tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846216771151680552023-11-15T23:23:50.513-08:00Stay at Home MammaA way for family and friends to keep up with our family, school, and other happenings in our house!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-60165610469180315062014-09-11T11:47:00.001-07:002014-09-11T12:17:40.231-07:00AMERICA BLESS GOD<div style="text-align: center;">
A significant day, Sept. 11, 2001</div>
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America was changed for</div>
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better and for worse, </div>
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I am sure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hstp2t5-MmdZnyYdtg86EXO5xccmN8RTzRgtFtKVto1gI0eJSOpqhgPgIqx3mFjV-574iLrUq-oOCbev5igvCh3EQ2F6SnBiv94rg008SIj4C9__YMj1xkpLu8NraeDZhqCbIRhy6SzR/s1600/remembering-9-11-attacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hstp2t5-MmdZnyYdtg86EXO5xccmN8RTzRgtFtKVto1gI0eJSOpqhgPgIqx3mFjV-574iLrUq-oOCbev5igvCh3EQ2F6SnBiv94rg008SIj4C9__YMj1xkpLu8NraeDZhqCbIRhy6SzR/s1600/remembering-9-11-attacks.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a></div>
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Many people, innocent people lost their</div>
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lives. </div>
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Families were torn apart because of this disaster.</div>
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Mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters</div>
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aunts, uncles, cousins,</div>
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you name it.</div>
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Families destroyed.</div>
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I am fairly sure that many people in our country have asked:</div>
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"Why? Why would God let this happen?"</div>
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"How could this happen to us?"<br />
"God wouldn't let this happen to those He loves/cares about."</div>
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"There is no god..if there were, this wouldn't have happened if there were."</div>
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I remember 9/11/11 clearly:</div>
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I was working for a telemarketing place on Route 61, I was making a call and the </div>
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phone wouldn't dial. I tried several times. The business I was trying to contact</div>
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as well as several other after that were in the New York area.</div>
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I kept getting busy signals. </div>
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Then we got the news:</div>
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The World Trade Center was crashed into by some planes.</div>
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My thoughts went to all the people there in the buildings. I remember praying </div>
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that they are safe.</div>
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My thoughts also turned to a friend that I have who works in the City as well as</div>
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family members who also live in the state of New York.</div>
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Shortly after, there was word that the second tower was hit, and a bit later, word came that </div>
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there were problems in Washington and also in Shanksville.</div>
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I have family who work in Washington and worried for her as well,</div>
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again, I offered up prayers for all involved.</div>
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NOW, forward, 9/11/14.....</div>
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13 years later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL4FzySD2lRC7h8Hjm-Be0IDQO6nscc-pV9iX6jrxewfQvxluZdKEGxTGCJrbZ3rCnlr_l2wYc_xr2joqvSMUMF70h8hgcEwz4BFFl1S2ezEel2BICm19s4f-Us_hQMfqmx90jVybvmX3/s1600/the-resue-9-11-15722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL4FzySD2lRC7h8Hjm-Be0IDQO6nscc-pV9iX6jrxewfQvxluZdKEGxTGCJrbZ3rCnlr_l2wYc_xr2joqvSMUMF70h8hgcEwz4BFFl1S2ezEel2BICm19s4f-Us_hQMfqmx90jVybvmX3/s1600/the-resue-9-11-15722.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a> </div>
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Everywhere, everyone is calling, Let us never forget, God Bless America, </div>
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Never forget</div>
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I am sure there are more, but these are the ones that come across the most.</div>
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I do agree, we must never forget what happened to our country, HOWEVER,</div>
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I don't think we should be asking God to bless America.</div>
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We/America needs to bless God.</div>
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Maybe when we start blessing God, we will see some changes in our world,</div>
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in our lives, in everything, everywhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEqG6C3hFH1rC18ha4xWzWdNT_kW9NR5cavYOf5hUsesdo3vo7iZrqjYt60IqZsbDUt7AdzzdFLSd7AKq653dCKNfXHnNkVXqPC-OPo9YY6y7W6srQCw9i2XsnnfqyCWGECSn9NIqEbBw/s1600/mD1KH940DRI3XgcD_PJXIdA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEqG6C3hFH1rC18ha4xWzWdNT_kW9NR5cavYOf5hUsesdo3vo7iZrqjYt60IqZsbDUt7AdzzdFLSd7AKq653dCKNfXHnNkVXqPC-OPo9YY6y7W6srQCw9i2XsnnfqyCWGECSn9NIqEbBw/s1600/mD1KH940DRI3XgcD_PJXIdA.jpg" /></a></div>
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God certainly will not bless a country that is going on the basis of sodomy, </div>
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abortion, same sex marriage. Our country is running on lies and deception.</div>
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Our country refuses to see how these things are wrong, sinful, and going</div>
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against His commandments.</div>
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Did Jesus endure this for nothing?!?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbJZdF17tvs9vU0NdXB7oLR5rZjPTIiMuCzTusFq1YEpfljbgdOETZ44jDxZZ9PGLc9zVriViH2LrmhbrOb11C4mhU4XRmUahPbDFOZ_7t_byZuMndNge7fR3l1fXluD29OKxgg9K2d4H/s1600/Jesus-on-the-cross-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbJZdF17tvs9vU0NdXB7oLR5rZjPTIiMuCzTusFq1YEpfljbgdOETZ44jDxZZ9PGLc9zVriViH2LrmhbrOb11C4mhU4XRmUahPbDFOZ_7t_byZuMndNge7fR3l1fXluD29OKxgg9K2d4H/s1600/Jesus-on-the-cross-1.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
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I am very sad for families that lost loved ones, I am sad for people who continue</div>
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to follow the wrong path.</div>
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I pray that one day, our country will be what it was meant to be.</div>
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May the souls of the faithful departed, by the mercy of God rest in peace.</div>
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~Amen~</div>
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God Bless. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-62497310299093607942014-08-14T10:25:00.001-07:002014-08-14T10:25:55.844-07:00EVER ENOUGH LOVE?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2">There are many questions that go through the mind of parents as they find out there is another
baby on the way, some of them are:</span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2">Will we have enough love? Can we give each child
the attention they need? </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Will we have enough hugs/kisses? Can we meet their needs? </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">I will answer these after giving my experiences with having a large family.</span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hlajb-tgEbS4_Ye7gJyUc0VsPPFsYjqhRtIb5af3dsMQ4mimMpMPeFWKIGYo8fnDpqWSE2ckxcfnoWUy-vv70y9fax7OPf9dJ1UcuPZoRLrppr_Yw4W8NZErFT-gSKYkauyZnxaBKddG/s1600/my+gang.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hlajb-tgEbS4_Ye7gJyUc0VsPPFsYjqhRtIb5af3dsMQ4mimMpMPeFWKIGYo8fnDpqWSE2ckxcfnoWUy-vv70y9fax7OPf9dJ1UcuPZoRLrppr_Yw4W8NZErFT-gSKYkauyZnxaBKddG/s1600/my+gang.jpg" height="150" width="200" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family</td></tr>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> I had these same questions when we decided to have our family grow, it didn't happen when Marcus was born as Matthew had 15 years to himself with us. However, I still remember when I found out number three was on the way, we were very happy. When it came time to go to the hospital, I still remember as clear as day, Aunt Jan came as soon as I called to take care of our then 21 month old Marcus. Brian got the car pulled into the parking lot, I gave Marcus a hug and kiss as well as Aunt Jan. I got into the car, Brian shut the door, and I got teary...I said, how can we love another? After the delivery of Luke and recovering in the hospital for a few hours, Brian brought Marcus to visit his baby brother. With him, he brought his little New Testament Bible and stood up on a chair to look at the baby, he had the biggest smile on his face and proudly announced the Bible was for "Wookie" (as he was affectionately called at the time pronounced with the you sound). I knew then, it would be okay.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Fast forward to finding out we were expecting another little person....I again questioned, how will we love this child? How will we do it? They will be closer in age than Marcus and Luke. We go to deliver and again, there were no issues when the boys came to meet John. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GmgXobrz88e5mBuOHhJ4NhjY7wNZ1gL5bSC0qNgbgYFo5YGnzf5xGrIbKIUBrZ5waUBpLSTOvwe5ZPcfarHhgE0lIsWiMSVk5MpoKkeWPOED_S7b3sOfwjvSsLW_ro9O3OZpBx6Eeg5l/s1600/john+and+daddy.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GmgXobrz88e5mBuOHhJ4NhjY7wNZ1gL5bSC0qNgbgYFo5YGnzf5xGrIbKIUBrZ5waUBpLSTOvwe5ZPcfarHhgE0lIsWiMSVk5MpoKkeWPOED_S7b3sOfwjvSsLW_ro9O3OZpBx6Eeg5l/s1600/john+and+daddy.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9xvTiZ750nL-fDYfXoFZSlu_eN0UZrynLtOOLfYnwlPD1wkYRwFrRXVn7m4eG6-F4qbZfJE_LMNsEAZg8M_13XlKO5Xj3M2dkogeWDOxYYa-4FQNhKDxGnIKGOmJFe2jXxefD_AfGoec/s1600/marcus+luke+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9xvTiZ750nL-fDYfXoFZSlu_eN0UZrynLtOOLfYnwlPD1wkYRwFrRXVn7m4eG6-F4qbZfJE_LMNsEAZg8M_13XlKO5Xj3M2dkogeWDOxYYa-4FQNhKDxGnIKGOmJFe2jXxefD_AfGoec/s1600/marcus+luke+john.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John with daddy and his brothers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BArRcupAWrBkPeK_yNOOGZLWIBZ2Mme6F6HAFKQQwCc5Wukp_cUvRnHyd-zlJV_xWdA1Cb5qeqeL7dzuFaehMl_FFS0AhW2Qasldp4hTl7iYxkvEmoOVZt0YHV5vo_6i9Z42mDbR0i4Y/s1600/john+meeting+thomas.jpg" height="148" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John meets Thomas</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG4xpB4d7w-j-y5oZiCdlTH10MYT9DtY8EoWXOBEDJoGPCOgn-km_Yb9vylw-U7eRqGiFPX3G_a4W005NlBUqGLn5vJDSgt-fTaVB-zlJ3kHO5MxiLg-H185YlNuuAzblPeZQlSgnYf6g/s1600/thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG4xpB4d7w-j-y5oZiCdlTH10MYT9DtY8EoWXOBEDJoGPCOgn-km_Yb9vylw-U7eRqGiFPX3G_a4W005NlBUqGLn5vJDSgt-fTaVB-zlJ3kHO5MxiLg-H185YlNuuAzblPeZQlSgnYf6g/s1600/thomas.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BArRcupAWrBkPeK_yNOOGZLWIBZ2Mme6F6HAFKQQwCc5Wukp_cUvRnHyd-zlJV_xWdA1Cb5qeqeL7dzuFaehMl_FFS0AhW2Qasldp4hTl7iYxkvEmoOVZt0YHV5vo_6i9Z42mDbR0i4Y/s1600/john+meeting+thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/254892_1998090384391_436426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="149" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/254892_1998090384391_436426_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genevieve Mommy and Becky</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OPfzrOJh6Cw-Pt66i0Lsn_PZE8DEZKFnVD2X1oaBzcq_XV_AjYiR6lnQiog0VeBVoRPFv5KmCRijXD4MJuN9UKbEZ94PUdfnmQpkAACGsS4eTY7EwWymuYPR9jj0Vxn7aKZgHHzCXVNy/s1600/boys+and+sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OPfzrOJh6Cw-Pt66i0Lsn_PZE8DEZKFnVD2X1oaBzcq_XV_AjYiR6lnQiog0VeBVoRPFv5KmCRijXD4MJuN9UKbEZ94PUdfnmQpkAACGsS4eTY7EwWymuYPR9jj0Vxn7aKZgHHzCXVNy/s1600/boys+and+sister.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus Luke and Genevieve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/p526x296/1085092_662274890463219_2141162038_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="fbPhotoImage img" height="200" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/p526x296/1085092_662274890463219_2141162038_o.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy and mommy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hlajb-tgEbS4_Ye7gJyUc0VsPPFsYjqhRtIb5af3dsMQ4mimMpMPeFWKIGYo8fnDpqWSE2ckxcfnoWUy-vv70y9fax7OPf9dJ1UcuPZoRLrppr_Yw4W8NZErFT-gSKYkauyZnxaBKddG/s1600/my+gang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">We were then blessed with Thomas, and later Genevieve, sadly, I miscarried (very early in pregnancy) a child in November of 2012. I remember the sadness and anger I felt. But had to focus on the blessings I was given, there were some tough days. I want to say it gets easier, but you NEVER, EVER forget. We were going to announce the child at Christmas as part of the children's present. That didn't happen, we had to share sorrow earlier....HOWEVER...A few months later, we were blessed with little </span></span></span>Timothy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">a true blessing and joy to anyone who knows him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">NOW on to the answers to the questions... can you love them all? ABSOLUTELY. will they have everything, NO, but they don't need everything. will you have enough hug/kisses? More than enough to go around and more to spare, and the return is even better!! Can we meet their needs? You certainly can!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRmgVKzHVrcXdNKC9bV2_lDGKDimoZekiI7kM3id24j79mT22dQBuP_LO7oNn9COvsfzysfJVm9sf8tsT_9eCEG-x6f06mXuP0BLsMnv-q7_MceElq7-mo5czYmYrw8MJYWFWKJaWTa9C/s1600/luke+marcus+daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRmgVKzHVrcXdNKC9bV2_lDGKDimoZekiI7kM3id24j79mT22dQBuP_LO7oNn9COvsfzysfJVm9sf8tsT_9eCEG-x6f06mXuP0BLsMnv-q7_MceElq7-mo5czYmYrw8MJYWFWKJaWTa9C/s1600/luke+marcus+daddy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun with daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">A dear friend told me of this example she heard on a talk show, and it was PERFECT! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">When you have a dark room and light a candle, the room
gets a little brighter...when you light a second, there is more
brightness...as you light more candles, the room becomes increasingly
brighter...this happens to your heart as well...the more children you
have, the more hugs you have, the more kisses you have, the more LOVE
you have...it is amazing...trust me, </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiupXjRrwvmlMmpR7d9WkOqE0BES_t0gvwVyWI4tw6RwTunvk1y9zol6e3rHHMczuYYdSxiPp6Wp-p4FuQOfKmkPOKvSJBGjJszqKDLobe9j5LxhtekwqXeB316qLqdgi5l3YNKU840PZ-/s1600/this+little+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiupXjRrwvmlMmpR7d9WkOqE0BES_t0gvwVyWI4tw6RwTunvk1y9zol6e3rHHMczuYYdSxiPp6Wp-p4FuQOfKmkPOKvSJBGjJszqKDLobe9j5LxhtekwqXeB316qLqdgi5l3YNKU840PZ-/s1600/this+little+light.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">All I can say, is each child God has blessed us with are amazing, unique individuals, growing up in a family that is full of love! Just enjoy
each one for who they are and let your LOVE SHINE.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Remember the song, "This Little Light of Mine"?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Well, that is what they are...so, let the light shine and have fun!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".k9.1:3:1:$comment436946703075469_1975452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Until next time,<br />God Bless!</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-6744162486035673402014-08-13T08:33:00.003-07:002014-08-13T08:33:17.970-07:00BELIEFS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJzP_dJR1BoZrMmACiXAuLrKYyCQox6zaVyjjCGMrIclKH09JLbGWd9tZeabcQPK8CNISTyYIGHMPSAw2Mla-aYr9A8Jt8-Apdk_numjnhnBSeFXbFekH1CGMUvqhzr-ZcwLH9YY_RC2G/s1600/depositphotos_19425879-Bride-and-groom-embracing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJzP_dJR1BoZrMmACiXAuLrKYyCQox6zaVyjjCGMrIclKH09JLbGWd9tZeabcQPK8CNISTyYIGHMPSAw2Mla-aYr9A8Jt8-Apdk_numjnhnBSeFXbFekH1CGMUvqhzr-ZcwLH9YY_RC2G/s1600/depositphotos_19425879-Bride-and-groom-embracing.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></div>
<br />
Much has gone on in our state of PA...and in the Little Town That Could, Schuylkill Haven. <br />
Judge Jones allowed same-sex marriage to be legal in the state of PA.<br />
<br />
First, let me state that marriage is: the formal union of ONE man and ONE woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife, in order to procreate. <br />
Sure, the people that write the dictionaries can change the meaning of words to make it be acceptable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVMnMk3UUlSYlSgpNcx_io6PY4OeFUJw5Nk6igky8I3aer21v6eY1DpWPJ-S0v4AaW5OhyphenhyphenLpKpnqf0XQ0BJnx_niyaY9gMzBiLXv84oL0XQ4v1DapEUSdgvT34w06CpbsqaK5GLVVU-wd/s1600/seavey_wedding_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVMnMk3UUlSYlSgpNcx_io6PY4OeFUJw5Nk6igky8I3aer21v6eY1DpWPJ-S0v4AaW5OhyphenhyphenLpKpnqf0XQ0BJnx_niyaY9gMzBiLXv84oL0XQ4v1DapEUSdgvT34w06CpbsqaK5GLVVU-wd/s1600/seavey_wedding_cake.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Well..A bakery has turned away lesbian couple who wanted a cake for their "ceremony." The bakery has taken a lot of negative hits...people are saying that they hope this business goes out of business...they should just make the cake...<br />
<br />
I personally feel the bakery did the right thing by sticking to their beliefs. <br />
<br />
I have had someone ask, what if one of your children say they are gay? My answer? I would still love them, I would sit them down and go back to the basics of our religion and the teachings of the Church, I would pray for that child..that he/she goes to Confession, repents of the sin, avoids the near occasion of sin turn his/her life around.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VqytgZl_a80y69Uuk8mxNHtyDUiWH5i3p2GLUXfitH_-7NdO8oFB3pGzv2yzPW2GrVlWBnNXq7elAjWFwztL_P_JnIc4ENSyt8PsZi5c4av4EiTWLaB4rAQIn6JgEKjrTvLjX2q4LWZP/s1600/wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VqytgZl_a80y69Uuk8mxNHtyDUiWH5i3p2GLUXfitH_-7NdO8oFB3pGzv2yzPW2GrVlWBnNXq7elAjWFwztL_P_JnIc4ENSyt8PsZi5c4av4EiTWLaB4rAQIn6JgEKjrTvLjX2q4LWZP/s1600/wedding+2.jpg" /></a><br />
I truly do not believe God made people gay, I mean, really...If God made Adam in His likeness...that would mean that Adam was made perfect...without sin, he was lonely, so guess what...God presented all the animals and none were pleasing to the eye of Adam, God then put Adam into a deep sleep and took a rib...from that rib, God created woman.....Adam was pleased..God then told them to go and fill the earth. God didn't make another man for Adam....Sure, Eve was tempted by the devil, and Adam followed suit..they were banned from the Garden of Eden....God did promise them a Saviour...<br />
<br />
Guess what?! That Saviour was Jesus Christ....He forgave sins, He obeyed His Father and went obediently to the Cross. On that Cross, Jesus was crucified, through His death on the Cross, He opened the gates of Heaven that were closed. Through His death, He gives us the ability to receive grace, to get the grace, we need to repent of our sins, be truly sorry, confess our sins and avoid the sin and near occasion of sins...we are able to do this through the sacraments that He has given us in the Church...We have the ability to go to CONFESSION, to clean our souls..We can't just say "I accept Jesus as my Savior"...it won't all be finished.<br />
<br />
I am not here to judge anyone, only God can do that...we have 2 judgements to come to us, one at our death and one at the final judgement. Those who think sodomy is not sinful, you are wrong...it is sin...(the dictionary even gives this definition: unnatural or abnormal sexual intercourse.) <br />
<br />
We can not go to Heaven with sin on our souls, we need to be in the state of grace...No matter how many "good deeds" you have done, will not put you on the path to Heaven....SIN IS SIN, no matter which way you cut it. Sin will put you on the path to Hell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0ba3hPZKDJnb7UT7-7xtv0DuXV50rWKsWx21KV9dkugZCO3RdNrl6b7gQM0-aTZi5g1en6ANQ50I6xtK1RbS3wGPbxOQPCGgzvEdj7p_pM855M_VFZMZsFuNpgvrSDRndACVxgO_gupO/s1600/Cristo_crucificado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0ba3hPZKDJnb7UT7-7xtv0DuXV50rWKsWx21KV9dkugZCO3RdNrl6b7gQM0-aTZi5g1en6ANQ50I6xtK1RbS3wGPbxOQPCGgzvEdj7p_pM855M_VFZMZsFuNpgvrSDRndACVxgO_gupO/s1600/Cristo_crucificado.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
People are afraid of death, they ignore the truth that someday, we WILL die. We do have a small say in where we go, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell...these places are real. Sin will put you on the path to Hell.<br />
People are afraid of
death, they ignore the truth that someday, we WILL die. I pray that I go to Heaven, as well as my family and friends, however, we are not perfect so I expect to go to Purgatory, I sure as hell, don't want to spend eternity in Hell. Do you?<br />
<br />
I truly pray that all who are in the state of sin, any kind of sin..you find sit down and examine your conscious, be truly sorry, go to confession and stay the path.<br />
These are my beliefs, that is the way it is, so, take it or leave it, who knows, maybe I can help someone get back to the Church.<br />
God Bless....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-47869354111301305252014-01-22T07:54:00.000-08:002014-01-22T07:54:01.947-08:00DISAPPOINTMENT AND TESTING<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.infantjesus.org/images/march_for_life-2014_-_200x360.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.infantjesus.org/images/march_for_life-2014_-_200x360.png" height="320" width="177" /></a>Well, here it is January 22, 2014 and I have a bit of a heavy heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OKAY, I lie, my heart is heavy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is 10:08 am, and I am suppose to be on a bus going to March for Life </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the littles and husband, instead, I am at home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
writing this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Why aren't you you may ask or wonder. I am going to tell you what happened so far today in our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brian and I got up shortly after 5am to get ready then woke the children to get them ready around 5:30. Marcus and Luke were the easiest. I helped them get all their layers on, three layers to be exact, then continued to the younger boys then Genevieve and finally Timothy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brian went to warm the van for us and loaded some of our things,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stroller, cooler and 3 children, we were out the door by 6:30 to be at the parking garage in Pottsville for 7:15 (yes, early, but taking precautions due to roads/weather).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brian called Father to see if the bus was on the way to Pottsville. Father tells Brian the bus is an hour late. The company had multiple cancellations for today and thought that we were included in the list,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even though a call was made yesterday to confirm pick up times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since the bus would be arriving at Pottsville at 8:15 we decided to grab a coffee then ran for a few more things for the cooler at Giant and back to the garage to wait.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally at 8:06 am, we get out of the van, unload the stroller, cooler and backpack. Everyone has something to carry to make it a bit easier for everyone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />As we are walking, John starts crying really bad that he is cold. We get down the steps and the crying gets worse, it sounds like he is being hurt or something. By the time Brian gets to us with Genevieve,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John is a major mess. Daddy sensors go off and he tells me, you will take him home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Naturally, as I was the one who REALLY, REALLY wanted to go, and for a long time, tried to fight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his words of wisdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, to give a bit of credit to John, I will say it was cold, as you took a breath, the inside of my nose got "stuck", but at the same time, I found it to be invigorating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the end, Brian did "win", he loaded the 4 youngest in the van, I am still angry and disappointed by what has happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I drive home with them, get everyone undressed and blanketed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now they are playing and listening to music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />BUT there is another twist here:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I get an email from Brian telling me the school where the bus drops off and you get back on is closed, so this means there is no coffee/donuts waiting there for their arrival and there will be no soup tonight for the return trip home. <br /><br />Naturally, I did pack food for the trip as well as water bottles. I gave Brian the last little bit of cash I had on hand as well as the insurance cards for Marcus and Luke, you never know what will happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, as I sit in our house with my four youngest children, I want to cry and continue to be angry about not being in Washington today. I know this is wrong and am going to do my best to fight these </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
feelings. I would sincerely appreciate prayers for the safety of my family and for peace for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God knows what is best for our family at every moment of our life. If I come to terms with this, and just accept it, this will be all the easier to deal with the disappointment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will offer up my disappointment for the babies whose mothers do not chose life.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can always try again next year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until then, I did say I'd blog about the trip, and I will, unfortunately, it won't be my words, it will be through my children's eyes, which can be even more descriptive and inspiring, so stay tuned!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />God bless!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-82893146258795255192014-01-20T12:58:00.000-08:002014-01-20T12:58:17.091-08:00DECLUTTERING<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone who knows me, knows I am always trying to get rid of things and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
declutter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a constant battle in a house with 6 children under the age of eight!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I try, but never seem to get rid of enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Well, today, I have an eye opening conversation with my dear, sweet, smart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marcus that I would like to share with you it taught us both </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<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;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPyLuFZYjKk9x01I0heSDXiZxp-Gzae0zPW_LvYeoOe5gfu0JCRTdpaagCUP1c6HydMr323MwsKyjXvLKW05yJd03xeJqWB4SN__NkmXw4can1SlUBI1rVTHxXw-I4SoROVULfbbf8rGg/s1600/100_3100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPyLuFZYjKk9x01I0heSDXiZxp-Gzae0zPW_LvYeoOe5gfu0JCRTdpaagCUP1c6HydMr323MwsKyjXvLKW05yJd03xeJqWB4SN__NkmXw4can1SlUBI1rVTHxXw-I4SoROVULfbbf8rGg/s1600/100_3100.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little face became the opening of a deep conversation! Thank you Timothy!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The conversation goes like this: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Marcus:</span> "Mommy, why is Timmy always so happy?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Me:</span> "Well, it's like this, Timmy is happy because he doesn't have a lot of things to clutter his mind and take away from his happiness and joy. He was born into the world with NO clothing, but a family that loves him. He doesn't have very many things, and so he doesn't realize the "want/need" for more."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Marcus: <span style="color: #783f04;">"Oh, I see. Well, he really is happy!"</span></span></div>
<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/AVvXsEiq-LqcysdoRkNHhZOXS3rm90Gr1QbMCs_aAea6w5RtoDhVAhMblcD-RzRV8-XlltMH7FukcoAWf1L9_rPfypJaz-W9npasIQHFzVFe3VFikincl8rhwPMqZVlgaEW4XZKsMT3HJFrgnZ8M/s1600/100_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-LqcysdoRkNHhZOXS3rm90Gr1QbMCs_aAea6w5RtoDhVAhMblcD-RzRV8-XlltMH7FukcoAWf1L9_rPfypJaz-W9npasIQHFzVFe3VFikincl8rhwPMqZVlgaEW4XZKsMT3HJFrgnZ8M/s1600/100_3087.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus with his little brother Timothy, he doesn't know the impact a smile will have!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: purple;">Me: <span style="color: #783f04;">"Yes,
son, he is, and we can be too...we can declutter and get rid of things
in order to take our minds off all the things that need to be done or of
the things we think we want or need. We can declutter our house and our mind and be happy!"</span></span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> brief silence</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: purple;">Me:<span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #783f04;"> "I have an example I want to share with you Marcus."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: blue;">Marcus:</span> "Okay." sits and listens again</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: purple;">Me: </span> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #783f04;">"I really was hoping to get a Kindle to get some books downloaded for school and religious reading, BUT, because we have need to keep food on the table, clothes on our backs, heat in the house (top priority) and we need a new vehicle (top priority as well), it isn't possible for mommy to get a Kindle right now, maybe down the road it will happen, (I was looking at the Staples ad last night just to get an idea of the price.) but I really don't care. I don't care because it may make me happy for a short time, but I know in the long run, it will not be the thing that makes me happy. It is another "something" that will take up space, and in the end, I can't take it with me, so does it really matter if I have a Kindle or not? The same goes for you children, more things won't make you happy in the end, only your love for God will do that."</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Marcus: <span style="color: #783f04;">"I see, I guess you are right."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">As the conversation ended, I finished changing Timmy's diaper, snapped his outfit back up to keep him warm, Marcus went off to get ready to eat breakfast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Next thing I do is check my email. In it was a message from a very special person, asking if I have need for a Kindle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Mind you, I NEVER SAID A WORD TO THIS PERSON about wishing I had one for school purposes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I truly believe that the Holy Spirit had everything to do with all that transpired today from the talk with Marcus down to the email I received.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I will be saying some extra prayers for my benefactor throughout the day and evening.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/084/d/c/Dove_as_Holy_Spirit_by_juutje86.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/084/d/c/Dove_as_Holy_Spirit_by_juutje86.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #783f04;"> I called my husband and told him what happened and he agreed that it was intervention by God and/or the Holy Ghost. And we are being blessed in this</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">matter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I hope one day you have the benefit of knowing the Spirit the way It has come to me today. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Thank you Lord for sending such caring people into our lives, and thank you for knowing what our needs are without really saying anything to anyone.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><a href="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/084/d/c/Dove_as_Holy_Spirit_by_juutje86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">May you all experience a declutter of heart, head and home and be more open to the gifts that God has in store for you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br />God bless!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-4720856550716753042014-01-14T17:25:00.000-08:002014-01-14T17:27:23.701-08:00Gearing up!<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been toying with going to March for Life ever since Marcus was a little guy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every year we found a reason to not go, the youngest is too little, it is too cold,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to long of a ride, someone is sick...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, this is THE year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are going, I don't care how little the youngest is, I don't care how cold it is,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't care how long the ride is, and I don't really care if someone is sick</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(okay, maybe that one is a bit extreme, but you get my point)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WE ARE GOING, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Washington DC, get ready,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Smith clan is coming!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will be leaving Pottsville at about 7:15 a.m on a bus trip that is being sponsored by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
St. Joseph/St. Vincent Churches in Girardville.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marcus and Luke have gotten to ride on an STS bus with their nana once, but that is the extent of bus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rides for them. The children have never been on a Metro, but have ridden on trains. They are looking forward to both experiences.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just pray that they all are good for the ride, and well, if not, it is the way life goes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the children have their opinions on this for example,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thomas says we are going to "March from Life"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luke says that we are walking for babies,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marcus says it will be interesting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I already know I am going to be proud of our children at this event. I am thankful that we have this opportunity to walk for the unborn children.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once we started having more children, we keep telling them that: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"A person is a person, no matter how small."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Dr. Seuss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If our presence there changes the mind of even one person, then it is all worth it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life begins at conception, there is NO doubt in my mind,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am strong in my faith and believe that all pregnancies happen for a reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone of them is a person being formed for survival in the world as we know it here, but even</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
more so that person is being made ready to spend eternity in Heaven with our Creator.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Without Him, nothing is possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knows what is best for us all every moment of every day of our life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We must not get into the mind frame of, abortion is okay in certain circumstances...that is false.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can you even think of KILLING another person, let alone an unborn CHILD?!?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Respect Life, Respect God, Chose Life and Chose God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ultrasound pictures here show Timothy in utero during the 3-D ultrasound, you will notice he is sucking his thumb, sticking his tongue out and his eye is open...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what more can you say, but it is a baby, that is a PERSON!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEgnNBPRJ8_XwlG0JNKekYFBhH-h9najD1FGxpmzYAbKKlrN9DaN5Sb87AC0UEQVivbMypf0V4W7AqZe1iip-PPuPqw__T7GPCnSWyOkjOMl94x9gf5-VguOuqthCyh7X9kBMgX-dwFcm4MW/s1600/100_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNBPRJ8_XwlG0JNKekYFBhH-h9najD1FGxpmzYAbKKlrN9DaN5Sb87AC0UEQVivbMypf0V4W7AqZe1iip-PPuPqw__T7GPCnSWyOkjOMl94x9gf5-VguOuqthCyh7X9kBMgX-dwFcm4MW/s320/100_2915.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">open eye.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgkkKOH0ni5nJhldzO80M5rLg9y9N9FgsQjQI6i-KgaoWODwAj2soOvrbsNBAOarrk0QKdquxkQnPx-70OnORd-zO0DQ08n15hYIMfOmVDHAo1hokSV9Jvy_YEKh_UcpnjFApjJZIdZbTwD/s1600/100_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkKOH0ni5nJhldzO80M5rLg9y9N9FgsQjQI6i-KgaoWODwAj2soOvrbsNBAOarrk0QKdquxkQnPx-70OnORd-zO0DQ08n15hYIMfOmVDHAo1hokSV9Jvy_YEKh_UcpnjFApjJZIdZbTwD/s320/100_2912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sucking the thumb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhcMgykYGQuFWzVu7Y-QD1foWvkbdfEEek4hxPWL19CLm8xmkYjiTGwdOYx8fkByZCrcA-WHIV5TbFpmh6feDtbSA_qtUfABXFWiWwn2mTbwcXwp8X8xZ0mj30XgibZL9i1VoEqXKHP1U-l/s1600/100_2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMgykYGQuFWzVu7Y-QD1foWvkbdfEEek4hxPWL19CLm8xmkYjiTGwdOYx8fkByZCrcA-WHIV5TbFpmh6feDtbSA_qtUfABXFWiWwn2mTbwcXwp8X8xZ0mj30XgibZL9i1VoEqXKHP1U-l/s320/100_2913.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sticking out the tongue.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="highl">Psalm 139:13-14 </span></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>For you created my inmost being;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13">you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">your works are wonderful,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">I know that full well.</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-14"></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-14">God bless you! </span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-78785186864097916152014-01-06T21:25:00.000-08:002014-01-06T21:31:59.019-08:00SO, What's NEW?!?<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what's new since I have last posted...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
much!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer was a warm one, but the children got to enjoy swimming at the Minersville pool, two trips to Knoebles, a trip to Hershey park, Crystal Cave, Roadside America, trips to Rickett's Glenn Sgtate Park and World's End State park, the Reading Muesum, a Reading Phillies game and multiple playdates with different friends. In August, we had the bittersweet reunion of the Mills family here in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pennsylvania as we had to say goodbye to "Grandfather Lance".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We welcomed Timothy Michael to our family on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sept. 18, 2013 after an early delivery by 3 weeks,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ30dcNnEPc-4lwnRI5lXfwqV9WeSa-nmsG-dbQptPKfmn2Xgifl80Rc6o_Cgm-u0lu262w1xdMW9heBCk8kMbl5BVe7_2b54rgDxpFq0mrJT1Ru-QBAcjwJMhlaV30LBnrbqAYywmdN3/s1600/100_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ30dcNnEPc-4lwnRI5lXfwqV9WeSa-nmsG-dbQptPKfmn2Xgifl80Rc6o_Cgm-u0lu262w1xdMW9heBCk8kMbl5BVe7_2b54rgDxpFq0mrJT1Ru-QBAcjwJMhlaV30LBnrbqAYywmdN3/s1600/100_3199.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywrOwsoU2yJBB9YcPcF1Z7Yj-ywn_mEDk81883vieZXbt3Gc0aZP6AaD2sgpZK0u1lnYSX7nsDgmztibuKzRGhUg5HzCDZrZCpqnZaxLzke5GHScSbThd0zwVLa8OC4kwL5Zs5cEZ3VBi/s1600/100_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywrOwsoU2yJBB9YcPcF1Z7Yj-ywn_mEDk81883vieZXbt3Gc0aZP6AaD2sgpZK0u1lnYSX7nsDgmztibuKzRGhUg5HzCDZrZCpqnZaxLzke5GHScSbThd0zwVLa8OC4kwL5Zs5cEZ3VBi/s1600/100_3100.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxGbkIbx3Obd616FP48ivwK-2m_iYmWMSW74Al_MOsPKUrZugAWzPkod1LUZBHXLsu01AkSPOlU16hg1vSI1XcrlzGCPxzGKLk2bFI1bQdkb9gsAtuYd3SrmXim6ed2s0dazR_kxQw5L2/s1600/100_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> he was considerably small...7 lb 10 oz, 20" long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a lot of help from friends with the children while I was in the hospital, for which we are thankful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXW7KZ6C1F6193fVePgMkv1sKK7eCHboXUNLNyNkqSaw0bqg-2DuCihCgNAoAmgimJ15arpM2usq7dJa_ODXMOcxBn75vAxxQUwqjV9qDyEWqrBm_IJHFuOctFHLeqqe7Ey0bCc_ffXJ-/s1600/100_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXW7KZ6C1F6193fVePgMkv1sKK7eCHboXUNLNyNkqSaw0bqg-2DuCihCgNAoAmgimJ15arpM2usq7dJa_ODXMOcxBn75vAxxQUwqjV9qDyEWqrBm_IJHFuOctFHLeqqe7Ey0bCc_ffXJ-/s1600/100_3104.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Upon hospital discharge, we celebrated Marcus' 8th birthday with a party at home </div>
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complete with friends and a chess cake, again without our friends help, it would have not been possible.</div>
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Then on Sunday, Sept. 25, we celebrated Timothy's baptism.</div>
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Brian had to go back to work on Monday as the paper was short staffed to begin with, so I was </div>
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back to mommy duty, HOWEVER, I did let school go for a while...something had to give. </div>
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Needless to say, life was a bit crazy for a while, but we are all pretty well settled into being a family with 7 children.</div>
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Timothy is a delight to all of his siblings, we wouldn't want it any other way!</div>
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Our princess has decided to rename herself, "Sugar Plum Princess".</div>
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Thomas has become "Bomb".</div>
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The rest of the children seem to like their names which is a blessing!</div>
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The autumn left us with some fun activities, including festivals and hayrides. Halloween this past year was very wet, but the children had fun, none the less.</div>
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We walked around town with some friends, but ended up having to throw the </div>
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candy away as there was a pin found in a piece of candy that was handed out in one of the</div>
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areas in which we were, we figured better safe than sorry...the kiddos didn't seem to mind terribly.</div>
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We had a Roman soldier, Robin Hood, Ninja Turtle, Bomb the Angry bird, Sugar Plum fairy and </div>
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a cute little guy in the first Halloween sleeper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxGbkIbx3Obd616FP48ivwK-2m_iYmWMSW74Al_MOsPKUrZugAWzPkod1LUZBHXLsu01AkSPOlU16hg1vSI1XcrlzGCPxzGKLk2bFI1bQdkb9gsAtuYd3SrmXim6ed2s0dazR_kxQw5L2/s1600/100_3286.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxGbkIbx3Obd616FP48ivwK-2m_iYmWMSW74Al_MOsPKUrZugAWzPkod1LUZBHXLsu01AkSPOlU16hg1vSI1XcrlzGCPxzGKLk2bFI1bQdkb9gsAtuYd3SrmXim6ed2s0dazR_kxQw5L2/s1600/100_3286.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCLWFfhQIbnCMZa9wSB5QJ5pbUQehxYuQmTTPTT9vKDf4VtOg8dkcNzpFHn1EkBER6empjdKWmsLAN9slEsZghFUSLHe1efC-yZD5aoMuFYTWIVznXj6sZkhtcN5tPQd_y1zizObM57_n/s1600/100_3293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCLWFfhQIbnCMZa9wSB5QJ5pbUQehxYuQmTTPTT9vKDf4VtOg8dkcNzpFHn1EkBER6empjdKWmsLAN9slEsZghFUSLHe1efC-yZD5aoMuFYTWIVznXj6sZkhtcN5tPQd_y1zizObM57_n/s1600/100_3293.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFveHmkI3wRSg5CZy6ikoKNsyAV17u5IgfjPgmGsCVsYobOif3wfYycdSADCH9qYg-33a8GQOjEwbJ7ovomNbfY2hdRoZix6F31joukcjW1ak2z34pQhDlz37cRj9gWvTX-emn87rMtLs/s1600/100_3292.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFveHmkI3wRSg5CZy6ikoKNsyAV17u5IgfjPgmGsCVsYobOif3wfYycdSADCH9qYg-33a8GQOjEwbJ7ovomNbfY2hdRoZix6F31joukcjW1ak2z34pQhDlz37cRj9gWvTX-emn87rMtLs/s1600/100_3292.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlP874LMwUt6-qS8iwrUqNzRqSCvIL3rpAyY5RMfwEztqOBpSqaxByYIC8myego1rWde1Z3toxgSPSjWJ-DeYZiDqL3sqkycPxo7r0WL0PjzAXOZlVEaVvNPeyeRnLEII9tg5fGCNaLHz/s1600/100_3290.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlP874LMwUt6-qS8iwrUqNzRqSCvIL3rpAyY5RMfwEztqOBpSqaxByYIC8myego1rWde1Z3toxgSPSjWJ-DeYZiDqL3sqkycPxo7r0WL0PjzAXOZlVEaVvNPeyeRnLEII9tg5fGCNaLHz/s1600/100_3290.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7yF-wuAp7f6MtNxEQJNaQO2-WouuY8Ux70CCBgN-NLvvdypimVNrlM082hbAnKo9IwoSPDHbtQK5J__e9qDRQZj91AOMSecA0ECpVaWcDTdFb0WnG_KiXgxfa246F8aSNtxcedesBUtk/s1600/100_3299.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7yF-wuAp7f6MtNxEQJNaQO2-WouuY8Ux70CCBgN-NLvvdypimVNrlM082hbAnKo9IwoSPDHbtQK5J__e9qDRQZj91AOMSecA0ECpVaWcDTdFb0WnG_KiXgxfa246F8aSNtxcedesBUtk/s1600/100_3299.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfpl8VqdSmhjtIr-RLSPrxPVEqwnvoH04-rv9WLdH8qS3WudLtFZsZpiVz0QW-bOYoRtqjZAV_2ouPbYQXp9K-1Y4KEkhHh0b3qysolb5DjWVjBdJ6XF96b-Wi8R5_-MCfU13jUmeIsbI/s1600/100_3287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfpl8VqdSmhjtIr-RLSPrxPVEqwnvoH04-rv9WLdH8qS3WudLtFZsZpiVz0QW-bOYoRtqjZAV_2ouPbYQXp9K-1Y4KEkhHh0b3qysolb5DjWVjBdJ6XF96b-Wi8R5_-MCfU13jUmeIsbI/s1600/100_3287.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving was spent at my father and stepmother's home and was very nice.</div>
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On Dec. 6, we celebrated John's 5th birthday at the Pine Grove Theater and watched "Planes".</div>
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He had many friends at the party, and everyone seemed to have a good time! This is the cake he had on his "real" birthday..at the party for convenience it was cupcak<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyG7gawPvT65lc-ViQ2XT0Yx_0x4hbDjU1Xb_JFgRuR9wEhSnObHIy_4a40QCdY1mYswZJxtfeSZEKBCo61Qad72j8jJ786FgE-ZYFa2foCcz9P0eGjTXl9JBQhCVVfF5T3RlnWBRPNE0/s1600/100_3323.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>es.</div>
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Christmas was a good time as well...we had our traditional Christmas Eve celebration here</div>
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with family and friends. However, I did go to Mass early, and Brian took Marcus and Luke to midnight Mass. In the morning, which wasn't until about 9 am, the children woke up and opened their gifts, everyone seemed pleased. We had our Christmas day dinner with some friends then </div>
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Luke's godparents came to visit in the evening.</div>
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For New Year's Eve, we stayed home..again I went to Mass early, and Brian took Marcus the following morning. My father, stepmother, and Brian's mom came for dinner.</div>
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Throughout the holiday, we had to deal with the fast moving stomach virus. And the week before the holiday, Timothy was diagnosed with bronchiolitis, it must work itself out as it is viral as well.</div>
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Here is hoping that we have seen the worst of the sickness for our family, but if not, we will </div>
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handle it as it comes.</div>
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School officially started back on Monday, January 6 for us, and the boys were anxious to</div>
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get back into a routine, which made life much easier! </div>
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That is a brief overview of what has happened to us as we bid farewell to 2013 </div>
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and welcome in the year 2014.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QOYCYq5pL5cXBTEUw_20CkbICOEWrgL_R2w74dST6fc7rDC_nhaPDktUUog98Hg1iL8AucRR8YjuKYHiTgVfQ1eBXO9DclGv3iWqLODU46Pxwpe-5lmHfVYA-AHXXZrIWTlgSeYcR2qM/s1600/100_3225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QOYCYq5pL5cXBTEUw_20CkbICOEWrgL_R2w74dST6fc7rDC_nhaPDktUUog98Hg1iL8AucRR8YjuKYHiTgVfQ1eBXO9DclGv3iWqLODU46Pxwpe-5lmHfVYA-AHXXZrIWTlgSeYcR2qM/s1600/100_3225.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQeSZujZBuBktAIq_sqUwDNrFNfnpJB1SLS0bP2lPf0GLhRX8fb_N48sydEiMg-YWlrgO8YWoFi6YabVVcq1tTtBcuA30Wt56q7F7bmbq3hYUg4yn0VOVQTWwxyWyG_wGlEcSbDHv9VQk/s1600/100_3228.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQeSZujZBuBktAIq_sqUwDNrFNfnpJB1SLS0bP2lPf0GLhRX8fb_N48sydEiMg-YWlrgO8YWoFi6YabVVcq1tTtBcuA30Wt56q7F7bmbq3hYUg4yn0VOVQTWwxyWyG_wGlEcSbDHv9VQk/s1600/100_3228.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDK0BLI_19p_fCe-ymvR_GnjYp1oOIpesypTfuaEqxmFjreZqIgF4t6BwmuSrvml1cQc6_Fk3Co42zolB5O-HxMl_5aPJjNkNJgnE_-BFBwyXGJKzaa4k5K1UvO5BWNM9XWlJlsxZ9QZC/s1600/100_3226.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDK0BLI_19p_fCe-ymvR_GnjYp1oOIpesypTfuaEqxmFjreZqIgF4t6BwmuSrvml1cQc6_Fk3Co42zolB5O-HxMl_5aPJjNkNJgnE_-BFBwyXGJKzaa4k5K1UvO5BWNM9XWlJlsxZ9QZC/s1600/100_3226.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdF9wmp72QGXtaWLYALFlRHHbsN6ZrAm7O3Be9UqPaZORr1y_YzNghTBG3A6AXx5kYwiY2Irdmg8gExnooGPj_rzb-oIybyDqHfskhySkZjLZkueEu5M2QdG_Q8tq1YmvI07S0ycTwf8F/s1600/100_3227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdF9wmp72QGXtaWLYALFlRHHbsN6ZrAm7O3Be9UqPaZORr1y_YzNghTBG3A6AXx5kYwiY2Irdmg8gExnooGPj_rzb-oIybyDqHfskhySkZjLZkueEu5M2QdG_Q8tq1YmvI07S0ycTwf8F/s1600/100_3227.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQeSZujZBuBktAIq_sqUwDNrFNfnpJB1SLS0bP2lPf0GLhRX8fb_N48sydEiMg-YWlrgO8YWoFi6YabVVcq1tTtBcuA30Wt56q7F7bmbq3hYUg4yn0VOVQTWwxyWyG_wGlEcSbDHv9VQk/s1600/100_3228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMPymg7bYMhHbwolVjsR9hMeDT3Iqzj11K2zP1hBHC6TZiA6s-BLrAtOtV2ywJND8Ou0u63iaVpU7pJ9q_8cHswj3BH3EB6X3BFGpEH-NIgHOYbQTxpMA2mT8QK52MwEOrCuxrloNbaAS/s1600/100_3224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMPymg7bYMhHbwolVjsR9hMeDT3Iqzj11K2zP1hBHC6TZiA6s-BLrAtOtV2ywJND8Ou0u63iaVpU7pJ9q_8cHswj3BH3EB6X3BFGpEH-NIgHOYbQTxpMA2mT8QK52MwEOrCuxrloNbaAS/s1600/100_3224.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMPymg7bYMhHbwolVjsR9hMeDT3Iqzj11K2zP1hBHC6TZiA6s-BLrAtOtV2ywJND8Ou0u63iaVpU7pJ9q_8cHswj3BH3EB6X3BFGpEH-NIgHOYbQTxpMA2mT8QK52MwEOrCuxrloNbaAS/s1600/100_3224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We look forward to the year of 2014 and in it, our family is hoping to grow more spiritually<br />
and to do things even better than before....<br />
may you all have a spiritually blessed New Year!</div>
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With all my love to you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God Bless! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_A3JumEDdln-M9oRfWOdY6ksME-bj7k4lAOLvLo_oH9hf1Es3GiQvQmDN_0eWRevDZnFZcgQYGo-mk7AuTP_Ud_4_CcFNSkDf_AxSNIpP8vd0ZGd39u4QzIJ5yhNEQshup2mYPSUT808v/s1600/Marcus+close+up+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_A3JumEDdln-M9oRfWOdY6ksME-bj7k4lAOLvLo_oH9hf1Es3GiQvQmDN_0eWRevDZnFZcgQYGo-mk7AuTP_Ud_4_CcFNSkDf_AxSNIpP8vd0ZGd39u4QzIJ5yhNEQshup2mYPSUT808v/s1600/Marcus+close+up+picture.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
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<i>We honestly couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day than what we had on </i></div>
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<i>Sunday, May 26, 2013.</i></div>
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<i>The sun was shining, it was warm, there was a slight breeze. It was the last Sunday of the month which is the Tridentine Mass offered by Father E. B. Connolly at St. Joseph Parish in Girardville PA. It was also the Mass in which Marcus was to receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion for the first time. </i></div>
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<i>There was prep work involved for such a holy and joyous occasion. First we (Brian and I) had to agree on a suit, originally I wanted black, but with the help of Father Connolly, I "gave in" and got a white one for our dear boy, It was certainly the right choice! After having the pants altered at Keller's, the suit was perfect!</i></div>
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<i>Brian said keep the guest list small, not many will want to attend...when I showed him the list, he had his doubts, I told him, those that are to be there will be, sure enough, the RSVP's started coming in, turned out all but 4 of the invitees showed up. It was beautiful to see so many people that care about our child and our family attend an important event.</i></div>
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<i><br />Even though I've been teaching Marcus his religion, in his school lessons at home, I wanted him to have more preparation for what was about to happen....Father Connolly and Miss King had a </i></div>
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<i>Holy Communion Class at </i></div>
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<i>St. Vincent in Girardville, it was about 2 weeks long, and two nights a week, which worked out well. Marcus did very well in the class, which helped put this momma's mind at ease that he was indeed prepared for his special day.<br /><br /> I wanted to have some sort of small token of our appreciation for those that did come to support Marcus, so I made bookmarks, thank you Beth Ann Whitenight for the use of your machine to cut out the rosaries and cups! There were several trips to Michael's until I had it together, but it came together well.</i></div>
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<i> </i></div>
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<i> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSg1V_axhWvl2w50H30SJjXJA1iW-M9nmsEmnrf2gQ3uRcF_vDFCs81yNAQ5NbcqJh4YbYI6Ma6UHxxXYCdvIGHO7LtkuSy4iz0rJlpJnCVLrEM-l42oz5jBUOmmIdsn_C2gi0OKuFkD8/s1600/100_2802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSg1V_axhWvl2w50H30SJjXJA1iW-M9nmsEmnrf2gQ3uRcF_vDFCs81yNAQ5NbcqJh4YbYI6Ma6UHxxXYCdvIGHO7LtkuSy4iz0rJlpJnCVLrEM-l42oz5jBUOmmIdsn_C2gi0OKuFkD8/s1600/100_2802.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k9nncJlPh3bQHlLrSK0i8g3sUEdeNNEMUcCvx-xmCxdmpK9KU2pqIDEp3RhFYXbtXyJq9Y9sBu-Aho00scUlrImlxq0Gh0GOxavu4B9UL84KxLYEsCkkEq6_WK_sTLdRizhux-w4PwFS/s1600/100_2803.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k9nncJlPh3bQHlLrSK0i8g3sUEdeNNEMUcCvx-xmCxdmpK9KU2pqIDEp3RhFYXbtXyJq9Y9sBu-Aho00scUlrImlxq0Gh0GOxavu4B9UL84KxLYEsCkkEq6_WK_sTLdRizhux-w4PwFS/s1600/100_2803.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></i></div>
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<i> The cake as you should know is where I
had a lot of concern. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I
wanted it to be perfect....First Holy Communion only happens for a child
once. I shopped around and not being pleased with what I saw in the
bakeries, I decided to do a bit of research and found a few things that I
liked and the cake designing began. The end result was host and chalice
with writing done in white, baby blue and gold. In my eyes, it was
perfect for our needs. </i></div>
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<i> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqjRHyqBuNzcovj4Az6oxkXkm9XbCFHtMqBn6J-oNJA1j9PVTpYjDuxC8-Ur8_Q0BB9i9BJCPYvFC_S0XZfuS7fuRMyUhgCRS1V1R-iJusqKhpxZqiIUiKa9XFBgKtfj4FUPgGiY4mlTy/s1600/cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqjRHyqBuNzcovj4Az6oxkXkm9XbCFHtMqBn6J-oNJA1j9PVTpYjDuxC8-Ur8_Q0BB9i9BJCPYvFC_S0XZfuS7fuRMyUhgCRS1V1R-iJusqKhpxZqiIUiKa9XFBgKtfj4FUPgGiY4mlTy/s1600/cake.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></i></div>
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<i>And of course there is the "reception" after Mass... </i></div>
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<i>We kept the menu simple, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, water,
my mother-in-law was kind and bought a meat and cheese tray, the Potteigers brought fruit salad, the Miller's brought ambrosia, and Father
Connolly bought pizza and had it delivered to help feed the crew! </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RgoQM96WPnN8SLMrPMoaITw-63SibC4EYjpGL5sOURC-AWxGdO8kEdk8py74A_5ErKHA5LIqLdqFd_mu-hDu0N6CqcmvKPFdoKSgNON8XfwncWM4VfodeRIhNLapWrcdr8882_yK80ho/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RgoQM96WPnN8SLMrPMoaITw-63SibC4EYjpGL5sOURC-AWxGdO8kEdk8py74A_5ErKHA5LIqLdqFd_mu-hDu0N6CqcmvKPFdoKSgNON8XfwncWM4VfodeRIhNLapWrcdr8882_yK80ho/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></i></div>
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<i></i> </div>
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<i>The Mass was absolutely beautiful, everything went smoothly, and according to plan. Mr. Feeney played the organ beautifully, we had 2 altar servers. </i></div>
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<i>Marcus was "introduced" to the people. </i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AoDJJD3P9bKAu7OrzS4JV7lteaHT2wbqeq67EyxANcN2Nc6et0sWwp54uDoDCRxzrS5fMCe7UqrfcJ5k3bO8vft4_DreqOk5DLDmjXK-rHPDa6L809CnTFg3nZFitjOmF8G_2AdeMYYA/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AoDJJD3P9bKAu7OrzS4JV7lteaHT2wbqeq67EyxANcN2Nc6et0sWwp54uDoDCRxzrS5fMCe7UqrfcJ5k3bO8vft4_DreqOk5DLDmjXK-rHPDa6L809CnTFg3nZFitjOmF8G_2AdeMYYA/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1262.JPG" height="200" width="133" /> </a></i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>answering Father Connolly</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RgoQM96WPnN8SLMrPMoaITw-63SibC4EYjpGL5sOURC-AWxGdO8kEdk8py74A_5ErKHA5LIqLdqFd_mu-hDu0N6CqcmvKPFdoKSgNON8XfwncWM4VfodeRIhNLapWrcdr8882_yK80ho/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1259.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RgoQM96WPnN8SLMrPMoaITw-63SibC4EYjpGL5sOURC-AWxGdO8kEdk8py74A_5ErKHA5LIqLdqFd_mu-hDu0N6CqcmvKPFdoKSgNON8XfwncWM4VfodeRIhNLapWrcdr8882_yK80ho/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1259.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><i>Marcus answers Father Connolly's question: "What is the Holy Eucharist?"
response: "The Holy Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of
our Lord, Jesus Christ hidden under the appearances of bread and wine."
Marcus spoke those words with such confidence, he made me so proud.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweSaq1nTrVpM6ME3RDk0J-hMh6AUl8Nk-SpjtcQIUaB94w0uh34GWMW014xReAsfUNIjHiWLwPjeiWycAT2BKw3Ii7FkGKz5N3R0VmYodpIr9huiMXy6DOFzjxqpdo-qsyI24USwSOk-n/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1278+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweSaq1nTrVpM6ME3RDk0J-hMh6AUl8Nk-SpjtcQIUaB94w0uh34GWMW014xReAsfUNIjHiWLwPjeiWycAT2BKw3Ii7FkGKz5N3R0VmYodpIr9huiMXy6DOFzjxqpdo-qsyI24USwSOk-n/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1278+a.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>preparing for Holy Eucharist</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The reverence Father shows here touches my heart, he is truly a man of God, and I am thankful that he has baptized 3 of our 6 children, and pray that he will baptize our next blessing in October, in the Traditional Rite.</i></div>
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<i> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmItTgsuV38rhTzOUBSJQ31tqgBdpIBmdJpCutWxHLHQAnRpKrTjEVTzF78yDtV-Z7T-P3EDKwy0Ky6cRO339FcbuCGNuUS9-oHq28phrffdeKDIA5jB4VT38GDCYME2iFGrPAEdfXHRJq/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmItTgsuV38rhTzOUBSJQ31tqgBdpIBmdJpCutWxHLHQAnRpKrTjEVTzF78yDtV-Z7T-P3EDKwy0Ky6cRO339FcbuCGNuUS9-oHq28phrffdeKDIA5jB4VT38GDCYME2iFGrPAEdfXHRJq/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1314.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></i><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_arPd-Le_gy9Az3XtoOVZGSzOd6JRhJsElqhfe7X7a5hKzsUZXSTVwbOf_ty6UUM-chim1z7Fk9rsLkECrnvcCFHSbXHS-A4SR56kIs1RajvqBJAddMekRQT-PNoJ5KT3y7mdHLzze_Be/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1307+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_arPd-Le_gy9Az3XtoOVZGSzOd6JRhJsElqhfe7X7a5hKzsUZXSTVwbOf_ty6UUM-chim1z7Fk9rsLkECrnvcCFHSbXHS-A4SR56kIs1RajvqBJAddMekRQT-PNoJ5KT3y7mdHLzze_Be/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1307+a.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>preparing for Holy Eucharist</i></td></tr>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> This was the first time Father Connolly gave First Holy Communion in the Tridentine Rite, his homily was on the Blessed Trinity, and was very insiteful. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmwRIKVym18J8fmyeEEfG1BQx1DNE7zGtSirYfJYJLD_CMoPAzKN6tzDHkXzAp3L40sfjT9G8vej6MZeT_wRHRhOBc4XNxKWDUyaH_qDLEeLDV4USLawuAwdB58BAF5oysAhD70zf5U4/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1317+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmwRIKVym18J8fmyeEEfG1BQx1DNE7zGtSirYfJYJLD_CMoPAzKN6tzDHkXzAp3L40sfjT9G8vej6MZeT_wRHRhOBc4XNxKWDUyaH_qDLEeLDV4USLawuAwdB58BAF5oysAhD70zf5U4/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1317+a.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jesus enters Marcus for the first time</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> After Mass, Mrs. Thye took this family portrait, it is the first one we had done in four years, so this is special to me.</i></div>
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<i>All of the beautiful pictures on here with the exception of the cake and bookmark are courtsey of Mrs. Thye.<br />She did a beautiful job capturing this special day, there are many more pictures but I chose the ones I felt made the biggest statement for me.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>As you can see, our family has been blessed by God in more ways than one, a wonderful family, a wonderful preist, wonderful friends, good food. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhBZYF1cfNrrUPhDMGeVkY6WPbVeNnBY_2Za302U4XRRPk3D0Fk_Xp1Oi_VtM78eLDkM6zNDH5X_WLbKbU3j0Xuz0rBoDQK3ePWWezBiVJ67iz3qM_L0_mpw0zSPGkC3tMs6UMoiUWbVx/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1360+i+Frame+!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhBZYF1cfNrrUPhDMGeVkY6WPbVeNnBY_2Za302U4XRRPk3D0Fk_Xp1Oi_VtM78eLDkM6zNDH5X_WLbKbU3j0Xuz0rBoDQK3ePWWezBiVJ67iz3qM_L0_mpw0zSPGkC3tMs6UMoiUWbVx/s1600/2013_05_26_IMG_1360+i+Frame+!.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my sweet family.</i></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I pray that this day will always be in Marcus' heart, and that God will always be with him when making any kind of decisions. May God bless you not only today, but always...</i></div>
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<i>Love you always little man!</i></div>
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<i>We have so much to be thankful and grateful for, and words can't express our gratitude enough. </i></div>
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I am looking forward to this long holiday</div>
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weekend with the family, and </div>
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even some friends throughout</div>
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the weekend.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This weekend will be a very special one for our </div>
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DoodleBug..he will be receiving </div>
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his First Holy Communion, </div>
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during the </div>
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Tridentine Mas<em>s.</em></div>
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There will be more on this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
next week with pictures of our </div>
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precious boy! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, was busy for me as I had to take Pooh Bear to the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
doctor, unexpected trip for us, but things seem okay.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then we went to WalMart so I could buy some supplies for Sunday,</div>
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got a bit of grocery shopping done, feeding the littles in a few minutes.</div>
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We will be picking Daddy up and attending Benediction/Exposition this </div>
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evening. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Tomorrow will be filled with finishing shopping for Sunday and for a picnic</div>
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we will be going to on Monday! In the evening, it will be time to get serious.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
decorating our boy's First Holy Communion Cake then mommy will need</div>
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some rest. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Believe me, I am looking forward to Sunday's activities and then the relaxing I get to do</div>
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at a friend's house, children get to play and see some baby chicks! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Will be signing off for the weekend this evening until Tuesday so I pray that you</div>
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all have a very special holiday weekend, please be safe in your journeys!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God Bless </div>
<h3 class="r">
</h3>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-90799066162737808132013-05-22T13:07:00.000-07:002013-05-22T13:08:32.042-07:00WHERE HAVE I BEEN?!?<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm back and hoping to be back on here on a regular basis.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, where have I been, and what's been going on?</div>
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<br />
I'll tell you....</div>
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<br /></div>
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We have been very busy with school work and other fun things:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Doodle Bug has completed 2nd grade and Monkey Man has gotten his Kindergarten class done.</div>
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They were both wonderful students...and I am looking forward to teaching them</div>
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fun things through the summer months and getting back into a regular school day in the </div>
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Autumn.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our Autumn will be busy as we will have a new baby to take care of and the addition of Pooh Bear doing</div>
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more school work not sure if it will be more pre-k or kindergarten, Doodle Bug will attack 3rd grade and Monkey Man 1st grade.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We attended library programs on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons when mommy was feeling</div>
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pretty good. On Wednesdays, we have gone to AWANA for Doodle Bug, Monkey Man, and Pooh Bear, </div>
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all three had another successful year and are looking forward to the next year.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Doodle Bug, Monkey Man and Pooh Bear all played a good season of T-ball.</div>
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Monkey Man is getting pretty good, and Pooh Bear had a fun first season. Doodle bug put his</div>
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best foot forward and had a good time as well. I am glad the season is over!</div>
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<br /></div>
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We are preparing to celebrate Doodle Bug's First Holy Communion this coming Sunday,</div>
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something we are very proud of him for. He is very strong in his faith and for that I am able to </div>
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thank God.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tootlehead decided to become totally potty trained AND can do it all himself, but loves to have an </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
audience (mommy) watch him pull his shorts/undies up. Princess is trying to follow suit, but it </div>
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isn't quite working the right way yet for her, her time will come.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been seeing my ob on a monthly basis and things are going along smoothly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with munchkin. On Tuesday May 28, we go for the Level 2 Ultrasound, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we haven't decided if we will find out if baby is a boy or girl..I don't want to,</div>
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but I think daddy does, will see how things pan out. </div>
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Knowing won't make a difference for us, we need clothing for the child either way because </div>
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of size differences and/or season differences...buying things early will lead to me only</div>
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having to return things after the child is born, so why kill myself with that, right?!?</div>
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(I hate doing returns if I don't have to!)</div>
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</div>
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Then there are the not so fun things:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our family has been battling all kinds of colds/flus/viruses/bugs, but I think we are finally</div>
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on the upswing now. I can only pray so anyway.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Van needed some extensive work to pass inspection, but at least it isn't a car payment </div>
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for us, always a good thing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We have also had some family members pass on in recent months, some were</div>
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more expected than others.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, you can see it has been quite the adventure since I last posted, but that is okay,</div>
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that is what mothering is all about, and I wouldn't trade it in for anything!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you will join me as we begin our summer adventures and see where life takes</div>
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us...all the fun twists and turns of life!</div>
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<br /></div>
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God Bless!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-61001070911769356632013-03-25T13:36:00.000-07:002013-03-25T13:37:12.574-07:00Counting our blessings!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i>Psalm 127:3</i></div>
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<i>Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
You may or may not know but here is the news:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our family is being blessed by God one more time--in early Autumn, we will</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">be welcoming baby number 7 to our family.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we first told the littles, they were a bit quiet about it, but as time is passing, </span><i> </i></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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belly is getting bigger, making it harder for Monkeyman to get his little arms around me,</div>
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the thought is more exciting to him.</div>
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</div>
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I love our night time prayers with the children as we ask God to bless each child, then</div>
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we always add, and the new baby. I know His hand is at work with this precious</div>
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baby, and has been, even before I knew it would be happening!</div>
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</div>
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This pregnancy is different, I feel a bit more tired, a bit more sick, but</div>
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a lot more at peace, for now anyway.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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I am trying my hardest to make the most out of this and enjoy the time carrying this</div>
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child, because all too soon, he or she will make an appearance.</div>
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</div>
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There is no where safer for the child than in it's mother's womb. I am thankful to God</div>
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that he found my womb fit to carry my first 6 children to term with very little difficulties, maybe</div>
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some discomfort, but that ends eventually, and I want to remember that this time, no matter</div>
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how difficult it may get, I know I can rely on God for help during these times and in</div>
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times of doubt.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<br />
The big questions people have when you make the "announcement":<br />
<br />
1) when are you due?<br />
2) are you going to find out what it is?<br />
3) names?<br />
4) are you "done" yet?<br />
<br />
I am going to get this out now:<br />
<br />
1) around Oct. 7<br />
2) we haven't decided yet<br />
(the children want to know, but I am not sure I do...<br />
I already know it will be a BABY, a gift from God, and that's all that matters<br />
of course health is important too)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
3) totally undecided at this point, and throwing names around, won't know<br />
until we see our gift<br />
4) it is God's will, and if He wills us to have more, we will gladly accept that fact.</div>
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<br />
At this point, I am patiently waiting for Friday to come, and it will hopefully be a very good day<i>...</i><br />
first of all, it will be my birthday, and I will get to see the baby during my Level 2 ultrasound, so<br />
my birthday wish is that all will be well during my ultrasound.<i> </i><br />
I am not going to bore people with the normal issues of pregnancy, as most won't really care,<br />
(If for some reason, you do care to know, you can message me either here, facebook or email) <br />
but if there is something major, I will ask for prayer.<br />
<i> </i><br />
I hope you will keep us in prayer on this day coming up, and throughout the pregnancy.<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Proverbs 17:6</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=84621677115168055" name="en-KJV-16880"></a>Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-42832793009682680012013-03-06T11:54:00.000-08:002013-03-06T11:54:32.569-08:00There'd be days like this....<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/AVvXsEhCa1sTCND0BhAv2DXirT9axjSY4EqFoRm5qtNsLIpMDjxgUismvUBsKcv-tMEhWTENYmDydd74pp7huJ7nMwU92c7xp2dhF2PUQ3OWOYEao7GMSiosyujfhaIZd1BHeKuBhIp1T_exPCi1/s1600/Smith1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa1sTCND0BhAv2DXirT9axjSY4EqFoRm5qtNsLIpMDjxgUismvUBsKcv-tMEhWTENYmDydd74pp7huJ7nMwU92c7xp2dhF2PUQ3OWOYEao7GMSiosyujfhaIZd1BHeKuBhIp1T_exPCi1/s200/Smith1.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Princess</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My past week or two have been filled up with appointments in and out of the area. For some we were able to take school work with us, for others, it wasn't feasible so we'd wait until we got home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately this week hasn't been so bad, nor is next week as we are going to wrap up our third quarter of classes! </div>
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<br /></div>
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You would think that this would make for a pretty easy week for us, normally it does however, little Princess has decided to go "Cling-on"....If anyone tries to sit with me she gets mad and pushes him away then puts herself right into mamma's lap. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we aren't sitting together, and I am trying to get some work done, she is following me saying, "Hold you mamma, hold you." Meaning, she wants me to hold her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If she still had her crib, I could put her in there to cry and deal with it, but she doesn't so that is not an option.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If she weren't so heavy, I'd carry her on my back in a pouch all day, but that is not an option either. She is much too heavy. So I suppose I will sit and snuggle my baby girl because I know one day she will be too big to sit on my lap, or be held on my hip. The day will come when she won't want these things either.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will cherish this time, make the most of being with my little girl and not really worry about the things that will keep, such as dishes or the laundry to fold...I can catch up when daddy is here to help out. </div>
<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/AVvXsEg_jCdaptJ3BwbMjlvh6zXj_dHjDm475iQrk3sKLPdhYXKnqdgNXWXRv_bXhFJkPYTsU85xpdyHn64bVFqSu4jQqxKQE3N7rI1p0B_mzJJQddWkQMxwXN4VR_X5sBNyuCzGiDU88gpdrLNL/s1600/100_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jCdaptJ3BwbMjlvh6zXj_dHjDm475iQrk3sKLPdhYXKnqdgNXWXRv_bXhFJkPYTsU85xpdyHn64bVFqSu4jQqxKQE3N7rI1p0B_mzJJQddWkQMxwXN4VR_X5sBNyuCzGiDU88gpdrLNL/s320/100_1833.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Thank you God for letting me be here for my children, thank you for letting me be the one they come to when they are happy, have something important to share, and when they are sad, tired, out of sorts, sick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me always be here for them and remember that they will one day grow up and know that they can always come back to mamma with their joys or problems. I will love them unconditionally until God decides that my time is up on earth, but I will love them even after I am gone.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-65450653520068648862013-03-01T08:25:00.001-08:002013-03-01T08:26:56.112-08:00Shepherdless<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="150" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.travlang.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/St-Peters-Basilica.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the first time in 600 years, the Pope resigned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does this mean for the Catholic Church, it's people and their leaders? What will happen in the future?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When will we get a new Pope, will he be able to withstand being the Pope while the former is still in the area? Will he try to get back to the basics of our faith, will he get strict and get rid or try to eliminate the problems of the scandals our Church has been facing?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are all questions we all have, and probably many, many more. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, I have no answers to these questions, as I really don't think anyone does. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
What we can do is know that "He is with us always."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We need to have faith and trust that when the Cardinals do begin the conclave to elect our new Pope, that the Holy Spirit guides them and they do elect a most holy person to do the job.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray that the next Pope will be strong enough to stand up for what is right and just. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our culture is a mess right now, we know that Jesus built the Catholic Church with St. Peter as the foundation for the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://home.catholicweb.com/stpetersfw/images/saint-peter.jpg" style="margin-top: 48px;" width="149" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The True Church can never fail. For it is based upon a rock.</i> – <b>T.S. Eliot</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During school, we talked about the fact that our Church no longer has a leader and we must pray for the Church. Marcus said, "St. Peter should just come back and be the Pope again." He has a firm understanding of his faith, and the Bible. I am so thankful that we can teach our children the faith here in our home, without all the disturbing things that happen in the schools....transgender children, bullies, drugs, sex, foul language, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, even though the flock has lost a shepherd, we will gain a new one, and hopeful one of a very strong faith.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17&version=ESV">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a> <span class="note"></span>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pray without ceasing,
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is all we can do until we have a new shepherd..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-90780591285640272232013-02-26T12:56:00.000-08:002013-02-26T12:56:13.006-08:00An eye opener<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On Sunday, February 16, 2013 after Mass, I wanted to go over to Renninger's Market for some meat. I decided to take PoohBear and Tootlehead with me for a change. Big deal, yeah, actually, it was.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You see, that day was my mother's birthday...she would have been 62 years old, if she were still alive.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I haven't been to my mother's grave for many years. Never really felt the need to go there until this specific Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I told the littles that mommy needed to go to the cem<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">et</span>e</span>ry where her mommy is for a few minutes to say some prayers over her grave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They didn't really get it, it was cold, the littles waited in the van very near by. I took the short walk to the grave. Once I got there, I said my prayers for the dead, then really talked to her, as though she were there, meaning alive.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All at once, I was very sad, for many reasons....One was because I miss my mom more than I realized I did. However, that isn't all. My mother will not know my children (her many grandchildren) and their crazy antics in this world, she isn't able to interact with them, watch them grow up. This made me very sad.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My mother's life was a difficult one, I know that. I truly wish that things could have been different for her in this world, but God was in control even if she didn't think so or see it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At the time of her death, I grieved, and questioned God's reason, but knew that in general, it was better that way and kind of pushed her death out of my mind. Sure I have re-lived the whole day of the death and tried to let go, but it never worked.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I was finished saying my prayers, and was heading back to the van, but realized more needed to be said to her, so I turned around, marched back to the grave and talked more. After talking to her on her birthday, I told her I was sorry that she had a hard life, that she never got to remarry, or be able to see her grandchildren. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Once I was finished, I felt a sense of peace wash over me that I haven't felt before when dealing with her death. It will be 10 year in November that she died. I understand I will always miss my mother (some times more than others), and even have regrets for things that were left unsaid, things that were said, or even feelings that shouldn't have been. But after this special Sunday, I know, I can go to the grave and tell her what is on my mind and get it out there. I may not have an immediate reconciliation with anything, but at least I know I'm able to do something to help me when it comes to missing my mom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Even though it is late, I want to wish my mother a happy birthday, and I want her to know I love her, and always will...I am now at peace with things and feel like it will be ok.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I guess the big thing for me to tell you today is if you have said something, or not said something that is of importance you need to say it whether it is in person or by letter, just let them know what is on your mind, you never know if you will be too late. I know I was.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God bless! <br />.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-68087951418814311412013-02-19T14:29:00.001-08:002013-02-19T14:30:58.873-08:00when it seems there isn't enough of you....<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/AVvXsEhxe8Zdz1WP1Vm6W9li21LnPqm-t1Sw2O55nxpfNu5jF5Aj5PaoE1U4eIsJQp89uUEchD7LO7AlDRz_h91hmYthRebUmw4L3UVYsKyQG_TFc4EXtMBTL1P3xa9yWS59KuFaYaW4cMRdq31_/s1600/100_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="150" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/542931_532521300109868_57557850_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess and mommy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you do when you have two little ones that want your undivided attention, they fight each other to sit on your lap or to be held, they cry and don't want to share mommy with the sibling who is just as much in need of mommy?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, today, Princess and Tootlehead both wanted my attention, as I was trying to make some important calls in regard to Tootlehead's head pains...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/223737_2094677399006_4816541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="149" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/223737_2094677399006_4816541_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mommy and pooh bear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I sat on the sofa, and said to them both, look, I need to get these calls done, you need to sit quietly or play with your brothers. Mommy NEEDS to get this done, doctor's offices do close or switch to their answering service after a certain time. Naturally they didn't understand. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I sat with them a bit longer one on each leg, then one started kicking the other, in want of more mommy lap.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Told them, if you can't share, no one gets on mommy's lap, you sit on either side. That didn't satisfy them either. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe8Zdz1WP1Vm6W9li21LnPqm-t1Sw2O55nxpfNu5jF5Aj5PaoE1U4eIsJQp89uUEchD7LO7AlDRz_h91hmYthRebUmw4L3UVYsKyQG_TFc4EXtMBTL1P3xa9yWS59KuFaYaW4cMRdq31_/s1600/100_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe8Zdz1WP1Vm6W9li21LnPqm-t1Sw2O55nxpfNu5jF5Aj5PaoE1U4eIsJQp89uUEchD7LO7AlDRz_h91hmYthRebUmw4L3UVYsKyQG_TFc4EXtMBTL1P3xa9yWS59KuFaYaW4cMRdq31_/s200/100_0094.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daddy and monkey man</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I got up to finish my calls, and they all decided that life is good, enough mommy time has been had, so now I get to do my blog, well, almost with a free lap..a princess took residence again. If I were on the sofa, she'd fall asleep, but that is life. I need to get a few things done, and if she wants to snuggle, she will take what she can get! Tootle decided to draw, right next to mommy. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love how there are times it seems like there isn't enough of me to go around, but we always find a way to make it work out to everyone's advantage. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They all get snuggle time during the day, it only gets bad if two are tired at the same time, it doesn't happen often, but it does happen....it happened a lot when we were battling all the bugs and viruses we had here that began around Christmas and lasted until the middle to end of January. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<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/AVvXsEiE1gsaGHUa02LSSyHZTX1vBYIuVZLuzG3WWtXbsmPsazLmplBmOJ3_G1CuXHm3hU1nuK4dYcQK_vUiAkCZukarNFom7xB6EnjpvNKNLHLT1YZvj65o3wPjjovEP4bF4tH7aa07HudXxoym/s1600/100_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1gsaGHUa02LSSyHZTX1vBYIuVZLuzG3WWtXbsmPsazLmplBmOJ3_G1CuXHm3hU1nuK4dYcQK_vUiAkCZukarNFom7xB6EnjpvNKNLHLT1YZvj65o3wPjjovEP4bF4tH7aa07HudXxoym/s320/100_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> sunggles at the beach with daddy..a precious moment in time.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really don't mind when they all want me at the same time, because I know that one day, they will be grown up and not want to snuggle with their mommy. That day will be here faster than you can blink your eye, and that is something that will be bittersweet...I don't want my babies to grow up, but it is inevitable. They are enjoyable to watch now, and watching them grow and learn is also enjoyable.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will always remember, that they did once fit in my lap, even Mr. Fixit! Yes, the years do fly by in the blink of an eye...so enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<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://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/5772_1185320025640_121519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/5772_1185320025640_121519_n.jpg" width="149" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey Man, Pooh Bear, and our cousin,</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sharing a lap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-28441900767273975602013-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:002013-02-15T08:08:05.618-08:00Crazy days<div style="text-align: center;">
I wouldn't trade my crazy days in for anything, sure some days it would be nice to sit and do nothing, but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if I were to have that opportunity, I would have to do something anyway...I would feel guilty for doing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothing. Looking at the piles of laundry, the sink full of dishes or other cleaning that needs done would get on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my nerves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My children certainly keep me busy, starting the day off with dressing then eating breakfast. Sometimes we take daddy to work so we have the van to get a few things done. Upon coming home, we do our school work then clean up a bit and get the laundry caught up a bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the time that is all done, it is time to start thinking about lunch and what to do for dinner in the evening, even preparing the food so there is less work to do later on. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the middle of all this, we have potty runs, boo boos to kiss, arguments to settle, diapers to change, a visit from a friend, sometimes a phone call to make or email to answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can also throw in there, preparing for AWANA on a Wednesday evening or going to library on a Tuesday evening or Thursday afternoon (if it is warm enough for a walk). In the spring, we will throw in getting ready for t-ball for some of the children and when autumn rolls around again, it will be soccer time again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am looking forward to the day, soon coming, that we can get our school work done, pack lunches and enjoy a picnic lunch at the playground with friends to burn off pent up energy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My days look crazy to some people, but not nearly as crazy as some other people. I love my crazy days, and am thankful for all our littles...because without them, what would my day be like?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you ask me, it would be BORING!!!!!!!!! I'd rather my crazy, insane, sometimes wild days, to the quiet emptiness we will feel when everyone is grown up and out of our house...when that time comes, MAYBE I'll be ready for some "do nothing" days, but who knows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thank God for my crazy days! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I hope you enjoy yours as well, because we all know, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"This too, shall pass."</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-60276447322166538432013-02-14T13:16:00.000-08:002013-02-14T13:16:01.974-08:00LOVE<div style="text-align: center;">
LOVE... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such a small word, only four letters..it has many meanings. </div>
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We need to declare our love carefully, with a guarded heart, to the one </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you do truly love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Sure, there are different types of love, the love we have for God, the love we have for our</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spouse, our children, extended family, and even our friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On this St. Valentine's Day, we need to remember that this small word is very powerful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvZpFUml5VTm-VMPyYhLFhqMWaag9B89FCy1DufmoRljvk047H" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="117" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel this is the best way to look at love through the following verse: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/passage.aspx?q=1%20Corinthians+13:4-8">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
Love is patient, love is kind. It
does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it
is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love
never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where
there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it
will pass away.</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<img height="158" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c7MDpfJNXzaPYWRGYScE3TOdSh61DNjuqNmZMqket2Io9DfZi-zMpIXy5dMTYff_EU6OkQD8nXFe-KrZ-DtO7zH9l_Wq_VIUg3zbp87zjraMuI6eHtmODuLizq3gjvDe_6OzhhZ1Juxp/s200/godslove1.jpg" style="margin-top: 38px;" width="200" /></div>
<div class="ResultText">
</div>
<div class="ResultText">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> John 3:16</span></span></span></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong><br />
<strong> </strong>“<em>For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.</em><br />
<br />
<em><img height="147" id="irc_mi" src="http://darrellcreswell.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/gods-love.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /> </em></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
Have a Happy Valentine's Day to you all!</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-84216024489300148142013-02-13T05:06:00.000-08:002013-02-13T05:06:42.123-08:00Ash Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://paintedprayerbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/blog-2009-ash-wednesday-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://paintedprayerbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/blog-2009-ash-wednesday-2.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I prepare to go to Mass today, Ash Wednesday,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is a slight <span style="background-color: white;"><span>heaviness in my heart that I know will</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>become heavier through the lenten season, but eventually</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>lighten up as Easter nears.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>Ash Wednesday is a day for me to contemplate the beginning of our Lenten </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>observation in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>We will attend Mass today as a family </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>(however, Mr. Fixit, went early because of work)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>and receive our ashes.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>These ashes that will be placed on our foreheads</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>are a solid, visible reminder that we were</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>made from dust and unto dust we shall</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>return.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="templatequote">
<div class="Bug6200" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span></span><div class="templatequotecite" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Genesis" title="Book of Genesis">Genesis</a> <a class="external text" href="http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Genesis&verse=3:19&src=HE" rel="nofollow">3:19</a></i></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span> Our children will receive their ashes as well. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>The older 2 know of their meaning, however, the 3 younger ones</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>won't quite gt it, and probably call it "dirty".</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span> That is okay. One day, they too will understand the meaning.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span>We are reminded also that we are to:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="templatequote">
<div class="Bug6200" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></i></span><div class="templatequotecite" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark" title="Gospel of Mark">Mark</a> <a class="external text" href="http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Mark&verse=1:15&src=KJV" rel="nofollow">1:15</a></span></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span>During the day, we will abstain from meat, and fast from extra food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will prepare ourselves and sacrifice these small pleasures,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knowing it is for the glory of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will spend more time in prayer, and contemplate the Holy Season that is upon </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
us. I look forward to having the children grow in their faith as they get older and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gain more knowledge and understanding of the faith as well. It brings me joy that the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
children do attend Mass on a regular basis, and can say the rosary, know their basic prayers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and are not afraid to talk to their Heavenly Father when they feel the need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It does sadden my heart that there are some out there that do NOT know how good our </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lord is. They do not know all the wonderful things He can do for them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="238" id="irc_mi" src="http://eridan.websrvcs.com/clientimages/40449/ashwednesday-full.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we have something in our heart or on our soul that needs to be confessed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is no need to be afraid. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He can help us in our time of need, we just have to come back to Him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He loves us more than we can fathom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We just need to go to Him and confess our sins, do our penance and not do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that sin again, and avoid sin as much as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God made us human with free will, He knows the struggles we will have, but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He wants us to come to Him with our problems and our joys.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray for any family members or friends this Lenten Season that you will come back</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to God...I would love to see former Catholics return to full communion with God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this Easter Season, and that will be my prayer as it has been for a long time now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know with God, miracles can happen and this can too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when it does, I will give Glory to God, and be happy for him that</div>
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He has found a lost sheep!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed Ash Wednesday, and a very reverent Lenten Season,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is much for you to contemplate in your lives, so why not start</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God Bless, and go get your ashes!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-31321432291317427222013-02-11T13:18:00.000-08:002013-02-11T13:18:15.803-08:00Control<div style="text-align: center;">
We all feel the need to be in "control" of all aspects of our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is NOT possible. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We cannot control the weather, we cannot control the price of gas, food, or oil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We cannot control when our time is up in this world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Isaiah-45-7/" title="Isaiah 45:7">Isaiah 45:7</a></strong> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what can we control?<br />We can control how we respond to the weather, the prices of gas, food and oil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can control how we feel when someone hurts us, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can control our emotions, words, actions and reactions to situations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We see children that are out of control in the grocery store sometimes, in the school yard,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the playground or just about anywhere there are children. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We need to realize that these children are not in control, and it is not always their fault, depending on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the age of the child. Children are taught by their parents, elders, and others that they spend time with throughout the day, week, month, etc. Unfortunately, some parents/guardians are out of control even though they think they are in control, or maybe they don't want to be in control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Isaiah 55:9</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;"><i>For as the heavens are higher than the earth,<br />
so are my ways higher than your ways<br />
and my thoughts than your thoughts.</i></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<strong><img alt="" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2222523978_8369a800aa_m.jpg" style="max-width: 300px;" width="200" /></strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />We need to be able to show our young ones that even though we are NOT in control that there is a proper way to act/react/respond to situations we may not like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As adults, we also need to teach our children that there is only one that is in TOTAL control....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">GOD.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knows everything, sees everything, understands everything, and knows the outcome of today, tomorrow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even next year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Psalm 147:5</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Great is our Lord and mighty in power;<br />
his understanding has no limit.</i></span></span><strong></strong></blockquote>
<br />
<div>
<blockquote>
He knows our hurts, our concerns, our worries and fears. We need to teach our children how to lean on Him when things seem to be spiraling out of control. </blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We may not get an immediate answer or immediate help, but knowing that our Lord cares for us is a blessing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in and of itself. We all need to lean on God a little more and stop trying to be in control of everything, every minute of the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though He allows these hurts, concerns, worries and fears, He already knows about them and is waiting to hear us ask for help. We need to have total trust in God's plan for us and teach our children the same. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">Revelation 2:10: </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Do not fear what you are about to suffer</span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;">.
Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you
may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. </span><span style="color: blue;">Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">We need to accept the fact that we are not in control, and</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">leave that to God!</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe aria-label="Edit post. Compose mode." class="composeBox editable" frameborder="0" id="postingComposeBox" name="Rich text editor" style="background-color: white; height: 100%; padding: 0px;"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-82226003229867324762013-02-05T13:25:00.000-08:002013-02-05T13:25:11.462-08:00FRIENDS<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We all have friends...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">some of them have been with us since childhood,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">some are more recent and then there are</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">others are yet to be met.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I for one do not really have friends from my childhood, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">sure I am "friends" with a few on facebook, but it isn't the same.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They are mainly acquaintances, and that is fine because they are still a "friend".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NARl4EUm6SXlDQHkSUDLR5OabbuGE8muoloK9EOLT3_jsV6IlWxhtMuXbCZIrArcBPySsqASbcKV-R-N4yIN9oycldrZ6fHSNGPMxSwM8KHKDIReBaXqs_pUAMwXazdmk599_OI18TBl/s1600/100_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NARl4EUm6SXlDQHkSUDLR5OabbuGE8muoloK9EOLT3_jsV6IlWxhtMuXbCZIrArcBPySsqASbcKV-R-N4yIN9oycldrZ6fHSNGPMxSwM8KHKDIReBaXqs_pUAMwXazdmk599_OI18TBl/s200/100_2418.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The friends I have met through my MOMS group and the library have become important to me, not only for my sake, but for all the children. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am hoping that the time I spend with friends here at our house or at their house will be remembered by the children, because as mommies are </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">growing their friendship, the children are also working on growing their friendship.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is great to watch the bonds form for children. I love watching my "littles" play with children that they know. Sure children fight or don't get along, but don't we as adults find the same thing happen on occasion? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E41oGYCkJHGBHJFR7eBfNWamQgakwQ4eolRx8A-3Qk74x01B_ZWWtb2mdOHCEyoQswYNr7ssMGaYrWZNrAU_RnaMphBTNbS0YN2qp0eHChTG0vJ6EMrM4EX9DOvFIGPFqvuiGttu_Xsk/s1600/100_2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E41oGYCkJHGBHJFR7eBfNWamQgakwQ4eolRx8A-3Qk74x01B_ZWWtb2mdOHCEyoQswYNr7ssMGaYrWZNrAU_RnaMphBTNbS0YN2qp0eHChTG0vJ6EMrM4EX9DOvFIGPFqvuiGttu_Xsk/s200/100_2483.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEy6HMu_U6qQC6l9tKYjjiNAezr7qytf7xR0H9Kn7xvn7wcIREXXsKSuj1KWx9ePuG5KfKWHs-hyFywz1meJLqgmxDae3ZwNc-SPNjNl6SC57X9VpSe6xU-1IWmylDWXZbdyZrAiZzNC8/s1600/100_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEy6HMu_U6qQC6l9tKYjjiNAezr7qytf7xR0H9Kn7xvn7wcIREXXsKSuj1KWx9ePuG5KfKWHs-hyFywz1meJLqgmxDae3ZwNc-SPNjNl6SC57X9VpSe6xU-1IWmylDWXZbdyZrAiZzNC8/s200/100_2313.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When we hurt our friends or our friends hurt us for what ever reason, we need to show our children how to forgive and move on with the friendship. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Or in the worst case,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> show how to dissolve a friendship with dignity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> (not that we want it to happen, but sometimes it does, happen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">whether it is our own volition or volition of the other party)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is hard and we need to be strong, and mature and show our children</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">how to handle the disappointment of losing a friend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We must also be ready to show our children how to apologize if we hurt a friend, or push someone away,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">so they know what to do if these things happen to them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Part of being a friend is knowing when to pull back if the friendship gets too hard to handle, or "suffocating"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">showing the person you care by giving them space, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and welcoming them back with open arms </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">when they do come back. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just as the father did in the story of the "Prodigal Son".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <img height="150" id="irc_mi" src="http://1969j.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/prodigal_son.jpg" style="margin-top: 16px;" width="200" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We must not be jealous if a person goes away for awhile to explore new friendships, we must be glad for them. And in return, I would hope that the person would do the same, and use the lesson to teach the children in the family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are wonderfully made by God, none of us are the same, just as there are not two snowflakes that are the same, however, we do have a lot of similarities, and that is what makes us friends.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We need to celebrate our similarities and differences, accept that we are different, and know that we may not always agree, but we will be there through the good and bad times.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am thankful for the friends that have been with me through my sad times-losing mom and grandmother, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and my happy times-births of our wonderful "littles".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for each of us and for our children as we grow older and continue this crazy path called life!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://thesalesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/shutterstock_75839950.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="166" id="irc_mi" src="http://thesalesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/shutterstock_75839950.jpg" style="margin-top: 59px;" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God, please bless my friends of the past, present and future, as well as the friends of the littles!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-26353631300115919382013-02-04T09:50:00.001-08:002013-02-04T09:52:00.422-08:00SILENCE<div style="text-align: center;">
You may be thinking, "Silence?!? How/when does that household have silence?!?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I'll tell you when we have silence:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQsdXDFVqStbqJnrZGyjx5QDMFijWe7mTeHrcAX4DM2rsnzRuqtpQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="153" name="sDZ-oNvMYzJ3aM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQsdXDFVqStbqJnrZGyjx5QDMFijWe7mTeHrcAX4DM2rsnzRuqtpQ" style="height: 179px; margin-top: -1px; width: 233px;" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) when the children are snug in their beds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) when the children are playing nicely in their room or living room</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(yes, it does happen!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) in the early hours of the morning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the children in quiet mode, there are things I contemplate...as they sleep, I thank God for how busy they</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were during the day, how healthy they are and what joy each one brings us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the children are doing school, playing with their toys and games, or drawing and creating, I see the world through their eyes...the intensity with which they work/listen show they really are interested in what their current task happens to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the early morning, before every one wakes up, I go downstairs, start a fresh pot of coffee and make my husbands lunch, thankful that I can provide a meal/snack to nourish him physically throughout the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then when that is done, I have a few moments to just sit and let my heart open for the Lord to hear or</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
see what I may not be able to put into "proper" prayer. <br />
<br />
The quiet of the evening and morning have become a very reflective time for me. I am thankful that I have my Thursday evening Holy Hour to be with the Lord and give all my problems/concerns/thanksgiving to Him </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1V66tAJDy5vFpWchj-xO0vaMtOS5WC06BjJjWCP0kGL0M8Sn_vBVPswHsX6KtNs8K1spge_ybUC-0jaNlXbfySf-J376rBCLAWnjEvOuXKr4aQUnqCjNABKxfKYs_SjNRE7Y6XgVnnY/s1600/Eucharistic+Exposition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1V66tAJDy5vFpWchj-xO0vaMtOS5WC06BjJjWCP0kGL0M8Sn_vBVPswHsX6KtNs8K1spge_ybUC-0jaNlXbfySf-J376rBCLAWnjEvOuXKr4aQUnqCjNABKxfKYs_SjNRE7Y6XgVnnY/s200/Eucharistic+Exposition.jpg" style="margin-top: 7px;" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with no distractions of the little ones needing help, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HOWEVER, I know that I can go to Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even in the busiest moments of our day and offer up a quick pray and He will hear it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, you see, no matter how many children we have, no matter how busy our lives are,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can always find time to have some silence in your life as I have in mine!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My prayer for you today is to find time to sit and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
listen to your heart, or let the Lord listen to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what is on your heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
and.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EMBRACE THE SILENCE! </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/98657048056697012_Y0KFeDcu_c.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="199" /></div>
</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-26922690707465230512013-02-01T08:24:00.001-08:002013-02-01T08:26:45.729-08:00Sometimes, it's hard to pull them in!<table 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/AVvXsEgHV_bqtocgRCTMpOriBiU9LyYlGX71fcTaBe-WkwBFSigq6Hetw-eqXhyRwM0nU0KHjlPo59WUcvhN7lxheqzccZcu4yAaNdEcJsXiYLVnc7uCTT3DU66aoIzIWbIJd5_PUMJrDTOe2BNa/s1600/104_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV_bqtocgRCTMpOriBiU9LyYlGX71fcTaBe-WkwBFSigq6Hetw-eqXhyRwM0nU0KHjlPo59WUcvhN7lxheqzccZcu4yAaNdEcJsXiYLVnc7uCTT3DU66aoIzIWbIJd5_PUMJrDTOe2BNa/s200/104_0914.JPG" width="200" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
School days!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone one of us has been through them,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some of us liked them, some of us didn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember loving going to my elementary school when I was a child.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, as middle and high school came along, I didn't </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love it, but I didn't hate it either...it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was just something I knew I had to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that we are raising children of school age,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so thankful that we don't have to send them out in the cold to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
catch a bus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6XVrUNFDE_bPuLE6Q7OwsTJ9v803JssUPnoiFgnP2V9x6NKf_pzJ9nHOjJ4ioUdDz2J4I7RqB9EK4GjsiPvTykfkOqmuqnqTgBaZg9MIKvlbjB75b5NbrxheqNSZclk-iLoXFb06MouK/s1600/104_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6XVrUNFDE_bPuLE6Q7OwsTJ9v803JssUPnoiFgnP2V9x6NKf_pzJ9nHOjJ4ioUdDz2J4I7RqB9EK4GjsiPvTykfkOqmuqnqTgBaZg9MIKvlbjB75b5NbrxheqNSZclk-iLoXFb06MouK/s200/104_0915.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only thing we have to do is wake up, get dressed, have our breakfast,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clear table, brush teeth, get out the books and off we go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The children do like being home for school and are very efficient in getting their </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
work done without much trouble.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are some days, that we do get a late start, but that is fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They enjoy the time together before we sit down to do our work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing, reading, drawing, just doing things together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like some days they need that time to let their creative juices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCAIuDiEeIJ1ta25QC2iMPcZ1fJRPQhZakF7mKiixpG5S9Cn5dKsGDJKvHKLZH8luqY61mY_A3WbqIbgbqsStsE_2t75bxDJdO4ividmoWRm9q2OETZbgvuJyQLn0gxYYidJuKorKXNcS/s1600/104_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCAIuDiEeIJ1ta25QC2iMPcZ1fJRPQhZakF7mKiixpG5S9Cn5dKsGDJKvHKLZH8luqY61mY_A3WbqIbgbqsStsE_2t75bxDJdO4ividmoWRm9q2OETZbgvuJyQLn0gxYYidJuKorKXNcS/s200/104_0917.JPG" width="200" /></a>get started that way, then come to the table and put them to work with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
school. They are more cooperative, they seem to get it easier,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they do well..So, does it really matter if we start our lessons at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9 am or 1 pm? No, I truly don't think so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just so they do the work and do it with efficiency, that is what matters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Some times it is hard to pull them in and that is when I know they need </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a bit of time together before I get them to do their work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I thank God that I can see the need of this with these children and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
am glad that we can give them what they need. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you see straight A report cards at the end of the quarter, you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
know something is being done right!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkneNsHtcn-bS5JOhBZc4-OpH_shbtaFV3q0WzcBJS_gF1InBSvnaHisgysw5DgdCzm7GSAGvMa3zmtWB1r_UGywdWnHxJU9rQFKlipUG-di5OO8jJRahyphenhyphenxZ98GGSf6ImeWOmYCq6bx2W/s1600/100_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkneNsHtcn-bS5JOhBZc4-OpH_shbtaFV3q0WzcBJS_gF1InBSvnaHisgysw5DgdCzm7GSAGvMa3zmtWB1r_UGywdWnHxJU9rQFKlipUG-di5OO8jJRahyphenhyphenxZ98GGSf6ImeWOmYCq6bx2W/s200/100_2509.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-50697322710780045052013-01-30T10:49:00.001-08:002013-01-30T10:52:02.328-08:00Facebook-sorry if I offend you<div style="text-align: center;">
When I first joined facebook, I was excited. I was able to stay in touch with relatives and friends that are long distance. It was a way of keeping in touch and getting to see pictures of each others' families.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm glad that there are people that still post pictures or fill you in on what is going on in their lives, MY REASON for having my account. I enjoy reading blogs by certain people, and following certain groups. It is great for homeschool referencing, as well as other ideas you may not come up with on your own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think we need to rethink the way we use the information that is so freely available...thank goodness most of the comics that show up from other people are inspirational, some of the items are good for a laugh, however some can be offensive to others. It is our responsibility to use caution when we post things that are of questionable material.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What may be funny or normal to one, maybe be very wrong for another.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sure, you can just not look at the thing, but what if it is the first thing that pops up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can't control that unless you block on a regular basis.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those that I have offended, I am sorry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have 5 beautiful children that I </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will protect as much</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I can!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is what</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God would</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
want and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
expect! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-26318102288020125122013-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:002013-01-29T13:03:23.132-08:00A day out for the clan<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning, I took Brian to work in order to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
take Toodlehead to the ENT for an</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
overdue check up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All went well, all the children were very good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess even managed to get a few smiles out of an</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
elderly gentleman, then a grand smile from a woman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who reminisced on her days as a young girl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with two older brothers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Toodlehead has one tube out and the other is on the way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out, so he needs to go back in four months...hoping that will</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be it for him!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While getting ready to leave, a woman sitting with her husband (they came in while we were in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the exam room) looked at them and naturally,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got the normal question:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Are they all yours?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Usually this annoys me...today was different. I looked at my 5 little ones getting bundled up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
looked at the woman and smiled then proudly said, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes, they are."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are days when we are home and they are wild as can be, but when I take them out,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can almost always be sure they will be on their best behavior.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really needed this day out to help me always remember that God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chose Brian and me to be the parents of his wonderful children.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />What an honor it is, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you God!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17220505160969716556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84621677115168055.post-34819244875316122022013-01-28T07:50:00.001-08:002013-01-28T07:50:37.633-08:00A COLD WINTER'S DAY!<div style="text-align: center;">
Woke up this morning to a beautiful sight,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
white flakes coming down gently</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from the sky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Normally this would not make me happy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however this morning was different.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I saw God's had in the beauty of the white,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His pureness we can only read about, and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hope to know one day when we are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with Him in Heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDXvicEXHeKy4e7s6rs4Q-cLbCyTf1_aeajP2kJZZ0HMSjFFS46iNChK1ussyrpzfL1T93CvT2isobYSpNay4nkBJlgEKf_7Xu-snrsFgZCFJrzKgg2ZJ-S6WQfT7I_YG-KYYXPCdEVUW/s1600/100_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDXvicEXHeKy4e7s6rs4Q-cLbCyTf1_aeajP2kJZZ0HMSjFFS46iNChK1ussyrpzfL1T93CvT2isobYSpNay4nkBJlgEKf_7Xu-snrsFgZCFJrzKgg2ZJ-S6WQfT7I_YG-KYYXPCdEVUW/s320/100_2413.JPG" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first snow of the season 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Doodle bug and Monkey man went out to shovel two sidewalks today</div>
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and did so without complaint. They were happy to be able to be</div>
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helpful to mommy and daddy.</div>
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</div>
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What a joy seeing such good traits in children so young, </div>
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the work ethic needs to be taught at home so they </div>
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know what is expected of them and what will NOT be</div>
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accepted.</div>
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Better for them to learn in the safety of their parents </div>
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unconditional love than out there in the </div>
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world</div>
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</div>
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They will be corrected with love and kindness</div>
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the way the Lord would want. They will be shown their</div>
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mistakes without being made to feel foolish.</div>
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I pray that our children will continue to grow in</div>
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God's love and want to remain pure in heart</div>
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the way God would want them to be!</div>
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I am thankful for being able to be here to help</div>
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our children grow and learn,</div>
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and here's hoping you can enjoy your children</div>
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during the early years!</div>
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Thank you God for showing me the pureness and</div>
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sweetness of this snowfall! </div>
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