tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144047094402554902024-03-13T06:40:00.510-04:00Small Town, AmericaLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-15149836456494318542013-02-05T22:54:00.000-05:002013-02-05T22:54:57.180-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 22 <br />
<ul>
<li>A husband who is patient with my technology inept-ness</li>
<li>Watching my son take two steps tonight. Oh that made me (and him!) so excited! </li>
<li>The ability to be crafty and make valentines for the sweet people I love. </li>
</ul>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-12851724373549241022013-01-29T23:09:00.001-05:002013-01-29T23:10:22.667-05:00Day 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Catching up.... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpaThCr_-Ps/UQiWgwIpqtI/AAAAAAAAAcw/DFQzwhH92oE/s1600/Jan+26-28+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpaThCr_-Ps/UQiWgwIpqtI/AAAAAAAAAcw/DFQzwhH92oE/s400/Jan+26-28+2013+005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>I love when Rich thanks me for making dinner. </li>
<li>I'm blown away that out of all the girls in the world, Rich chose me. </li>
<li>I think it's funny that Rich can be a morning person when his son wakes him up. :) </li>
<li>I'm glad for a husband who sees a problem and comes up with a solution</li>
<li>It brings me so much joy to hear my husband talk about how much he loves discipling students.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HXCg4-JAg0/UQiWZTmW_sI/AAAAAAAAAco/wXsfd0s01w0/s1600/Jan+29+and+Papa+John%2527s+Mystery+Shop+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HXCg4-JAg0/UQiWZTmW_sI/AAAAAAAAAco/wXsfd0s01w0/s320/Jan+29+and+Papa+John%2527s+Mystery+Shop+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>I love watching my son sleep. Precious. Peaceful. And cuter than CUTE! </li>
<li>I'm blown away that God has entrusted Carson in our care. Thank you Lord!</li>
<li>I think it's funny to watch Carson learn to problem solve... "Hmm... Mommy put me in this box. I wonder if I can climb out?" </li>
<li>I'm glad that Carson likes music so much. A fun trait we share in our family. </li>
<li>It brings me so much joy to watch Carson enjoy life. Today, he got to see birdies and "ditties" at the pet store and he enjoyed it so much! </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I love having matching socks to wear because it means that I'm caught up on laundry. (Currently, one of my socks is white and one is blue...)</li>
<li>I am blown away by how much food I have to sweep off the kitchen floor after Carson eats... but at least I have a healthy little boy who likes to eat...and checks that gravity is still in place each day. </li>
<li>I think it's funny that my husband finally had to tell me that I had been singing the same Les Mis song all day, and if I didn't stop immediately, he might go crazy. :) </li>
<li>I'm glad that I got to enjoy a fun afternoon out with a friend, a yummy lunch at Panera, and a trip to TJ Maxx. Seriously...one of the funnest stores out there! </li>
<li>It brings me so much joy knowing that in the morning, there will be FIVE clean sippy cups in the dishwasher, ready to be used over the next couple of days. Yes! Mommy joys! </li>
</ul>
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Thank you Lord!</div>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-59615405409523111512013-01-22T23:00:00.002-05:002013-01-22T23:00:54.883-05:00The Joy Dare - Days 14, 15 and 16<br />
<ul>
<li>I love when my husband is home. And when he got home from his trip, Carson and I were both overjoyed! </li>
<li>My poor hubby is sick today, but he apologized several times for nMot being able to help with our very busy son... and that meant a lot to me that he recognized that it was going to be a tough day or two while he recovered. </li>
<li>He offered to load the dishwasher, despite not feeling well, because the ones that go in the dishwasher will be sanitized. :) He's the best. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I get so much joy when Carson says new words. He is such a talker for being 12 months old! This week, I taught him "please". He loves this word because it usually means he gets something to eat.</li>
<li>He found a toy phone that I had planned to pull out on a rainy day. Because he was so clever in finding it, I let him play with it today. And without me showing him it's a phone (you know, the typical "Fisher Price" curly corded, ringing dial phone...and he's only really ever see flat, rectangular cell phones)--- he held it to his head and started "talking". Adorable. </li>
<li>As much as I groan when he wakes up after going to bed, I do treasure those moments of rocking and singing to him... because someday, he will be too big to rock. So I reminded myself to enjoy those few minutes with him tonight because someday, I won't remember that it interrupted my end of the day "me time".... I will just think about how much I enjoyed snuggling him and smelling his sweet sleepy baby smell. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I'm so thankful that I disciplined myself to get the house clean over the weekend so that I could enjoy the freedom of a clean house on Monday! </li>
<li>I enjoyed a few minutes looking through pictures from a year ago... I'm so thankful for the memories in those photos.</li>
<li>A fresh haircut. It had been 7 months and it wasn't lookin' pretty. I have got to cut it more often...! It feels literally 5 lbs lighter and my hubby has complimented me today. Win! </li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-48964082071870855522013-01-19T23:21:00.003-05:002013-01-19T23:22:00.771-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 13I'm smiling about...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My husband coming home tomorrow! </li>
<li>Carson wake up after sleeping 2 hours tonight.... He didn't want to settle down, so I rocked him for a few minutes till he was asleep. Oh I love holding him when he's asleep... I love how he smells, feels, and is so snuggly!</li>
<li>The kitchen is clean. Things have been scrubbed, washed, swept, mopped, loaded, and are sparkling... at least until 8:30am tomorrow morning when Carson starts dropping cheerios on the floor again. :) </li>
</ul>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-59688219016476514942013-01-18T21:54:00.000-05:002013-01-18T22:36:34.683-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 12<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dDWbeWF8t8/UPoJDr_dFQI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Aww1vKtc1OQ/s1600/January+18+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dDWbeWF8t8/UPoJDr_dFQI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Aww1vKtc1OQ/s320/January+18+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tryin' on Daddy's boot</td></tr>
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I'm feeling pretty whiny this evening... my husband is in Michigan for the weekend, with some of my great friends and favorite teens... and I'm here at home. I love being a mom. Love it. Wouldn't trade it for anything! But I do miss going on youth trips and retreats. I miss being Rich's right hand lady, his go-to person to help him out. I'd be happy to bring along my little guy for the weekend on these trips...but since that wasn't an option (nor does it really sound like much fun to take a 12 month old to winter camp to sleep in cabins and brave the miserable cold), I'm blinking away a few tears and practicing gratitude, even when I don't feel like it.<br />
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<ul>
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<li>I'm so glad that it makes me kind of miserable when my husband is away... because it means I'm crazy in love with him. </li>
<li>I'm so thankful that Carson needs me. It's nice to be needed. :) </li>
<li>I only have to be a solo parent for one full day. the other two are halves. I can do one full day!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMhpeMPTcnc/UPoJEOyRbgI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-HdwG-vtWIU/s1600/January+18+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMhpeMPTcnc/UPoJEOyRbgI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-HdwG-vtWIU/s320/January+18+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to Daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />*All the while, trying to not think about next month when my man will be away 5 nights and 6 days. Really, in my opinion, it's one of the hardest things about being a pastor's wife. Sure, lots of husbands travel. But he's my bestie! :)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm praying for a super fast weekend for me and Carson and a nice, slow weekend for Rich and the youth! :)</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJcdbZZciSY/UPoJD-p9UPI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/FV6ble7jADE/s1600/January+18+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJcdbZZciSY/UPoJD-p9UPI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/FV6ble7jADE/s320/January+18+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this funny little family of three :) </span></td></tr>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-47008414811619925002013-01-17T22:21:00.001-05:002013-01-17T22:21:34.913-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 11<br />
<ul>
<li>My husband took the time to do the dishes today on his day off. </li>
<li>My son was very entertaining to the baby sitting in the next booth at dinner tonight. They kept talking to each other and entertaining each other, as well as the wait staff. Too cute!</li>
<li>A week of healthy food choices that is reflected in how much clothes are fitting... yes! </li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-5336100649656690242013-01-16T22:06:00.002-05:002013-01-16T22:07:20.248-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 10<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Rich tells me when he really enjoys what I made for dinner. </span></li>
<li>Carson is so fun to play with.... today, we were being puppies. And hours later, he started panting like a puppy to get my attention. Adorable. </li>
<li>Being crafty and re-purposing things...<a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2011/03/v-and-co-how-to-jersey-knit-bracelet.html">Jersey Finger Knit Bracelets</a> are really fun to make! Just sayin'. :) </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: V and Co. </span></div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-3935087396919104072013-01-15T22:58:00.001-05:002013-01-15T22:58:48.414-05:00The Joy Dare: Day 9<br />
<ul>
<li>When Rich plays the Carson, their are ridiculous amounts of giggles involved. They love each other. I'm so thankful for a husband who plays with his son! </li>
<li>Carson doesn't like plain meats, vegetables, etc. Instead, he likes them with sauces and flavors... for example, tonight was "teriyaki sauce peas and rice" ...I'm glad he enjoys variety! </li>
<li>My living room looks like a toy explosion throughout the day... I'm so thankful for a little boy to make that toy mess. </li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-21744349419739945422013-01-14T21:22:00.000-05:002013-01-14T21:22:46.210-05:00The Joy Dare, Days 6, 7 & 8 <br />
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<ul>
<li> I love that a day where my husband gets to stay home is so enjoyable! </li>
<li>Rich loves to learn from reading.</li>
<li>And then, he comes home and tells me about what he's learning. Love that! </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>A beautiful day on Saturday to go for a January walk to the library.</li>
<li>The excitement of a 1 year old getting to touch a prickly bush on our walk</li>
<li>When Carson laughs and puts his head down, barreling ahead while crawling.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>A family lunch date at Culvers...I love my little family.</li>
<li>Time to scrapbook during Carson's nap time.</li>
<li>Matching clean socks. Because matching socks are so hard to keep track of... </li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-22522300274018000532013-01-11T21:01:00.002-05:002013-01-11T21:01:47.873-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 5<br />
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<ul>
<li>For the sweet privilege of doing dishes while hearing giggles and roars from the living room... Rich plays with Carson so well! </li>
<li>Carson's snuggliness. He is so very busy, but he stops several times a day, usually, to snuggle with me. </li>
<li>A healthy dinner that tasted good... Half whole wheat spaghetti/half zucchini ribbons with spaghetti sauce, green beans, and salad with apple... Haven't eaten so many vegetables at one meal in ...a long time! :) </li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-8720435934327864322013-01-10T22:54:00.000-05:002013-01-10T22:54:04.815-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 4<br />
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<ul>
<li>My husband let me get out twice today all by myself and told me that he really enjoys having time with just him and Carson home! What a good man.</li>
<li>Carson's afternoon bubble bath and the bubble beard that ended up on his chin.</li>
<li>Two big floor to ceiling windows in our bedroom that let in the sunlight and make our room so cheerful.<br /></li>
</ul>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-79273216828114489832013-01-09T21:12:00.000-05:002013-01-09T21:12:09.444-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 3<br />
<ul>
<li>Hugs from my husband when he gets home from work. He gives the best hugs.</li>
<li>Snuggles from my sleepy, sick Carson Davis. We just laid on the couch today snuggling under a blanket and it was one of the best parts of my day.</li>
<li>Time to work on Baby Boy's scrapbook today... I love reliving those special moments through photographs.</li>
</ul>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-88975333715911786032013-01-09T09:00:00.001-05:002013-01-09T09:19:11.478-05:00The Joy Dare - Day 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pMrzejx-xo/UO18JVuHOxI/AAAAAAAAAY0/QCHFoeDugYM/s1600/10-12+and+10-13+Mystery+Shop+Pizza+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pMrzejx-xo/UO18JVuHOxI/AAAAAAAAAY0/QCHFoeDugYM/s400/10-12+and+10-13+Mystery+Shop+Pizza+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>For a husband who finishes the dishes after I go to bed, so that I won't have to face them in the morning and feel automatically behind. </li>
<li>For extra snuggles with a teary eyed baby boy who is cutting some teeth... even though it involved THREE HOURS of awake time in the middle of the night. Despite my exhaustion this morning, I do love holding him when he's cuddly. </li>
<li>For coffee to keep this sleep deprived Mama awake and leftover soup for dinner tonight. What a relief that I don't have to plan dinner when I can barely see straight and the thought of spending a lot of time in the kitchen makes me want to resign as cook for the day! </li>
</ul>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-51644806985233612772013-01-07T21:59:00.000-05:002013-01-09T09:42:29.329-05:00The Joy DareOne of my goals this year is to record 3 things that I am thankful for each day. Choosing gratitude can make a powerful difference in my daily life. Now, I love being a stay-at-home wife and mom, but there are moments when I would rather complain than choose thankfulness. I am looking forward to seeing how this <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/joy-dares/">Joy Dare</a> changes the way I think about my husband and son, as well as day to day life.<br />
<br />
Beginning a little late today (due to after Christmas company and my son and husband's birthdays), I hope to share many of these things I am grateful for. I know that gratitude will change me...and I am excited to see those results in my life.<br />
<br />
Day 1<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A husband who provides for our family. He works hard and is great at his job!</li>
<li>For a one year old son who is learning new words each day. There is nothing more fun than saying "Carson, say 'duck'" and from the back seat of our mini van, we hear a tiny voice say "Duuuh". Total joy.</li>
<li>Two hours to eat lunch and clean house while little guy is napping! Very long naps are so rare.</li>
</ul>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-67372356952672650792013-01-06T23:54:00.002-05:002013-01-07T17:16:57.505-05:00One Year Old Carson Davis, you are 1 year old!<br />
<br />
By the numbers...<br />
Size 12 mos clothing (although you can fit into a few 18 month shirts), Size 4 diapers, 2 daytime nursings and 1 before I go to bed (time to drop that one...), 2 cups of whole milk a day (although you only drink a few ounces), 1 cup of "juice" (1 inch juice to 5 inches of water!), 4 solid meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime snack).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRAxfgdaeMg/UOpN-tXgJmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/mrjoghwGX4U/s1600/December+27-28+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRAxfgdaeMg/UOpN-tXgJmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/mrjoghwGX4U/s400/December+27-28+021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xues0GbwB78/UOpOSZAhT9I/AAAAAAAAAXY/51r6QEE5D94/s1600/Jan+1-3%252C+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xues0GbwB78/UOpOSZAhT9I/AAAAAAAAAXY/51r6QEE5D94/s320/Jan+1-3%252C+2013+024.JPG" width="240" /></a>Carson, at one year old, you are saying lots of fun words: Daddy, Mama, Baby, Doggy, Kitty, Fishy, Eat, Bubble, Mimi, Papa, Pop, MomMom, Hi, Byebye...<br />
And you repeat us so often, even if you don't know what we are talking about! Today, you even said "Pizza!"<br />
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Although you are not yet walking, you cruise around the furniture and across the living room with your shopping cart. You get around quickly and efficiently! You occasionally stand for just a moment without holding on to anything!<br />
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Favorite foods: Banana, black beans seasoned with cumin, taco meat, spaghetti, cheese, bread, enchiladas, peach and pear bites, banana bread, and chocolate cake!<br />
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Favorite toys: Piano pop-up toy, Piggy Bank Fisher Price toy, kitchen spatulas, electric guitar, fish and net bath toy, and anything that makes noise!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WEPTbPpYVU/UOpOL7FVoKI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/L7_Q3nnwvoE/s1600/Jan+1-3%252C+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WEPTbPpYVU/UOpOL7FVoKI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/L7_Q3nnwvoE/s320/Jan+1-3%252C+2013+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
You get in trouble for: Touching things that have buttons like our computers, Daddy's Xbox, the TV remote, the space heater and power strips.<br />
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Your favorite books: Have flaps or touch and feel pages, or your favorite Sesame Street books with baby Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, and Big Bird. You've loved their big black and white eyes since you were a small baby!<br />
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You are a people person who enjoys getting out. You love to play in the nursery on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. You are not afraid when I drop you off and you jump right in the fun. You also enjoy quiet days at home, playing and reading with Mommy and Daddy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpYJfTNiD0o/UOpOGmLhTcI/AAAAAAAAAXI/tFW-9sClIEY/s1600/December+30-31%252C+2012+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpYJfTNiD0o/UOpOGmLhTcI/AAAAAAAAAXI/tFW-9sClIEY/s320/December+30-31%252C+2012+028.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9JGkIHeP9E/UOpUwiiGyrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7JmooOBVafM/s1600/Carson+says+Duck+and+Papa+Johns+Mystery+shop+november+19+025p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9JGkIHeP9E/UOpUwiiGyrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7JmooOBVafM/s320/Carson+says+Duck+and+Papa+Johns+Mystery+shop+november+19+025p.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Your future professions: Carpet cleaner and vacuumer by day (you squeal with excitement when we use the vacuum and despite how loud the rented carpet cleaner was, you loved it!), and musician by night... You love listening to music, watching Daddy and Mommy play guitar, and playing music on your piano, guitar and xylophone.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vL5MZahlrtM/UOpTCzKpfFI/AAAAAAAAAXs/349AsVOKZGE/s1600/Carson's+birthday+January+5+2012+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vL5MZahlrtM/UOpTCzKpfFI/AAAAAAAAAXs/349AsVOKZGE/s320/Carson's+birthday+January+5+2012+022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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What I'm looking forward to this year:<br />
Our new family routine of reading you a Bible story from one of your Bibles before you go to bed each night. Most nights, we'll read out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357533521&sr=8-1&keywords=the+jesus+storybook+bible">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a> with Daddy, but if Daddy is at work like tonight, we'll read out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Bible-Deluxe-Timeless-Childrens/dp/0310725887/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357533585&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Beginners+Bible">The Beginner's Bible</a>. You like to listen and look at the pictures. Our prayer for you is that you will follow and love Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.<br />
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Happy 1st Birthday, Carson Davis! You bring so much joy to my heart. Every squeal, cheesy grin, hug, and ornery laugh reminds me of how blessed I am that God has chosen to entrust you into our care. Love you so, Baby!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-74380127159010626902012-08-08T22:51:00.000-04:002012-08-08T22:52:13.029-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sippy cup throwing. </span></div>
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My son has been using a sippy cup for a whole month and only in the past week has he learned to hold it himself. But in true little boy fashion, he has decided that sometimes, it is more fun to tap his cup loudly on the tray. <strike>Sometimes</strike>...Usually, if he gets really excited,<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (which is always) </span>the cup ends of bouncing off his tray onto the floor. After repeating this many times in an row, I decided that a solution was needed.</div>
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, and a blog post at <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/09/sippy-cup-leash-re-visited-improved.html">Make It-Love It</a>, I have found my solution!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I introduce: The sippy cup leash </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rHYP3yKH3E/UCMb-YiaspI/AAAAAAAAASc/xsK_8Si-9uA/s1600/Sippy+Cup+Leash+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rHYP3yKH3E/UCMb-YiaspI/AAAAAAAAASc/xsK_8Si-9uA/s400/Sippy+Cup+Leash+033.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Supplies Needed:<br />
28" of thick ribbon (I prefer grosgrain as it doesn't snag like satin ribbon)<br />
7-9" piece of sturdy elastic<br />
Coordinating thread<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49xApmnRikI/UCMb2spaHGI/AAAAAAAAARk/g_VyHvIu5IM/s1600/Sippy+Cup+Leash+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49xApmnRikI/UCMb2spaHGI/AAAAAAAAARk/g_VyHvIu5IM/s320/Sippy+Cup+Leash+003.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Using your child's sippy cup, place the elastic around the smallest part of the center and pull a bit tight. You will want to be able to get the elastic off and on the cup easily enough, while having it be tight enough to not slip around. Pinch with fingers and then attach to ribbon.</div>
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Make sure you heat seal the ends of the ribbon and elastic so that they will not unravel. </div>
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On one end of ribbon, make a loop and sew securely in place. This will be used to secure your sippy cup leash to the high chair, car seat, or stroller. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Osf0XVBxyfA/UCMb8QapIvI/AAAAAAAAASM/Z7mQ2l1YUoY/s1600/Sippy+Cup+Leash+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Osf0XVBxyfA/UCMb8QapIvI/AAAAAAAAASM/Z7mQ2l1YUoY/s320/Sippy+Cup+Leash+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the other end of your ribbon, secure your elastic. <br />
I did several lines of stitches for added durability. </div>
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Enjoy your final result! And hop over to <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/09/sippy-cup-leash-re-visited-improved.html">Ashley's Blog Make It-Love It </a> to see how perfectly it works to keep cups from hitting the ground!<br /></div>
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This DIY is even quick enough to make while your little one plays on the floor nearby!<br />
Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-63469527851633848892012-07-05T22:14:00.001-04:002012-07-05T22:15:30.792-04:00His First Half Birthday<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: large;">Carson, you are six months old. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Six. How is it even possible
that we are already at the halfway point of your very first year? Or that six
months from now, you will be one year old? I can't even fathom that! So
instead, I will enjoy every moment of your sweet six months old self!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O41EzLu5jQ/T_ZBRfAU04I/AAAAAAAAAQY/VhAmlrjtMw4/s1600/4th+of+July+and+Carson's+6+months+birthday+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #d9ead3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O41EzLu5jQ/T_ZBRfAU04I/AAAAAAAAAQY/VhAmlrjtMw4/s400/4th+of+July+and+Carson's+6+months+birthday+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">At six
months old, you are exactly 17lbs 7oz and are about 26" long. In the past
week, you have gained an ounce every day! What a big boy! You wear size 3
diapers, and 6-9 months clothing and both aren't even super roomy on you. You
nurse 5-6 times a day. You are eating
2 solid meals a day...4 ounces of half fruit/half vegetables for lunch after
your lunch time milk and cereal before bed. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Your
typical routine has become waking at 8:00am, nursing and going back to bed
(rather unwillingly) until 8:30 or 9am, my preferred wake time for you. I like when you are content to stay in bed so that I can have my time in God's Word before you're up for the day...But usually you just fuss and cry until I come get you and then we finish my Bible reading together while you play on the couch next to me. For the past 9 days, minus one, you
have been sleeping through the night. What a treat for
Mommy! I keep waiting for it to be too good to be true, but for now, I am
enjoying it so much! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFLRaovLKIg/T_ZCKZ9KUJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fNsTWEx0zG4/s1600/Evansville+Father%2527s+Day+and+Mom%2527s+Trip+to+Plymouth+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFLRaovLKIg/T_ZCKZ9KUJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fNsTWEx0zG4/s320/Evansville+Father%2527s+Day+and+Mom%2527s+Trip+to+Plymouth+020.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> You like your exersaucer a lot, although I
think you would be even more fond of it if it were a walker and you could go
places in it! You are learning to sit up without being propped up and you love
the freedom of sitting up on your own! You have fun playing with toys that
crinkle or make noise. You like to play with your paci too and try to chew on
it if I put it in your mouth when you aren't feeling the need to suck it. You
like to look at books and be in charge of "holding it" and turning
the pages. You still greatly dislike tummy time, although Daddy discovered that
you like to look at the little round mirror from your play mat while you are on
your tummy. You don't really roll over anymore. You only did that a few times
when you were 4 months old. The only time you make an effort to push up when
you're on your tummy is when you don't want to take a nap or when you are
waking up and you hear the door to your room open. Then you push up and look
over your shoulder to see if Mommy or Daddy is coming to get you. So sweet!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> You chew on everything right now.
Your paci clip ribbon, your giraffe, your shorts when I take them off to change your diaper,
your burp cloth, your books, your fingers, your taggy lovey, your bath towel, your blanket, my shoulder, and anything else you can get your mouth on! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyHtyHoM1_s/T_ZI1IL6LJI/AAAAAAAAARQ/GqKcVUEirOM/s1600/End+of+June+2012+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyHtyHoM1_s/T_ZI1IL6LJI/AAAAAAAAARQ/GqKcVUEirOM/s320/End+of+June+2012+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> You
have such good hand-eye coordination now! You can easily grab things that you
want on your first try (like Mommy's hair. Ouch!). Today, I posed you by the fridge with the refrigerator
magnets saying "6 Months Old" and you kept grabbing at them and
knocking them down! You wore Mommy out a little bit! You are such a sweet little
smiley guy though. People often tell us how expressive you are and we agree!
You smile, laugh, and make all sorts of cute faces. What a funny boy you are!
You bring us so much joy! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Happy 6 Months Birthday Carson!<br />Mommy and Daddy love you so much! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-59905977922086869092012-06-08T23:03:00.000-04:002012-06-08T23:12:00.277-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">After a 30+ week break from the blog world, I would like to introduce the newest member of our family:<br /></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Carson Davis ~ Born January 5, 2012.<br /> </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms82QjpEP2s/T9K1s9SEh4I/AAAAAAAAAN4/q2kvlIF18nw/s1600/IMG_9894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms82QjpEP2s/T9K1s9SEh4I/AAAAAAAAAN4/q2kvlIF18nw/s640/IMG_9894.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"> Much to my surprise, I went in for my normal 38.5 week doctor's visit and found I was 4-5 cm dilated, which in many cases means active labor! I had felt a little funny that morning and hadn't slept well the night before, so I hoped that meant progress and indeed it did! My doctor predicted he would see me again later that day and by 2:30pm, I was being admitted to the exciting Labor and Delivery unit with regular contractions. Just 6 hours later, our little one came into the world! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"> Carson weighed 7lbs 1 oz... a tiny little bundle in our arms. </span>
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1 month old with a lot of personality brewing already!</div>
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2 Months Old </div>
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3 Months Old </div>
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4 Months Old</div>
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5 Months Old </div>
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Mommyhood has been a dream come true. Carson has so much personality and brings so much joy to our family. I look forward to sharing some of our stories and experiences with you in the upcoming months! </div>
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-62337306923874895342011-11-19T20:01:00.000-05:002011-11-19T20:01:20.161-05:00DIY Up-Cycled Denim Baby Bibs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrptrIuv5kw/TshHEXgIIWI/AAAAAAAAALs/3XWBfhrlVW8/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrptrIuv5kw/TshHEXgIIWI/AAAAAAAAALs/3XWBfhrlVW8/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrptrIuv5kw/TshHEXgIIWI/AAAAAAAAALs/3XWBfhrlVW8/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With our baby boy due to arrive in the seven to ten weeks, I've been looking for a few more ideas of things to make for him. While looking at Pinterest, I found a perfectly delightful idea from <a href="http://www.thimblythings.com/2009/06/01/in-praise-of-denim-bibs/">Kristena Derrick's blog "Thimbly Things" .</a> In her post which is even more detailed than mine, she shared how to transform old worn out jeans into baby bibs.<br />
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Like most people, my husband and I have several pairs of jeans with holes in non-repairable places that I've just kept around for a "someday" project. Today, I finally dug out a pair of my husband's jeans to try something new!<br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Using the pant legs, a knit, jersey, or flannel print, and a few embellishments, these bibs were simple and easy! I think they're completely adorable and they're really quite sturdy without any need for interfacing! </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To start this project, just use your favorite sized bib as a pattern. Trace the bib onto the denim pant leg and cut it out. Give it a quick iron if its wrinkled from sitting forgotten for so long! :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8Bxd5-3bUw/TshIUoCewgI/AAAAAAAAANM/3oDrmd3WuYw/s1600/IMG_9234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8Bxd5-3bUw/TshIUoCewgI/AAAAAAAAANM/3oDrmd3WuYw/s400/IMG_9234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After cutting it out, decide on what type of embellishment you'd like to use. I just used some simple ribbons and rick rack. Pin it in place and use a zigzag stitch to hold it in place!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtPda6zqcO4/TshH5C0je6I/AAAAAAAAAL8/YrKOHh0naV8/s1600/IMG_9239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtPda6zqcO4/TshH5C0je6I/AAAAAAAAAL8/YrKOHh0naV8/s400/IMG_9239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wow! Look at the fun stitches that my sewing machine can do! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBhw0qX7jl4/TshH6eYmkzI/AAAAAAAAAME/Ha4-vxmhD5Y/s1600/IMG_9240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBhw0qX7jl4/TshH6eYmkzI/AAAAAAAAAME/Ha4-vxmhD5Y/s640/IMG_9240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxrIW8b5so/TshIIEHCdGI/AAAAAAAAANE/4kk9HAYAW8g/s1600/IMG_9275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxrIW8b5so/TshIIEHCdGI/AAAAAAAAANE/4kk9HAYAW8g/s320/IMG_9275.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For one bib, I used a red ribbon and 3 lines of decorative stitches. For the second bib, I used two different ribbons and rick rack, with one line of decorative stitches. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGgghD0fFaE/TshH7-STiLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/9qsR39OP-gc/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGgghD0fFaE/TshH7-STiLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/9qsR39OP-gc/s640/IMG_9246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After your embellishments have been added to the denim side of your bib, pin them together with pattern-sides together. It is easiest to use a full piece of fabric and cut off the excess after you've sewn the two pieces together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGZdenGJphE/TshH9dIfwkI/AAAAAAAAAMU/gGzN2gmnNOY/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGZdenGJphE/TshH9dIfwkI/AAAAAAAAAMU/gGzN2gmnNOY/s640/IMG_9247.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yH5DHF-L5U/TshH-2Ht0hI/AAAAAAAAAMc/HPqxkV5-uv0/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yH5DHF-L5U/TshH-2Ht0hI/AAAAAAAAAMc/HPqxkV5-uv0/s640/IMG_9248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Leave a 3-4 inch opening to turn your bib right side out. I find it easiest to leave that opening at the bottom of your bib. After sewing the two pieces together, cut off the excess material and leave a 1/4 inch seam. Leave a 1/2-3/4 inch extra amount of fabric where you left the opening. It makes it so much easier to turn in and sew together! :) Trial and error has taught me that. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIU3LFOftdU/TshIBArWgzI/AAAAAAAAAMk/AxEmlBer_pY/s1600/IMG_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIU3LFOftdU/TshIBArWgzI/AAAAAAAAAMk/AxEmlBer_pY/s640/IMG_9250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Turn your bib right side out.... you're nearly done! Isn't it looking good?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-A9pI_2lk/TshIDPT6JLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/_iFelkD4Jz8/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-A9pI_2lk/TshIDPT6JLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/_iFelkD4Jz8/s640/IMG_9251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Iron the bib to press out any wrinkles and give it a nice crisp look. As you top stitch your bib, make sure you've got spot where you left an opening pressed how you want it to stitch shut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4qBr87RQR0/TshIFNZ5ZRI/AAAAAAAAAM0/PTFO1guSQBw/s1600/IMG_9256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4qBr87RQR0/TshIFNZ5ZRI/AAAAAAAAAM0/PTFO1guSQBw/s640/IMG_9256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a final step, attach your velcro (or snap or button) to your bib... and voila! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk7jfjZ1_7U/TshIGjSBfqI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RemHwdR6hiM/s1600/IMG_9271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk7jfjZ1_7U/TshIGjSBfqI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RemHwdR6hiM/s640/IMG_9271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two darling bibs with a fun decorative denim side....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZg2qMxXAHQ/TshIWR65TtI/AAAAAAAAANU/8rF8-PQBINw/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZg2qMxXAHQ/TshIWR65TtI/AAAAAAAAANU/8rF8-PQBINw/s640/IMG_9276.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE8RKRY7Pnk/TshIXpRtODI/AAAAAAAAANc/zbsV6-ksR24/s1600/IMG_9278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE8RKRY7Pnk/TshIXpRtODI/AAAAAAAAANc/zbsV6-ksR24/s640/IMG_9278.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a super cute print side! Perfect drooling or feeding bibs. I love how these bibs are so sturdy because of the denim, and yet they're soft with the jersey knit firetruck print and the flannel woodland friends print. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymzrZAQbqTw/TshHFrnp-DI/AAAAAAAAAL0/kEmMF1qPoOY/s1600/IMG_9281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymzrZAQbqTw/TshHFrnp-DI/AAAAAAAAAL0/kEmMF1qPoOY/s640/IMG_9281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Can't wait for my little man to wear these! They're a practical item that can be as cute as you make it! I'll definitely be making a few more of these in larger and smaller sizes. I think they'll hold up really well and I love that I can use fabric and designs that I like instead of just using a simple bib from the store.<br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a side note, I love that while I'm sewing, I get this view... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEa41R3si_s/TshPyJI8J1I/AAAAAAAAANk/wQaO2jYx424/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEa41R3si_s/TshPyJI8J1I/AAAAAAAAANk/wQaO2jYx424/s640/IMG_9259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh little baby boy... I am so excited to meet you! </span></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-18294689444385275502011-05-06T17:33:00.004-04:002011-05-06T17:36:36.090-04:00Grilling! one of my favorite parts of spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgnaDSJuifQ/TcRlt93v5cI/AAAAAAAAAK8/I9XlAau_s5I/s1600/IMG_7959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgnaDSJuifQ/TcRlt93v5cI/AAAAAAAAAK8/I9XlAau_s5I/s400/IMG_7959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">Grilling is one of the yummiest parts of spring. Now, I had never grilled myself before last summer. My dad always grilled growing up. We never owned a grill till this past July... and when we got it, I decided I would learn to grill so when Rich wasn't available, I could get dinner started.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">So far this spring, we've had grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, Jamaican Jerk chicken breasts, and hamburgers. Yum!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2mzFd7AA9A/TcRl1ArZOwI/AAAAAAAAALI/rbrQbkjypQQ/s1600/IMG_7964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2mzFd7AA9A/TcRl1ArZOwI/AAAAAAAAALI/rbrQbkjypQQ/s640/IMG_7964.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #4c1130;"> I made baked oven fries to go with our burgers...<br />
Wash potatoes and slice into preferred fry size. The smaller you cut them, the faster they bake.<br />
Rinse cut up potatoes. This rinses away starch and helps the fries to crisp better in the oven.</div><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Place on baking tray (I line mine with foil for easy clean up!), drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and then bake at 400oF for 40 minutes or until crispy and browning. Turn fries halfway through cooking. Pretty healthy compared to fast food or frozen fries and very yummy! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OL5DV9QcLg/TcRl8A645FI/AAAAAAAAALM/FNgPQd_Ha68/s1600/IMG_7509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OL5DV9QcLg/TcRl8A645FI/AAAAAAAAALM/FNgPQd_Ha68/s640/IMG_7509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #4c1130;"> We haven't done grilled corn yet this season, but boy howdy, am I excited for that!!! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_5fp6zBioY/TcRmP4XIasI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ws6Rgxiyu18/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_5fp6zBioY/TcRmP4XIasI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ws6Rgxiyu18/s640/IMG_3896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhruJsHejEo/TcRl0Bat1LI/AAAAAAAAALE/m0EWAlvEMt4/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhruJsHejEo/TcRl0Bat1LI/AAAAAAAAALE/m0EWAlvEMt4/s400/IMG_7960.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">Grilling isn't too hard... I only singe hairs off my hand or arm every other time! :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">And grilled food...whether fish, chicken, beef, or vegetables... are so much yummier when cooked outside!<br />
Happy springtime to me! </span></div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-71762911529985735422011-04-18T12:03:00.000-04:002011-04-18T12:03:25.676-04:00This whole blog thing....well, I haven't updated in nearly 2 months.<br />
<br />
You know how when you haven't done something in a long time, you don't really know where you should start? Well that's me right now. I like to blog... But I haven't really been prioritizing it.<br />
<br />
But this is a new day... and I'm going to aim for a post a week at least!! And really, this isn't an exciting post... but I needed to put something down to make it easier to start again!! :) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A random photo seems to be needed for this rather boring post.... <br />
I'll blog better next time people! <br />
But until then, enjoy this little blast from the past.... <br />
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Little 3 or 4 year old me....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OvMDC0PVQ8/Taxfl9LiuUI/AAAAAAAAAK4/IELCSlRj5xM/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OvMDC0PVQ8/Taxfl9LiuUI/AAAAAAAAAK4/IELCSlRj5xM/s640/scan0004.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check the comments if you want to know how old I really was... I'm sure my mother will help me out! :) *(Thanks momma!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whoooo. Now that I broke the ice of not blogging, I feel like I can return without dread of not knowing where to begin! See you soon! </div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-9468771118829184082011-02-15T22:35:00.000-05:002011-02-15T22:35:35.388-05:00Our February in Pictures<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;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Sometimes, it is easier to tell our story with pictures. And because I'm doing so incredibly well at taking pictures due to my Project Life Scrapbook (one photo a day!), I have lots of pictures to share!<br />
<br />
February started out a little rough at our house. I got the flu during the first week. Least favorite sickness ever. So I was down for 2.5 days. It was right before Winter Camp up at Spring Hill Camp in Michigan, and I didn't know if I was going to make it. But rather than stay home, I decided to make the trip and fortunately, I felt a lot better by Saturday and was so glad I went! </span><br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPBxAtg_gWw/TVtBFcBu1qI/AAAAAAAAAKY/-EUFl3sJK1o/s320/IMG_6705.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">Rich and I. Incredible feeling to actually get a group of 27 students and 6 leaders up to Michigan for a great weekend of great teaching, connection with students, and great fun!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiBNVTfF140/TVtBGmrA1mI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0RzDcKPJwZ8/s1600/IMG_6913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiBNVTfF140/TVtBGmrA1mI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0RzDcKPJwZ8/s400/IMG_6913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">Here's our group that went. We love these people!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hcq8lcD-xo/TVtBIL7RyHI/AAAAAAAAAKg/jDwD_2-09dY/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hcq8lcD-xo/TVtBIL7RyHI/AAAAAAAAAKg/jDwD_2-09dY/s640/IMG_6968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">February 11-12, we attended <a href="http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.6149579/k.EA2E/The_Art_of_Marriage.htm?fromeventhp=AOMimage">The Art of Marriage Conference </a>put together by <a href="http://www.familylife.com/">Family Life</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">It was seriously such a great conference. And if you get the chance to go with your spouse at a church near you, GO! It was such a great time to connect with Rich, figure out ways we can grow closer in our marriage. And use our marriage to bring glory to God. It was so well put together and a great experience for the two of us, as well as 45 other couples at our church! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2zf2GhxI68/TVtBKknH4lI/AAAAAAAAAKo/1ZeHoRRzQEo/s1600/IMG_7010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2zf2GhxI68/TVtBKknH4lI/AAAAAAAAAKo/1ZeHoRRzQEo/s400/IMG_7010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">Valentine's Day morning, I made chocolate chip waffles! I rarely make breakfast because we aren't big breakfast eaters here at our house... usually a granola bar is grabbed on the way out the door. So this was a special treat for us! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKwKvz-sTX8/TVtBMkrmmEI/AAAAAAAAAKs/Vz0z7wLMTgU/s1600/IMG_7040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKwKvz-sTX8/TVtBMkrmmEI/AAAAAAAAAKs/Vz0z7wLMTgU/s400/IMG_7040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">My momma is so sweet! Click <a href="http://simplethingssweetlife.blogspot.com/">here </a>to see her blog! She made this darling heart decoration for me for Valentine's Day. But it is so darling, I will keep it out for a while! :) I get my creative genes from her! :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYc5Z423Xrc/TVtBNrNakgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Px2ABo8-QP0/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYc5Z423Xrc/TVtBNrNakgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Px2ABo8-QP0/s640/IMG_7041.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">Valentine's Day has always been weird for us because Rich or I have always worked. But this year, we were able to go out and celebrate on the actual day! We only waited at hour at Red Lobster and it was so worth it! :) And here are some of the sweet gifties we got for each other. I love the special chance to just show a little extra love to my best friend! <br />
He got me a new nail polish color, a tiny box of chocolates, a happy red tulip plant that I can't wait to see bloom! And because they weren't in bloom yet, he got me a single rose. Which is so romantic. I love that man! I got him some chocolate and an Amazon gift card. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUgrfAIGGJE/TVtBPN_K5aI/AAAAAAAAAK0/anmc2C6zkZQ/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUgrfAIGGJE/TVtBPN_K5aI/AAAAAAAAAK0/anmc2C6zkZQ/s640/IMG_7044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Our life gets a little busy some days, but I love where we are and even when our car won't start in the parking lot in downtown Plymouth like it did tonight .... and even when we get it home by a jump start only to have it not start again, I am thankful for this life that God has blessed us with. And can thank Him for our blessings. Like how the car was parked only a 10 minute walk from home so that we could walk home, instead of having it die up in Mishawaka last night!! :) </span><br />
<br />
And that is our February so far, in pictures! :)</div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-5022804669360270142011-01-19T11:00:00.000-05:002011-01-19T11:00:32.945-05:00Since I haven't been here...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I thought I'd clue you in to what I've been doing with my time since 2011 began...<br />
<br />
You see, I've been keeping quite busy. I may be a stay-at-home wife right now, but I rarely get bored when there are so many things to do each day! And since pictures tell these stories better than words, here's a peek at what has kept me away from Blogspot....<br />
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There are always dishes to do...<br />
<img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIcK2fh4I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/qPH2bFjTyuI/s400/IMG_6220.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've come up with some creative ways to eat mostly eggs, tuna, and bacon for protein for 5 days... <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcId7NWxoI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/OiLossgAeYU/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcId7NWxoI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/OiLossgAeYU/s400/IMG_6235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I've mopped the wood floors, only for it to snow again and bring more salty snowy prints into the house...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIfRoLALI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/EvDIijb0LDs/s1600/IMG_6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIfRoLALI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/EvDIijb0LDs/s640/IMG_6238.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I've been crafting and sewing almost daily... This is what happens when I attempt a few projects at once. Fortunately, it doesn't look this bad right now! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIgq29TgI/AAAAAAAAAKA/C7p-TqDeXs0/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIgq29TgI/AAAAAAAAAKA/C7p-TqDeXs0/s400/IMG_6288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I've been packaging up orders and sending them off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIhyXsDBI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Ro9TK4FrxDY/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIhyXsDBI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Ro9TK4FrxDY/s640/IMG_6290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I've added some new items to my inventory at <a href="http://dearmoments.etsy.com/">Dear Moments</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIjJ8E04I/AAAAAAAAAKI/jugUh_NBb08/s1600/IMG_6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIjJ8E04I/AAAAAAAAAKI/jugUh_NBb08/s640/IMG_6351.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And I've enjoyed serving with my husband, working with the Crossroads youth at least twice a week! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIk7Bn5QI/AAAAAAAAAKM/B7j8X7a_Ij0/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcIk7Bn5QI/AAAAAAAAAKM/B7j8X7a_Ij0/s640/IMG_6400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love being a stay-at-home wife...!</div>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-35386979248634497832011-01-19T10:35:00.002-05:002011-01-19T10:45:13.011-05:00Happy Birthday Husband!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">January 6th was Rich's birthday! We were blessed to have our friends Andrew and Alyssa from MBI in town for a couple of days! We played some fun games, ate yummy Giordanos deep dish pizza, and celebrated the beginning of Rich's 24th year! </span><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCqi6zHzI/AAAAAAAAAJg/a4EWlLfYB0Y/s400/IMG_6245.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing the game "Last Word"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">I love how Rich always finds a way to make me laugh.... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCr9pUaQI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hBrPnTngzOA/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCr9pUaQI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hBrPnTngzOA/s400/IMG_6248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCtDbWcDI/AAAAAAAAAJo/nx4Fsx2rhwQ/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCtDbWcDI/AAAAAAAAAJo/nx4Fsx2rhwQ/s400/IMG_6260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"> Yes, he lit his own birthday candles... our big lighter is low on fuel, and I'm not so quick with matches, so he helped me out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcCu3O4AwI/AAAAAAAAAJs/pZ8smnFLi80/s400/IMG_6261.JPG" width="300" /></div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">Happy birthday Husband of mine, who I love so much! </div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">I'm reminded everyday of how blessed I am to have you in my life.</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">In areas that I am weak, you are stronger. </div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">We fit together so perfectly, complementing each other in our ways.</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with knowing you for over seven years.</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">And even more thankful that I've gotten to be your wife for nearly 2 1/2 years! :)</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">I love you to the moon! </div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;">Much love, Lindsey</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcD8MsFaOI/AAAAAAAAAJw/wIket6FCsps/s1600/IMG_6255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TTcD8MsFaOI/AAAAAAAAAJw/wIket6FCsps/s640/IMG_6255.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he just so handsome?? :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714404709440255490.post-50896561412142520782011-01-02T16:38:00.002-05:002011-01-02T16:42:14.851-05:00Freeloader?... or a person with a face and a name.<div style="text-align: left;">Living in Chicago for three years, I saw homeless people as a daily experience. While being a Moody Bible Institute student was great, letting a homeless person know this fact about me was not. Moody students were <strike>notorious </strike>well know for helping the homeless out. While more experienced Moody students would buy a meal for a homeless person, the notorious ones would just give money, usually resulting in soothing an addiction rather than a hunger pain. I have no problem with the idea of meeting the tangible needs of a homeless person. But I did have a problem with the fact that many of the homeless people I experienced were in negative situations. They were stealing Bibles from the Christian bookstore where I worked to sell on the streets. They were going down the street to the Starbucks where my husband worked to rudely badger Starbucks customers to buy them things that they would later try to return for money...all for the same purpose: supporting their drug and alcohol habits. So my confusion began. How do I support homeless men and women without supporting their habits? The easy answer seemed to just ignore them, but how is the church truly supposed to respond?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvdn4Bp5Gy4/TSDvxBU8eyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/YHd1pvbBh0E/s400/under+the+overpass.jpg" width="251" /></div><br />
<u>Under the Overpass</u> by Mike Yankovski addresses this in a very personal way. Yankovski chose to live on the streets for five months in six different cities in order to experience homelessness on a daily basis and see how the church is responding. He, along with his partner Sam faced heat waves and rainy days. They begged for money, hoping to scrape together enough to get some 99 cent hamburgers or a 49 cent burrito. They slept on hard sidewalks, played their worn guitars for money and slept in $3.00 sleeping bags that they found at a thrift store. But most important to them were the faces of the men and women they met on the street and the realization of their huge, festering needs. <br />
<br />
For many of the individuals they met, the issue was not whether or not they could get a job and support themselves. Instead it was an issue of addiction and hopelessness. After living on the street as long as these men and women had, going back to what many people view as a "normal life" was hard for these homeless people to fathom. Many of them didn't have a family or friend to return to. Instead, their family and friends were on the streets with them, and to leave them meant to be alone. <br />
<br />
<u>Under the Overpass</u> challenged my thinking. Although the church is not doing all it should, I am not responsible for the church. I am responsible for myself. Yankovski's experiences brought about a question: what if I could change the way I see a homeless person? Instead of viewing them as freeloaders, simply making a living on the street to support their addictions and ignoring them, I need to see each of them as a person with a face and a name. While my wariness will remain, my assumptions should not. While I will still be cautious when faced with a homeless person, my hardened spirit should not. As Yankovski pointed out, one of the most positive responses a believer can have towards a homeless person is acknowledging them with a smile. As a person. As an individual. As a man or woman in need of God's grace and rescue in their life.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13563887500158470594noreply@blogger.com1