tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69423086314864514382024-03-21T12:32:50.490-05:00Patchwork PiecesAn ongoing collection of tidbits from our life!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-57511043407579123152014-02-24T20:30:00.000-06:002014-02-24T20:30:05.609-06:00Back Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnGymTX0L9QNDd33iZ2yPgXFX_pGe5UQWuglysxxfuD_9onA6Nf5CddmcRd0mUoigm5qRGVw6jcPnELRG0lxXxsRzh2QPFsMcItFcwcgA0ExvlJr9f5sZlxzT56kYP6K6IL5pJYfXqmk/s1600/93063-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnGymTX0L9QNDd33iZ2yPgXFX_pGe5UQWuglysxxfuD_9onA6Nf5CddmcRd0mUoigm5qRGVw6jcPnELRG0lxXxsRzh2QPFsMcItFcwcgA0ExvlJr9f5sZlxzT56kYP6K6IL5pJYfXqmk/s1600/93063-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year! (now that it is almost March!) </div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-35263952558389766302013-06-14T23:39:00.005-05:002013-06-14T23:54:56.516-05:00I'm Still Here!<p dir=ltr>Someone needs to get back to blogging again...at least where she posts more regularly than once every few months.  I shall try!  </p>
<p dir=ltr>We just finished up a good, but busy week of Vacation Bible School at our church...my first time helping with one!  I was in charge of snacks, and enjoyed it.  Josh co-taught the older children's class.  Our church used Answers in Genesis' Kingdom Chronicles this year.  It focused on the armour of God (Ephesians 6) with a medieval flair: kingdoms, knights, castles and such.  The snack book kept to the theme with a fun snack to go along with each day's lesson: Kingdom Cookies (chocolate cookie with half the top frosted with white icing, for the 'good and evil' effect), King's Cups (fruit slushies), Dragon Snacks (triangle corn chips, Bugles, and fruit gummies for dragon scales, toes and heads), Mini Pizza Shields (English muffin halves with sauce, cheese and pepperoni) and Moat Floats (root beer floats).  I love creative food!  </p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSl14N0ANejCJ2ws8_Ez7-XfPJoWz0_i_2DyShN5D7fCLKgxv4KLjVUu2UYtCNHsenaQQogQNTjqDNVuPa3FA1GAOUrICJl53AZnlI1A4q2wIf1RrhnPOWXakzCTDAvy6EylV3QLqO4s/s1600/IMG_20130614_100700_516.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSl14N0ANejCJ2ws8_Ez7-XfPJoWz0_i_2DyShN5D7fCLKgxv4KLjVUu2UYtCNHsenaQQogQNTjqDNVuPa3FA1GAOUrICJl53AZnlI1A4q2wIf1RrhnPOWXakzCTDAvy6EylV3QLqO4s/s400/IMG_20130614_100700_516.jpg' /> </a> </div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-66402885483867231172013-02-19T16:36:00.000-06:002013-02-19T16:44:18.773-06:00January Goal Check-up<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bybkZhwM4_IPC98pnFvupvOoctaLpZDIrYd8_6Lt38wN0ycggsfStD-O8tSfoUcGoc4vqU1Lvt2Fnj7qOOTpWLPpf5hWpXXHREQbBA-NJLH-G_SzhyphenhyphentLnBl879P0U0csQF8h1zlWXAo/s1600/100_8086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bybkZhwM4_IPC98pnFvupvOoctaLpZDIrYd8_6Lt38wN0ycggsfStD-O8tSfoUcGoc4vqU1Lvt2Fnj7qOOTpWLPpf5hWpXXHREQbBA-NJLH-G_SzhyphenhyphentLnBl879P0U0csQF8h1zlWXAo/s320/100_8086.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our snowy backyard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here I am
posting this half-way through February. I never wrote down a list
of goals specifically for January, but this is pretty much what it would
have looked like. I am stepping out of my comfort zone in posting
this, so please do not be too hard on me! January was a bit different than I/we had
anticipated...Everyone except me came down with a bad cough that lasted
for weeks. Also, I got to learn to cook a little differently for hubby
who switched to a strict diet for a health issue. (Thankfully, everyone
is much better now.) Add to all that the fact that sometimes it is just so difficult to be disciplined, so easy to be lazy and...you get the idea. Enough excuses, here goes... <br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Personal
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Read through the Bible in a year (using the plan you can download </strike><a href="http://www.bibleclassmaterial.com/Catalog/Mark%20Roberts/BibleReadingSchedule.htm"><strike><i>here</i>)</strike></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> (I was slightly behind on this at the end of the month.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Focus on punctuality, organization and consistency in my
life <i>(Ongoing, and many failures, but I am starting to see some good fruit.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike><span style="font-size: small;">Blog 1-2 times a week</span></strike><span style="font-size: small;"> <i>(Missed one week, but otherwise I met this goal.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Lose 7 pounds <i>(Only lost about 5 pounds. However I am feeling more fit, so maybe I gained some muscle?? :) )</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Exercise 4-5 times a week</strike> <i>(Exercised more like three times a week, but crossing it off anyway.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike><span style="font-size: small;">Try <a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/oil-pulling/">oil-pulling<i> </i></a></span></strike></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> (Did this for about 2-1/2 weeks. Interesting!)</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Memorize basically two verses of Colossians per week) </strike> <i>(Started mid-month)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read a book <i>(This did not happen.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Put together a homemaking binder</strike><i> (This is a work in progress, but I got it started!)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Utilize a menu plan and <strike>cleaning schedule </strike> <i>(I have loosely implemented a cleaning schedule; still need to do a menu plan.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Work on strengthening my core muscles with the <a href="http://www.diastasisrehab.com/diastasis-rehab.html">Tupler Technique <i><br /></i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> (Did not do this except for incorporating one of the exercises into my work-out routine.) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Go to bed by 10:30 PM <i>(Bombed this one.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Try at least one new recipe each week</strike> <i>(Tried many new recipes this month, just not necessarily each week.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Journal a bit about every day <i>(Hardly did this.)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Take a photo of our everyday life at least once a week</strike> <i>(Basically accomplished this.)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Marriage
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Go on an overnight get-away</strike> <i>(This was so fun! You can read about it <a href="http://ourpatchworkpieces.blogspot.com/2013/01/r-r.html">here</a>.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Have a date night</strike> <i>(Our overnight get-away counted as this.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read a marriage book together (<i>Did not happen.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Be better about having lunches on hand for hubby to take to
work <i>(I have been a bit better about this.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Seek ways to bless my husband <i>(Ongoing, and I need to do better.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Family
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Cut way back on eating refined sugar and refined carbs</strike> <i>(Made huge strides here.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my grandparents <i>(Maybe this month, February)</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do preschool with our 4 year-old <i>(Did some, but not consistently.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go through <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357416986&sr=1-1&keywords=teach+your+child+to+read+in+100+easy+lessons">Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</a> </i>with our 4 year-old <i>(Did not start this.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read to our boys daily <i>(Did not do this daily.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Play with the boys more <i>(Need to be better about this.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Spend regular one-on-one time with each of our boys <i>(Need to be better here, too.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Help our boys memorize Bible verses <i>(We just did a little review.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ministry/Friendship
Goals</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Continue attending our church’s monthly Ladies Bible Study <i>(Bible Study was cancelled due to weather.)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Become more involved in our church <i>(A work in progress)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Have someone over to our home</strike> <i>(Had all my sisters over!) </i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Send birthday and anniversary cards to extended family</strike> (<i>Did this.)</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Send a note to an elderly friend <i>(Oops, did not get this done.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strike>Hold a fun sister get-together with all my sisters</strike> <i>(We are planning another one for the summer!) </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Financial
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike><span style="font-size: small;">Start saving for a family vehicle to replace our car</span></strike><span style="font-size: small;"> <i>(Savings started.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sell some big items on Craigslist <i>(We sold one item!)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Home
Improvement Goals </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Remove the old house from our place <i>(This did not work out. Will wait until spring.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finish the decks <i>(Did not happen, and there is too much snow now.)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finish siding the garage <i>(The last bit of siding Josh ordered to finish this project was all damaged when we received it, so it had to be returned.)</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There you have it. I am encouraged by the progress. It is disheartening to see all the areas I did not do well in, but I will press on! Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Did you make head-way in your goals for the year? I would love to hear about it! <i> </i></span></div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-13289825315585492312013-02-14T17:50:00.000-06:002013-02-14T17:50:12.640-06:00Happy Valentines Day!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVMLho5kDjYouGpSPAkygApNeareAPtMiqktI6dtrQpRoZZ13IaRhhaqAAlGcyJ2At72phkUBpEpAXM7QUqx9yOZrnHvXMNfJEAehIhvq2HcE-wrN371YLaJzfCcPdTjyOq3PCAJNweQ/s1600/cats-meow-thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVMLho5kDjYouGpSPAkygApNeareAPtMiqktI6dtrQpRoZZ13IaRhhaqAAlGcyJ2At72phkUBpEpAXM7QUqx9yOZrnHvXMNfJEAehIhvq2HcE-wrN371YLaJzfCcPdTjyOq3PCAJNweQ/s200/cats-meow-thumb.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reads, 'To my Valentine, I think you're the cat's meow'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you are having a lovely day with your loved ones!</span></span><br />
<br />
I enjoy vintage valentines, even though their sentiments can be a bit corny. :) I found some on <a href="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/valentines/vintage-cards.shtml"> this free clip-art site</a> to share with you here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGLR5dc80fIhikawL2bxvj2W3aHNly0PQTcWMIFikWnIJqBBqGtteL5OxzRPo_-Nz-yoci78I2izLIVG3cAwZNtWyq2e2Fbw9weKybeHIpcZo2SYPlyLDb5qsHOcgd9EmL3-6xae9Rig/s1600/good-egg-thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGLR5dc80fIhikawL2bxvj2W3aHNly0PQTcWMIFikWnIJqBBqGtteL5OxzRPo_-Nz-yoci78I2izLIVG3cAwZNtWyq2e2Fbw9weKybeHIpcZo2SYPlyLDb5qsHOcgd9EmL3-6xae9Rig/s200/good-egg-thumb.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Says, 'Maybe I'm just "small fry" but I'm a "good egg" with a "heart of gold" Be my Valentine'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are excited to have a fun, special evening at home tonight as a family, and after the boys go to bed, as a couple. :) I have been decorating and am planning a rather fancy dinner. Salmon patties, sweet potato fries, veggie salad and little cheesecakes are on the menu!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm4RA7H2DVXNFV6cVM6WJA6SVX89jC83qHsAGywpCpnkh4JF7ZsMb91_8As_P4S-haG6vwY_T1asCUNM05EL5n0Dx5DOijvIbZEgb6BnVRlRdJXDEpKolJi2BBRaww5tPAPOFQncGWIg/s1600/i-yam-crazy-thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm4RA7H2DVXNFV6cVM6WJA6SVX89jC83qHsAGywpCpnkh4JF7ZsMb91_8As_P4S-haG6vwY_T1asCUNM05EL5n0Dx5DOijvIbZEgb6BnVRlRdJXDEpKolJi2BBRaww5tPAPOFQncGWIg/s200/i-yam-crazy-thumb.png" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reads, 'I yam crazy about you My Valentine!'</td></tr>
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I am so thankful for my sweetheart and for our dear little boys. They have enriched my life so much.<br />
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-9448344219744424752013-02-09T16:24:00.001-06:002013-02-09T16:24:36.828-06:00Missouri WeddingLast weekend we made a quick trip down to southern Missouri for my
cousin Mary's wedding! It was so fun to be a part of their special day. They had waited on God for
one another for so long, and through a miraculous series of events, they met each other last August...and the rest is now history! Their joy in
one another just sparkles! They had a huge lovely wedding; she likes pink and pearls just like I do. :) I was one
of the punch servers. It was a gorgeous sunny day; in the 40s-50s
compared to the -26 we left in Minnesota. (I am excited for spring when we will get temps like that!) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCIRrwIg4SAETHmE6jBFhxeF01b-JsgpoEHb7Jl_vH8l4HAhTIMhGyVSVyBmI5MT8V4iL6TbJROj3U6pMfuFd_Bc5DHcQrOSdpK6asPsp_ozE9EOpMAn1C1nNpkXZuC0QrMUhDH4awhI/s1600/100_8094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCIRrwIg4SAETHmE6jBFhxeF01b-JsgpoEHb7Jl_vH8l4HAhTIMhGyVSVyBmI5MT8V4iL6TbJROj3U6pMfuFd_Bc5DHcQrOSdpK6asPsp_ozE9EOpMAn1C1nNpkXZuC0QrMUhDH4awhI/s400/100_8094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Grandma with the newlyweds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-tHFcX_CH77L4PB3dUx8p4LIGwrFRPxF69-EqvSzuanggo8Yf6PrwyA-gILSXD7AnY4cUFd7MRFiIiVml_Ie_xStFH-fcEpEVzHlC1OTfEgb8juFjoMvDAxXQ12lkrji2hL83Cyysy8/s1600/100_8089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-tHFcX_CH77L4PB3dUx8p4LIGwrFRPxF69-EqvSzuanggo8Yf6PrwyA-gILSXD7AnY4cUFd7MRFiIiVml_Ie_xStFH-fcEpEVzHlC1OTfEgb8juFjoMvDAxXQ12lkrji2hL83Cyysy8/s400/100_8089.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding ceremony</td></tr>
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We enjoyed getting to see many family members, friends and acquaintances. We cousins
present took our customary group picture with the new bride and groom. (A couple cousins and their families who were at the wedding had to leave before the picture.) We are quite the bunch, and this isn't even nearly all of us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlrCLPdDo8BH40ruIbzbv2ls7G7AqWccYPu0Zb4gVy0a1kddOF7f_tZ-HCUhwVlM2zQF-KqZL4tXAW0yKGrVaOubeUkRqbDvwdM7_b7aKPzziE11i66btM9RzSpBFKfzeLPOXC-x2pjY/s1600/100_8095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlrCLPdDo8BH40ruIbzbv2ls7G7AqWccYPu0Zb4gVy0a1kddOF7f_tZ-HCUhwVlM2zQF-KqZL4tXAW0yKGrVaOubeUkRqbDvwdM7_b7aKPzziE11i66btM9RzSpBFKfzeLPOXC-x2pjY/s400/100_8095.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cousin wedding tradition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzVwI_xBFTTQL8O7Pt5C7ItYYem5sElevdEI_v1jnP3tT6SDnoc9NQ3eicMFwPQNR5TxYc4fs4fqMoMlzWqgtKHr8zE6wFxOxM88zPy-ScCZoKOxygecqMW0XQq50TzEvQ001mOSOxNA/s1600/100_8099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzVwI_xBFTTQL8O7Pt5C7ItYYem5sElevdEI_v1jnP3tT6SDnoc9NQ3eicMFwPQNR5TxYc4fs4fqMoMlzWqgtKHr8zE6wFxOxM88zPy-ScCZoKOxygecqMW0XQq50TzEvQ001mOSOxNA/s400/100_8099.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Send off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Best wishes, Ben and Mary! May the Lord richly bless you in your new life together!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-81091688572048608822013-01-29T22:22:00.000-06:002013-01-29T22:22:18.200-06:00R & R<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JEeAUpFdrFlsNt4yCyvOaYmncZN_EgEN0723hb2Qwok0xDgilBlUOY73mGT2zN051OwcZhSEjHVBcvGDBnJe5D_3jR_44EF8KyJHJwLub9OcBdmNxy92TkYq6-sFnAJL6oJkyBmSILE/s1600/100_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JEeAUpFdrFlsNt4yCyvOaYmncZN_EgEN0723hb2Qwok0xDgilBlUOY73mGT2zN051OwcZhSEjHVBcvGDBnJe5D_3jR_44EF8KyJHJwLub9OcBdmNxy92TkYq6-sFnAJL6oJkyBmSILE/s320/100_0127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple weeks ago, Josh took me back to 'our' honeymoon cabin at a nearby Bed and Breakfast to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary (which was back in October, but things were a bit busy then!). My mother-in-law watched our two oldest, and our youngest got to tag along with us. Very little of the cabin had changed, and it still looks like the picture I took five years ago (above), only this time it was snowy outside and of course, nothing was growing. We went out for lunch and supper, and breakfast was delivered in the morning. Our time together there was so relaxing and rejuvenating! And it was extra special going back to where we spent the first couple days of our married life. :)Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-2716060636325904942013-01-29T17:22:00.001-06:002013-01-29T17:22:23.247-06:00Cold and SnowWell, we survived the sub-zero temperatures we saw last week! Some days were bitterly cold. Especially when there was wind. And the water pipes survived, too, though they did freeze numerous times. My hair-dryer came in handy for thawing them out again.<br />
<br />
We are definitely back in Minnesota! I recently overheard a few older ladies in a quilt shop discussing the weather (it was a blustery cold day), and their conversation went something like this:<br />
<br />
Quilt Shop Worker- <i>You were brave to come out in weather like this!</i><br />
Lady Shopper- <i>Well, this kind of weather just begs for us to go out in it, you know, to see if we can master it!</i><br />
Other Lady Shopper- <i>Yeah, we are hardy Minnesotans!</i><br />
<br />
I chuckled and quietly commented to Josh<i>, You never would have heard that in North Carolina! </i>There it takes just a few flurries for the stores to be cleared out of milk and bread and for schools to be closed in anticipation of a 'blizzard'! Gotta love those cultural differences. :) <br />
<br />
We are back to nice winter temps this week...as I'm typing it is 23 degrees. And last night we got around 10 inches of fluffy snow. It is so beautiful. The two oldest boys were playing outside this morning and using dustpans to shovel snow! I wish I would have thought to snap a picture of them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AlKY6A3EajBuctt6U-qBW9td-f3pYo3w0-iv-eu_TNx2tKTRBMyg3z8CbHZ64xE0SNwHmYvaJhiGZdFkX2GrB8wNHKYp01vUmov-aNhp64Ahy2uqnGn5V1yDAOtsKDfzEUCLnd-RMxE/s1600/100_8084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AlKY6A3EajBuctt6U-qBW9td-f3pYo3w0-iv-eu_TNx2tKTRBMyg3z8CbHZ64xE0SNwHmYvaJhiGZdFkX2GrB8wNHKYp01vUmov-aNhp64Ahy2uqnGn5V1yDAOtsKDfzEUCLnd-RMxE/s320/100_8084.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow accumulation on our back deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oeFmd5vPj3zNmNJMpDW9ktHyigDCU6dB8m8JVneIyYdm1t67t9eqC9njYICDoCLSDVo40PUFlYC5VX2QkCyWrPtjWeFGj6INYgqczYTJB-x2_uooRlIrcVjb4_WrosuEtrf3MJonUxY/s1600/100_8087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oeFmd5vPj3zNmNJMpDW9ktHyigDCU6dB8m8JVneIyYdm1t67t9eqC9njYICDoCLSDVo40PUFlYC5VX2QkCyWrPtjWeFGj6INYgqczYTJB-x2_uooRlIrcVjb4_WrosuEtrf3MJonUxY/s320/100_8087.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almost-completely-sided garage with a new blanket of snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hope you all are staying warm!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-8899634232778226992013-01-22T15:16:00.001-06:002013-02-19T16:45:06.329-06:00From the KitchenThis has become a new family favorite. We like how it has a unique flavor...it adds a nice change to our meal selections!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Spicy Thai Noodles</span> <br />
<br />
1 (13.25oz) box whole-wheat linguine, cooked<br />
3 chicken breasts, cubed and cooked<br />
1/4-1/2 cup sesame oil (I get this from the Asian food section at Walmart.)<br />
6 Tbsp. honey<br />
6 Tbsp.soy sauce (I use Bragg Liquid Aminos.)<br />
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper<br />
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed<br />
<br />
Mix all together and serve hot. Enjoy! Let me know if you come up with any tasty additions or subtractions--there are so many variations you could make with this recipe.<br />
<br />
<i>~Adapted from the recipe found <a href="http://asmallsnippet.com/2011/03/spicy-thai-noodles.html">here</a>.</i>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-82596472393184659972013-01-21T22:26:00.000-06:002013-01-21T22:26:09.353-06:00MusingsMatthew 5:48 states, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.<br />
<br />
Does that seem like a tall order? Does God require the Christian to reach sinless perfection in his or her earthly life?<br />
<br />
No, God knows we will not reach that state until we have our glorified bodies. 1 John 1:8 reads, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<br />
<br />
Why then does God tell us to be perfect? Sometimes I have thought, "If I can never reach perfection, why even try? Why does God ask me to be what is impossible?" I love it when I have had a question in the back of my mind and then in church God uses something our pastor says to give me just the answer I need.<br />
<br />
<i>Reaching perfection is not the point. </i><i><b>Striving</b></i><i> for perfection is what God requires of us. He knows when one strives for perfection, </i><i><b>excellence</b></i><i> is produced.</i><br />
<br />
This was such an eye-opener and encouragement to me!<br />
<br />
Olympian athletes are not perfect, but they have reached a very high level of excellence in their sport because they earnestly, diligently strive for perfection. 1 Corinthians 9:25 says, And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.<br />
<br />
Philippians 3:14 reads, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.<br />
<br />
Philippians 4:13 states, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.<br />
<br />
We can be excellent Christians. God has given us the strength to do as He bids. As we yield ourselves to Him, we become more and more like Him--the Perfect One.<br />
<br />
Press on!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-21599179548526823262013-01-05T15:18:00.000-06:002013-01-05T17:41:10.945-06:00Goals for 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>It is a brand new year for new beginnings! My goals for this year are listed below. Some of them are also "our" goals (both mine and Josh's). </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I am including what I came up with for my
mission statement and theme for the year, along with some encouragement for me in attaining these goals. There are so many areas of my life where I must be a better steward/caretaker of all God has given me. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>This is my first time really writing down my goals for a year, and I know I did a no-no for newbie goal-setting in
creating such a long list of things to tackle. But for now I am going
to leave it that way. As Zig Ziglar once said, "If you aim for nothing,
you will hit it every time." :) I am sure I will be
tweaking, changing, adding and/or removing goals as is best throughout the year. I plan to post a monthly check-in for accountability. </i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Theme</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Flourish in Faithfulness </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Mission</span><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"> Statement</span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I desire to glorify God by being a wise steward of all He has entrusted to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Encouragement</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 Corinthians 4:2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found
faithful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 Corinthians 10:31</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 Corinthians 14:40</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Let all things be done decently and in order.<br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Philippians 4:13</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Proverbs 28:20a</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A faithful man shall abound with blessings:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Personal
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read through the Bible in a year (using the plan you can download <a href="http://www.bibleclassmaterial.com/Catalog/Mark%20Roberts/BibleReadingSchedule.htm"><i>here</i>)</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Focus on punctuality, organization and consistency in my
life<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Blog 1-2 times a week<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Return to my pre-pregnancy weight by June 1st<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Exercise 4-5 times a week<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Try <a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/oil-pulling/">oil-pulling </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Memorize Colossians (basically two verses per week)<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read 12 books<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Put together a homemaking binder in January</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Utilize a menu plan and cleaning schedule</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Work on strengthening my core muscles with the <a href="http://www.diastasisrehab.com/diastasis-rehab.html">Tupler Technique</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go to bed by 10:30 PM </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Try at least one new recipe each week</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Journal a bit about every day</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Take a photo of our everyday life at least once a week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Make baby photo books for our youngest two</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Marriage
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go on two overnight get-aways</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have a monthly date night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read a marriage book together</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Be better about having lunches on hand for hubby to take to
work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Seek ways to bless my husband</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Family
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go on two camping trips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cut way back on eating refined sugar and refined carbs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go to family reunions</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my grandparents several times <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Attend my cousins’ weddings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do preschool with our 4 year-old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Go through <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357416986&sr=1-1&keywords=teach+your+child+to+read+in+100+easy+lessons">Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</a> </i>with our 4 year-old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Potty-train our 2 year-old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read to our boys daily</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Play with the boys more</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Spend regular one-on-one time with each of our boys</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Help our boys memorize Bible verses</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ministry/Friendship
Goals</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Continue attending our church’s monthly Ladies Bible Study </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Become more involved in our church </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have people over to our home at least once a month </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Continue sending birthday cards to extended family </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Send a note to an elderly friend every month</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hold a fun sister get-together with all my sisters </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Financial
Goals</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Save for a family vehicle to replace our car</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sell some big items on Craigslist</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do a will</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Home
Improvement Goals </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Remove the old house from our place</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Landscape our yard</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Buy a new mailbox</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Plant a vegetable garden</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Make flower beds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finish the decks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finish the garage</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Paint interior walls of our house</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Paint cabinets</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Paint garage doors </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Pour cement pad in front of garage</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Build a clothesline</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Did you set any goals this year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! </i></span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-46141972541998041682013-01-01T22:38:00.000-06:002013-01-01T22:41:34.269-06:00CorrectionMy sincere apologies to whoever sent a card to the address for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center I posted last month. It turned out the address was incorrect, as the cards I sent were returned to me. :( I am guessing yours has been/will be returned as well. I should have made sure the address was right before I copied it from the source I did. I'm so sorry. Here is the correct address if anyone is interested.<br />
<br />
A Recovering American Soldier<br />
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center<br />
6900 Georgia Avenue, N.W.<br />
Building #2<br />
Washington, DC 20307-5001<br />
<br />
Hopefully this address will work! Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-40658323614242743732013-01-01T21:57:00.000-06:002013-01-02T15:37:54.610-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKX207KkMGb_iPEpH2iPy2m5_RnI7krlgp95Jdc_QsvC0OfQIvifuyTzXBusR5e1zQ9kUg0oxX8OmnFQRIt2znobwWnYEqoMz23lZWVuz3loPj5xRk3jiWcp12uuiHAw0EWmfqb532jU/s1600/victorian-bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKX207KkMGb_iPEpH2iPy2m5_RnI7krlgp95Jdc_QsvC0OfQIvifuyTzXBusR5e1zQ9kUg0oxX8OmnFQRIt2znobwWnYEqoMz23lZWVuz3loPj5xRk3jiWcp12uuiHAw0EWmfqb532jU/s1600/victorian-bells.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ring out the old, ring in the new,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ring, happy bells, across the snow;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The year is going, let him go;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ring out the false, ring in the true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>-Alfred Tennyson</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Only fear the LORD,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and serve him in truth </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with all your heart:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for consider how great things</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he hath done for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Samuel 12:24</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thou crownest the year with thy goodness...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 65:11</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-26082867921749286952012-12-27T16:42:00.000-06:002013-01-01T22:56:07.985-06:00Christmas Wreath Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh9vLTtDnwngiBa0UiQK97WwqEA4xkMhBjW1FOPf9PKm7iJg0qR6g3t904MsEfmFU98cef_fYoAdiGYGh5BYyYeME7qQPQnsZGNRQ5C2JuEgywLdmEuwKL7HQT5HaUcALIV1Bp02yOVE/s1600/100_7948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh9vLTtDnwngiBa0UiQK97WwqEA4xkMhBjW1FOPf9PKm7iJg0qR6g3t904MsEfmFU98cef_fYoAdiGYGh5BYyYeME7qQPQnsZGNRQ5C2JuEgywLdmEuwKL7HQT5HaUcALIV1Bp02yOVE/s320/100_7948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Would you like to make an easy, realistic-looking Christmas wreath that will last a long time? Follow along as I show you how to make one in my first ever blog tutorial! I wanted to post this before Christmas, but obviously that did not happen. However, since I am posting this just a couple days after Christmas Day, you may be able to find some, if not all of the supplies on clearance and make a
VERY inexpensive wreath for next year. I purchased all my supplies at Walmart. The regular prices are shown below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUw5HdTSRihk43MLqM4TjlTKa5973wPy5y6Bqcom22GAygss154z9J7R68FQdZWtRC1fIB7zDbaYM7ozR2P2tngE812mAcuJxeN9qgrmwUr9ZjAZgAf2qjKMsO7BNVMaWlMx7C1toZNk/s1600/100_7937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUw5HdTSRihk43MLqM4TjlTKa5973wPy5y6Bqcom22GAygss154z9J7R68FQdZWtRC1fIB7zDbaYM7ozR2P2tngE812mAcuJxeN9qgrmwUr9ZjAZgAf2qjKMsO7BNVMaWlMx7C1toZNk/s320/100_7937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For one wreath you will need: <br />
<ul>
<li>Two 20-inch basic artificial wreaths (Walmart: $2.50 x 2= $5) </li>
<li>One red bow (Walmart: $.98)</li>
<li>One wreath hanger (Walmart: $2)</li>
<li>Three twist-ties (I didn't have enough of these, so I also used wire ornament hooks from Walmart, $.97 or so for a package)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
Total cost for wreath: about $9<br />
<br />
Why use two wreaths? The wreaths at Walmart come looking like this (see below). All the needles are pushed to the inside of the wreath... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaWWawr-6zDfamx7YzeqbbKsC6-3-EGR0vrMe4za7_zmpP2kT_aEw4drdWBFuuvhlD3jfidJJMGGaWcMLzhB7FuV7cu0wGSoiImKg9XTOGBP8k8mXUgSeGNFnQa6rySqdaMZiRY9Knkw/s1600/100_7934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaWWawr-6zDfamx7YzeqbbKsC6-3-EGR0vrMe4za7_zmpP2kT_aEw4drdWBFuuvhlD3jfidJJMGGaWcMLzhB7FuV7cu0wGSoiImKg9XTOGBP8k8mXUgSeGNFnQa6rySqdaMZiRY9Knkw/s320/100_7934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
...and when the needles are spread out, this is the result--a scraggly sorry-looking thing! So I use two skinny wreaths to make one full wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmj5D_L863XlniMiHP3TJr2BiQRe_kBhD9jVVnFEEsPnKSbBPAuOWv7s8-2K7viZXjahCgUrcja0PEi50MoPQEmJDafWcRvsUpL3O3GYmi7MgtV9QfsRNIviA8xIZoYvZWVlqQ0LJxs/s1600/100_7938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmj5D_L863XlniMiHP3TJr2BiQRe_kBhD9jVVnFEEsPnKSbBPAuOWv7s8-2K7viZXjahCgUrcja0PEi50MoPQEmJDafWcRvsUpL3O3GYmi7MgtV9QfsRNIviA8xIZoYvZWVlqQ0LJxs/s320/100_7938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First, take one wreath and bend all the needles to the outside. This will be your base wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qp1FHlnM9w0_Ha9FBrCyiYsSTgBf9poI0PZgWtlKb2PrQcteU9phyRHeZMOhmV0VDVlgyrK_KKBK_ePh3XW16vpU_QTEid8ifibWIbEQUq0VhM5TXHo6FlxyjyDqrXkpsh1LlFyWnmM/s1600/100_7935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qp1FHlnM9w0_Ha9FBrCyiYsSTgBf9poI0PZgWtlKb2PrQcteU9phyRHeZMOhmV0VDVlgyrK_KKBK_ePh3XW16vpU_QTEid8ifibWIbEQUq0VhM5TXHo6FlxyjyDqrXkpsh1LlFyWnmM/s320/100_7935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then take the other wreath and arrange the needles evenly. This will be your top wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmj5D_L863XlniMiHP3TJr2BiQRe_kBhD9jVVnFEEsPnKSbBPAuOWv7s8-2K7viZXjahCgUrcja0PEi50MoPQEmJDafWcRvsUpL3O3GYmi7MgtV9QfsRNIviA8xIZoYvZWVlqQ0LJxs/s1600/100_7938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmj5D_L863XlniMiHP3TJr2BiQRe_kBhD9jVVnFEEsPnKSbBPAuOWv7s8-2K7viZXjahCgUrcja0PEi50MoPQEmJDafWcRvsUpL3O3GYmi7MgtV9QfsRNIviA8xIZoYvZWVlqQ0LJxs/s320/100_7938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place the top wreath on top of your base wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgljbiSBB4bHUi8CoyQnyYwdPTXvT9WW5Bj3LQAPkTG8wdM7Cew3cak2AOy4OnYjmzwYSPZpb00elW6F8t1yH7L4jyqi3eqFcSdHJ9Ni7OyS0C31qdbDdWLF4Hb-8Q3Ybui229SAZ38Q/s1600/100_7939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgljbiSBB4bHUi8CoyQnyYwdPTXvT9WW5Bj3LQAPkTG8wdM7Cew3cak2AOy4OnYjmzwYSPZpb00elW6F8t1yH7L4jyqi3eqFcSdHJ9Ni7OyS0C31qdbDdWLF4Hb-8Q3Ybui229SAZ38Q/s320/100_7939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it look nice and full now?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXcziaBCJAG34XjSHtXtUH8K8PnkMGH9bYVUefZiZDMg_GfNUErIlzjfILT40Bdw_Zk9R9bDDmIo9u9OZnSGoBXNmB7e8gqBE9LxV3OXD8jtCt5ZiCz54UICyM2o09ZXGeiwDIk_Ypok/s1600/100_7940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXcziaBCJAG34XjSHtXtUH8K8PnkMGH9bYVUefZiZDMg_GfNUErIlzjfILT40Bdw_Zk9R9bDDmIo9u9OZnSGoBXNmB7e8gqBE9LxV3OXD8jtCt5ZiCz54UICyM2o09ZXGeiwDIk_Ypok/s320/100_7940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now take your twist-ties, wire ornament hooks, or other item of preference to secure the two wreaths together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZrqKc36GQ6QfKZIllUBEgx7t425jcPexs28eSe5d9d06dHSNcwc1DaaW5G5TvLzfk6Di3_zsIfLWhv1xC-BtIphgtUmVvcrwCrRNa-d_3QOrFhZohCmggsZx25U18czpXKib6KN8cKI/s1600/100_7941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZrqKc36GQ6QfKZIllUBEgx7t425jcPexs28eSe5d9d06dHSNcwc1DaaW5G5TvLzfk6Di3_zsIfLWhv1xC-BtIphgtUmVvcrwCrRNa-d_3QOrFhZohCmggsZx25U18czpXKib6KN8cKI/s320/100_7941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried to get a close-up of the wire hook wrapped around the wire frames of the wreaths, but it is hard to see here. I tied the wreaths together in three places around the wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsN9sOU-tr-O0ai1B5mv-M8kefsH2npH5wjGgZspzqosfJIUlSxIbABDtXeZejqjWGiCSGqIK67mP6moQA-Sd70isE81BNw0hr-ZNpQZyMVf0GVId3-0SLJBjIaSD-RGfIxXJEdkz5bk/s1600/100_7944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsN9sOU-tr-O0ai1B5mv-M8kefsH2npH5wjGgZspzqosfJIUlSxIbABDtXeZejqjWGiCSGqIK67mP6moQA-Sd70isE81BNw0hr-ZNpQZyMVf0GVId3-0SLJBjIaSD-RGfIxXJEdkz5bk/s320/100_7944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then take the red bow, and with the twist-ties that are already attached to the back of the bow, secure it to the top (or bottom--whichever you prefer) of the wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm36xg0hNljCN6ol8cFZYhRy6jYRUTdWFOdeYPjxMUaCzSRUzHOLNkOPnFm-D1HBQkHPUD5D8Risn1wSQwG6H37YVwwOQTNt1lqrU3KX8DwT39JR6Gtxc4yxM6G_AK_9BMeZDiKIa64wA/s1600/100_7953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm36xg0hNljCN6ol8cFZYhRy6jYRUTdWFOdeYPjxMUaCzSRUzHOLNkOPnFm-D1HBQkHPUD5D8Risn1wSQwG6H37YVwwOQTNt1lqrU3KX8DwT39JR6Gtxc4yxM6G_AK_9BMeZDiKIa64wA/s320/100_7953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycmkUL8WWtHr6uagOpjvQJUWenAOWqEamZDVc2adddY11im6gAL2USAgFyPZq2UWvMk1WcLEdnlNORAvr6CXpIAbzscRlW5Xv8z_03Dws6vBp2qf9VStCHm0mGAMZvLJDzbaUaF7CBFE/s1600/100_7945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycmkUL8WWtHr6uagOpjvQJUWenAOWqEamZDVc2adddY11im6gAL2USAgFyPZq2UWvMk1WcLEdnlNORAvr6CXpIAbzscRlW5Xv8z_03Dws6vBp2qf9VStCHm0mGAMZvLJDzbaUaF7CBFE/s320/100_7945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Your wreath is done! Now hang it on the wreath hanger on your door and enjoy some Christmas cheer! Or tuck it away to bring out next Christmas. :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh9vLTtDnwngiBa0UiQK97WwqEA4xkMhBjW1FOPf9PKm7iJg0qR6g3t904MsEfmFU98cef_fYoAdiGYGh5BYyYeME7qQPQnsZGNRQ5C2JuEgywLdmEuwKL7HQT5HaUcALIV1Bp02yOVE/s1600/100_7948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh9vLTtDnwngiBa0UiQK97WwqEA4xkMhBjW1FOPf9PKm7iJg0qR6g3t904MsEfmFU98cef_fYoAdiGYGh5BYyYeME7qQPQnsZGNRQ5C2JuEgywLdmEuwKL7HQT5HaUcALIV1Bp02yOVE/s320/100_7948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Variation: For a different look, tie Christmas ball ornaments onto the wreath. This is more time consuming, but it looks more elegant. And instead of using a wreath hanger, I just used a nail to hang the wreath on an old door I am using for outdoor decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyL41si2J6418XEckc99ti2XMPs4uZp-9Yu3fWK89yzrFXT0lwxAbI24QKYCKgdadvY45pz-caDjtYUh9-A_JEX3GxMPZWWVjBRziaTNCfnBM0llEaLOWIY1aJZs82hRLlqO10V7OZkU/s1600/100_7952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyL41si2J6418XEckc99ti2XMPs4uZp-9Yu3fWK89yzrFXT0lwxAbI24QKYCKgdadvY45pz-caDjtYUh9-A_JEX3GxMPZWWVjBRziaTNCfnBM0llEaLOWIY1aJZs82hRLlqO10V7OZkU/s320/100_7952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Have fun!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-6160741934708439882012-12-27T15:32:00.000-06:002012-12-27T15:32:53.771-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl_L4J0yOx6yYwSOf9byambSs4WNhyphenhyphenbiQeWg5NxcSsm6xk1nUhzf_CQtyXYB6U03nOf3OrFCOlzIjQyn6v2CtCvKNi2Vc88LV9cnUgdmL4BU1Z0cYOyqsSzrr73roK3Zkjwl4JqtKNfA/s1600/christmas-story.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl_L4J0yOx6yYwSOf9byambSs4WNhyphenhyphenbiQeWg5NxcSsm6xk1nUhzf_CQtyXYB6U03nOf3OrFCOlzIjQyn6v2CtCvKNi2Vc88LV9cnUgdmL4BU1Z0cYOyqsSzrr73roK3Zkjwl4JqtKNfA/s1600/christmas-story.gif" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And my spirit </span><span style="font-size: large;">hath rejoiced in God my Savior.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luke 1:47 </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a little late posting this, but since it is still Christmas-time, we wish each of you a very</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!!</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christ was born to die so we could live eternally with Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As someone has said, THAT is worth celebrating. :) </span></span></div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-72114735770138579972012-12-17T16:56:00.000-06:002012-12-17T17:17:22.330-06:00Goings-On<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk5MVKVTbH4BMMU6B672BbWGXBLzaOm7o6fTMjOqPFMcmv_s3_tzsf7jHwAkAkaYAshB6le_J_xjaH-4kynU7nw7AWoBgdXubt_U1o33HEksIfNcjl5SbM7-s-4xrutIDvaDgyBJJAVM/s1600/100_7902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk5MVKVTbH4BMMU6B672BbWGXBLzaOm7o6fTMjOqPFMcmv_s3_tzsf7jHwAkAkaYAshB6le_J_xjaH-4kynU7nw7AWoBgdXubt_U1o33HEksIfNcjl5SbM7-s-4xrutIDvaDgyBJJAVM/s400/100_7902.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to a tree farm and cut our Christmas tree for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4rRghAYu6FbaVXXrDwlt8kA17aj1V78tumeVWCtSDlGV7owVzMRnJ-9uSkoZechuWnPmyWoUPCDzMMFUS3x4wFiVGNJOXsd3DVbo5Gi0zh8xZWmLxq6_3El37yEyhCXKvWRJZX826Q/s1600/100_7904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4rRghAYu6FbaVXXrDwlt8kA17aj1V78tumeVWCtSDlGV7owVzMRnJ-9uSkoZechuWnPmyWoUPCDzMMFUS3x4wFiVGNJOXsd3DVbo5Gi0zh8xZWmLxq6_3El37yEyhCXKvWRJZX826Q/s400/100_7904.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilly family outing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our second son turned TWO!! Love this little boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvbAAkvj_rC2era2MrImvKPo8ZHn7t15ua2TJd0IS41NMREci6-qIbBOH62-ENc9DzeJrS7fGfh54TEoLEsEW6cxQzJ46xcD1kTNpBDb72m0B0V9wJWrJWuihab9kC4HxWKECVuK8X88/s1600/100_7926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvbAAkvj_rC2era2MrImvKPo8ZHn7t15ua2TJd0IS41NMREci6-qIbBOH62-ENc9DzeJrS7fGfh54TEoLEsEW6cxQzJ46xcD1kTNpBDb72m0B0V9wJWrJWuihab9kC4HxWKECVuK8X88/s400/100_7926.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did a simple John Deere theme for his birthday party. I was going to put little John Deere machinery in his apple crisp 'field' and I forgot. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyJdLq5MPu424ZeG8NIriQmubC3UdRodHIxBNle38lrEQf-ZDT8Cs3me1TSmfxewiYN2oWMe9S0O-MrUbNch1BhM3qQhQvB2ZptVWUQrh2tCJSFQTYh344idsRgMLGBwwFdQHNptkfEM/s1600/100_7922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyJdLq5MPu424ZeG8NIriQmubC3UdRodHIxBNle38lrEQf-ZDT8Cs3me1TSmfxewiYN2oWMe9S0O-MrUbNch1BhM3qQhQvB2ZptVWUQrh2tCJSFQTYh344idsRgMLGBwwFdQHNptkfEM/s400/100_7922.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwimPtN4Ab5dgvGm2jqsKlfRYeRezb922DHmBtfaEDOuiZ1plfFi653mck717PMMZmJIK1r5YdmZHywZBXH73UwARl8dLiukdZ2hyMHjYsq-SSBGSpT83s3dlAt32A5dqBlqsJ0WRbX5c/s1600/100_7924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwimPtN4Ab5dgvGm2jqsKlfRYeRezb922DHmBtfaEDOuiZ1plfFi653mck717PMMZmJIK1r5YdmZHywZBXH73UwARl8dLiukdZ2hyMHjYsq-SSBGSpT83s3dlAt32A5dqBlqsJ0WRbX5c/s400/100_7924.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This birthday boy loves tractors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybQ-498iwI5_f3i2tnuWO3nG6HN_WCZ9BDbyF52F9VQ3FOgXKtbGpA2zLb6M3FdH_UyxrQt23_n611PpVv0Sq8kqQT4Syb7vzjtmQiv5hgWtEUrxX3sRJTrgbqeEMnrhrEn08Nl-vbYM/s1600/100_7929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybQ-498iwI5_f3i2tnuWO3nG6HN_WCZ9BDbyF52F9VQ3FOgXKtbGpA2zLb6M3FdH_UyxrQt23_n611PpVv0Sq8kqQT4Syb7vzjtmQiv5hgWtEUrxX3sRJTrgbqeEMnrhrEn08Nl-vbYM/s400/100_7929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We gave out goodie plates when we went around and met all our new neighbors one evening!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHDbo3i-P3Eu79tot_2ijGQG-8AOHsdrKlurmvbTNs2A159BpPECcxJz8JPDv-myBOBz0I6Q5_4Qmh1TiJicvj3R5Tq3g67TwiX7-6l4Q7HYqUddb8FOARQFryXnu1EiBjvfV1YuL9D8/s1600/100_7957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHDbo3i-P3Eu79tot_2ijGQG-8AOHsdrKlurmvbTNs2A159BpPECcxJz8JPDv-myBOBz0I6Q5_4Qmh1TiJicvj3R5Tq3g67TwiX7-6l4Q7HYqUddb8FOARQFryXnu1EiBjvfV1YuL9D8/s400/100_7957.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two oldest are dressed as shepherds for the Christmas program at our church. Our second son ended up not wanting his costume, so he just sat with Daddy. We'll try again next year! Our oldest son enjoyed being on stage with all the other children.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_py7bGDZN6Prc9aS4NoJORG7YD0_8ciZS8E3mbx05s_O9sgA2VexbzeIOuelIUfODjP-kkce2xw5uNTwaaDrRN8E-09ScYn21SzmfYmeJKOTbizToU1ehKMR9crwlJZ_0XrgauIpLVw/s1600/100_7966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_py7bGDZN6Prc9aS4NoJORG7YD0_8ciZS8E3mbx05s_O9sgA2VexbzeIOuelIUfODjP-kkce2xw5uNTwaaDrRN8E-09ScYn21SzmfYmeJKOTbizToU1ehKMR9crwlJZ_0XrgauIpLVw/s400/100_7966.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter wonderland!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J_-Dc6ggfwdd85SycBQ3Mh6VnPdsECbmDfHbI_7dm54HOOqFmDSPt3HEvIEtObs0h5ECC6wSdPotANhrcUKQcagEgxDN8QHIlR_FZ4RNNvlD-GwUy1wQ9wWEvO-iLWfrVaheMsN6l3o/s1600/100_7970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J_-Dc6ggfwdd85SycBQ3Mh6VnPdsECbmDfHbI_7dm54HOOqFmDSPt3HEvIEtObs0h5ECC6wSdPotANhrcUKQcagEgxDN8QHIlR_FZ4RNNvlD-GwUy1wQ9wWEvO-iLWfrVaheMsN6l3o/s400/100_7970.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh1_RnHpL7xChbj48srmeWOZ3QZ1tTa7BzV6czKF8aJNM1_UYIgBIy-5qMcvAvaoQUeIPTDWKR7Ndvbe2FjdZxHA6R7DlrzYt1pg7hjX-v9RxiVwmo7eE0ALXPpgABApreUk2qkf2kuk/s1600/100_7910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh1_RnHpL7xChbj48srmeWOZ3QZ1tTa7BzV6czKF8aJNM1_UYIgBIy-5qMcvAvaoQUeIPTDWKR7Ndvbe2FjdZxHA6R7DlrzYt1pg7hjX-v9RxiVwmo7eE0ALXPpgABApreUk2qkf2kuk/s400/100_7910.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</td></tr>
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-29171085428656215992012-12-17T15:54:00.000-06:002012-12-17T15:54:20.789-06:00Free Christmas Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c-S1ygvYjGZj7oqXxfjCCdHq9aRiz7mcy8s9B4rhBaRYxkANFsIyN205RKaPakzSu8z3lwYhoRrUPNodb7f0XG3urEEaTBMmEiwoT4zC3UBOrzzQSLWdlOyzV113M3Z9GdbyyAMCvJc/s1600/100_7967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c-S1ygvYjGZj7oqXxfjCCdHq9aRiz7mcy8s9B4rhBaRYxkANFsIyN205RKaPakzSu8z3lwYhoRrUPNodb7f0XG3urEEaTBMmEiwoT4zC3UBOrzzQSLWdlOyzV113M3Z9GdbyyAMCvJc/s320/100_7967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I found a very creative Christmas printable available for free <a href="http://angelahardison.blogspot.com/2011/12/repeat-sounding-joy.html">here</a>. Isn't it cute?! There is also a version that reads "Peace on Earth". Pictured above is the copy I printed out and framed. Also pictured are some vintage-looking bottle-brush trees I found at Walmart! I had been looking for some and was so excited to find them. <br />
<br />
<i>"Joy to the world! The Lord is come!</i>...." I am so thankful He came.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-40159950598794163132012-12-05T16:48:00.001-06:002012-12-05T16:49:32.200-06:00Problems?Does anything look messed up on my blog? I was having a bit of trouble with it this afternoon, and then a little later, a friend called and told me she noticed the text was jumbled when she got on my blog. Things seem to be working fine for me now....does it look alright to you?Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-87673944704134672872012-12-05T15:38:00.001-06:002012-12-17T16:13:14.428-06:00Nativity Preschool Packs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkbUPA1XKbNDl_1fiuWUxeyld02LzpwM3xhShyG8EIPgflVly6xELj0oWoIAkbe7tgXTWOSnztS4II9rhxdFpYpm9b4NinfVyf_dyWiYL9d1S_aadmpyuKuIeq1sK9tm1BaK4jLnmaA0/s1600/jesus-animals.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkbUPA1XKbNDl_1fiuWUxeyld02LzpwM3xhShyG8EIPgflVly6xELj0oWoIAkbe7tgXTWOSnztS4II9rhxdFpYpm9b4NinfVyf_dyWiYL9d1S_aadmpyuKuIeq1sK9tm1BaK4jLnmaA0/s1600/jesus-animals.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
I listed a few links in my last post
for several sites that offered free Christmas preschool downloads. One
was a link to a nativity pack, but when I tried to download it, it
didn't work. (I have since deleted the link.)<br />
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<i> </i></div>
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<i>Bummer!</i> I thought. <i>I really wanted the boys to have some schoolwork about the nativity! </i> </div>
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So I was very tickled to see <a href="http://www.overthebigmoon.com/nativity-pre-k-pack/">this nativity pre-k pack</a> and <a href="http://www.overthebigmoon.com/nativity-pre-k-pack-expansion/">this expansion pack</a> from Over the Big Moon "advertised" on <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/12/two-free-nativity-preschool-printable-packs.html">Money Saving Mom</a> today! I had no problems printing out both packs. It is just <i>too cute!</i> I wanted to share it with you as well. Our boys are going to enjoy this!</div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-13456730610633569352012-12-03T17:13:00.000-06:002013-01-04T01:24:16.285-06:00Christmas List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's December! I love Christmastime. It is such a beautiful time to celebrate our Savior's birth and make special memories with those we love. Here is a list of some of the things we'd like to do this month:<br />
<ul>
<li>Cut our own tree at a tree farm</li>
<li>Buy a new Christmas music CD (Do you have a favorite? Leave me a comment below--I'd love to get your suggestions!)</li>
<li>Memorize some of the Biblical account of Jesus' birth </li>
<li>Do Christmas preschool with the boys (<a href="http://allourdays.com/2011/12/free-christmas-printable-pack-bonus-game-cards.html">this</a> or<a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2010/12/preschool-christmas-activities.html"> some of this</a>)</li>
<li>Go ice-skating (if a thrift store has skates in our sizes!)</li>
<li>Leave a gift on someone's doorstep</li>
<li>Decorate the Christmas tree</li>
<li>String lights outside</li>
<li>Read a Christmas storybook to the boys every day </li>
<li>Bake sugar cookies (I want to try <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/12/by-requestmy-moms-amazing-sour-cream.html#comment-form">this recipe</a>, but use coconut oil in place of shortening...do you think that will work?)</li>
<li>Sew another Christmas stocking (free pattern download <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/free-downloads-pages-748.php">here</a>)</li>
<li>Go to a Christmas concert</li>
<li>Send out our annual letter and photo with Christmas tracts</li>
<li>Make graham cracker houses </li>
<li>Decorate sugar cone Christmas trees (something similar to <a href="http://www.pre-kpages.com/christmas-tree-math-printable/">these</a>)</li>
<li>Send a Christmas card, Christmas tract and pictures drawn by the boys to a recovering soldier Here is the address if you are interested in doing this, too!</li>
</ul>
A Recovering American Soldier<br />
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center<br />
<strike>6900 Georgia Avenue</strike><br />
<strike>NW Washington, DC 20307-5001</strike><br />
<i>*Update* This address is incorrect. I am so sorry to those of you who sent a card and had it returned (as happened to me). I should have double checked the address with another source before posting it. Thank you for understanding. Below is what I believe is the correct address. Hopefully this one will work.</i> <br />
A Recovering American Soldier<br />
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center<br />
6900 Georgia Avenue, N.W.<br />
Building #2<br />
Washington, DC 20307-5001<br />
<ul>
<li>Help with our church's Christmas program</li>
<li>Give goodies or fruit baskets with a Christmas tract to our new neighbors </li>
<li>Cut paper snowflakes (tutorial <a href="http://thepinkcouch.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-snowflakes-photo-tutorial.html">here</a> using coffee filters)</li>
<li>Go for a sleigh ride</li>
<li>Sing carols </li>
<li>Drive around as a family and look at lights</li>
<li>Watch some old holiday movies </li>
<li>Go Christmas shopping</li>
<li>Wrap presents</li>
<li>Attend the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church </li>
<li>Enjoy hot apple cider, hot cocoa, or hot maple cream (recipe coming soon!) after chilly outings</li>
<li>Visit an elderly friend at the nursing home </li>
<li>Send a Christmas card to each of the missionaries our church supports</li>
<li>Attend our Christmas family get-togethers </li>
<li>Make eggnog </li>
<li>Watch the Christmas train go by (a local event)</li>
<li>Have our traditional candlelit Christmas Eve meal </li>
<li>Have family over on Christmas Day </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijph9S7id8y1uGDOWek3vT0A4Q84uYh8tohwTRiOx4xI7mxql6BKQrN6aOZL_l_VQSLW_Dn8Fb16hqrgtLiQ9eJUhhbFXxUbhbMyUQpkXbDHbjKhyphenhyphen7GVwA4BT7oRjya1nmHEolhYNVs08/s1600/holly-corner.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> We probably won't end up doing <i>everything</i> on this ambitious list, but it is fun to brainstorm, glean ideas from others and plan! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> What are some things you<i> </i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">would like to do this Christmas season? :)</span></span></div>
Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-50729358191589870732012-11-30T20:39:00.002-06:002012-12-02T15:49:22.235-06:00Thanksgiving DaysToday is the last day of November. Wow, time flies. We hope you all had a good Thanksgiving!<br />
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The Sunday before Thanksgiving we celebrated with our church. A Thanksgiving dinner was served after the morning service with a time of praise hymns and testimonies of God's goodness following the meal. <br />
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On Thanksgiving Day, we enjoyed time with my large extended side of the family. It was our first Thanksgiving with family in six years! They are a riot! A weather system came through that day, turning the world a wintery white. The freezing rain that preceded it along with a wind that picked up later in the day, made for rather yucky road conditions for the trip home that evening. I was very glad Josh had gotten time off work to join us that day, and thankful he was there to do the driving that night!<br />
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The next day, Friday, we had a family get-together with my hubby's side of the family. There was much yummy food, fun games and in the evening, a horse-drawn parade in a nearby town. The temperature was a brisk 14 degrees...brrr! Even though it gets cold here, it is good to be back in Minnesota and to be close to family again, though we do miss our friends in North Carolina. <br />
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I found some free downloadable Thanksgiving preschool papers <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2011/11/thanksgiving-printable-pack-free/">here</a> through Pinterest that the boys enjoyed doing around the Thanksgiving holiday. I love making learning fun. And it's so neat to see the boys comprehend new things!<br />
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Josh and a friend put in a couple good days of work on the garage this week, and it is really looking nice! The new soffitt, fascia, window, door and siding are giving the garage a much needed facelift. Josh and another friend got a good bit more siding on today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t4b99K_rbJg20K9Ud_LYRqGu-oiTnrOZZ8ntwmn3YiodpLjou0Pu_J_Dmj8DQqT-R87mT2AdCIIWLkUrbN1Kxt2t-hDDkiHVFc-sycZJVUiKrFJR-sjMk_4pR0pdM5HVO0YY2BdPnZI/s1600/100_7866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t4b99K_rbJg20K9Ud_LYRqGu-oiTnrOZZ8ntwmn3YiodpLjou0Pu_J_Dmj8DQqT-R87mT2AdCIIWLkUrbN1Kxt2t-hDDkiHVFc-sycZJVUiKrFJR-sjMk_4pR0pdM5HVO0YY2BdPnZI/s320/100_7866.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the garage yesterday.</td></tr>
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We celebrated our oldest son's birthday this week....he is FOUR years old now! Talk about time flying! It makes me sad to think my firstborn is quickly leaving the baby/toddler years behind him, and at the same time it makes me happy to see the boy he is becoming. I did a Mickey Mouse themed birthday party for him this year as he really likes Mickey Mouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifjIkAokz8DLHEx8IfOYNcVNVEPsYTlGyXRa0swdQ5T8GLlChRa8fDwNpfSyu9FG3_nXtXzLsJjWIHgrtDH1ayEXZPmFwmMN6Ac947OKMhcpsh29JezjW294CVYapYv9LEGG73l6O79c/s1600/100_7857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifjIkAokz8DLHEx8IfOYNcVNVEPsYTlGyXRa0swdQ5T8GLlChRa8fDwNpfSyu9FG3_nXtXzLsJjWIHgrtDH1ayEXZPmFwmMN6Ac947OKMhcpsh29JezjW294CVYapYv9LEGG73l6O79c/s320/100_7857.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a fun birthday activity, the birthday boy got to do some target practice with Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8Xl5_DDIDXi5nkhHx42lFcEUMX75Frr4IAfoUP1h4_2XjY7bcuJz3IU9zAt-rFjnrxKV-mJ7c77DyHwxZtDCa4TNjHwX62dxsXOdrSoL6aH6VMyy6kNA7U_dCgipRfQ7WtO0Tow2Bys/s1600/100_7875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8Xl5_DDIDXi5nkhHx42lFcEUMX75Frr4IAfoUP1h4_2XjY7bcuJz3IU9zAt-rFjnrxKV-mJ7c77DyHwxZtDCa4TNjHwX62dxsXOdrSoL6aH6VMyy6kNA7U_dCgipRfQ7WtO0Tow2Bys/s320/100_7875.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Mickey Mouse theme</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFTp1hwomqFrhyphenhyphen7oDcDApLcus0WrLH2igm4LbaR5wc8btriwrYH2LyS0sATzKKfDmIxxcBHRCrFsk3gASMSdP2bzNzLVpy-b4uogFZ1lzveGZ3Rps6GP95Az3kJtDy-NeMNyIKR_Z4pA/s1600/100_7877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFTp1hwomqFrhyphenhyphen7oDcDApLcus0WrLH2igm4LbaR5wc8btriwrYH2LyS0sATzKKfDmIxxcBHRCrFsk3gASMSdP2bzNzLVpy-b4uogFZ1lzveGZ3Rps6GP95Az3kJtDy-NeMNyIKR_Z4pA/s320/100_7877.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey Mouse brownie...I made a stencil and sprinkled powdered sugar over it to make Mickey's face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BH3i-usLAk8hOgZyJ7mRnz6X3HkIRUeNxPX6QO3zPlvJjdMV1U2-9v0xvLV0pCMq3h0WaxQfpHSH9s6gTypROXDWb_9basAlGiZJrpFqjgQT8-gi4Zp7gTaSZzSHAjFEVg-u4lja6Jc/s1600/100_7885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BH3i-usLAk8hOgZyJ7mRnz6X3HkIRUeNxPX6QO3zPlvJjdMV1U2-9v0xvLV0pCMq3h0WaxQfpHSH9s6gTypROXDWb_9basAlGiZJrpFqjgQT8-gi4Zp7gTaSZzSHAjFEVg-u4lja6Jc/s320/100_7885.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Present time :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlo62GJ64SxAnqKdgd7o_QowsFP67oQKqEkHR-p6wKeTViFJZF8QzpfhDA36c4PXDRuZzvmAGuvn8jrEmHzhhmUGg-aDQTlGsjCKvlchXbN4jfAGj7m1_p6GhDfj154nsWNl9GcxnX-Q/s1600/100_7893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlo62GJ64SxAnqKdgd7o_QowsFP67oQKqEkHR-p6wKeTViFJZF8QzpfhDA36c4PXDRuZzvmAGuvn8jrEmHzhhmUGg-aDQTlGsjCKvlchXbN4jfAGj7m1_p6GhDfj154nsWNl9GcxnX-Q/s320/100_7893.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four years old! Oh, I love that boy!</td></tr>
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Indeed, we have much for which to be thankful. God gives us so much more than we deserve!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-53838531907594092752012-11-21T16:02:00.000-06:002012-11-21T16:02:10.289-06:00Give Thanks<div style="background-color: orange; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<div style="background-color: #ffd966; color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">O give thanks unto the LORD;</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #ffd966; color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">for he is good:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #ffd966; color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">for his mercy endureth for ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 118:29</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Thanksgiving</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">from our home to yours! </span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2gWwNAsJNF3ypMq44CR7PIj5qT9Mfhrc2u_zYOkkxmy4fzbCPdnufzDDQPoY5vffd792S6eAU6WxyjmMgltLoh-ImAGcfkSL5TNWNOV7ygi-PbxEVTRQ8tF0j8s4z5uNfowqKt40KLU/s1600/IMG_20121108_085251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2gWwNAsJNF3ypMq44CR7PIj5qT9Mfhrc2u_zYOkkxmy4fzbCPdnufzDDQPoY5vffd792S6eAU6WxyjmMgltLoh-ImAGcfkSL5TNWNOV7ygi-PbxEVTRQ8tF0j8s4z5uNfowqKt40KLU/s200/IMG_20121108_085251.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two little Indians</td></tr>
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Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-77969089238144913882012-11-21T15:24:00.000-06:002012-11-21T16:02:33.320-06:00Settling InYes, we moved into our home November 2nd! It is feeling like home and a sense of normalcy is once again returning. While it was a blessing to be able to rent my uncle's lake house for a few weeks, there is just no place like home! Even though we are waging the mud war here (when it's wet) from all the ground work that was done (water line, propane line, new septic, stump removal, grading), and a train with a very loud whistle rumbles by at 4am, it is great to be settling into our <i>own</i> nest again. My family and mother-in-law where a huge help with moving. Josh and my brother re-shingled the garage a couple weeks ago. A man from our church did much of the ground work mentioned above. It's so nice to be rapidly checking things off the to-do list! By summer we hope to have this old property whipped into shape. And right now we are enjoying Indian summer temps!Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-90112536785106292472012-11-21T15:02:00.000-06:002012-11-21T16:03:46.953-06:00Four Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #ffe599;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZILrJJv304jYRUAXEtTvfp8ceq0M0dDIu1HynCmX4zjX_HACvavCIdysote_Qzr5r74_h4DANAXpoTeSuqLQQCllCDl4eK1bRxXJc8TOKFf3dv5x9jlccLBj4_xWqafjaR2mcF2thDg/s1600/IMG_20121113_191308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZILrJJv304jYRUAXEtTvfp8ceq0M0dDIu1HynCmX4zjX_HACvavCIdysote_Qzr5r74_h4DANAXpoTeSuqLQQCllCDl4eK1bRxXJc8TOKFf3dv5x9jlccLBj4_xWqafjaR2mcF2thDg/s320/IMG_20121113_191308.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little cutie at four months!<span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></span></td></tr>
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Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-88311403632298168342012-10-23T15:24:00.000-05:002012-10-23T15:47:15.604-05:00Slow But SteadyWe have been chomping at the bit to get moved into our mobile home, but obviously we need to learn some patience first! Our mobile home was moved out to our place a week ago and since then, it seems like one thing after another has been postponed....due to weather, work (but we are thankful Josh has a job) or things not being available. However, the electricity has been put in and hooked up, the propane tank was brought out and we have heat now, and some of the water work has been done, so there has been progress. Hopefully this weekend Josh can get the decks built. Also, we plan to clean our mobile home and get more stuff moved in from the garage soon. The septic will hopefully be put in next week. Maybe in a couple weeks we can move. Exciting!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79YL5AXnaAnVsUKnFWBcZnX6-QBAA2z_OolY78PkG4oCul8QyDPY5eTzb3iwUZ3J3QcM7EG4JzcMWoXjgic5HO5n-Q6UYsXZPjQFjQzkiM6mNSuPYE0F04f6Uztfjk5H6_vAl-nJKPq4/s1600/2012-10-03_12-02-55_675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79YL5AXnaAnVsUKnFWBcZnX6-QBAA2z_OolY78PkG4oCul8QyDPY5eTzb3iwUZ3J3QcM7EG4JzcMWoXjgic5HO5n-Q6UYsXZPjQFjQzkiM6mNSuPYE0F04f6Uztfjk5H6_vAl-nJKPq4/s400/2012-10-03_12-02-55_675.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home when it was on the sale lot (Our camera needs new batteries, so I can't post a current picture right now.)</td></tr>
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942308631486451438.post-84312926419968964242012-10-10T14:26:00.002-05:002012-10-10T14:29:28.843-05:00Picture Post<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUBuBTIJAWg32o8oR1lA3srkJVeviYG8YQEvVp-UZGv5OJVMBQvHAufnxx5qpP17xvRekqCR5I19kk36arHCx-P69IxIeK8dSxhOA_9fVVEAELgzUVJBNO61_vbXF1hHuI4t80fm1Kag/s1600/100_7398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUBuBTIJAWg32o8oR1lA3srkJVeviYG8YQEvVp-UZGv5OJVMBQvHAufnxx5qpP17xvRekqCR5I19kk36arHCx-P69IxIeK8dSxhOA_9fVVEAELgzUVJBNO61_vbXF1hHuI4t80fm1Kag/s320/100_7398.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our third son, 1 week old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bzPJ9kQu1Ra8gcIGWXFq1L3jtxO7O0tEXAwtbQWDt71VnxaKHIpK22_eODvoxLd3o3eeKoc6xxCcAjP-GiRG3QZPXhEWUkA4SHsD2hHdCifROBo1YQeu5CiutVFYCW0DgMolrsDepA0/s1600/100_7448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bzPJ9kQu1Ra8gcIGWXFq1L3jtxO7O0tEXAwtbQWDt71VnxaKHIpK22_eODvoxLd3o3eeKoc6xxCcAjP-GiRG3QZPXhEWUkA4SHsD2hHdCifROBo1YQeu5CiutVFYCW0DgMolrsDepA0/s320/100_7448.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camera captured some interesting expressions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwwoFnucVHCDxSjuQBe5OgMScbKEdfkM1aPaTprx-UjcUeHOyEjgeVVaus9lf3QQpvAXaMVZe8NuLSPrWzUroxj1tC7I3mHcdbp0UzuHn2daCprSYExCBywqzrgh1NpKKKG1AWFdjtc0/s1600/100_7479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwwoFnucVHCDxSjuQBe5OgMScbKEdfkM1aPaTprx-UjcUeHOyEjgeVVaus9lf3QQpvAXaMVZe8NuLSPrWzUroxj1tC7I3mHcdbp0UzuHn2daCprSYExCBywqzrgh1NpKKKG1AWFdjtc0/s320/100_7479.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boys, ages 3, 1, and 1 month</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrLaNZQalgZMU0th3e6HLSD5ZxpgRdvpKhoTAEirHaC2brGsL-oW6vwhX59N4rCDr5KWv1zaA4Kx9Y7z5THMr5u5ZGo_KRyVZRbZPnaACk8Z60m16lLcturxonaK57iWVTDeROax7gmQ/s1600/100_7489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrLaNZQalgZMU0th3e6HLSD5ZxpgRdvpKhoTAEirHaC2brGsL-oW6vwhX59N4rCDr5KWv1zaA4Kx9Y7z5THMr5u5ZGo_KRyVZRbZPnaACk8Z60m16lLcturxonaK57iWVTDeROax7gmQ/s320/100_7489.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my brood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-lpr2vB230nD-JDCBukuaSSZ-b-tExJsfLuUN-NGGhLG6tsC0E6_NikI7AJDvAiFEP99pPSBhFqlGDSPkhYD5d5SYArcSRt_kd2iz7mvDMYNKtwCOeWK0-r_YN3QVvxRcqw-aGaT_6c/s1600/100_7602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-lpr2vB230nD-JDCBukuaSSZ-b-tExJsfLuUN-NGGhLG6tsC0E6_NikI7AJDvAiFEP99pPSBhFqlGDSPkhYD5d5SYArcSRt_kd2iz7mvDMYNKtwCOeWK0-r_YN3QVvxRcqw-aGaT_6c/s320/100_7602.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3U5LBosgHvAJdnw38dlW4EJjg3GdjeDne-91zTX14s2qaEoE8tmOZaVnHz_emc6W2yq-b5KFDq0lrBm5SJlkbTdXDc3LsLnaH7vNL7cgv-V-V5VKG36TvKWxyiv9m57I_Vdx3RehokM/s1600/100_7666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3U5LBosgHvAJdnw38dlW4EJjg3GdjeDne-91zTX14s2qaEoE8tmOZaVnHz_emc6W2yq-b5KFDq0lrBm5SJlkbTdXDc3LsLnaH7vNL7cgv-V-V5VKG36TvKWxyiv9m57I_Vdx3RehokM/s320/100_7666.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sentimental about leaving our first home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhVTdXCSX6w_RkHM-N5rV8TjdAGf4zMFyi1xioo00tfLIYbaS-QPM_9ctHMtfK1d7cTqvEMxJIbpYoobcK8zyjHlT9f6ZeDHRmTBplQfZKuFkI7tDTl7Wfqu6FbGmKZvnIbX9NLiemdw/s1600/100_7661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhVTdXCSX6w_RkHM-N5rV8TjdAGf4zMFyi1xioo00tfLIYbaS-QPM_9ctHMtfK1d7cTqvEMxJIbpYoobcK8zyjHlT9f6ZeDHRmTBplQfZKuFkI7tDTl7Wfqu6FbGmKZvnIbX9NLiemdw/s320/100_7661.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family picture before leaving North Carolina</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIENOSh4t_3MA1wT_z-Aj5TW5JmQYV5_4r-zJhXX-y_az4QB6-uN3NHSy4ZrNXMpsFsiDfWtFEffRvoiLzcyQlceEzjdoPNEhJCLTvgznJO6OI3wSHCidVK0FWNN4FtUdZ3_dDqmnpfHA/s1600/100_7668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIENOSh4t_3MA1wT_z-Aj5TW5JmQYV5_4r-zJhXX-y_az4QB6-uN3NHSy4ZrNXMpsFsiDfWtFEffRvoiLzcyQlceEzjdoPNEhJCLTvgznJO6OI3wSHCidVK0FWNN4FtUdZ3_dDqmnpfHA/s320/100_7668.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to hit the trail--only 1400 miles to go!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI-8c0ur15bq2Mwslq0t75jbydHMDX3TqJmzmiMGWMWtINIxL0Ciyfs7dP3jImIyGPvG_XwQ4I81sBTJcFfeV1tjbC9k_ZjkIYzIUhzDisnIpcgsb6bhVE4gvDLS7ES7GLu7jIbSUaKs/s1600/100_7696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI-8c0ur15bq2Mwslq0t75jbydHMDX3TqJmzmiMGWMWtINIxL0Ciyfs7dP3jImIyGPvG_XwQ4I81sBTJcFfeV1tjbC9k_ZjkIYzIUhzDisnIpcgsb6bhVE4gvDLS7ES7GLu7jIbSUaKs/s320/100_7696.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cute little old house on the property we bought in Minnesota</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdlEG8fGPxVaplPGvAS4gpdA-n2F1teDZYtcM2RMYpU4NpArqhg-h3TgmluI3qPQbHmxQV8-jNdnpm6YKmxpWH6tccboh01n7TsecZuXezzIHtL-zN8a155-4i7dJ5Kbf0-Igo0Ha0G4/s1600/100_7702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdlEG8fGPxVaplPGvAS4gpdA-n2F1teDZYtcM2RMYpU4NpArqhg-h3TgmluI3qPQbHmxQV8-jNdnpm6YKmxpWH6tccboh01n7TsecZuXezzIHtL-zN8a155-4i7dJ5Kbf0-Igo0Ha0G4/s320/100_7702.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, it is beyond repair, so we are moving a mobile home onto the place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hL_YZdGyI_4Eze2j_reB2FqrlppWDYM9U-_MtA6WlKBrwCNWXEhi_L_iN5stHNwWRBgGhSiyB83MMphRO9D_8BdXQPDUD2G66Dxctq0AMvgjjd83PC-V2pOCvnogCWEVVX85hBM4PSQ/s1600/100_7729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hL_YZdGyI_4Eze2j_reB2FqrlppWDYM9U-_MtA6WlKBrwCNWXEhi_L_iN5stHNwWRBgGhSiyB83MMphRO9D_8BdXQPDUD2G66Dxctq0AMvgjjd83PC-V2pOCvnogCWEVVX85hBM4PSQ/s320/100_7729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish it was in better shape, so we could get to enjoy this house's old-fashioned charm. This stairway is one of my favorite things about the house...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaRqjKnXStcNg2JMfBJxP1R1XQ0JWOMl0gmvD-YaAA6o5Yi8OXK1JE3NOCETVZk03tcNgGjx_mwvEvWxHEquq0UIMoX6_uY-IlCdoxLsp9jdXgKhwmQgqVsRcGwrPrqXjF7gA6E876_c/s1600/100_7711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaRqjKnXStcNg2JMfBJxP1R1XQ0JWOMl0gmvD-YaAA6o5Yi8OXK1JE3NOCETVZk03tcNgGjx_mwvEvWxHEquq0UIMoX6_uY-IlCdoxLsp9jdXgKhwmQgqVsRcGwrPrqXjF7gA6E876_c/s320/100_7711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and I would love to transform this kitchen with some paint...sea foam green walls, white cupboards with new hardware. Oh, well, maybe in our mobile home!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOBQ_fyMjWeMJRCAe5F8BQseFGcfVsm-0Jd7pu1OtOMTsgfy7aO1kTLAF2SzCC0BF71NXl9eeVNESIkUQez7ocEVaekcy0Fc1IwvJw_J4H17_XA5zvZmBz34qXiaenVfb4L1O_hTeU9A/s1600/100_7678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOBQ_fyMjWeMJRCAe5F8BQseFGcfVsm-0Jd7pu1OtOMTsgfy7aO1kTLAF2SzCC0BF71NXl9eeVNESIkUQez7ocEVaekcy0Fc1IwvJw_J4H17_XA5zvZmBz34qXiaenVfb4L1O_hTeU9A/s320/100_7678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeb's first fishing trip with his uncle and cousins and he caught his first fish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBHhVXv0ECgvktYIHoURCc_rUkgwXLlxPV3ESxtOYUQ1XU5hHdWs7thyL_Asos8xeo0eOqIleImwMGM_tzHUzodaXj2bpjI4iVre2PpYqN6cAjmXSXDzJmeD4fU-UUC4pJM7PXCwVmaU/s1600/100_7756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBHhVXv0ECgvktYIHoURCc_rUkgwXLlxPV3ESxtOYUQ1XU5hHdWs7thyL_Asos8xeo0eOqIleImwMGM_tzHUzodaXj2bpjI4iVre2PpYqN6cAjmXSXDzJmeD4fU-UUC4pJM7PXCwVmaU/s320/100_7756.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely view a couple weeks ago from our rented lake house </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGTo3VF7fp38KAh9bei19ih5dil1CSYBq1cnjYby33Xg6-10CQ2xhrRhdgkhw3Jwqq4PdfKiOFCZbo-C6mvg785DDWsIQX2s7blJ6tBCx8nTr_DnVJa10HYX7zcr-p63Bm0uv_Z6xWvs/s1600/100_7781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGTo3VF7fp38KAh9bei19ih5dil1CSYBq1cnjYby33Xg6-10CQ2xhrRhdgkhw3Jwqq4PdfKiOFCZbo-C6mvg785DDWsIQX2s7blJ6tBCx8nTr_DnVJa10HYX7zcr-p63Bm0uv_Z6xWvs/s320/100_7781.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-1/2 months!</td></tr>
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231977237359133796noreply@blogger.com4