tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70224670987023566292023-11-15T23:01:47.860-08:00Life is a breathMay all of our "breaths" praise the Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-79852084496222047472013-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:002013-01-11T12:03:52.494-08:00New blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! I have just started a new blog called Rice Couscous chronicling our life here in Morocco. It will be very similar to this one but will follow our new transition to Rabat. Please join me over there!<br />
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<a href="http://ricecouscous.wordpress.com/">http://ricecouscous.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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I thank the Lord for His kindness in caring for our family these past four years. He provided for me through the Valley Fever lung illness and for our family living in this city. All glory to Him. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-17181961479380889452013-01-08T11:02:00.002-08:002013-01-08T11:04:45.614-08:004 years later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Christmas Eve we went to the Roman ruins that are close to our house. We took this photo (on the bottom). I realized that I had a photo (above) from February of 2009 in the same location. How the kids have grown. And for those observant ones, yes I am wearing the same sweater! Ha Ha! A lot has happened in 4 years, the Lord has again proved Himself faithful to us and our family.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-54701358285409207332013-01-03T09:41:00.000-08:002013-01-03T09:41:41.962-08:00Happy 13th Birthday Josiah!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Josiah made a brief entrance in the 20th century--born December 30, 1999. I remember being worried about Y2K, having had complications with my previous delivery. My doctor reassured me, had me donate my own blood the month before, and then we had waited. Josiah came before the new year dawned and things went smoothly. We named him Josiah (meaning "fire of the LORD") Shawn (to honor Patrick's side of the family). I remember soon after telling a nurse what Josiah means and her responding that usually they turn out similar to the meaning of the name and I had better watch out!</div>
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Josiah has some fire in him! He is super agile and balanced (like his dad), likes to do extreme type sports (like his dad and Uncle Shawn), and has a sensitive side (like his mom). He is a peacemaker in our family and his humor tends to make heavy moments lighter.</div>
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It's been a special treat for his birthday these last years that he gets to spend it with his close buddy and their family.<br />
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May the Lord use this 13th year to mature him, to give him greater compassion and discipline, to build on the strengths that he already has. We sure love him.</div>
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We spent his birthday with our friends in another city. There were three families with a total of 6 adults and 13 children. This is an annual event at Christmastime, therefore Josiah reaps the benefits of a lively birthday!<br />
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When you have that many people, you just have to play "four on a couch!" Great fun!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-64700723409350494892012-12-06T14:45:00.002-08:002012-12-06T14:45:31.297-08:00Happy 8th birthday Hannah!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Birthday week began on Sunday with some singing at our weekly gathering in the city 1 hour north of us. I made a triple chocolate peppermint brownie (gluten free!) and my sons were seen standing behind the buffet (one in striped shirt above) grazing with chocolate crumbs dropping down.<br />
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On the actual day, December 4th, we walked to our friend's house and had some cupcakes and a song.<br />
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I can't believe that she's already 8! She is so full of life, observations, and conversations. I'm so thankful for her, she makes me laugh and warms my heart.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-25499278662112192762012-10-28T13:44:00.001-07:002012-10-28T13:45:47.353-07:00The slaughter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This time of the year rolled around again--the sheep sacrifice. Here is our neighbor's sheep hanging from their roof.</div>
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It is hard work for the women. Here our neighbor is taking the intestine and cleaning it and splitting it open with her fingers. There is a fancy little braid they make and then they cook it in a stew-type dish.<br />
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Here is some fat hanging on a line. On the first day they barbeque the liver and either wrap it with this thin fat or (for the health conscious) put a small piece of fat between the pieces. It's quite good, highly seasoned and tasty.<br />
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Our neighborhood friends who have quite a business going--they burn the fur off of the heads and legs of the sheep. They pull in a bit of money (but notice all of the staff needing to be paid!!).<br />
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A very unique time! The actual slaughter of the sheep usually includes the whole family, kids included. It's kind of like our "trimming the Christmas tree," a festive and happy time.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-71459094770632931382012-10-21T15:44:00.000-07:002012-10-21T15:44:05.490-07:001st Day of School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We did start in early September, but thought I'd still post "First Day of School photos" because they'll remain in these grades for the rest of the year. They are getting older and hopefully wiser too.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-46084625579714246272012-10-18T13:05:00.000-07:002012-10-18T13:05:27.098-07:00His kind provision--sorghum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Having to keep a gluten free diet in a developing country can be a bit daunting. But God has provided every step of the way. Our recent find was at the feed store as we were getting bunny food. Having never seen the grain in the photo I immediately asked what it was. "Food for doves," was the reply. Hmmm. We took a few grains home and sure enough, it's sorghum! Sorghum flour is used a lot in gluten free cooking in the states. It's a whole grain, high in fiber and iron and rich in antioxidants. Bring it on! We went back, bought 2 kilos (he said his wife also grinds it up and adds it to her bread), and brought it home and ground it and sifted it. I'm so thankful to have another option besides rice and corn flour. Hooray!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-64571831206362843592012-10-17T17:53:00.001-07:002012-10-17T17:53:30.388-07:00A Trip to Remember<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We were overwhelmed by God's kindness to us this summer. The boys were planning on going to a boy scout camp. Instead of just the boys going and flying, the thought of all going and camping on our way there sounded appealing. With God's provision of a hefty tax return, a trusty car, and a wonderful other family that we travelled with...memories were created that I will relive and savor for a long time. We packed up our camping gear, got on a ferry that took us across the Strait of Gibraltor, and off we went!</div>
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Jumping into an Italian lake.</div>
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Learning skills at camp.</div>
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"I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation."</div>
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Summer tobaggan runs</div>
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Happiness</div>
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Eating "Mozartkugal" in Salzburg</div>
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Enjoying the scenery and anything minty in Venice</div>
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Celebrating our 18th anniversary on the road. I love him.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-7073703041886671132012-10-16T13:23:00.001-07:002012-10-16T13:23:28.558-07:00Professing and dunking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On June 29th, Elijah and Josiah were baptized. A special group surrounded them as they professed Christ and were baptized.</div>
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A passage from a wonderful song by Andrew Peterson sums it up--</div>
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"I heard the call and came, they buried me beneath the water then I rose again.</div>
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I believe He is the Christ, Son of the living God.</div>
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All I know is that I was blind but now I see</div>
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That though I kick and scream Love is leading me.</div>
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And every step of the way His grace is making me</div>
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With every breath I breathe He is saving me and I believe."</div>
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May the Lord continue to "make" our sons by His grace.</div>
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So thankful for His salvation in Christ alone.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-69446042659382318322012-10-15T15:47:00.002-07:002012-10-15T15:47:25.670-07:00End of school year photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hannah finished off last year with much joy. She enjoyed her little friends.</div>
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She had a very special French teacher who took care of her and really wanted her to learn. </div>
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We thank God for Soumaya.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-21974792736310863602012-10-15T15:39:00.003-07:002012-10-18T13:06:14.802-07:0016 year old in the house!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Elizabeth turned 16 at Auntie Sara and Uncle Brian's house last June 22nd. She went back to the states to take part in her online school's "end of the year gathering" and then travelled to my sister's house and had a wonderful time with the nieces and new nephew. We love family.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-5306175806310937702012-07-17T16:20:00.003-07:002012-07-17T16:20:41.564-07:00Grown up chickens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-49770086645972682882012-07-10T15:31:00.000-07:002012-07-10T15:31:08.003-07:00Hannah's Quilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After 2+ years I have finally finished sewing Hannah's quilt. I loved matching the colors. I usually would bring it out when the kids were watching a movie and thankfully they didn't mind the sewing machine noise...so I could sew and watch at the same time. I especially enjoyed doing the pink trim around the sides. So thankful for this little girlie and for the refreshment that creating something brings.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-1118603180340097522012-06-22T02:40:00.000-07:002012-10-18T13:06:14.797-07:00Happy 10th birthday John!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Cinnamon rolls for breakfast</div>
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A peach pie with all 10 candles in the middle! We are so glad that you are in our family, John, and pray that Christ in you will glow like those candles on your pie. We love you!<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-12533899449337575992012-06-22T02:25:00.000-07:002012-06-22T02:25:55.384-07:00The wise man builds his house upon rock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In March, this house was started across our street. Look at the progress!</div>
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The man with the hat is bending rebar.</div>
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The little hut in the back is where the night watchman slept. They mixed their cement right there on the street.</div>
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See the pulley? Hard work!</div>
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They have been really diligent and creative with their resources. I'm impressed.</div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-37655470309279016372012-06-20T15:51:00.002-07:002012-06-20T15:52:55.498-07:00Chickens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We have welcomed four chickens into our home.</div>
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We got them when they were just little peeps, about 5 weeks ago.</div>
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The kids call them Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin.</div>
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Now they have grown bigger, but not necessarily wiser. They are funny and skiddish animals, travelling in a pack. Once I poured out some ends of green beans to see if they would eat them. At first they were afraid, eyeing them but not moving. Then one pecked one of the ends and ran with it in his beak. The others followed him, trying to steal his treasure (not realizing that 75 more bean ends laid right under their feet). Made me laugh and reminded me of (dare I say it?)...teenagers!</div>
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Hoping for some hens in our foursome, we invited our neighbor over to see if he could tell if they were female or male. Well, he knew a trick. He held them and pulled their neck out and then by the way it bobbed or shook he could tell what it was. I kid you not! He concluded that we have 3 roosters and 1 hen. Good thing that the hen was named Sam...Samantha now!</div>
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Feeding time brings out some anxiety in them. They see one of us coming with the plastic bag of grain and they get giddy. One flies up and pecks the bag causing a stream of grain to pour out. The others follow and make little noises. When the grain is poured into the dish they all start to pick-a-little, talk-a-little, pick-a-little, talk-a-little, cheep cheep cheep, talk-a-lot pick a little more!</div>
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I told Patrick today that I'm really enjoying having farm pets on our little patio. They make me laugh! </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-51945870378625976202012-06-07T09:01:00.001-07:002012-06-20T15:29:29.964-07:00Birthday O'Self<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My family treated me to a wonderful birthday at the end of May.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx71mr0cEhnFegm8rI8-vvgE6WG5Sdh3WS59wVRgyjURkyiotpiy_VnuPE_YqPI8L_MJGt9Skq3-Kt_-9vergUM1rAt8z9jP4pOiGjSvP0t8htggsZrhj6o_2mXiuVb8FdrJxGDJ8BanTb/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx71mr0cEhnFegm8rI8-vvgE6WG5Sdh3WS59wVRgyjURkyiotpiy_VnuPE_YqPI8L_MJGt9Skq3-Kt_-9vergUM1rAt8z9jP4pOiGjSvP0t8htggsZrhj6o_2mXiuVb8FdrJxGDJ8BanTb/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A game of spud at my favorite park/restaurant.</div>
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Yummy salad.</div>
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Delicious beef tagine.</div>
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Sweet family with a homemade coconut cream pie! </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-63062415271278886342012-06-06T06:18:00.001-07:002012-06-06T06:18:43.467-07:00O' Self<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We laughed at the name of this supermarket! I guess our English "self serve" sounds kind of pompous too.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-18674091083170719702012-06-03T14:33:00.001-07:002012-06-03T14:33:24.273-07:00Rainbow juice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We love fresh fruit juices in the spring and summer. Elizabeth always orders the banana shake while I prefer a scrumptuous avocado shake. This one was particularly noteworthy--a three-tiered juice! Strawberry, pineapple, and avocado--delicious. Too bad this was in a city far from here or I might be drinking this every week. <br />
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For those who think the avocado sounds wierd, it's not. I think that we tend to associate avocados with guacamole and salty. The protein and fat offset the sweet so nicely, it's creamy and delicious. But if you still don't believe me you'll just have to visit and try one!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-11045732106942991092012-05-06T11:12:00.000-07:002012-05-06T11:12:16.840-07:00Fresh Fraise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We benefit from lovely seasonal fruit. Right now it is strawberry season and we have been snacking, freezing, and making jam from these yummy gems. Patrick brought home this 8 kilo box so that I could store them away in the freezer for summer slushies. He only paid about $1 per kilo which I think is a great deal!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-27387436814216627042012-04-19T08:49:00.002-07:002012-04-19T08:57:26.315-07:00Some Easter photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8ODg6dNCs-112FG6g443meI1sFAzrJLrGjgMF_v_q3Ivz32XBESVjka6QKUC9I3aOGj-yPNFkZ7-tjTMGSOtpfxnHNjwmHFrZedT01WKAUUcmSJchP7ocKSH0iVi_sxlP-KRfRJDJiLo/s1600/103_7595.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8ODg6dNCs-112FG6g443meI1sFAzrJLrGjgMF_v_q3Ivz32XBESVjka6QKUC9I3aOGj-yPNFkZ7-tjTMGSOtpfxnHNjwmHFrZedT01WKAUUcmSJchP7ocKSH0iVi_sxlP-KRfRJDJiLo/s320/103_7595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733140135425190274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We are all happy!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMm36vH9pTs7n7fQsakIgQEGPdbE8Sr__L3QBpt5sxAUQbgQj7ik1E8-ur1r5Xxd8bUjAlmVOsdoNiUE3movYq-RNWAjiZkiV3aTW2YqmpeEdp9bez2u68j7P56EdPnhyphenhyphenWt0xkUAWheou/s1600/103_7593.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMm36vH9pTs7n7fQsakIgQEGPdbE8Sr__L3QBpt5sxAUQbgQj7ik1E8-ur1r5Xxd8bUjAlmVOsdoNiUE3movYq-RNWAjiZkiV3aTW2YqmpeEdp9bez2u68j7P56EdPnhyphenhyphenWt0xkUAWheou/s320/103_7593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733140123971582290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Notice Elijah's height! Easter is such a joyous day.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-54154237571808077842012-04-10T07:23:00.003-07:002012-04-10T07:33:51.785-07:00Bwahahaha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72NA-XT4RUEtAt_SypUDFkY4RimQhsPmhLyODPFUYta14XNNcDu6p8Ysy5jRKV_sYuTnrzUs3LOMrUhTl2fiZA4iKVOrevKzjqaFZmxSZdzgkhRpqmyBLvquIsM4py55u3JV6QijQovvb/s1600/103_7564.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72NA-XT4RUEtAt_SypUDFkY4RimQhsPmhLyODPFUYta14XNNcDu6p8Ysy5jRKV_sYuTnrzUs3LOMrUhTl2fiZA4iKVOrevKzjqaFZmxSZdzgkhRpqmyBLvquIsM4py55u3JV6QijQovvb/s320/103_7564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729777940379757362" /></a>This hard to find cherry drink from Eastern Europe tastes like an icee when mixed with gas water. I laughed when I saw the name! No one did evil laughs after injestion!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-86921824921547891412012-03-30T12:11:00.003-07:002012-03-30T12:31:31.527-07:00Truly My Mind<div>A blue post-it note surprised me above my pillow. The contents:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My Mind</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The mournful drip of rain sounds in my head,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Filling it up with all the fierce floods of dread;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"What if this happens? Oh no, what if this?"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>These echoes resound till the sun like a kiss,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brushes away all those dark clouds of doom.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now joy, hope, and peace fill up all that room.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The rain is all gone and the sun reigns supreme,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And trust blossoms up like a fresh watered tree.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">I love you.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Because my mind does tend to be overactive, my jumpy, first reaction was, "How did she know? Did I tell her how my thoughts can carry me away? Is it written all over my face?" My second thought was, "What a blessing that my firstborn can comfort me with words of truth and hope." I'm so thankful for this girlie and her poems and other musings.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6LXqZnCet_EGt1wENTl2y-UOnFGiXPoyBozLZ3fS7kALFTooA73egIU8Hlx9-f-FJEI7JVo81EG-vsLocwpVErCsVvL4s5DkorloEdqZU6jU_9RySsTcWy2K4bAfOmqLs8YapGc38Xsf/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6LXqZnCet_EGt1wENTl2y-UOnFGiXPoyBozLZ3fS7kALFTooA73egIU8Hlx9-f-FJEI7JVo81EG-vsLocwpVErCsVvL4s5DkorloEdqZU6jU_9RySsTcWy2K4bAfOmqLs8YapGc38Xsf/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725770549122973138" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-53442780108162384752012-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:002012-10-18T13:06:14.807-07:00Happy 14th birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSVhiRwtDImkpQys9eogyaoEPex5AOj_VS9wZAjiM5FlW1qwRtmr4zfCqfQoZ103NafrRkekBgOfypcHQlPslvrgvSBedhhknPgcd-BvEMlSmlLEmOsmlPbyOF6VFzH-tL0ijvJkJHR1P/s1600/103_7416.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSVhiRwtDImkpQys9eogyaoEPex5AOj_VS9wZAjiM5FlW1qwRtmr4zfCqfQoZ103NafrRkekBgOfypcHQlPslvrgvSBedhhknPgcd-BvEMlSmlLEmOsmlPbyOF6VFzH-tL0ijvJkJHR1P/s320/103_7416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705358277117911154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Oh my! Look at the height of this young man! May he continue to grow in wisdom and stature.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMvREson9VPWHnD1k7SFQaf4xUODbXBhgaTcTuJ0u6HAjUX57HB55RL0B9ljSixeGL_fsbYOt10FNY8piWZ7wNeOuPRUm486j1rShhWD_foMOUWfhPUjwn9YBOEFsbtdDI34Rd4W51iat/s1600/103_7406.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMvREson9VPWHnD1k7SFQaf4xUODbXBhgaTcTuJ0u6HAjUX57HB55RL0B9ljSixeGL_fsbYOt10FNY8piWZ7wNeOuPRUm486j1rShhWD_foMOUWfhPUjwn9YBOEFsbtdDI34Rd4W51iat/s320/103_7406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705358251630177730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We woke up on his birthday (January 27th) to a requested breakfast of cinnamon rolls and homemade eggnog!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29fvUNk7IRqPZaL6ZQb3K1KgbkiSSqbzPdYsy0zql0AiTC6aasUEyfPsSe_fSINSwObiGFowtIhXOOlsAudk9gaEF57E7-Jt3uoyIrhS5SeEaTStd61uxVqfI1e8_E9h5gHlCJMvikdaS/s1600/103_7415.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29fvUNk7IRqPZaL6ZQb3K1KgbkiSSqbzPdYsy0zql0AiTC6aasUEyfPsSe_fSINSwObiGFowtIhXOOlsAudk9gaEF57E7-Jt3uoyIrhS5SeEaTStd61uxVqfI1e8_E9h5gHlCJMvikdaS/s320/103_7415.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705358239380502914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We traveled south that day about 3 1/2 hours to stay with friends for the night and celebrate his birthday with his friend whose family is moving back to America. We were thankful that Elijah could have this time together with him and say goodbye. We enjoyed chocolate (of course!) cake and ice cream.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQsx7SpRxFn4avU5alGkX5edXx7Hij6gegqtottA3TEpeVHuu7VhmXekfrj2ezURFiBvZTfDf1KGxnU634YCIRteDVlpuTl485jDPqlx8cl1achOEDEcT2NrpCbBJHlTIW8lopzjRdv1n/s1600/103_7401.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQsx7SpRxFn4avU5alGkX5edXx7Hij6gegqtottA3TEpeVHuu7VhmXekfrj2ezURFiBvZTfDf1KGxnU634YCIRteDVlpuTl485jDPqlx8cl1achOEDEcT2NrpCbBJHlTIW8lopzjRdv1n/s320/103_7401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705358230325206146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ready to rock our house down! He can play acoustic guitar pretty well so when the family that moved was selling this, we thought he would enjoy it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elijah adds so much to our lives through his wit, his thoroughness, his adventure, his discipline, and his thoughtfulness. May the Lord use this next year to mature him and make him more like Christ. Love you buddy!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022467098702356629.post-22434256730286343172012-02-02T10:09:00.001-08:002012-02-02T14:38:01.285-08:00His kind provision--Carrot cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMypgPUQQqv8foC8a1-ZXsOPCN5aut6B7ivNVz_vzMSfSs4GEnATA_UCSH1AOsnC5JuB-HaIZcX70-W6fp5zaZssCjqWa5z3kpxp70TAkz09ZMdCmzcM8cdQQAg8fQ-CPmvRU7xDt_pMx/s1600/103_7364.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMypgPUQQqv8foC8a1-ZXsOPCN5aut6B7ivNVz_vzMSfSs4GEnATA_UCSH1AOsnC5JuB-HaIZcX70-W6fp5zaZssCjqWa5z3kpxp70TAkz09ZMdCmzcM8cdQQAg8fQ-CPmvRU7xDt_pMx/s320/103_7364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704602457045850258" /></a>When Elizabeth was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a few years ago, I knew that finding treats for her to eat in this wheat-filled society could be tricky. With time and recipes from friends we were able to put together a repertoire of yummys. However, when visiting friends houses it is nearly impossible to find something gluten free on the tea table, save a stray olive or date. Elizabeth is a trooper though, doesn't complain and sips her mint tea (which equals about 5 cookies in sugar content anyway!). <div><br /></div><div>My friend "Minnie," an intuitive studier of our family, always tries to look out for Elizabeth. One time she made her a coconut creation (which I ate in abundance) that she claimed had no wheat. Elizabeth was a little skeptical (was she SURE that there was absolutely no flour?) and not as adventureous with food options, but always smiles and gives Minnie satisfaction. This last visit she came bearing this treat (pictured above). She called it a "carrot cookie." Hmm...and what is a "carrot cookie?" She replied that it was cooked carrots and honey, rolled in sesame seeds. My heart was so warmed that she went to all of this trouble that I grabbed one off of her tray and popped it into my mouth. My heart continued to be warmed though I did begin to plead with God to spare me from eating another. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a thoughtful friend to go the extra mile for our family. I am so thankful for Minnie and her kindness.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com