interesting.html">here</a></strong> </span><span style="font-size: small;">for the next step in the journey! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally... the story of her glorious birth-day<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4my3kids.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-birth-story-told-day-after.html">here!</a></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lord has been continually teaching me things through Monkey even before she was concieved!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just love how HE does that! I am overwhelmed with excitement to see what the Lord has in store for this little one... especially in HIS kingdom! I am honored and blessed to be her mom!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So in celebration and a look back... here is the video we made for the day we gave our blessing back to the Lord!!!! Oh that was a sweet day!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WMxjzuLsvj0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WMxjzuLsvj0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Happy 3rd Birthday sweet girl!!!<br />
Love, your mom, dad, brother, and sister!!!!!!!!!!<br />
PS... I promise I won't forget to pick up your cake!!! :O)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-59012779519098782342010-12-30T18:53:00.001-05:002010-12-30T18:54:20.226-05:00Recovering at home!Hey friends and family!<br />
Well we made it! Haylee had her EP study today at the hospital! Boy what a Trooper! I am so proud of my girl! I am always amazed at kids ability to be resilient! <br />
She took every prick, pull… everything with such grace and courage! <br />
<br />
We arrived very early in the morning to an awesome staff at the hospital. Welcoming, friendly… yes even at 6:30 am! She was put into pre-op. She got all hooked up and ready to go down to the Cath lab for her procedure. We were able to stay with her till she went night night for awhile! The procedure was to take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on what they find out when there are in there. We waited with hourly updates from the lab. Phase one was complete with them NOT being able to induce an arrhythmia. Next phase… to put in synthetic adrenaline to see if that will induce arrhythmia. NO GO!!!! The procedure took 1 ½ hours! WOW! So after mapping out the systems of her heart and doing multiple tests from within…, they concluded that the pathway was benign. No way it can cause an arrhythmia or be of concern at any time! PTL. No restrictions, no issues, no problem! They also concluded that she actually does not have Wolf Parkinson White syndrome, but what is called Mahaim Fibre Tachycardia which is frequently mistaken for WPW. It shows up as WPW . I won’t bore you with the medical lingo. She will always have an abnormal EKG, but we know now what is going on. Another good thing is now with the new diagnoses… it isn’t hereditary… just the way her “fibers” in the heart formed when she was born and grew! (no need to rush to get the other kiddos checked ) She goes back in a month to make sure she still is on track and that her entry points are healing okay. Then back in 6 months to be “cardiac cleared” for good! She will have to carry an “official” paper with her if she does anything that needs to include an EKG so she isn’t diagnosed again and labeled with a heart condition, because that isn’t the case anymore! <br />
<br />
I so appreciated all the thoughts and prayers! We could definitely feel them. I made a comment today asking myself… “should I be more freaked out about this situation than I am”… the answer was clear and felt! God had her in the palm of His hand from beginning to end and calmed my spirit! My relief going into this new year with answers , knowledge, and no fear of the what if and what can’t she do… well…. You can imagine my relief! I am so grateful for an awesome doctor! He was fantastic! (so was his staff at the heart clinic)<br />
<br />
Haylee is doing well. A little sore in the entry areas, little scratchy throat, and a little headache, but doing great overall!<br />
<br />
Many blessing for a great new year!<br />
Thanks again,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-61040872292079186112010-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:002010-12-23T17:12:41.554-05:00Today's stress test and next steps!Hey all…<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you are all ready for Christmas! I think I am ready! Oh wait… I have to wrap everything? Oh boy!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Getting "wired" up!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TRPIX2j-NaI/AAAAAAAADXM/_fr7JOlVPpM/s1600/1223001315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TRPIX2j-NaI/AAAAAAAADXM/_fr7JOlVPpM/s320/1223001315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just wanted to update you on our visit today with the cardiac doc. And her running stress test! She did really well on the test… the results… since neither the stress test nor the holter monitor tests revealed any sort of arrhythmia we are still uncertain the severity of the extra electrical pathway. So next thurs, December 30th, she will be going to APH for an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrophysiology_study"><span style="color: #660000;">EP study. (electrophysiology study)</span></a> Essentially, it will map the electrical system of her heart from the inside. They will find the circuit and attempt to force it into an arrhythmia. If it is not able to be tripped into an arrhythmia then the circuit is benign. They won’t need to do anything—chances are she will just live with it with no issues. If the circuit is able to be tripped into an arrhythmia then it is a malignant pathway which then will require them to ablate the circuit which will cure her completely. They will go in the same day under the same sedation and ablate it on the spot. No extra visit. This will be all done under sedation and is an outpatient procedure. SO we will be at APH for the day! Gonna pack me a lunch!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Go girl GO!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TRPIZlxD1AI/AAAAAAAADXQ/CBMN6Lsc7tA/s1600/1223001325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TRPIZlxD1AI/AAAAAAAADXQ/CBMN6Lsc7tA/s320/1223001325.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She is still on Christmas break so need to miss school. The new year will indeed be a fresh new year!!! SO glad we will go into 2011 with answers!!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Either way, the outcome will be good in the long run. You can’t put a price tag on piece of mind! (the whole “what can’t she do, what if her heart rate rises?” stuff doesn’t do a mom good!) Either it will be taken care of or nothing will need to be done! I am a little freaked out by the concept of ppl going into my girls body for what I feel is an invasive procedure and being put under sedation, but I am VERY confident in the awesome doctors that we have. I know she is in good hands. I will still be a nervous momma in the waiting room until I can see her and all is well… but I won’t be alone! The Lord is my stronghold!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Please pray for us on Thursday! Haylee is in great spirits and really is very “whatever” about the whole thing. I am so grateful that we have found this so early. As she gets older , this could have been a much different complicated situation. The Lord is good!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Thanks everyone… we will keep you posted! Have a very merry Christmas!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-68073545666385506992010-12-16T08:27:00.000-05:002010-12-16T08:27:50.864-05:00Santa's dry run!Part of our "festivities" for Christmas is the much anticipated SANTA RUN! This is where the local fire and police departments escort Santa's sleigh throught all our local neighborhoods! They come with sirens blaring and loud christmas music so you have no doubt he is on the way! Monkey was convinced that he was bringing her gift to her tonight. We finally had her convinced that he was only doing a drive by to make sure he knew where she lived so when he comes on christmas eve, he knows exactly where he is going!!! Here is her reaction to hearing the sirens!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4EC7OuyYmTO5gbEEkDDC0SPs3bXPI8zhD1mC_spfURq7sPaDmfpZyb9Qznvi4y7cCJaJfCNwp7CrsaayJGA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Here is the actual event!!! She was so excited!! Yes, I appears that I am just as excited!! :o) (and can't carry a tune!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxw4CTFffq53El0wBAlekdrEVojZ0d5_6nqfDD3Qb3XeOgSW-yuyUeXb4aDPDCAGwlTgeu7wpp6fG15hjKQlQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The very first year we moved in, I had no idea that our town did this, so of course when I heard all the sirens getting louder and louder, and saw the lights... I was sure my house on fire! :o) Happy to say that was the start of an awesome tradition!!!<br />
Have a great weekend!<br />
HO HO HO!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-42945039124770614282010-12-15T11:24:00.001-05:002010-12-15T11:27:33.877-05:00Santa are you for real?This has been a conversation that I had dreaded for a while! I have always grown up with Santa being a part of Christmas, but not THE reason to celebrate! He was more of a symbol like a Christmas tree is for Christmas! I really wasn't sure how to break the news to my kids! Not to mention, but I have a 2 1/2 year old to think about! If I told my 11 and 8 year old (at the time) the truth, would we be able to keep up the fun for Monkey or would the older two slip and ruin it. Last year was when we told our two older ones... It went really well! I think they were sort of already there before we sat them down! We have also taught them how to distinguish between real and pretend, fact and fiction, tv shows that aren't real and documentaries-- I think that helped so "us lying to them all these years" was never an issue for them. They never thought we "lied" to them!<br />
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This year has been SO much fun watching my older two help keep the tradition alive! They are having as much fun pretending and helping to keep it going for monkey as they did believing it!!<br />
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So when I am asked why or how did you tell your kids... I can't think of a better way than the way Mark Driscoll says it in an article I found on one of my friends FB pages! I love this article because this is the exact approach we took with our kids! It also gives some great history that is worth including in the truth! Here is what he has to say:<br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>'Tis the season . . . for parents to decide if they will tell the truth about Santa.</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>When it comes to cultural issues like Santa, Christians have three options: (1) we can reject it, (2) we can receive it, or (3) we can redeem it.</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Since Santa is so pervasive in our culture, it is nearly impossible to simply reject Santa as part of our annual cultural landscape. Still, as parents we don't feel we can simply receive the entire story of Santa because there is a lot of myth built on top of a true story. </strong></span></em><em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>Redeeming Santa</u></strong></span></em><em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>So, as the parents of five children, Grace and I have taken the third position to redeem Santa. We tell our kids that he was a real person who did live a long time ago. We also explain how people dress up as Santa and pretend to be him for fun, kind of like how young children like to dress up as pirates, princesses, superheroes, and a host of other people, real and imaginary. We explain how, in addition to the actual story of Santa, a lot of other stories have been added (e.g., flying reindeer, living in the North Pole, delivering presents to every child in one night) so that Santa is a combination of true and make-believe stories. </strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>We do not, however, demonize Santa. Dressing up, having fun, and using the imagination God gave can be an act of holy worship and is something that, frankly, a lot of adults need to learn from children. </strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>What we are concerned about, though, is lying to our children. We teach them that they can always trust us because we will tell them the truth and not lie to them. Conversely, we ask that they be honest with us and never lie. Since we also teach our children that Jesus is a real person who did perform real miracles, our fear is that if we teach them fanciful, make-believe stories as truth, it could erode confidence in our truthfulness where it really matters. So, we distinguish between lies, secrets, surprises, and pretend for our kids. We ask them not to tell lies or keep secrets, but do teach them that some surprises (like gift-giving) and pretending (like dressing up) can be fun and should be encouraged. We tell them the truth and encourage them to have fun watching Christmas shows on television and even sitting on Santa's lap for a holiday photo if they so desire. For parents of younger children wanting them to learn the real story of Santa Claus the Veggie Tales movie Saint Nicholas is a good choice.</strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>The Truth about Santa Claus</u></strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>The larger-than-life myths surrounding Santa Claus actually emanate from the very real person of Saint Nicholas. It is difficult to know the exact details of his life with certainty, as the ancient records are sparse, but the various pieces can be put together as a mosaic of his life.</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>A Gift-Giver</u></strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Nicholas was born in the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. He was born into an affluent family, but his parents died tragically when he was quite young. His parents had raised him to be a devout Christian, which led him to spend his great inheritance on helping the poor, especially children. He was known to frequently give gifts to children, sometimes even hanging socks filled with treats and presents. </strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Perhaps his most famous act of kindness was helping three sisters. Because their family was too poor to pay for their wedding dowry, three young Christian women were facing a life of prostitution until Nicholas paid their dowry, thereby saving them from a horrible life of sexual slavery. </strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>A Bishop and Saint</u></strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Nicholas grew to be a well-loved Christian leader and was eventually voted the Bishop of Myra, a port city that the apostle Paul had previously visited (Acts 27:5-6). Nicholas reportedly also traveled to the legendary Council of Nicaea, where he helped defend the deity of Jesus Christ in A.D. 325. </strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Following his death on December 6, 343, he was canonized as a saint. The anniversary of his death became the St. Nicholas holiday when gifts were given in his memory. He remained a very popular saint among Catholic and Orthodox Christians, with some two thousand churches named after him. The holiday in his honor eventually merged with Christmas, since they were celebrated within weeks of one another.</strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>Misnomer</u></strong></span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>During the Reformation, however, Nicholas fell out of favor with Protestants, who did not approve of canonizing certain people as saints and venerating them with holidays. His holiday was not celebrated in any Protestant country except Holland, where his legend as Sinterklass lived on. In Germany, Martin Luther replaced him with the Christ child as the object of holiday celebration, or, in German, Christkindl. Over time, the celebration of the Christ child was simply pronounced Kris Kringle and oddly became just another name for Santa Claus.</strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><u>Folklore</u></strong></span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>The legends about Santa Claus are most likely a compilation of other folklore. For example, there was a myth in Nicholas' day that a demon was entering people's homes to terrorize children and that Nicholas cast it out of a home. This myth may explain why it was eventually believed that he came down people's chimneys.</strong></span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Also, there was a Siberian myth (near the North Pole) that a holy man, or shaman, entered people's homes through their chimneys to leave them mushrooms as gifts. According to the legend, he would hang them in front of the fire to dry. Reindeer would reportedly eat them and become intoxicated. This may have started the myth that the reindeer could fly, as it was believed that the shaman could also fly. This myth may have merged with the Santa Claus myth, and if so, explains him traveling from the North Pole to slide down chimneys and leave presents on fireplace mantles before flying away with reindeer. </strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>These stories of Santa Claus were first brought to America by Dutch immigrants. In the early twentieth century, stores began having Santa Claus present for children during the Christmas season. Children also began sending letters to the North Pole as the legends surrounding an otherwise simple Christian man grew. </strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>In sum, Saint Nick was a wonderful man who loved and served Jesus faithfully. So, we gladly include him in our Christmas traditions to remind us of what it looks like for someone to live a life of devotion to Jesus as God. Our kids thank us for being both honest and fun, which we think is what Jesus wants. </strong></span></em><br />
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<em><a href="http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/2010/12/what_we_tell_our_kids_about_santa.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">article reprinted from the washington post!! </span></a></em><br />
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I also love the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Santa-Are-Real-Harold-Myra/dp/1400306299/ref=tmm_other_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1292427345&sr=8-1">"santa are you for real?" by Harold Myra! <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ourf0b-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></a> It is a great look at the history in a fun way!!! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQjqulH8DgI/AAAAAAAADXE/AfCj-EAHYBw/s1600/6114DYAGPYL__SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQjqulH8DgI/AAAAAAAADXE/AfCj-EAHYBw/s320/6114DYAGPYL__SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
However you do it or don't do it-- just keep the main thing the main thing! We lose sight so easily! Jesus was born!! That statement is so loaded! With that statement hope, peace, salvation, redemption, grace, eternity was born as well!!! Christmas is so much more than a baby being born in a stable in Bethlehem!!!!<br />
Have a blessed Christmas !!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-61399788447009420652010-12-13T14:16:00.000-05:002010-12-13T14:16:41.921-05:00Santa Success!!! WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Monkey was all excited to go and visit Santa this year. Of course I was fully expecting her tune to change once we go there like last year! If you don't remember last year... let me remind you <a href="http://4my3kids.blogspot.com/2009/12/dear-santa-so-sorry.html">HERE!</a> Last year's picture was one for the record books!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQZu53LI7QI/AAAAAAAADWw/TWQMlY9-eEc/s1600/68270_10150119432243833_534763832_7494592_6751588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQZu3JTk5zI/AAAAAAAADWs/uNBwkmWOiC4/s1600/santa+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQZu3JTk5zI/AAAAAAAADWs/uNBwkmWOiC4/s320/santa+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This year was much better! She didn't scream and run out of the pagoda. She was however looking a little petrified! She told Santa what she wanted and insisted that she wasn't going to touch him! Guess what, she sat on his lap AND kissed his check! Reluctantly , but did!!! This year's picture was much better!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQZu53LI7QI/AAAAAAAADWw/TWQMlY9-eEc/s1600/68270_10150119432243833_534763832_7494592_6751588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TQZu53LI7QI/AAAAAAAADWw/TWQMlY9-eEc/s320/68270_10150119432243833_534763832_7494592_6751588_n.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There is one more thing different about the two pics!!! My older two are missing! Yes, we crushed their hearts and did away with Santa for them! Actually... the "there is no santa conversation" didn't go as badly as I thought! My oldest said that he already knew because logic had set in! :o) So yes, they couldn't be bothered with a picture with santa this year if it wasn't going to yield any rewards! Santa did manage to get princess involved so her sister would be more at ease! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I just have keep reassuring monkey that I won't let the big, fat, hairy, old man into her bedroom on christmas eve. She is sort of freaked about him "coming into our home in the middle of the night under the cover of darkness, sneaking in, and eating our food." Her little minds blows mine sometimes! I have to admit, once you really sit an think about it... it IS kinda creepy! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-51542764888703848752010-12-08T14:16:00.000-05:002010-12-08T14:16:07.751-05:00Update on Princess' heart!<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CTGF%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CTGF%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CTGF%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Just wanted to update you on our pediatric cardiology visit for Princess that we had today! Let me start by saying… I am in complete AWE and amazement at how the Lord has knit together our hearts! WOW! So intricate, so complex… not only that, but he gave ppl the knowledge to navigate it and fix it! The doctors were amazing!!! He took A LOT of time talking to us, explaining to us, and even drew us pretty pictures in lingo we can understand! He gave the analogy that the circuits (the one that is supposed to be there and the extra one that shouldn’t) in her heart are like a dog chasing its tail. Instead of going one direction, they keep going around and around. The faster they fire, the more the heart has the possibility to “poop” out and shut down! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">First they did a <i>repeat EKG </i>which confirmed her diagnoses. She does have WPW. Now at this point, because she didn’t come in with palpitations or increased heart rate (which would have meant a direct ticket right to the surgical unit) we don’t know how severe or intense the defect is… we are in test mode! They did a <i>cardiactric ultrasound</i> to make sure her heart was normal in respect to biology and design. They showed us she indeed has a heart!! :o) A very big one in my eyes! No abnormalities in the heart were detected. So the issue is now strictly electrical.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP_YssK3ZEI/AAAAAAAADWk/303selVOuGU/s1600/176_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP_YssK3ZEI/AAAAAAAADWk/303selVOuGU/s320/176_2522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">She was sent home wearing a<i> Holter Device</i> which is like a mobile EKG machine that will record her heart rhythms for 24 hours instead of just 10 seconds! This will give some insight into the daily operations of her heart during a typical day! Then on Dec. 23 we go back for her to do a <i>running stress test </i>on a treadmill. At this appointment, we will compile all our information and plan out the road map for the months to come! Based on the results and findings, we will either do nothing and just watch her, use medications, use medications till she is older, or go straight to surgery to fix it! It is still anyone’s guess… but we are on the road!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">We all appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Your encouragement is awesome! We are so thankful that we have a heavenly father that we can go to when we need peace or rest! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><sup>John 14: 27</sup> Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="color: black;">Have a blessed day! We will keep you updated!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-78537390030902751202010-12-06T10:45:00.000-05:002010-12-06T10:45:56.079-05:00Christmas Carol mania!!Most of you know that Princess was cast in the production of "Christmas Carol" starring<span style="color: #990000;"> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0623598/" style="color: #990000;">Dennis Neal</a> for the holidays this year! Opening night was on Friday! She is having a such a great time and is loving every minute! The rehearsals were rigorous, but so worth the opportunity! Just wanted to share some pics! If you are local... RUN to see the show! You can order tickets<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://gardentheatre.org/EventsView.aspx?ECRID=2577"> here!</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DhuIWtMI/AAAAAAAADWE/jftiu0HZiuc/s1600/176_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DhuIWtMI/AAAAAAAADWE/jftiu0HZiuc/s320/176_2488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Carolling prior to opening night as a part of our town's "light up night"!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DmSbZkqI/AAAAAAAADWI/ljeIi1gr5hM/s1600/176_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DmSbZkqI/AAAAAAAADWI/ljeIi1gr5hM/s320/176_2497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DvbNqAPI/AAAAAAAADWU/KkGOM6sRi28/s1600/176_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DvbNqAPI/AAAAAAAADWU/KkGOM6sRi28/s320/176_2492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DnhbqyFI/AAAAAAAADWM/pGoA6AlqSCk/s1600/cc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0DnhbqyFI/AAAAAAAADWM/pGoA6AlqSCk/s320/cc6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D0LErH0I/AAAAAAAADWY/a-bMMor0IlI/s1600/cc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D0LErH0I/AAAAAAAADWY/a-bMMor0IlI/s320/cc+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D5ZvkA7I/AAAAAAAADWc/uxKZvnh7Z3k/s1600/cc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D5ZvkA7I/AAAAAAAADWc/uxKZvnh7Z3k/s320/cc+2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hanging out waiting for the show to start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D-iAErQI/AAAAAAAADWg/6K_mbKna0G0/s1600/cc10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0D-iAErQI/AAAAAAAADWg/6K_mbKna0G0/s320/cc10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A big thanks to <a href="http://www.khphotographics.com/">Kristen Wheeler f</a>or the awesome show pictures!!! Check her out! <br />
One weekend of shows down, 2 more to go!!! ( I think it is 9 shows left!) <br />
Bah Humbug!!!! :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380260952580261868.post-69044788714909354762010-12-06T10:33:00.000-05:002010-12-06T10:33:31.547-05:00Princess for a day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0BxqSYRbI/AAAAAAAADV4/t6UQduJ5Jrg/s1600/176_2476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0BxqSYRbI/AAAAAAAADV4/t6UQduJ5Jrg/s320/176_2476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>If you are one of my FB friends, then this post will bore you! (since I have already posted most of these pics!) This past week we have been busy!! Fun busy, but busy! On Thursday... we skipped school! Yes, we did!!! Princess was given the opportunity to be in the WDW Christmas Day Parade that is televised nationwide on ABC on Christmas morning! She arrived for the filming and was given the total top to bottom princess treatment! First a<a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">bibidi bobidi boutique makeover</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">!</span>!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-zdNPByI/AAAAAAAADVY/5DmwCw23eeA/s1600/176_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-zdNPByI/AAAAAAAADVY/5DmwCw23eeA/s320/176_2418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-3aZgclI/AAAAAAAADVc/AAsBuOrE4wE/s1600/176_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-3aZgclI/AAAAAAAADVc/AAsBuOrE4wE/s320/176_2422.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-7RkMD-I/AAAAAAAADVg/ma08jBnfBzo/s1600/176_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-7RkMD-I/AAAAAAAADVg/ma08jBnfBzo/s320/176_2426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Taking some pics with her adoring fans!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Little sister is the biggest!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-_DiaX_I/AAAAAAAADVk/gFQCv1hcqpA/s1600/176_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TPz-_DiaX_I/AAAAAAAADVk/gFQCv1hcqpA/s320/176_2427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After her makeover was complete... it was parade time! She is riding the castle float that hosts a lot of little princesses that comes at the end of the Disney princess' segment! The talent that sings while she is riding the float is Amber Riley from GLEE!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0AFVniEFI/AAAAAAAADVo/m98hHaen_R4/s1600/176_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0AFVniEFI/AAAAAAAADVo/m98hHaen_R4/s320/176_2439.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Waving to her subjects! :o)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0AP3bSUjI/AAAAAAAADVs/Xs1xxJ9UTvc/s1600/176_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0AP3bSUjI/AAAAAAAADVs/Xs1xxJ9UTvc/s320/176_2455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of my personal favorites! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0Ac5IkcZI/AAAAAAAADV0/9gMt2xgVlyo/s1600/176_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HOu3Yg0y07g/TP0Ac5IkcZI/AAAAAAAADV0/9gMt2xgVlyo/s320/176_2453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After running the floats down main street USA for several times, plastering a smile on her face,and perfecting the princess wave... my princess was really tired. Grateful , but tired!!! They then took the girls to the Magic Kingdom rose garden for a photo shoot! <br />
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Be sure to watch ABC on Christmas morning for my princess-- oh and daddy's name will be in the credits!! So proud of them both!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2