tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41729463631110125232024-03-05T03:01:12.893-06:00A Taylor FamKellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-61548496784936883442013-03-27T14:46:00.000-05:002013-03-27T14:46:11.106-05:00General Update, and What's on my mind...So what's been going on around the Taylor house?<br />
<br />
Lets see...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu109npU9fZ1u9bxbt8w1s44SqBVpdmfhaOcdUYeJ1m_oGkhj12aAv7JDNoiaUIrIPS9f8hCcrtkS9wy7xDlefo5ZAh9ZyE9raRAerZOVVmjL6wZjVV5XDvnharmkaoM3Soov0aQkJzc/s1600/baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu109npU9fZ1u9bxbt8w1s44SqBVpdmfhaOcdUYeJ1m_oGkhj12aAv7JDNoiaUIrIPS9f8hCcrtkS9wy7xDlefo5ZAh9ZyE9raRAerZOVVmjL6wZjVV5XDvnharmkaoM3Soov0aQkJzc/s400/baptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Aaron Matthew was baptized. Isn't he so cute??? This is Aaron with his godmother, Sarah (who he calls Nanan - she's from Louisiana, and its the norm there), and with his Uncle Kolby (who is not his real uncle, but has been bestowed that name since Abby was a baby. He is Abby's godfather, and Adam's dear friend. He also stood in as proxy at the baptism for Aaron's godfather, Robert, because Robert lives in Alaska with the military and making it down to Texas was just slightly tricky, lol)<br />
<br />
Abby joins the church at the Easter Vigil this weekend. Exciting! We still aren't sure how we are going to work it out with all the littles. I mean, I love the beauty of the church and how this is done, but... its not very convenient with families. Oh well. The others will have a much more traditional entrance into the church, so it shouldn't be so complicated and exhausting.<br />
<br />
I moved all the kids into one "BEDroom" and put all the toys into a "PLAYroom". I should just do a post on this later. Remind me. Because I won't remember!<br />
<br />
A friend of ours lost a brother this past week, and another friend lost one of his best friends. Even though we weren't close to those who passed away, our friends are hurting, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths is so very sad. Will you please pray for our friends, and for those who passed away? I have hope in God's love and mercy.<br />
<br />
We've been debating NFP. With Aaron being older, and fertility soon approaching, what should we do? We've been thinking and praying. This probably also deserves its own post.<br />
<br />
Adam is considering a "career change". He is thinking about going back to school, or starting us on a new big adventure. We don't know what's going to happen, and are just waiting for the Lord to guide us in the decision. Pray for Adam!<br />
<br />
Other than ALL of that, things are going the same as usual around here. Typical homeschooling day and life. That's a good thing. =o)<br />
<br />
Now, what's on my mind? The big thing, is skirts. I know, I know, I've done this before. Back and forth with the whole skirts thing. I can tell you 2 things right now 1) its only a little bit about modesty. 2) Its a whole lot about being feminine and accepting that gift and role. Abby and I discussed it today. She is getting older, and being the only women in the house, we have to talk about such things and back each other up. Adam for some reason just doesn't understand me when I talk about how you just "feel" different in a dress or skirt, lol. Abby and I seem to be on the same page, so we are praying and thinking and planning. The Lord will lead us. He always does.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-1448014343268767162013-02-28T14:45:00.002-06:002013-02-28T14:45:57.514-06:00Sede VacanteSede Vacante. The chair of Peter is empty.<br />
<br />
For most of the Catholics in my generation, they have already experienced the loss of a pope, and the journey of welcoming and getting to know a new Holy Father. Although, I know this is different for them in many ways too. They grew up with Papa JPII, I know many people who felt so close to him, and his death is something that will be with them for the remainder of their time on earth. This time, for the first time in hundreds of years, our pope has not died, but has left the chair. I believe Benedict XVI is a faithful and prayerful man (um, pope?) and I truly believe this decision was made because the Holy Spirit has guided him to it. But it is different, it is hard. It is sad to see him go, but I am filled with hope to see who the Holy Spirit guides the Cardinals to choose to be the next Holy Father, to sit in the chair of Peter and guide our Holy Mother Church.<br />
<br />
It feels so surreal to me. We entered the church at the beginning of this month. Within just a short time, we learned that Benedict XVI would be abdicating. Now it is less than 4 weeks after our joining, and we have no pope. I mostly feel sad at the things so many people, who are not in the Catholic faith or who are not completely following the teachings of the church, are saying in regards to this Holy man who has only tried to serve and guide us in the faith. I wish that I had been able to come to know and love him in a deeper way as pope. But, I also feel this timing is so interesting for my family. I feel that the next pope is who my family will truly learn to be Catholic under, who we will get to know and pray for. I feel especially excited about where the Holy Spirit is leading us, what God has planned for his church. I pray for Benedict XVI, and I am glad our new Holy Father and the church will have the benefit of his prayers. What a lesson in humility. Every cross is different. We all do not carry the same one. Benedict XVI's is very different from that of Blessed John Paul II. And I look to them both with respect, and thankfulness, and I pray for them, as I know they both pray for me and all of Christ's church.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-60095965291993352402013-02-04T14:10:00.002-06:002013-02-04T14:10:35.647-06:00Home!It is official - my husband and I have made the journey home, and are now officially CATHOLICS, lol. I am ecstatic and overwhelmed and in a bit of shock that after all this time and prayer we have MADE IT! Of course, it is a life long journey, but we have entered the doors and I feel such peace and joy and hope. It is amazing.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd, we had a marathon of sacraments as we had our first confession, confirmation, and first communion! I was unsure how it was going to go with so much packed in a day, but it was beautiful and so fully connected, and I was so thankful to have confessed so near to my first communion, it was a reassurance to me, and I feel strengthened me through the experience, because I was so very very nervous!<br />
<br />
I can not believe how wonderful confession was. I was petrified upon entering, even knowing that the sacrament is about God's MERCY rather than our sin, just the thought of having to speak aloud and make known my faults and failures, and not just to the priest, but knowing that I was having to SPEAK these things to Christ, oh I was so humbled. I was so ashamed. And I was so filled with HOPE. I cried. Yes, I am sure Father was thinking "Oh GREAT!", lol, but he was so sweet, and patient, and spoke truth and advice to me, that although I knew it in my heart, I needed to hear, and I believe it really gave me more strength to continue on the path of following Christ. Abby had her first confession before me, and was waiting for me outside. When I came out of course she could tell I had been crying and just gave me the biggest hug! It was such a sweet moment. Then she just beamed at me and said, "Mommy, I feel SO happy". Of course, I about lost it again at that moment, haha! But truly, the joy and peace from that sacrament alone was so wonderful.<br />
<br />
I spent the day with my family and my dear friend and sponsor following confession, just waiting around and hanging out until it was time for the vigil Mass that evening. I do not like getting up in front of people... I get extremely nervous! But knowing that my husband was going with me, and that my friend would be behind me with her hand on my shoulder, helped ever so slightly. I also knew there were several people in attendance at the Mass who had been praying for my family, and it brought me such comfort to know that support and love was out there. My knees were shaking a bit as I received the sacrament of confirmation. For me, I just felt a wave of peace and relief. It was done. I was home. As we made our way back to the pew to continue the Mass and to prepare for communion, I then became so excited and nervous - I was going to be able to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist! Something that stood out to me at Mass, that I had never really noticed before now, was the altar. Its always there. Of course I have seen it. But I was transfixed. This was an ALTAR. I saw a lamb being slain upon it and its blood being spilled. I saw Christ above it and His blood pouring out, and him offering it to me. I cried. And it came time to receive the body and blood of My Lord, and I was terrified to drop it that I thought, well I didn't feel a thing. It was so odd to me that I wouldn't feel as much emotion at this moment that I had at the other sacraments. But as I sat in the pew and prayed, I felt a glow and warmth just filling my soul. My body trembled and I realize I was a temple of God, and Christ was residing within my heart and my body to bring me closer to him and strengthen my spirit to follow Him. I cried. Again. But I was so happy.<br />
<br />
Following Mass we were shown such love by so many people who welcomed us home. It was an amazing moment, and we have so many more wonderful moments to experience. I look forward so much to the baptism of my sweet baby Aaron this month, and then at the Easter Vigil when Abby receives the sacraments of confirmation and first communion. I look forward to watching as Will begins education classes soon and prepares for his first communion in a couple of years. We are so blessed. And we are so very thankful to everyone who helped pray us home. Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-83061580622290536902013-01-14T11:06:00.000-06:002013-01-14T11:06:59.391-06:00New Year Update Just a quick update, again, to share a peek into our adventures with three kiddos and some exciting news. (No, I'm not pregnant, lol)<br />
<br />
First, having 3 kids has been more difficult than I had anticipated, and so much more wonderful too! At first it was a hard transition, but of course we are now used to having an extra little bugger around and we've sort of got a routine, so it all seems "normal" now. Aaron is the happiest and sweetest baby I have ever met - and I am not just saying that - he truly is! Everyone who meets and holds this baby comments on how sweet and happy he is. He is such a blessing! The older kids have adjusted very well to their sweet little brother, and just love him to death. I was concerned about Mr. 3 year old and how he would take his dethroning - but he loves his baby brother so much!<br />
<br />
And now, for the exciting news! Our family is absolutely and officially joining the Catholic church. We have been on a faith journey for so many years, and while I could say I "wish" it had gone faster, I know there is a perfect timing and a reason for all the trails we have wandered down along the way. We are so thrilled and happy to have found our way "home" at last. Adam and I will be joining the church on February 2, Aaron will be baptized later in the month, and Abby will join and receive her first communion and confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Will is at the age where he basically just gets absorbed in since he has already received baptism, but isn't old enough to receive additional sacraments. We have been on the threshold of this before, but have never come this far into the doors of the church. We are so close to being able to sit at the table and share in the Body of Christ with our brothers and sisters, and are now preparing for our first confession. Please pray for us as we complete our journey home!<br />
<br />
Now, I know we have some family and friends who this news thrills! And we have others who may be concerned or alarmed because of their beliefs or understanding of the Catholic church and its faith. I want to assure you, that we are not lost or in danger, and we are happy to give you information on what the Catholic church truly teaches and believes, to help put you at ease with our decision. We appreciate your love, care and prayers - no matter what side of the Tiber you happen to be on. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-9y-KNb8hwzUFNKJaCHA-GlrZMvoVxIvVG1pj7BSWLIZfmunXQqANGrfe-WYEOKqsBoNK0Zfet7hyphenhyphenJyqWcgHv5i4_JMoU8FW0ippH6n8XhcS6pDos0_8NzlN71T6RLdhpGyufxWLnZI/s1600/xmaskids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-9y-KNb8hwzUFNKJaCHA-GlrZMvoVxIvVG1pj7BSWLIZfmunXQqANGrfe-WYEOKqsBoNK0Zfet7hyphenhyphenJyqWcgHv5i4_JMoU8FW0ippH6n8XhcS6pDos0_8NzlN71T6RLdhpGyufxWLnZI/s320/xmaskids.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-34204267343663417712012-10-11T14:06:00.002-05:002012-10-11T14:06:09.892-05:00Well Hello AgainI've been absent. So much going on. I've had a baby, I'm in training to receive my doula certification, and we are in RCIA officially and I'm terrified, yet relieved. Such is life. So I will just leave you with this sweetness for now...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhM0MXD7oOBZAhfNNQb02PT0f2YEs7kSO3D8RuDAupqgJoWavxM7I6rK6RGB0DPQCwRaGqN53lEgD-Ct_Bg25Im7HSGV0pfJ_1vGWe4oMvfj7zKLVBCBdy993S243zy2ZcThOmUpGTnc/s1600/100_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhM0MXD7oOBZAhfNNQb02PT0f2YEs7kSO3D8RuDAupqgJoWavxM7I6rK6RGB0DPQCwRaGqN53lEgD-Ct_Bg25Im7HSGV0pfJ_1vGWe4oMvfj7zKLVBCBdy993S243zy2ZcThOmUpGTnc/s400/100_0439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Aaron Matthew</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>July 21, 2012 @ 3:55 AM</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>22 inches, 10 Lbs</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Yes, you read that correctly. It is not a typo)</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND - I didn't get the epidural. Med-free baby!</div>
Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-80740942831911974192012-04-11T13:58:00.000-05:002012-04-11T13:58:32.501-05:00Wonderful Easter!Just wanted to drop in real quick to share a few Easter photos, and give a quick update on things happening around here. =o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0Rf0N2QCOFIH1cRmMyAsNqQNSR_zdGj40pNux-VjhsdYClRj5aAwT0A0eXgtrqoJ0dbRcK_FBClbl9FZat7OBhbI9yaPbcvJ22UPUDX3UwFRoTd9Au67jILAQHrnd8E46ybE9zO8-2U/s1600/100_6095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0Rf0N2QCOFIH1cRmMyAsNqQNSR_zdGj40pNux-VjhsdYClRj5aAwT0A0eXgtrqoJ0dbRcK_FBClbl9FZat7OBhbI9yaPbcvJ22UPUDX3UwFRoTd9Au67jILAQHrnd8E46ybE9zO8-2U/s320/100_6095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will got to go to an Easter Egg hunt at church. Abby was with her AHG troop doing Trash Bash that morning, so it was just me and the little man having some one on one time! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQHdHMuebncQ6k8Vr6VDXjiP6QSgYdmAlc61SxZkCnQQ0DmUyAH_hyphenhyphenG5s1W808QwluOAq3cC0zYdSBGf1Gu_NNgwQJ2ojNPz22_UvzfcTSPYr9HaBW5cUtFj6H0VvrhdYLIHCG3fZQNw/s1600/100_6098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQHdHMuebncQ6k8Vr6VDXjiP6QSgYdmAlc61SxZkCnQQ0DmUyAH_hyphenhyphenG5s1W808QwluOAq3cC0zYdSBGf1Gu_NNgwQJ2ojNPz22_UvzfcTSPYr9HaBW5cUtFj6H0VvrhdYLIHCG3fZQNw/s320/100_6098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He's a ham, and was very forgiving that Mommy forgot to bring his basket. He didn't even seem to mind. =o) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FGF1C2Tbv7vY5XHr6Y20ukt6IGs5-_RyPr1kp_lnfXoMQ32_k0jUxTo6-4u9_aKQp8GQ5R5GK05lO28sGXynNk_XTaO1YALRhOa76v58uo-rrwvGU3eoCBS6gi1b33-YIcATtMeXU3U/s1600/100_6105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FGF1C2Tbv7vY5XHr6Y20ukt6IGs5-_RyPr1kp_lnfXoMQ32_k0jUxTo6-4u9_aKQp8GQ5R5GK05lO28sGXynNk_XTaO1YALRhOa76v58uo-rrwvGU3eoCBS6gi1b33-YIcATtMeXU3U/s320/100_6105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He loved the egg race they had! His team won, but he cried when they did because there were no more eggs to run across the room, haha! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pS6IyVFIgfTSPIPJbjnz83lH4wK7KfuC_93av6I8hVnOkadz2qtsjsVadXIurQ9hp9U7Ct6kSKTHlDbVgLF2a90Vsy-9aMSxQVit7jZpRPlZncqFJgQxQIHM1MohtNoSVeHW176VGg0/s1600/100_6133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pS6IyVFIgfTSPIPJbjnz83lH4wK7KfuC_93av6I8hVnOkadz2qtsjsVadXIurQ9hp9U7Ct6kSKTHlDbVgLF2a90Vsy-9aMSxQVit7jZpRPlZncqFJgQxQIHM1MohtNoSVeHW176VGg0/s320/100_6133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Good Friday we spent the morning at a local goat farm. It was a beautiful day! Adam was injured and couldn't join us, but we plan to go back in a couple weeks. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIzB8Sz8obPaayHlmMT1RU6DZHjx6W2dc5Nyryzo4oeLyRCYJICNvuBp4s7GZNpIkjJ88mgssX-Pk68TapnnLpGWwp9oQI8fjZwXCSRPCfTzJeXbf0mRpdoAh8rs9ifAqrdPw7_Tf-Ik/s1600/100_6215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIzB8Sz8obPaayHlmMT1RU6DZHjx6W2dc5Nyryzo4oeLyRCYJICNvuBp4s7GZNpIkjJ88mgssX-Pk68TapnnLpGWwp9oQI8fjZwXCSRPCfTzJeXbf0mRpdoAh8rs9ifAqrdPw7_Tf-Ik/s320/100_6215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will called this "MY goat". He loved her, and they were buddies for quite a while. She didn't mind him giving her all kinds of love. He was so happy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgRKWrs1wEeDvDj20Ajg5lphZcvX8iF_YMSbLMAJTGPwHdFI5D8DmX-z16lL69rURexzkkuHfGR4Xg13jBxddPs5TEJGp9T7kzA7-mVKMkdNG3tiMMtq9AWfTJg2eIOyFAwAYVLDysDs/s1600/100_6228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgRKWrs1wEeDvDj20Ajg5lphZcvX8iF_YMSbLMAJTGPwHdFI5D8DmX-z16lL69rURexzkkuHfGR4Xg13jBxddPs5TEJGp9T7kzA7-mVKMkdNG3tiMMtq9AWfTJg2eIOyFAwAYVLDysDs/s320/100_6228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all got a turn to try and milk one of the goats. It was easier than I thought it would be! I even got it in the bucket before spraying myself. Abby did better than I did though. We have a natural goat milker on our hands. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy4_5892UaxDVggOEf410nM7An57xo4W6figlCL9Se829DOmvBHO2B28OigNpe-Sc7GrXi_AOIC5RA-lTG_zn2NjqKGRPHow64Of7vpJu9zBoPdPeIUu0HgNx0J6zkBiaZEb8_PW6I9U/s1600/100_6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy4_5892UaxDVggOEf410nM7An57xo4W6figlCL9Se829DOmvBHO2B28OigNpe-Sc7GrXi_AOIC5RA-lTG_zn2NjqKGRPHow64Of7vpJu9zBoPdPeIUu0HgNx0J6zkBiaZEb8_PW6I9U/s320/100_6242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abby kept picking up the little babies. They were SO adorable! I think she is too. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZUCvRyGiuZEnV_F11nSJn69FBJoustKh-OfryQqmXb0hKKAnjpF9ZkHCKBUhWc3SDV53tf65zBUEI0pmjgyzfiGg2z9yIwY0luFHXpKltYY4ZAwiVU04MXD_RTjRJAlKZi75R-qoFxo/s1600/100_6243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZUCvRyGiuZEnV_F11nSJn69FBJoustKh-OfryQqmXb0hKKAnjpF9ZkHCKBUhWc3SDV53tf65zBUEI0pmjgyzfiGg2z9yIwY0luFHXpKltYY4ZAwiVU04MXD_RTjRJAlKZi75R-qoFxo/s320/100_6243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is the best shot I could get of the 2 of them together. They were both just running around and loving it so much it was hard to get them still at the same time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS8A89xMif8XisI5uDbz95iZFizdHtXlPExsBWTEwSwHbHUbx222ykSwyvQ1YBDXAZ1XnipUNw3o-O_uKjLJP8vejnn8PDxKbGBn0zOR6ju6fn2KlLswTkYdtD6kRvGMnS-4qfUnlUIc/s1600/100_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS8A89xMif8XisI5uDbz95iZFizdHtXlPExsBWTEwSwHbHUbx222ykSwyvQ1YBDXAZ1XnipUNw3o-O_uKjLJP8vejnn8PDxKbGBn0zOR6ju6fn2KlLswTkYdtD6kRvGMnS-4qfUnlUIc/s320/100_6252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We worked on some craft projects throughout the week. Here is Abby's Maundy Thursday activity. Will made one too. It looks the same, but more scribbly, haha. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6MgX-tuwA8yVeWe7ClHIg5_C7pEh5Qd-Mzex4ZllVAFWhxbr2VfA7AjWEM3Ehq5_EuYDq-6tGrclTwGjtXveKlV02aHh-LPfTrj6hA0HYV-UvpzrGLpTusxZoB-uGz8zYJRuo2xLIJ0/s1600/100_6256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6MgX-tuwA8yVeWe7ClHIg5_C7pEh5Qd-Mzex4ZllVAFWhxbr2VfA7AjWEM3Ehq5_EuYDq-6tGrclTwGjtXveKlV02aHh-LPfTrj6hA0HYV-UvpzrGLpTusxZoB-uGz8zYJRuo2xLIJ0/s320/100_6256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Will's Palm Sunday branch he made with his handprints, and in front is Abby's Good Friday project she made of the cross. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BgaYJuLq5uy6sPQLkeRq1HfRcVrdiEWKteRUKhoyu_p5HdTmA4K5gK_9AwdZHxZGvKwVm2GuQMpsm1ugQEweA2I7r5uOsNFszoeswAJ00okoIeOR_rHord8ZJBukN0PIE-Zo0Igh_fI/s1600/100_6257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BgaYJuLq5uy6sPQLkeRq1HfRcVrdiEWKteRUKhoyu_p5HdTmA4K5gK_9AwdZHxZGvKwVm2GuQMpsm1ugQEweA2I7r5uOsNFszoeswAJ00okoIeOR_rHord8ZJBukN0PIE-Zo0Igh_fI/s320/100_6257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are Abby's handprints, with Will's cross. I don't know why they got switched around, or why I even know which cross belongs to each child since they are practically identical... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSGBZ36mPAKExJjKwIJ7Ga7LB0tG3bcpS8ZlcF971DqZ1mNK5VXjsbRzz9UcBghkwbI4zSlHIhzyTE5zHg1NlxTZWDGN2uuQcw8Yqpx2hlCufro9vWsj6_AyItYoylb70ytDNA3bFfUY/s1600/100_6260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSGBZ36mPAKExJjKwIJ7Ga7LB0tG3bcpS8ZlcF971DqZ1mNK5VXjsbRzz9UcBghkwbI4zSlHIhzyTE5zHg1NlxTZWDGN2uuQcw8Yqpx2hlCufro9vWsj6_AyItYoylb70ytDNA3bFfUY/s320/100_6260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our family on Easter morning! Next year we will have another little guy in the photo with us. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQyOjjVeRc7DQ0UZwyNsYZ9yZ7eYfTfVUDqyTFHv49un7UBaNhX2iq3smZzeS749U8NxW61HBwViQZXT3KDX9ScAuf8-XG1uIz6PLOdC0TfAO7nIERSHGIm5fX-U7OU9zh18U7CT2WoU/s1600/100_6270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQyOjjVeRc7DQ0UZwyNsYZ9yZ7eYfTfVUDqyTFHv49un7UBaNhX2iq3smZzeS749U8NxW61HBwViQZXT3KDX9ScAuf8-XG1uIz6PLOdC0TfAO7nIERSHGIm5fX-U7OU9zh18U7CT2WoU/s320/100_6270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will hunting for eggs at the house after church on Easter Sunday. He got hot and tired pretty quickly and quit before all the eggs were found. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wyivcHVIVJ-xUNbST0s2gE1nFiJ4ZGAMOkHn28Ynj_LkWkHSujreHcCQhbaOQodzRqX-QYUFfBeDoZl6rfhAZG0_wjo0DKsCNY0qWHfMv0cYwHAaA1_Te6AuU7HfvXF43v7-qYSmkDw/s1600/100_6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wyivcHVIVJ-xUNbST0s2gE1nFiJ4ZGAMOkHn28Ynj_LkWkHSujreHcCQhbaOQodzRqX-QYUFfBeDoZl6rfhAZG0_wjo0DKsCNY0qWHfMv0cYwHAaA1_Te6AuU7HfvXF43v7-qYSmkDw/s320/100_6271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just loved his little outfit!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcShO1PVBfI_J-0_otE5zahiuZhQizkS8AfmOFc7SVb8l3Y2tdeXzM7UnnukUNek1cz98KPPzJXJEPzJfg_cVp5XTY-QHKckXwEs8X7pbV-VO3G1sFvYLcEiyEkc1Vy4FtYbnZkzHIJ_Q/s1600/100_6272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcShO1PVBfI_J-0_otE5zahiuZhQizkS8AfmOFc7SVb8l3Y2tdeXzM7UnnukUNek1cz98KPPzJXJEPzJfg_cVp5XTY-QHKckXwEs8X7pbV-VO3G1sFvYLcEiyEkc1Vy4FtYbnZkzHIJ_Q/s320/100_6272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And Abby just looked like a beautiful princess. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q0aMlHtU5a6LG0jKF3AQworTu31Ucgda5erUN3hhk6_79I8rqnfkTdWDygBIS86x4b99MtE-jYE_e18-bqSBwD0zEXUfO74apZ9QbW3jV98yZgdpOH65F6gYB1BHKFSRBDP_BSuQ_kI/s1600/100_6273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q0aMlHtU5a6LG0jKF3AQworTu31Ucgda5erUN3hhk6_79I8rqnfkTdWDygBIS86x4b99MtE-jYE_e18-bqSBwD0zEXUfO74apZ9QbW3jV98yZgdpOH65F6gYB1BHKFSRBDP_BSuQ_kI/s320/100_6273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hunting for eggs in the front yard. Excuse the landscaping... its a work in progress, lol. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuIy_zzfFXbNMui5OHEvnLVqgHifH_zhnJ_PUAB474RNQJj1ljzrTWz9xvPRk45zEcx9eGAl6k85ilhd2DH34zAYzAk4j6GsxvONDTOxV7FkjLStnSVnkora8ZDKS97701ELT0LjzpK4/s1600/100_6275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuIy_zzfFXbNMui5OHEvnLVqgHifH_zhnJ_PUAB474RNQJj1ljzrTWz9xvPRk45zEcx9eGAl6k85ilhd2DH34zAYzAk4j6GsxvONDTOxV7FkjLStnSVnkora8ZDKS97701ELT0LjzpK4/s320/100_6275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abby found the last of the eggs by herself since her brother quit on her. I think Daddy had to go out and help rescue the last egg that was missing though. Daddy hides the eggs REALLY well... TOO well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you all had a blessed Holy Week and Easter! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!!!</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-30733687127482766282012-03-28T13:08:00.000-05:002012-03-28T13:08:01.728-05:0023 Weeks PHOTO!I must be getting brave, posting pregnant photos! Yikes! Only having gained 2 lbs so far is a contributing factor I'm sure. Had I already gained more, then maybe this wouldn't be up, lol!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENSaxqY0MTzDv0KY0mkr1LY3RqN8KmyLTPAQrB2N1WdmuvK6fxZBjPV96bXnfr9HII3vEFH3tYf1BkiSWx9SS9sURiaf2xd7Zgjy6JIfZ9WVn_6-LzKDQ6H9T4-700hb0Ttm9Ot01q5A/s1600/100_6056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENSaxqY0MTzDv0KY0mkr1LY3RqN8KmyLTPAQrB2N1WdmuvK6fxZBjPV96bXnfr9HII3vEFH3tYf1BkiSWx9SS9sURiaf2xd7Zgjy6JIfZ9WVn_6-LzKDQ6H9T4-700hb0Ttm9Ot01q5A/s320/100_6056.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Sorry for the fuzziness. I think my camera is dying. Probably because a certain 3 year old likes to sneak off with it, play with it, and drops it quite frequently. Oops.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-88146248494559993022012-03-27T11:31:00.000-05:002012-03-27T11:31:30.337-05:0023 weeks! and our going onsWow, is it 23 weeks already? And is it ONLY 23 weeks? How can time during pregnancy go so quickly and so slowly at the same time? Although, I do think this is the "fastest" pregnancy I have had as far as time seeming to just fly by. I wonder if that is due to this being my 3rd ride on this roller coaster, or if its just because I'm older now, haha. Let's go with 3rd ride. I like the sound of that better than "older".<br />
<br />
So am I ready for this baby yet? Nope. So I'm certainly glad that I still have many more weeks to go. I do have clothes for this little guy, and the cloth diapers are already ready. I decided this time around to make it easy on myself and cloth diaper at home, but use disposables outside of the house. I think this will be less stressful for me, but will still give us a big money savings. We have a few toys and things I have gotten out and cleaned that were Will's. I have a little baby shelf prepped with all the diaper stuffs and early toys. But... yah that's about it. Haha. I obviously have so much more to do. Like - buy a car seat! And I do want to get a pack and play this time around, but really there isn't much else we "need". I still have my lovely baby wrap that Will was in constantly for about 6-9 months. There are a couple other things that I WANT to have, but are not necessarily at all required. I'm sure I will get everything I need to get before Aaron decides to join us. Hopefully!<br />
<br />
As far as how I am feeling and doing, its actually pretty incredible! I started some meds to get my depression issues in check during the pregnancy and before his arrival - and that seems to be going well after a short adjustment period. My PPD was so bad after Abby was born, that my doctor and I really have tried to reign things in and get in under control before Will was born, and now before Aaron too. But really I am feeling just wonderful! I don't think I have ever been this mobile during a pregnancy. So far I am still up and running around with no issues, no swelling (sometimes I feel like my feet are starting to swell, maybe some of you know that weird tingly feeling that hints it is going to happen... I dunno) but so far I've been able to keep it at bay by propping my feet up throughout the day and taking it easy when I feel it happening. I am measuring big - I always do, thanks big children... and I feel WAY bigger than all the other pregnant women I know who are due around the same time as me! No real pain, been able to sleep fairly well considering I am typically a tummy sleeper, and just going about our business. I still get nauseous occasionally, but it isn't so bad (I have never had nausea go on so long before!)<br />
<br />
So that's about it. We're just hanging about and doing our thing. We had a stressful week last week, but that has all settled down and things are back to normal around here. Until this weekend when company arrives from Florida for a week - so we will see how that goes! The kids want to take our guest to the zoo, and I am sure she will want to go to some of the art museums around here. We're going to go to the antique shops nearby and just spend an afternoon having a yummy lunch and browsing around and hopefully enjoying some beautiful Spring weather while we are out. Looks to be a fun time!<br />
<br />
Oh, and on a side note - I got the kids their Easter outfits from Zulily. Spent hardly anything, and they are going to look really fancy, haha. I guess I didn't realize how long and poofy that dress was from the picture... so Abby is going to look a bit royal, haha. And Will in his outfit looks like a little English gent. Its hilarious! I can't wait to share pictures in a couple weeks. =o)Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-30595206301036351882012-03-26T13:06:00.002-05:002012-03-26T13:06:23.632-05:00Singingthis today:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mz7X6S0ISDg" width="420"></iframe></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-5892430427018779612012-03-14T14:37:00.000-05:002012-03-14T14:37:41.568-05:00Homeless and Hurting<i>This post is going to be pretty personal, which caught me off guard when I realized how close to my heart it truly hits. I had been thinking of posting about this topic for a while, as it was something that recently has been just hitting mine and Adam's hearts at the same time in the new area we live in... but until recently I didn't realize how truly connected I am and have been prepared for this cause. Its odd, because I don't really have any true experience with this issue, but so many things that have happened in my life are the same troubles that affect so many of the people who are in the position I am about to talk about. So please, I am going to ask that if you do choose to comment, be careful with my heart.</i><br />
<br />
As you know, we have moved recently to a new part of town and are finally in a home of our own (albeit owned by my parents technically, but still "ours"). We have been so blessed and are so thankful to be here, we truly are. However, the area we live in is not considered "wealthy". We are near the edges of a couple very wealthy parts of the city, but we are a suburb of those I guess you could say! However, I wouldn't call our area particularly dangerous or anything either. Its fairly normal, but it is definitely more city like than we were accustomed to where we lived previously. Almost anytime you go somewhere, you will see a homeless person. Usually they are on the side of the road near stop lights asking for money or food, but you can often see them just wandering around, camped out off to the side of a street, or eating some cheap food in a parking lot.<br />
<br />
It really breaks my heart, because some of these people are out there just because they can't find a job in this economy and one thing led to another and they ended up on the streets - which hits so close to home because when I was pregnant with Will, Adam lost his job unexpectedly, and was unable to find work for almost 6 months. If it had not been for unemployment, and both of our families giving us money to live off of every month, we would never have made it, and would have been homeless ourselves. But I know there are other homeless people out there, who are homeless because they aren't looking for a job, or can't hold one down. I know they suffer from mental disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, and it wounds me. I want to reach out to them even more and hug them - because I know what it is like. I myself have never been an alcoholic or drug user (let alone abuser). But, my dad has. And I do know what it is like to suffer from depression and other mental illness, which makes it impossible sometimes to just go about your daily life. On days when you can't even hardly drag yourself out of bed, and even if you are awake you are unproductive and your hours just disappear, it is impossible to hold down a job in that condition. All you want to do is run away and escape and hide in bed. It just all seems better alone and in bed, because everything else doesn't seem to matter anyway. Either that or it just hurts. My heart breaks and wants to reach out to these people who are suffering in their bodies, minds, and spirit. I know what it is like to cry out to God to be healed of these problems, or for Him to grant healing to someone you love and need in your life so desperately, and for that prayer to seemingly go unanswered.<br />
<br />
But I have learned that all of the trials and hurts we all go through, all of our deepest struggles, will be turned from evil and pain into goodness for God's purposes. Someday we shall all come out of these struggles and God will be glorified when we see the wonderful healing and purpose behind all of these things. One day recently, after church, my little family had gone to lunch and were heading over to a gardening store to browse and grab a few things. As we passed a spot that I often see homeless people asking for food or money, I said to Adam that I felt like we needed to do something for them. I had heard before of the idea of making little bags filled with food, snacks, notes of encouragement, Bible verses or a Bible, bottled water, etc. to keep in the car and hand to homeless people as you pass by them in your vehicle. I brought this up to him, and he without hesitation said DO IT. He had been having the same thought in his mind recently that we needed to do something to show these people that we care.<br />
<br />
So, our family has started our own little tiny ministry if you will. We have paper bags that we have filled with things, and we have a little plastic box in our car that we keep 3-4 bags in at all times, so that whenever we happen to pass someone, we are ready to show them the love of Christ. Our first bags were not perfect or what I ultimately want to give out, but they had water, and some snacks, and a little note in there with a Bible verse and letting them know that we had said a prayer for them. I don't tell you this because I want you the attention or pat on the back for doing something... but this has just been touching my heart SO much lately, and it is such a simple thing that can be done by any family in any place in this country. If you feel at all pulled towards these people, who are children of God and still in need of His and our love, I would ask that you consider doing this with your family as well. My children have benefited so much from making these bags as a family, and are always so excited to hand one out the window to someone in need and to tell them that God loves them. We are saved to do good works, we are called to love our neighbor, and we are called to serve the least of these. <br />
<br />
As I give these bags out, and pray for each of these people we meet, I am reminded how if not by the grace of God, that could be me. That could be my Dad (thank God he is not homeless, although he and his family all struggle greatly day by day). That could be any of us, but by God's grace. I am more thankful for the things I do have, the people I have, the love and grace of God. I have no many struggles and personal sins to deal with and get over. Oh my they are so great! But I feel healing in this ministry. I feel hope and love and peace and goodness. And I pray that even just 1 soul is helped by a silly little bag I threw together in my kitchen, and that just 1 person out there is as blessed by it as I have been.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-44449929300502516932012-03-07T08:56:00.000-06:002012-03-07T08:56:39.526-06:00The Ten Commandments meet PachelbelSo, I really love Pachelbel's Canon in D. When I was looking for a song to help Abby memorize the commandments, I stumbled across this. SQUEAL!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FLOGbmoDLco" width="560"></iframe></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-24174593915998056632012-03-07T08:32:00.000-06:002012-03-07T08:32:57.336-06:00Just call us the BlabbermouthsWell, we ended up sharing the baby's name with most everyone we know anyway (fail on us, guess we can't keep a secret, lol). So I might as well share it with everyone. ;o)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And the name is......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aaron Josiah</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It took 14 weeks of debating, but we got there. I'm glad to be done with that part! Now to stock up on baby things... most of which we gave away after Will outgrew it since we didn't have room for storing it, and so many people we knew were in need at the time. I figure it will all flow back in somehow as we need it. God always seems to have it worked out just fine.</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-45786093600376526192012-03-06T12:51:00.002-06:002012-03-06T13:00:42.010-06:00Photo Catch UpHooray! I got my camera and computer to speak. Apparently a video on my camera was causing problems because it was corrupt or something, so I had to delete it. So sad! At least my pictures are all ok. So here we go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnYnle9VYigh1I3uZhvGFbd89vMLVJAAdbw8C4gLgHb6RoaJ5HrX3MCWInmpGDm7gIlh0va43YKKACkNYWS9L5qe6HVANc7UK5xmeMdMd3brJO6POiXNch_yT5KkTA71mDdnGjH7SV3s/s1600/100_5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnYnle9VYigh1I3uZhvGFbd89vMLVJAAdbw8C4gLgHb6RoaJ5HrX3MCWInmpGDm7gIlh0va43YKKACkNYWS9L5qe6HVANc7UK5xmeMdMd3brJO6POiXNch_yT5KkTA71mDdnGjH7SV3s/s320/100_5757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Valentine's Day we made some sprinkled pink cupcakes! Abby loves to bake, and did great!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l1OdlmvxqIjYI9hrek3EgoVHd5OzlU7J5v8yOvJkj5bWX_Gz_Eh7Oeu0DHFhSI_eGUiVsiPGcBE81kxuG9moXHFjkJQlk6xJnAOpQXd1bX-nRCmIW936wM3fhskibfkyoLZ4IqS0-Ww/s1600/100_5764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l1OdlmvxqIjYI9hrek3EgoVHd5OzlU7J5v8yOvJkj5bWX_Gz_Eh7Oeu0DHFhSI_eGUiVsiPGcBE81kxuG9moXHFjkJQlk6xJnAOpQXd1bX-nRCmIW936wM3fhskibfkyoLZ4IqS0-Ww/s320/100_5764.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was brave and even let Will help put icing on a few of them. He was our master sprinkler though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sRuiDPtSs842eG1JBV7SgtW2Po-ME6DHcQICKeWP4QnLFdOR_RmcyV2p_EGN-AYEcJAzCJMy9DtJbmQyrz5uKz49lX2fG5CNOqGpS5dRvyYXitD1V3Mu-6o_P05_UWkB78uXRrk6RCY/s1600/100_5761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sRuiDPtSs842eG1JBV7SgtW2Po-ME6DHcQICKeWP4QnLFdOR_RmcyV2p_EGN-AYEcJAzCJMy9DtJbmQyrz5uKz49lX2fG5CNOqGpS5dRvyYXitD1V3Mu-6o_P05_UWkB78uXRrk6RCY/s320/100_5761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here are a few of our goodies from that day.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP4pSeTGWSXWNqonRCS-1IN02oGcDkopjcz5pNc5tXSH7Zsb9wSS65ZuGa3L2bLblvxqtrkmhLmPxy-lUJVCZy72kdRs2WSvJz30i706jk5fICBS4ecDU2jY81j_pdtnmbG0LQC-9Yp8/s1600/100_5770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP4pSeTGWSXWNqonRCS-1IN02oGcDkopjcz5pNc5tXSH7Zsb9wSS65ZuGa3L2bLblvxqtrkmhLmPxy-lUJVCZy72kdRs2WSvJz30i706jk5fICBS4ecDU2jY81j_pdtnmbG0LQC-9Yp8/s320/100_5770.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yum! They turned out great! </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaSEoFexkLoTzROzLztyLQOr15IG-vXDGK_9Xwym0-YgJ2eEZlApVaY4G3iSQOmUccASZBSpZUc_hxkziZPTazEdZb1kzUsKdIWy0CrviAWPnXUERizIyBPPMjb-1Mpek_IuIWRDBHwg/s1600/100_5779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaSEoFexkLoTzROzLztyLQOr15IG-vXDGK_9Xwym0-YgJ2eEZlApVaY4G3iSQOmUccASZBSpZUc_hxkziZPTazEdZb1kzUsKdIWy0CrviAWPnXUERizIyBPPMjb-1Mpek_IuIWRDBHwg/s320/100_5779.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our new internet provider came out to install that day, so we shared a cupcake with him. The kids were so happy to do so, and I think the guy was a little bit excited to get a cupcake too, haha! </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeFTqYPite1gHampNozb0KMVAKwiHkxgZlYweDVM9I4sGiyWuoQX_W1CGeg3G-4zY6UnhbuYFbj5g14VlOVMF6h35qLzsL2T-joQEh-kiv9UNv8bH-bC5cQ31GDwhOmgEgvyYouWnU7o/s1600/100_5887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeFTqYPite1gHampNozb0KMVAKwiHkxgZlYweDVM9I4sGiyWuoQX_W1CGeg3G-4zY6UnhbuYFbj5g14VlOVMF6h35qLzsL2T-joQEh-kiv9UNv8bH-bC5cQ31GDwhOmgEgvyYouWnU7o/s320/100_5887.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will turned 3! This is him at his family birthday party - and we still had 27 people in the house. </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOweEdhC8b-43_a00HLzRO8a_Aq9RdrKFzrch0dyz0b58zW_IupExv_YCeMB_uYchUhDa5WNUqMZg4IHQrv6Rb6GFga3P9YHrmDJRwbu3d9_mWlpfiKUj2OFXwjn4ofX_twUgtvNmZEb8/s1600/100_5914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOweEdhC8b-43_a00HLzRO8a_Aq9RdrKFzrch0dyz0b58zW_IupExv_YCeMB_uYchUhDa5WNUqMZg4IHQrv6Rb6GFga3P9YHrmDJRwbu3d9_mWlpfiKUj2OFXwjn4ofX_twUgtvNmZEb8/s320/100_5914.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Will was SO excited to get this slide for the backyard! We are so glad he enjoys it. Small enough not to scare Mommy, big enough that it will get used for years to come still. I HIGHLY recommend this slide if you are looking for a good one for the backyard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpcnkOkEOTLxHlCyTOO4cieheFgJ6wE1b5xlTpy1Yu3yt7Zq6QpRKAcx-hbL7nyqu4-I1Ne9ygFi5hvc9dCCREk8P9ZSNz8MEPnkYnR9v51-RFfLy2x_ymOVXORvaFEsiKQfrCJd4yLE/s1600/100_5826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpcnkOkEOTLxHlCyTOO4cieheFgJ6wE1b5xlTpy1Yu3yt7Zq6QpRKAcx-hbL7nyqu4-I1Ne9ygFi5hvc9dCCREk8P9ZSNz8MEPnkYnR9v51-RFfLy2x_ymOVXORvaFEsiKQfrCJd4yLE/s320/100_5826.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is me! I am about 18 weeks along in this photo, at 20 weeks now, but me and baby are both measuring at over 21 weeks! Guess I get to have another big baby this time around. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and we found today that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a BOY! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Name is all picked out, but I don't know if we are ready to share. I will keep you posted. =o)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">p.s. Forgot to add, baby looks great and healthy! Only thing is there is an echocardiac focus in the heart (basically a little calcium deposit in the heart). Some of you may remember that Will also had this and we knew about before he was born. This baby seems to only have 1 spot, whereas Will had many. Basically, what this means is absolutely nothing. Babies with down syndrome have the deposits more often than babies who do not, but just because a baby does have the deposit does not mean down syndrome is indicated. From all other indicators and measurements, our baby does not appear to have down syndrome. Of course, we are praying for a healthy baby and that indeed the deposit means nothing as it did in Will's case (and Will's case was much more concerning, because there were so many of the deposits), but even if our little one is indeed born with down syndrome, we would be equally thrilled with this sweet life God has entrusted to us.</div></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-69208901250217628202012-03-05T18:42:00.000-06:002012-03-05T18:42:51.766-06:00Catch upWell, I have been WANTING to post some pictures and whatnot, but my camera and computer do not want to communicate with each other properly! It is very frustrating. So many pictures to share, and the inability to do so. Hopefully soon I can get them cooperating again.<br />
<br />
In other new - tomorrow we find out the gender of this new little baby! I am SO excited and can't wait!!! We even have names picked out, for either gender, so we can start calling baby by name right away too. =o) We might decide to share. I don't know. Only if you all promise to pretend to love the names no matter what. Haha! Any guesses? Ellen, you already know so you can't guess!<br />
<br />
And as a side note, we got wings for dinner tonight. Yum! Although, this preggo is having spicy food issues. Its like hormones or something have magnified my mouth and skin reaction to spiciness, and its very difficult. I still eat it anyway, cause I just love spicy things oh so very much.<br />
<br />
AND, my bedroom is clean. Even the closet. It feels so good to have it back to ...clean. I was going to say normal, but yah, clean is probably not the normal in this room. It seems to be the catch all shut the door and hide it all away room. So its nice to have it back to what I WISH was normal.<br />
<br />
Oh, and we got Abby her own cell phone and line. I feel crazy and said I would never get her one so young. But, she is the oldest, and I often send her in little gas stations real quick to grab things, and she runs over to friends houses to play now (ones that we know and approve of) and we just feel safer with her having a phone. Plus if we need her to come home right quick, we can just get her on her phone or send her a note, rather than having to dig out so and so's number or go down to fetch her. She only has approved numbers programmed in her phone, and she has tons of rules with it, but I do have to admit that I feel safer with her having it for me to contact her, or for if something goes wrong for her to reach me really quick from wherever she is. Plus - I am paranoid about kidnappers. I'm sure its growing up just seeing all the stuff in the news and the tv shows about it...but I am. So her phone has family "tracking" on it, and wherever her phone is, I can locate her. If anything horrible ever did happen and she was in some kind of danger, then hopefully she would be able to keep the phone on her person somehow or atleast near her location, so we could find her. I know that's probably so ridiculous sounding... but it comforts me. I worry far too much, obviously...Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-83993146114477616472012-02-20T14:05:00.000-06:002012-02-20T14:05:48.783-06:00New BlogSo I've started a new non-personal blog. It still getting up and running. But its up there to see if you happen to be interested. =o)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theupwardcallblog.blogspot.com/">http://theupwardcallblog.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
This blog is going to be my mostly personal blog - family stuffs, my personal thoughts, etc. But the other blog is going to try to be a more professional and useful blog, lol. Hope you enjoy it! As I mentioned, its barely there, but its there. =o) I'm even on twitter over there! You should really check it out!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-3584702864387751422012-02-20T11:02:00.000-06:002012-02-20T11:02:07.913-06:003 years old!Today my William is 3 years old! I can hardly believe it! I feel like we were just driving home from the hospital with him looking so tiny in his little car seat, and now he is 3. Sheesh. Where does the time go? I love that feeling, of feeling like Will has always been in our family. It doesn't feel like he has ever not been around. He is so wonderful and funny, and just brings such joy (and chaos) to my days. Oh but how boring our days would be without him! He has been so different than Abby was, and it to has been so funny to me as I watch him grow and see how his personality develops and who he is, and how different these little people really are. Will has brought a whole new set of parenting dilemmas, and just a whole new dynamic to our entire family. Even though some days we are all just holding our breath waiting for Will's next adventure, I think everyone in our family agrees that we are all, and the world, is so much better having this little man in it. I am sure all parents feel this way, but I really wish you all could really get to know my sweet Will as we do. Oh he is certainly mischievous, but the happiness he just radiates, the compassion he has for those around him, the cuddles he craves are just so miraculous. We have been so blessed with our William. Happy birthday baby Will, we all love you so very much!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-21877055409212798992012-02-17T15:32:00.000-06:002012-02-17T15:32:08.701-06:00ZulilyI think I have a Zulily problem...<br />
But, I have finished shopping for Abby's nice Spring and Summer wardrobe (except shoes). And I have her and Will's Easter outfits (for a steal!). I've also already got their swim stuff for summer - and I saved a TON on Zulily with that. We always do the swim shirts and shorts for sun safety and modesty purposes, and I usually spend $30-$50 easily on each swim suit because of this - not this year though! I was very excited to get that bargain. The only thing I need to worry about now is their play clothes and their feet being shod appropriately, plus a couple things for Will. Oh, and I guess baby clothes too, once I know what to buy, haha.<br />
<br />
We're going minimalistic with the clothes this season, and I think its going to be great. Great for saving money, great for buying better quality and less quantity, and great for my laundry room which is constantly overflowing!<br />
<br />
Anyone know where to get some cute boy clothes though, for a good price? I need a couple cute weekend/going out outfits for Will, but Zulily hasn't had anything that was reasonably priced for boys, I thought. Tons of girls stuff! But the boy stuff was just eh.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-27994234867189086702012-02-15T10:18:00.000-06:002012-02-15T10:18:57.801-06:00Baby News - 17 weeks!Doctor's appointment was yesterday - and everything is basically perfectly perfect. I am textbook apparently - which is good! My OB is now doing the ultrasound appointments differently though - so instead of getting my orders and scheduling my own at the hospital, she goes through a certain doctor and I have to wait for them to contact me and set up an appointment. Super boo! This means I am probably going to have to wait a bit longer than I had thought to go in and find out boy/girl. Oh well. Isn't that what pregnancy is - 9 months of waiting? If you're lucky. I know some people who have gone on for quite a bit longer. I am so impressed by them! I don't think I have the mental capacity to hang on, maybe that's why mine always come a few days before the due date! So anyway, now I'm just waiting. And that's about it. But the appointment went well and all is going exactly as it should, so I'm a happy camper. =o)Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-17727727023412441592012-02-13T19:54:00.000-06:002012-02-13T19:54:11.758-06:00QuoteI read this on a forum I stumbled across ,and am now quite curious who Fr. Sophrony is. =o)<br />
<br />
<em>As Fr. Sophrony instructed Fr. Seraphim, "Read only that which inspires you to prayer." So it is with everything. Dress in a manner that inspires you to prayer. Speak in a manner which inspires you to prayer. Watch only that which inspires you to prayer.</em>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-9873224432487807002012-02-12T18:23:00.000-06:002012-02-12T18:23:08.599-06:00SkirtsI used to wear skirts the majority of the time. And I've gone through phases in which I wear skirts, then stop, then get back into it, just back and forth. I'm at a point, where I am about to start wearing them again. Lately, particularly at church, I have found myself having to pull up my pants, been worried when leaning over that the pants might slip too low despite wearing long covering camis, been worried about them being too tight on my hiney and showing the panty line or whatnot, and that this might be a problem for some people, and that I didn't want to have that appearance. Not that I am at all thinking my amazing beauty or feminine loveliness is going to be a grand distraction or something, haha, but I feel like it is disrespectful to my husband, to myself, as an example to my children, I could go on. So, I think I need to recheck myself and my wardrobe yet again, and see what changes can be made to better reflect my faith and beliefs. Am I separating myself from wordly things, or am I letting my wardrobe become very wordly and am I not paying attention to the negative things I may have let in? Time to re-evaluate.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-55120295878354707932012-02-07T21:45:00.000-06:002012-02-07T21:45:45.200-06:00Charlotte Mason Education / Pregnancy UpdateWe are in the process of slowly switching over to a more Charlotte Mason approach to our little school. I've found we typically end up just reading books and dreading doing most of our workbook and traditional textbook work anyway. So I've been reading up on it a ton, looking at a thousand websites it seems like, but we've slowly started to get it figured out.<br />
<br />
What I am doing to start, is adding in a day of nature study and switching from our traditional handwriting/penmanship curriculum to a copywork book. We are also taking out a few subjects that I have come to find basically pointless for us right now. We have already made the switch to a new math curriculum - which isn't Charlotte Mason per se, but is much different than a traditional textbook approach to the subject. And as we slowly start getting new materials trickling in, we will begin switching out those subjects one at a time with our new materials, until we have completely made the adjustment. <br />
<br />
Although it took me quite a while to look into the method and decide what basic "outline" we wanted to follow, I can see that once the original "stuff" is all ironed out, its actually going to be much simpler to stay on target, on schedule, and just covering the material in general. Its already looking to be a lot less work on a regular basis than what we were doing previously, and it will be much more flexible with scheduling when unexpected sick or sanity days pop up. <br />
<br />
There are a ton of online resources out there, but the most helpful and comprehensive I have found would be Ambleside and Simply Charlotte Mason. I prefer Simply Charlotte Mason, mostly because it is much less intensive reading I think, and for my reluctant reader and with a new baby on the way, looks much more doable. I especially like that many subjects are already laid out for you to do as a family, whereas Ambleside has a year by year approach. While I do prefer that "in my mind", I know that realistically it would not be feasible with the way our family dynamic is right now. Also, Simply Charlotte Mason website has many videos and free ebooks available to help you get started, and some items also available for purchase if you feel the need to add those into your lessons or would like the extra support those items have to offer. I myself am ordering a few things to help get us started!<br />
<br />
Even still, we aren't following the scheduling completely - I doubt anyone fully does! Every family will have to adjust things. For example, we are not starting with ancient history. We've tried to do ancient history for years, and we end up just failing at it, haha. And now that Abby will be entering 4th grade, I really feel uncomfortable with her not having more knowledge of American history. So we will be doing basic American History for a year, and then jumping back into a more chronological approach to History following that. Although I may take a bit of time at some point to do a brief study of Texas history as well before we move back into the chronological world history. I have time to make that decision though! Also, I think this is all going to be much easier for Adam and Abby to keep up with when the baby is born.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the baby - I go in next Tuesday for another appointment. I really love my OB, so I'm very happy with the decision we ended up making in regards to the prenatal care. I am still concerned about the hospital, but the further along I get in the pregnancy, the less important that really seems to be. I think the Lord is just really giving me some peace now with this pregnancy, as there is so much other stuff on our plate right now. I do worry sometimes, just because I haven't felt movement yet (I did very early with Abby and Will), even though I know that this would be very early to feel movement anyway! And my belly is growing by the minute it seems, so I know everything is just fine! BUT, anyway, on Tuesday I should be getting my ultrasound orders, and from past experience they can get me in for the ultrasound appointment within a matter of just a few days typically, so we should know by end of next week if we have a little boy or girl! Well, if we receive cooperation of course! We are having naming difficulties, and I know that once we know the gender, it will help us to focus in and eliminate some of our arguing! Haha! Any suggestions are welcome, cause we've got practically nothing we can agree on at this point. I've also decided not to share the names we decide on, because recently when discussing a name I liked very much with Adam's family, they were so critical and rude about it, I just decided I was done with that! I don't want to hear that stuff this pregnancy. Right now I'm so at peace and comfortable with the pregnancy, I don't want to let in added things like that which are just unnecessary and will end up upsetting this senstive pregnant woman!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-41508672651119208732012-02-06T20:12:00.000-06:002012-02-06T20:12:09.779-06:00Perfection-istaMy Abby girl, is a perfection-ista. (Yes. I made up a word.) She is the absolute definition of a perfectionist, but with a much higher level of drama and flair than I have ever encountered before. So this is her new dubbing. <br />
<br />
I struggle quite a bit with schooling her for several reasons.<br />
1- I am a perfectionista too. And we feed each other. Somedays, its insane.<br />
2- Because I don't know how to handle my own tendencies with much grace, its difficult to help her do it too.<br />
3- I have an almost 3 year old son running around. Although, I guess I can't blame Abby for that, haha.<br />
<br />
But today I stumbled across <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/2011/11/30/let-us-not-grow-weary/#more-6861">this blog post</a>, and I think I see hope. I suggest you read it if you have a child who struggles with not "getting" it on the first try, or who won't try things they don't think they can do, or who breaks down in uncontrollable tears with any little failure. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. You just aren't there, <em>yet</em>.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-7400452208308725252012-02-03T15:13:00.001-06:002012-02-03T15:13:32.045-06:00No Poo at my house!I know I know, 3 posts, stop blogging already! But this just happened.... and I had to share it.<br />
<br />
Email to Adam:<br />
I think I may force us all to go no poo. The transition will be hard, but it will be healthier for all of us.<br />
<br />
Email from Adam:<br />
Uh.....what?<br />
<br />
Email to Adam:<br />
LOL, oh sorry. I mean no SHAMpoo. I see how that could have been confusing...Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-48432063111280732572012-02-03T14:25:00.000-06:002012-02-03T14:25:49.528-06:00Reading from TodayI stumbled across the other day in a curriculum search, an Orthodox Charlotte Mason curriculum that used a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prologue-Ohrid-Saints-Reflections-Homilies/dp/0971950504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328300704&sr=8-1">"The Prologue of Ohrid"</a>. I thought I would look into it on Amazon, and was a bit shocked at the very high price (especially considering its in 2 volumes!). I may have found it <a href="http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/my.html?month=February&day=3&Go.x=12&Go.y=9">online </a>though - although I'm not sure if its exactly the same as the book or if its just a portion. But I have begun reading the daily readings, just because I find it to be so fascinating to read about the saints, and the daily readings also include some poignant reflections and contemplations.<br />
<br />
This is the contemplation that I read today, and I found it very hopeful and encouraging. Maybe some else will too.<br />
<br />
<center> <span style="color: green;"><b>CONTEMPLATION</b></span></center> To contemplate the Lord Jesus as the Cornerstone:<br />
1. As the Cornerstone in building personal character;<br />
2. As the Cornerstone in building the family and a nation;<br />
3. As the Cornerstone of every good intentioned social transformation and inspiration of mankind.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4172946363111012523.post-67605106701575402032012-02-03T12:25:00.000-06:002012-02-03T12:25:49.681-06:00And another one bites the dustShame on you Komen. Shame. You had gained so much support from so many - talk about bending to political pressure. I'm sad about your decision - and very upset because I'm sure a lot of prolife people donated money the last couple of days, and will now be unable to get that back. I'm glad I held off on sending funds your way.<br />
<br />
Lesson learned - support your local charity groups, or those run by the church.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.com0