tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32458147470610099872024-03-14T02:57:28.384-04:00My GirlsMy attempt at recording for my girls the parts of their childhood that deserved to be remembered.Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.comBlogger391125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-34213992333050187312013-10-21T20:15:00.001-04:002013-10-21T20:15:35.243-04:00Gotcha Day Celebration (in pictures)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-21879816706438450092013-10-03T21:27:00.001-04:002013-10-03T21:27:11.097-04:00Believe, Dream, Inspire<div style="text-align: center;">
Every school year our school district asks the kids to participate in a competition where they can enter various methods of expression (art, photography, writing, etc.) Katie's teacher assigned her students a paragraph on this year's topic: "Believe, Dream, Inspire". Following is Katie's paragraph:</div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">I want to be a teacher when I grow up. I want to be a teacher because I get to help kids learn. I will teach them how to read and paint. If they know how to read, they can learn everything. If they know how to paint they can create beautiful things. My mom and dad say I will be a good teacher.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-44482412218112368302013-09-12T16:17:00.000-04:002013-09-12T16:17:02.147-04:00Gotcha Day 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you've never been to Family Court, I'll let you in on a secret: it's not generally a happy place. It's where parents go to part ways forever. It's where decisions are made (arguably) "in the best interest of the child." It's where parent's rights are forever terminated. It represents mostly broken families.</div>
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On July 15, 2013, our family entered Family Court. We, however, going against the grain, made it a happy place for just a few minutes. We showed the judges, lawyers and caseworkers who spend day after day in Family Court that what they do matters -- that sometimes family works. We gave them a happy ending to the many stories that they endure day after day.</div>
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Lots and lots of friends and family came to help us celebrate a life changing banging of the gavel.</div>
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We busted the seams of Courtroom #2! </div>
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Seriously, the judge didn't know what she was getting when she invited us in!</div>
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It's official! </div>
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Welcome to forever!</div>
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So very thankful for these and dozens of others who have walked this journey with us over the past five years!!</div>
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We celebrated at Tommy's with scrambled eggs and bacon!!</div>
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Soon, I'll post pictures of our Gotcha Party -- </div>
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that was where the real celebrating was!!</div>
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Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-77350640245344824972013-09-05T12:18:00.000-04:002013-09-05T12:18:47.827-04:00Am I Allowed?Here I sit. <br />
<br />
In an empty house.<br />
<br />
Alone in our home. <br />
<br />
I can't remember the last time that happened.<br />
<br />
9 years ago?<br />
<br />
So, I decide to write?<br />
<br />
Blog?<br />
<br />
Am I still allowed?<br />
<br />
Has it been too long?<br />
<br />
My kids have all started school in the past few weeks. <br />
<br />
Ella Grace, 4th grade.<br />
<br />
Annabelle, 2nd.<br />
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Katie, Kindergarten (how can that be?).<br />
<br />
Kanius, 4K.<br />
<br />
And, Brielle started three days a week in a two year old class this week.<br />
<br />
So, it's me and Mo, our dog.<br />
<br />
Laundry is running; bread is baking; dinner is prepped for tonight.<br />
<br />
Starting a new school year brings mixed emotions for me. I like my kids being at home. I also like the structure that being in school provides, and, honestly, my kids crave that structure. Usually, we are all ready for the schedule, but not ready for our Summer to come to a close. <br />
<br />
Mixed.<br />
<br />
My emotions are also mixed because it's yet another reminder of the passage of time. My sweeties will only stay under my roof for a little while and then I'll launch them out into this big, scary, exciting, adventure we call life. Despite every warning to "treasure every moment," I find myself sad that time is passing so quickly. <br />
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I am trying to remind myself that in the midst of "treasuring every moment," real life happens. There are still groceries to buy, spelling words to call out, car lines to sit in, dinner to make, baths to take . . . The truth I am trying to preach myself is that not every moment has to be a big production to be treasured. Life happens in the day to day and that is where my children will learn most about how to live out their own adventure.<br />
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So, if I'm still allowed, I may use some of my new found time to blog about some of that day to day with five kids, a dog and an amazing man!<br />
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-65681006233657779462013-01-16T15:37:00.000-05:002013-01-16T15:37:15.208-05:002012 in Review<b><span style="font-size: large;">January</span></b>: Settled from the chaos of the holidays!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">February</span></b>: On the 9th, we welcomed our son home! Katie turned 4 on the 13th! K-man turned 3 on the 18th!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">March</span></b>: March 3rd brought our little nephew Jeremiah Michael into the world! He soon joined his mommy, daddy and 2 brothers and forever became a part of our family!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">April</span></b>: Our Little Peanut turned 1! We traveled to Ocean Isle for Spring Break and had a great time with the Williams side of our family. All three girls kicked off soccer season!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">May</span></b>: Annabelle turned 6! We wrapped up K3, K5, and Second Grade!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">June</span></b>: Ella Grace turned 8! Our family participated in the Miracle Hill Cycling Challenge! Ella Grace and Annabelle attended art camp and all three girls went to VBS. We also all tagged along with daddy to Myrtle Beach -- he sat in conferences all day and we swam!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">July</span></b>: We visited Michigan. MB had another birthday and we celebrated our 13th anniversary!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>August</b></span>: Wrapped up our very relaxed summer. Begin to readjust to schedules. Started K3, K4, 1st and 3rd grades.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>September</b></span>: Spent a weekend in Stone Mt., GA. Sweet, sweet family time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>October</b></span>: Eric grew another year older.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November</b></span>: Celebrated a sweet Thanksgiving with the Powell side of the family as well as Christmas and birthdays with them!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>December</b></span>: Celebrated Christmas for the first time as a family of 7! Traveled to Michigan for Christmas festivities! <i>Got notice of a court date . . .</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013 promises to be a life-changer!</b></span>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-84185466792622720172012-12-08T21:43:00.001-05:002012-12-08T21:43:06.436-05:00Day Eight: Jolly Old St. Nick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99RlPQLApKggTsqwsc9OjMM6h3NRiEAUD1UML6FrU67bKPGB7HCFESFl0v4SZsNEx8Zn-p7VXFhq557eInwJrqPVLitEdojCoixB6sX2GQBUCrjLQ4npZh9AVLC3elMiIGlc8siEva1M/s1600/2012-12-08_12-26-12_271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99RlPQLApKggTsqwsc9OjMM6h3NRiEAUD1UML6FrU67bKPGB7HCFESFl0v4SZsNEx8Zn-p7VXFhq557eInwJrqPVLitEdojCoixB6sX2GQBUCrjLQ4npZh9AVLC3elMiIGlc8siEva1M/s400/2012-12-08_12-26-12_271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-66986933851042427302012-12-07T21:41:00.000-05:002012-12-08T21:41:47.342-05:00Day Seven: Gearing Up for our MI Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-78262061558646191442012-12-06T17:21:00.001-05:002012-12-06T17:21:12.745-05:00Day Six: Homemade Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHWoAFDmBFSI-cpNqN37WBUer34tdoik2o1Oi-q49q5SX6FLmsi6UoFwGaongJ7XRbYy_S41B7eCfwk843BPnMO8LfFiSeUPhNqTrP1kB-j5wlgJ2A27JqnXX_aAFZEA9Dr7cplzEwq0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHWoAFDmBFSI-cpNqN37WBUer34tdoik2o1Oi-q49q5SX6FLmsi6UoFwGaongJ7XRbYy_S41B7eCfwk843BPnMO8LfFiSeUPhNqTrP1kB-j5wlgJ2A27JqnXX_aAFZEA9Dr7cplzEwq0/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We actually made these with cousins at Thanksgiving. They were super easy and turned out super cute! </div>
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We just hung them on the tree today!</div>
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Just after this picture was snapped, one of these glass balls broke.</div>
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You'll never guess which one . . . </div>
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Unbelievably, the paint was still wet!</div>
Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-45606702298931145382012-12-05T17:17:00.000-05:002012-12-06T17:23:32.225-05:00Day Five: Ella Grace's BBall Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6YdL6SDPSmyDrbuPK8QCT7wl-s_dgfioDY22V3HmX3OsH0ro43DXI00AH1rMtwpGuaAymI5JNF8IFzgtuzuiEKlyBGt8g_WUitG98x7ONESU_P-J_7nhom9SXUEU8nYsckf9a4pOBPw/s1600/2012-12-05_20-19-04_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6YdL6SDPSmyDrbuPK8QCT7wl-s_dgfioDY22V3HmX3OsH0ro43DXI00AH1rMtwpGuaAymI5JNF8IFzgtuzuiEKlyBGt8g_WUitG98x7ONESU_P-J_7nhom9SXUEU8nYsckf9a4pOBPw/s400/2012-12-05_20-19-04_300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See my girl right in the middle of the picture? </div>
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Super proud that even though she's the smallest she gives her all!</div>
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But . . . </div>
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Seriously -- what are they feeding these girls?</div>
Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-6284599467128121812012-12-04T22:43:00.001-05:002012-12-04T22:43:18.481-05:00Day Four: Katie @ BBall Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKObfU00f4ebI9v5MSJOxoLFiGw2j7vNDA3gBXe7F7qiCH4TqgJPsBljn24JRq8VEkCyVSIH-OkL1GI8SxzyJs1qITYMUegDEF6E13KBIR37Rk9bIBJW2ANq12rZyP56KiS7wz4iJXeI/s1600/2012-12-04_17-38-18_416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKObfU00f4ebI9v5MSJOxoLFiGw2j7vNDA3gBXe7F7qiCH4TqgJPsBljn24JRq8VEkCyVSIH-OkL1GI8SxzyJs1qITYMUegDEF6E13KBIR37Rk9bIBJW2ANq12rZyP56KiS7wz4iJXeI/s400/2012-12-04_17-38-18_416.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Can I just say there is nothing funnier than a bunch of four and five-year-olds playing basketball?</div>
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Love it!</div>
Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-7392275507277515292012-12-03T17:35:00.000-05:002012-12-03T17:35:43.226-05:00Day Three: Love December in the South!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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December 3: 75 degrees!</div>
Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-20675037492333203442012-12-02T21:40:00.003-05:002012-12-02T21:40:27.910-05:00Day Two: A Journey To Bethlehem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-42963542316727154882012-12-01T19:59:00.002-05:002012-12-01T20:00:30.525-05:00Day One: Our Jesse Tree 2012<span style="color: #444444; font-family: monospace;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 19px;">Participating in:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e8e6db; color: #444444; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/" title="December Photo Project"><img alt="December Photo Project 2012" height="175" src="http://www.tredways.org/img/dpp_2012/dpp_banner_200x200.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-6805481691384677282012-09-21T14:16:00.001-04:002012-09-21T14:16:27.862-04:00Getting (re) Organized!As I mentioned <a href="http://www.whatcanmakemefeelthisway.blogspot.com/2012/09/goal-met.html">a few post ago</a>, my goal for the Summer was to chill with my peeps and forget the day to day schedule that we are so accustomed to! <br />
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Completely accomplished what I wanted.<br />
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Completely paid for it in the past few weeks!<br />
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So, I've been on a mission to (re) organize our home and thought I'd share a few things that have been super-helpful:<br />
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1. Charts! They are hanging all over my house in highly visible areas. Lots of printables can be found <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2012/08/school-free-printable-round-up/">here</a>! I'm using <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/08/school-morning-routine-free-printable-cards/">this for mornings</a> and <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/03/after-school-routine/">this for after school</a>! From a different site, <a href="https://7533978e-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/poppyseedblog2/home/bedtimeroutinepieces.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cpEeieiK2voqgpzSQQMra2aI-MmAb8Mv46BnpiKKZWFNd022qqPG0rt8JDy7afCVYiFIeqHmJ-BM8hTelsgdFuDFGQq4sdzlPkTmw6Jo4ef2mZu8cXxZS513Kn1ogLCE0UuRNJ3p55JdqsMgKnjUnPb3-I6Oz5JaaGcA9QuLfJ2kmbFQKKGCZQr9RJHG4_w0i71MjCcX0eT5YaxDRK3wKbxS2gQEg8ge1jpt86oFqInQz0LxGc%3D&attredirects=1">we are using this for bedtime</a>. Does my house look like a preschool? Sort of! Tacky? Probably! Not my best decorating style, but it's cut down on my nagging so, so much!<br />
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2. Lunchtime prep is a nightly activity. I try to make all 5 lunches for the next day (this helps when the preschoolers get home - they can just pull their lunch out of the fridge - it makes getting down for a nap a little quicker)! We bought <a href="http://shop.fit-fresh.com/Lunch-on-the-Go-Set/dp/B000FNCS5M">these for the big girls' lunches</a> (significantly cheaper at TJ Maxx!) and they are great! From the same company, we got <a href="http://shop.fit-fresh.com/Fit-Fresh-Lunch-Pak-Carrier/dp/B008PSSZ6A?field_availability=-2&field_browse=5452710011&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Fit+Fresh+Lunch+Pak+Carrier&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchNodeID=5452710011&searchPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12">these for the littles'</a> (again, at TJ Maxx)! They have made packing healthy lunches much more manageable!<br />
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3. We have a schedule dependent little boy! I mean, really, really schedule dependent! Any change can set off a series of days with significant behavior issues. In an effort to avoid these kinds of days, we've worked hard to prep him for anything different that may happen during a given day. Since he's in school only three days a week (and he's too young to really understand the concept of the different days of the week -- weekends really confuse him!), we made this for his room:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LlqyZCglYFBQEN6wlnN12TRr9lgep3NcCHi0b08e2NZPthNzHCJReJcntrbBTRklcTBOtETWcqnb6UbQpdrdsSAn2pD-mUicABeI4O9jus_w2x7RcSIYiQ8UI6CKIII-NywrXByCpr0/s1600/2012-09-08_16-06-55_48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LlqyZCglYFBQEN6wlnN12TRr9lgep3NcCHi0b08e2NZPthNzHCJReJcntrbBTRklcTBOtETWcqnb6UbQpdrdsSAn2pD-mUicABeI4O9jus_w2x7RcSIYiQ8UI6CKIII-NywrXByCpr0/s320/2012-09-08_16-06-55_48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each day has pictures of who will be home when he wakes up and the places he'll go that day. Before bed each night, we move a star to the next day and talk with him about what tomorrow will look like. It's helped so much! For those interested in such things, the process to make this was easy:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started with a blank bulletin board, a measuring tape and some painter's tape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted. Painted again and again (cork board is obviously porous!).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Used stencils to add the days of the week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled the tape (so gratifying!)!<br />
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Tah-Dah!</div>
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One more small project in the works . . . </div>
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. . . involving this plank of wood! </div>
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Will post pics of the finished project when it's . . . well, finished!</div>
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Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-59484517989413906162012-09-10T14:07:00.000-04:002012-09-10T14:07:18.233-04:00First Days<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rUARMnMEtfMMEpnqNOBo66547wMkbADlXmyy0QidhnKiWYpvNpO8DNlI38Iip0K_1ZpDHw7Hdkz_C9Z1R_7zA9rSNjw9GvOO6HAqxEJzVjhWXO57ygbEvczUrj3dSV6-RvKKZhYsoyE/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rUARMnMEtfMMEpnqNOBo66547wMkbADlXmyy0QidhnKiWYpvNpO8DNlI38Iip0K_1ZpDHw7Hdkz_C9Z1R_7zA9rSNjw9GvOO6HAqxEJzVjhWXO57ygbEvczUrj3dSV6-RvKKZhYsoyE/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella Grace -- 3rd Grade -- Dr. Parris & Mrs. Field's class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annabelle -- 1st Grade -- Mrs. Black & Mrs. Hunter's class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K-man -- K3 -- Mrs. Bagley's class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie -- K4 -- Mrs. Hall's Class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Li'l Peanut -- Baby Class -- MMO</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSwA1T3O2hC_h7YOG3C3P8ULneNX8Y9DAf2r4L3kIuRYwXLPPuQXj8VN6pd8DgbHhi3vwzofs_GmALkeBbhOXpVqBT9ukLyTwaBbksXEweWRPc90yj7IgVbVrdoSZCfmsIQD2crDJeI4/s1600/DSC_0012+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSwA1T3O2hC_h7YOG3C3P8ULneNX8Y9DAf2r4L3kIuRYwXLPPuQXj8VN6pd8DgbHhi3vwzofs_GmALkeBbhOXpVqBT9ukLyTwaBbksXEweWRPc90yj7IgVbVrdoSZCfmsIQD2crDJeI4/s400/DSC_0012+block.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With their countdown to school charts!</td></tr>
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-31532621964388143922012-09-06T14:58:00.001-04:002012-09-06T14:58:42.141-04:00Goal: Met!My goal for our Summer was to chill. <br />
To relax our <b><i>very </i></b>scheduled existence.<br />
To enjoy my children without worrying about <i>every </i>little detail of <i>every </i>little thing.<br />
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Goal: met!<br />
<br />
We had an incredible Summer filled with too many adventures to cover here!<br />
<br />
A few highlights:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pJJddNPwXVDAMd-VLexJVJqXKK6R-9sPOaVUGpUtqUboC0aYytXRpfFuu61ABNdL5tnxcmBvzGRtZ5zHvndP6bHXh4gKfJMVEiOn-ID3t2JdW7V1yHh0GD4PARDaywgY3vfTnG8ylyE/s1600/CSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pJJddNPwXVDAMd-VLexJVJqXKK6R-9sPOaVUGpUtqUboC0aYytXRpfFuu61ABNdL5tnxcmBvzGRtZ5zHvndP6bHXh4gKfJMVEiOn-ID3t2JdW7V1yHh0GD4PARDaywgY3vfTnG8ylyE/s400/CSC_0056.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trip to Michigan to visit the Williams' side of the family.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLNTt1czWmNhmnsCVfmrGcVETTP6oH5CZalvmvo5nPyivd48nuG5akzyjxK9FP0lNlPSOhqtgaMXBCKqTNYQmh0BFOVis_I5omOIPi-xIiN8rOzqKKZsTtLRkbBEFpKzFcK42E1MND_8/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLNTt1czWmNhmnsCVfmrGcVETTP6oH5CZalvmvo5nPyivd48nuG5akzyjxK9FP0lNlPSOhqtgaMXBCKqTNYQmh0BFOVis_I5omOIPi-xIiN8rOzqKKZsTtLRkbBEFpKzFcK42E1MND_8/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trip with the Powell side to the cabin.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpnxqhylaSA2Muydo9KYnX03QYJO1KEerEPObQSZHEoDINNW4u34zgOoyB9JJM73qVgDR1SzLBWnt49841w53Kx6YIzxAt5q1eGyWO3YilKi2qPhvl19bZURzYkoDD8ugrRY6iA-gtE/s1600/2012-08-11_17-58-23_566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpnxqhylaSA2Muydo9KYnX03QYJO1KEerEPObQSZHEoDINNW4u34zgOoyB9JJM73qVgDR1SzLBWnt49841w53Kx6YIzxAt5q1eGyWO3YilKi2qPhvl19bZURzYkoDD8ugrRY6iA-gtE/s400/2012-08-11_17-58-23_566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family trip to Atlanta and Stone Mountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have hundreds of blog worthy pictures, but, the reality is that they'll never be posted or blogged about. That was part of my plan! Not to blog. I really wanted to journal -- you know -- the old fashioned pen and paper way. That didn't happen, but I'm not too worried about it! See how good I was at meeting my goal? <br />
<br />
Alas, Labor Day has passed, school has been in session for a few weeks and Summer is officially over! I will say that I'm paying dearly now for the summer-adapted, laid back attitude. My kiddos (and myself) are having a hard time getting back into the routine! No regrets -- just, maybe, we should've started back into the routine a little sooner than, well, the first day of school. <br />
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Oh well! I have several things in the works to get us (re)organized and back on schedule! I'm planning to share many here in case you are facing some of the same difficulties we are! Also will update soon on our family dynamic and the process of adoption!! <br />
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Until then . . .Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-77885881377225390342012-05-16T20:35:00.000-04:002012-05-16T20:35:09.170-04:00A New Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuxKRGJyRjug_AIobi1VmFahXDRgRwYRrEykzRQGNTHFJ3bIP7uAOLKDhMyMKxw7zQvOoAxvhYUMsh8IC8nYKlhxvcHatfcViFaQeBGOaNS8PhwI5L6KpkD1F-fTVRr1-H5Qib7yQuGM/s1600/2012-05-16+15.51.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuxKRGJyRjug_AIobi1VmFahXDRgRwYRrEykzRQGNTHFJ3bIP7uAOLKDhMyMKxw7zQvOoAxvhYUMsh8IC8nYKlhxvcHatfcViFaQeBGOaNS8PhwI5L6KpkD1F-fTVRr1-H5Qib7yQuGM/s320/2012-05-16+15.51.56.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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For her birthday, Annabelle wanted her ears pierced, so, after school today her Nana took her to have it done! </div>
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She did it!</div>
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They even had to do them one at a time instead of all at once.</div>
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She was super-brave & never shed a tear!</div>
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She looks pretty grown up, huh?</div>
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<br /></div>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-79326112495484261262012-05-16T14:11:00.003-04:002012-05-16T14:11:38.995-04:00Proud Momma!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjHn2WWP17tJK_iXS-oA9zGbfNO1vZI1c1A-UUkXpeR22C-bJSlhhPEA2SEUDm0i0HnhXqdZWljkcoA70lu5X0BdDuB8x1utM50PQ2AU2_FOC6vsii-9Ae0tfo8i2PuDtRDtsd9Pag_s/s1600/DSC_0011-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjHn2WWP17tJK_iXS-oA9zGbfNO1vZI1c1A-UUkXpeR22C-bJSlhhPEA2SEUDm0i0HnhXqdZWljkcoA70lu5X0BdDuB8x1utM50PQ2AU2_FOC6vsii-9Ae0tfo8i2PuDtRDtsd9Pag_s/s320/DSC_0011-001.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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It was awards day for the 2-3 Multi-age Class today! </div>
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Ella Grace got the A Honor Roll for the entire year,</div>
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the "Writing Award" (oh, this former-English-teaching Momma is so proud!),</div>
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and</div>
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for the most AR points in 2nd grade . . . </div>
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with 224 points!!</div>
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A medal for reading!</div>
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Proud of all your hard work, girl!</div>
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<br /></div>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-60752595806574267952012-05-14T13:46:00.002-04:002012-05-14T13:46:43.379-04:00Mother's DayYesterday was fun.<br />
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I love how my man and my kiddos work so hard to make my day special.<br />
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I love being able to honor our mothers.<br />
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Momma, thanks for all you are. All you were when we were growing up. All you mean to my kids. I love you.<br />
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Mom, thanks for nurturing a little boy's heart and giving me a gracious man! Thanks for loving our kids! I love you.<br />
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To the birth mom of my kids: I don't know what went through your mind on Mother's Day, but you were heavy on mine. You are being prayed for. I love your kids.<br />
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To the friends I get to mother alongside of: I couldn't do this without you all! I love you.<br />
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To the man who made me a mother: Thanks for making each day special and for loving our kids like Christ loves us! You are every dream I never dared to dream come true! I love you.<br />
<br />
To my five little ones: You guys make each day a new adventure! Being your mom is second only to being a wife to your daddy in my list of favorites! <br />
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I love you, Ella Grace!<br />
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I love you, Annabelle!<br />
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I love you, Katie!<br />
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I love you, K-man!<br />
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I love you, Peanut!<br />
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-88271624292351963452012-05-07T21:30:00.001-04:002012-05-07T21:30:13.356-04:00some things i'm learninglest <a href="http://www.whatcanmakemefeelthisway.blogspot.com/2012/05/its-hard-life.html">this post</a> led you to believe that things were just floating along hunky-dory at our house, i wanted to post a few things that we have been learning over the past few weeks!<br />
<br />
to catch you up to speed: on february 9th, little peanut's brother joined our brood. here, he'll be known as k-man. adjusting to a "new kid" is always a process. adjusting to a boy -- a three year old boy -- a three year old boy with some <strike>issues</strike> no <strike> baggage </strike> not really sure of the right word here -- adds a whole new dimension to the process of adjustment. <br />
<br />
first, a few things we realized early on:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>he'd always only been an only child. when he was with his birth mother, it was just the two of them. once he was removed, he was in a foster home with no siblings. coming into a home with 4 sisters (three older, meaning, they sometimes think they're mommas) was a big change for him.</li>
<li>he'd never been a part of a "functional" family. when we said things like: "we work together in this family." or "we love our sisters because they are part of our family." he really had no idea what we were talking about.</li>
<li>he's a he. some behaviors stem from just "being a boy." and, while they may not always be appropriate for the time and place, they weren't always "rebellious" behaviors.</li>
</ul>
<div>
second, a few things that took us longer to realize:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>he's a different kid. while we have disciplined our girls in much the same way (and seen fairly positive results), this is a different kid. a kid who doesn't respond to the same type of discipline we've used effectively in the past. we had to figure out a different way of doing things.</li>
<li>the way he makes me look doesn't matter. in the past several months, i've become "that mom!" you know the one -- the one with the tantrum throwing kid -- i've walked away from him lying in the aisle at stores; i've dragged him out of stores kicking and screaming; i've pushed him around in a cart yelling and spitting. it's humiliating. i'll never, <i>ever </i>look at another mom in that situation the same way again. <i>ever</i>.</li>
<li>abandonment is a legitimate fear. our girls don't fear being left alone. they are secure enough in our love that they understand that we are always coming back, no matter what. he has to learn that kind of trust.</li>
</ul>
<div>
a few ways he's helping to reveal the condition of my heart:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>alluded to my pride above. eric and i are both guilty of feeling pride in the way our girls behave. what we are realizing is that we've raised a couple of pharisees who also take pride in their good works. by God's grace, He is helping us see our prideful hearts and helping us guide the girls into seeing their's.</li>
<li>He doesn't need a Rescuer any more than i do or any more than any of the girls do. our girls have yet to make a "profession of faith" (side note -- this is something eric and i are very okay with -- we are praying for the Holy Spirit's conviction in their lives -- not our conviction in their lives). he needs Christ just as much as they do. no more, no less.</li>
<li>what he does to me on a daily basis, i do to Christ on a moment to moment basis. i resist what God knows is good for me. i spit at him. i kick, scream, scratch, and hit. i see my heart toward Christ in his behavior toward eric and i.</li>
<li>i am growing thankful for this "failure." i'm beginning to see how this is revealing my sin. that's grace. God is revealing sin in my life through this little boy and that is His grace toward me. i'm seeing my need for dependence as i fail over and over on my own.</li>
<li>my kids need to understand that i am the biggest sinner in the house. i'm learning to apologize, ask forgiveness, and join them in begging the God <i>who loves sinners</i> to change <b>our </b>hearts.</li>
</ul>
<div>
a few truths i am constantly repeating to myself:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>God loves me. no matter my failure. no matter my "good deeds." I am loved.</li>
<li>God loves K-man. no matter his failure. no matter his "good deeds." He is loved.</li>
<li>God has prepared and equipped us for this specific boy during this specific time.</li>
<li>we have an amazing support system. friends and family who are supporting us, daily praying for us and living the day to day with us. i can ask them for help.</li>
<li>i am adopted. not because of who i am. not because of what i look like. not because i deserve to be adopted. i am adopted because of who Christ is, because of how the Father sees Him (and in turn sees me).</li>
</ul>
so, here we are again. </div>
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<br /></div>
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learning so much about ourselves. </div>
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our marriage.</div>
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each other. </div>
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our kids. </div>
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our God . . . </div>
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. . . and this little guy that He's trusting us with. </div>
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<i><b>Grace, such grace!</b></i></div>
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</div>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-58880513642190062492012-05-05T11:30:00.000-04:002012-05-05T11:30:01.552-04:00Soccer Sisters<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMH_CWSwPO2X3NdsKOK0UPcJ7V4gvb1ga-aZQLuz5LMr2py1IrF9FuUoLne94S-OlrTomPYCQGahL19cjaXR2W467bMZIOv5tLbr-S-bJgOoh0QkxRmWrW-Yclwqo_2Yok2e_ZroF0eU/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMH_CWSwPO2X3NdsKOK0UPcJ7V4gvb1ga-aZQLuz5LMr2py1IrF9FuUoLne94S-OlrTomPYCQGahL19cjaXR2W467bMZIOv5tLbr-S-bJgOoh0QkxRmWrW-Yclwqo_2Yok2e_ZroF0eU/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella Grace, age 7</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylHUJV2mPCHorR5m-MD79TlCdA2JDHmyxhM7SgHlI0I9BMPOITQv4aIgd4liMwsHDM81EDbCdPi-QErLyeKDKAaTYPtXXopIVovAX5OKGU-Q8nZu0ztgp7hSV2bVbqqheRQT1xe2bDdY/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylHUJV2mPCHorR5m-MD79TlCdA2JDHmyxhM7SgHlI0I9BMPOITQv4aIgd4liMwsHDM81EDbCdPi-QErLyeKDKAaTYPtXXopIVovAX5OKGU-Q8nZu0ztgp7hSV2bVbqqheRQT1xe2bDdY/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annabelle, age 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjga9mnspYOEYWuWu0FE7Gul3qQPakM69SFPHq6g7stTw0um6yk_jPE5WS47DSncfcdQ55nJ1senUVo-zCZZLSe-mODzZsVzTeNtXvVrAAgj53wUFJLdajwY0b1HMCJC5CILSFMZpnRqKQ/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjga9mnspYOEYWuWu0FE7Gul3qQPakM69SFPHq6g7stTw0um6yk_jPE5WS47DSncfcdQ55nJ1senUVo-zCZZLSe-mODzZsVzTeNtXvVrAAgj53wUFJLdajwY0b1HMCJC5CILSFMZpnRqKQ/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, age 4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxw3qb-ruV-MkbjH-I7N0E9ONgLV_3lScF1Wj9FbpWdNZZC7l9m9IQLZMGMQ4E70XNviueS1s4Prpfxhd0-StA0HyMd2yxo4sIaRWrsgNVqdzQVjIIDOicLiWRcCavNsSWehPAGkEwvs/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxw3qb-ruV-MkbjH-I7N0E9ONgLV_3lScF1Wj9FbpWdNZZC7l9m9IQLZMGMQ4E70XNviueS1s4Prpfxhd0-StA0HyMd2yxo4sIaRWrsgNVqdzQVjIIDOicLiWRcCavNsSWehPAGkEwvs/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "don't mess with us" look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjek-DZvTUJ0UX7Ej-3nd3AaFWNR5UHcrEzjMVtYlwL-k4q_Sj6rd_rXQLFe4XvM_dEMhUx61dqa7lx2SWTJY5D5ZfYkpgvqQWFmWjJDQLD98Fq-EjHkLsgy-2K-A01vMMXJ-Nru1fgAs/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjek-DZvTUJ0UX7Ej-3nd3AaFWNR5UHcrEzjMVtYlwL-k4q_Sj6rd_rXQLFe4XvM_dEMhUx61dqa7lx2SWTJY5D5ZfYkpgvqQWFmWjJDQLD98Fq-EjHkLsgy-2K-A01vMMXJ-Nru1fgAs/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "sweet" look!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "we really do love each other" look!</td></tr>
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<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-47882529094622157402012-05-04T15:18:00.000-04:002012-05-04T15:18:36.513-04:00It's a Hard Life . . .It's hard being the only boy in a house full of sisters!<br />
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A few things I've been known to <strike>shout</strike> say in the past few weeks:<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"Don't forget you're a boy!"</span><br />
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(This is in reference to using the bathroom. I'm telling you, it's hard when NO one else has to take the extra second to put the seat up -- and back down -- SOFTLY! Hard!)<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"He's not <i>hitting </i>you! He's <i>touching </i>you! He's a boy. Boys touch differently than girls touch!"</span><br />
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(This is in reference to the hundreds of times a day I'm told by one of the girls that they've been hit by their brother.)<br />
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Things are certainly different with a boy around.<br />
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Louder.<br />
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Messier.<br />
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More chaotic.<br />
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But, we are all learning to live and love in spite of (and often because of) our differences! <br />
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I also must say, I'm enjoying that <i>mysterious </i>connection between a momma and her boy. Not saying that I was missing something before . . . just saying that I'm enjoying it now!<br />
<br />Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-91634560887633584282012-04-24T13:26:00.001-04:002012-04-24T13:26:47.088-04:00A Saturday in Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soccer . . . playing keeper, making a move, getting a few pointers and being a good sport!</div>
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Planting our garden . . . working together, watching your step, digging for worms and waiting for veggies!</div>
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Trying out the new sprinkler . . . giggling, running, jumping and making music to Mom's ears!</div>
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Grilling dinner . . . oohing and aahing, eating outside, drinking chocolate milk and desserting on ice cream!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TprcaZFntoOIcKiQ7JyS2VHbSmGIcFKqG04swLfEMzZ8Wy7MfIsMAIX8OW7qRNvs3XUds8sBoSjlL_6lwcLE-frwNraU_whFpq-SPe3J1EYdSct4XRtbHSkcikHzCjPkIFnyNEXQ1WM/s1600/DSC_0026-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TprcaZFntoOIcKiQ7JyS2VHbSmGIcFKqG04swLfEMzZ8Wy7MfIsMAIX8OW7qRNvs3XUds8sBoSjlL_6lwcLE-frwNraU_whFpq-SPe3J1EYdSct4XRtbHSkcikHzCjPkIFnyNEXQ1WM/s320/DSC_0026-004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-51485877233838613092012-04-17T13:24:00.000-04:002012-04-17T13:24:15.038-04:00A Repeat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know I've posted about this before, but I tried it again this morning with my preschool crowd and it was, yet again, a huge hit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I poured blobs of paint onto a sheet of paper and they spread the paint by "driving" their cars through it. They loved looking at the different tracks that different types of wheels made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUpavQVvSZMIkFRMSPPsIR3HQ-cGIgCKOuRm8aQNrxMbrRSazbFskTjT267OCnR1PLqyeGGdVEedGmU_7j1PvzWa9EN6lzDeBDRKHPnLHM5SeoSwoJVSLfwC9kh1TJGksSauzu9eKMu-F/s1600/2012-04-17+09.15.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUpavQVvSZMIkFRMSPPsIR3HQ-cGIgCKOuRm8aQNrxMbrRSazbFskTjT267OCnR1PLqyeGGdVEedGmU_7j1PvzWa9EN6lzDeBDRKHPnLHM5SeoSwoJVSLfwC9kh1TJGksSauzu9eKMu-F/s320/2012-04-17+09.15.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">After we finished painting, I filled the water table with soapy water and gave them each a sponge and they made a car wash! If you ask them, this was their favorite part!</div>Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245814747061009987.post-37625355872639578212012-04-16T14:05:00.001-04:002012-04-16T14:11:49.796-04:00It Takes a VillageI've mentioned several times before what a gift it is to our family to live in community with an amazing group from <a href="http://www.southsidefellowship.org/default.aspx?page=3360">our church.</a> This weekend, I was reminded again how much I love these families, their unique children and the fact that we are raising them together!<br />
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Several months ago, after the passing of Eric's Grandmother, the girls were excited to get some of her costume jewelry. I love that they treasure it because of <i><b>who it belonged to</b></i> and not because of its monetary value. Well, Great Grandma didn't have pierced ears, so each girl got a pair of clip on earrings. On Saturday, Katie sported hers at her sister's soccer game. On the way home, she clipped them to her nose. Then, she looked at her Daddy and said:<br />
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"Look, Daddy, now I'm beautiful -- just like <a href="http://boysofallageslovetorumble.blogspot.com/">Ms. Jessica</a>!"<br />
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Eric and I were delighted!! You see, Jessica is one of the most selfless wives I know. She's also one of the most patient and loving moms I know. If one of our daughters grows up to be like her, we'd be beyond thrilled! <br />
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We were also delighted to hear about Jack's question to his mom and dad after seeing the ultrasound picture of his new little sister (who will be here one week from today!!)!! Jack's, who is in kindergarten, asked if his new sister was going to have brown skin! <br />
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That is a LOL moment! Not one where you just say LOL because it's sort of cute -- it's hilarious! <br />
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But beautiful to me too.<br />
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It's beautiful because our baby girl has brown skin; and that is <i>normal </i>to Jack!<br />
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It's beautiful because the newest baby in our group, <a href="http://thatiswhatlittleboysaremadeof.blogspot.com/">Jeremiah</a>, has brown skin. (Please click <a href="http://thatiswhatlittleboysaremadeof.blogspot.com/">on this link</a> and read the story of his adoption -- it's worth your time)!<br />
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And to Jack, that's normal. Why wouldn't his new sister have brown skin too?<br />
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Beautiful!<br />
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Though there isn't much I agree(d) with Hillary Clinton on, perhaps she was on to something when she said it takes a village to raise a child. I doubt we were talking about the same type of "village," but I am thankful for the community God has placed around Eric and I as we play out our part in His story -- particularly the part we play as parents.<br />
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Ben and Tracy, Mark and Cindy, <a href="http://boysofallageslovetorumble.blogspot.com/">Matt and Jessica</a>, <a href="http://thatiswhatlittleboysaremadeof.blogspot.com/">Rick and Melissa</a>, Mark and Susan, <a href="http://neveradullmomentcall.blogspot.com/">Mark and Sudeana</a> & Britt and Brittany -- we love you guys! <br />
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Here's to long, long time of doing this together . . .Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16931645717384426445noreply@blogger.com0