tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346241142024-03-14T04:57:45.780-05:00Jack's in the box!A blog all about Jack, Caroline, and little Emmalyn and the goings on of their family!Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-37399758293684908822013-03-18T10:26:00.000-05:002013-03-18T10:26:10.126-05:00FIVE! and an un-sleepoverSweet Caroline turned five just two days after little Emmalyn turned one. January was a celebration filled birthday month around our house (our nephew Bennett and Caroline share a birthday, four years apart) and was soooo much fun! Caroline desperately wanted to have a sleepover but I thought she and her friends weren't quite ready for a slumber party just yet. And, frankly, I like my sleep. I didn't want to be calling parents to come pick up kiddos at 3am if someone got homesick. We squeeze as many sleepover activities we could into three hours and then sent everyone home to go to bed. It worked out perfectly. Jack and his buddy Drew, who's younger sister was at the party, even got to camp out away from the girls in a tent in the backyard and watch a movie. So fun!<br />
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Birthday Girl before her friends arrived! She was SO excited!</div>
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Snacks for movie time!</div>
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Favors! Yummy popcorn from our fave popcorn shop!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Decorations!</div>
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First thing's first... pizza dinner in the playroom! They were so funny just chatting and eating. And were SO well behaved. The other moms and I were remarking that this would be a TOTALLY different party with 12 boys. It was amazingly quiet. So far...</div>
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After dinner we painted nails. I was too busy manicuring little fingers to get a shot of that. Then we had post-beauty movie time. Sophia the First is one of Care's favorite shows now so everyone grabbed snacks and snuggled down to watch together.</div>
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Next up, cupcakes!</div>
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The girls sang and Caroline blew out her candles and then...<br />
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it was time to decorate! LOTS of M&Ms were consumed and the girls took great care to get asmanysprinklesaspossible crammed on their cupcakes. But, I got very few pictures of those too because they were quickly inhaled.</div>
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Presents and dancing and squealing and playing and parents picking up followed and then Caroline CRASHED. She partied till she dropped. Literally. Such a fun time.</div>
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Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-62335904532055052282013-03-01T10:58:00.000-06:002013-03-01T10:58:26.704-06:00Testing, testing...After several months of waiting (see the first part of the story <a href="http://jacks-in-the-box.blogspot.com/2013/02/all-because-of-wedding-photographer.html" target="_blank">here</a>), Jason and I were getting restless in our home. In our circumstances. We were just ITCHING to get into a bigger space. Jason and I decided to list our house. Basically, we wanted to test what God's plan was for us. <br />
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Our best idea? Probably not. Did it give us some clarity and answers? Yep.<br />
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See, we were still struggling between where we needed to be looking for a home. Should we find something in Arlington, where we wouldn't have to completely uproot from our network of friends, our church, Jack's school, etc, or should we look for a home in Aledo/Willow Park?<br />
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Well, we came up with the idea to list our home and if it sold, that must mean we're meant to stay put in Arlington. We were ready to move. We felt good about listing our house. We were excited. We knew how hot the real estate market in Pantego has been historically so we were confident that our house would go quickly. So I got to work boxing stuff up, decluttering, and staging the house and then we listed it in mid-November. We were SURE we'd be moving before the end of the year and we couldn't wait!<br />
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Ha!<br />
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We had lots of traffic right off the bat. Steady showings (which with three young kids is exhausting) and good feedback. But it wasn't just the right house for the folks that came through.<br />
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And no offers. Bummer.<br />
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And as I look back at my prayer journal during that time I read this, one of my prayers...<br />
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<em>Lord, I pray that we always follow you and exalt you; <u><strong>that your plans and our plans are the same</strong></u>, that we will walk with you always.</em><br />
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<em>I pray for a quick and easy sale of our house and that you will show us where to live. I ask for <u><strong>VERY CLEAR</strong></u> answers and a home that is <strong><u>JUST RIGHT FOR US</u></strong>.</em><br />
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By the way, does anyone else actually write out their prayers as if they're writing a note to God? It helps me so much.<br />
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Anyway... God is answering that prayer, but not in the way I wanted it at the time. It's better that I expected. I asked for very clear answers. Well, our house didn't sell. Pretty clear that we weren't supposed to move before the end of the year, right? So we decided to pull it off the market in early January. There is NO WAY I could keep a house show ready during tax season with three kids. We barely have clean clothes from January to April.<br />
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January was a month of waiting (again) and praying (always) and we were just at peace that we weren't moving immediately. It was nice not to have to keep the place perfect and relax. We were readying ourselves for what might lie ahead and were planning on re-listing the house in April. Jason would look at homes online occasionally and kept seeing things he liked in Parker County, and the ONE house we loved in Arlington was gone. Sold. Hmmmm...<br />
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Near the end of January I was cleaning out my email inbox (ugh) and I came across an email from a McBee (builder) sales agent that we had contacted back in the summer when were considering a move to Weatherford. I clicked a link on the email and was taken to McBee's homepage. I noticed a sidebar that said something to the affect that they were starting a new development in Aledo and I mentioned it to Jason. He asked me to contact the sales agent for more info. Well long story short (shorter), the location, square footage, and price point were PERFECT. Did you see in my prayer where I asked for a home that was JUST RIGHT FOR US? Yeah, God is awesome like that.<br />
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So, after a whirlwind month of visiting Aledo every weekend, looking at lots, picking floor plans, deciding on decor, etc, we're in contract and are on the way to building our home! God has given us lots of little confirmations along the way that we're doing the right thing; that we're following His will. <br />
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Praise the Lord!Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-7122124828322636072013-02-28T10:27:00.000-06:002013-02-28T10:27:38.550-06:00Birthday Baby!<div style="text-align: left;">
So did y'all know that I now have a toddler?! Emmalyn turned one during my long blogging hiatus! Can I just say that she is such a joy. Happiest, sweetest, easiest baby ever. Gah! I just love her so much! Happy birthday Emmalyn!</div>
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Cake!</div>
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We had a milk and cookies themed party. It was so fun!</div>
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I was baking for days and we sent TONS of cookies home with folks. Yummy!</div>
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Hmmmm... not sure about this. Are you SURE I'm allowed to eat it?</div>
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I LOVE CAAAAKE!!!</div>
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Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-14840574641037964272013-02-27T12:50:00.000-06:002013-02-27T16:32:06.466-06:00All because of the wedding photographerIt all started with a visit to my wedding photographer. She was the catalyst in this whole "let's get a bigger house/should we live here or there/can we sell this place/what in the world are we doing" life change we've got going on right now. Crazy how the little things can start BIG things, right?!<br />
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So, I had Emmalyn at Marty's studio when she was a few months old and we were chatting. Marty had decided to list her family home in Arlington to move closer to her daughter and grandkids. I had been to her house back in 2002 when we were doing wedding photo business and remember loving it. It was a lovely house, on a lovely, very BIG lot in Arlington. Lots of house, lots of bedrooms (very important), lots of character. Several weeks later she posted the listing on Facebook and I forwarded it to Jason. We were not. at. all. considering a move in the near future. Hadn't even crossed our minds.<br />
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Until then.<br />
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Then it crossed Jason's mind.<br />
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He called me while I was at summer library storytime with the kids and suggested we set up a showing to see the house. Long story short, we actually never saw the house, it sold and I'm sure someone is very happy there. But it did get our wheels turning. Turning fast.<br />
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We looked at real estate in Arlington. We looked at homes in Haslet. We met with a realtor friend of mine from high school. We looked at land in Parker County. We almost, ALMOST bought a lot to build on in Milsap ISD. Then, we took a breath and prayed. <br />
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Novel, right? <br />
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We asked God what was right. Jason prayed specifically for God to close doors if we were heading in the wrong direction and guess what... He did. It was made very clear to us that we were to wait. That we were to wait on His timing. That was hard. REALLY HARD.<br />
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I was mad. I was discouraged. I didn't want to wait. I wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it. But, dejectedly, we obeyed. We were not thrilled. But, we were at peace about waiting, as hard as it was. And we continued praying about it. But I will say, the attitude toward the provision of a home, one that I already had, was not good.<br />
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And then the new year of Bible Study Fellowship started. What a blessing this is to me. We've been studying Genesis and the truths and promises from the very beginning of the Bible still ring true today. In week six I got a smack upside the head while reading my notes...<br />
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<em>Perhaps God in His love for you is holding back from you something you desire. The result is that you have a deep-seated discontent and self-pity. Sometimes this bitterness shows itself in rebellion and asserting one's independence against God's revealed way of life in the Bible.</em><br />
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Okay then.<br />
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And in the same notes I read...<br />
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<em>... trust god and therefore find direction and fulfillment in God Himself, in His love toward him (</em>speaking of Abel<em>), and in His gifts, even in hard circumstances.</em><br />
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Y'all. It's as if God was talking directly. to. me. And I know he was, through this study. I know it. So I changed my prayer. I didn't pray for a change in circumstances (though my circumstances aren't difficult at all) I prayed for a change of heart. I prayed that I would focus on the blessings and provisions I did have and stopped praying for the things I wanted. I also prayed for the desires of His heart to be made the desires of mine.<br />
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And I waited...Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-40976857575519795402013-02-26T10:22:00.000-06:002013-02-26T10:22:39.547-06:00Home<strong><span class="main-fl"><em>noun</em></span> <span class="pr">\<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>hōm\ - Any place of residence or refuge</span></strong><br />
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<span class="pr">In my life I've called many places home. My first home was with loving foster parents before I was adopted. Then the Lord blessed me with my parents and their definition of home was more about <em>WHO</em> you were with than <em>WHERE</em> you were. We lived in quite a few places, though as I look back, it really wasn't as many as it seemed growing up. And I think my mom's view on "home" is still evolving. She jokingly refers to herself as a gypsy, which rings pretty true.</span><br />
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<span class="pr">Through most of my teen years I called Aledo my home. It's where I met and fell (madly) for Jason. It's where we both grew up - him moreso than me. It's where my mom's family is from. It's where Jason's parents still live (well, one town over but still). It holds lots of memories, both good and bad. We have history there. We have family there. And now, we're making our home there.</span><br />
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<span class="pr">Sure, we still <em>LOVE</em> Pantego and the Arlington area. We've spent nearly the last ten years here. We have deep roots. We have amazing friends. We have a church that has helped shape us both spiritually into the people we are today. We became parents here. Our children only remember this place. Emmalyn was born here. <em>It is special</em>. But, we've been led to move on.</span><br />
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<span class="pr">There's a lot of backstory that led us to where we are and I'm sure I'll share it at some point. But now, I just want to reflect on what home is. Residence? Yes. Refuge? Absolutely.</span><br />
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<span class="pr">And this home, and the next... are not <em>truly</em> our homes. We're merely passing through.</span><br />
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These are my people. My home. Behind them is where our new home will stand in just months!<br />
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Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-70785461149953143902012-07-20T20:41:00.000-05:002012-07-20T20:41:15.270-05:00A post in which I make no apologies...<div style="text-align: left;">
...and photobomb you!</div>
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Life is busy. What else can I say. Did y'all know since I last blogged my five-year-old became a six-year-old, we survived our sixth tax season and our first as a family of five, my kindergartner became a first-grader, Caroline finished her second year of preschool, we took a mini-vacay to Houston to visit our besties, we went to the beach, my newborn became a six-month-old, that very same baby started CRAWLING and has had her first taste of food other than mama's milk, the big kids completed two weeks of swim lessons and are prepping for Camp Thurman next week?! So, no apologies. We've been busy living life and I just haven't blogged it.</div>
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Jack's birthday fell on Easter Sunday this year!</div>
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Emmalyn and Cousin Bennett!</div>
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Easter egg hunting in the house on a rainy Sunday!</div>
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Our family of five!</div>
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Me and E at a super fun birthday party!</div>
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Jason loving on a llama!</div>
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Caroline LOVES God's creatures!</div>
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Jack and me at the Highlander Games, his school's version of field day for the younger grades.</div>
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WOAH!</div>
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All three precious ones!</div>
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Picnic time!</div>
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Enjoying dinner in the backyard.</div>
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Emmalyn's room, which I just realized I've never shown. Jason refinished the crib and it's beautiful!</div>
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Dresser/changing area. Those frames on the bottom are STILL empty!</div>
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Our precious baby is a thumbsucker!</div>
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Sweet girl with Yaya!</div>
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Smiles!</div>
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Making Mothers Day gifts</div>
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Jack and me on Hill's Kindergarten field trip to the Fort Worth Zoo. So fun!</div>
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This is how you do a field trip with a four month old!</div>
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YAY! Happy Tax Deadline Day!</div>
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My big boy reading a book. He LOVES to read and is so, SO smart!</div>
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Four months old!</div>
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The chronological order of the previous pictures is questionable and I have WAY more pictures to share and no time... more coming soon!</div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-24723581639284813152012-02-20T13:20:00.000-06:002012-02-20T13:20:11.953-06:00An hour in the life...of a mom of three, one of whom is a newborn. This is just one hour folks!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVWy_eCbMLz0cFVln_-l6nnnrlc4YrrAvyGuGoiAIpFwb2yy-XKEp6GmA8mdKnc1N5jCwZFU1s3s1jrvQd6fRqZcCdudDsXAp4-7FuiA4lymqejcqvWJ2p3UGvJv8QQODNS9jpg/s1600/Feb+15,+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVWy_eCbMLz0cFVln_-l6nnnrlc4YrrAvyGuGoiAIpFwb2yy-XKEp6GmA8mdKnc1N5jCwZFU1s3s1jrvQd6fRqZcCdudDsXAp4-7FuiA4lymqejcqvWJ2p3UGvJv8QQODNS9jpg/s320/Feb+15,+2012+003.JPG" width="212" /></a>Monday, around 11:30am:<br />
<br />
<div>
We were happily eating lunch and Emmalyn was acting like she'd like to go
to sleep in her buzzy chair so I decided to go put her in her bed. She always sleeps better in her bed. When I
picked her up she was soaked. She'd had a MAJOR blowout (strange for cloth diapers but she's still little and some of them don't fit just right yet) and it was all over
her, all over her clothes, all over the chair - up to nearly her armpit and down
to her foot. What. A. Mess! I took her to her room to get her cleaned up and
got mess on the changing table and on the changing pad cover. I finally peel
off her clothes, smearing her with lots of ickyness and decide it'd be better
to just give her a bath - she needed one today anyway. I wiped her off as best
I could with wipes and then... she peed everywhere! I wiped her dry with a
prefold, laid another prefold in her crib and put her on it, naked, and went to
get her bath ready. I came back after maybe 90 seconds and found that she'd
peed again. A LOT! I guess the first pee was just a warning. The second pee was the real deal. There was so much that it soaked the prefold and got her sheet and
mattress pad wet. The sheet and mattress pad that I'd just changed YESTERDAY.
I take her and get her cleaned up in the bathroom and then back to her room to
get lotion and dressed. While I was doing that Caroline decided she was ready
for her nap. I told her I'd be right there to put her down but then the
sweetest thing happened. Jack said he'd do it. He unmade her bed, closed her
blinds and curtains, tucked her in and gave her a hug and a kiss goodnight. And
she went to sleep! Back to E's room - I stripped the bed and changed the sheets
for the second time in 24 hours and then put Emmalyn in her bed, turned on her
humidifier and mobile and popped in the paci and she was out like a light! Then
it was on to laundry - poo covered laundry. My littlest one managed to create
an entire load of laundry in less than an hour. No wonder I always have full
baskets! Good thing she's cute!</div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-24589097318888536592012-01-22T15:50:00.001-06:002012-01-22T15:50:10.251-06:00Emmalyn's Birth SlideshowOne (of many) things we did differently with Emmalyn's birth was to hire a birth photographer. <a href="http://www.dfwbirthphotographer.com/home/" target="_blank"> Lynsey Stone</a> is so talented and we are so glad we decided to have her on our birth team! She captured the beauty of the birth and we hardly noticed she was there. When I watched the slideshow the first time I was constantly thinking "How in the world did she get that shot without me noticing?!" So, here it is. Keep in mind that it is a slideshow of a BIRTH so if you're not into watching that kind of thing (even though there aren't any graphic shots) then don't watch, okay? I hope you love it as much as I do!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dfwbirthphotographer.com/EmmalynRuth.html" target="_blank">Emmalyn Ruth's Birth Slideshow</a><br />Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-19010479559285058862012-01-11T21:05:00.005-06:002012-01-11T21:06:34.865-06:00The Birth of Emmalyn Ruth - January 6, 2012I’ve got to start with how differently we travelled
through this pregnancy journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
full of faith and trust that God had every moment of this little one’s life
planned, right from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
birthing Jack and Caroline naturally in hospitals (both of which were
fulfilling experiences) I knew that if I ever had another child that I’d want
to birth at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mind the
actual birthing in a hospital; it was the postpartum experience that just
wasn’t for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, added to the fact
that the idea of a peaceful birth, surrounded by the people I love in a place I
love just seemed right for our growing family.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
I discovered I was pregnant in April 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were shocked, but not terribly so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t trying and we were (kind of)
preventing; paying attention to cycles and such but, still, trusting that if
the Lord wanted us pregnant, there wasn’t much we could really do about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, He definitely wanted us to
have another baby and once the news sunk in (and I had an ugly crying/laughing/praying
fit in the shower one morning) we were over the moon thrilled!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered that my “due date” was
Christmas Day 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How wonderful!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<o:p> </o:p>The next step in our journey was to choose our
midwife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am heavily involved in the
local birthing community and know many midwives both professionally and
personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I probably had a
more difficult time choosing someone because there are SO MANY wonderful
midwives in our area that I know well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked for recommendations from friends and sister doulas and I prayed about my
decision a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what I
discovered?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God wants you to go in
certain direction, He can often be VERY clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a few midwives in mind when I started my search and over and over
and over the recommendation was the same: Kim Watkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spoke with Kim over the phone for an
interview and told her we’d discuss our decision and let her know in the next
few days since we still had a couple of other midwives to speak with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and I hung up the phone, looked at one
another, and instantly called her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our decision was made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim and
her senior apprentice, Abbie, were our midwives.<o:p></o:p></div>
The pregnancy progressed normally and fairly
uneventfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the exception of some
pretty wretched morning sickness and back/pelvic pain, I felt pretty good most
of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also amazing when
you’ve got a 3 and 5 year old to chase around how quickly your pregnancy seems
to fly by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is till your due date
rolls around.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Christmas day came and went and I still had a baby
in my belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a wonderful time
with family celebrating the holiday and we just knew we’d have a baby within a
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latest I’d delivered a baby
was 40 weeks and 6 days so I was confident that we’d have a new bundle by the
New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The week after Christmas was really nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent lots of family time together, I had
several chiropractic adjustments (I’d been going at least weekly since I was 15
weeks along), and one “dress rehearsal” of labor in which I’d contracted every
6 minutes for HOURS and called in my entire birth team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having my mom, my midwifery team, and
my birth photographer’s back-up (my photographer was at another birth) at my
house for a couple of hours, my contractions fizzled and then just plain ol’
stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was super frustrating but
everyone around me was so supportive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
least we’d had an occasion to get everything out and together for the birth
even though we’d had no baby just yet.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
When the New Year dawned I was totally bummed
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 41 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never been this pregnant before and was,
frankly, kind of pissed off that I didn’t have a baby in 2011 (I am a tax
accountant’s wife after all).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent the
kids off with Jason to church and then attempted to drown my misery in heavily
sweetened coffee and a marathon of TLC junk shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason definitely sensed that I was “off” (how
could he not since I woke up and immediately started bawling first thing in the
morning) and attempted to give me lots of love and lots of space that
particular day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took the kids to play
with some friends that afternoon and left me alone so my friend and massage
therapist, Hannah, could come over for an acupressure appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely helped me relax but, alas,
didn’t start labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little one was
not ready to be Earthside just yet.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I’d texted Kim and Abbie during that day and we’d
decided that if we didn’t have a baby by Friday night, they’d come over and
we’d chat about what to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
no idea if I was dilated or effaced at all since my midwives were very “hands off”
about that kind of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, my
pregnancy had been mostly intervention free up till this point with the
exception of some blood testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hadn’t even had an ultrasound which was just fine by me.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
On Thursday, I decided that an acupuncture appointment
sounded like a good idea so I could relax a bit and possibly get my labor
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been having contractions
every 20 minutes or so that morning but nothing I’d categorize as painful or
labor-like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My appointment was at 11:30
(I had several “good” contractions during my treatment) and my mom went along
with me for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran some
errands, went to my appointment, and had a wonderful lunch out before heading
to pick up the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d asked her to
pick them up for me so I could avoid the “you’re still pregnant???”
conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know folks mean well
but I was on my last thread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued
contracting every 20 minutes or so throughout the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we put the kids to bed for the evening,
Jason and I went for a walk and had such a sweet time just being together and
joking with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We definitely
had a special evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rounded out the
day with a small glass of Moscato (which was wonderful) and a nice hot shower
before going to bed.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
January 6, 2012:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
3am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember waking to my first contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got up and went to the bathroom, of course, and them back to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My contractions were enough to wake me up but
not enough to get me out of bed just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were coming about every 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
4:30am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
nudged Jason to let him know he wouldn’t be making his business breakfast that
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t imagine why I’d ever thought I was
in labor the week before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
contractions were no joke and I had to breathe through them but I was still
fairly comfortable in bed.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
5:43am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still in bed, I text Kim and Abbie to let them know that today’s the
day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still trying to snooze between
contractions that are still 10 minutes apart.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
5:50am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>OMIGOODNESS I have to get out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NOW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no longer comfortable
and I do not want to have another contraction lying down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I decide to head to the kitchen and have some juice and cereal while
sitting on my birth ball and checking Facebook before the rest of the house
wakes up.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
For some reason this morning, Jack and Caroline
decide to sleep later than their normal 6:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They both wake around 6:45 and I think can sense something going
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell them that I think today’s the
day their new brother or sister is going to be born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re both excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The distraction of getting them ready makes
me doubt my labor and I think my contractions may have slowed a bit during this
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom shuttles them off at 8am
to take Jack to school and Caroline to a friend’s house for the day.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
9am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason
speaks to Abbie and lets her know that he’s ready for her and the rest of the
crew to head on over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will take them
at least an hour and a half to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not ready for them just yet and am hesitant to tell them to
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t want a repeat of
having everyone out and then sending them all home again but we tell them to
come anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also call my birth
photographer, Lynsey, and put her on notice that things are happening but I’m
not quite ready just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason looks at
the back door and HAS to clean it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
nervous energy makes me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door’s
been dirty for a while but it had to be cleaned right then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hehe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason
and I take a walk in the gloriously beautiful morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high temperature forecasted for the day
was 73!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was lovely and our walk was
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My contractions are still coming
every 10 minutes but are fairly uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still not painful, though.<o:p></o:p><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All times
here on out are based on my best guesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was entering laborland and my sense of time was definitely skewed.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
10:30:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
return home from our walk and I decide to have a snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grapes and oranges never tasted so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I need water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom is back from shuttling the kids around
and she and Jason laid hands on me and pray over me and the baby.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
10:40:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lynsey arrives and we chat for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I decide I have to make Jack and Caroline’s bunk beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picture me on a bunk bed ladder breathing
through a contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finish cleaning the big kids’ room and work
through more contractions on the birth ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re probably every eight minutes or so now.<o:p></o:p></div>
10:50:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Abbie arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She checks on the baby
with a fetoscope and does a quick check of my vitals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All is well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kim and Donna arrive shortly after and begin bringing in their haul of
birth tools.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<o:p> </o:p>11am:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason
begins filling the birth pool in the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need him to apply counterpressure to the
small of my back during contractions while I lean on something (couch, counter,
door frames, kitchen table, etc.) and push back against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is right there every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s just something about his hands and
how they feel just right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ok, at this
point I’m abandoning times all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have NO idea when things happened and just a vague idea of the order
of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m heavy into laborland now.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
I REALLY have to work through my contractions
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being a bit cold and
standing in the sunshine coming in through the back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right then a contraction hit and I had to
hold on to the back of the couch and squat to get through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more counterpressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squatting felt GREAT.<o:p></o:p></div>
At some point someone asks me if I’m ready to get
into the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
get in the water and it instantly relaxes me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m trying to listen to the praise and worship music that’s been playing
in the background (that Jason had been obsessing over getting just right for a
while – more working out nervous energy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember one song (though I can’t remember which one) that really
moved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that the Lord was in
our home and guiding us through our birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt His presence and knew that I would soon have my sweet baby in my
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such an amazing encounter
with the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I labor resting on
the side of the tub for a while and then find my favorite position:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hands and knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer want to be touched much and I
feel like the contractions are coming much more quickly but my pain’s not really
increasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such an interesting
feeling to me.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I had a particularly intense contraction and was
beginning to feel a moment of weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed to call on the Lord to help me through but I just couldn’t do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Jason to come pray over me
and he tried but was overcome emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kim placed her hands on me and prayed for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to the baby and asked “sweet baby,
come to me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then decided I’d like to
try another position for a minute so I laid back against the tub and
immediately had what I remember the most intense contraction of my labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could NOT be still and could NOT lean
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I roared through it and said “I
don’t know what to do with it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I meant
the power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt SO MUCH power pulsing
through my body and I honestly didn’t know how to cope and make it work for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that contraction I felt my
water break and I knew it wouldn’t be long now.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
I was vocalizing a lot, very loud and low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking “OOOOOOPPPPPPEEEENNNNN” as I
moaned through my contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I
was not really in pain, just feeling an overwhelming power taking over my body
with each contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I
felt afraid to push and during a couple of contractions, when the power was at
its peak I’d yell “SHIT!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not like me at
all but so necessary at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it
just makes me giggle bit thinking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I was feeling afraid of pushing because I wasn’t sure if I was
dilated fully yet and didn’t want to push if it wasn’t time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my first labor that was completely
intervention free – I’d had no cervical checks and didn’t want any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Kim and Abbie suggested a little push to
see if it felt right during the next contraction I was able to relax a little
more and give myself permission to push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried a couple of times and didn’t feel ready just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited and moaned through a few more
contractions until I felt my body pushing on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel the baby move down with each
push and it was such an incredible feeling!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several times I’d become overwhelmed by the intensity and Kim would calmly
whisper affirmations to me to ground me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so incredibly helpful and kept me focused on what I was doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
I’m not entirely sure how long I pushed but I don’t
think it was more than about thirty minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pushed on my hands and knees and kept saying “c’mon sweet baby, c’mon
sweet baby”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the baby was crowning my
contractions seemed to slow some so my body could stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was so different for me as Jack and
Caroline came out so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did feel the “ring of fire”
this time and I don’t recall feeling it with my other births.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely yelled “It hurts like FIRE!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim had me reposition a little to relieve
some pressure and it helped a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
within a few minutes my body gave some MASSIVE pushes and the baby’s head came
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard someone say “the head is
born” and then my body gave me a little rest before I had to push out the
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the next contraction I
gave another big push and my sweet baby, the one I’d been calling out, was born
into Jason’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He passed her
through my legs to me and I leaned back, excited to see my new little one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all looked together and discovered we’d had
a girl!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been my feeling the entire pregnancy
and I was right.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Little Emmalyn Ruth was born at 2:09 pm weighing
9lbs, 12oz and was 22 inches long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
is such a blessing to our family and her birth was so peaceful and beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After waiting “patiently” for twelve days past
her due date we finally had our homebirth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It couldn’t have been more wonderful.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-64425805588478713722012-01-07T07:02:00.001-06:002012-01-07T07:02:36.267-06:00Introducing...Emmalyn Ruth Maurice!
Born at home, in the water, into her daddy's waiting hands on January 6, 2012 at 2:09 pm.
9 lbs, 12 oz, 22 inches
After waiting a long time for this sweet little girl's arrival we experienced a beautiful birth. Mama and baby ate doing great and Jack and Caroline are thrilled to have a new little sister.
Pictures and birth story to come soon...
-- Posted from my iPhone<br />Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-72960240860833976112011-10-14T17:05:00.004-05:002011-10-14T17:08:04.847-05:00Birth BlessingsOne of the things that helps me during labor (or any trial of life) is praying scripture. I am amazed at the peace it gives me and it truly strengthens me during difficult times. I thought I'd share my "Birth Scriptures" with y'all. I plan on printing these out on cardstock and laminating them so I can read them or have them read to me during my labor. If you've got any that you could add to my list let me know!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Know that the LORD is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is he who made us, and </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">we
are his</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 100:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">For you created my inmost being; you knit me
together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I
am fearfully and wonderfully made</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">; your works are
wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was
made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in
your book before one of them came to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 139:13-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">So </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">do not fear, for I am
with you</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I will strengthen you
and help you</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Isaiah 41:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">A woman giving birth to a child has pain because
her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of
her </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">
that a child is born into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">John 16:21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of
the ends of the earth. </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding
no one can fathom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Even youths grow
tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">those who hope in the
LORD will renew their strength. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be
faint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Isaiah 40: 28b-41<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Do
not be anxious about anything</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Philippians 4:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I can do </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">all
things</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> through Christ who strengthens me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Philippians 4:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Taste and see that </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">the
LORD is good</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">; </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">blessed
is the one who takes refuge in him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 34:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">You are my hiding place; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">you will protect me</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">
from trouble </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">and
surround me with songs of deliverance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 32:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Have I not commanded you? </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Be strong and courageous.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Joshua 1:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">love
of God</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Romans 8:39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">And we know that in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">all
things</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior
who saves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">He
will take great delight in you</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">;</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">
in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">rejoice
over you with singing</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Zephaniah 3:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do
not give to you as the world gives. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Do
not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">John 14:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Every
good and perfect gift is from above</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">, coming down from
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">James 1:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-11824774458456355642011-09-29T17:24:00.000-05:002011-09-29T17:24:08.280-05:00Mastering the Master Bedroom<div>
<div align="center">
You may (or may not) remember when I <a href="http://jacks-in-the-box.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-transformation.html">redid our bedroom </a>a couple years back. I totally thought I was doing something really innovative with a Colonial blue accent wall and while it was different, I didn't love it. We were also making do with a lot of furniture that we had inherited or purchased when we were in college. Needless to say, our bedroom wasn't the haven we wanted it to be. Now, by all means, it isn't done yet but it feels a lot more "us" now. This whole nesting business has me needing to get every room in the house just right before baby comes. The possibility of actually delivering a baby in my bedroom definitely lit a fire under us and made us want to get down to business. Now, we need to get started on the nursery!<br />
<br />
Nearly everything you see is from IKEA... curtains, rods (just realized you can't see those but they're great anyway), lamps, nightstands, bedding. You know I love that place! The paint is Gravity from Valspar (at Lowes). It's a very soft gray and sometimes reads light blue depending on the time of day and lighting. I think we'll probably paint it a shade or two darker sometime down the road. It's really soothing and I love it but Jason's not sold.<a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=Bedroomredo2011004.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/Bedroomredo2011004.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just another angle of the bed. We've yet to find the right artwork to go on either side of the window.</div>
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The dresser is from IKEA (duh). It's actually the exact same dresser Jack and Caroline have in their room and we'll be purchasing a third for the nursery when we get around to it. Also, you can see how the paint looks blue in this picture. This wall is directly across from the bed.<a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=Bedroomredo2011002.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/Bedroomredo2011002.jpg" /></a><br />
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So, we're really pleased with the way it's turned out but we still have a ways to go. It's so much more relaxing now though. Ahhhhh...</div>
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Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-6820381129106257062011-07-11T16:39:00.003-05:002011-07-11T16:48:34.718-05:00Our Un-fearful FeelingsSo, Jason and I were discussing the other night how much more enjoyable this pregnancy has been for us that previous pregnancies.<br /><br />With my first pregnancy, I was 17 and terrified. Since we were placing the baby for adoption the entire pregnancy, though free of complications, was emotionally draining on us and our families.<br /><br />When I was pregnant with Jack my pregnancy was wonderful physically. I'm one of those girls that actually enjoys being pregnant and giving birth (not to mention that it wasn't new to me) so that part was great and we were SO EXCITED to be having our first baby. However, as a first time mom I was terrified of the actual "mothering" aspect. Lots of "what-ifs" and "how-tos" are involved with your first child.<br /><br />When we were expecting Caroline we were a bit more laid back having "been there, done that" before. However, I felt so much anxiety about sharing myself with another little person. How could I possibly have enough love for another child like I did for my son?! When she was born it was, of course, evident that there was plenty of me and my love to go around!<br /><br />This time we're like, "we've got this!" Pregnancy is old hat to us and we feel confident in our parenting skills (usually). Our love for our little bean has already grown and grown and he/she is not even here yet. We're nothing but EXCITED this time. No fear! What a blessing to be able to celebrate this baby and our growing family!Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-24288686731981785782011-07-09T10:03:00.007-05:002011-07-09T11:14:11.320-05:00The Big Kids Room<div align="center">In preparation for our little Jingle Bell (or Jingle Belly, whatever) to make his or her appearance in December, we've redesigned Caroline's room to be "the green room" as we now call it. Jack and Caroline are now bunking together and LOVE it. And I love the room. Really, really love the room.<br />The view from the door</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=001.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="wide angle" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/001.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">The book and toy corner<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=004.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="toy corner" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/004.jpg" /></a><br />The shared dresser. We've had it since before Caroline was born (used it as a changing table when she was a baby) and we couldn't love it more. It has SO MUCH storage and looks just as lovely (almost) as it did when we purchased it (from IKEA) four years ago. We'll be getting another one for the nursery and one for our room as well. We love it that much.<a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=002.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="dresser" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">We've got a couple of white floating shelves to hang on this wall. The plan is for each kiddo to have a place to display some of their special things. Also, we'll be getting a couple of less girly lamps to "man up" the room a bit. Probably something like <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40018183">this</a> from IKEA. Have I mentioned that I love IKEA?</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=005.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="books" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Another shot of the beds. We purchased them online from a <a href="http://www.bedzking.com/bunk-beds-bk">local company</a> (didn't know they were local till we bought them). Their customer service was amazing and we had them within THREE days of purchase! They were pretty straightforward as far as assembly goes and I love that they can be taken apart and used as twin beds later on. The bedding is the Bright Stripes collection from Pottery Barn Kids. Love it and LOVE the deal we got! We outfitted both beds for well under $200 TOTAL which is a feat when buying from PBK. So happy about that.<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=006.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="bedz" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/006.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">A different angle of the dresser and the view outside. I just hung these curtains yesterday and they are exactly what I wanted for this room. I was sure to hang them high (had to since they're 95 inches long) and wide. They really add drama and interest to the room and trick your eye into thinking the window is huge. I also just love how airy they are. So pretty. But not too pretty for my big guy. I'll probably replace the lamp here too. Which will be so difficult for me because I *heart* this lamp. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=007.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="dresser side" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/007.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">There's plenty of space to play in here and I'm amazed at just how much time the kids spend in their room.<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=008.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="playspace" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/008.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Jack's bunk with his beloved train picture and a great little reading lamp, from IKEA of course. He loves it up here.<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=011.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Jack's bunk" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/011.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">The shared closet. This is something that was stressing me out. I just wasn't sure how it was all going to fit but it did. I just added another rod and moved Jack's stuff in. It also helped that I cleaned out all the non-clothing stuff (like Christmas paper and a wooden Rudloph who was wrapped in twinkle lights). Caroline's dress up drawers even made the cut.<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=012.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Big kid closet3" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/012.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">All in all, I'm really pleased with how the entire thing worked out. It took us a good day and a half to paint the room (over dark chocolate brown walls... we used two coats of Martha Stewart's Lemongrass, color matched to Valspar's signature series paint + primer from Lowes) and several hours to assemble the beds. I've been working a bit in the room each day for the last week to complete little projects (moving Jack's clothes and toys in, organizing the closet, hanging curtains, etc) and it's coming together nicely. I've still got a few things to do (hanging shelves, assembling the "frame wall" over the toy shelf, finding lamps and a lower pile rug) but it's already the most "done" room in the house. In fact, this room is definitely pushing me forward to tackle some more projects. I've got quite a list, as you've seen several posts back, and I want to accomplish as much as I can before the Littlest Maurice arrives around Christmas.<br /></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-38844399023238421822011-04-28T07:25:00.003-05:002011-04-28T07:33:58.047-05:00Checking in...I've got quite a few posts I've got to bang out since my last in FEBRUARY! Sheesh. Here's a quick recap...<br /><br />Jack turned 5 (which is so much bigger than 4) and we had such a fun birthday weekend. Jason finished busy season and is home a lot more which is fantastic! Jason's mom came home from the hospital at the end of March (after being there for two months) and is so glad to be back home. We had a fun Easter celebrating the resurrection of our Savior with our family.<br /><br />Oh yeah...<br /><br />I'm pregnant. <span style="font-style: italic;">PREGNANT!</span><br /><br />We just found out last Tuesday and I can say we haven't been more surprised or more thrilled about a pregnancy. Seriously we're crazy excited! So are the kids. Jack literally jumped up and down when we told them. Priceless. Caroline keeps asking to see the baby in my belly and I've got to explain just how small the baby is and that my tummy won't grow for a while. She can't wait to "change the diapers and rub it's back". Sweet girl.<br /><br />I'm "due" on Christmas Day so it looks like we'll have a very busy holiday season. We're also really excited about planning our first homebirth. We're in the process of selecting our homebirth midwife, which is proving to be a little more difficult than I expected. Since I'm so involved in the local birth community I happen to know and love a lot of midwives which makes choosing just one hard. We know that God will lead us to the right one, though.<br /><br />So, that's what's been going on the past couple of months. Exciting times are ahead!Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-59876222015365757922011-02-25T14:47:00.003-06:002011-02-25T15:02:44.063-06:00A long long list...So, when we purchased this house back in 2006, we had lots of big plans for it. Lots of things we wanted to do to make it ours. Well, life happens and things get delayed. You discover the house you loved when you bought it doesn't give you the same warm fuzzy feeling it did when you signed on the dotted line (five hundred or so times!)<br /><br />Why not?<br /><br />When we saw this house we didn't just see a place to live. We saw a huge yard where our kids could run and play, a playroom where they could be creative and enjoy themselves, a family room where we'd spend evenings together. We saw a fantastic school down the street, a well established neighborhood, and the short five-minute drive to our church. We saw our home.<br /><br />Now, I see a constantly growing list of things that annoy me... this is old, this is broken, this bothers me... Well, I'm DONE with that. Time to DO something about it.<br /><br />So, I actually sat down and made a list. A very long, almost exhaustive, list of things I want to do to the house. Will I ever actually DO all of these things? Who knows? We're only limited by time and money, right? In the spirit of being transparent, I thought I'd share my list with you.<br /><br />Ready? It's a doozie!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">House-wide</b></span> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Test for asbestos</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint<span style=""> </span>trim</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Possibly scrape and re-texture ceilings</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Organize closets and laundry area</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Screens on windows</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Master Bath</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Shower door seal</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Cabinet/étagère over toilet</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase Aneboda dresser from IKEA</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint cabinets white</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New countertops</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New sink</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New faucet</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Sand texture?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint walls</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New lighting (vanity and watercloset)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint pocket doors</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New rugs and towels</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace caddy <span style=""> </span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace or frame out mirror</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Showerhead</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Master Bedroom</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Repaint walls</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Crown molding</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase new door (with window)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Upholstered headboard</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Night stands</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Dresser</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New TV</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Chairs?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Different arrangement – move bed to opposite wall?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rug</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Lamps</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Bedding</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Jack’s Room</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase nightstand</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Possibly loft bed with desk underneath</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Wall art</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <b style="">Hallway</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Have lights repaired</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New photos in frames</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Caroline’s Room</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Have light in closet repaired</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Hall Bath</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint cabinets</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New countertops</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New sink</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New mirror/reframe mirror</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace tile with vinyl</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint walls</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint trim and ceiling</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Have electrical above tub checked</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace over-tub fixture</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Extra long shower curtain (white)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New rug/towels</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Lamp</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Storage over toilet – rack and caddy system from IKEA</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Hooks for robes</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Office/Sewing/Craft Room</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Move pecan furniture to mom’s (couch, desk, dictionary stand, side table, bench)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Recover or slipcover chair and ottoman</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint walls and possibly brick wall</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Window treatments</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Move desk/computer/printer/filing cabinet – reconfigure</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase IKEA workstation for sewing – vika ammon/vika annefors</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Chairs – jules (2) from IKEA</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Storage over sewing area – spool storage, rack and caddy system from IKEA</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Bookcases for fabric and notion storage</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rug</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Ironing station</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Cutting table</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Kitchen</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint cabinets</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint walls (again!)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New countertops</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New sink</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Backsplash</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Mirror?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Chalkboard</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint or remove pocket door</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New dishes</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New pantry doors</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New faucet</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Dining Area</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Refinish/paint table</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New dining chairs</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rug</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Build shelves on either side of window for cookbooks</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint paneling</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Living Room</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint paneling a warm color</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint fireplace white</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Ottoman</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Writing desk</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Lamp</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Art/pictures for walls</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rug</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Window treatments</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New slider door</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Remove fireplace screen/replace with glass enclosure</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New fireplace rack</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Playroom</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purge baby toys</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Create workstations/learning area</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Clothesline art display</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Get rid of big chair and ottoman</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Re-work “mud room” – possibly foot lockers</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace door(s)</span></li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Outside</b></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-style: italic;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Toy storage</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Clean sandbox and purchase cover</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Clean water table</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New sand</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">New tarp for fort</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rock wall on fort</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Rocker swing</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace rope ladder and swing</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Remove rocks and sod side yard</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Build wood storage near house</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Plant shrubs in flowerbeds</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint front door red/gray</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase storm door</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Paint trim</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Repaint shutters</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Chain link fence around yard</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Prep and plant raised bed</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Purchase new waterstick for watering</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">Picnic table</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;">I promise, this house is already our home. The more I think about the more I can see that. I could not accomplish a darn thing on the list and I'd still feel that way! This is where Jack took his first steps, where he had his first birthday party. I'll never forget telling Jason I was pregnant with Caroline while he was mowing the backyard. We brought Caroline home to this house. It's the only one she's ever known. We've made so very many memories here and I'm not going to be so quick to be ready to "trade up" so to speak. I've decided that I love my little place in this world. It's not perfect but it's filled with the people I care for most in this world and it's bursting with love!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note: If I do accomplish anything on that list I'll be sure to let you in on it! Feel free to give me your inspired ideas about my list too!</span>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-19207461780059829582011-02-21T08:19:00.003-06:002011-02-21T08:25:05.696-06:00Early Morning Engineering<div style="text-align: center;">Jack got a really fun hot wheels track set for Christmas. We play with it all. the. time. Lately, he's gotten so creative in making his racetracks. Even Caroline loves to play with them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011124.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This particular track spans the width of his room. From the dresser to the opposite wall. ZOOM!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011136.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011137.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011137.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011140.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011132.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011132.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And yes, that's 7:29 AM. Morning. YAWN!<br /></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-79430784511965665632011-02-19T08:45:00.002-06:002011-02-19T08:55:01.827-06:00Concentration<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011118-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011118-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011120-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011120-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011121-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011121-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011119-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011119-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011122-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011122-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-32742667172242789562011-02-18T16:23:00.002-06:002011-02-18T16:27:22.979-06:00The Latest<div style="text-align: center;">This is what I did during naptime today.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011114-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011114-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I <span style="font-style: italic;">CANNOT</span> wait to see this on Sweet Caroline!<br /></div></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-11643022405702098952011-02-18T08:32:00.002-06:002011-02-18T08:40:49.466-06:00Park Playtime!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011101-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011101-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011100-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011100-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/?action=view&current=February2011105-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/kipikat/February2011105-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-9293166709050124112011-02-16T08:21:00.003-06:002011-02-16T08:29:50.167-06:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlWYaqv0DS5Nm35ALV-tDXzTBkS60kgEoPc3ZpKcx_pClxd0iaQXPfMMmMcUBViMA2S9qWwbI9iY-D1-o1f-8qH7mUt0uxdAs_rVkhfLBhuifRKVl43Rkj0_MdzH1EIXVG-je4Q/s1600/February+2011+044.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlWYaqv0DS5Nm35ALV-tDXzTBkS60kgEoPc3ZpKcx_pClxd0iaQXPfMMmMcUBViMA2S9qWwbI9iY-D1-o1f-8qH7mUt0uxdAs_rVkhfLBhuifRKVl43Rkj0_MdzH1EIXVG-je4Q/s400/February+2011+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574293388316242498" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHOzqnogQrRMMuGr0nqBABzjsDgvRtrMh7BPUr0T7baEPSIa13fFYuPHTnvm68D55y7vxMrkm2O9h4KtscWfpX2e38qxOCi65BkBdwE0TSS3Wda0k1slKj7YWuDc4DM1mP2uxJA/s1600/February+2011+057.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHOzqnogQrRMMuGr0nqBABzjsDgvRtrMh7BPUr0T7baEPSIa13fFYuPHTnvm68D55y7vxMrkm2O9h4KtscWfpX2e38qxOCi65BkBdwE0TSS3Wda0k1slKj7YWuDc4DM1mP2uxJA/s400/February+2011+057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574293396818831186" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsvCkuLtrOYM-Qu8V3SJOww86-Dmoab-RkbgCCy6kqiFR5EALTGLxY5vuLWD9INr4deBdLUOIMwqFtgyLl95dzxhA1dcqVzapUvA3TQvylsMKG6bPFrHT_rV1Gzz2GP_MiYYZzg/s1600/February+2011+067.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsvCkuLtrOYM-Qu8V3SJOww86-Dmoab-RkbgCCy6kqiFR5EALTGLxY5vuLWD9INr4deBdLUOIMwqFtgyLl95dzxhA1dcqVzapUvA3TQvylsMKG6bPFrHT_rV1Gzz2GP_MiYYZzg/s400/February+2011+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574293400872246722" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtIDttE3c11PquLSo8sSj7cZZ-Jvhvwu78yWQkSkKoy5Jm1I9DV8e3l58PSYpDNO8Nalqw5V2rJdi-BKVBR3wTJZk9p951tZCP4sK43Y40EneoVsqo8qHlURBOoVw5nJDM2ygGw/s1600/February+2011+069.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtIDttE3c11PquLSo8sSj7cZZ-Jvhvwu78yWQkSkKoy5Jm1I9DV8e3l58PSYpDNO8Nalqw5V2rJdi-BKVBR3wTJZk9p951tZCP4sK43Y40EneoVsqo8qHlURBOoVw5nJDM2ygGw/s400/February+2011+069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574293405095343106" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb41GdxoXfP0EE5c8OPNhEgCDH5ELaMc7z_ap4YXOblQxc4zJ5dDXzEDVG-08WIzI5IuCfgHGWLbx6YtaeWm7oYeZxlKNqRxOsjRPCd78n94Y5JKP_uBjwv6vReGzipa-52EL5A/s1600/February+2011+078.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb41GdxoXfP0EE5c8OPNhEgCDH5ELaMc7z_ap4YXOblQxc4zJ5dDXzEDVG-08WIzI5IuCfgHGWLbx6YtaeWm7oYeZxlKNqRxOsjRPCd78n94Y5JKP_uBjwv6vReGzipa-52EL5A/s400/February+2011+078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574294172639411810" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TtrTArOksItyrBgZlk30lPmcD08B0RyTsfpklYPUVp2MUXzK2v7m_CGvzBlRaQoKRrXlKdqlZ1t41FrmtKqn8IoE3z82iKVeDNcTPD56dEcBHglKHnWSUd1UXuIMZbIT5ES-_A/s1600/February+2011+083.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TtrTArOksItyrBgZlk30lPmcD08B0RyTsfpklYPUVp2MUXzK2v7m_CGvzBlRaQoKRrXlKdqlZ1t41FrmtKqn8IoE3z82iKVeDNcTPD56dEcBHglKHnWSUd1UXuIMZbIT5ES-_A/s400/February+2011+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574294244682628114" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj58gxVcZA1qjCB9pW7V6YQeHoIFo5D9ZBlawCEqtipJvETG9KuC1VJVTEdA_dcQh-sh_Yldn2KVDo16IqFU7DQ9sH2AR6lwn6zB7H9A5O9-ld9plJUQ-on1iGnmbIL1w14RBUIA/s1600/February+2011+087.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj58gxVcZA1qjCB9pW7V6YQeHoIFo5D9ZBlawCEqtipJvETG9KuC1VJVTEdA_dcQh-sh_Yldn2KVDo16IqFU7DQ9sH2AR6lwn6zB7H9A5O9-ld9plJUQ-on1iGnmbIL1w14RBUIA/s400/February+2011+087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574294246414457362" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4DWQ1rmFVVDUpN0Vp0YrDsM9wC0Z5koNsPzmTP0cAS7p0y1FFw4boOHZl2sURdhmAtuKZFbDVGWnWrk3Gs27rMi7gWL9zOuU5kB8wXZqtkgyxS7HC1u0X3YRd-GzkTqYkxDz0Q/s1600/February+2011+095.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4DWQ1rmFVVDUpN0Vp0YrDsM9wC0Z5koNsPzmTP0cAS7p0y1FFw4boOHZl2sURdhmAtuKZFbDVGWnWrk3Gs27rMi7gWL9zOuU5kB8wXZqtkgyxS7HC1u0X3YRd-GzkTqYkxDz0Q/s400/February+2011+095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574294262242796562" border="0" /></a>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-67472577799953822682011-02-14T15:30:00.002-06:002011-02-14T15:35:44.714-06:00Crazy crafty!I've been sewing like a mad woman lately. Frankly, I've become a little obsessed. Here are a few pics from my iPhone of creations I've put together in the last week.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Caroline's appliqued Valentine's Day shirt<br /></div><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2425.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2425.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" border="0" height="281" /></a><br />peasant dress<br /><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2424.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2424.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" border="0" height="281" /></a></center> St. Patrick's Day twirly skirt<br /></center><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2422.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2422.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" border="0" height="210" /></a><br />DSLR camera strap covers<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2423.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2423.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" border="0" height="210" /></a><br /></div><center><center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2420.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2420.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" border="0" height="281" /></a><center></center><center><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2421.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2421.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" border="0" height="281" /></a></div> <center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2419.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2419.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" border="0" height="210" /></a><center> <center></center> <a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/14/2418.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/14/s_2418.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" border="0" height="210" /></a></center> </center></center><center> </center>-- Posted from my iPhoneKippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-47847398684572121632011-02-14T14:49:00.003-06:002011-02-14T14:52:36.464-06:00All you need is...<div style="text-align: center;">LOVE! And maybe cupcakes! Happy Valentine's Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzTkUSjauWpBpEBz4mgC5JV5iE4bitNcO3faQPS9-5om4D8Ho7R7_C6I9WOi6Q9OH7sTSegfIOGGPEJ2BNkM-fx3vbzEkEXhYtrnZA_7Fnqo6Ze79FqisU3MxuYbTcY0wR2wKQQ/s1600/February+2011+027.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzTkUSjauWpBpEBz4mgC5JV5iE4bitNcO3faQPS9-5om4D8Ho7R7_C6I9WOi6Q9OH7sTSegfIOGGPEJ2BNkM-fx3vbzEkEXhYtrnZA_7Fnqo6Ze79FqisU3MxuYbTcY0wR2wKQQ/s400/February+2011+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573650730458275602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRXqVPt1aygui2n9JReH8JhKVOhlzoazLDtqulAP4EzOrjXkMF6gEDTVVpuvTDXY3TR1SEmHWYAU6hsqbKHYZuBM2gJT38RXKtsdCPPg7ObHUisg8vxMxreTFgp1v6ZLLssLJxw/s1600/February+2011+030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRXqVPt1aygui2n9JReH8JhKVOhlzoazLDtqulAP4EzOrjXkMF6gEDTVVpuvTDXY3TR1SEmHWYAU6hsqbKHYZuBM2gJT38RXKtsdCPPg7ObHUisg8vxMxreTFgp1v6ZLLssLJxw/s400/February+2011+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573650736527124882" border="0" /></a></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-56469977213325820932011-02-14T14:46:00.002-06:002011-02-14T14:49:10.285-06:00Faces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdEnpUO4LTxkokuguA6sygqyxsjX1YJdMQF3ESUsq1XG0CpBc0M73_UUKa17R86F2iBOoVq4wcJhHV81He_OUFp8mfgzd9M0BnsSNPHRqjsF6DUKH9YNKCgswF6Rl1ZUxrjWz7Q/s1600/February+2011+023.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7bQXYymkeWb0pES0Tvjw1BemFdvcftHg3xruJb-ZUKWcnOd_pjlbF89Epg3Uq0tRJvosbzugwMSJ0oTVIrg6HIo_dNsLvXR0dSdlzBdeRtRVefR1Fsv_xYtHGdr5YvPB7cP9aA/s1600/February+2011+022.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7bQXYymkeWb0pES0Tvjw1BemFdvcftHg3xruJb-ZUKWcnOd_pjlbF89Epg3Uq0tRJvosbzugwMSJ0oTVIrg6HIo_dNsLvXR0dSdlzBdeRtRVefR1Fsv_xYtHGdr5YvPB7cP9aA/s400/February+2011+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573649976192939810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdEnpUO4LTxkokuguA6sygqyxsjX1YJdMQF3ESUsq1XG0CpBc0M73_UUKa17R86F2iBOoVq4wcJhHV81He_OUFp8mfgzd9M0BnsSNPHRqjsF6DUKH9YNKCgswF6Rl1ZUxrjWz7Q/s1600/February+2011+023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdEnpUO4LTxkokuguA6sygqyxsjX1YJdMQF3ESUsq1XG0CpBc0M73_UUKa17R86F2iBOoVq4wcJhHV81He_OUFp8mfgzd9M0BnsSNPHRqjsF6DUKH9YNKCgswF6Rl1ZUxrjWz7Q/s400/February+2011+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573649984486160498" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU61TNRJVe7dG3gG43Pg2TygIzFl63JsAA2eZ3uwJRRgFU8_jrDUMyb_jnWWFRPn99rdLp4IFetR5tM3OSqWorfcBC60l7kuEBDx63sB0K4-FZxqtAKSM7ZXJPvpyPgQiGwqHDdg/s1600/February+2011+024.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU61TNRJVe7dG3gG43Pg2TygIzFl63JsAA2eZ3uwJRRgFU8_jrDUMyb_jnWWFRPn99rdLp4IFetR5tM3OSqWorfcBC60l7kuEBDx63sB0K4-FZxqtAKSM7ZXJPvpyPgQiGwqHDdg/s400/February+2011+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573649995032596210" border="0" /></a>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34624114.post-37837012528363957602011-02-14T14:37:00.004-06:002011-02-14T14:46:34.651-06:00Valentine's - Turtle Style!Jack's class had their Valentine's Day party last Thursday. I'm not surprised by how much the kids love having parties at school. I am surprised at how much Jack wants me there. Not sure why it surprises me but he is over the moon when I get to come spend time with him at school. I love it!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Being silly! This was right after he'd put away NINE Chik-fil-a chicken nuggets. Woah.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd9Z3HBc3e8iEEohJrmiUt_U1Y4B9teubtgBV62kb9idDhyphenhyphen7PDkf4MJaQ3v889uCjhNj9ed7ggEpKTiru6Kwu89IEl9DCdLGRS61JmrnwlYgw6ZtgYff7em1stkTuqXSKjnBJSw/s1600/February+2011+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd9Z3HBc3e8iEEohJrmiUt_U1Y4B9teubtgBV62kb9idDhyphenhyphen7PDkf4MJaQ3v889uCjhNj9ed7ggEpKTiru6Kwu89IEl9DCdLGRS61JmrnwlYgw6ZtgYff7em1stkTuqXSKjnBJSw/s400/February+2011+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648504386452834" border="0" /></a>Valentine's BINGO!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YGErylDKHT5kvnzLyAGiOojoo3kJxnb7VcbT3jOK7x95iMJKRkBQgRR8JM6X6ni1S9rHA3DCxtOR3AUK3mD-GDY_3-DKAc9dBjizi1DQRmsuE6otrUvgSJ04fiKaSh5xYFEtig/s1600/February+2011+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YGErylDKHT5kvnzLyAGiOojoo3kJxnb7VcbT3jOK7x95iMJKRkBQgRR8JM6X6ni1S9rHA3DCxtOR3AUK3mD-GDY_3-DKAc9dBjizi1DQRmsuE6otrUvgSJ04fiKaSh5xYFEtig/s400/February+2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648506492895458" border="0" /></a>Cheese face!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu4er3iDJUvFStswPyvWVziivlrpmwm3B2tl89JLrbkPQQA4RBLJlkOTbWrkgsRsZTZkuy9-SqpgdazdvepNyWDnHLJwiHonI7jR2CWFmjvZ55Yz2spz8uqL6akEmrTb_3v4Dng/s1600/February+2011+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvu4er3iDJUvFStswPyvWVziivlrpmwm3B2tl89JLrbkPQQA4RBLJlkOTbWrkgsRsZTZkuy9-SqpgdazdvepNyWDnHLJwiHonI7jR2CWFmjvZ55Yz2spz8uqL6akEmrTb_3v4Dng/s400/February+2011+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648514212846466" border="0" /></a>Pin the nose on the heart!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCenHreFeN94553BkwgBQ4iXhwLRUFFBENK4Sl4_aHxRvhc-ukR0VRsVDSn28cpPgXo-Wy1lU-vd5NkEvkPEDv166o8rhov2ctpHIvLCpp7jPQOujFyWBsycfffcxTOLZa5IpLQ/s1600/February+2011+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCenHreFeN94553BkwgBQ4iXhwLRUFFBENK4Sl4_aHxRvhc-ukR0VRsVDSn28cpPgXo-Wy1lU-vd5NkEvkPEDv166o8rhov2ctpHIvLCpp7jPQOujFyWBsycfffcxTOLZa5IpLQ/s400/February+2011+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648516486993922" border="0" /></a>Showing off his "love bug" headband. He apparently puts his hands on his head when he's making a funny face. Crazy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PL8aooEFoSgaoU7G7btqKM7fGn4GJms9HfRrHs8MsCRvaUN1t74ch3aG1LCyE45VVCSi0U9M3bF-Iex4ohMKm5VClxmYpeS5mIkpKhF2LBi740HC3bXn79wwRA-i08z2tK17Zg/s1600/February+2011+015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PL8aooEFoSgaoU7G7btqKM7fGn4GJms9HfRrHs8MsCRvaUN1t74ch3aG1LCyE45VVCSi0U9M3bF-Iex4ohMKm5VClxmYpeS5mIkpKhF2LBi740HC3bXn79wwRA-i08z2tK17Zg/s400/February+2011+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648521901742194" border="0" /></a></div>Kippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390011316406122192noreply@blogger.com0