tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79023325260588215922024-03-13T11:48:31.423-07:00letlovebesincereUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-47739559888642166072017-10-27T04:55:00.000-07:002017-10-27T04:55:07.330-07:007 Quick Takes of Fire trucks and halloweenI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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Yesterday, I went to <b><u><a href="http://mops./">MOPS.</a></u></b></div>
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It was an awesome meeting but I got called out early.</div>
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John Paul said he was sick.</div>
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He wasn't sick.</div>
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But I knew the people who are in charge of the childcare were nervous.</div>
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So we packed up and left about 30 minutes before we would have under normal circumstances.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Two weeks ago, Aaron started actively cleaning out our furnace/storage room.</div>
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We had tons of boxes.</div>
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Piles of paper.</div>
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All of the stuff from our childhood and seven years of marriage collecting in one small room.</div>
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I knew it was unsafe to have that type of situation in a furnace room.</div>
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I've been nagging for a year for us to clear it out.</div>
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Two weeks ago, Aaron decided to.</div>
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It's now almost done, just some stuff on the shelves, far away from the furnace.</div>
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<br /></div>
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God is good.</div>
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<b>(two)</b><br />
We got home from MOPS and I brought the three kids into the house.<br />
John Paul said, 'It smells gross in here'<br />
It definitely smelled gross.<br />
We had turned on our furnace yesterday morning, which always causes a weird smell.<br />
But this was strong.<br />
I went downstairs to cleaned out furnace room.<br />
I felt the door and it wasn't hot.<br />
So I opened it.<br />
And there was a smoke and a glow coming from the back of the furnace.<br />
I ran upstairs quickly, made the kids go outside, threw shoes on our front lawn and coats and called 911.<br />
<br />
Five minutes later a big ol' crew of firemen, totally suited up, with a sense of urgency entered our house.<br />
Basically our furnace over heated. It was starting to melt the things outside of it. <br />
<br />
We need a new furnace because ours is officially dead.<br />
But everyone is fine.<br />
We came home early.<br />
And the furnace room was cleaned out.<br />
<br />
God is good.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDcMII1cwQ8/WfMcOhS5WII/AAAAAAAAEAU/kF3VO2OPqBYtvszdbBzBQa3FU1tvOZaJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDcMII1cwQ8/WfMcOhS5WII/AAAAAAAAEAU/kF3VO2OPqBYtvszdbBzBQa3FU1tvOZaJwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
Can we talk about firefighters for a minute?<br />
They pulled up to the house with a sense of urgency, they were all suiting up in FULL fire gear, masks, boots, suits, etc...<br />
I felt a little silly, what if it was nothing and I created a complete fiasco, complete with fire lights and sirens?<br />
<br />
But as they went into our house, I was kind of stunned into silence as I stood there shaking trying to be calm because of the three children.<br />
<br />
These men were running into my house.<br />
A house where they didn't know what to expect.<br />
Not to be dramatic, but sometimes houses explode.<br />
And sometimes doors open to flames.<br />
And these men who didn't even know us, ran into my house.<br />
They probably have families.<br />
And children, you know?<br />
<br />
Can you imagine?<br />
Can you imagine that job?<br />
Knowing that you could LEGIT lose your life in an instant.<br />
It is absolutely unbelievable.<br />
It is unbelievable there are men and women willing to do this.<br />
for us.<br />
<br />
Gosh, we should feel thankful every day for firefighters.<br />
And police officers.<br />
And our service men and women.<br />
Because what they do is amazing.<br />
And most of the time they do it for crap pay and really cruddy hours.<br />
<br />
Saying 'Thank you' to the men who came out to my house felt like cheap words.<br />
And their attitude?<br />
"This is what we do"<br />
<br />
It's amazing.<br />
#inreallifemostpeoplearewesome<br />
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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My friend Katie came into town this weekend.<br />
Katie and I were friends from college.<br />
But our friendship became something entirely different when we walked through<b><u><a href="http://letlovebesincere.blogspot.com/2015/01/did-god-answer-our-prayers.html" target="_blank"> my friend Paul's death</a></u></b> together.<br />
<br />
She came to visit and it was good.<br />
She met JuJu Grace.<br />
I think JuJu likes her.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHgTRpw6AQk/WfMcviKaJuI/AAAAAAAAEAc/KZy8kDp7JP0Q67dkBXA4l_jj8zlOTQXZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHgTRpw6AQk/WfMcviKaJuI/AAAAAAAAEAc/KZy8kDp7JP0Q67dkBXA4l_jj8zlOTQXZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4838.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Look at Aaron 'dad-ing' like a boss.</div>
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I love him.</div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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Halloween is upon us.</div>
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I don't love this day you guys.</div>
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It's a pretty tiring day.</div>
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And all the candy.</div>
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Plus, it's 2017, so now we have to celebrate for a month...</div>
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with trick-or-treats</div>
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and truck-or-treats</div>
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and work parties to bring kids to.</div>
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Remember when this stuff was just for like, a day?</div>
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Anyway.</div>
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I don't participate in any of it, except the actual day.</div>
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Because I am mean.</div>
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Well, that's a lie.</div>
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we will be going to Aaron's work party.</div>
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As much as I am a Halloween scrooge.</div>
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Watching my kid's joy when they dress up and get candy is awesome.</div>
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Aaron had his class party today.</div>
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He said, 'I can't eat breakfast I am so excited'</div>
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I love him.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPdCtgmmCU/WfMdYjP_MjI/AAAAAAAAEAo/-VIuVKOdr5c8AlsvpckJxuqb151UiOyogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPdCtgmmCU/WfMdYjP_MjI/AAAAAAAAEAo/-VIuVKOdr5c8AlsvpckJxuqb151UiOyogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4863.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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It's 7:40 am.<br />
I have to get to the gym by 9 for our infant room reservation.<br />
I will have to start right now, getting ready to leave in order to be on time.<br />
The gym is 15 minutes away.<br />
mom lyfe is fascinating.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-85908681392888327802017-10-20T05:33:00.001-07:002017-10-20T05:33:12.683-07:007 QT I need your help again.<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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Malia's hair is just the best...</div>
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When it's done.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXkSvW8PCnU/WenqRZAmwDI/AAAAAAAAD_o/H4C0PZmEqZkYPtv0lPuvg1hRZbdnARtFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXkSvW8PCnU/WenqRZAmwDI/AAAAAAAAD_o/H4C0PZmEqZkYPtv0lPuvg1hRZbdnARtFgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4683.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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BUT </div>
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Maybe better when it's au natural?</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>(two)</b><br />
I had my dear friend Father Mario over for breakfast this week.<br />
We get together every other month or so.<br />
We have breakfast and then sit on the porch.<br />
It's lovely.<br />
He asked me what kind of baby Julia is.<br />
I said watch...<br />
Then I said her name and she gave this smile.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRu6E89kjt4/WenqncI-kII/AAAAAAAAD_w/kQJ7_4OxvQQABG_a4FvDkR0FE_a8JR0eQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRu6E89kjt4/WenqncI-kII/AAAAAAAAD_w/kQJ7_4OxvQQABG_a4FvDkR0FE_a8JR0eQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4695.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
She basically has two modes.<br />
Chilling.<br />
or<br />
Smiling in a ridiculously cute way that pretty much slays me.<br />
(that's cool kid talk)<br />
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<b>(three)</b><br />
If you are local and have a pass to Greenfield Village...<br />
There is a pixar exhibit. <br />
We went on Sunday, because it was free, and we love free things.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqYhyRT3kvc/Wenq4h9aEpI/AAAAAAAAD_0/RnP6a7iyT3YiauqB6qnBNA3CKPnJKrJfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqYhyRT3kvc/Wenq4h9aEpI/AAAAAAAAD_0/RnP6a7iyT3YiauqB6qnBNA3CKPnJKrJfQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4676.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids even kind of loved it.</div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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I shared this on 'instastories' BUT if you don't follow me there.<br />
Guess freaking what?<br />
We decided we are going to Chicago Christmas weekend.<br />
December is honestly going to be the best.month.ever.<br />
I can't wait.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSxVHFVMKkQ/WenrbLnrgvI/AAAAAAAAD_8/zpaGDEd327opKqSAkPn4kyISIQaJ2j-2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSxVHFVMKkQ/WenrbLnrgvI/AAAAAAAAD_8/zpaGDEd327opKqSAkPn4kyISIQaJ2j-2gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6955.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
(us in Chicago Christmas weekend 2 years ago)<br />
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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My friend, Stephanie, shared this article on facebook.</div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.spokenbride.com/blog/2017/10/10/marriage-and-fear-of-death">http://www.spokenbride.com/blog/2017/10/10/marriage-and-fear-of-death</a></u></b></div>
<br />
It accurately explained something I have spent a lot of time thinking about.<br />
Basically, loving your life/spouse/vocation so much that death and separation terrifies you.<br />
<br />
Can you read it and help me understand the mystery of heaven?<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiyFbdFz2_g/Wenr2Cmw7JI/AAAAAAAAEAE/PfJ36haN2V0UcK-aUn6iAjse52gka4hZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiyFbdFz2_g/Wenr2Cmw7JI/AAAAAAAAEAE/PfJ36haN2V0UcK-aUn6iAjse52gka4hZgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do a talk on what it means to be a saint.</div>
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Sometimes I use this quote.</div>
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My girlfriend Amy made it into a meme.</div>
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Can you even? </div>
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SO FANCY.</div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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And.<br />
I think Michigan is going to beat Penn State.<br />
There. I said it.<br />
I am very excited for the game.<br />
I'm going to try not to drink Budlight though because I have a healthy living goal I want to make by Monday (which isn't looking very likely on this Friday).<br />
HOWEVER.<br />
If it is a close game at half time, I might have to have me one or two.<br />
<br />
That is all.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-91588711183849187842017-10-13T06:02:00.000-07:002017-10-13T06:02:32.209-07:007 Quick Takes. Sick kids, cute pic, and sad football stories...<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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Oh gosh.</div>
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This week has been a hard week of sick.</div>
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It's included fevers, an ER trip, and very little sleep for this mama.</div>
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Last night I had two kids puking pretty much every hour on the hour.</div>
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Isn't that sad?</div>
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But wait.</div>
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It's gets better. But really better, not like, 'it gets better' said ironically because it gets worse.</div>
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Julia is an amazing sleeper. She sleeps through the night, usually between 9:00 pm- 7:30 am (I KNOW RIGHT!?!?!)/</div>
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And when the kids started puking, I brought them into our bed, with lights on, etc... </div>
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There was crying.</div>
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There was projectile vomiting.</div>
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There was whining.</div>
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And sweet baby girl in her bassinet slept through everything.</div>
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CAN YOU EVEN?</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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Those smiles though.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDeMa9ACTq0/WeC14kBRjzI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/r4-pBFj_8j8UllgQfrNd63adXhWK0A89QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4657%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDeMa9ACTq0/WeC14kBRjzI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/r4-pBFj_8j8UllgQfrNd63adXhWK0A89QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4657%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
I've done some facebook live-ing about the things I talk about when I do speaking.<br />
I think I am going to start doing more of those.<br />
Because they are fun.<br />
BUT<br />
I am going to need to stop being so 'wordy' so says my sister.<br />
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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In my facebook live video, I said I was 38.<br />
I said this because I thought I was 38.<br />
Turns out, I am 37.<br />
I asked my sister, she said she sometimes forgets how old she is. So at least I am not alone.<br />
And<br />
At least I thought I was older than I am.<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Before the puke-pocolyse of 2017... I was feeling sick.</div>
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so I went to bed at 7:30 pm last night.</div>
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And that's kind of awesome.</div>
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Also, a lifesaver, seeing as though I have been up since midnight thirty.</div>
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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With so much sickness in our house, my kids have been living on screens.</div>
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I'm really not sure what to do with them besides screens when they are this sick.</div>
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Currently, in my family room, I have the tv going, along with 2 ipads.</div>
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I can feel the twitching from some of you.</div>
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Don't worry.</div>
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I am twitching as well.</div>
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But not enough to change the situation.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Michigan lost last weekend.<br />
To gross Michigan State.<br />
It's 6 days later, and I am still not over it.<br />
It was also a terrible game, low scoring, super boring.<br />
Sometimes being a football fan is hard.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-14420361920299088932017-10-06T05:05:00.000-07:002017-10-06T05:05:10.200-07:007 Quick Takes and a BONUS ONE!<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>You ready? Here we go... (the 'here we go' said in the voice of slick rick)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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PSA</div>
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Do not post controversial stuff on SOCIAL media if you are not prepared to maturely handle opposing views.</div>
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It's called SOCIAL media.</div>
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Er'time you people write, 'I don't want to hear your views on it'</div>
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I judge.</div>
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I did it once too, but then I deleted the post.</div>
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Because I realized if I didn't want to hear opposing views, I shouldn't be posting something I take so personally on the internets.</div>
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Get it together people.</div>
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That is all.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
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You know how you get those moments, when you can't believe the life you are living is the life you get to lead? In the best possible way?<br />
Last Saturday I looked out the window and saw this...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDGn1VFyTQ/Wddt-dHyBqI/AAAAAAAAD-s/gTd4LU_40m43hCtBT1of1apjTja28dTiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDGn1VFyTQ/Wddt-dHyBqI/AAAAAAAAD-s/gTd4LU_40m43hCtBT1of1apjTja28dTiwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was one of those moments.<br />
And tears stung my eyes.<br />
My window might need to be clean (does need to be clean).<br />
But looking at the window at my big boys is amazing.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
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speaking of..</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk8bEW4EgL8/WdduLgUicvI/AAAAAAAAD-w/55DGdfljqJocQOL9v5GFqdj58L5CtKQBwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk8bEW4EgL8/WdduLgUicvI/AAAAAAAAD-w/55DGdfljqJocQOL9v5GFqdj58L5CtKQBwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4522.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I now feel comfortable letting my two big boys cross the street to go to the park, if I am sitting on the front porch. </div>
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Er'body is growing up in this house.</div>
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We tried this summer to let all three boys go to the park across the street.</div>
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But our van was partially blocking my view.</div>
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And the littlest boy tried to cross the street to come home without his brothers before I noticed.</div>
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A car almost hit him.</div>
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Then slowed down and the man in the car said, "Do you know who's kids these are?"</div>
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And I got REAL sassy and said, "They are MINE and I am SITTING RIGHT HERE LOOKING AT THEM"</div>
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(because I didn't know John Paul was in the middle of the street due to my obstructive view)</div>
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The man in the car rolled his eyes and drove off. And then out popped John Paul.</div>
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WHAT!?!?!?!</div>
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It was not a good moment in parenting.</div>
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<br /></div>
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BUT, alas, John Paul wasn't home, so I let the big two go by themselves, because they know not to run into the street.</div>
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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It's freaking me out..knowing that JuJu might be our last baby.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C_C46A9T1Y/Wddu_7GORpI/AAAAAAAAD-8/qm0kl-2tTkEF8-rLZdE3LG3ntY8IDdLDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C_C46A9T1Y/Wddu_7GORpI/AAAAAAAAD-8/qm0kl-2tTkEF8-rLZdE3LG3ntY8IDdLDgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4534.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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She sleeps through the night (I KNOW!), so we are thinking it might be time to switch her into Malia's room. </div>
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But then she wouldn't be in ours.</div>
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And we might not have a baby in our room ever again?</div>
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And that's just too much right now.</div>
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So she will stay with us.</div>
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Sometimes I take the kids shopping</div>
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All of them.</div>
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And I am impressed with myself... so I take a picture.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_CLI-qa9AY/Wddvjp7VjlI/AAAAAAAAD_E/h-ZdOwGEyA4kaR1lD3UUac_QTAlPn9QEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_CLI-qa9AY/Wddvjp7VjlI/AAAAAAAAD_E/h-ZdOwGEyA4kaR1lD3UUac_QTAlPn9QEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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Dude. When John Paul isn't stepping on his baby sister's stomach, or smooching her head, or making her cry...</div>
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He's an AWESOME brother.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eX58fqlYcuY/WddvuffnyOI/AAAAAAAAD_I/3ynjvlTWdaA5Sc3wBTOpgsOx-AMkfpsMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eX58fqlYcuY/WddvuffnyOI/AAAAAAAAD_I/3ynjvlTWdaA5Sc3wBTOpgsOx-AMkfpsMACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH<br />
It's the Michigan/Michigan State Game tomorrow.<br />
Have I told you guys how much I love college football?<br />
Because it is SO much.<br />
And I really want to watch the game and drink some bud lights.<br />
But I ate 20 animal crackers, 3 cookies, and 2 marshmallows yesterday...<br />
So that might have to count as my cheat day.<br />
Water and Football it is!<br />
(unless I change my mind)<br />
<br />
<b>BONUS QUICK TAKE</b><br />
My husband, Aaron sometimes makes the eggs in the morning instead of me...<br />
They are scrambled.<br />
And they are not good.<br />
Don't tell him, but he makes REALLY bad scrambled eggs.<br />
There is a science to this sh@# and he just simply is not successful.<br />
DUDE.<br />
You guys.<br />
He scrambles them IN THE PAN.<br />
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW....<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-46741178768575066672017-09-29T05:13:00.001-07:002017-09-29T05:13:14.742-07:007 Quick Takes- Advice NEEDED!!!!<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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This week at school, Aaron was made fun for complimenting someone's Moana backpack...</div>
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he asked me if he was weird for liking girl things.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then, Aaron made fun of another kid's parent... but it was truly accidental.</div>
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Some other kids heard it and joined in.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A couple kids started talking about their pretend birthday parties, and said Aaron wasn't invited.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was a week of things like that. </div>
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<br />And I was working to navigate Aaron through them, but feeling kind of bummed out about everything.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then.</div>
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LIGHTBULB.</div>
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A girlfriend reminded me, he is learning lessons. Through very normal and developmentally appropriate 'issues' we are teaching our son what it means to be kind, good, holy, and how to deal with difficult people with confidence etc...</div>
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<br /></div>
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It doesn't necessarily make it easier, BUT, when I was able to frame it as moments of learning...</div>
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I felt better about it.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of.<br />
You guys know I don't read parenting books.<br />
I look to my friends, family, acquaintances to give me advice that works.<br />
So, I need advice.<br />
<br />
I've worked with thousands of teenagers.<br />
And I can always tell the difference between kids who have confidence, and kids who already had confidence stolen from them.<br />
<br />
So.<br />
The advice.<br />
<br />
How do you help little people take the hits of the unkind actions of their peers, family members, etc...<br />
BUT<br />
still have a sense of confidence?<br />
<br />
And I mean really practically.<br />
<br />
What words have you used that work?<br />
What things have you said when your kid is crying because someone hurt their feelings?<br />
How do you teach them to deal with the kids at school who aren't kind?<br />
Tell me exactly what you do. I'm ready to receive it :)<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHmkOhmZS3o/Wc41L--iHxI/AAAAAAAAD-M/TyY6x1HKraw90i258cApaWaxp0epOLNQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHmkOhmZS3o/Wc41L--iHxI/AAAAAAAAD-M/TyY6x1HKraw90i258cApaWaxp0epOLNQQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Question- How fun is fall?</div>
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Answer- SO.MUCH.FUN.</div>
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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I like how my parents raised me.<br />
There are two lessons I heard repeatedly growing up I hope to pass on to my children.<br />
<br />
1. Life is not fair.<br />
2. Some people aren't nice, but we still love them.<br />
<br />
I really think if most people were told as often as I was 'Life's not Fair' we'd be in a much better position in these United States.<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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This is my weight loss map for the first part of my weight loss journey.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOrpOaS4Ur0/Wc413d-qhRI/AAAAAAAAD-U/SooZNgzHx0EybnH1hZCaXz8eEpuoUvxKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOrpOaS4Ur0/Wc413d-qhRI/AAAAAAAAD-U/SooZNgzHx0EybnH1hZCaXz8eEpuoUvxKwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4288.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I get to color in three more squares today. Woot woot. Imma have that bangin' body before you know it :)</div>
Also, weight loss maps are fun.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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Thanks for the prayers, the retreats last weekend went really well. We introduced a new Confirmation Retreat, and it will need some tweaking, but overall I think it's pretty solid. </div>
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This weekend I'll be giving a workshop on the Church's teaching on homosexuality.</div>
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And later in the week, a presentation on praying within the family.</div>
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Both presentations I am excited for.</div>
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One I always get a little nervous about.</div>
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I'll let you figure out which one ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On tap today is the Cider Mill with one of our favorite cousins...<br />
Followed by an all grade play date at an indoor jungle gym...<br />
AND, if I can rally (which I highly doubt I can) adult drinks with cousins...<br />
I guess you can say it's gonna be a pretty busy day. <br />
But all good things.<br />
So no complaints.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-32299579917605965082017-09-21T15:26:00.001-07:002017-09-21T15:26:46.163-07:007 Quick Takes Thursday Night/Early Friday edition <br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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AH!</div>
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I am writing these on Thursday, because I have an all day retreat Friday.</div>
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I feel like a kid the first day before school.</div>
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After taking off a solid 4 months, it's back to Speaking Ministry I go.</div>
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Say some prayers for...</div>
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...the 7th and 8th graders of The Academy of the Sacred Heart.</div>
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...the Confirmation Candidates from the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basillica.</div>
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...and high school students at St. Thomas More.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It should be a good weekend!</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
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So, I said this on insta-stories... but in case you haven't heard, we don't do intentional tummy time.<br />
WHAT!?!?!?!<br />
I know.<br />
But basically my parenting style is to not include anything that has become really popular in the last 30 years (the results of recent parenting haven't been that great imo).<br />
For better or worse, that's our style.<br />
We had our well checks this week and my pediatrician was all like<br />
"Wow, her head strength is amazing, good job mom on the tummy time"<br />
....<br />
So there's that.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
I sent my kindergartner and first grader to school twice this week without brushing their teeth.<br />
And I forgot my kindergartner's 'quiet bag' on Monday.<br />
And I forgot to return a book for my first grader this week.<br />
<br />
So I guess you can say I am rocking at lyfe this week.<br />
<br />
p.s. I just realized 'keepin' it real' on the ol' blog could be a challenge now that I have friends from my kid's school who might read this blog. So basically, try not to judge :)<br />
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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We are booking plane tickets for our Disney trip in December in a couple of weeks.<br />
I am SO excited for that trip.<br />
But I am also very nervous one or more of our kids will end up being sick for it. You know how December is with illness in big families right?<br />
So let's all start praying everyone is healthy.<br />
Because man, six nights at such a magical place with our only job being to love each other is going to be ah-mazing.<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Speaking of travel.<br />
Malia is crazy into Moana lately. Which means the whole family is, because we have one tv and I love screen time.<br />
Confession.<br />
I never really 'watch' kid movies of my kids. When they are on, I sit in the room and do something else (read, phone, computer, etc...).<br />
But, I decided to pay attention to the song. You know the song, "How Far I'll Go"<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cPAbx5kgCJo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cPAbx5kgCJo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
...<br />
It really touched a deep part of my soul, as cheesy as that sounds.<br />
I am a traveler by nature, I have a terrible case of Wanderlust, and I have from a very young age.<br />
That deep feeling in my soul that I NEED to explore the world has always been in my heart.<br />
I responded to it first by attending WYD in Paris, and since then, it hasn't gone away.<br />
It's led me to a dozen and a half countries...<br />
five continents...<br />
on so many adventures, I could make this blog JUST about that.<br />
<br />
So, when I was listening to the song, it made me a little sad.<br />
I remember right after I had little Aaron, one night, feeling a deep sense of panic realizing it would probably be years, perhaps decades, before I ever traveled internationally again.<br />
After listening to Moana sing this song... I started thinking about it again.<br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
I thought about why I love travel.<br />
And it's about the experiences of new things, the adventure, the unpredictability of it all- I just SOAK it all up.<br />
I realized my life now is experience of new things, an adventure and completely unpredictable.<br />
So I'm gonna go ahead and remember that next time I feel that old tug in my soul to travel to far off places...<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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I'm gonna put this right here. It's a blog called,</div>
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<b><u><a href="https://ccli.org/2017/09/those-catholic-women-who-use-contraception/" target="_blank">Those Catholic Women Who Use Contraception</a></u></b></div>
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I didn't post it on my facebook wall because it's a tough thing to talk about, it's a tough thing to discuss and because 99.9% of people I know use contraception, so it can come off as a little judgy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But it's not meant to be.</div>
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I thought it was a good article and made some really great points, maybe consider if God might be pulling on your heart a bit to read it? It's definitely written for a Catholic audience, as the Catholic understanding of sexuality is so drastically different than every other faith tradition...I love it though (obvi)</div>
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Aaron and I use Natural Family Planning. <b><u><a href="http://letlovebesincere.blogspot.com/2015/07/let-me-make-you-aware-of-something.html" target="_blank">It hasn't always been easy</a></u></b>, and it took awhile to get the hang of it, but I have been reflecting a LOT lately on what a gift it is to our marriage. I've been reflecting on how God is so good and His plan is so good. Within my faith tradition, there is a built in system of understanding sexuality that helps us to avoid the temptation to use each other. I like it. </div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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To end this week, I leave you with my juju grace.<br />
Gosh I don't mind her one bit.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytd5b3Nbe5Q/WcQ7lOHhg-I/AAAAAAAAD94/Hv7Uq2A45-8TJFhiRn1KnCHcLfHwQVvMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytd5b3Nbe5Q/WcQ7lOHhg-I/AAAAAAAAD94/Hv7Uq2A45-8TJFhiRn1KnCHcLfHwQVvMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4204.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-38736773277779550342017-09-15T05:34:00.001-07:002017-09-15T05:34:07.532-07:007 Quick two weeks in a row... cause I'm fancy<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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I am always looking for new netflix/hulu/amazon prime suggestions, so when Bonnie at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/" target="_blank">A Knotted Life</a> </u> threw out there that she watches, 'TURN' we decided to give it a shot.</div>
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Guys.</div>
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So good.</div>
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I am bummed it only has four seasons.</div>
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Think Revolutionary War, meets spy thriller, throw in some relationship drama, and you got yourself this show. It's really good. </div>
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But it's also really smart.</div>
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I need Aaron's help to figure out what's happening. </div>
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I highly suggest watching</div>
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Aaron is not pleased that I have picked yet another series winner... when he has yet to pick one we like :)</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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If you are a facebook friend or follow me on 'theinstagram' you know we are doing the Whole30. I love it so much, I really do. It feels good to eat good. BUT, I will say, I am NOT liking black coffee this time around.<br />
I am basically choking it down because I am not a nice mom until I've had coffee.<br />
But it is not enjoyable.<br />
I bought the fancy stuff to see if it would help.<br />
It doesn't.<br />
Black coffee will not be something that sticks around.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
I started MOPS yesterday.<br />
A few years ago I attended, but then, after I had Malia and we had the midday pick up from school, it just wasn't worth it. Way too much stress involved with getting there.<br />
But now the two big guys are in school all day, so I thought it would make sense to start again.<br />
The first meeting did not disappoint.<br />
If you have little people, I REALLY suggest it. The community is great, the breakfast is delicious, and it's a solid 2 hour break from the children I love. <br />
YAY breaks.<br />
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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Ministry starts next week. <br />
I was VERY intentional about taking time for maternity leave again with Julia Grace. It makes such a difference in the postpartum to not have to think about work at all. It was hard to turn down some really cool opportunities (including Canada, eh!) but necessary.<br />
Alas, now it is time to think about working in the Kingdom.<br />
I will be starting with a bang. Three days of all day retreats. <br />
On Friday, I will be leading a retreat for 7th and 8th grade students.<br />
On Saturday, I will be working with my ministry partner to facilitate a Confirmation Retreat.<br />
On Sunday, I will be giving a high school retreat.<br />
I am super excited about the ministry year. Lots of new stuff, lots of good stuff.<br />
Starting next weekend, I will pretty much be working every weekend until December.<br />
What a blessing!<br />
If you read this and you are local-ish, or even far away-ish... We/I do have December pretty wide open. We love to speak at Advent Reflections/Advent Teas/Advents by candlelight, etc...<br />
hmu if your parish could use a night like that!<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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I always feel bad about Malia being in a room by herself, while her three brothers get to share a room. There has been many nights she cries, arms outstretched towards her brother's room, from her crib. It's heartbreaking.<br />
So last night, I finally caved. The boys usually like to share beds anyway, so there was a free bed in their room. When Malia started crying for the boys, I picked her up, grabbed her blanket and carried her into their room, tucked her into the spare bed, and left the room.<br />
Ten minutes later, she came out and asked to go back into her bed.<br />
lol.<br />
girls are awesome<br />
and brothers are a LOT to handle.<br />
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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There's no way to write about what I want to write about next without really upsetting people who might read this blog.</div>
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So, I will just just say this.</div>
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I watched a couple television shows this week that really disturbed me.</div>
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And I am really glad that I belong to a Church who holds to the truth that children have intrinsic rights. Babies have rights. They have rights and shouldn't be treated as 'things'. </div>
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I don't think until recently I understood the full impact of that particular teaching.</div>
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With each baby we've had, the mystery of these little people becomes more and more defined for me. And gosh, when you see the rights of the most vulnerable in our society slowly stripped away, even in subtle ways... it's insanely upsetting. </div>
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And that my friends is what we call vague-blogging.</div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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And finally, I know you guys know this but...<br />
FOOTBALL is back.<br />
I love football so much.<br />
I love everything about it, but man, having these sons who watch with us, though annoying at times, is AWESOME.<br />
Go blue!<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbysnILCOAE/WbvHMePmhEI/AAAAAAAAD9o/-_Mn7vipb3cnMBtoFrkXX0VO0V5z_wh5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbysnILCOAE/WbvHMePmhEI/AAAAAAAAD9o/-_Mn7vipb3cnMBtoFrkXX0VO0V5z_wh5QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They wanted to pose like they were doing push ups...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-62458142027266938332017-09-08T09:31:00.002-07:002017-09-08T10:18:49.794-07:007 QT BLOGGING AGAIN?!?!!?<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>(one)</b><br />
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HIYA</div>
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It's been a hot minute. </div>
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Three months, ish? </div>
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Life is finally getting back to order. I got past those rough four last weeks of pregnancy, had a beautiful baby and moved through a REALLY slow recovery. This is been my first really great week in a really long time. And I slept 7 hours in a row last night, which hasn't happened since last year at this time...</div>
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SO. </div>
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YAY</div>
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Here's some updates</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
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Julia Grace<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onicnLv-c4o/WbLFHb_FjrI/AAAAAAAAD88/KMl_dWkGqUgogWx0iRd1XFmDp1PdY-QMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onicnLv-c4o/WbLFHb_FjrI/AAAAAAAAD88/KMl_dWkGqUgogWx0iRd1XFmDp1PdY-QMQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2700.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
She ain't nothing but amazing.<br />
Her birth was wonderful, so much better than I thought it would be.<br />
She isn't the most low-maintenance baby, but she's getting easier.<br />
I am trying to soak up every last bit of this newborn phase because I am aware it IS going to fly by.<br />
I'd like to write her full birth story one day. But I'd also like to write Malia's birth story and order Malia's first year babybook, and order our year six picture book (marriage wise) and start a baby book for Julia.<br />
Chances are about 1/2 of that will never happen.<br />
I'm just being honest.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpKLVr7UJTg/WbLFHtPBtGI/AAAAAAAAD9E/CCTatFU0HOUUw50-IJU_4PGQpX78eQDnQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpKLVr7UJTg/WbLFHtPBtGI/AAAAAAAAD9E/CCTatFU0HOUUw50-IJU_4PGQpX78eQDnQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
Joey and Aaron started school.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzu5SUT4CM/WbLFHnNPE9I/AAAAAAAAD9A/mI-Iz47gQqMC3QeoDC_uVykK9WWSuMm2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzu5SUT4CM/WbLFHnNPE9I/AAAAAAAAD9A/mI-Iz47gQqMC3QeoDC_uVykK9WWSuMm2wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3635.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I love our school, so much... but I hate sending my kids to school.<br />
It's bothering me more than ever this year.<br />
No matter what questions I ask to try to see what their days are like...<br />
they only explain so much.<br />
And I just had 2.5 months of knowing what every moment of every day looked like for them.<br />
It is SUCH an act of trust to send one's kids to a school for 8 hours a day. SUCH an act of trust. <br />
BUT<br />
they love school<br />
and we love their teachers<br />
and their school<br />
and a homeschooler I am not.<br />
So I get used to missing them and wondering about them all day long.<br />
<br />
<b>(four)</b></div>
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Malia and John Paul.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzLzZu5AJBc/WbLFId-LwgI/AAAAAAAAD9M/Gk08ofZKcbkQPMfRbvkFa-R-C09U-ObLACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzLzZu5AJBc/WbLFId-LwgI/AAAAAAAAD9M/Gk08ofZKcbkQPMfRbvkFa-R-C09U-ObLACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3872.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Oh man. These two.<br />
My days are now spent with them and Julia.<br />
I'm trying to be really intentional with our morning time, then 1/2 hour of screen time, books and nap.<br />
I love nap time.<br />
All three are asleep right now.<br />
I am about to eat some roasted broccoli and salami.<br />
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Roasted broccoli and salami you say?<br />
If you follow me on facebook, you know we are doing the Whole 30 again.<br />
I'm so glad we are. We are five days in and I can already tell a difference.<br />
Plus, it's really fun to do with Aaron.<br />
The plan is to eat Whole 30, then join the gym, and then, after that, use the Weight Watchers App to track food. <br />
Time to get the ol' Bangin' body back.<br />
Ideally, I would like to lose 85 lbs.<br />
EIGHTY FIVE LBS?!?!?! You say.<br />
Well, that's ideally. And I know it might take a really long time. Like 2-3 years long. But, alas, I am going to work for it slowly.<br />
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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I pretty much stopped commenting about the world/society/disasters on social media.</div>
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I just can't.</div>
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There are too many awful things.</div>
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I've decided instead to focus on the wonderful things I see every.single.day.</div>
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Not in a 'bury my head in the sand' kind of way.</div>
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But more in a, 'change the things you can, let go of the things you can't', kind of way.</div>
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But so many prayers. And lots of IRL conversations about our world. It's hard huh? </div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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It's hard to find time to blog, but I do miss it. I'm gonna try to do the Quick Takes every week. Deal?<br />
Deal.<br />
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-45128500842705225212017-06-16T05:53:00.002-07:002017-06-16T05:53:57.718-07:007 QT Fancy galas, adorable kids, and the weirdness of postpartum bodies<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
</b><b>(one)</b><br />
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Aaron and I celebrated 7 years on Monday. </div>
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and I still like him a whole heck of a lot. </div>
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Every day I feel blessed to have him, and my resolution and prayer is to be a better wife. </div>
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Tonight, we are going to a fancy Gala the Archdiocese of Detroit hosts as a fundraiser for seminarians.</div>
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Then we are spending the night at my favorite local hotel while my parents watch the kids.</div>
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It's an anniversary celebration/babymoon/I REALLY need a good night of sleep adventure.</div>
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I am excited.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
I got my hair did.<br />
I get my hair did about once a year at the same salon.<br />
It's embarrassingly pricey, but such a lovely experience. It takes 3 hours! WHAT?!?!? But that includes a hair wash/scalp massage experience that I live for.<br />
It's the best.<br />
I took off five inches and lightened it. Enough change to make me feel a bit refreshed, not too much that I get scared of maintaining it.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msk6mYJRkEo/WUPPcDnYiXI/AAAAAAAAD8o/zENlDAaGFeg_d5sUlNDUKl68wowXvQ3QQCLcBGAs/s1600/hairdid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msk6mYJRkEo/WUPPcDnYiXI/AAAAAAAAD8o/zENlDAaGFeg_d5sUlNDUKl68wowXvQ3QQCLcBGAs/s320/hairdid.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
I will never stop living for little kids in overalls.<br />
Never.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzyxCtWqbXg/WUPMi1ZfIaI/AAAAAAAAD8E/K4uii4vZU8wa4SB08sAfVDWYxiwbeoIwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1903%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzyxCtWqbXg/WUPMi1ZfIaI/AAAAAAAAD8E/K4uii4vZU8wa4SB08sAfVDWYxiwbeoIwACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1903%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
This picture kind of freaked me out.<br />
Because he's going to be a teenager before I know it.<br />
Like, a young man.<br />
And then a man.<br />
He's so proud of his muscles.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4LcQ8-1uLo/WUPMh2XeZ3I/AAAAAAAAD8A/JF8mCuWSkWUMhqN93n_Aku4l54d_zt_9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1860%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4LcQ8-1uLo/WUPMh2XeZ3I/AAAAAAAAD8A/JF8mCuWSkWUMhqN93n_Aku4l54d_zt_9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1860%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>(five)</b></div>
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Wanna know what happened to us on Monday?<br />
We went grocery shopping as a family around lunch time. The kids were kind of well behaved. <br />
We go to this cute little market.<br />
As we were leaving, a woman walked up to our family and gave my husband $20. She said, 'please take your adorable family to lunch, on me'.<br />
Can.you.even.believe.that??<br />
<br />
You guys. people say nice things to us and about us all the time.<br />
I've thought about this all week, because a few weeks ago, a relative stranger, in an environment of faith, told me (not asked me) that I should get my tubes tied.<br />
It was a horribly awkward conversation. Probably the most awkward I've had. And it's rolled around in my head and enraged me ever since.<br />
<br />
But comments like that come like MAYBE once or twice a year.<br />
<br />
People are saying nice things about my family, complimenting my boys, trying to get my girl with RCF (resting cranky face) to smile, etc...ALL THE TIME.<br />
<br />
People are really really awesome in real life aren't they?<br />
I'm learning to let the sting of rare<br />
mean comments fly away, in favor of cherishing the constant comments of affirmation from strangers/family and friends.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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Oh gosh. </div>
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Personal Take Warning</div>
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I shared this video on facebook. If you didn't watch it, or missed it, you should watch it right now.</div>
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(it says bull sh@#$)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fallure%2Fvideos%2F10155354839563607%2F&show_text=0&width=400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
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When I was telling Aaron about it, I started crying.</div>
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The changes to my body after having four c-sections and five pregnancies in such a short time have been really hard for me.</div>
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The issues she describes in this video are my exact issues.</div>
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The concept of how crazy it is to try to achieve a pre-baby body after one has had babies, was really powerful for me. </div>
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Aaron constantly affirms how attractive he finds me, both in word and action... but I'm finding it challenging to believe it for the first time. </div>
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which is kind of craziness. </div>
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This video has helped me frame some of my feelings about my body lately... and I am grateful for it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Father's Day to all you good daddies out there (even to the okay-ish ones).<br />
We will be doing some celebrating this weekend.<br />
Aaron's gonna go on a man-date with the three boys to see Cars 3.<br />
I have a couple surprises planned (or at least will by Sunday).<br />
It should be a fantastic weekend!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-55084309186026526662017-06-09T05:29:00.002-07:002017-06-09T05:59:07.857-07:007QT no sleep, hurt feelings and DISNEY edition<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>(one)</b><br />
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Being a parent is amazing. </div>
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I still cannot believe what has happened to my sleep.</div>
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Two nights ago, I slept through the whole night, with the exception of getting up every 1.5 hours to use the restroom (#pregnancyproblems)</div>
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<br /></div>
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It felt like a dream</div>
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And I still got up 5 times during the night.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's just say the other days this week, in between getting up every 1.5 hours to use the restroom, I was also up pretty much every hour tending to one of my four children.</div>
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<br /></div>
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...I can't find my blanket</div>
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...I can't find my pillow</div>
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...I wanted to have a midnight party for 2 hours</div>
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...I need snuggles</div>
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...I had a bad dream, I don't want to talk about it, but I don't want to be in my room.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It has been A WEEK.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
Ugh. Gestational Diabetes be workin' my nerves.<br />
And my fingers hurt from all the pokes. So.many.pokes.<br />
For those of you in the know, I have the trigger on the lowest setting, but it's still kind of really hurting.<br />
I already do it on the side of my fingers.<br />
I even resorted to watching youtube videos to make it less painful.<br />
It's all worth it... but man, four more weeks, four times a day?<br />
<br />
(for the record, Jesus just mentally slapped me and reminded me people deal with this much longer than 4 weeks, some, for a life time and I should probably just ut-shay up-hay).<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
ahem.<br />
I have a kid who likes to take off her pants and diaper... all the time.<br />
This is becoming a real problem for a lot of reasons (I will leave it to the imagination).<br />
I have already found her without her diaper twice today.<br />
<br />
How shall I deal with this?<br />
Seriously?<br />
Besides buying onsies and having her wear one always?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
I like to get personal occasionally up in here.<br />
<br />
In the last year, I have really been trying to work on my emotional reactions to situations.<br />
(I have a tendency to be WAY too reactive)<br />
<br />
a) Locating the correct emotion (i.e. anger is easy, but often a distraction)<br />
b) analyzing where the emotion came from<br />
c) determining what, if anything, I can do about the situation causing the emotion<br />
d) If I can't do anything, wrapping a boundary around the situation until I can properly respond emotionally.<br />
<br />
That's what my process has looked like.<br />
<br />
I've had my feelings hurt a couple times this week, pretty intensely.<br />
I have worked my system.<br />
It's been good.<br />
<br />
That is all.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(five)</b><br />
I had some plans this week.<br />
I've had to cancel them.<br />
Between doctor appointments, being a kick butt summer mom (because, I kind of have been) and exhaustion, I just don't have energy for anything but the daily grind.<br />
I need to remember once I get near full term, the energy I've got is reserved for my kids and pretty much nothing more. I hate canceling plans, so I need to not make them, or I end up canceling them.<br />
From this point until August, no plans shall be made, as much as I might want to make all the plans.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
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Scenes of an awesome summer mom</div>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWC9T02DeI8/WTqT30ksbQI/AAAAAAAAD60/nefJXn99fPgYHqAVViiSbWOJj8eSRRS6wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWC9T02DeI8/WTqT30ksbQI/AAAAAAAAD60/nefJXn99fPgYHqAVViiSbWOJj8eSRRS6wCLcB/s320/IMG_1705.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite Detroit City park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqouFIZMaEA/WTqT4XdqItI/AAAAAAAAD64/nHRB8BzRCX8Rnhp_mWXC0y0hvAnA9ez7gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqouFIZMaEA/WTqT4XdqItI/AAAAAAAAD64/nHRB8BzRCX8Rnhp_mWXC0y0hvAnA9ez7gCLcB/s320/IMG_1750.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A safety town we got to bring our bikes to!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyf3PQFD3f0/WTqT8tCA18I/AAAAAAAAD7U/8b0IrIr7pKY-SEqcnJcj9oGIZXBIh5SqwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyf3PQFD3f0/WTqT8tCA18I/AAAAAAAAD7U/8b0IrIr7pKY-SEqcnJcj9oGIZXBIh5SqwCLcB/s320/IMG_1753.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey and Malia at the'fire station'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaAgbfjh-64/WTqT849TZ0I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/Yrp2YaSpkgEm1NPT4_7IdN7rkEkyhcV5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaAgbfjh-64/WTqT849TZ0I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/Yrp2YaSpkgEm1NPT4_7IdN7rkEkyhcV5ACLcB/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My adventure crew...we've decided to name our van 'the adventurer' in case you were wondering<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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And, the best news from this week...<br />
We booked Disney!<br />
Disney at Christmas time, here we come.<br />
Art of Animation.<br />
Six Nights.<br />
And I get to make dining reservations today!!!<br />
Woot woot.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-79796126814370437652017-06-02T06:20:00.001-07:002017-06-02T06:20:29.216-07:007QT- It's summer, ya'll<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b><br />
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Summer is here, summer is here! #PTL (that means Praise the Lord).</div>
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Seriously.</div>
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We are quickly approaching full term status in this pregnancy, and it's been more and more difficult to manage everything that comes with two kids in school at different times, along with two kids at home. Not to mention wake ups, quick breakfasts, making lunches, remembering forms (So.many.forms), etc...</div>
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I am so excited about the freedom summer brings us.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
We made a summer bucket list. We kept it VERY realistic (ten items and one bonus item).<br />
We would like to go to 3 splash pads.<br />
one family picnic<br />
family movie nights with pizza<br />
sprinkler twice a week<br />
Greenfield village/Henry Ford once every two weeks<br />
And maybe, as a bonus, legoland.<br />
<br />
A few other things round out our list, but I do so love how simple my kids wishes are!<br />
<br />
My number one list item...<br />
Have a baby.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b><br />
We also are putting together a chore chart for the oldest two. Keeping it very realistic. My sister Theresa had the best idea.<br />
If the kids do their chore every day without being asked, at the end of the week they get a certain number of American dollars for allowance.<br />
If the kids need to be reminded, they get less.<br />
If the kids complain, they get even less (in our case, if they complain, they won't get the 'sticker' for the chore, so they will get nada, and still have have to do the chore).<br />
Isn't that a cool idea?<br />
<br />
I am keeping the chores very realistic.<br />
<br />
Little A will have to 'watch' his brothers/sister downstairs for fifteen minutes, twice a day.<br />
#mombreak<br />
Wipe down the table and sweep the floor at the end of the night<br />
#gross job<br />
and something else...<br />
<br />
Joey will empty the bathroom garbage in the morning.<br />
Clean the toys that creeped up into the family room at night<br />
and something else</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
Gosh, Malia has been hard for me lately.<br />
I love her so much.<br />
But two things.<br />
Not only is she clingy, but she is climby. If you would have told me prior to having kids, how hard it would be to have a kid who needs to climb on you 24/7, I would have said you were CRAZY.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CL1EfL21NF8/WTFkjmv3wHI/AAAAAAAAD6g/aKi-O8d8S6YUv8mN8YMVAmEjeAAGBsgLwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CL1EfL21NF8/WTFkjmv3wHI/AAAAAAAAD6g/aKi-O8d8S6YUv8mN8YMVAmEjeAAGBsgLwCLcB/s320/IMG_1621.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
But it's very hard. <br />
And it's very hard when they insist on climbing on your stomach.<br />
<br />
Plus.<br />
She is a sassy little character, and acts so naughty, or 'strong willed'.<br />
Someone reminded me, she needs to be tough to handle all these boys... but omlowercase g, it might end me.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(five</b><br />
<b>)</b>gushy take to follow<br />
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Today is the 8th anniversary of Aaron and I's first date. This day is really important to me because it changed the course of my life. I sometimes still can't believe where I'm at in life and how God's hand in it all is crystal clear. </div>
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I've told you this before, but I've really married the best.</div>
</div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
Two of our nephews and one of our nieces are being Confirmed today.<br />
Aaron and I get to be Confirmation Sponsors for these two fine young men.<br />
And they really are fine young men.<br />
A couple of weeks ago, we got to take them out to dinner.<br />
Frankly, it's so hard to spend time with our older nieces/nephews because we are usually trying to manage our own crew. It was so nice to spend time with them.<br />
Please say some prayers for Ralph, Warren and Adeline receiving the fullness of the spirit tonight.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWQYyssbe80/WTFkjlaYQeI/AAAAAAAAD6c/zz1yCeQCj9AhGhDlJGdjabq7xOXFvhPqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWQYyssbe80/WTFkjlaYQeI/AAAAAAAAD6c/zz1yCeQCj9AhGhDlJGdjabq7xOXFvhPqQCLcB/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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It is 9:16 am and no one is dressed. All of my kids are in diapers or underwear. It's time for me to get a move on and bust out of this joint for a bit, so that at 3:16 pm, I don't want to hide in a corner and cry!<br />
Have a great weekend.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-81019636139749409942017-05-12T06:45:00.001-07:002017-05-12T06:45:33.043-07:007 QT Marriage Debate, Clean ups and kid sports...<br />
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I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<b>(one)</b><br />
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Marriage debate...</div>
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And I know you guys are going to be on my side.</div>
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This morning, I said to Aaron, 'they live in our neighborhood', I was talking about people from the school my son goes to.</div>
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He HOTLY debated me.</div>
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He says our neighborhood is only our street and MAYBE 1 or 2 streets away from us.</div>
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I say our neighborhood is all the houses in a 1 mile square. So, east to west (1 mile) and north to south (1 mile). If you're familiar with Redford, we are in one of those very square areas, all the houses are right next to each other, no land in between. </div>
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Who is right?</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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This is my last week of work until the baby comes, and I am going out in style.<br />
1 Confirmation Evening of Reflection tonight.<br />
2 back to back school retreats next week.<br />
1 Confirmation Retreat next Saturday...<br />
And then... maternity leave.<br />
The break will be nice, I have no talks/retreats or workshops scheduled until September 23rd. Plenty of time for cocooning leading up to the birth, and recovery after the birth :)<br />
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<b>(three)</b><br />
And so it begins... Sports.<br />
I gotta tell you moms of older kids, I don't know how you do it. I am so nervous about the addition of sports in our lives. Not this year (obviously) it's only once, maybe twice a week, for five weeks. But we had a practice till 7:00 pm on a school night, and I had to bring all the kids because Aaron was at a meeting. And we didn't get home till 7:30 pm, then we needed showers, and everyone was muddy. <br />
<br />
I had a moment of almost panic, realizing, if we are going to have our kids in school, this is going to be our lives.<br />
YIKES!<br />
BUT MAN.<br />
Aaron was excited playing football. Seeing him so happy, made us so completely happy. He was 'nervous in my stomach' (his quote) happy.<br />
LOVE. </div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
For mother's day, Aaron is cleaning out and organizing our laundry room.<br />
You would be appalled at the shape it's in.<br />
It's bad.<br />
Real bad.<br />
like, can't even really walk in it bad, cobwebs, spiders and gross stuff bad.<br />
I will do a before and after, you will freak out.<br />
Once the laundry room is done, we will only have one more room (the work room) in our basement to totally clean and our whole house will be whipped into shape.<br />
So Excited.<br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
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Speaking of Mother's day.</div>
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I went to my first, 'mother's day breakfast' this morning with Little Aaron.</div>
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He was quite excited to take me.</div>
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They made muffins, sang songs, and made each mom a super thoughtful gift.</div>
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I cried because I am pregnant.</div>
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Aaron gets really concerned when I am crying. It makes him cry too, which would be disastrous for this kindergarten young man.</div>
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So I quickly wiped my tears away and told him pregnancy does weird thing to you, like make you cry when you are happy..</div>
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And we moved on.</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;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8sChfjHn50/WRW4KHVvFcI/AAAAAAAAD58/9XGe7Lf2h24ZqsowFgfk8-vLe9qPHSxYwCEw/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8sChfjHn50/WRW4KHVvFcI/AAAAAAAAD58/9XGe7Lf2h24ZqsowFgfk8-vLe9qPHSxYwCEw/s320/IMG_1284.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">set to go to breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-SeIfVXc1k/WRW4LS7HclI/AAAAAAAAD58/C35hVXHvfRk7wsfHQJe6xBzMbPQgUbwRwCEw/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-SeIfVXc1k/WRW4LS7HclI/AAAAAAAAD58/C35hVXHvfRk7wsfHQJe6xBzMbPQgUbwRwCEw/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love my little guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jiWEN6YZqA/WRW4MTglWOI/AAAAAAAAD58/l8A2mz4TTgQ2sdb5BaUxlS4YwdKSKgTeQCEw/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jiWEN6YZqA/WRW4MTglWOI/AAAAAAAAD58/l8A2mz4TTgQ2sdb5BaUxlS4YwdKSKgTeQCEw/s320/IMG_1288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The muffins he made and the coffee he promised me :)</td></tr>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
Ugh.<br />
All my boys are in big boy beds. John Paul made his official transition last night.<br />
He loves his new bed.<br />
It's crazy how quickly they are growing.<br />
It's also crazy how much bigger a twin bed is than a toddler bed.<br />
Let's just say the boys room is about filled to capacity.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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I started Iron Infusions this week.<br />
And I only have one thing to say about that...<br />
GOSH do I love hospital crushed ice.<br />
Nothin' like it. Where can I buy it? Besides Sonic and the Hospital?<br />
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-24316984850552675402017-05-05T05:23:00.001-07:002017-05-05T06:16:19.656-07:007 Quick Takes with all the outrage......just kidding outrage about dumb stuff is silly and I'm over it.<br />
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I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b><br />
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Aaron's sixth birthday was great fun.<br />
I once again went with the semi-homemade cake reality. I bought a frosted cake and made it into a dinosaur landscape as per the kid's request. The only problem was some people thought the boulders were dino droppings... what are you gonna do?<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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I've been thinking a LOT about how the culture of outrage is changing us as a society.<br />
EVERYTHING has to be the BIGGEST DEAL<br />
EVERYTHING must be a SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE!!!!<br />
I could give you nine million examples, but you are smart enough to know what I am talking about.<br />
I am very much over the hysterics of headlines and people who play into them. VERY.MUCH.OVER.IT.<br />
Especially when real issues get ignored.<br />
That is all.<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Remember how I was all like, 'this pregnancy has been so awesome, zero problems'.<br />
This pregnancy is awesome.<br />
But I did find out I once again have Gestational Diabetes<br />
and once again, I am severely anemic...<br />
So, it's back to 2-5 appointments a week starting in next week. This should be fun.<br />
Good thing we don't have three different school drop offs/pick ups daily to content with when arranging appointments/sitters/etc...<br />
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<b>(four)</b><br />
That said, my gosh, I am getting excited for the kid part. We can't wait to welcome our fifth.<br />
I find myself day dreaming about the quiet hospital stay. <br />
Although it's a bummer to use most of my husband's vacation right out of the gate, I am so excited to have two weeks at home as a family adjusting to a life of seven people.<br />
I can't wait for the bassinet to be right next to my bed, glancing over at a sleeping newborn in the middle of the night.<br />
I find myself day dreaming about all of these things and more. <br />
I'm nervous about going back to the work of a newborn, but gosh, I am excited for those first few weeks.<br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
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I've told you about the minimalism challenge right? This week our family room and the boy's room got the 'deep clean'. I took EIGHT TRASH BAGS TO GOOD WILL. Can you even imagine how much stuff we had that we don't need? </div>
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While I was cleaning the boys room, deep in the corner of a closet, wrapped in a tube of cardboard I found this.</div>
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Our dear friend, and Aaron's godfather, gave us an Apostolic Blessing for our wedding day. Right after we received the gift, in the chaos of getting married, we lost it. It's bugged me since, because I want to frame it and hang it above the bed in our room.<br />
YOU GUYS<br />
I AM SO EXCITED I FOUND IT.<br />
For our anniversary this year, I will get it framed and hang it up. What a blessing this gift is.<br />
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<b>(six)</b><br />
If you follow me on any type of social media, you know we had our first kid's first sport's practice this week. Little Aaron is starting flag-football and the whole house is excited for it.<br />
But, just as we were about to leave for the practice and jersey pick up, I realized Aaron took the wrong van, and left me the wrong keys, so I couldn't take his.<br />
We were stranded at home and had to miss the practice and jersey pick up.<br />
Is this the saddest picture ever?<br />
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That's the kids, looking out the front door, willing daddy to come back with the van so we could leave, complete with football in hand.<br />
<br />
The good news is, we will get his jersey before his first game on Sunday...<br />
... and the practice was canceled apparently<br />
... and it's kindergarten flag football, so it's not like all his dreams are crushed.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Yesterday, was Star Wars day at a local public library.<br />
I thought it was at the Redford Library, because the internets said it was at the Redford Library.<br />
So, being the kick a$$ mom that I am, I dragged all the kids out in the rain and we went to our library.<br />
After running through the rain, soaking wet we entered the library, we realized there was no Star Wars happenings...<br />
I pulled out my phone and realized the event was at a Detroit Public Library, Redford Branch (wth).<br />
Discovering it wasn't that far, the kids and I ran through the rain and drove to the Detroit Public Library (which is VERY hard to find, so I circled around several times) Redford Branch.<br />
Running through the rain to get into the second library, and soaking wet, it appeared this library also had nothing for Star Wars day.<br />
Epic fail. <br />
Right before we left, I thought to ask at the front desk.<br />
She told me Star Wars Day was in a conference room. Whew, there was something.<br />
Turns out the something was two crafts my kids couldn't do (too complicated)<br />
a bucket of broken crayons and coloring sheets<br />
and a game of tic tac toe.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER<br />
the library workers (maybe librarians) were awesome and dressed up.<br />
Even though I promised the kids snacks, books, games, and other surprises...<br />
They were totally content with the storm trooper.<br />
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<br />
#winning<br />
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-54132821695814995482017-04-28T06:54:00.001-07:002017-04-28T06:54:34.223-07:007QT about lyfe this weekI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<b>(one)</b><br />
Tomorrow is Aaron Christopher Wilkerson II's 6th birthday.<br />
I've decided it's all down hill from here. <br />
5 was awesome. As I told the pre-k teacher yesterday, 'they can wipe their own butts, dress themselves, put on their own shoes, it's awesome'. <br />
But from this point on, he just begins the process of leaving me :/ #dramaticmuch<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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Why, hello 3rd trimester.<br />
I am officially in the 3rd trimester. Woot woot.<br />
And, check it out...<br />
...as of today I do not have gestational diabetes.<br />
...for the first pregnancy ever, I do not throw up every day<br />
...I have only gained 7 pounds<br />
I know it's about to get rough, as only the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can, but for right now, I'll take it.<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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I know you've all been on the edge of your seat wondering what we are going to do for vacation next year.<br />
After the feedback I got from those who read this blog, we decided against Europe. It's just not time yet. The kids are entirely too young. Five more years. I can wait.<br />
We've also decided against the Disney cruise. It's an incredible amount of money and two of our kids won't even be able to use the pools- we are going to wait a couple years on that too.<br />
SO.<br />
It's back to Disney for the Wilkersons. This time during the Christmas Season. It's just the perfect place to go when one has five children who will be six and under. The whole darn place is directed towards children, and right now for us, that's priceless.<br />
We are excited!<br />
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<b>(four)</b><br />
Yesterday, Aaron started talking to me about Catholic High Schools and if they are on the table for us.<br />
You guys, it will be such an incredible amount of money $$$$ and all at once, because our kids are so close in age.<br />
But in six years, our little house will be paid for, so, in theory, if we stay here, we could do it.<br />
And so, we will start planning for it now.<br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
I told you a few weeks ago about the Minimalism Game I am a part of.<br />
On day one, you get rid of 1 thing.<br />
On day two, you get rid of 2 things.<br />
On day three, you get rid of 3 things.<br />
It's changing my life.<br />
I have donated bags and bags of stuff to goodwill. If we haven't used it in a year, we get rid of it.<br />
Wanna see something embarrassing?<br />
Here's the before and after of our bathroom sink drawer. I seriously don't think I've emptied it since we moved in #gross.<br />
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The whole house is being whipped into shape and I love it.<br />
<br />
Let me know if you want me to add you to the group on facebook for May. I promise, if your home needs organization, or just has too much 'stuff', you will LOVE it.<br />
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<b>(six)</b><br />
Part of this challenge is helping me deep clean our bedrooms for the first time in a long time.<br />
I leave the rooms to the weekend. Aaron has taken the kids out of the house, and I have busted butt to clean. I have our room sparkling and Malia's room sparkling. <br />
This weekend, the boys room is on tap.<br />
The boys room is disgusting.<br />
There has been sightings of at least 6 ants.<br />
I hate ants.<br />
But I'm gonna put on my big girl pants and get 'er did.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Malia is old enough to reach into our kitchen drawers.<br />
And do things like empty them.<br />
And take out markers and write all over things.<br />
And run around the house with scissors when I'm not looking.<br />
<br />
We've never had to child proof the drawers. I, intentionally, do very little child proofing in our house, and usually it involves duct tape vs. the fancy gadgets meant to keep kids out. That said, I might just have to, because it is SO annoying. <br />
<br />
That's all I got for this week.<br />
Have a great weekend.<br />
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-87134935105938200582017-04-21T05:38:00.000-07:002017-04-21T05:38:13.394-07:007QTakes give me your play advice and travel adviceI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<b>(one)</b><br />
The kids have been on break all week.<br />
I seriously can't decide if I am the mom who loves the kids on break, or prefers the kids in school :) <br />
I am somewhere in the middle. Probably more of the loving the kids on break type though.<br />
However.<br />
Our van is in the shop. Which means we are grounded at home today. Someone give me some suggestions of fun things to do to pass the day? Not complicated or messy ones either. k? Thanks!<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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For some reason, I keep thinking 5 is going to be SO MUCH HARDER than 4 kids.<br />
Not in practicality or our day to day tasks... I think we kind of have life figured out in that way.<br />
But definitely in going places.<br />
I don't know if it will be, but i keep thinking it will be.<br />
And I figured out why.<br />
You know how when someone has three kids, the joke is they are outnumbered?<br />
I realized last night, at five, we will be hand out numbered. We only have enough hands to hand hold four kids... and we are going to have five. I think it's going to make travel tricky.<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Speaking of travel... I am all starry eye'd thinking about travel in 2018.<br />
To review.<br />
We live in a small house (for 2017 standards) and we do so intentionally. It allows us to do things we want to do, like travel and send our kids to Catholic schools.<br />
Our travel budget is bigger than most families, but our house is smaller than most families... so don't judge :)<br />
Okay, I feel better writing that.<br />
Back to the starry eye'd planning.<br />
We were saving this year to, in theory, take a 6 days Disney cruise as a family. It seems like it would be so fun, and almost even relaxing, which is quite impossible with our kid's ages.<br />
But Disney Cruises are CRAZY expensive, because we would need two rooms.<br />
like, crazy expensive.<br />
We realized, we could actually go to Europe for LESS THAN what we would pay for a Disney Cruise.<br />
So then we started thinking, maybe we should bite the bullet and take our first European trip (on the list, Rome, Fatima, Ireland, Spain).<br />
BUT THEN, we were thinking we could also go to Hawaii.<br />
OR, we could do two pretty major USA vacations (several things on the table).<br />
<br />
So we are trying to decide what to do. And it's so fun. What would you do?<br />
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<b>(four)</b><br />
Aaron (husband) quote this morning...<br />
"Don't start off cranky, you get one cranky day a week, and that was yesterday, so no cranky today"<br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
We are late the party. But <b><u><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/designated-survivor" target="_blank">Designated Survivor</a></u></b>???? SO FREAKING GOOD.<br />
It's got me thinking all kinds of 'what would I do?' type of things. HIGHLY recommend.<br />
(by the way, we are only 7 episodes in, so if it ends up being a flop I will be seriously sad).<br />
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<b>(six)</b><br />
This girl. God has been so good to our family.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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If you're not familiar with the Rosary, it's a meditative prayer that helps the faithful move through the mysteries of faith using the intercession of the Blessed Mother. No, it's not praying, 'to her' that would be silly, it's asking her to pray with with you. And we ask people to pray with us all the time, and I think, sometimes, we specifically ask people of faith to pray with us. So it makes total sense to ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray with us right?!?! SUCH an amazing prayer.<br />
You guys.<br />
I've believe with my whole heart praying the Rosary is a crazy tool of protection for the family.<br />
I believe it.<br />
I know it.<br />
And yet, the Rosary with my crew? Um. No<br />
I know some people who do it with little people (shout out <b><u><a href="http://www.thepitterpatterdiaries.com/" target="_blank">Rakhi)</a></u></b>, but there was just no way I was going to attempt a 15-20 minute memorized prayer experience with my kids.<br />
They'd be bonkers<br />
I'd be yelling.<br />
I just kept waiting for the 'right' time.<br />
AND THEN<br />
My friend <b><u><a href="http://wewaituntilheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin </a></u></b>created this...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxTpP_Tk00/WPn7_V4QWNI/AAAAAAAAD4E/NoxDp-y6KDwqLujzWWOlKm8Lo4VN1BUDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxTpP_Tk00/WPn7_V4QWNI/AAAAAAAAD4E/NoxDp-y6KDwqLujzWWOlKm8Lo4VN1BUDwCLcB/s320/IMG_0733.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
Now, here's the thing. I've seen the concept before, but never geared towards children. The 'Easter Bunny' brought one for the kids and this week we completed our first family ROSARY! AND it was completely painless. The kids enjoyed praying and moving the beads, and it's something we are easily able to add to our bedtime routine (just a decade, I ain't crazy)!<br />
<br />
Check it, you need you to get you one. Seriously. First communion gifts, baptism gifts, family gifts... it's perfect. I HIGHLY recommend it and not just because Erin is my friend, but because I can't believe how awesome it was to pray the Rosary with my crew.<br />
Comment on this or in social media if you want Erin to message you info on it!<br />
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-49622234631857315852017-04-20T05:53:00.002-07:002017-04-20T06:07:16.121-07:00Miracle in the Holy Land<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShAzKTzqbXU/WPito44_rBI/AAAAAAAAD3k/w1As8MXkodchgkWvcbW5X8Yz3Uwi8fxxQCLcB/s1600/da%2Bclub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShAzKTzqbXU/WPito44_rBI/AAAAAAAAD3k/w1As8MXkodchgkWvcbW5X8Yz3Uwi8fxxQCLcB/s320/da%2Bclub.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 'da club' Aaron on my right, the now Father Steve on my left</td></tr>
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8 years ago today, I left for a 10 day-ish trip to the Holy Land. The night before we left, I went out to see a show called, 'Mega 80s' at a club in Ferndale, Michigan. I invited my new friend Aaron along. I had been crushing on him for awhile, but a week before, he told me he had a 'lady friend' destroying my 'he's a potential' dream... however he was super cool. So I wanted to hang out with him. Our friend in the the seminary, Steve Mateja came too. He swears, that night, at the club, he said a prayer Aaron and I would somehow end up together. <br />
<br />
<br />
I got up in the morning, packed last minute things, and left for the Holy Land full of anticipation, joy and nerves. I was attending the trip a little broken. Life just seemed really hard, as it does sometimes when one is 28, single, living in their parents house, and working a ministry job. My little sister was getting married, and I was so excited for her. But, I was having to have the 'Oh, is it weird to you that your little sister is getting married before you?' conversation, more often than I would have liked. I wasn't sure where my life was headed, I knew I wanted to be married, but I wasn't. I knew I needed to move out of my parent's home, but I couldn't figure out finances... I felt a little stuck.<br />
<br />
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I've told this story before, but I decided, during the pilgrimage, my main intention would be praying about my future, and being specific. I asked God to bring me a spouse. BUT, I also told Him, at the very least, if marriage wasn't in the cards for me, to somehow make my heart peaceful with that reality. I prayed it everywhere we went. I lit candles, I conversed with God about it. In the place of the Wedding Feast of Cana, I asked the Lord to please bring some clarity for this area of my life. It was different than when I had prayed before for my future spouse (did you know people did that? They do!). I was praying with a sense of trust, I would either meet someone or I would know the single life was going to be my reality and I would start to embrace it.<br />
<br />
On one of the last nights, we were eating a dinner in a hotel restaurant. A priest, not with our group, walked right up our table. He saw I was wearing a Franciscan University sweatshirt. I will never forget the conversation. <br />
<br />
"Did you go to Franciscan?"- he said.<br />
<br />
"I did"- I answered<br />
<br />
"It's a great school! Are you married?"- he kind of asked this question a little out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
"Nope" I said, used to this conversation, "Still waiting for my prince charming"<br />
<br />
...<br />
"Just so you know... prayers in the Holy Land are always answered"<br />
...<br />
<br />
He walked away. I didn't tell him my prayer was to find a spouse. It was such an odd experience, I wrote about it in my prayer journal.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5AaFrX9orM/WPivBL9GmFI/AAAAAAAAD3w/5J8FYsQvGFwpf4m3DXM1Eqs6nim8wW2tgCLcB/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5AaFrX9orM/WPivBL9GmFI/AAAAAAAAD3w/5J8FYsQvGFwpf4m3DXM1Eqs6nim8wW2tgCLcB/s1600/us.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at my sister's wedding</td></tr>
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Three weeks after I got home from this amazing trip, Aaron asked me on our first date. 3 weeks after that, he bought a one way ticket to Lexington, Kentucky to attend my little sister's wedding with me. It had to be one way, because he only had 1 night, the next day he was leaving for mission trip from Detroit. When I was driving home from my sister's wedding, I thought to myself, 'Oh my gosh, Lord, I could see myself marrying him'. We dated for six month, and then before the Blessed Sacrament and on a picture of the Big House's 50 yard line, he asked me to be his wife. We were married six months later, 10 days after our first date.<br />
Prayers in the Holy Land, for me, were answered.<br />
<br />
Guys, he drives me crazy. On Tuesday he came home late, without calling and then acted surprised I would be upset about it. There's a box on our kitchen floor I've asked him to move downstairs every day for almost a week. Marriage is hard. It's rare we have a week without some type of drama, squabble, fight or tension. <br />
<br />
However, last night he rubbed my back till I fell asleep. He does this almost every night because sleep is so hard for me when I am pregnant. This morning, he got up with the kids, while I slept in bed. He changed their diapers, took up and down the laundry, and ran to the store to grab some last minute groceries... all before 8:30 am. As he left for work, he gave me a kiss and I said a little prayer for him, in thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
Because 8 years ago today, I set out on a pilgrimage journey that would change my life. And now, 5 kids and a tiny house in Redford, Michigan later, I know I received a miracle.<br />
<br />
I don't get why some prayers are answered and why some aren't. I do believe in miracles, and Aaron is the greatest miracle of my life.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-61657779900190559982017-04-07T05:44:00.000-07:002017-04-07T05:44:31.155-07:007 Quick Takes with daily happeningsI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<b>(one)</b><br />
Om lower case g. Our Malia Paul had a rough week. She is our first kid who I can remember tumbling down ALL the stairs (from the very top, to the very bottom). Poor girl had rug burn all over her face. She went from that to getting hit with teething and allergies. On Tuesday, she was so miserable and congested, nap wasn't happening. She came out on the couch and snuggled under the covers, reading beside me. She's pretty much a teenager.</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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I have begun a much needed three week break from ministry. Praise you Jesus, the downtime will be good. Of course, I'm filling it with entirely too many things, but good things- so Imma take it as a win.<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Minimalism Game<br />
I've joined a facebook group I am loving. For one month, I am going to donate/clear/trash the clutter in my life. On day 1, you start with 1 item; day 2, 2 items; etc... etc... by the end of 30 days, you have de-cluttered 500 items. <br />
How depressing is it that 500 items wouldn't begin to declutter my home?<br />
YIKES.<br />
Here's a few pictures of some of the things I've gotten rid of so far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq8X6s1sLQM/WOeF88vXogI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/cKBzMGjRTbYEfx-5gLxgGCpNyn4GgqJQACLcB/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq8X6s1sLQM/WOeF88vXogI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/cKBzMGjRTbYEfx-5gLxgGCpNyn4GgqJQACLcB/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old shoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29OMB109evY/WOeF8tbMkHI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/CwztuDst9qstdOHJ1URBvK3BKhg-NonYQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29OMB109evY/WOeF8tbMkHI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/CwztuDst9qstdOHJ1URBvK3BKhg-NonYQCLcB/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">medicine cabinet stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AwCQ6epGk/WOeGxx4LcaI/AAAAAAAAD3M/wwrC5f3kLpEm5cA2S1FZDO4EiuksjwmhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AwCQ6epGk/WOeGxx4LcaI/AAAAAAAAD3M/wwrC5f3kLpEm5cA2S1FZDO4EiuksjwmhgCLcB/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">all size 3t clothing</td></tr>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
People have been entirely too kind to our family this week. It's been a CRAZY week with appointments, sick kids, a husband who was very busy at nighttime and packing to go out of town.<br />
BUT.<br />
A school family, the Wingates, have brought little Aaron home three afternoons this week. That's a game changer, because this week buses aren't running, so pick up is a mess. It's been so nice to not have to wake the kids up from nap to go get him. <br />
AND<br />
My sweet cousin came over to watch the kids while I ran to the store. She brought wonderful goodies for each of my children, including THREE PAIRS OF MATCHING PAJAMAS. And you know how I feel about matching pajamas. Here are my power rangers...<br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
We leave tomorrow for Niagara Falls for 2.5 days. Still SO much to do to make it happen. But I'm sitting here blogging instead. What is wrong with me!?!?!?</div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
If you follow me on the instagram or the facebook, you know I got to be little Aaron's 'Mystery Reader' this week. The mystery reader gives the teacher five clues, they are read to the class, and then the mystery reader appears to read a few books to the boys and girls.<br />
You guys.<br />
The joy on my son's face was amazing. He jumped right up and into my arms. I told that part on already on social media. What I didn't tell you is what he said after school.<br />
When he got in the car, he said,<br />
"Mom thank you so much for being the mystery reader. When the clues were being read, I was so nervous my stomach hurt and I could barely breathe, because I wanted it to be you so badly. I think if it wasn't you, I would have cried"<br />
Here's why God is good my friends.<br />
When he asked about me coming for mystery reader about a month ago, I could tell it was something he really wanted me to to do. I could hear it in his voice. But, to be honest, things like that are such a pain in the butt logistically (to run up to the school for ten minutes, sibling free). However, I felt a real prompting in my heart that this was important to him, and I should make it happen.<br />
Praise God that I did.<br />
I mean, his stomach hurt and he could barely breathe, after all.<br />
(no, he does not get his dramatics from me...or maybe he totally does).<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Syria.<br />
It's like I don't have the words. And I don't understand the complexities of the situation. I try to understand, I try to read and discern through party lines. But it's so hard. Children, so many children are dying, and we have video of it. People were sharing video on facebook yesterday of victims of a chemical warfare and Syria. I scrolled past every single one. I couldn't watch. I can't watch. It's like I have to turn off the situation in my head or it will be too maddening to even cope with. But that's awful isn't it? What do we do with that awful. I don't know. How are you coping with it? How are you responding as a Christian/Catholic? What are we suppose to do? The only thing I've seen concretely is people gathering items for refugees. Though important, is that enough, is that really addressing the situation?<br />
The song below has been running in my head all morning...<br />
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-73776239648519384482017-04-03T07:15:00.000-07:002017-04-03T07:15:17.934-07:00The Triduum With ToddlersAs most of you know, I am not a 'pinterest' mom. Crafting, creativity, etc... just aren't my gifts. It's not something I mourn, as God has been very good to to me and I have great people in my life who help create a magical childhood for my children... BUT...<br />
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Last year, the Holy Spirit (and other mom blogs) completely inspired me and our family had an awesome, age appropriate Triduum experience. <b><u><a href="http://letlovebesincere.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-wilkersons-and-their-user-friendly.html" target="_blank"> I wrote our plans here,</a></u></b> but today I am going to write about what we actually did and how it worked out.<br />
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For those of you who don't know, the Triduum, is the 3 day, day. The days between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday, where we observed the greatest mystery of our faith, the reality we have a God who loved us enough to die for us in a painful, horrific, lonely way, but then, just when all hope was lost... HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD. The awesomeness is hard to understand for grown ups, but to help little ones move through it is a challenge in itself. Last year's 'Three Day, Day' went so well, I wanted to write about it and maybe if you have little ones (or big ones) you can incorporate some of the ideas. The Catholic Church has beautiful liturgies for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. BUT, for our family of four (five) children under the age of six, these liturgies just don't work (we've tried). They are beautiful, but they are long. The symbolism is lost on my children and the few times we have attempted to attend, I end up acting REALLY un-Christian trying to manage my little weirdos. So, we began our very own tradition to get us through this season of littles... I'm also going to add pictures, because pictures are super fun.<br />
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<b>HOLY THURSDAY</b></div>
After school we begin to set up for our Jesus meal. Apparently, mimicking Seder meals is frowned upon, but that's not what we are trying to accomplish. Our goal for this night is to eat as Jesus ate and to practice our very own foot washing. We laid big blankets on the floor of the family room with pillows underneath them. The boys dress in long t-shirts, tied at the waist with burlap ribbon. Last year, I wrapped malia in scarf around her head. We all sit on the floor, and say our prayers and then eat a simple meal of delicious 'Jesus Bread' ('Iraqi bread' from the most wonderful bakery- called <b><u><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/ishtar-west-bloomfield" target="_blank">Ishtar in West Bloomfield</a></u></b> for you locals), hummus, sliced apples and cucumbers. We put all the food on big platters, and the boys got a huge kick out of eating with their hands right off the center platters. After dinner, I read a simple story of the foot washing, and each child washes the feet of their siblings/mom/dad. Last year, Little Aaron did not want to get his feet washed at first, and that was a-ok, this night is about calmly and peacefully giving our kids an insight into the mystery of Christ. By the end of the footwashing, Aaron was game, so we all washed each other's feet. The cutest by far was watching Malia excitedly get her feet washed by her brothers. We use VERY little water, because I am mom who doesn't like messes... feel free to do you if you don't mind the mess. <br />
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The kids still talk about this night and our looking forward to it this year... here are some pictures...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l27PLy6ptY4/WOJPBwZYouI/AAAAAAAADzQ/CSd8qQKDykMlH7F3BsqxUmDulPCGp8lVACLcB/s1600/IMG_8411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l27PLy6ptY4/WOJPBwZYouI/AAAAAAAADzQ/CSd8qQKDykMlH7F3BsqxUmDulPCGp8lVACLcB/s320/IMG_8411.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aERcpPNfmvg/WOJPB59YyqI/AAAAAAAADzU/Xz42C7rEPnQrsnJ_bK70wWKITKPU4z3ywCLcB/s320/IMG_8412.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super excited</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the disciples ready for their meal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mama participates too</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this kid eats nothing, but he loves him some hummus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">messy faces are worth it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO FUN</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ienPsCbIyjs/WOJPGooBbzI/AAAAAAAADz0/0UarHLEGyzAcTm6jU0Kz6m2oWnLGw-cvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ienPsCbIyjs/WOJPGooBbzI/AAAAAAAADz0/0UarHLEGyzAcTm6jU0Kz6m2oWnLGw-cvQCLcB/s320/IMG_8446.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love her face in this one. She totally got into it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGi-1ymivYI/WOJPGyTJ2yI/AAAAAAAADz4/UQmr0yJPQ28P8IRCffJ7KOhOnUCxczxqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGi-1ymivYI/WOJPGyTJ2yI/AAAAAAAADz4/UQmr0yJPQ28P8IRCffJ7KOhOnUCxczxqgCLcB/s320/IMG_8448.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">washing their tiny feet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xig_1lGVUrM/WOJPIyIutXI/AAAAAAAADz8/u4eaHV6Phtgw1Ut4Vw831DKiqTzOGtUzwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xig_1lGVUrM/WOJPIyIutXI/AAAAAAAADz8/u4eaHV6Phtgw1Ut4Vw831DKiqTzOGtUzwCLcB/s320/IMG_8452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malia getting her feet washed by her brothers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFa8gf6oAfM/WOJPJAWDU-I/AAAAAAAAD0E/97XdSIaN79Qexu_3WI0X--VnV9dkHU2yACLcB/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFa8gf6oAfM/WOJPJAWDU-I/AAAAAAAAD0E/97XdSIaN79Qexu_3WI0X--VnV9dkHU2yACLcB/s320/IMG_8459.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lol, not sure she understood she wasn't just being spoiled</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awaiUUKUgzc/WOJPKibbhaI/AAAAAAAAD0M/uKxDPbF-IRs5-cjsMiDBHUlBCrqodQzewCLcB/s1600/IMG_8462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awaiUUKUgzc/WOJPKibbhaI/AAAAAAAAD0M/uKxDPbF-IRs5-cjsMiDBHUlBCrqodQzewCLcB/s320/IMG_8462.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron allowed us at the end to wash his feet</td></tr>
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<b> GOOD FRIDAY</b></div>
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We wake up in the morning on Good Friday and watch '<b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M8Yesnt1V8" target="_blank">the LEGO JESUS STORY'</a></u></b></div>
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You guys. My friend Jaime from MOPS wrote about this on facebook a few years ago and we randomly watched it. My boys ask for it all.the.time. I think it's a great way to tell the story of Christ in a way that makes sense to three little boys (remember, they are very little). The boys are captivated by it, and I am telling you, like it or not a 2, 3 and 4 year old REALLY can better grasp the mystery of Good Friday by watching it played out in legos. I promise.</div>
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After watching, during the morning, we made Jesus 'thank you cards'. Cards that thank Him for His cross. We knew last year we wanted to bring them to a Church, to an altar to drop them off. We didn't anticipate so many churches would be closed in the morning. BUT, it ended up being the best happy accident. Our Archdiocesan Cathedral, Blessed Sacrament was open. It will be our tradition to go there every year. We put our Thank You cards before the tabernacle and spent some time (a short bit of time) in prayer. The kids, my little little kids, honestly had a sense of sorrow and thanks moving through it in this way. If you are local and want to meet down there this year, we ended up there around 10:30-11:00 am. We'd love to meet up with you and your thank you cards.</div>
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When we got home, we took the time to 'shroud' all the holy images in our house. This includes statues, pictures, crucifixes, etc.. We placed small pieces of fabric (I mean, let's not lie, it's me, so I think we even used old t-shirts and scarves). The kids took naps and we ate a meatless dinner. </div>
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Here are some pictures.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWdibCf3vb0/WOJSmD_ho0I/AAAAAAAAD0U/mGsq4swQ-VQYoRHVyfre8JEK-EAn_sEowCLcB/s1600/IMG_8470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWdibCf3vb0/WOJSmD_ho0I/AAAAAAAAD0U/mGsq4swQ-VQYoRHVyfre8JEK-EAn_sEowCLcB/s320/IMG_8470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Paul in front of his namesake's chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DulbsuzeBoU/WOJSldBVUmI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/jwBTchFodwIH-etX9EYavIYXN__eP2migCLcB/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DulbsuzeBoU/WOJSldBVUmI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/jwBTchFodwIH-etX9EYavIYXN__eP2migCLcB/s320/IMG_8485.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't think to take a picture, but a dear friend was at the cathedral later and saw the cards and snapped a picture for me.</td></tr>
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<b>HOLY SATURDAY</b></div>
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As a child, we always participated in the Polish Tradition of the Blessing of the Baskets. But, since I don't really cook, I didn't think I had enough to 'fill' the baskets with. Last year, though, I decided Jesus wouldn't mind if our baskets didn't have a lot of stuff in them. The Blessing of the Baskets is an awesome tradition, <b><u><a href="http://annhetzelgunkel.com/easter/swiecone.html" target="_blank">you can read up on it here</a></u></b>. Basically, it's the seeking of God's blessing for the material goods we will enjoy on Easter. We began by coloring eggs, and then filling our baskets with the eggs and Easter Candy. And I think some string cheese... because... toddlers. The service is short (thank you Jesus) and the boys enjoyed carrying their little baskets.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpFYONSF67Y/WOJT6noOtUI/AAAAAAAAD0k/RX52W-SIGZMHxkCqEqjTP3rtUnxrxvpKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpFYONSF67Y/WOJT6noOtUI/AAAAAAAAD0k/RX52W-SIGZMHxkCqEqjTP3rtUnxrxvpKgCLcB/s320/IMG_8471.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring Eggs</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh7FCKvbM7s/WOJT6liYaiI/AAAAAAAAD0g/drNREuOgd8kdvzp35d2K6N6txEmWjrfFACLcB/s1600/IMG_8475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh7FCKvbM7s/WOJT6liYaiI/AAAAAAAAD0g/drNREuOgd8kdvzp35d2K6N6txEmWjrfFACLcB/s320/IMG_8475.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Paul loved it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXY4l8mr3iY/WOJT6KE6vQI/AAAAAAAAD0c/pFgGKvbdCjgGLgxr6GAR7Pz-gnnmB8BqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXY4l8mr3iY/WOJT6KE6vQI/AAAAAAAAD0c/pFgGKvbdCjgGLgxr6GAR7Pz-gnnmB8BqgCLcB/s320/IMG_8479.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loading up the baskets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgIq9gU4N8w/WOJT8RY-lBI/AAAAAAAAD0o/VKq7WMQvkUISTEu5AKFeSKh5pqCTLbKkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgIq9gU4N8w/WOJT8RY-lBI/AAAAAAAAD0o/VKq7WMQvkUISTEu5AKFeSKh5pqCTLbKkQCLcB/s320/IMG_8482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adding the special touches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGmiLFZrfc/WOJT8vjwksI/AAAAAAAAD0s/X65bmxDzynQaezPQ27ZQkAEzCet-gmulgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGmiLFZrfc/WOJT8vjwksI/AAAAAAAAD0s/X65bmxDzynQaezPQ27ZQkAEzCet-gmulgCLcB/s320/IMG_8483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like John Paul's basket legit has crust in it. It's okay, Jesus doesn't mind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>EASTER SUNDAY</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YAY, we've made it to Easter. For Easter, each of our kids gets a special 'new ish' outfit. Oh my gosh, how fun is it buying Easter dresses for little girls?!??!? Seriously. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the night, I took the 'shrouds' off all of our Religious articles, and replaced them with fresh flowers. Last year, we had one shared basket (we will probably do the same this year), that the Easter Bunny hides.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of the Easter Bunny... we ain't got no problem with him. You'll see in the pictures below, our Easter Bunny (and Santa Clause) work to celebrate Jesus. These imaginative wonders help to bring alive the mysteries we share with our children about our faith. It's all good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Easter basket is simple. Usually each boy gets one of those$1-2 religious books (although last year we did a big expensive book called, 'Letters to Pope Francis' which they loved), 1 small toy (Imaginext super heroes last year) and candy. It's the perfect way to celebrate. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last few years, we've gone to breakfast with my inlaws at a delicious pancake house. After, we attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. After Mass, I hide 15-20 eggs full of one candy each around the yard- I do this while the family is the car getting ready to go to breakfast. The boys (and this year, girl) really enjoy finding them, so it's a tradition I will probably stick with. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We go home, nap and then head to my parents for Easter Dinner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's some pictures...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUf1KQOvDoU/WOJT9o0M0kI/AAAAAAAAD0w/b-CALouPalwsnA2WBeLgVKCDoucvf0TJgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUf1KQOvDoU/WOJT9o0M0kI/AAAAAAAAD0w/b-CALouPalwsnA2WBeLgVKCDoucvf0TJgCLcB/s320/IMG_8486.JPG" width="320" /></a></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: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-eVLrV9aU0/WOJT_bJUmyI/AAAAAAAAD00/GdYMJeGFXzkO7i4ilK51r2-UEcNPqqkSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-eVLrV9aU0/WOJT_bJUmyI/AAAAAAAAD00/GdYMJeGFXzkO7i4ilK51r2-UEcNPqqkSgCLcB/s320/IMG_8487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYeG7wACze4/WOJT_t-aL3I/AAAAAAAAD04/JhYAcPG-5I4JTdyMlPuk7WXMnIVqloTHACLcB/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYeG7wACze4/WOJT_t-aL3I/AAAAAAAAD04/JhYAcPG-5I4JTdyMlPuk7WXMnIVqloTHACLcB/s320/IMG_8488.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Easter Bunny working for Jesus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITE5gggnt4k/WOJT_5KIKLI/AAAAAAAAD08/W2pgpcNkJFEoLLWGtjQOlASBOaRWXJFywCLcB/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITE5gggnt4k/WOJT_5KIKLI/AAAAAAAAD08/W2pgpcNkJFEoLLWGtjQOlASBOaRWXJFywCLcB/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHnpQwaZgqk/WOJUAfE0U5I/AAAAAAAAD1A/_AljzpJm0748vXeYtdxDeIab_RQSD7nfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHnpQwaZgqk/WOJUAfE0U5I/AAAAAAAAD1A/_AljzpJm0748vXeYtdxDeIab_RQSD7nfQCLcB/s320/IMG_8515.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa and Malia at Mass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtMC0xiYpNk/WOJUDjXI7YI/AAAAAAAAD1I/7N2Dx8sWSU4jF4mNAjiFQ7ldE5S4mLsSQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtMC0xiYpNk/WOJUDjXI7YI/AAAAAAAAD1I/7N2Dx8sWSU4jF4mNAjiFQ7ldE5S4mLsSQCLcB/s320/IMG_8540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter egg hunt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTx78tka0IY/WOJUFXwks9I/AAAAAAAAD1M/07LF9buhXXAlXsAityQ650HvSnNUbQUKACLcB/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTx78tka0IY/WOJUFXwks9I/AAAAAAAAD1M/07LF9buhXXAlXsAityQ650HvSnNUbQUKACLcB/s320/IMG_8543.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This part is so fun for them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UC-WpRJeBgg/WOJUFtwwRYI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/v7eRHaDvi9oUBsYG0iGcVAMyYa52z-ozQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UC-WpRJeBgg/WOJUFtwwRYI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/v7eRHaDvi9oUBsYG0iGcVAMyYa52z-ozQCLcB/s320/IMG_8548.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he couldn't wait to begin the tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aa2ehJb45ho/WOJUCR50zrI/AAAAAAAAD1E/RPvK4o7lK2kJkgkx47YdxSupXAfbreWEgCEw/s1600/IMG_8530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aa2ehJb45ho/WOJUCR50zrI/AAAAAAAAD1E/RPvK4o7lK2kJkgkx47YdxSupXAfbreWEgCEw/s320/IMG_8530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew at Mass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>CONCLUSION</b></div>
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And that my friends is how the Wilkersons live the mystery of the Triduum in a special, holy and age appropriate way. Maybe this helped to give you some ideas?!?!?! Get 'er done.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-49219870152159671432017-03-31T05:45:00.001-07:002017-03-31T05:45:54.101-07:007QT we made it through March editionI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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You guys!<br />
We made it through March. This month was SO BUSY, I've kind of been worried about it for awhile. But, as with most things, the worry was silly because everything went fine.<br />
Ministry was amazing.<br />
2 School retreats<br />
7 Confirmation Retreats<br />
2 Lenten Evenings of Reflections<br />
A very fruitful month where the Spirit of the Lord was so present. I feel thankful to be able to do what I do, and for the most part stay home with my kids. But man, I am excited to have a weekend with just the crew...next weekend...<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmR912UCIdk/WN5LwjZdpKI/AAAAAAAADzA/i6p5j3ChYKUN-PZFFUUDsj_OSB-8M6klgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmR912UCIdk/WN5LwjZdpKI/AAAAAAAADzA/i6p5j3ChYKUN-PZFFUUDsj_OSB-8M6klgCLcB/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confirmation Retreat for Dayzzzz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
....because this weekend is the Michigan Young Adult Conference where yours truly has a keynote. Let's pray it goes well and I don't<br />
...make up facts about Jesus that aren't true (sometimes I do that on accident)<br />
...or forget basic theology (sometimes I do that too)<br />
... or begin quoting a document from the Church and forget the actual quote without having it written down (that's happened)<br />
:)<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Controversial Catholic Cry Room Opinion Ahead.</div>
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Did you guys see Kendra at <b><u><a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/" target="_blank">Catholic All Year</a></u></b>'s Post about cry rooms?</div>
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It was good. </div>
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It basically said that cry rooms should be for adults who insist on total quiet in the sanctuary and the sanctuary should be for people who don't mind the noise of young Catholics (babies/toddlers). </div>
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But some of the comments were annoying. Two things in particular...</div>
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ONE</div>
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The 'Places of worship should not have cry rooms, babies belong in Church' argument. I get the theory, I really do. But the thing is, cry rooms are an absolute save for people like me, or people who were like I was. After John Paul, I had three kids under the age of 3. I needed cry rooms during a particular season in my life, especially if I had to go to Mass alone. And when kids are melting down and screaming, cry rooms are a great place to go. Cry rooms are sometimes necessary just for the sheer containment aspect. We actually don't love worshiping in spaces without cry rooms, because one of us generally has to leave with a screaming kid and the other has to manage the rest. I get the idealistic, 'Children belong in Church' but I like to take out my screaming kid.</div>
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TWO</div>
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Ugh, you guys with the self-righteousness. I would NEVER go to a cry room. I HATE cry rooms. CRY rooms are for parents who don't care about their kids and let them have SNACKS! And TOYS! and CRAYONS! and RUN AROUND.</div>
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STAAAAAAAAP.</div>
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Staaaaap with your self-righteous judging.</div>
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Here's the thing.</div>
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I've been evil eye'd in the cry room with by the woman sitting with her quiet baby on her lap. It sucks.</div>
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I've had to manage my kids in the cry room when a parent is choosing to let their 7 year old play with cars and starwars action figures and it sucks.</div>
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But the "I would NEVER" or "we don't use the cry room because..." </div>
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I roll my eyes at you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
I'm pretty sure I have a quick take that is word for word exactly what I am going to write, but I am going to write it nonetheless.<br />
I cannot believe what I get accomplished in my home by 7:30 am.<br />
The changing, the feeding breakfasts, the emptying/loading of the dishwasher, the bottles clean, the packing of backpacks and snacks and lunches, the getting all the kids in clothes, etc...<br />
It's amazing.<br />
And at 7:45 am, after the tornado of activity in our home, when I am left with just two kids... I take a long, deep breath.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(five)</b><br />
We aren't going to Disney.<br />
We aren't going to Grand Rapids.<br />
We are going to Niagara Falls!!!! With our whole crew. In a SUUUUPER fancy hotel overlooking the falls.<br />
And I am going to get a manicure and pedicure at the spa in the hotel while everyone takes a nap.<br />
I'm also going to bring wine/cheese and crackers to munch on with my husband quietly while the children sleep at night.<br />
AND<br />
There's a huge tub where I plan on soaking and reading a book each night.<br />
I actually don't think we are going to leave the hotel.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
Every Friday night we have pizza.<br />
We call it pizza Friday. The kids eat the pizza and we watch a show together usually.<br />
Every Friday morning I wake up thankful that I won't have to think about dinner. <br />
Feeding kids is hard.<br />
Harder than laundry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you don't have one, get you a girlfriend you can meet at 10:00 am in Detroit to attend the Sacrament of Confession while you trade babysitting the kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So thankful for girlfriends of faith and receiving the shower of grace that comes from the Sacrament of Reconciliation.</div>
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If you haven't been this Lent, get on it. It feels awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SHOOT. I just remember I never did my penance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the things that happen when you have many children and attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.</div>
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I'll get on that right away :)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXrmg1gbj9U/WN5Lc1tzalI/AAAAAAAADy8/93rGKowWgzc-LdvlMW2-hn53aptFT3GEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXrmg1gbj9U/WN5Lc1tzalI/AAAAAAAADy8/93rGKowWgzc-LdvlMW2-hn53aptFT3GEACLcB/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-56162150624542715132017-03-24T05:56:00.001-07:002017-03-24T05:57:14.746-07:007QT state of affairsI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>I realized we have exactly seven members of our family, and there are Seven Quick Takes, and so, I will update you on each member of our family :)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>(one)</b></div>
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The baby.<br />
The baby is doing great. She is big (shocking?!?! Not at all) and is staying active by beating the crud out of my insides with her huge limbs. You know it's interesting when the ultrasound tech is like, 'whoa, that is one big femur'. The last week has been much better in terms of being sick. We are excited for her July arrival, and her siblings are already completely obsessed with her.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
Malia Paul<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEXb7XAlbLs/WNUQ3TVJZ3I/AAAAAAAADw4/-Qgibsa5x_cDqdiJQcinpS1QWku_8DLnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0351%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEXb7XAlbLs/WNUQ3TVJZ3I/AAAAAAAADw4/-Qgibsa5x_cDqdiJQcinpS1QWku_8DLnQCLcB/s320/IMG_0351%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
She continues to rule the household. She is saying more words, LOVES to dance (like, loves) and is our own little d-d-d-diva. I've posted about this on facebook, but we've started washing her hair with just conditioner (WHO KNEW!?!?!). It brings out the curls which is so adorable. <br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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John Paul Francis.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6FzGD4J1r4/WNUSFOMOcjI/AAAAAAAADxE/HcS1lpCj4aokByl-OIKEj84GIGENvGzcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6FzGD4J1r4/WNUSFOMOcjI/AAAAAAAADxE/HcS1lpCj4aokByl-OIKEj84GIGENvGzcgCLcB/s320/IMG_0246.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh my gosh. He is a three year old. I never used to understand when people complained about their three year olds...</div>
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Now I do.</div>
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I have to be VERY careful with this one. Because we tend to lump the oldest three together, it's VERY easy to discipline John Paul too hard because he isn't acting like the older two. But, he's not the same age as his big brothers. </div>
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His life is pretty much one revolving correction. I think of my friend Mary's blog a lot with him (if you haven't read it, and you have a 2-5 year old, you're gonna wanna)... </div>
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It's called,<b><u><a href="http://www.betterthaneden.com/2016/06/i-forgot-you-were-four.html" target="_blank"> 'I Forgot You Were Four'</a></u></b></div>
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Lest you think he's all work, he's also so sweet. </div>
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Er'time he gets in trouble he now says, "I'm so totally sorry mommy". The 'so totally' reminds me of Zoolander, and melts my heart.</div>
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<b>(four)</b><br />
Joseph Michael.<br />
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Oh my Joey. He gets sweeter by the minute. For real, he does.<br />
He has completely turned his behavior around at school. He is our quietest kid, and by far our most sensitive. His snuggles are still the very very best.<br />
He LOVES to say his prayers and tell me stories about Jesus.<br />
Joey is probably most excited about the baby. He knows she will be born right after his birthday, and is beyond excited about that. <br />
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<b>(five)</b><br />
Aaron Christopher II<br />
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"It goes by so fast"<br />
Yup. We are definitely at the age where I've decided he can just stop growing up. I think from this point on, it's going to be the daily, painful reminder that it all flies by so much faster than we want it to.<br />
Yesterday, the boys all went outside to play. The youngest two got cold and came inside. Aaron stayed outside for 1/2 hour longer. It's VERY unusual in my family to have kids play by themselves (how cool is that?), but he was just playing by himself. I watched him out the window and couldn't believe how big he'd gotten. He was doing lots of little boy stuff, kicking the soccer ball, shooting some baskets, playing with is cars... mundane things that absolutely took my breath away.<br />
He saw me staring at one point, turned around and tried to show off for me. Then he blew me a kiss.<br />
Make the growing up stop.</div>
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<b>(six)</b><br />
Aaron Christopher I</div>
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my boo.<br />
Aaron switched jobs, he was courted by another company and it was an offer we couldn't refuse. He continues to work incredibly hard for our family, whilst being an awesome-ish husband and father :)<br />
Yesterday, he came home from work and I was exhausted. He told me to rest, he would take the kids out of the house for an hour or two. I'm lucky to be married to a guy like him.<br />
We are still in a standstill about our spring vacation. He wants to go to Grand Rapids, I want to go to Disney. We will go somewhere in April, I think he's gonna win. I am bummed.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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me.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjfs11v1mY8/WNUWTcAhCxI/AAAAAAAADyM/ML3IatgPX_cRIXO4yZqfo9dFCKwhOZacACLcB/s1600/13495050-A01E-408B-A603-9104C9720389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjfs11v1mY8/WNUWTcAhCxI/AAAAAAAADyM/ML3IatgPX_cRIXO4yZqfo9dFCKwhOZacACLcB/s320/13495050-A01E-408B-A603-9104C9720389.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Life is good.</div>
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This month proved to be a bit more than I should have put on my plate in terms of ministry, but it's been such good ministry, that I can't say I regret it. </div>
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Pregnancy is going well. I look like I could deliver next week, and I have 3.5 months to go, so that's interesting.</div>
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I get tired a lot and out of breath more. I lose my patience with the kids too often, but am trying to reign it in vs. giving into the temper.</div>
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I really want to travel the world. Or at the very least go somewhere besides Grand Rapids... le sigh... one day soon.</div>
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I've got a great husband and five wonderful children.</div>
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Life is good.</div>
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-15027736833702712452017-03-17T06:32:00.001-07:002017-03-17T06:32:26.050-07:007QT let's talk about some thingsI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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It's probably not nice to talk about behind people's backs in a blog.<br />
Even if they are celebrities.<br />
But can I just say, and you can draw your own conclusions... Emma Watson is becoming my new Anne Hathaway and that is NOT a compliment.<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a><br />
The last couple weeks have been rougher than usual with pregnancy (which is still way less rough than any pregnancy before). I am back to throwing up a couple times of day, which is a challenge, but the bigger challenge is in order to avoid throwing up I need to eat, and almost all food is pretty gross to me right now.<br />
I hate that.<br />
What do you eat when nothing sounds good?<br />
Maybe you can give me some ideas. Soup is working well, so is Ramen. My gosh, what would I do as a pregnant woman without Ramen? <br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Speaking of getting sick.</div>
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This week at some point I was throwing up (I'm sorry, is this gross to you?) and I accidentally didn't shut the door tight enough. </div>
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Sweet John Paul came in and was rubbing my back, 'you sick mama?'.</div>
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Nothing like a sweet little boy to perk one up. </div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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I am itching to go on a vacation before the baby gets here.</div>
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Aaron is never excited about spending money.</div>
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We are at a stand still.</div>
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He's thinking stay-cation, I'm thinking 3 night disney cruise... we are on very different sides of the spectrum on this one.</div>
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Who will win?</div>
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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No Wednesdays with the Wilkersons this week. It was going to be on Thursday, but we watched 'This is Us' and then it was too late. I did do Wednesdays with my boys, it was cute. But what you didn't see (if you watched) is I was hard core disciplining during it. I even sent one kid to his room in the middle of it. If you were watching and didn't realize one kid was sent to his room and then apologized and came back... it pretty much means I am a rock star parent.<br />
There was also some slight pinching going on to demand good behavior.<br />
Basically, we won't be doing 'live with the Wilkerson children' again anytime soon.<br />
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<b>(six)</b></div>
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O.M. freaking Lower case g.<br />
We are watching the ESPN special/documentary on the OJ Simpson case.<br />
It is captivating.<br />
There are so many themes that are amazing me.<br />
But, probably the most surprising at all... wait for it...<br />
I can actually see how the Jury decided against conviction.<br />
They were wrong, of course, but I finally understand why they reached the conclusions they did.<br />
It's absolutely memorizing, if you're bored, you should watch it.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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My girlfriend Erin had quite the scare yesterday morning with her son, Noah.</div>
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He had a Grand Mal Seizure and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. </div>
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I can't imagine the fear. She did an awesome job writing about it and how much a person can take, but more important, how much God can take. Click <b><u><a href="http://wewaituntilheaven.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-shaken-faith.html" target="_blank">this link </a></u></b>to give it a read, you won't be disappointed. </div>
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-72585877932478409452017-03-15T06:31:00.001-07:002017-03-15T06:31:45.536-07:005 Things I'm All About...... and you should be too.<br />
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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My friend Erin has started a <b><u><a href="http://wewaituntilheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog,</a></u></b> and would like to expand it into a type of speaking ministry. Erin has two beautiful boys here on earth, but also had the most difficult task of trusting two other sons to heaven. Miscarriage and Infant Loss affect us all, whether directly or indirectly. I think we, as a church, don't always do an awesome job of walking with people who are healing, and living with such a hard cross. Erin would like to be a voice of solidarity and a voice of hope for the hurting. If you are a Priest, DRE, Pastoral Minister, Pastor, even a Youth Minister, consider speaking to your leadership about having Erin offer an evening of reflection for those in your parish who might have some sort of dealings with this very painful topic.</div>
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Also, make sure to follow her blog, <b><u><a href="http://wewaituntilheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">We Wait Until Heaven.</a></u></b>.. the first post was pretty amazing. I am excited to see the insights the Lord has given her and apply those insights to everyday life.</div>
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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Another friend is helping to organize a special night, '<b><u><a href="https://aaomgala.org/?utm_source=2017+Gala+List&utm_campaign=3621e54d3d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50e9c6d214-3621e54d3d-376156105" target="_blank">Michigan Shines of Autism'</a></u></b>. In the last couple of years, Aaron and I have had the opportunity to attend different fundraising events. We've found that for the price of one fancy date night, we can date at events that really make a difference. These events make a difference both by raising awareness, but also through raising funds. You know I love me some fancy nights, if you are in the market for one, consider this. I think I would be hard pressed to find an adult who is not currently touched by someone living with the reality of Autism. I continue to be amazed at the advancement of therapies and developments in this realm. Wouldn't it be cool to know YOU were a part of it. Sign up, go have a fancy night o' fanciness. </div>
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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I told you about this, but Aaron and I have started 'Wednesdays with Wilkersons'. We just kind of turn on our 'facebook live' button and go. As you know if you read this blog, I do think there is something valuable about discussing the reality of day to day, not glorifying the hard, but not hiding it either. Aaron and I certainly do not have a perfect marriage, but we are madly in love with each other, we love to banter back and forth, and we have fun with our friends/family. This is just an extension of that. </div>
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So, if you are free on Wednesday Nights... join us. </div>
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EXCEPT TONIGHT. </div>
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This week's "Wednesdays with the Wilkersons" will be moved to Thursday. We've got plans tonight, including watching 'This is Us'- and we are in charge, so we've decided to put Wednesdays on a Thursday. </div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.nbc.com/this-is-us?CID=Search%7CThis-Is-Us&nbc=1" target="_blank">"This is Us" </a></u></b>is the best show on television.</div>
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I didn't watch last night's episode yet, but we will tonight. If you don't watch, and someone haven't heard the hype. Hear it now and get on it. It's SO good.</div>
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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This song is amazing.</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f1QjKqyGh8s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f1QjKqyGh8s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I first heard it at a youth conference, it was so good it made me cry.</div>
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I love how it points out the lack of power this world/satan has over us. </div>
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If only we solely relied on Christ, wouldn't our whole view of the world be so different?</div>
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I want to live the words of this song.</div>
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That is all. </div>
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Check it all out. </div>
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It's good stuff.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-77433441015171936652017-03-10T09:19:00.003-08:002017-03-10T09:19:37.792-08:007 Quick Takes with some cute picsI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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Yesterday, a friend messaged me...<br />
"Do you have power? I hope you have power with four kids and being pregnant"<br />
I thought she meant it in a 'how do you do find the strength to do it?' way (conceited much?).<br />
So I responded that it's not power, it's grace.<br />
And she was like, 'Ha, but seriously, do you have power?'<br />
And again, I went on to explain it was more like grace. <br />
I even expanded up on it, and how it can be hard when Aaron comes home late, but it's do-able.<br />
<br />
I woke up at 5:00 am this morning and realized. She was legit referring to electricity, and was totally confused as to why I wouldn't just directly answer the question.<br />
<br />
Idiot.<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a>Aaron and I are doing Wednesdays with the Wilkersons on facebook live.<br />
This Wednesday I was probably a bit too bitter to be talking about the subject of unappreciated women.<br />
So I am sorry for the man bashing.<br />
Is that better erik?!?!?!<br />
(Erik felt it was too complain-y)<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Lent.</div>
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Up at 6:00 am for prayer daily. </div>
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It has worked 5 of the last 7 days.</div>
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Pretty sure I am going to switch it up though. It's hard to pray when I can't even open my eyes. </div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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John Paul with glasses (that are not his). </div>
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I cannot</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydTEWWGDc6I/WMLe4QKazfI/AAAAAAAADwg/L_y4oCF5suoaCZ7bWMrZ1Doq_w_cSA0HgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydTEWWGDc6I/WMLe4QKazfI/AAAAAAAADwg/L_y4oCF5suoaCZ7bWMrZ1Doq_w_cSA0HgCLcB/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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I spend my mornings with these two.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lBKrobb3J8/WMLe-bqDIvI/AAAAAAAADwk/SvZWC85mIFkj5o5NgS5FFo42k9UMgC18wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lBKrobb3J8/WMLe-bqDIvI/AAAAAAAADwk/SvZWC85mIFkj5o5NgS5FFo42k9UMgC18wCLcB/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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How lucky a I? Seriously.</div>
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<b>(six)</b></div>
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I say lucky. But I have been really cranky this week.<br />
I am hoping this weekend to really deep clean our three bedrooms in our house.<br />
I feel like that will make me less cranky.<br />
The messes in these rooms make me feel cranky every time I enter them.<br />
I should not let them get as messy as they are.<br />
It steals my happiness.<br />
I am reading, '<b><u><a href="http://dynamiccatholic.com/resisting-happiness/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAuonGBRCaotXoycysvIMBEiQAcxV0nDeOsGmhw7jkHMZAEN2u5EpqCNXXcJB-D7loKe351_kaAqqj8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Resisting Happiness</a></u></b>' Have you read it? How good is it, for real? I am only on chapter 3, but I am really loving how it's opening up the idea of self-sabotage.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Can I tell you what I am getting REALLY excited about even though it's REALLY far away.</div>
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My three night hotel/hospital stay when I have this baby.</div>
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I love hospital vacations so much, that I seriously get excited.</div>
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I get excited about the lighting.</div>
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And the low beeping of machines.</div>
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The quiet of mama and baby time.</div>
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The 'pick up the phone and have food brought to me'.</div>
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I know so many women cannot relate, but man. I LOVE the hospital after birth. I would stay there a week if they'd let me. </div>
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-34238697747552180512017-03-03T05:37:00.001-08:002017-03-03T05:37:39.938-08:007 QT... Am I the worst mom ever?I'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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So Aaron and I facebook'd live this week.<br />
I got a new phone and it's really fun, so I am using the new features/clearer pictures, etc...<br />
On Tuesday I called Aaron and was like, 'should we facebook live?' and he said, 'I was JUST thinking about that'. So we did! It was fun.<br />
And people didn't hate it (except for the people who did, and I get it, I do find it a little self-serving). <br />
I think it's good for a married couple to have fun, and this is a way we can have fun. We are pretty notorious for our squabbles, so we decided to let our friends/family weigh in. <br />
Oh.<br />
Everyone took Aaron's side.<br />
Other takeaways...<br />
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1. I was sitting WAY too close to the screen<br />
2. I breathe incredibly heavy, which is a pet peeve of mine, so I will try to breathe less intensely today.<br />
3. "Five minutes" probably isn't practical, especially when we are interacting with others.<br />
4. Interacting with others on social media is awesome.<br />
5. I like my best friend, who I happen to be married to.<br />
<br />
Did you watch? We are going to do another one tonight! TGIF with the WILKERSONS<br />
8:00 pm.<br />
See ya then. <br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a>Are five year olds not the absolute best?<br />
Aaron started reading. I KNOW! It's so adorable watching him sound out the letters, and comprehend sentences. <br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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Do you pray?</div>
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I have an ultrasound today and while I am confident everything is fine, I always get a little anxious for these. This will be my fifth c-section, and the concern is always if the scar tissue is choosing to play nice. Regardless I have a great group of doctors, but, as you can probably imagine, I'm excited to hear 'everything looks great'! </div>
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So, if you pray, will you say one for the appointment today.</div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDrgpy9laCg/WLlvctlCDJI/AAAAAAAADwM/XxB9zWzSi5M5-KIq1R7x2DLuFUpO_LexwCLcB/s1600/joey%2Bsleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDrgpy9laCg/WLlvctlCDJI/AAAAAAAADwM/XxB9zWzSi5M5-KIq1R7x2DLuFUpO_LexwCLcB/s320/joey%2Bsleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is how my joey was sleeping the other night.<br />
Not a care in the world for this dude. <br />
I don't mind him one bit.</div>
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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Yesterday was an amazing day of ministry. Absolutely amazing. I was blessed to spend the day with 9th and 10th graders, and the evening with the Women of St. Regis.<br />
The evening was just awesome. You know when the spirit is so present, you can really feel it? It was one of those nights. The women we were so lovely and receptive and I truly felt sky-high from our reflecting in faith together. God is good.</div>
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<b>(six)</b></div>
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It's cold again.<br />
I'm not complaining. We had an AMAZING couple weeks of AMAZING February weather, so I shall suffer through a couple more weeks of cold to get us to Spring, glorious Spring.<br />
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Wanna weigh in on our level of terrible parenting? Because I can't discern how terrible we are being.</div>
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Aaron and Joey both have class field trips, maybe 3-4 times a year. We have always attended. But the up coming field trips, we think we are going to skip. </div>
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One is to a local aquarium. We have been there before and not only is it almost 1 hour away, but it's super lame and super expensive. To get a sitter, travel so far, andhang out in kind of a lame aquarium... just doesn't seem worth it to us. </div>
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The other is to the zoo. Although it might be fun to go, we plan on going to the zoo as a family in a month or so, and I'm not sure the kid really needs to go twice in a month.</div>
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BUT</div>
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What I can't discern is how mean it is to keep them from their class trips. Remember, we have already done the other trips, we will do the final trips... but these just seem like a lot of effort, for a little reward. And it's hard to logistically plan because siblings aren't allowed, between naps, pick ups, etc... the effort just doesn't seem worth the reward. However, I'm just a bit concerned this makes me the worst mom ever... thoughts?</div>
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7902332526058821592.post-4119176565068341012017-02-24T05:47:00.000-08:002017-02-24T05:58:46.712-08:007QT Catholic Nerd stuff, job change, and a gift from JesusI'm linking up with Kelly at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">This Ain't The Lyceum </a> </u> to give you this week's quick takes. Are you ready?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzbCHW7MOk/V0g24nrYY3I/AAAAAAAADaI/zEnJqjX3xm0kJ1M3vH5g7LvdG0BzRNErACLcB/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(one)</b></div>
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The.Weather.You.Guys.<br />
One part of me thinks I should be terrified about global warming and shifting weather patterns and the impact on the environment. <br />
The other part of me is like, 'Whoa, Spring is AWESOME'<br />
I truly become a different kind of mom when the weather is like this. We do stuff, the house is clean, the dishes get done, I'm nicer. It's so great. <br />
And the kids don't mind it one bit.<br />
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<b>(two)</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZf195-owlM/WBx5GJmePbI/AAAAAAAADkU/od3VoeScl6ogNBkK17SjpgMhUpn0ZxvhQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\</a>I had to buy a new phone yesterday. Well, my spouse would say I didn't HAVE to, I could have paid $200 to get the battery and screen fixed... but to me, if I was going to pay that much, I should just go ahead and get a new one.<br />
Aaron's annoying, so he refuses to do payments plans for phones. So we have to pay cash.<br />
It was a LOT of money. Like, I am pretty sure, when I was in high school, I could have got a cheap car for the amount I just spent on a new phone.<br />
BUT dang.<br />
I love iphones. Apple has me hook, line and sinker.<br />
Which is kind of stupid, because I am pretty sure their phones are made to crap-out after a couple years, so people upgrade. Which makes sense if you do the payment plans, but we don't.<br />
Anyway, I have a new phone.<br />
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<b>(three)</b></div>
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No, the Pope didn't say 'It's better to be an atheist than to be a hypocrite'. If that was the case we would all be really screwed, so we should be glad he didn't. </div>
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What he <b><u><a href="http://www.themichigancatholic.org/2017/02/pope-christians-leading-double-lives-destroy-scandal/" target="_blank">ACTUALLY said</a></u></b> was important though. And a really good call-on for us all. The scandal of our personal sin on the community is something we should all keep in mind. I try to, but I suck at being a Saint. #workinprogress</div>
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In other news, as I said on 'the facebook' THIS is why I don't trust the news. This is why I am completely confident using terms like 'fake news', and this is why I think the media is more dangerous than other things people think are really dangerous.</div>
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<b>(four)</b></div>
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Speaking of the scandal of sin..<br />
I was pretty scandalized by the Catholic nerd world this week. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, it's really too long to get into, so you should just skip this. For those of you who do... here are a few of my take-aways for Grown Ups...<br />
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1.) We absolutely cannot expect young people to use social media wisely when so many adults clearly don't know how to.</div>
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2.) You should not write super controversial stuff on social media (as a grown up, public, Catholic) and then walk away form the conversation saying monitoring threads is impossible.</div>
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3.) It's important to speak up against social media bullying. Even if it's uncomfortable, and even if it doesn't make a difference. A grown up called another grown up a b@#$% on a thread I saw. I was really upset about it all day. I decided to write something, 'hey, you probably didn't need to say that' (or something like that). The person what like, 'you're right, heat of the moment, I shouldn't have'. </div>
And that made me feel good about humanity.<br />
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4.) Some people are just not going to be nice on social media and it's important to just walk away when it is super gross. So another grown up wrote, 'I would slap some sense into the wench'... speaking about a professor at our local seminary. I wrote, 'yea, you probably shouldn't write stuff like that'... the person defended it. I left the conversation.</div>
Some people just don't know how to use social media. <br />
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5.) Saints fought and disagreed. It happens. It's okay. But we should always be careful about the scandal we are causing others. About the words we use and allow. We should be careful not to escalate drama in the social media world. And we should be...</div>
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GROWN UPS.</div>
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That is all. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.</div>
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<b>(five)</b></div>
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I decided to leave my Parish Position. Starting March, 1st, I am no longer a Coordinator of Youth Ministry at the Parish level. And that's a really great thing for my family and a really great thing for the teens at the Parish I was working for, especially since the new CYM is amazing.<br />
The thing is...<br />
Working in Parish life is really, really hard. I'm actually not sure I will ever do it again. It's hard for so many reasons, but principally, I think, because it's a lifestyle, not a job. And my life style right now is being a mom, it can't be being a youth minister. I told Aaron, I am honestly not sure I will ever work in Parish Ministry again. That's not to say I won't work in Ministry...our <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://boldministries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BOLD MINISTRIES</a> </u> reality continues to grow in a really healthy way, but I just can't hang in Parish life anymore.<br />
I will still be working with the teens as a volunteer, but no more of this 'being in charge' at a Parish. It's just too hard.<br />
<br />
In other news, right now, send a thank you message to those who work in Parish life, it is no joke.<br />
In still other news, I'm excited to have more time with my growing family. </div>
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<b>(six)</b></div>
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Are you a young adults (18-35)?<br />
Do you live in Michigan, or around it?<br />
If so, you should be coming to the <a href="http://www.aod.org/ministries/young-adult-and-campus-ministry/2017-michigan-catholic-young-adult-conference/" target="_blank"><u><b>Michigan Catholic Young Adult Conference</b> </u> </a>(If you click on the link, you should Aaron was like, "Yeah, you REALLY need to change your professional photo")<br />
<br />
It's going to be awesome. It's a lovely time of community, prayer, sharing and joy. It's nice to be around people of faith, and if you haven't been in awhile, you are gonna wanna get on this.<br />
Oh, and I'll be there, and I'm fun. So you should come.<br />
And look, my picture is on the flier (#callmefancy)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5WBcaXV6qA/WLA4GdVbCdI/AAAAAAAADv8/efBes2hWB5YKsLu7dLmViiJ1n7NYlij8QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5WBcaXV6qA/WLA4GdVbCdI/AAAAAAAADv8/efBes2hWB5YKsLu7dLmViiJ1n7NYlij8QCLcB/s320/IMG_5664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZEyNRkxGvM/WLA4F9IZQAI/AAAAAAAADv4/ZLXAZmeCcFg3-TBfsCn0jmmCLeFp2__tQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5665%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZEyNRkxGvM/WLA4F9IZQAI/AAAAAAAADv4/ZLXAZmeCcFg3-TBfsCn0jmmCLeFp2__tQCLcB/s320/IMG_5665%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>(seven)</b></div>
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Jesus has given me a particular gift in this pregnancy.</div>
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I am able to drink coffee without puking.</div>
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Dear Jesus. Thank you.</div>
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That is all.</div>
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The reading doesn't have to stop here, head on over to <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">http://thisaintthelyceum.org/</a> to read more quick takes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3