tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11475596610899028272024-03-21T18:17:16.273-06:00Beautiful Century, A Beautiful LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-3124818645340973042013-08-07T13:00:00.004-06:002013-08-07T13:00:38.904-06:00New Blog AddressIt's been a time of reflection, rebuilding, recovery and renewal...whew! I'm ready to start blogging again and am starting afresh by continuing this blog on a new Wordpress site. Come join me at <a href="http://thebeautifulcentury.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Beautiful Century, A Beautiful Life</a>! <div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-72210190334298781992012-12-25T21:12:00.000-07:002012-12-25T21:12:02.581-07:00Days 23 - 25: Merry Christmas! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hough the little one and I stayed home to recover from an overnight illness,</div>
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the rest of the family enjoyed services on Sunday.</div>
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And we enjoyed a beautiful candlelight service last night.</div>
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When we exited from the church, it had snowed!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArAoa9Si_gY/UNp2Iw0eRaI/AAAAAAAAGUc/VhKoVPaRVJw/s400/IMG_1040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow in the Mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Morning</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter our traditional Christmas breakfast,</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">we went sledding!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>ll three kids at once!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ur Snow Angels</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!!!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-55708850482168967622012-12-22T13:09:00.000-07:002012-12-22T13:09:09.748-07:00Days Seventeen - Twenty-Two: Movies & Parties Galore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>rom an American Girls Club Christmas Party at Barnes and Noble </div>
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to the party at the kids' school that I did the decorations for</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(they take classes once a week as a supplement to homeschool),</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it has been a busy week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he kids performed with their music classes - </div>
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Barnabas takes World Percussion and Piano classes, while Mireille takes Guitar.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n the evenings, we cuddled up on the couch and watched Christmas movies.</div>
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It snowed this week, and there's even a chance we'll have a <span style="font-size: large;">white Christmas!!!</span></div>
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In the midst of such a busy season, it's important to balance activity with rest.</div>
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I've let the kids sleep in and take things at a slower pace.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Christmas time, after all.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-76833382645590409842012-12-17T14:14:00.002-07:002012-12-17T14:23:57.682-07:00Days Thirteen - Sixteen: Holiday Activities and Reflection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>nstead of posting these pics Friday morning, sorrow filled my heart and I couldn't write.</div>
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I can scarcely describe the myriad of emotions inside even now, days after the tragedy.</div>
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After my baby's bath this morning, I held him close for a number of minutes.</div>
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He snuggled into me also and lay still.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">A precious pause on an ordinary day. A gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y kids <strike>are</strike> <strike>sick of</strike> <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">may be a little bit tired of</span> me constantly snapping pics of them.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Thirteen:</b> Our library had a Marionette Puppet Program which included singing and dancing -</div>
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I am thrilled that my kids throw themselves into activities, </div>
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even if they seem a little different than what they expected.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg65023tOAU/UM9taJWvG4I/AAAAAAAAGQY/p2giQI50Hqo/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKJaoAM1PUg/UM9tYhZFUoI/AAAAAAAAGQU/u_2iKMQ5dBo/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he storyteller used natural elements to represent a bear and other forest creatures. </div>
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The marionettes represented a Woodsmen and Winter. </div>
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In an era of lots of flash and technology as entertainment,</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I adore stories told in simpler ways, through song and imagination.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKxlMu1swFo/UM9tcMue37I/AAAAAAAAGQ0/i8EjewLn9ss/s320/IMG_0806.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eVLWW0tuUQ/UM9tbQshtjI/AAAAAAAAGQs/Pjo-Fmgchrs/s320/IMG_0805.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Fourteen:</b> Mireille is a part of a Book Club with <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">the loveliest group of girls.</span> </div>
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<img border="0" height="371" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLAFz82g_HU/UM96pzgivWI/AAAAAAAAGRY/7vzFH_UALfc/s640/MBook2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hey decorated gingerbread teddy bears and angels based on the book they read for November,</div>
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drank hot chocolate and wassail while playing Christmas games.</div>
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The boys stayed home and spent the afternoon playing together with Legos and games on the XBox.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jI_7L-BBMc0/UM96pEbvvaI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/_AVBFbos8Mk/s640/MBook.jpg" width="456" /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Fifteen:</b> We all went to see a local Christmas Program called "The Nutty Nutcracker,"</div>
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based on the ballet but with a unique twist. </div>
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This year they incorporated the story into a 1940s radio program - a very creative idea and presentation!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Sixteen:</b> The Christmas Play </div>
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<img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOBwHyfkRfU/UM-G2kumEFI/AAAAAAAAGR8/rbXSdQN7ez8/s640/BB2.jpg" width="640" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw_ZtmCvQKI/UM-G1msoOTI/AAAAAAAAGR0/HT2JHxLRttk/s1600/BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw_ZtmCvQKI/UM-G1msoOTI/AAAAAAAAGR0/HT2JHxLRttk/s640/BB.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y son Barnabas was in the Christmas play at church...</div>
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after <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">months and months</span> of rehearsal, it was <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">awesome</span> to finally see the show.<br />
The children did a marvelous job!<br />
Now if I can only get the songs out of my head...</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyn5_lC07eA/UM-G423BgpI/AAAAAAAAGSM/HbwW4PyP-58/s400/MK2.jpg" width="265" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N258n-i5TF8/UM-G3u_4Z7I/AAAAAAAAGSE/86okaKX7j6A/s400/KM.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he service started with all the little ones coming up on stage to sing Christmas Carols.</div>
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With support and encouragement from his big sister, Keizo was happy to do his part.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>o far, this Christmas season has been a whirlwind of activities, fun and meaningful. </div>
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The tragedy that unfolded last weekend reminds me to stop in the midst of the busyness </div>
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and remember what is truly important.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>To not take life for granted.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>To treasure the moments together.</b></span></div>
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I reminded the older children to always turn to the Lord,</div>
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in happy times and in sad times.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>To cling to Him - the only stability in an uncertain time.</b></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-73581104515612883792012-12-14T00:01:00.000-07:002012-12-14T00:01:18.680-07:00Day Twelve: Advent<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y sister-in-law told me about this advent series last year,</div>
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and we enjoyed the first book, <a href="http://www.jothamsjourney.com/node/39" target="_blank">Jotham's Journey</a>, immensely.</div>
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<a href="http://www.jothamsjourney.com/node/39" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os9rg8LRrJA/UMrF4hMxmVI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/UTbkOd_UmPc/s400/book.preview.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he kids <span style="font-size: large;">begged</span> me to get the next book in the series, <a href="http://www.jothamsjourney.com/node/40" target="_blank">Bartholomew's Passage</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.jothamsjourney.com/node/40" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUCNGDdMJ_E/UMrBSWVXDGI/AAAAAAAAGO0/XSGIzrKw1IA/s400/BartCover.preview.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he stories are exciting, and the devotions following each chapter </div>
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are <span style="font-size: large;">thoughtful and uplifting</span>.</div>
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Though we started the book late, we quickly caught up this week </div>
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and are eager for each day's reading!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I <u>highly recommend</u> this advent series </span></div>
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and am thinking about getting the rest of the books to use throughout the year.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UUkvs5BEG8/UMrLLyIPQMI/AAAAAAAAGPs/tSO2v0w3K84/s1600/advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UUkvs5BEG8/UMrLLyIPQMI/AAAAAAAAGPs/tSO2v0w3K84/s400/advent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nother item we are using is an Advent calendar called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-Christmas-Mary-Packard/dp/0761152504" target="_blank">The Story of Christmas</a>. </div>
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The description from Amazon.com says:</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">Wonderfully illustrated and brimming with holiday spirit, </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">the calendar features 24 jewel-like miniature board books </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">nestled in a three-paneled, stand-alone backer. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The books are numbered 1 through 24, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and, like the peek-a-boo windows on an Advent calendar, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">are meant to be opened one per day from December 1st through Christmas Eve. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Read in sequence, they capture the magic of the first Christmas, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">from Gabriel’s visit to Mary (Book 4) </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">to the Three Wise Men gazing at the star (Book 9) </span><span style="background-color: white;">to Jesus' birth (Book 24). </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Each book is one of four different trim sizes and features a gold thread loop </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">so that after it's read, it can be hung on the Christmas tree."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hese are tools to remind us daily about the wonder and spirit of this beautiful season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love snuggling with my little ones on the couch </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and reading these books each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They are a big part of making our 25 Days of Christmas meaningful! </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-25304681701103816812012-12-13T06:41:00.000-07:002012-12-13T06:43:29.996-07:00Day Eleven: A Day In The Mountains<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>n the last day of Grandma's visit, we spent the day up in the mountains.</div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv7njOMKlNI/TGJFc3cXfCI/AAAAAAAADlk/UFap4PkbJR4/s640/38570_413743117466_581717466_4894583_5734174_n.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pj1Dg-LV4TY/TGQoWNdv5RI/AAAAAAAADn8/ix-Ax0WxMPY/s640/38656_413731357466_581717466_4894380_690687_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e are blessed to live so close - our views from around town:</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEv2dQyuC3M/S7TobJwx6jI/AAAAAAAACpY/-zNpDRXlmI8/s640/8502.jpg" width="424" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhGGqegFaF8/S7Tochrdq9I/AAAAAAAACpg/9owfW8SqP7M/s640/8510.jpg" width="640" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BprDhnJSOsQ/TPaae7k3h8I/AAAAAAAAFLk/D6JKMDrN3F0/s1600/1738+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BprDhnJSOsQ/TPaae7k3h8I/AAAAAAAAFLk/D6JKMDrN3F0/s640/1738+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t was a perfect day.</div>
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The majesty of the mountains never fail to impress </div>
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and also leave deep impressions in our hearts,</div>
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helping to put things in perspective...</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rsL-dPi6Rs/UMnWrV7AKEI/AAAAAAAAGOA/ehxk5r0oGpo/s640/IMG_0777.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> gorgeous sunset as we made our way home.</div>
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Thank You, God, for Your beautiful artistry!</div>
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</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VuTCwJD_ie8/UMnWtHZMChI/AAAAAAAAGOY/-3Db79Hw08c/s640/IMG_0780.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUXMs_wlM_0/UMnWsdqoeZI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/gPp_aAoa2t8/s640/IMG_0779.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mop29Lugzzc/UMnWr3TnvJI/AAAAAAAAGOI/lubW4vWbo4M/s640/IMG_0778.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-34929000296818636282012-12-12T15:12:00.002-07:002012-12-12T15:15:12.146-07:00Day Ten: A Practical Response<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> friend and I were chatting about our desire for this holiday season to be about more than just ourselves...even the 25 Days of Christmas was supposed to be about more than our family's fun activities. <span style="font-size: large;">We pass by people with cardboard signs throughout our town and wonder how to respond. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e want to. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Do something.</span> But what exactly? Not being prepared with an answer and response makes us turn our heads away and end up doing nothing. We sometimes remember to pray and that IS a response. But we want to model compassion for our children, that if there is something we can do to help others that is in our power to do so, we should. <span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Pray for the problem and pray for the solution, God's way</u>. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SFKeYacPqg/UMj595gxinI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/v8ewt8Uro-A/s320/IMG_0746.JPG" width="320" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e72puD7QNvc/UMj5-gtL7EI/AAAAAAAAGNY/2G_V7f1r6M8/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e72puD7QNvc/UMj5-gtL7EI/AAAAAAAAGNY/2G_V7f1r6M8/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e invited other homeschooling families from our church to make bags filled with practical items to give out to those we come across with the cardboard signs. Water, snacks, handwarmers, gum, tissues, hand sanitizer, chapstick...we included a tract and a Christmas card in each bag.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S631D0ch3go/UMj58_lwW1I/AAAAAAAAGNI/r5wnMZSM5dE/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyoszfQ2W3Q/UMj56AEasuI/AAAAAAAAGM4/MEEwMbkvrp0/s320/IMG_0740.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith donations of items from church members, we were able to make <span style="font-size: large;">three times</span> the amount of bags we had planned for each family! </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_M6ppgFOD8/UMj5_ivG6UI/AAAAAAAAGNg/uNNcIGRKa78/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozNYMMHbtKI/UMj57uZJvjI/AAAAAAAAGNA/L5K7eOgz9ng/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith our cars loaded, we are prepared to respond to others less fortunate with a kind word and practical gift...and we plan to keep our cars stocked too beyond this holiday season. Carrying in our hearts the love we have received through the gift of Jesus Christ and finding ways to pour out to others His Love in ways that will minister to body and soul. <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">During the worship dance services, the pastor encouraged us to LEAK out into the community beyond the church walls.</span> Giving these bags is one way for us to LEAK with our children!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-34438703672631382712012-12-10T10:54:00.000-07:002012-12-10T10:54:07.370-07:00Days Eight and Nine: A Weekend of Celebration<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y baby girl's worship dance program was this weekend.</div>
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An exhausting schedule of tech and dress rehearsals plus four performances</div>
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turned out to be a <span style="font-size: x-large;">tremendous blessing.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdMlzx1kG30/UMYcw-nHR9I/AAAAAAAAGL0/rfX-6hU02AY/s400/IMG_0704.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>itting through that many services </div>
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with beautiful worship music and dance uplifted my bruised soul. </div>
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What is it about family attitudes/behavior/patterns that can wound so quickly? </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHF7GIFhv9w/UMYcv8KSLuI/AAAAAAAAGLs/FcslFK9RdKI/s400/IMG_0703.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>evertheless, a determination and declaration rose up from my heart:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Choose for yourself this day who you will serve...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>As for me and my house</u>, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ODRju0Fi4/UMYczjSfi5I/AAAAAAAAGMM/4heqla_NCA0/s400/IMG_0728.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes to His ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">No to ways that are not of God.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ozO9_iIdd8/UMYc0hrXfxI/AAAAAAAAGMU/kuuKzKeWKVk/s400/IMG_0729.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y butterfly gave her all to the Lord and was breathtaking to behold.</div>
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It fills my heart with joy to see my children shine in the gifts God has given them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Celebrating Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The blessing of each child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wanting to build up, not tear down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Living <b><u>our</u></b> family values.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATiDLLOXpw4/UMYcx5_oCCI/AAAAAAAAGL8/NXqqgja_luk/s400/IMG_0706.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-1936750588650706332012-12-08T12:16:00.001-07:002012-12-08T12:16:09.315-07:00Day Seven: Christmas Vignettes from Our Tree and Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ress rehearsal and preparations for my daughter's Christmas Dance Program continue</div>
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through this weekend, so I thought I'd share glimpses of our Christmas tree and home.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4x3sUc4PlY/SyXiaPv3xiI/AAAAAAAABys/1Qo7vXvnThc/s640/7890.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>n angel from my childhood tree.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gfpnm2bHDQ/SyXiapBc66I/AAAAAAAABy0/GQg4e5Ue6_o/s640/7891.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he true meaning of Christmas.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rW54Ocf-cow/TPROo2hIXTI/AAAAAAAAFLg/TQfzxby5WjM/s640/1923.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> 12 Days of Christmas garland.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox0ofy_IK4U/TPQ32PgP61I/AAAAAAAAFJg/ck1bhJaua3Q/s400/1875.jpg" width="266" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8xQ092symw/TPQ3xE1WOEI/AAAAAAAAFJc/rkdeNnekE1s/s400/1873.jpg" width="265" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>dvent stockings I made from fleece...here's <a href="http://shesparkles247.blogspot.com/2012/12/advent-stockings.html" target="_blank">a link</a> of how I did it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdCj65byo1E/TPfiMj2HLcI/AAAAAAAAFME/WgiidJJv7AE/s640/1931.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>limpses of our tree:</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utlHC-Vnb5k/TPROiONP9iI/AAAAAAAAFLU/j6-_p_9emqI/s640/1891.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHrq8IL8meg/TPROays8-QI/AAAAAAAAFLI/HD-M0liZ7aQ/s640/1887.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGa_7i_hAlA/TPROG8iLYTI/AAAAAAAAFK0/rruXng9zVos/s640/1894.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icZ9hiabHzM/SyXjcGawAlI/AAAAAAAABzM/djKG7bn2Eas/s640/7901.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>hristmas Books</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRfjzqEqPi0/TPRNnaZlIII/AAAAAAAAFKM/vfGPSiX5zC4/s640/1883.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> Dancing and Singing Santa Claus</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(and one that plays football)</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQGPJvjGZgs/TPRNgxlxUPI/AAAAAAAAFKE/R4bA-wW7nWM/s640/1815.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-26814738925523385322012-12-07T10:50:00.001-07:002012-12-07T10:56:17.323-07:00Day Six: Art and Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y art teacher is a lovely lady from my church who is <span style="font-size: large;">amazingly talented</span> </div>
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and <span style="font-size: large;">so generous</span> with her time.</div>
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She pours of herself into me and encourages me tremendously.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>She is a gift to me.</b></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuIvnyrngv8/UMIpBtDyL9I/AAAAAAAAGKw/uxz1CpCMQrk/s200/IMG_0650.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxmB_ZyCT8E/UMIo_YzpGGI/AAAAAAAAGKY/hAt6TZtaaXs/s200/IMG_0647.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTQG_F8iH-s/UMIpAOSAd_I/AAAAAAAAGKg/a6bVESneoCE/s200/IMG_0648.JPG" width="200" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>peaking of gifts,</div>
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Grandma brought coats for everyone!</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgn7rmLt7vk/UMIpCLB5MCI/AAAAAAAAGK4/GCc4ooVgRU0/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e are ready to go <span style="font-size: large;">sledding, snowshoeing, skiing -</span> </div>
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ready for any of the winter activities that Colorado has to offer!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Six...waiting in eager anticipation for Grandma to arrive.</div>
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Lots of hugs and exclamations!</div>
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Art class for me while the kids tried to beat Grandma in Sequence.</div>
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It's their favorite game to play together.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The evening wrapped up with cozy time chatting after dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e have a special guest arriving on Thursday.</div>
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Grandma is flying in for an early holiday visit and to see her granddaughter's recital.</div>
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We spent last winter with her and miss her tremendously.</div>
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Grandma lives across the bridge from NYC, and the we enjoyed numerous adventures there!</div>
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<img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxLejGaIlrk/UMBLM1A0UQI/AAAAAAAAGKA/8ZVNUywFkwE/s640/DSC00202PINK.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday was a quiet day of preparation for her visit and rest.</div>
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The evening had us going different directions -</div>
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Barnabas had a swim class and practice for the Christmas play at church.</div>
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Mireille had tech rehearsals for her recital.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ere are pictures from my baby girl's first recital when she was five.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nMvqjfF-Lc/SjvgtOr1lsI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/LHxTqBFlMcg/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdqXcK2opEM/Sjvgtt1QvtI/AAAAAAAAA1g/QkBVA5INWOU/s640/16.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> just started a new painting of the her in the picture above. </div>
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My beautiful butterfly.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t's important to take time for rest.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">To refuel in order to finish strong.</span></div>
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(This is my precious Barnaboo at age four. He was dressed as a football superhero,</div>
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a combination of his favorite things. He took this race very seriously.)</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-12195500502251612842012-12-05T10:46:00.003-07:002012-12-05T10:55:02.932-07:00Day Four: Elf Hunting, Cookies and Conversation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his was posted on Facebook yesterday and described my sentiments exactly:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">"I'm trying to be Fabulous today,</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">but I'm exhausted from being </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">so freakin' Fabulous yesterday!"</span></div>
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So I'm a little late with this blog post...apologies :-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Four of our month long adventure found us running an errand in Boulder.</div>
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I have a love-hate relationship with that place -</div>
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I love it because it's funky, and I hate it because it's funky.</div>
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It's the combination of hippie culture mixed with wealth and privilege.</div>
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Lots of cool shops and events, people-who-honk-incessantly-when-you-don't-do </div>
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what-they-think-you-should-do-at-the-moment-they-think-you-should.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's artsy and liberating but also leans way over the edge at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter our errand, we decided to go into Whole Foods for lunch. </div>
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This sign <span style="font-size: large;">immediately</span> grabbed our attention. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">(One think you should know about us is that we <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> scavenger hunts. In fact, we won <span style="font-size: large;">1st place at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Scavenger Hunt</span> a few years ago, dressed as pirates. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Here's the link to a Youtube video of the event...we start showing up at 30 seconds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R1lVOMvSM4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R1lVOMvSM4</a></span> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>ver ready for action, <span style="font-size: large;">the Elf Hunting crew</span> gathered their materials and went off to search.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>ha! Found one!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd another hiding out in the Deli section. </div>
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There were some <span style="font-size: large;">lovely Whole Foods employees</span> who made our time there enjoyable. </div>
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One lady kept checking up on the kids to make sure they were finding the elves,</div>
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and the lady at the Deli counter offered them samples of anything they wanted to try.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That made up for the number of shoppers who almost rammed into us with their carts </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">and behaved so snooty in the store.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>arnabas suggested that we grab some bread and cheese for lunch -</div>
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very European! So we did.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>rusty Ciabatta Bread with Gouda Cheese and Irish Butter</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>heddar bunnies and natural soda. A special treat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he munchkin had his last swim class in the afternoon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>s cute as the games are, I think we're going to avoid classes with animal names in the future.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need him to know how to swim!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And I'm not so keen about the two little girls who chased him around the whole time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Back off, girlies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ur Rec Center is an awesome facilitiy including a large shallow area and slide for little ones,</div>
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two indoor slides, a lazy river with big tubes to float around on <span style="font-size: large;">(my favorite)</span>, </div>
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a hot tub, steam room and sauna. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay Four concluded with <span style="font-size: large;">the celebration of National Cookie Day </span>- </div>
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we sat around the kitchen table chatting while munching on Oatmeal Scotchies, White Chocolate Chip Macadamia and Chocolate-Caramel Turtle Cookies.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A delicious way to end the day.</span> </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-87128232138598272802012-12-03T21:48:00.000-07:002012-12-03T21:53:39.603-07:00Day Three: Brotherly Love and Gingerbread Houses<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> life lesson we've been <strike>pushing</strike>, <strike>insisting upon</strike>, <strike>fussing about</strike>, <i><span style="font-size: large;">emphasizing</span></i> with the kids is <b>family loyalty</b>. God chose each child to be born into this family, and <b>they are each a gift and a blessing. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> recall too many incidents in my growing up years of sibling battles that were never resolved and the distrust and distance that has carried over into adulthood. I want my children to remain close, to have one another's backs and that their families when they are grown would be close. I believe we have to be intentional about this and not dismiss squabbles and mean behaviors as "sibling rivalry." We have been teaching the kids that love, patience, attitudes of the heart, character, etc. are developed at home - though it may seem easier to be kind to a friend than a sibling, eventually any behaviors that we exercise consistently will manifest outside of the home. It takes self-control and choosing to do right over what we feel, especially at home! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday, on Day Three of the 25 Days, we had back-to-back swim classes. The boys started out playing well while waiting for their sister's class to end...then started the downward slide into teasing and frustrating one another. <span style="font-size: large;">Weary, <u>so very very weary</u></span>, of lecturing, hushing and getting riled up myself, I pulled out my camera phone. <span style="font-size: x-large;">And asked them to show me love.</span> It worked. They started <b><span style="font-size: large;">giggling. hugging. tickling and smiling at each other. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">loving. Thank You, Lord. </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter swim classes, we dashed over to our awesome public library for a <span style="font-size: large;">Gingerbread House Making Party</span>. They have fantastic programs throughout the year, and we have gotten to know the librarians and several other families that are "regulars." </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ho can pass up an opportunity for messy fun, especially when it's not at my own house??? The children have chipmunk cheeks in their pics because of the candy canes and peppermints that somehow bypassed the houses into their mouths. I had a wipe in one hand and my phone in the other, trying desperately to not get frosting on myself while capturing their gorgeous creations. <span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm realizing this Christmas season that I really enjoy the simple.</span> Though glitz and glam are wonderful, they often add an element of stress to me. Getting back to the heart of this season has been life-altering, even three days in. And the kids even told me on the drive home that they think they want to keep the 25 Days of Christmas tradition going. We'll talk about it once Christmas Day arrives and see what has happened in all of our hearts.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-24838579972047238652012-12-02T22:59:00.000-07:002012-12-02T23:05:42.001-07:00Day Two: Church, Football & Shopping Surprises!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he giving spirit of Christmas must have nestled into the hearts of my precious ones a little bit. My older son, Barnabas, used the rewards he's earned in church to buy a journal for his sister and a Matchbox car for his little brother who adores cars. <span style="font-size: large;">Melts my heart!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter service, we went to see the final football game of the season - Sean stepped in to be a coach to help a friend and has faithfully poured into these 4th-5th graders, even though our son didn't play this Fall. Barnabas did go to practices to help the team prepare for their weekly games and enjoyed cheering them on - <span style="font-size: large;">what a good sport!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y daughter, Mireille, has been saving her allowance for months in order to get an American Girl doll. She faced temptation every time we went to the store but overcame it by reminding herself of her bigger goal. A few weeks ago, she stepped up in a <span style="font-size: large;">huge way</span> at home to help me. She worked diligently and with a great attitude to the end, and we decided to make up the difference for her doll. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>he tried to be patient, since we weren't sure when we'd be able to drive to the store in Denver. With a busy week ahead, we decided to make Day Two of the 25 Days of Christmas a Surprise Shopping Day. I was inspired by "Elf" and asked the kids to keep going around and around in the revolving door - <span style="font-size: x-large;">silly fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he guys were such <span style="font-size: large;">awesome troopers</span> for hanging out in the store while Mireille tried to decide what outfit or accessory she wanted to get for her doll, Caroline. Thank God that the store in Denver is a lot smaller and less crowded than the one in NYC. We visited it twice last year, and it was always packed!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith the decision made and the doll purchased, we decided to walk around the lovely Park Meadows shopping center.<span style="font-size: large;"> But first, a photo op. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> store that the boys can get excited about, hurray! We discovered recently that the kids play <span style="font-size: large;">really well</span> together with Legos. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t's something that the girl, the boy and the little one can enjoy together. <span style="font-size: large;">And they share. And help each other build. And laugh together. Peacefully. For hours.</span> I think I love Legos.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>kea happens to be down the road from this shopping center, so the kids <span style="font-size: large;">"allowed"</span> us some of our own happy time wandering around the store. After we exhausted ourselves in that massive store, we grabbed a quick bite and made the long trek back home. <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Day Two was all about family time</span> - surprising Dad by showing up at the game, rewarding the princess for her hard work, and blessing the boys with fun inside the Lego store. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">(BTW, I did try another "Elf" inspiration by attempting the splits as we headed up the escalator like he did in the movie. <span style="font-size: large;">I'm not that limber, nor was my stunt double available.</span>) </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-61848045082749331962012-12-01T21:56:00.000-07:002012-12-01T21:56:17.330-07:00Day One: Holiday Festival <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ook who we ran into while waiting for a horse & carriage ride!<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmvGPcWvq5I/ULrTt-BeDsI/AAAAAAAAF9w/93NCHmjDPDo/s640/0437.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here's a <span style="font-size: large;">groovy</span> Work-Play Community in our town with bright colored, ultra-modern houses with chic restaurants and shops sprinkled throughout that was hosting a Holiday Festival along with a 5k Run-Walk to raise funds for a Homeless Outreach. We arrived just in time to cheer for the participants while waiting in line for a carriage ride. Suddenly, Santa <span style="font-size: large;">popped</span> out of a store to invite the kids in for a free photo. My kids looked genuinely puzzled when he asked them what they wanted him to bring them for Christmas...though they're familiar with Santa Claus, we'd never introduced the idea that he really brought presents for kids. So they smiled and thanked him and waited excitedly for their turn on the carriage ride.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESA-CPoa8gM/ULrW2o5Jt9I/AAAAAAAAGBw/q6Jzlo00prM/s640/0438.jpg" width="512" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he carriage driver was <span style="font-size: large;">super friendly</span> and told us about other neat Holiday happenings in Ft. Collins, which is about 45 minutes north of us. In fact, he gave us a lead on a place to ride a vintage sleigh! The kids and I waved to people sitting in restaurants and on their balconies as we passed by.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCebbRtzolo/ULrVNKnFuEI/AAAAAAAAF_0/jb2iS3m2Pe4/s1600/0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCebbRtzolo/ULrVNKnFuEI/AAAAAAAAF_0/jb2iS3m2Pe4/s640/0441.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hough the crowd waiting for a ride was long, our driver quickly jumped out and offered to take a picture of the whole family at the end of the ride. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEtmBGEusGs/ULrVPZYgCkI/AAAAAAAAF_8/xDHEtfZCqoI/s1600/0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEtmBGEusGs/ULrVPZYgCkI/AAAAAAAAF_8/xDHEtfZCqoI/s640/0450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e walked over to the park in the middle of the neighborhood and listened while the runners received their awards. There were tables offering free food and hot drinks - only in Colorado do you get served Bhakti Chai instead of hot chocolate at a Holiday Festival!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>ay One of the 25 days wrapped up with dinner at home and the movie "Elf." We let the kids stay up an hour past their bedtime to play with Legos, since they were all getting along so well.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-82455156437128104092012-12-01T00:21:00.000-07:002012-12-01T12:14:46.445-07:0025 Days of Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgKlUtlrY10/ULpXGsNVxPI/AAAAAAAAF7w/Q5Dm_8xHkDc/s640/family.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ur family is doing something NEW this year. </div>
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We're calling it <span style="font-size: large;">"25 Days of Christmas"</span></div>
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and are planning a family activity every day from December 1-25.</div>
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Wanting to EXPERIENCE Christmas the whole season,</div>
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especially the presence of the One Who is our greatest Gift,</div>
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we are choosing this in lieu of presents.</div>
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Holiday Festivals. Performances. Christmas Movie Nights.</div>
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A Sleigh Ride. Making Gingerbread Houses.</div>
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Lots of fun things but also outreach activities</div>
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such as making giveaway bags with practical items for the homeless</div>
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and blessing others throughout this season.</div>
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I'll post pictures of our activities each day!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-85465893152425175422012-10-31T14:10:00.004-06:002012-10-31T14:10:58.223-06:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e were encouraged to dress up in costume for Zumba class today.</div>
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So I summoned up my inner Superhero,</div>
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donned my cape and striped leggings,</div>
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added some sparkly make-up and shimmied away.</div>
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I had the privilege of working out next to Batgirl.</div>
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Zumba was safer today.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mwTgxlMqJs/UJGFHsZlsyI/AAAAAAAAF6E/6XSxqE_NGuA/s400/292834_10151112903182467_677707549_n.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H8UmyC2U7EQ/UJGFG9ZR9gI/AAAAAAAAF6A/w3oMGISDMsA/s400/222448_10151112910657467_995536240_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-56536489300256483752012-10-25T08:58:00.002-06:002012-12-01T00:44:56.724-07:00 <span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>oke up to this...<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNtlfQEQI_I/UIlSS7RudvI/AAAAAAAAF5g/ERX-ODDKqjg/s400/602305_10151103107932467_305112992_n.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__zkqwo0XyA/UIlSTZ_1XoI/AAAAAAAAF5o/Tc4bzkONjq0/s400/66293_10151103107187467_1299720453_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>ut I'm ready! Let's go play in the snow!</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiM_CME2DRU/UIlSRi1LoBI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/y6wbHuRt-FQ/s400/525784_10151103106167467_607273543_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-54697005135768390782012-10-23T18:43:00.002-06:002012-10-23T18:43:36.129-06:00Goodbye Beautiful Autumn...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hnArjb0SU/UIc4yEZCIGI/AAAAAAAAF4w/bXO2i0RF01o/s640/565025_10151092250172467_297828817_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>now, lots and lots of snow, is being predicted for our area this week. The landscape will be transformed from the glorious display of Autumn to the sparkly blanket of white soon. Either way, I am prepared and will celebrate the beauty of each season. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-78370297357436991502012-10-17T15:44:00.000-06:002012-10-17T15:44:43.166-06:00Felted Acorns<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="grand" style="border: 0px; font-size: 24pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The creation of a thousand forests </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="grand" style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">is in one acorn.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="huge" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Woq1X0jxH9E/UH8hTeopIyI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/HzVWH2X783Q/s400/282210_10151092259927467_273609330_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hese adorable felted acorns were made by my friend, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovinclaydolls" target="_blank">Lisa Haldeman</a>,</span> who creates the <span style="font-size: large;">cutest miniature items</span>. I have a <span style="font-size: large;">slight</span> obsession with acorns and recently ordered some more from Lisa because she had new colors. The acorn caps are from real acorns...aren't they awesome?!? </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3C75S1RTec/UH8hT4irc1I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/59_jQ7i-NA8/s400/576325_10151092257792467_1743463865_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> just spied some <span style="font-size: large;">felted pumpkins</span> in her Etsy store, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovinclaydolls" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Lovinclaydolls</span></a>...uh oh. Please stop by her Etsy store - the items in her shop vary, so there's always a sweet surprise in it! Her customer service is superb. Even her packaging is excellent!</div>
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-65091405987078182892012-10-15T23:52:00.001-06:002012-10-16T00:54:30.319-06:00A Wanted Child<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>s today draws to a close, I have some quiet time to pull together the random thoughts I've pondered throughout the day. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxKciUHczoY/TFrxr4MhMBI/AAAAAAAADjk/LNIYsAiph74/s400/Momandme.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="270" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Mom & Me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he most pressing one has been, <span style="font-size: large;">"I was a wanted child."</span> My mother told me the story of my birth numerous times. She took charge of her labor with me, not waiting on the medical staff to take over and take away her options. She followed her instincts, alternated positions accordingly, and proudly brought me into this world, <span style="font-size: large;">her way.</span> She encouraged me to do likewise, to listen to my body's instincts, when it was time for me to deliver my own children. And I did. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hough my father was away due to work, he immediately took whatever transportation he could access, with special favors thrown in, to get to my mom and me. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GBU_vSe43M/SPVY-5BA4cI/AAAAAAAAAAo/xNlaizeEd5E/s1600/BC+Ph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GBU_vSe43M/SPVY-5BA4cI/AAAAAAAAAAo/xNlaizeEd5E/s200/BC+Ph.jpg" width="96" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hile she waited for his arrival, my mother prepared a special name for me. In the formal Japanese written language, characters combine to form a unique meaning. <span style="font-size: large;">Miki means "Beautiful Century,"</span> her hope for my life to be long and meaningful. I am the only child to have a Japanese name among my siblings - my father chose their names without consulting my mom. She was determined to leave her imprint and gave that gift to me. My father did manage to slip in an American middle name onto the birth certificate, one that I just found out means <span style="font-size: large;">"Graceful Lily."</span> My mom stood her ground to deliver me the way she wanted to and to give me the name she prepared for me. I never thought about it like that before. <span style="font-size: large;">It's a great comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>o matter what, I have the confidence and knowledge that I was a wanted child. <span style="font-size: large;">An adored and loved child. A child that belonged in this world. One with purpose and talents and a reason to be. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>No one has been able to take that away from me</u>.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y blog has been silent for over a year because of intense happenings. I was too heavily engaged in the battles of life, too emotionally spent and unsteady to write about it. Now that things have settled, and I am able to stand, I am able to open up and share. This is </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Story</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and I write to expel darkness, to mourn unashamedly, to continue to heal, and to share my story with hopes that it will encourage someone else who may be facing similar difficulties.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday is the anniversary of the severing of ties with my family of origin. Though they congratulated themselves on ridding themselves of me in the cruelest manner, <span style="font-size: large;">I have seen the greater hand of God purposefully moving me out of their midst.</span> Away from the dark and into His marvelous light. My children and I testified to one another today about the great faithfulness of God, who has walked with us in such a personal, kind and loving way since this day last year when cruel words and actions were taken against us. <span style="font-size: large;">Only God can turn a heart-wrenching situation into a grand adventure. </span>Along the way, from last year to now, <span style="font-size: large;">many loving hands sent by Him</span> have uplifted and encouraged us. By the grace and mercy of God, we have walked through a devastating trial of fire only to emerge through on the other side without even the smell of smoke upon our clothing. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Only In Him is that possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><u>Lamentations 3:19-25</u></b></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">[O Lord] remember [earnestly] my affliction and my misery, my wandering and my outcast state, the wormwood and the gall.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">My soul has them continually in remembrance and is bowed down within me.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation:</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.</span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.</span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word].</span></b></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-84922006770120085172012-10-12T15:16:00.003-06:002012-10-12T18:54:17.813-06:00Autumn Front Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-size: large;">elcome to my Autumn Front Porch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hese are my Front Door Greeters,</div>
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pansies in an urn found on clearance at Target,</div>
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a trio of pumpkins and a weird green squash of some sort.</div>
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When the kids and I went veggie picking recently at a local farm,</div>
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the other moms were <u>very curious</u> about how I was going to cook that green thing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cook it?</span> I told them it was strictly for decor!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiZfnq5tXz8/UHiCmGcCzlI/AAAAAAAAF3M/8w5yYtgYDRo/s640/2012-10-11_1349981700.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> am extremely fond of the <span style="font-size: large;">bright turquoise color</span> of the chairs, </div>
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and it shows up in pops all over my home.</div>
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I like to mix non-traditional colors and elements to keep things <span style="font-size: large;">fresh and fun</span>,</div>
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throughout every season.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juzvmak5PbM/UHiCldoAYAI/AAAAAAAAF3E/0OprWBw7wSc/s640/2012-10-11_1349981601.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> vintage picnic basket filled with hand-painted pumpkins and a homemade pumpkin topiary.</div>
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The basket was my first purchase ever on Ebay years ago, a local pick-up at an exclusive antique store.</div>
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I perused the store while the manager went to the back to get my basket,</div>
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and most of the items were <span style="font-size: large;"><i>super</i></span> pricey. </div>
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The manager asked me <span style="font-size: x-large;">several times</span> if I was interested in anything else,</div>
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while he rang up my <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">$3.00 basket</span></b>.</div>
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I replied, "No, thank you!" as I gleefully skipped out the store with my prized bargain!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y9waIcYSDA/UHiCml8StaI/AAAAAAAAF3U/02i2lcUqh7I/s640/2012-10-11_1349981806.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his front door wreath is made from a dish holder from the Dollar Store,</div>
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wrapped in a floral garland with pumpkins & fruit tucked into it.</div>
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Though I made it a few years ago, the sign hanging below is an <span style="font-size: large;">important new element</span>.</div>
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I found it on mega-sale at Michaels, a little over a dollar.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But its message is absolutely priceless!</span> </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmLseOoX7wQ/UHiCo7vHU_I/AAAAAAAAF30/cGvdlXQ7MDE/s640/2012-10-11_1349982513.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he view from the front door.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-svtGRzX3X14/UHiCnloV7OI/AAAAAAAAF3k/wm9zz0Y-IMA/s640/2012-10-11_1349982155.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAKT6w-G40/UHiCnPHQP7I/AAAAAAAAF3c/EDD9nYSkoPg/s640/2012-10-11_1349981904.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">P</span>lanters and planters filled with Mums...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hank you for visiting...</div>
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and <span style="font-size: large;">please stop by my "Queendom"</span> anytime for a cup of tea! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've linked up to these parties:</span></div>
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<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab346/thecharmofhome/th_1aaacastle-2-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofRII9W-K3lgSDsgB_YBLOFCpZXd4tGOn35b5DlITYme5sWS_XzvIq4iqPi2DXnBOKK2GeMRiEWNg7PkRRAb_ws3g-V5oA1Yx-ftGTNBR3D8BJ2pPn6qtrlC07loYGUjANNdPtKteTPs/s1600/THT+Party+Button-2.2.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHduwXy_zw_M5IlwgQgWA_onc63G9MFVk9joBR6fT21jrtFD92lRFV1dn3wCjwKWFrFNSYU7S24riR3viDCz15Ngs5GCOyTssIofQLURwvEDoCzcrwy5hAGYWG0pAgMSvqZih3v87t_0/s1600/Imparting+Grace+button+260+2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-6833935289888551232012-10-09T21:12:00.000-06:002012-10-09T21:30:42.817-06:00Pumpkin Softies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>saw the tutorial for these Pumpkin Softies in <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/squash-softies-785219" target="_blank">Family Fun</a> magazine several years ago and made the white ones below out of my son's receiving blanket leftover from baby days. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbNOEDb44mM/SrvqzZR7FSI/AAAAAAAABR0/fEIjboAzr7c/s1600/pumpkin2_Page_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbNOEDb44mM/SrvqzZR7FSI/AAAAAAAABR0/fEIjboAzr7c/s640/pumpkin2_Page_0.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></div>
<a href="http://beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-softies.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST HERE----></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-17212625608508730062012-10-05T07:40:00.000-06:002012-10-05T20:27:20.290-06:00Fall Festival at a Farm<img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvmJLQzyDA0/UGkuJYRyX3I/AAAAAAAAF1M/37nJvij_Ygg/s640/0507.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">O</span>ne of the advantages of homeschooling is going on field trips at any time, even spontaneous ones. Last week we decided to go to a farm close by. Homeschoolers got the best deal, <span style="font-size: large;">five bags of vegetables per person!</span> One mom, who had been to the farm before, secured a tractor/covered wagon just for our small group. Our driver was <span style="font-size: large;">awesome</span> - he drove us to the fields away from the other crowded groups, helped our kids dig up various vegetables and then dropped us off in the parking lot by our cars (saving us from having to pull our bags in small wagons the long way to our cars!) </div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPGAMhENR74/UGkt3PORG2I/AAAAAAAAF0E/KrMxlkwx3Ys/s640/0420.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5fwmrI8z6c/UGkt0O2ZiYI/AAAAAAAAFz8/J2pmhw-rpUc/s640/0418.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>e picked red, white and sweet potatoes, beets, onions, celery, fennel, carrots, cabbage, green beans, butternut and acorn squash, as well as <span style="font-size: large;">lots and lots</span> of pumpkins</div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjTLogTWOFQ/UGkt5-pLztI/AAAAAAAAF0M/KzryxsoY0XQ/s640/0426.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A</span>fter three hours of picking, we roamed the rest of the farm and played for <span style="font-size: large;">another three hours! </span> <img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3vwB8ePljA/UGkuEblgIeI/AAAAAAAAF04/9UDM7TbigPo/s640/0468.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8vvDvRAEwY/UGkt92NslPI/AAAAAAAAF0c/VaVJfRpQbpM/s640/0444.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sV7959oI-9U/UGkuCLZU1-I/AAAAAAAAF0w/EKDlvY-SqWI/s640/0451.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZudSKfJDC4/UGkuAOloc1I/AAAAAAAAF0o/N3fqUaXMYNs/s640/0450.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hough I wondered at times if we'd <span style="font-size: large;">ever</span> make it out, we finally found our way out of the corn maze. Next time, I'm going to bring a compass!</div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7idVDEnhOQ/UGkuHKID23I/AAAAAAAAF1E/x3ozv7UigOA/s640/0491.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>ith twenty bags of fresh-picked veggies to take home, my children teased me about opening my own produce stand. <span style="font-size: large;">What an amazing experience and blessing to see how different vegetables grow and to dig in the dirt to gather your own. We appreciate the hard-working farmers who make fresh foods available to us!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Due to stolen content, I am not providing a full RSS feed. Thank you for understanding! ***This post is via beautifulcentury-miki.blogspot.com***</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1147559661089902827.post-91251259659203910382012-10-02T12:21:00.000-06:002012-10-02T12:21:19.404-06:00My Treasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm truly a blessed Mama.</div>
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My three treasures.</div>
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Gifts from God that have transformed my heart and my life.</div>
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