tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60984997897064273322024-02-18T23:26:43.630-08:00small haus.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-85242354407211805452016-01-20T04:08:00.001-08:002016-01-20T04:08:28.785-08:00Buenos Dias!Hosea, Andrew and i are currently in South America for a close friend's wedding. It was a long trip to get here, Buenos Aires, Argentina, with stops along the way in Miami and São Paulo, Brazil. Nevertheless, we are happy and so in love with Argentina. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh311A5CZfdnxSavDG1rfvVI9zO42zMCI5TFCguMPVlrhHAerpEour4ua40dMKazkZbvraLdiUmmoW-QOs6pvxCViSVJoFR1TLQVD3WPwQUZg7EW6UvBQTy_GosMVQN6bcKS7TdxrYo_FFD/s640/blogger-image-199204853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh311A5CZfdnxSavDG1rfvVI9zO42zMCI5TFCguMPVlrhHAerpEour4ua40dMKazkZbvraLdiUmmoW-QOs6pvxCViSVJoFR1TLQVD3WPwQUZg7EW6UvBQTy_GosMVQN6bcKS7TdxrYo_FFD/s640/blogger-image-199204853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrMkZQrMLEV9t6Ux044_LYsILBVhT5I_ruVkwhgKzcg5IA2o3iLjRFIpNm49F-VtKQQyQllLAXmi5HXv4jELfNf_zxN2igCgOmGn05bqiOfAnbXE5lkfmGCynm8QSPBNvOrwACYNpafdM/s640/blogger-image--1141686591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrMkZQrMLEV9t6Ux044_LYsILBVhT5I_ruVkwhgKzcg5IA2o3iLjRFIpNm49F-VtKQQyQllLAXmi5HXv4jELfNf_zxN2igCgOmGn05bqiOfAnbXE5lkfmGCynm8QSPBNvOrwACYNpafdM/s640/blogger-image--1141686591.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQEVtXjWGt1JKOAHfUQTOTKy_q-Xn-Z2MLgjsrCHPU1EPetxY0AK-2SyCzOuDrOwBcoloYbnIknEkW_h1F7urw7w538IbZaB8LQQhl4iFniW_Csxj3v2nxtUC9sUUpRojuc9DOCCn7krH/s640/blogger-image-745911746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQEVtXjWGt1JKOAHfUQTOTKy_q-Xn-Z2MLgjsrCHPU1EPetxY0AK-2SyCzOuDrOwBcoloYbnIknEkW_h1F7urw7w538IbZaB8LQQhl4iFniW_Csxj3v2nxtUC9sUUpRojuc9DOCCn7krH/s640/blogger-image-745911746.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsunwdOEsI0fZ8JOPwtqB1dekLAeLUkmXazH9pomFsBFOSV3Hrx3zjS6cQ9znSGertOnyITRhgUqyAk9pFRAUbivXfzd4HQOjbjBTkIjx-LKaRCT38e5n1gXI2Yw7mUJJABTRFuZJnG0V8/s640/blogger-image--1184290928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsunwdOEsI0fZ8JOPwtqB1dekLAeLUkmXazH9pomFsBFOSV3Hrx3zjS6cQ9znSGertOnyITRhgUqyAk9pFRAUbivXfzd4HQOjbjBTkIjx-LKaRCT38e5n1gXI2Yw7mUJJABTRFuZJnG0V8/s640/blogger-image--1184290928.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48aKVad2UXWMfT2RWR6vQV6q6SgDBMj9_G0tOy3lRkUiePoKpV8bUJXF8G8iKkR8U9h9tcxUknf8bIOvK-Z7FabwRI7DydIp9uczSJkNheF0uDhjNQ5XTf2TjI10xbvPtLx-MjB789LJ-/s640/blogger-image--503329657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48aKVad2UXWMfT2RWR6vQV6q6SgDBMj9_G0tOy3lRkUiePoKpV8bUJXF8G8iKkR8U9h9tcxUknf8bIOvK-Z7FabwRI7DydIp9uczSJkNheF0uDhjNQ5XTf2TjI10xbvPtLx-MjB789LJ-/s640/blogger-image--503329657.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-30939924157962193962016-01-13T13:29:00.001-08:002016-01-13T13:29:39.834-08:00<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqzXpmGB-PRZFUsEkWl2466OQoJX92t6SVQjwm-phdbUPLUJ6bAG7ERGv0iWvUyrbqTq9m1B0KF4aafI9OBtpkqbef_eWeHH7YTodoeavdVXpM558JDv06tk5M5OquceEMGfFZdARrPkf/s640/blogger-image--1199741230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqzXpmGB-PRZFUsEkWl2466OQoJX92t6SVQjwm-phdbUPLUJ6bAG7ERGv0iWvUyrbqTq9m1B0KF4aafI9OBtpkqbef_eWeHH7YTodoeavdVXpM558JDv06tk5M5OquceEMGfFZdARrPkf/s640/blogger-image--1199741230.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I have probably said it before, but I love setting goals. I love setting goals almost as much as I love achieving the goals I have set, which is A LOT. But man, when I feel discouraged, or feel like I may not be able to accomplish what I want to, it's hard to push through and make it through to the other side. </div><div><br></div><div>I have some personal things I would like to accomplish in 2016, but there is also a pretty big thing that needs to get done fairly soon- and it's driving me nuts. There isn't a deadline per se, but there are people waiting on me. And it's hard. It's hard to do work while I am home with kids. Some moms can do it, but I have a hard time with it. It's hard for me to switch modes. That's why doing in home child care was awesome- because I was able to stay in mom mode all day, even though I was technically working. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, my prayer for all of this is that I can lean on the cross. Forgive myself for my shortcomings, Lord knows I have many. And that I can continue to ask for help as I need it. And that I can just suck it up and get my stuff done! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Note to myself, and anyone who may need it: you can do it. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-53913621884307090192015-07-25T19:34:00.003-07:002015-07-25T19:35:48.445-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We spent the last week in Wisconsin with my mom's side of the family. It was so wonderful to spend each day outside, soaking up lots of sun. Eve and Elliot overcame any fears or apprehensions they had about the water, and were almost immediately jumping in the pools (with their mini inflatable tubes, of course). I can't believe I have kids who aren't afraid of the water! It is absolutely thrilling. My sisters and I are still awful swimmers...<br />
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<i>proof that I was there... along with baby</i></div>
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<i>my grandparents holding their 6th great grandchild. </i></div>
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It's always great to get away for a bit, but we are happy to be home now. Also, Hosea is two months old tomorrow! How did two months go by so quickly? We are all feeling pretty good around here.<br />
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Hope you are enjoying summer as much as we are. xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-89376408741436378452015-07-11T17:49:00.000-07:002015-07-11T17:49:44.767-07:00in the garden, july 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sort of amazed that anything is growing here, considering I was, like, giant and pregnant all spring. And now I have a newborn who loves to be held---and would rather me hold him than pull weeds. Doesn't he know how much I love to pull weeds?! No, really, I do. There is no better stress reliever, I've found. Anyway.<br />
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There are things I wish were further along, and there are things I wish I had planted but didn't. But whatever the case, the garden(s) are looking good.<br />
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A few more photos after the jump.<br />
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If you look close enough, you can see a little bee on one of the flowers. Did you know bee balm flowers are edible?<br />
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More bee balm. </div>
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Dora is guarding the new rudbeckia... I noticed something tried to dig it up so I had to enlist her for help. </div>
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Of course, these two are the best helpers of all.<br />
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In the veggie garden we have: tomato, lettuce, swiss chard, kale. arugula, cucumber, summer squash, zucchini, corn, watermelon, pumpkin, carrots, various herbs, and our beloved berries. We added two new fall bearing raspberry bushes that we are SO hoping produce fruit this year. We have gotten about 1/2 pint of raspberries off of our existing bush- just enough to snack on while playing in the yard. The birds have eaten another 1/2 pint. I have got to do something about those birds...<br />
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In the perennial garden we have: bee balm, catmint, peony, shasta daisy, bleeding hearts, tall phlox, coneflowers, yarrow (TONS OF YARROW. This stuff grows like crazy.), iris, balloon flower, and probably some other stuff that I am forgetting...<br />
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Next year, I hope to add hydrangea alongside the house. And I hope to get some better photos soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-34534322691796995412015-07-06T18:55:00.002-07:002015-07-06T18:55:51.238-07:00the fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was too busy chatting with my grandparents to take many photos on the Fourth of July, but it was a fantastic day. We had perfect weather, and were at the perfect place to enjoy it. </div>
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My grandparents house is one of the only, if not <i>the</i> only place that really feels like home to me. We moved every few years growing up, so this is sort of a big deal. Each year there is talk of my grandparents selling their home and moving into an assisted living center, so we try and spend as much time over there as possible. I was Eve's age when my grandfather built the house with his bare hands. He is an amazing man. </div>
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It is an interesting time to be bringing children into the world---into this country. There have been so many changes in the past few years, it's almost too hard to keep up. I am so thankful God has blessed me with family that encourages and prays for me, without ceasing. Where would I be without their wisdom?</div>
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Hope you had a lovely 4th. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-49398001436227034552015-06-28T11:28:00.002-07:002015-06-28T11:28:25.440-07:00life lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On May 26, we welcomed our third child into our home. His name is Hosea John. 7 lbs, 13 ounces. 20.5 inches long. He was born at 12:57 am in our tiny bedroom, assisted by two midwives and my dear friend, Michelle.<br />
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He is a perfect, smile-y, happy little boy, and we are thrilled, to say the very least.<br />
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It feels almost unfair to be joyful during times like this... on the heels of the devastating shooting in Charleston, the terror attacks occurring virtually everywhere, etc. But we are thankful. We are feeling so very blessed, and certainly do not take these blessings for granted. We certainly do not take our lives, or his tiny & precious life, for granted.<br />
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xoxoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-61793268505294099082015-01-28T14:08:00.000-08:002015-01-28T14:08:17.240-08:00comfort food: creamy wild rice soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of winter where the days sort of drag on. The sun hasn't made an appearance in days, and it's usually dark here before dinner is even ready. Blah. Don't get me wrong, I love winter, but our winters are <i>long </i>in Minnesota. I can send the kids outside most days, but there are times when we can go days without breathing in any fresh air. </div>
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One of my favorite things to do while we are stuck inside is to make a giant pot of soup. I love to let it slowly cook on the stove all day, filling up the house with the aroma of comfort... It makes being indoors all day seem less like torture. If anything, we actually have something to look forward to---eating the soup. </div>
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This recipe for wild rice soup turned out so good, I actually made it twice this week. I can't get enough of it! Someday I will update this post with nice photos, taken with my actual camera, of the soup & cooking process (I took these photos with my phone), but until then, this will do. </div>
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What foods are comforting to you?</div>
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Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Chicken</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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*3 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs---omit if you want the soup to be vegetarian)</div>
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Approximately 3 cups cooked wild rice/rice blend of your choice</div>
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1/2 c chopped carrot</div>
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1/2 c chopped celery</div>
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1/2 c chopped onion</div>
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3 cloves garlic, minced (more or less, depending on your preference)</div>
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1/4 tsp thyme</div>
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1/4 tsp parsley </div>
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dash or two of cayenne pepper</div>
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1 quart (32 ounces) of chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian soup)</div>
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For the roux:</div>
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2 Tb melted butter</div>
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2 Tb flour</div>
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1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream</div>
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*you could also use chicken breasts---this is just what I had on hand. The dark meat did however add a nice richness to the soup.</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place chicken in a pan, and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken. Bake until cooked through, but still juicy, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. </div>
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Side note- this unfortunate pan is like, prehistoric. And gross. I promise it was actually clean, contrary to its appearance. </div>
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While your chicken is roasting, prepare your rice according to the package directions. I had on hand this rice blend from Trader Joe's that was AWESOME in this soup. Set rice aside when it has finished cooking. </div>
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Chop carrot, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook in a large dutch oven/soup pot over medium heat in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add seasonings listed above, and also salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until vegetables are cooked through. </div>
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While the veggies are going, take chicken out of the oven and let cool. Pull the meat off of the bones and place in a bowl. You can do whatever you want with the skins and chicken bones---My husband and kids usually like to clean them off before I discard them. </div>
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When the vegetables are cooked through, assemble your roux. Melt the butter in a microwave safe dish, then add the flour. Combine with a fork until it forms a paste. Add a couple of tablespoons of cream until it reaches a more liquid consistency. Pour roux into the vegetables and broth, and whisk in until combined. Add the rest of the heavy cream and let the soup thicken. </div>
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After the broth and the cream have fully combined, add the rice and the shredded chicken into the soup. Stir together. Add salt and pepper to taste. </div>
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Enjoy!<br />
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P.S. This soup would be great with mushrooms, fresh herbs, etc. You can easily add your own twist to it, using whatever you have on hand. Let me know if you try it out, and how you decided to make it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-90742859710198057372015-01-23T16:32:00.001-08:002015-01-23T16:32:08.911-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS81BzlQb1Vf59W7sD-SUfpIHoSIpFrZURorkckxSgKSpH-CaezpIAARakHLB4ZaJ8dHd2RLGWte9puQgEinzde-I-KKxsdaJanT8ZvrLMPIgt9fLsDPSO8Ts9NQVBsr0PQRKCthKF8bJ/s1600/IMG_44161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS81BzlQb1Vf59W7sD-SUfpIHoSIpFrZURorkckxSgKSpH-CaezpIAARakHLB4ZaJ8dHd2RLGWte9puQgEinzde-I-KKxsdaJanT8ZvrLMPIgt9fLsDPSO8Ts9NQVBsr0PQRKCthKF8bJ/s1600/IMG_44161.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I took the kids to our local zoo/conservatory. We didn't tackle the actual zoo---it was pretty cold today---but the animals weren't really a part of the plan, anyway. I had Eve take a camera along so she could get pictures of different plants and flowers in the conservatory. Later, we printed the photos out, and recreated the images as paintings. She is really into painting, and also loves flowers, so I thought this would be a great home school activity, and a fun way to wrap up the week.<br />
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We don't get many days with just the three of us, so we soaked this week up like crazy.<br />
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Don't let the face fool you. She was having fun. She just didn't want to give up the camera, of course.<br />
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We love the conservatory.<br />
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Happy weekend! xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-48646844738135767092015-01-22T17:38:00.000-08:002015-01-22T17:38:08.920-08:00lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf99kDpvKr5kGmZOJ1lQZ3HGH9wwC492pxKEEp1xi3J_lc5HbGhrslxVcT1m7mSrNDrx8c8FTBD4T4uIuYshzO76XznG5kfLVZ8sukA7tN8UkfnwT-V51ESuB9LPo8_GAuV7y79AKp8Oj/s1600/IMG_42461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf99kDpvKr5kGmZOJ1lQZ3HGH9wwC492pxKEEp1xi3J_lc5HbGhrslxVcT1m7mSrNDrx8c8FTBD4T4uIuYshzO76XznG5kfLVZ8sukA7tN8UkfnwT-V51ESuB9LPo8_GAuV7y79AKp8Oj/s1600/IMG_42461.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't have much to say, but wanted to share these sweet faces.<br />
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Life is good.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-66877045473433745382015-01-13T08:49:00.002-08:002015-01-13T08:49:34.771-08:00our trip to Banff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp-v9cTLVv5cGGwuSY5EwM-d-fr6p4ioA1Tfr1JVtQIF90ddrZVTnh0uPpuCpwt7vwq5Qf31cWIP45UxpChWRxBofd_VnLq73gPbHOfvx2LBLjDF-Q9-4rNggtOJFqomG19571NOxxfsF/s1600/b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp-v9cTLVv5cGGwuSY5EwM-d-fr6p4ioA1Tfr1JVtQIF90ddrZVTnh0uPpuCpwt7vwq5Qf31cWIP45UxpChWRxBofd_VnLq73gPbHOfvx2LBLjDF-Q9-4rNggtOJFqomG19571NOxxfsF/s1600/b1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had such a great time visiting Banff. It was, hands down, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Waking up every morning to the sun rising over the mountain tops was heavenly. It's hard to believe we left frigid Minnesota and went somewhere even colder... but it was so beautiful, we didn't even think about the cold. Okay, we thought about the cold a little. But still. Mountains!<br />
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We spent our days exploring the mountains, and the Canmore/Banff/Lake Louise area. Andrew snowboarded with old friends (everyone was in town for a wedding the Saturday after New Years), and Eve even learned to ski. We were totally blown away with her skiing! She is a natural.<br />
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Yes, I grabbed a stranger's ski poles for the photo above. Eve was like, uhh... Mom? What are these things that are as tall as me? Hah.<br />
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And, a few from the wedding. The reason we went on the trip in the first place!<br />
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I have about a million more photos, but I think I will leave this post like this.<br />
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Thanks for having us, Canada.<br />
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xo, AlyssaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-49986022873737506092014-12-23T16:30:00.000-08:002014-12-23T16:30:13.134-08:00#3I sort of slipped this in at the end of my previous post, but decided later that it might be worth a post of its own. ;)<br />
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Baby #3 is due on Elliot's birthday, May 15th.<br />
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Poor Elliot. As if being the middle child won't be challenging enough, he may have to share his birthday with another little one. Extra prayers for that boy...<br />
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We are all getting a little more excited by the day. It is still feeling a bit surreal, though!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-45575278164866023052014-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:002014-12-23T07:58:07.633-08:00The Merriest Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy, happy holidays, and merry Christmas to you. I feel like this is already the merriest Christmas I've had in years. Maybe the merriest ever? I actually feel bad typing that because my family---my sweet, enduring, patient family---has seen me at my worst and grouchiest lately, but I really do feel this has been a wonderful season.<br />
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Andrew and I decided to not exchange gifts this year because we will be taking a trip the weekend after Christmas. The kids will each receive a couple of things... nothing fancy. I stuck to <a href="http://simplekids.net/want-need-wear-read/" target="_blank">this idea</a>:<i> something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.</i> I actually<i> </i>didn't even get the kids books because they each received one from one of my uncles. </div>
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We didn't plan anything for Christmas Day that will involve driving, leaving the house, or even getting out of our pajamas. I'm pretty excited to spend the day having coffee, cookies, and snuggling up with my babies. And cooking a big fish. Mmmmm. </div>
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Like I mentioned earlier, we will be leaving for a couple of weeks, so I wish you all the merriest Christmas! We will be back with photos and stories from our road trip to Banff. I am so excited to spend New Years in the mountains! It's also our 5 year (engagement) anniversary on New Years Day. Who could have guessed where we would be 5 years later---two kids, & a third on the way. We have been blessed so abundantly.<br />
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Merry Christmas.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-48607917534548684322014-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:002014-12-10T08:00:07.904-08:002015: the yearI am a very goal oriented person. I thrive on deadlines. Like most people, I may procrastinate from time to time, but I really love the process of checking things off of a list. This probably explains why I love New Years. The feeling of leaving one year and entering the next is soooo good. It's like an automatic fresh start! To quote Anne of Green Gables, "Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it." I love that.<br />
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I was thinking of things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Not necessarily even goals, but things I would like to do. I decided to narrow the mental list down to just 30 things---some just fun activities, and others, personal goals. Here is what I have come up with:</div>
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1. Exercise more</div>
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2. Plant a tree</div>
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3. Volunteer somewhere new</div>
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4. Invite a stranger to dinner</div>
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5. Send snail mail</div>
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6. Paint a self portrait</div>
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7. Study another language</div>
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8. Give generously</div>
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9. Knit a sweater</div>
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10. Go on a picnic</div>
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11. Write a short story</div>
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12. Read (at least) one book per month</div>
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13. Make donuts </div>
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14. Save money</div>
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15. Take a road trip</div>
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16. Go camping </div>
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17. Visit a new state</div>
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18. Don't buy any new clothes (for the entire year)</div>
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19. Maintain the current in one-out one policy for everything in the home</div>
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20. Host a dinner party</div>
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21. Have a lemonade stand with the kids</div>
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22. Build a snow fort</div>
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23. Memorize scripture</div>
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24. Grow more produce</div>
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25. Bring a neighbor cookies</div>
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26. Take a community ed class</div>
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27. Swim in a lake</div>
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28. Conquer an old fear</div>
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29. Forgive people</div>
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30. Read the bible every day</div>
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Seems doable, right? Guess we will have to find out. Yay, 2015! And p.s. 2014, you haven't been so bad.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-60530251714156921822014-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:002014-12-09T12:04:52.471-08:00when things don't go as plannedI can admit, our decision to move halfway across the state was a bit rushed. It really felt like the timing was right! Andrew's job had relocated, we had found the perfect new home, and had a lot of interest in our current home, meaning it would be easy to sell. But things didn't work out that way.<br />
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I've been sort of contemplating how to even phrase it all... the series of events that led to this moment. There's not a lot to say. The timing wasn't right. God had something else in store---something very unexpected, and very challenging.<br />
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We took my 19 year old sister in and began to work with her, not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. Now she has left, and is, hopefully, going to <i>truly</i> begin her life, free of the past.<br />
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The story is long. Emotional. Painful. And still a little too fresh to dig into. We are praying for her, and trusting that all of this---all of the changes, dreams put on hold ... all of the sacrifices---were for her benefit. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.<br />
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More soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-28429871687965029712014-08-27T08:09:00.002-07:002014-08-27T08:09:32.977-07:00Minnesota State Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday night, I took Eve to the Minnesota State fair. I have brought her to the fair three, maybe four times before? But this was definitely the first year she enjoyed it. She's finally old enough to participate in things! She wanted to go on pretty much every ride in the midway, but has, like, 20 more inches to grow before that's going to happen. She also wanted to eat pretty much everything there, and it was fun having her decide what she wanted to spend her money on. We bought this giant ice cream after being at the fair all of ten minutes. Priorities! Sprinkles! My friend Heather accompanied us to the fair, and while we were walking around I realized we actually met at the fair 5 years ago. So we had a little friendiversary moment.<br />
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A few more photos after the jump.<br />
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The sky was so amazing last night.<br />
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Heather, the godmother, and Eve, the goddaughter. Sharing gluten free french fries. Eve actually said, "Why are you taking a picture of our butts?" I love my kid. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8zWxRZcKvb_x8Sk2cSEauXOWf8nCt_nM5CCqGuAHD4QH3nL9p-6keRC5DAugAPAXofrmMOMIhnEDe3clYsPIpHLIYoUMsze58YsCLffSYyCGBhdixkZx3oNb2fJsftx4gPecvUqZ2yG/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8zWxRZcKvb_x8Sk2cSEauXOWf8nCt_nM5CCqGuAHD4QH3nL9p-6keRC5DAugAPAXofrmMOMIhnEDe3clYsPIpHLIYoUMsze58YsCLffSYyCGBhdixkZx3oNb2fJsftx4gPecvUqZ2yG/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHZFMD_NZIEboXxBYzA1_jx-3CnIN9VBOkR4OMw0gXpCskgxY3i7ovxlacmH8g8PpGt6NpYjbLnNn-zTjBIB_s2tGdo3qAU3Exy_y3DmtLgI6MZEtZArwfNR0JntOBPV_APDN7SHb4KOp/s1600/image.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">We went on the Skyride for the first time (although not the first time for Heather) and I was actually a little scared! I'm a little more afraid of heights than I realized. This ride takes you from one end of the fair to the other, and it's really neat to look down at everything below. Except when you realize you are hovering above it all in a small metal chamber that is fifty years old! But Eve loved it, and oddly enough comforted me when I was feeling queasy. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I'm not sure if we will go back to the fair as a family... but this was definitely a special visit that I will remember for a long time. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-50237733330696215392014-07-05T06:14:00.002-07:002014-07-05T06:14:55.811-07:00our independence day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elliot woke up early (like, really early) and I decided to just stay up with him. Of course, he is already back to sleep and I'm alone now but... blog post!<br />
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Yesterday we went to my grandparent's house in Stillwater, MN for the evening. Their house is my absolute favorite place in the world. My grandparents are in their mid eighties, and aren't sure how much longer they will be able to stay in the house, so I am over there as often as I can be, just absorbing as much of the place as I can. I never really thought I would have children of my own running in that back yard. It's a great feeling.<br />
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We all had dinner, sat out on the deck and just talked all night... nothing fancy. The kids ran around, my dad set off a lot of fireworks (he is kind of the biggest kid out there), and Eve was loving it. She held a sparkler at one point, but that was about it. Eve is a very delicate creature. Doesn't like to be sticky, doesn't like to wear anything that isn't a "ballerina dress", ... we butt heads. A lot. But man, I love that kid. She lights up a room.<br />
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Being at my grandparent's place made me feel really excited to move to the country. I actually kind of wish we could move into their house. Having moved around so much growing up, I don't really have a place I consider 'home', so I guess coming back to this place during the summers & whatnot is sort of the closest feeling to home I know. My grandpa built his house with his own two hands---people just don't do that anymore. He is pretty incredible. Who knows, maybe that is a possibility? It's definitely worth praying about.<br />
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Hope you all had a happy 4th of July!<br />
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xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-72431499221645348762014-07-01T08:22:00.000-07:002014-07-01T08:22:00.998-07:00life latelyjust a few photos of our summer, so far.<br />
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Our summer days have been filled with ruffly swimsuits, evenings at the playground, bunnies in the backyard, and other things. So far, so good.<br />
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P.S. Those buns are brioche, and the recipe is from <a href="http://www.thefauxmartha.com/2011/05/17/brioche-hamburger-buns/" target="_blank">the fauxmartha</a>. They are TO DIE FOR.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-74778426150304134342014-06-30T04:47:00.000-07:002014-06-30T04:47:09.650-07:00grateful heartHey all.<br />
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I'm starting off this week linking up with Ember Grey's grateful heart Monday.<br />
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There is so much to be grateful for, but this week I am especially grateful for this past weekend! We were able to get away for a couple of days as a family and it was soooooo nice. It definitely wasn't the perfect vacation, but we were able to walk away from it with only a few tears shed (mostly mine... okay, some from Eve, too) so I'd say it was a success.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfgxVDqa4FLr-ABzlNzQWuJRuYX0NHF6K20d9aMqOAYdPfHnxLcQSzYqsWhWKF3un1FJHCRFV4Vf8dxtuU8gCNXTXi4O8msYGxuOu8WblAAMUAxHqOpEBC1SqKrhYJlIH3RfjkKhjccnk/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfgxVDqa4FLr-ABzlNzQWuJRuYX0NHF6K20d9aMqOAYdPfHnxLcQSzYqsWhWKF3un1FJHCRFV4Vf8dxtuU8gCNXTXi4O8msYGxuOu8WblAAMUAxHqOpEBC1SqKrhYJlIH3RfjkKhjccnk/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We went camping in southern MN. When we got there, the woman working in the state park office was super kind, and immediately upgraded us to a better site because there were a lot of cancellations. I was kind of wondering why people were leaving...? I thought it had to do with the flooding that has been causing a lot of problems in the area, but it turns out it was because of the awful mosquitoes! No joke, within, like, 20 minutes of getting out of the car, my kids' faces looked like they had the chicken pox. :( It was so bad. I am a camper, and have camped in pretty extreme conditions, but this was by far the most difficult situation I've ever been in on a camping trip. What can you do when your defenseless kids are being eaten alive!?<br />
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We stuck it out one night... then left early and went to a hotel. Ha! It all worked out though. The kids were troopers. And to be clear, I didn't cry because of the mosquitoes. We picked a campground that's near a lot of amazing hiking trails, but unfortunately a lot of the trails were super muddy or underwater entirely. I cried because I fell and slid down a ridiculously muddy hill WHILE HOLDING EVE because God forbid she step in the mud (she is a little princess), and it was just a totally awful, slightly embarrassing event. She was screaming at the top of her lungs, I was screaming, Andrew and Elliot were like a quarter of a mile away, totally fine, ... sigh. Camping adventures. Somehow, Eve only ended up with a tiny blob of mud on her foot. I was literally covered in mud, head to toe. Oh well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzD8-AIH4lP5-98o56xyjruPpVdBB38l8uKrpO8bM3oYn_eYBMGS3HTfxulQNXd_aEK0brAN54j_uOQyXtU3Z9yTUJHiSABRvDx3udMwVc8-jcp-3jBTERalm45ed3n3wAjg19Anp01Xv/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzD8-AIH4lP5-98o56xyjruPpVdBB38l8uKrpO8bM3oYn_eYBMGS3HTfxulQNXd_aEK0brAN54j_uOQyXtU3Z9yTUJHiSABRvDx3udMwVc8-jcp-3jBTERalm45ed3n3wAjg19Anp01Xv/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's good to be home, and we will try again next year.<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.embergrey.com/search/label/grateful%20heart%20monday" title="Ember Grey"><img alt="Ember Grey" src="http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad295/embergrey/GHMtiedyeEGbutton_zpsed6c294b.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-19928602317581029352014-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-19T07:00:00.496-07:00taking stock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">
This play on currently-type blog posts has been circulating around the internet---however, it was <a href="http://www.sometimessweet.com/" target="_blank">Dani Hampton's blog</a> that inspired me to take the plunge. I like the idea of filling one of these out every month or so, to look back on how everything was going/what I was feeling at the time!</div>
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<i>Making:</i> Lots of gluten free recipes. Eve has told me a couple of times lately that her tummy hurts. You never know with toddlers, but I thought we would give gluten free a shot, or at the very least, <i>less gluten</i>. There are several gluten allergies in my family, so it wouldn't be a surprise if she has one. We have been kickin' it with quinoa!</div>
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<i>Cooking:</i> Quinoa. Roasted vegetables. Veggie omelets for Andrew every Friday morning. </div>
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<i>Drinking:</i> Water. However, as of this week I have officially weaned Elliot so BRING ON THE WHITE WINE!</div>
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<i>Reading: </i> I am reading <u>The Fault in Our Stars</u> because my kid sister told me to. It's been good so far, but only making me want to read more books. I need summer book recommendations! </div>
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<i>Wanting:</i> it to be next weekend already because I booked us a little family camping trip!</div>
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<i>Looking:</i> at Elliot, chomping away on some green puffs. </div>
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<i>Playing:</i> peekaboo with him. He is in my closet. </div>
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<i>Wasting: </i> nothing, really! We have been getting rid of things, as always, trying to simplify, but we have either given things to friends or to Goodwill. </div>
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<i>Sewing:</i> nothing right now... nothing for, like, a year. Ha!</div>
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<i>Wishing: </i>for the right person or family to buy our house. </div>
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<i>Enjoying:</i> Summer weather!</div>
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<i>Waiting:</i> for the girls to wake up from their naps so I can keep packing up the storage room upstairs. </div>
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<i>Liking: </i> my long hair, but I feel like I should cut it? It has been growing ridiculously fast. </div>
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<i>Wondering:</i> if we can really pull this move off. </div>
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<i>Loving:</i> fresh herbs from the garden. I absolutely love going out back and snipping a bunch of whatever I need. It's the best. </div>
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<i>Hoping:</i> that Andrew has a successful week at work. </div>
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<i>Marveling: </i> at my beautiful kids, and how fast they are growing up. My hormones have been a little crazy with weaning, but I am such a sap. I could just stare at my babies and cry all day. </div>
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<i>Needing:</i> more than 5 hours of sleep... </div>
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<i>Smelling:</i> lemon essential oil. mmm.</div>
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<i>Wearing:</i> plain t shirts and colorful shorts. Every day. </div>
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<i>Following:</i> along with the world cup!</div>
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<i>Noticing: </i>the sunsets every night. God is such an amazing artist. </div>
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<i>Feeling:</i> so emotional. It happens when your hormones are shifting, I guess. I'm looking forward to feeling like my old self again. </div>
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<i>Opening:</i> the mail... everyone gets pretty excited about the mail around here. </div>
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<i> Feeling:</i> excited for the future!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-40282472249427870012014-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-18T06:00:00.379-07:00perfect chocolate chip cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwtIhshnxNkzW2U9tsiAXgwpS7S_sf1_2YW4-n0r0tG20ZO5vQO8u6l8Su3oOtUIOjItSEoFs6mkK0FY04erBeWE-X2vIyCa-SrIt8ch_MxuIdGwCjVvbf5iqggaqstyFEGHhCU3GuZCH/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwtIhshnxNkzW2U9tsiAXgwpS7S_sf1_2YW4-n0r0tG20ZO5vQO8u6l8Su3oOtUIOjItSEoFs6mkK0FY04erBeWE-X2vIyCa-SrIt8ch_MxuIdGwCjVvbf5iqggaqstyFEGHhCU3GuZCH/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My all time favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies. I think perfectly made chocolate chip cookies are one of the best things on earth, actually. I probably make these more than I should, but we always have company at our house, neighbors to thank, friends who need a little treat, and there are<i> always</i> hungry kids around, so the cookies don't last long.<br />
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I think most bakers have a chocolate cookie recipe they refer to, and this is mine. There are definitely more complicated, overnight-chilled, more-ingredient recipes I use, but this is my standard. It's a go-to for me, and I think it's <i>perfect.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJcKmton7Y5P074xZ3mhMWH3v77rJ7R7CMplGs1epQodqDmb5k839r0gqD0mqrizokKdAeFMvnvPM-hvsARbeyzIoO_CQ6hgjoExsfGUGNwRi1WoQ_6Rqx9_dEifPFMbOLYC1Xi0dBOTE/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJcKmton7Y5P074xZ3mhMWH3v77rJ7R7CMplGs1epQodqDmb5k839r0gqD0mqrizokKdAeFMvnvPM-hvsARbeyzIoO_CQ6hgjoExsfGUGNwRi1WoQ_6Rqx9_dEifPFMbOLYC1Xi0dBOTE/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 1/3 cups all purpose flour<br />
2 sticks of butter, softened<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
flaky sea salt<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
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Mix softened butter with brown sugar. Add white sugar, and mix these until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, and incorporate until fully combined. Add vanilla extract.<br />
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In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in until just combined. Don't over mix! Add the entire bag of chocolate chips because YOLO.<br />
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Bake by rounded tablespoon-ful at 375 degrees for exactly 10 minutes. (This is how long I leave them in my oven. You may need to adjust a little depending on how hot your oven gets. Trial and error!) The cookies might look a little underdone. Sprinkle with a bit of flaky sea salt.<br />
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Let them cool, and they will be perfectly soft, gooey, and chocolatey. This recipe should yield around 4 dozen cookies. I make them a little bit small, so I can eat more of them obviously!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXHE9EWEsNfZbG2n1bK_cFnlk5Tc1YYtuqRAOeHpMS0qrJbbTYsQHxI9FsF0__TbRyOc1M3_5tuDnls7wYY3qeagPqFQZJY2YuY54rNdODBv3IsABR1_WCCjyS_JPvBUhkzAXiAXkRGE-/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXHE9EWEsNfZbG2n1bK_cFnlk5Tc1YYtuqRAOeHpMS0qrJbbTYsQHxI9FsF0__TbRyOc1M3_5tuDnls7wYY3qeagPqFQZJY2YuY54rNdODBv3IsABR1_WCCjyS_JPvBUhkzAXiAXkRGE-/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I split the dough in half before adding the chocolate chips. One half I made the usual way, and to the other half of the dough I added 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and about 1 cup of white chocolate chips. YUM. The possibilities are endless with cookies. That must be why I love them so much.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-14325199932032330472014-06-17T10:45:00.000-07:002014-06-17T10:45:09.716-07:00out in the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bra0fqBNKQfS4dvLV3n_AdI8FYIBKAfKlbACqerHCXeFayjy1fzTiEgkKnH2Y1yuA4qMEvAR2wnIaGrKmLmdGsvRy8nrqG9JBysRmS468BxzVC1qPTAd41QgdXbYs_3YZ_Cw8NCBSVNV/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bra0fqBNKQfS4dvLV3n_AdI8FYIBKAfKlbACqerHCXeFayjy1fzTiEgkKnH2Y1yuA4qMEvAR2wnIaGrKmLmdGsvRy8nrqG9JBysRmS468BxzVC1qPTAd41QgdXbYs_3YZ_Cw8NCBSVNV/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>I took this photo before weeding the area today. Lots... of... clover...</i></td></tr>
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My garden this year is a bit small. I don't have as many things growing as I normally do---I knew since we are moving, a lot of what I typically plant would be ready around the time we are planning to move, and therefore useless! But what <i>is</i> growing is <i>thriving</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ1AqCcnuAPZnJ7VcD2SZ28DBUfeNR87QXUQITY4MbBRQykKylUISm0nBQBcne9Z1KGOTECGVAuHPNPefcsUGhx4r7hRsny9nADNmkkFmFeii3aIfnaI-EsyvQHAqq7xLhmQroK9CJdJ-/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ1AqCcnuAPZnJ7VcD2SZ28DBUfeNR87QXUQITY4MbBRQykKylUISm0nBQBcne9Z1KGOTECGVAuHPNPefcsUGhx4r7hRsny9nADNmkkFmFeii3aIfnaI-EsyvQHAqq7xLhmQroK9CJdJ-/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I snipped some cilantro to use with the leftover BBQ pork quesadillas I made for lunch. Yum! I love having a garden, and planning meals around what is the freshest out there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1WFejS1731m9yRwMex0pMS_91oPFkZLE2W0r-TxyWVMqXmX8JqdR4wHP-mzlgjcekhunDpNOeYdPHnLGHQKPfZtTqEiEHSziV20dqva8jOWCMLJP3MxDFYzgRIZoRy8oMOXjMDBvFSBC/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1WFejS1731m9yRwMex0pMS_91oPFkZLE2W0r-TxyWVMqXmX8JqdR4wHP-mzlgjcekhunDpNOeYdPHnLGHQKPfZtTqEiEHSziV20dqva8jOWCMLJP3MxDFYzgRIZoRy8oMOXjMDBvFSBC/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I have a super cute little garden helper.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all photos taken with my iphone. </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-57222977721853156022014-06-09T19:46:00.001-07:002014-06-09T19:46:28.055-07:00back againWhat day is it today? Is it really only Monday?<br />
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Okay. I inadvertently took a three week long blogging absence. Totally wasn't planned, and I actually have, like, three posts that I started writing? I just couldn't make it happen. It has been a little crazy around here.<br />
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We officially have our house on the market. (!!!) This is bittersweet. I love this house, and I love Minneapolis, but it's time. We have already been in talks with the lovely owners of our farm house about when we will begin moving out there, etc, so it's time to get this ball rolling. It is so crazy! We would have never bought this place if we knew we would be turning around and selling it a year and a half later. It's a little bit nuts, honestly. But this house has been a dream, and, I mean, my baby was born in it! The memories here are all good ones, and it will be just as much fun to move into our next house & start creating new memories.<br />
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Speaking of moving, another move happened last week... My youngest sister moved in with us. My parents are moving back to Japan this fall, and Madeline decided to stay here in the states. When my parents initially told us that they were moving, I, of course, offered to take Madeline if need be. She is 18, and technically an adult, but doesn't really have any college aspirations, and hasn't really had much experience yet as far as working. I know it will be a little while before she is comfortable with getting a job, apartment, etc. So, yeah, naturally, we offered her a room here. I guess I didn't know she would accept? I mean, Japan! But she is here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know my baby sister a little bit this summer. We are 8 years apart and haven't lived under the same roof for about 10 years now, so a lot has changed. Also, HELLO BUILT IN BABYSITTER. Yes.<br />
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Anyway, the babies are asleep, and I am about to put my feet up with a book. I just wanted to squeeze out a little post here while I had a minute. It feels good to be back!<br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-33159266065753346772014-05-19T18:04:00.003-07:002014-05-19T18:04:54.375-07:00grateful heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Monday, which means I am linking up with <a href="http://www.embergrey.com/">Ember Grey</a> to share something I am grateful for.<br />
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Over the weekend we celebrated Elliot's first birthday (he turned one on May 15th) with my family & some extended relatives. While I always love seeing family, it was an extra special party because my grandparents were able to come! They hadn't seen our house since we moved in. They are in their mid eighties and aren't getting around very much these days, so it was truly an honor to have them over. I had relationships with 5 of 8 great grandparents growing up, and it's such a blessing to see my kids interact with my grandparents, too. I have thought Elliot resembles my grandpa Fox for a long time now, and this is only being confirmed as he grows up and comes into his features.<br />
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My grandparents are so full of wisdom. They have traveled the entire world, and they have done so many amazing, selfless things. They inspire me, and have been such a source of comfort throughout my life. Picking raspberries from my grandmother's garden is one of my earliest memories, and that alone created in me a love for gardening, which is a huge part of who I am now.<br />
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I know, I'm a little sappy! But I know this was the only time my grandparents will ever be in my house, and it won't be long now until they move out of their own home, their home my grandpa built with his bare hands, and into a retirement home. It's been a thrill to introduce my babies to them, and to receive their blessings over our little family.<br />
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We love you!<br />
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Thanks, always, to <a href="http://www.embergrey.com/">Ember Grey</a> for hosting the link up!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-90581193994856142292014-05-12T11:13:00.000-07:002014-05-15T07:06:38.205-07:00madeline's prom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the weekend, I had a chance to take some pictures of my littlest sister, Madeline, her boyfriend, and another couple of her friends before they went to prom. These guys had places in mind where they wanted to take photos, so my other sister Lauren and I followed them around St. Paul, taking orders. ;) We had a lot of fun exploring the city, and these girls looked so beautiful! Lauren and I never went to our proms so we were kind of living vicariously through Madeline and her friends. Just a little.<br>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098499789706427332.post-3495977921531522092014-05-12T08:50:00.001-07:002014-05-12T08:50:08.997-07:00grateful heartIt's Monday and I am linking up with <a href="http://www.embergrey.com/">ember grey</a> to share something I am grateful for!<br />
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I have been waiting for this day for about a month now... I am so, so grateful that my little girl is home today! She was visiting her missionary grandparents in Japan for almost a month. She had an absolute blast but we missed her so much. She and grandpa flew in this morning around 5 am, and she is still awake and going strong, that crazy kid. It's like 1:00 in the morning Japan time.<br />
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We are so happy to have her back, and so thrilled that she was able to have this experience. My grandparents were also missionaries in Japan. I first visited them overseas when I was about four, so it's just really cool to see my daughter experiencing the same things I did. Parenthood is so great.<br />
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What are you grateful for this week?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901633320568760106noreply@blogger.com2