tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291712192024-03-14T03:47:43.922-05:00only by graceThoughts of a Christian wife, mother, and homemaker.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-37688512337089489682013-07-30T23:23:00.001-05:002013-07-30T23:23:12.073-05:00Venezuela: House of Many Hands<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The girls (Emmie and Ellerie) and I just returned from a trip to Venezuela. We were originally scheduled to go in July of 2012 but the trip was delayed a year because of the elections going on in Venezuela that fall. I hope to blog about the trip and our experiences during the next few weeks. There is so much to tell so it will probably take me several posts!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me tell you about this special place. It's called<i> El Hogar de Muchas Manos</i> (House of Many Hands), built and supported by
First Baptist Church in Valdosta, GA. Patricia Guinand and her husband,
Francisco, a former bullfighter, started the home for girls in their back
yard and continue to operate it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 2003, a small
church group was meeting in a home. During this meeting, Patricia shared with the group her
desire and vision to begin a home for girls in the area, girls who had been
orphaned or abandoned and needed a place to call home. My Dad, who grew up in a children’s home in Alabama, was
present at that meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he heard
Patricia share her heart, he was immediately touched because of how he had been raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord pricked his heart and moved him to
act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and First Baptist committed to
make that home happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Since that time, other churches have started to support the amazing work happening at this special home in Venezuela.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>El Hogar de Muchas Manos</i> opened in 2005 with the capacity to house up to 20 girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several girls moved in right away and they quickly reached
capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are now around 54 girls, and a few little boys, living
there now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have expanded the
building to accommodate more girls in each room. They have included space on the compound to train the girls in different skills, like cooking and cosmetology. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The home provides shelter, food and education for these
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives refuge and hope and
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It offers a chance to be
continually exposed to the Gospel. Patricia is an amazing woman. Her husband, Francisco, is a man with a huge heart. Their entire family loves these girls and has poured so much into them. I am so thankful we had the privilege of meeting them and seeing first-hand the amazing ministry that is happening there in Venezuela.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Francisco and Patricia! Love them!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-26527397094017605392012-07-30T11:57:00.002-05:002012-07-30T11:57:51.142-05:00Catchin' Up....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This precious baby turned 3 in March! Just love his smile. He wanted a "Luigi" cake!</div>
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He brings so much joy and laughter to our home! </div>
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Present time!!!</div>
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Yay!!</div>
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We are thankful for this sweet one! Love you Carter!<br />
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Then in April we celebrated TWO birthdays! Coleman and Ellerie have their birthdays just one day apart, which means a great deal of cake around here at one time!<br />
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Ellerie turned 5 this year! She couldn't be more excited - and it makes me a little sad.<br />
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She is always so full of joy and unbridled happiness! Keeps us laughing. Love you baby girl!<br />
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Coleman turned 11! I can't believe it! He's growing up before our eyes. Before the summer is over, he will probably be taller than Brian!<br />
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He has such a precious heart - love this boy!<br />
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Dad and Coleman<br />
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Dad and Ellerie<br />
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The most recent birthday we celebrated was Calvin's! That boy has been waiting for his day for the past 364 days!!<br />
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Happy boy! Love being his Mom. He is so loving and has grown so much the past year.<br />
He wanted his cake to say "Capt. Calvin." That is his new nickname after riding on the Pirate Ship Adventure during our beach vacation. <br />
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He was so excited to celebrate his day with family!</div>
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That catches us up on birthdays! No shortage of cake or birthday fun around here! ;)</div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-64637724639688937632011-08-23T19:59:00.000-05:002011-08-23T19:59:19.824-05:00We're Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOdi-6zAwcgcFQQ15uy35FYqfKzvPXe6tC3s-PVffapD0dvCjmyXu-M3XEvTzrOhfJukS5vEWPXd1sxZA2EKPeDpPvb56u_bz5YRvhdRtzzuq1s3pagQkmYQ_QTixMSCTIZEoyg/s1600/newhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOdi-6zAwcgcFQQ15uy35FYqfKzvPXe6tC3s-PVffapD0dvCjmyXu-M3XEvTzrOhfJukS5vEWPXd1sxZA2EKPeDpPvb56u_bz5YRvhdRtzzuq1s3pagQkmYQ_QTixMSCTIZEoyg/s320/newhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a quick update - We're Home!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last day of packing up was sad for me but I had already spent time thinking about the transition. Brian and I were rushing around trying to get the Uhaul returned that I didn't even realize that we had left the old house for the last time together! Probably a good thing though. By that point, I was tired and ready to be done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Several friends from his Bible study and our church family helped us move and that was such a blessing to us! PawPaw and Granny watched the kids for us a ton that week so we could get some necessary work done. We are still in the process of unpacking. After moving day, we had VBS week at church and then I took the kids to GA to visit family there. We are now here and slowly unpacking and arranging along with daily living. It seems to be a slow process. Maybe we'll be done by Christmas!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From day one, it has felt like home to us. Although I was a little scared the first night - the lock on the back door wasn't working and I kept hearing strange noises. I was secretly hoping that Brian's parents would sleep here with us (sometimes it's crazy to think I'm the adult now)! We survived that night and Brian's dad fixed the lock so I'm good now. All of the kids love it and haven't looked back. We look forward to making many memories here!! Hopefully I'll share some those here sometime!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-77570158618148178322011-08-01T09:25:00.000-05:002011-08-01T09:25:26.847-05:00Our Last DayI really should be packing right now ... but I wanted to take a few minutes to record these last few thoughts here...<br />
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Last night we took the kids on the walk-through of the new house. I wasn't sure how they'd do with the move - especially Calvin with his need for familiarity and routine. But they were so excited and didn't want to leave. Calvin had already packed his favorite cars in his backpack so he was sad when we told him we were leaving to come back to this house! He can't wait to go! <br />
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At one point after we came back home, we all sat down together for one last family devotion in this house. During that time we shared memories we all had of our time here together. It was all I could do to hold it together... Even now every time I do something today I think, "This is the last time I (we) will do ..." Each thought brings tears to my eyes...<br />
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We have brought 5 precious babies home to this house ... lots of hours spent feeding, rocking and loving on those babies... first steps, first words, many, many firsts... I remember holding Coleman in his room just crying thinking of the blessing of having a child. I had no idea then how hard parenting would be ... many prayers for grace have been offered up here...<br />
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Most of the kids have learned to ride bikes here...<br />
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We've had hurricanes take out trees, mailboxes and our bedroom ceiling...<br />
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Many hours have been spent playing in this back yard...<br />
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There have been good times and bad, laughter and joy, as well tears of all kinds. There also have been many moments that I wish I could do over again ... but all of these things have molded us and shaped us. It has been encouraging to look back and see the evidence of God's grace in our lives ...<br />
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As one chapter ends, another begins and we know that we will be making new memories and pray for God's grace to continue to sustain us through this next season...Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-45393777035205142582011-07-27T19:54:00.000-05:002011-07-27T19:54:39.344-05:00Our First Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZpDGg8y-wWajnSqhf4BHaqqDToArMDfkBysoB1HNfzbBqH-_x6KMv3h0ZnbRLhG_Y86-fUyGLQ4QgfgNqUcf6S425_JeMSOOEotWoxsKQyA4LWi1tpQ07T7vzFfZIYIBlK7jhg/s1600/house1+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZpDGg8y-wWajnSqhf4BHaqqDToArMDfkBysoB1HNfzbBqH-_x6KMv3h0ZnbRLhG_Y86-fUyGLQ4QgfgNqUcf6S425_JeMSOOEotWoxsKQyA4LWi1tpQ07T7vzFfZIYIBlK7jhg/s320/house1+001.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;">We purchased our first home back in May of 1999. This is a picture of the drawing they had in the realtor's office! We were so excited!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFvefIhHN71wTmIoHsxuC-VuGQ_5hAFe6JV7OgHPKpEXBnn-T5utMhwF5W8U5agag3ouYZBR4eJOk9q-HxTIjtIjAYEUvVKq-YUTLXj6kEnMXf0JWcRcN-0PnjrwOESnlZKGo2A/s1600/house2+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFvefIhHN71wTmIoHsxuC-VuGQ_5hAFe6JV7OgHPKpEXBnn-T5utMhwF5W8U5agag3ouYZBR4eJOk9q-HxTIjtIjAYEUvVKq-YUTLXj6kEnMXf0JWcRcN-0PnjrwOESnlZKGo2A/s320/house2+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were able to watch them build it from the ground up!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCUgaTJf3Vtl-TGHTxrOHZpm39Jm9HfDWA-gxYKpy-1EnZr0bWS78dB1Sg-ihHQ6gpMzs8KXvu_BRUQs5ZK9PYXBExCOn1MhtRq1NTG0sARbUzwXQx7y0n96KysWGqU2iiimNdA/s1600/house3+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCUgaTJf3Vtl-TGHTxrOHZpm39Jm9HfDWA-gxYKpy-1EnZr0bWS78dB1Sg-ihHQ6gpMzs8KXvu_BRUQs5ZK9PYXBExCOn1MhtRq1NTG0sARbUzwXQx7y0n96KysWGqU2iiimNdA/s320/house3+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> That's me back in the day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuyo05X8uBOnEGVlEnoh-z4j8MgQRr7eycF3Vo_rgwxligx8ml0Vfzc8DcHbckxR3CPa9LMaVQEehxvYMuZg_3wxli26Ai9T7vSk4iXtkQDBXyM_swudgoRsppIZuresE_5kQ1Q/s1600/house4+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuyo05X8uBOnEGVlEnoh-z4j8MgQRr7eycF3Vo_rgwxligx8ml0Vfzc8DcHbckxR3CPa9LMaVQEehxvYMuZg_3wxli26Ai9T7vSk4iXtkQDBXyM_swudgoRsppIZuresE_5kQ1Q/s320/house4+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes, that's Brian - he had hair then! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozLVof1XIWlNaTaISi9Tl3MZyTXLEmme1jR7ZU0xRu8UpbudwHfZKsT9gTUGoJ_5gWZXATBMvFg9YnNMM7DJzjxruehP2iHX2MXAmMoG5tB-Ak3i_KHzv7mkJW4opkIRejIJFkQ/s1600/house5+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozLVof1XIWlNaTaISi9Tl3MZyTXLEmme1jR7ZU0xRu8UpbudwHfZKsT9gTUGoJ_5gWZXATBMvFg9YnNMM7DJzjxruehP2iHX2MXAmMoG5tB-Ak3i_KHzv7mkJW4opkIRejIJFkQ/s320/house5+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This picture cracks me up! I was so excited about that bath tub - no jets but that was ok!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wYWe5zklpAk2h8kP3CianCewcDV3zgKPmWoWhgAY1mXcW0Xp6Y06qDm_E_Lgd0xdFSg9iwqHH8mv0Pu-JxifM6MViD4Y6F_ZN9jZb8IHRJuEs38P4c35rf0CNSwzvaHcvAdiVg/s1600/house6+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wYWe5zklpAk2h8kP3CianCewcDV3zgKPmWoWhgAY1mXcW0Xp6Y06qDm_E_Lgd0xdFSg9iwqHH8mv0Pu-JxifM6MViD4Y6F_ZN9jZb8IHRJuEs38P4c35rf0CNSwzvaHcvAdiVg/s320/house6+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I didn't crop out the truck because that was Brian's pick-up that we had forever - like for almost 200,000 miles I think?! There's my little Sentra in the garage - the only car we could fit in there - the car that we outgrew pretty quickly! And look at those little teeny shrubs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Here it is today! We closed in the garage to make a playroom/bonus room. Several trees are gone (thanks to several hurricanes), the shrubs have grown and thousands of memories have been made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few weeks ago we took the steps to purchase a bigger home for our growing family and now our time here is coming to a close. I didn't think I would be too sentimental about it but I was mistaken. Don't get me wrong - we are so excited about our new space and the new memories we will make there as a family but it is still sad to be leaving our first real home! </div><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;">I hope to write down a few of our memories during the next few days so that we won't forget! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-27973234204677804272011-05-08T21:48:00.001-05:002011-05-08T21:49:29.013-05:00Ellerie's PrayerOne of the most precious times of each day is praying with our children before they go to bed at night. Ellerie always brings a smile to our faces when we pray with her. My parents were in town a few weeks ago and my mom, Mimi, had the opportunity to pray with Ellerie at bed time. Here's how her prayer went:<br />
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<i>"Dear God,</i><br />
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<i>Thank you for my Mommy.</i><br />
<i>Thank you for my Daddy.</i><br />
<i>Thank you for my sister.</i><br />
<i>Thank you for my bruder...</i><br />
<i>And thank you for my bruder...</i><br />
<i>And ... thank you for my bruder..."</i><br />
(She then looks up at Mimi at says, <i>"I have 1 sister and 3 bruders..."</i>)<br />
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She's a mess!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-55840624256243105762011-03-27T22:33:00.001-05:002011-03-27T22:36:58.502-05:00Happy Birthday Baby Boy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2C3YMjaO1PJbGuot2FCJOHskQTEtUnurSc4Becm8wWUFZaV3VrbgVsk_T96VVnYftf4OvnvJRyeTAo6S7txmu5cJmoCbgmfu-wCimafpwYqx4rRoETrLZeYk2fwv_9VUj2yEQg/s1600/carter01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2C3YMjaO1PJbGuot2FCJOHskQTEtUnurSc4Becm8wWUFZaV3VrbgVsk_T96VVnYftf4OvnvJRyeTAo6S7txmu5cJmoCbgmfu-wCimafpwYqx4rRoETrLZeYk2fwv_9VUj2yEQg/s320/carter01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Carter turns 2! March 13, 2011!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_U6ey1wX6-LcIKg2GBuIH5UfNeGg6Yi-GqdvCc9xpCJXdKyDRwErhx8z-kZgR2mSkPrJK4Fxh8ZiszGeMS-tNDjKlH4V4Fd3Ul4ek2Uz1UnpTlJAmQck36mUjc1t_eKJfSBm2Q/s1600/carter04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_U6ey1wX6-LcIKg2GBuIH5UfNeGg6Yi-GqdvCc9xpCJXdKyDRwErhx8z-kZgR2mSkPrJK4Fxh8ZiszGeMS-tNDjKlH4V4Fd3Ul4ek2Uz1UnpTlJAmQck36mUjc1t_eKJfSBm2Q/s320/carter04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> On Tuesday we got together with family to celebrate Carter's 2nd year of life! He wanted a Woody cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLkVBXWT1bZzH6NVm43ycF8vTzwt8z9clMzWSdMAF-lqwvWxqj7i7yhm0NJXC2XYRnAegcktyfUCZ_Z921OBLxj3Jk3t2p1KdPuQsw0O2K4bNEpSJiojlrY4CWXMnivEKTySr2A/s1600/carter09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLkVBXWT1bZzH6NVm43ycF8vTzwt8z9clMzWSdMAF-lqwvWxqj7i7yhm0NJXC2XYRnAegcktyfUCZ_Z921OBLxj3Jk3t2p1KdPuQsw0O2K4bNEpSJiojlrY4CWXMnivEKTySr2A/s320/carter09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFvMP5orhuVQntWQN8ZQrCie-qqF5yiVYdqyNGcTs2xhi4RmZjs_IBXdyOx4FFLRUUVb-10rRLVPEwVQbT-jd5PIsPTWhJo1Q-HFsrVihQUgHJDXXBJ-3fwviw7E7Ubr2GTSVPA/s1600/carter10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFvMP5orhuVQntWQN8ZQrCie-qqF5yiVYdqyNGcTs2xhi4RmZjs_IBXdyOx4FFLRUUVb-10rRLVPEwVQbT-jd5PIsPTWhJo1Q-HFsrVihQUgHJDXXBJ-3fwviw7E7Ubr2GTSVPA/s320/carter10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just love this precious boy! He has brought so much joy to our entire family. He loves Woody, McQueen, cars, trains, balls... He also loves to play with his siblings. I love the names he has picked for everyone so far. He calls Coleman 'Momo', Emmie is 'Memmie', Ellerie is 'Baby', and Calvin sounds different everytime, but now it sounds like 'Caca'. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are thankful for this blessing in our lives and continually pray for him to know God's grace in his life. We love you Carter.</div><br />
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</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-75437511625163481022011-03-20T00:43:00.000-05:002011-03-20T00:43:17.042-05:00Spring Saturdays!Spring is one of my favorite seasons. After a long, cold winter the extra sunshine is so refreshing. It's amazing how the sun affects my mood so this extra hour of daylight is a blessing to me and probably to those around me as well! :) <br />
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A few weeks ago, we were trying to decide whether or not the kids would play soccer this spring. They played in the fall so the cost was going to be much cheaper since they already had their uniforms (thumbs up). They enjoy playing and we enjoy watching them as a family (thumbs up). But ... it takes up almost all day every Saturday! (thumbs down)<br />
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If we want to run or exercise on Saturday morning, then we have to get up<i> really</i> early to get it in. Then we pack up snacks, drinks, chairs, blankets and head to the field for a good chunk of the day. After thinking about it, Brian said he thought it would be good for us to take a break from organized sports this spring. I was a little hesitant at first but then I agreed that it would be a good break for all of us before the big kids try swim team this summer.<br />
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School is keeping us busy as we look toward the end of the year so I am looking forward to spending these spring Saturdays together as a family without having to always be somewhere at a certain time. I see lots of yard work and outside projects in our future, while the kids can run around and play. <br />
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Today was the first Saturday in a while where we weren't on a specific schedule. Brian and I both got a run in this morning after sleeping until 8:00. He also made pancakes and watched a movie with the kids. This afternoon he weeded some in the yard while Calvin played in the dirt. I caught up on coupons and got some grocery shopping done with a few of the other kids. Laundry kept moving all day. Just normal, simple things but at a more relaxing pace.<br />
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It was so nice and refreshing to be able to be laid back about our day ...I am looking forward to these spring Saturdays!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-91126145726476908582011-01-29T23:22:00.002-05:002011-03-08T10:31:48.660-05:00New ....I can’t believe that 2011 is already here. Not only is it already here, but January is quickly coming to a close. February already? <p>I guess it’s time to make my ‘resolutions’ for the new year, especially since 1/12 of it has already passed. Some of them are the same every year: exercise more, eat less, save more, spend less …you know how it goes.</p> <p>There are so many things I could write as my goals for the year, but the easy way to sum them all up is with one word: intentional. I want to be intentional.</p> <p>I want to be intentional in seeking the Lord.</p> <p>I want to be intentional in loving my husband.</p> <p>I want to be intentional in teaching my children (in school and in the Word).</p> <p>I want to be intentional in serving my home.</p> <p>I want to be intentional in my relationships.</p> <p>I want to be intentional in being healthy.</p> <p>I want to be intentional …</p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-22177639997504608872010-12-22T22:43:00.002-05:002010-12-22T22:49:39.756-05:00Christmas Traditions... Advent DevotionsI just love Christmas ... it is probably my favorite holiday. It is such a special time to celebrate the birth of Christ and to make memories with our family. The past few years, we have intentionally tried to do special things each year ... making traditions and special times with one another. We pray that our children will remember these times, holding a special place in their hearts.<br /><br />One of my favorite traditions is the advent devotions we do each night as a family. We have a special calendar and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Book-Jack-Stockman/dp/0615210007/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293075922&sr=8-1">book</a> that we read. The kids really like doing this together. The little ones are excited about participating this year and our bigger ones are taking more of a leadership role as they are reading the passages to their siblings. Love this time with them!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-48215335770294189482010-11-26T23:07:00.003-05:002010-12-22T22:43:08.532-05:00Thanksgiving Week...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwRmMPhVAp6Wg3OjSF6-I0hK0ovnioFvdTkALmRoWlLAehAkfN7aifIk3xWu_R68GVarRcEaJgXg99T5MpZT-4O1iZAK9utNSAevwCpyL7wXIgljIiO3wOLK0Nw1Pms9fTS7eiw/s1600/cousins+thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwRmMPhVAp6Wg3OjSF6-I0hK0ovnioFvdTkALmRoWlLAehAkfN7aifIk3xWu_R68GVarRcEaJgXg99T5MpZT-4O1iZAK9utNSAevwCpyL7wXIgljIiO3wOLK0Nw1Pms9fTS7eiw/s400/cousins+thanksgiving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553717823649817682" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Georgia. It was fun to visit with all of the girl cousins from Macon, GA. The weather was warm, actually hot a few days. It was such a relaxing week spending time together with family. We are thankful for that time away and to make memories with friends and family.<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-60948208696895062982010-11-24T20:50:00.002-05:002010-11-24T21:00:34.856-05:00Still Thankful...I am still thankful even though I haven't been posting...<br /><br />I am thankful for this week away with my family. It is good to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and have an entire week of 'down' time. Brian gets to spend each day with us and we are loving every minute of it. We wake up a little late and snuggle in the bed with Carter (since he wakes up first). We get to eat breakfast, lunch and supper together - it's been so nice being together all day!<br /><br />I am thankful for less laundry this week. There is a limited amount to wash and that is so great. I think maybe I should just get rid of the rest of our clothes when I get home! ;)<br /><br />I am thankful for the warm weather this week. The kids have been able to play outside. I love sitting on the porch watching them laugh and play.<br /><br />I am thankful for the tradition of our Thanksgiving dinner - especially the same dishes we have each year. I love the broccoli casserole, the carrot casserole, and the cornbread dressing. Mmmmm - can't wait until tomorrow.<br /><br />I am thankful .... for this month of being thankful. It has been a blessing each day to remember how much I have to be thankful for.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-39011788030886422392010-11-14T23:14:00.003-05:002010-11-14T23:27:37.805-05:00Thankful... playing catch-up again...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWkb15qlNW33HSGeZLlBNQhwaiw_ks3rKDg1tjwNb92hyphenhyphen0zMRuSvf8BC0lrsHWMK7ulO3sp3uIFM4BxixqUsbFWQe_342XJvb4YkWkbcP2ZqhUekthBgdaq28g3lD1oXggb_MMA/s1600/theend.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWkb15qlNW33HSGeZLlBNQhwaiw_ks3rKDg1tjwNb92hyphenhyphen0zMRuSvf8BC0lrsHWMK7ulO3sp3uIFM4BxixqUsbFWQe_342XJvb4YkWkbcP2ZqhUekthBgdaq28g3lD1oXggb_MMA/s400/theend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625493618568306" border="0" /></a>The end!! Time was 2:22...<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQm0GbXGoxUTA9j0krzGOTfi5Xj7909zEDlInk91a9r9E8aohdIU-pjRy-4UFvsrl4L5s2sYv0KquMGOD8kPYyVvIa4NmjNiGZLGYiO5bGrS9l1MnPYYABSBCzjKMscIDr9xA_w/s1600/after1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQm0GbXGoxUTA9j0krzGOTfi5Xj7909zEDlInk91a9r9E8aohdIU-pjRy-4UFvsrl4L5s2sYv0KquMGOD8kPYyVvIa4NmjNiGZLGYiO5bGrS9l1MnPYYABSBCzjKMscIDr9xA_w/s400/after1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625493210522274" border="0" /></a>Afterwards with my people - they were so excited to see me and I was excited to see them. That thought carried me the last mile! :)<br /><br />So today I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful</span> that the half marathon is over!! :) It was fun (in a different way). Not 'woo-hoo' fun but fun like an exciting, nerve-wracking, adrenaline-pumping sort of way. I actually felt good the entire time and enjoyed running the route around Richmond. I never thought I could do it and am proud that I did. Looking back, 3 out of the last 4 weekends, I ran double digits runs so needless to say, my legs are tired! <br /><br />I am also <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful</span> that my husband got all 5 kids up and dressed and to the CRAZY race site downtown. He's such a trooper! I am thankful he didn't have to hurt the big tall man who tried to step in front of the kids after they had waited patiently for a spot to 'open up' so they could see me! ;)<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful</span> that he let me take a nap yesterday and basically do nothing the rest of the day!<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful</span> that he rewarded me with a Chick-fil-A peppermint chocolate chip milkshake last night.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>that he let me sleep in until 9:00 this morning while he got up and fed the kids.<br /><br />Yes, I am blessed!!<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-59024445451792510252010-11-12T23:34:00.003-05:002010-11-12T23:37:53.978-05:00Thankful...Thankful today for ... our sweet homeschooling friends and the fun Thanksgiving feast we shared together today. Priceless memories of 20 or so little Pilgrims and Indians ... thankful for the blessing of sharing school times together with these friends!<br /><br />Also thankful for the opportunity to go to our fellowship group Bible study tonight. Love studying the Word with other believers - and the best part is that I got to go with my best friend - and we were able to spend 45 minutes in the car talking on the way there and back! It's been a blessed day.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-60623390981608672222010-11-11T15:46:00.002-05:002010-11-11T15:51:30.389-05:00Thankful...This afternoon, I sat for just a few minutes...and it was great. I find myself rushing from thing to thing ... always thinking of the next task that needs to be done, the next thing that I can check off my list. It makes life seem overwhelming at times - and I know that I'm not cherishing time with my children.<br /><br />One of those sweet things just came up to me and sat by me so ... I just sat with him. And I cuddled with him and kissed his sweet head, knowing that it wouldn't be long before he ran off to play some more. What a gift - to love on him ... even if just for a minute.<br /><br />I know I need to find more minutes in each day to do just that. If there's one thing I've learned recently, it's that the list never gets done, there's always more to do ... so why rush so hard and so fast to complete it all and miss the most important things right in front of me?Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-66837032271293137472010-11-10T21:28:00.001-05:002010-11-10T21:30:55.982-05:00Thankful ...Thankful that I read this quote today:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The cross must be my only story. I meditate today on what it looks like at each turn of my day to rest in its shadow. </span><br /><br />Go read <a href="http://www.theologyforwomen.org/">this blog</a> for more truths like this ... prepare to be wowed!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-58063391378919525902010-11-10T21:06:00.004-05:002010-11-10T21:21:17.820-05:00Thankful...I Have Some Catching Up to Do...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VWrxqJLWK8ZFx24jfwmFfq67mlS12-lBNafL6-PYYbe_2x6H-obvaXomduHabrkRwrFK486XJPfqVYC2RQnckd2qRYjzHo2XjnRi5D_sjz2M28ei_G1jkYK-FXAVntE38VzKgg/s1600/100_0264.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VWrxqJLWK8ZFx24jfwmFfq67mlS12-lBNafL6-PYYbe_2x6H-obvaXomduHabrkRwrFK486XJPfqVYC2RQnckd2qRYjzHo2XjnRi5D_sjz2M28ei_G1jkYK-FXAVntE38VzKgg/s400/100_0264.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538110188054136290" border="0" /></a>We are so thankful for the parents and grandparents in our lives! We are blessed that our children can know their grandparents and that their grandparents also love the Lord. Brian's parents live in the same town as us (what a blessing)! It is so special to be able to share our lives with them and to have special 'babysitter's who truly love our kids!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7V-IC0Sk43ymA49HNnGEPtQglwMZUI01MnOzwB6dNFDq8krlm3FHSKYt_SArqd4s9FQGU-9IoknSMx-rJiaFAUDfq-i21w-l91-CtUGYonnUePAnU6_PfZsqegPp6JFsmxS9kTw/s1600/img_5832.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7V-IC0Sk43ymA49HNnGEPtQglwMZUI01MnOzwB6dNFDq8krlm3FHSKYt_SArqd4s9FQGU-9IoknSMx-rJiaFAUDfq-i21w-l91-CtUGYonnUePAnU6_PfZsqegPp6JFsmxS9kTw/s400/img_5832.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538110178913577682" border="0" /></a>My parents live in Georgia but make an effort to visit several times a year while we also plan several trips down to see them as well. It's nice to get concentrated visits with them and see them love on their grandkids! We cram in as much fun as possible whenever we have visits.<br /><br />We know that it is a rare thing for kids to know and love both sets of grandparents! We treasure that blessing and thank God for it so often. We love you all!<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-9158216483598364212010-11-06T20:59:00.004-05:002010-11-06T21:12:16.045-05:00Thankful...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0yy5htXa1UHqWMQtNpMvYiPxS8kk3PNOs3VHNiH71YBX8uye53w8BMNzQ-38gc3VR2IZJIJ8vC7Qlhb4NPV7DfOt7aW57WJ-I5rfgTtHrCv59vL28iXz-ONtaLFWMcRpqVEeeg/s1600/fam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0yy5htXa1UHqWMQtNpMvYiPxS8kk3PNOs3VHNiH71YBX8uye53w8BMNzQ-38gc3VR2IZJIJ8vC7Qlhb4NPV7DfOt7aW57WJ-I5rfgTtHrCv59vL28iXz-ONtaLFWMcRpqVEeeg/s400/fam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536623178112930706" border="0" /></a>Today I am thankful the the little things: being able to run <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> the sun comes up, a husband that cooks pancakes for everyone on Saturday mornings (and today he unloaded and loaded the dishwasher too), watching my kids laugh and play together this morning, a warm and cozy home, laughing with my husband, and just being together as a family today...Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-44581128228992371682010-11-06T20:24:00.002-05:002010-11-06T20:59:17.337-05:00Running Update!The half marathon is next Saturday so by this time next week, I'll be done (probably in more ways than one). But I think I am actually getting a little excited.<br /><br />The training plan I have been following had my longest run at 10 miles. But I have found that for me, half the battle in running is mental. I know some people say "if you can run 10 miles, you can run 13." But for me, I feel like 'if I can run 10, then I can run 10.' So I was hoping to try and do a 10-mile and a 12-mile run before the race.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I did a 10-miler and it went better than I thought it would. Last week, I did my first 12-miler! I just decided to take it one mile at a time, trying not to think about how much farther I had to go. It went pretty good for the majority of it - but I did feel like I was slowing down on the 11th mile and then the 12th mile really hurt - pain in muscles that had never hurt before. I decided to just listen to my music and take it slow - my goal was just to keep going without stopping. <br /><br />I finally made it and was sooo glad to walk again. I walked it out some and then got in the car to head home - then I found out really quickly that I hadn't walked it out enough! My calves started just burning like fire and my calves had never ever hurt after running before. I called Kim when I got home and she told me to ice them so I did the ice bath thing and popped motrin and that helped tremendously.<br /><br />I'm sure I will get sore at the end next weekend but I feel better just mentally knowing that I have run 12 miles before and just have to go a little bit further this time. Hopefully adrenalin and the sight of the finish line will help me do that last mile!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-77661288315985321612010-11-03T21:13:00.006-05:002010-11-03T21:49:36.277-05:00Thankful for Surprises...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDM_FrohhKo_8o4K8Gi6pd_bJXW5OUaeci_0OAlPbb-qauwODHeJGVzurcRJeBPt6pV8vtM-HG4572xitfP8qZyjwjhVkvltRc8Feid3iRIy_hJVLiPia9cF_9aHNOc_p4-Sk4A/s1600/100_0389.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDM_FrohhKo_8o4K8Gi6pd_bJXW5OUaeci_0OAlPbb-qauwODHeJGVzurcRJeBPt6pV8vtM-HG4572xitfP8qZyjwjhVkvltRc8Feid3iRIy_hJVLiPia9cF_9aHNOc_p4-Sk4A/s400/100_0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518528536762290" border="0" /></a>This past weekend we had the opportunity to surprise my parents for Halloween. They live about 11 hours away in Georgia and had no idea we were coming! We showed up at their door with the kids dressed in their costumes saying 'trick or treat'!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6lhKX4MDeA5ypxmP1ipLSx3VsLW2tHx_oaik7wINyHg0h4H-WpwP2DJ42tMZeX9jeW0dLyrR-mg2yHHhF8Jrf_9epH13ePWsD_WLXit5OnSNTLTR8IPyy2bcX8B7Dr40UKUscQ/s1600/100_0391.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6lhKX4MDeA5ypxmP1ipLSx3VsLW2tHx_oaik7wINyHg0h4H-WpwP2DJ42tMZeX9jeW0dLyrR-mg2yHHhF8Jrf_9epH13ePWsD_WLXit5OnSNTLTR8IPyy2bcX8B7Dr40UKUscQ/s400/100_0391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518520806711762" border="0" /></a>It was worth the ride just to see their faces! It was one of the first times my Mom didn't know what to say! ;)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nMaQmo2uFCOL2vyA1yLpBpTVsvXcMJfmmLKBtCgK2TLUUHN2AvRuImuuCWc_fM1M0vgw2BD4U4nIl6UemdEsVvfPoGHS67eRuw3roeIxShcpYFXAE06Guq-IbLA7fgZiMJeJLg/s1600/11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nMaQmo2uFCOL2vyA1yLpBpTVsvXcMJfmmLKBtCgK2TLUUHN2AvRuImuuCWc_fM1M0vgw2BD4U4nIl6UemdEsVvfPoGHS67eRuw3roeIxShcpYFXAE06Guq-IbLA7fgZiMJeJLg/s400/11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518503750163602" border="0" /></a>The crew getting ready to head out - for a 3 hour candy collection!! (We had no idea)!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhMVomYSabDuBu4TCG1zHWCePCzE07f9g_ul1IBybzqpklZeCtQ7J09rnyLfeYp61wE1yC2I6tgTmUekCSftgrb8CDOhw5hmKokXUrN-w_QuECSyurnpfFHN-ew7SRS6y9HzVQg/s1600/10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhMVomYSabDuBu4TCG1zHWCePCzE07f9g_ul1IBybzqpklZeCtQ7J09rnyLfeYp61wE1yC2I6tgTmUekCSftgrb8CDOhw5hmKokXUrN-w_QuECSyurnpfFHN-ew7SRS6y9HzVQg/s400/10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518110766251602" border="0" /></a>I think they were still in shock at this point.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQyRQ6pQ40swl0XUNc9w4Ifn0RxRLBBUCusJ78oEeyjyY6CYJU609xSHF4tdWfl-IfS8ECjHzavphGmylb0hNMloHZgmRqpqTU7oMebHozhvSMODABg0aeYae-Hx8eeVgTJgf-w/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQyRQ6pQ40swl0XUNc9w4Ifn0RxRLBBUCusJ78oEeyjyY6CYJU609xSHF4tdWfl-IfS8ECjHzavphGmylb0hNMloHZgmRqpqTU7oMebHozhvSMODABg0aeYae-Hx8eeVgTJgf-w/s400/9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518103855007890" border="0" /></a>It was fun for the kids to ride in the back of the car- but it got tiring lifting the littles in and out of the car - so I offered to drive and Brian did all the lifting (what a man)!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9GBHqcZDUwokEdVh_FnRxcpsYwpp51VEGIn-DorqlV-D5mbmR5li5Ts1nrJBFIVvm9xLquFFhrNm6XoO1vKvjgAOZTuvYUh-5LeU04p4kEteAMVqVIND_XmHad1z0_VbUb_xfw/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9GBHqcZDUwokEdVh_FnRxcpsYwpp51VEGIn-DorqlV-D5mbmR5li5Ts1nrJBFIVvm9xLquFFhrNm6XoO1vKvjgAOZTuvYUh-5LeU04p4kEteAMVqVIND_XmHad1z0_VbUb_xfw/s400/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518102665305506" border="0" /></a>One of the many houses...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDSr0NqsvrvqRf2Mpkr3vJ7ilz8cYs_zW1Qx-t6wiRYo39SjOTsrTy-0ivvRaiu_I1eRwCRJiVszNJ4QXxZPn2LchwoO4Qm55KIBl2GVG7EEFfs98Tef4mObZ5L5IXMsrJAYumA/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDSr0NqsvrvqRf2Mpkr3vJ7ilz8cYs_zW1Qx-t6wiRYo39SjOTsrTy-0ivvRaiu_I1eRwCRJiVszNJ4QXxZPn2LchwoO4Qm55KIBl2GVG7EEFfs98Tef4mObZ5L5IXMsrJAYumA/s400/7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535518098650451634" border="0" /></a>One house left a big bowl out even though they weren't home...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7u6YrDhsaz2-NfFpRv7bWov8CpsKCXNF7GRLV6hk0Z9ze1hS6_apZq2AhpffqoEHW5qbr0AMUUgC6Cl2smLh3YxJ-AN1johNApmp7WAwqUXyMlp_mmczholhZCcKDhZskRk7ig/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7u6YrDhsaz2-NfFpRv7bWov8CpsKCXNF7GRLV6hk0Z9ze1hS6_apZq2AhpffqoEHW5qbr0AMUUgC6Cl2smLh3YxJ-AN1johNApmp7WAwqUXyMlp_mmczholhZCcKDhZskRk7ig/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535517731426601842" border="0" /></a>On Sunday evening, we got to go to the Fall Festival at Mom and Dad's church. I think Mom told everyone she saw the story of the weekend! Cute to see how excited they were.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA1I5uVVcnbf_HEQflXX4nUrNl4MlxLSc5wuvxryJcRg3VtN37qlO8IloUmFVtqU6VGO4EnvQY-19n0tT3MZqD6OBBHRERruytA6Rrhee4L2ZS0MVSSfOqvVTHVwxzWRgpDexHg/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA1I5uVVcnbf_HEQflXX4nUrNl4MlxLSc5wuvxryJcRg3VtN37qlO8IloUmFVtqU6VGO4EnvQY-19n0tT3MZqD6OBBHRERruytA6Rrhee4L2ZS0MVSSfOqvVTHVwxzWRgpDexHg/s400/4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535517727550227634" border="0" /></a>The kids loved playing on the church playground.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4RtQyaToiv2ctxHiRxAcSDrOI56O11BA1CIE-m8z29rUJjAs2h4zOmAI5nTghZhd5DhC-8YeiGbnX_uKsWclonj7uo3RO2YsZg7wN_zKHJXZygg39_X4fQiD5-vpJo99MYvHzA/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4RtQyaToiv2ctxHiRxAcSDrOI56O11BA1CIE-m8z29rUJjAs2h4zOmAI5nTghZhd5DhC-8YeiGbnX_uKsWclonj7uo3RO2YsZg7wN_zKHJXZygg39_X4fQiD5-vpJo99MYvHzA/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535517723331481618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhniO0BXoNl871xi8KhKs-a5lofLfC7F5t6BxB7lu5L17GZVw3vbJ4xPDTqvEWCNYmh5ZCUtgwA0os3vg57DBXms9JGJxWJubHpyiI9tJVPiZQ7_6kzSWNxjWZNxWNvF7KqDhjeQ/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhniO0BXoNl871xi8KhKs-a5lofLfC7F5t6BxB7lu5L17GZVw3vbJ4xPDTqvEWCNYmh5ZCUtgwA0os3vg57DBXms9JGJxWJubHpyiI9tJVPiZQ7_6kzSWNxjWZNxWNvF7KqDhjeQ/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535517719395040130" border="0" /></a>Free pony rides...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RLCkA3Z8g_oPrz1svJBKiEJalHAyUPTVBT9eNHM90z00f0vfCgYQ-mF0ByNvaVSQVbWrIbXV9WJnEL5Vf_vmHj4z4en0zKdTxW7-qtWfiMa0XuxAJZveAPQ5DBnUoqaZwtPr4A/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RLCkA3Z8g_oPrz1svJBKiEJalHAyUPTVBT9eNHM90z00f0vfCgYQ-mF0ByNvaVSQVbWrIbXV9WJnEL5Vf_vmHj4z4en0zKdTxW7-qtWfiMa0XuxAJZveAPQ5DBnUoqaZwtPr4A/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535517714387955058" border="0" /></a>Yee-haw Larry Boy!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Needless to say, it was a whirlwind of a weekend and I think we are still recovering from traveling 22 hours within 3 days but it was so fun and such a great memory. I am thankful that I had a husband who thought of doing this and then sacrificed to make it happen!<br /></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-90135865896810875852010-11-02T14:29:00.003-05:002010-11-02T14:36:15.659-05:00Thankfulness...It's that time of year again to focus on Thanksgiving (thanks for the reminder <a href="http://kellystewart.org/thankful-day-1/">Kelly</a> and <a href="http://mercydays.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-day-1.html">Kim</a>). (I'm a day behind getting started...)<br /><br />Today I am thankful for freedom ...<br /><br />freedom to vote...<br /><br />freedom to speak ...<br /><br />freedom to believe in God...<br /><br />freedom to live our lives for His glory... (without persecution)<br /><br />freedom to worship with other believers ...<br /><br />I often take these freedoms (and many more) for granted. Today I am going to vote and let my voice be heard, all the while trusting in God's sovereignty over all things.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-46713395246387369392010-10-20T20:35:00.003-05:002010-10-20T20:53:43.289-05:00Running...I started back running about a year ago. Running is a term I use loosely, because I'm not really a runner. I mean, I go out and I run, but I still don't feel like a runner. I'm still not very fast but my goal is to just go the distance without stopping. <br /><br />Anyway, I decided a few months back that I would 'maybe' do the Richmond Half Marathon in November. I said 'maybe' because I wanted to leave the door open for me to back out of it. So I ran through the summer (which is miserable in the heat and humidity) and did a few races the past couple of months. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, I paid my money and signed up for the half! I can't believe that I am actually paying someone money, a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">huge</span> chunk of money, to torture myself for 13.1 miles. But since the money is paid, there is no backing out now!<br /><br />Training has been going pretty good - the distance has increased now. This is my second 20-mile week so we'll see how I feel after Friday morning. I am sort of enjoying it - I really like how I feel after I'm done running but I am starting to enjoy other parts of it as well. I am not normally a morning person so I have been working hard to get my tired self out of the bed at the crack of dawn (actually<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> before</span> the crack of dawn). I listen to my praise music and try to use that time to think and pray. It's been good for me to have that time in the mornings.<br /><br />So the half is coming up soon - I still wonder if I can do that many miles. But I have a friend who just did her first half (go <a href="http://kellystewart.org/murfreesboro-middle-half/">Kelly</a>) and she is giving me some inspiration! <br /><br />Until then, the training continues...Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-938101080866355512010-10-09T21:20:00.003-05:002010-10-12T14:57:05.911-05:00An Amazing Date NightSunday night a week ago Brian and I were able to sneak away for a few hours for a date (thanks for watching the kids Granny and PawPaw)! We headed to eat a quick dinner at one of my favorite places: <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default">Chipotle</a>! I really enjoyed sitting down to eat with Brian and being able to talk together for a few minutes.<br /><br />After dinner we went to see <a href="http://www.matthewsmith.us/who.php">Matthew Smith</a> in concert at a local church. We thought it may be crowded so we got there early to get good seats. But it turns out that no one else was early - so we had a few more moments to chat while we waited on everyone else to come to the concert.<br /><br />The concert was such an incredible worship experience. Matthew Smith's website says that he is "<span style="font-style: italic;">an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes brand new music to centuries-old hymn texts.</span>" He is also involved with <a href="http://www.igracemusic.com/about/index.htm">Indelible Grace Music</a>. <br /><br />I know that many people in churches cringe when they think of putting 'new' music to the old, ancient hymns. But I encourage people to read more at the Indelible Grace website and to listen to some of the songs. <span style="font-style: italic;">"It was common for people to compose new music for each generation for many of the hymns that they loved. There is no rule that says each hymn can only have one musical setting, and in fact, hymnals are designed for you to be able to mix and match words and music -- that's why they have a metrical index. But unfortunately, we lost this tradition and got stuck in a more modern traditionalism of associating one particular tune with one particular hymn ... Our goal is not change for change's sake, but to rekindle a love of hymns and to invite many who would never associate rich passion with hymns to actually read the words." </span> (Indelible Grace website)<br /><br />It was such an encouraging and worshipful concert. I am thankful for the incredible music we were able to experience. Thanks for planning this special evening, Brian!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-25187674332628556722010-09-30T15:07:00.002-05:002010-09-30T15:19:21.784-05:00Sweet fellowship...We have been a part of our church family for almost 2 years now. The church has outgrown its building so there is no adult Sunday School time, making it difficult to get to know people. I had Carter not long after we started attending Grace so that added to the difficulty of getting to know people. I am just in a busy season with many young children so it has taken much longer to get to know other believers in this body.<br /><br />Our church provides fellowship groups for its members/attenders which provides a time of fellowship and bible study for most adults. We tried a few groups last year but none of them really worked out. Some of the groups had something for kids, some of the groups didn't ... but most of them weren't close to our side of town anyway. We ended up just waiting to try to find a group this Fall.<br /><br />Well, we finally found a group! We decided that we would get a sitter for our kids so that it would be a time for Brian and I to go to bible study together and be able to totally focus on the study and talking to people. At this point, if we took our kids, I would either be helping watch them or totally distracted thinking of them while someone else watched them... so since we meet just twice a month, this is our plan for now: bible time for Mom and Dad!<br /><br />Now my favorite part is the teacher: Brian! He is leading us through the book of Hebrews. He is so gifted as a teacher and it has been so long since I've been able to sit under his teaching. It was so refreshing to listen to the Word being taught and to do that in an intimate setting with other believers. I am thankful for the old friends there with us and I look forward to the new friendships we have begun.<br /><br />Can't wait for our next fellowship group meeting!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29171219.post-80711558766470266222010-09-21T14:45:00.001-05:002010-09-21T14:45:56.387-05:00Back to SchoolWhere has the time gone? I don't know but the calendar tells me that summer has ended ... that's fine because my favorite season is fall but I will have to say I am going to miss summer. We had a summer full of fun with friends and family. We went to the pool all the time, rode bikes and ate ice cream cones (although not at the same time), saw free movies, visited with family, and so much more. It wasn't as slow (or relaxing) as I would have liked but we still made so many special memories.<br /><br />So ...time moves on and we have said 'goodbye' to the summer of 2010! We have jumped into school and our fall activities with both feet. The days are starting earlier and they seem to be lasting longer - but I find that it is such a 'good' busy.<br /><br />I have been looking forward to school this year with the kids. Coleman is 4th grade already! Emmie is right behind him in 3rd and Calvin is in Kindergarten. Ellerie loves to do school with Calvin while also trying to mother Carter all day long. And Carter - well he just tears up the house every time I turn around - but at least he's cute!<br /><br />So ... goodbye summer and hello fall!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300340313514216165noreply@blogger.com0