tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54436512130297765692024-03-05T03:34:00.636-08:00Real Life Pastor's WifeI am an unlikely pastor's wife, raising pastor's kids, perpetually behind on laundry and housework... but loving (almost) every minute of this blessed life!Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-68611257074815468772018-01-01T16:25:00.001-08:002018-01-01T16:25:58.457-08:00Seasons of a Pastor's Wife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFxX4FnIhWXjd1Ds73RlVOxK-4CSKedFkY0oVPwz_CnoUUtVdaF8o2kXs9cCIYWLPKHXSvtr-dNZrS173lDVe3oeGShd6ZbU7jVX65CmUya8I5QURntCwS7sYAf1RpEV0lNFKaNIusyqI/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFxX4FnIhWXjd1Ds73RlVOxK-4CSKedFkY0oVPwz_CnoUUtVdaF8o2kXs9cCIYWLPKHXSvtr-dNZrS173lDVe3oeGShd6ZbU7jVX65CmUya8I5QURntCwS7sYAf1RpEV0lNFKaNIusyqI/s400/IMG_6508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Below is an article I wrote for</i><i> the <a href="http://www.cbnorthcentral.org/uploads/3/8/0/1/38013315/2017_-_12_december_newsletter.pdf" target="_blank">Central Connection</a>, a newsletter for CB North Central. It pretty well captures why I haven't written much during this season of life.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Seasons of a Pastor’s Wife</b>
-<i>by Robyn Buhl, First Baptist Church, Whitehall, WI </i><br />
<br />
This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions. I’ve experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Last fall my family and I moved all the way across the country with two weeks’ notice when my husband accepted a
Lead Pastor position in Whitehall, Wisconsin. It had been nearly three years since he had held a pastoral position
and our whole family was ready and excited to once again step into a ministry role.<br />
<br />
However, I must say that I returned to the role of pastor’s wife a little less gracefully than I had imagined I would. I
envisioned coming to a new church at 34 years old ready to serve and encourage others with far more maturity than
when I first stepped into the role of being a youth pastor’s wife as a 20 year old college student.<br />
<br />
Instead, I arrived at my new temporary home in someone’s basement apartment more than a little tattered and
worn. I was 28 weeks pregnant with a 10 year old and 13 year old in tow who had just said goodbye to the only
home they’d ever known. I developed gestational diabetes and spent the first several weeks as a Wisconsinite trying
to get insurance and navigate the seemingly endless doctor’s appointments that were all an hour away. Due to
some physical complications I could barely walk and had a hard time sitting or standing for any lengthy period of
time—and that was before I sprained my ankle completely immobilizing me just days before moving into our new
home. Other people literally had to do almost everything for me. I couldn’t stand, let alone lift a box. I was putting
anything but my best foot forward in my new community.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was humbling. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
More than 3 weeks before we were anticipating our little miracle rainbow baby (a baby born after loss), our sweet
little one made his grand entrance into the world via emergency c-section. We were so in love! Life did not slow
down however. Before I could even confidently walk again our daughter was diagnosed with a life-long
autoimmune disease and we jumped head first into trying to treat it via a very restrictive and specific diet (read:
extremely time consuming as nearly everything she eats is made from scratch). Oh, and have I neglected to mention
that during all of this my husband was working toward his Master’s degree and I was homeschooling?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were all so exhausted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One day I found myself sitting next to a very sweet older woman from our church. She asked how I was doing and I
confessed that I was having a hard time with the fact that we had been here for months already and had hardly
been able to lift our heads above water, let alone minister to others outside of Sunday morning services.<br />
<br />
She looked at me and said, “You know, I think it’s actually a good thing. It’s easy to put too much pressure on a
pastor’s wife, and I think the fact that you’ve been unable to step in and do all of those pastor’s wife types of things
is a good reminder that those really are unrealistic expectations to put on just one person. You need to take care of
your family first. The rest of us need to not neglect our own responsibilities to take care of the church just because
we finally have a pastor.”<br />
<br />
Those words were like honey to my soul—sweetly spoken at a time I desperately needed to hear them.<br />
<br />
She gave me grace. And she gave me permission to give myself grace.
The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a season for everything under heaven. I have to assume that includes a
season to serve and a season to be served. A season to thrive and a season to survive. A season to receive grace and
a season to bestow it upon others.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Embrace your season. </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-47099921537932450382017-12-28T10:25:00.001-08:002017-12-28T10:37:09.755-08:002017 Family Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyGWTcyvu2qYH50FxCdDDORoEfO1ehhWhZew1SggBz754GU_rJW4OOGzR8bUd8MACDneC4qwmq1MKFktTQ6vTpG-IDVG-rdkR9DlmG0VLEd7g_XmVvz1wtMZOKzNI2pZuZvykySiQNgUV/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyGWTcyvu2qYH50FxCdDDORoEfO1ehhWhZew1SggBz754GU_rJW4OOGzR8bUd8MACDneC4qwmq1MKFktTQ6vTpG-IDVG-rdkR9DlmG0VLEd7g_XmVvz1wtMZOKzNI2pZuZvykySiQNgUV/s640/IMG_6592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think I will always look back on our first year in
Wisconsin and wonder how on earth we survived. We moved to Wisconsin a little over a year
ago. What a year it has been!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In September of 2016 we moved our family and all of our worldly possessions 2,000
miles away from the Northwest, the only home most of us had ever known. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5r17RKCbgWCXkEtVEnpCfyZwpJYe8qlccwdkz8aGA7r-BNhwQw2-JTmiwrqGz6C_2MtE5luPYC4g0u_HH511RouSa0OtRkSEduyB5L93rvNXiHT33A6Rthc2IbSSOoE59epeaNImzshf/s1600/IMG_8890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5r17RKCbgWCXkEtVEnpCfyZwpJYe8qlccwdkz8aGA7r-BNhwQw2-JTmiwrqGz6C_2MtE5luPYC4g0u_HH511RouSa0OtRkSEduyB5L93rvNXiHT33A6Rthc2IbSSOoE59epeaNImzshf/s320/IMG_8890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took family pictures at every state sign along the way. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our way over we visited treasured U.S. sights like
Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. I was 27 weeks pregnant. We made a lot of
bathroom stops.</div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
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Rob started a new job as the Lead Pastor at First Baptist
Church in Whitehall, WI. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We spent 5 weeks in the basement apartment of a very
generous couple while we waited for our home to be ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8Np2cTJZqZhkb_jOcdVIN6KW1bRMgl4nJ4JXg9DReVjlofYOko-QuJtofEQdIyIRIrfP8MATUxJXJ6HOYeaLOygBNavigSjbm4h6hJ82z5HISIdL-v0maBXK6RrkRavukuG-RED5YSxM/s1600/IMG_9221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8Np2cTJZqZhkb_jOcdVIN6KW1bRMgl4nJ4JXg9DReVjlofYOko-QuJtofEQdIyIRIrfP8MATUxJXJ6HOYeaLOygBNavigSjbm4h6hJ82z5HISIdL-v0maBXK6RrkRavukuG-RED5YSxM/s320/IMG_9221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, on move in day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spent those weeks trying to get health insurance for me
and the kids, and trying to navigate all of the necessary paperwork and
verifications in spite of not having a permanent Wisconsin address. It was
harder than it seems. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got established with a new doctor just in time to discover
and learn to manage my gestational diabetes which meant obsessing over every carb
I put in my mouth while having a difficult time standing up long enough to
prepare real food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sprained my ankle at 7.5 months pregnant making it almost
impossible for me to me walk or function (not that I was doing either of those
things well anyway).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was humbly served by a number of women who reached out to
help us in our time of need. We were given so many meals and they helped with
so many projects.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We moved into our new-to-us home. Tons of people (most of whom I barely knew) helped us
move and settle in. I couldn’t even bear weight on my ankle so I literally just
watched other people do everything.<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftTabSUm-ejXaZXxAhkljXYq16-yAw7QXgxCJFUzXpiPnKw1sikOoXDJneln-Vam3A-1bqqhAdqRXPUsTQGyzfSIfX65YDEVrfZJqSVFzEG6naZ5HvYxXKobjzj137r_0uWkPIYPf09xn/s1600/IMG_0479-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftTabSUm-ejXaZXxAhkljXYq16-yAw7QXgxCJFUzXpiPnKw1sikOoXDJneln-Vam3A-1bqqhAdqRXPUsTQGyzfSIfX65YDEVrfZJqSVFzEG6naZ5HvYxXKobjzj137r_0uWkPIYPf09xn/s320/IMG_0479-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new church home. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rob’s aunt and uncle came to visit from Indiana. They helped
with some house projects and didn’t even complain that we literally had no place
in our living room to sit outside of a couple of random chairs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made what felt like endless trips into “town” about 45
minutes away for doctor appointments, shopping trips, and supply runs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned to locate and rock the electric scooters in all of
our regular stores.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had to equip our family and our home to be ready for subzero
temperatures, which meant securing a lot of supplies (boots, gloves, hats, snow
shovels, jackets, etc). Did you know scarves aren't just a fashion item?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLTh-5iqgkWvig9iXR_3pGZvNvc8LJbfH21Ie9bkbq6cCuVYjthMk7X9pEw3M6V8HipX0FM8FLnL_HEe2PSJPYh_nuS4dSrivZy4gk25yOejoWVvb0WkJFpWY676dVSnAQzPmas6tPeky/s1600/IMG_9690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLTh-5iqgkWvig9iXR_3pGZvNvc8LJbfH21Ie9bkbq6cCuVYjthMk7X9pEw3M6V8HipX0FM8FLnL_HEe2PSJPYh_nuS4dSrivZy4gk25yOejoWVvb0WkJFpWY676dVSnAQzPmas6tPeky/s320/IMG_9690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evil chair that stole my dreams of a warm hot cocoa. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I may have gotten a little too confident once my foot began
to heal and injured myself while trying to test out a rocking chair that was
sitting on an end cap in Target. My perfectly calculated 20 carb grams of hot chocolate
went flying everywhere and I ended up with a significant bruise on my very
round belly. After that I decided that I should probably just hibernate until
the baby’s arrival. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Attempts were made to purchase baby stuff as we had the left
over energy to do so. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsEisRgwKjADbP64NLhOE6IA5vJ59_KVKETe7paScPNXZ9AhnvpRTu_6rTdPdItmUl35jbk1ailRQuSwOCCQaf1v0Hj4NFVTg8wRnPXmIi9wsQYC6xNAFDZOj-273jGMR9PbOtA_Pn9l/s1600/IMG_9505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsEisRgwKjADbP64NLhOE6IA5vJ59_KVKETe7paScPNXZ9AhnvpRTu_6rTdPdItmUl35jbk1ailRQuSwOCCQaf1v0Hj4NFVTg8wRnPXmIi9wsQYC6xNAFDZOj-273jGMR9PbOtA_Pn9l/s320/IMG_9505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My whole world. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My water broke 3 weeks and 2 days ahead of schedule, because
clearly, in the midst of all of this we were already well prepared for him <i>(where’s the sarcasm font when you need it?)</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
After 18 hours of labor I had an emergency c-section under
general anesthesia due to a cord prolapse (his ambilical cord slipped out of my cervix so his head was cutting off his oxygen supply with every contraction), which made for a traumatic birth
experience and very trying recovery process.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C6JcQsbBaJ69ZrHxp6YasiLKGFaK4aTLQfAPPUqAQJCyyxaDUFDSRkim4juIElD9FphbNC3OYSe7PTdSLSlNJYYnL6aWMnAz0QXUfcRvTPIsMeKMY14kHKJuAHU_bfkv5xHmzilNjZbM/s1600/IMG_9402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C6JcQsbBaJ69ZrHxp6YasiLKGFaK4aTLQfAPPUqAQJCyyxaDUFDSRkim4juIElD9FphbNC3OYSe7PTdSLSlNJYYnL6aWMnAz0QXUfcRvTPIsMeKMY14kHKJuAHU_bfkv5xHmzilNjZbM/s320/IMG_9402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby I had longed and prayed for for so <br />
many years was finally in my arms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We gave birth to a healthy 6 lb. 10 oz. baby boy who lit up
our worlds and stole our hearts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only remember about 3 minutes of my baby’s first 6 hours
of life. Drugs are not my friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Silas spent his first couple of days in the Special Care
Nursery because he was a preemie and his blood sugars weren't yet stable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people at the hospital let us take our little guy home
after 4 days because apparently they thought we knew what we were doing.
Luckily, my friend Monica flew over to help us out for a while! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvRngrnVcUY0-b1h1YeXfRYRDssv0t1pqxdtqk7hIfsM9kRdOAti4uKn9fabY43pfWMRoWQPygHAt7cdixQRhDZE-TaZKXChyphenhyphen5egsIKL1-RwuMhrdsaWWCusnjtPi0UTRIF-VoYWVj6Hi/s1600/IMG_9656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvRngrnVcUY0-b1h1YeXfRYRDssv0t1pqxdtqk7hIfsM9kRdOAti4uKn9fabY43pfWMRoWQPygHAt7cdixQRhDZE-TaZKXChyphenhyphen5egsIKL1-RwuMhrdsaWWCusnjtPi0UTRIF-VoYWVj6Hi/s320/IMG_9656.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little one has been shown so much love by his siblings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I attempted to serve a proper Thanksgiving meal to our
family since we were celebrating all on our own for the first time. I was still
recovering so I let each person pick one dish to include in our meal—then I
required them to help me make it. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole,
stuffing and chocolate pudding pie. Fun memories! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We tried to furnish our home as quickly as we could after
the baby was born, because we had left many of our larger pieces behind when we
moved. This meant shopping for mattresses, bed frames, couches, chairs, coffee
tables, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent all of those weeks before we moved into our new home
watching Fixer Upper, so naturally, I also may have bought my fair share of
farmhouse style home décor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were so tired of shopping. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then there was Titus’s Birthday and Christmas, so we
shopped some more. Mostly from Amazon.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDWWOyZ7zGa9I4j_1bkW0kObMP32tN196ckHnVAY4oUxjfwIdf6yoZ2fAsGTP4pi6pYHwbH-o1Vz79ZXnh726PBstL7LDtkau2PqyWjVCRQ_ZPMfHPXv0EB4cVI1a7Li8g9gzytDrd2Cv/s1600/IMG_20170901_133702998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDWWOyZ7zGa9I4j_1bkW0kObMP32tN196ckHnVAY4oUxjfwIdf6yoZ2fAsGTP4pi6pYHwbH-o1Vz79ZXnh726PBstL7LDtkau2PqyWjVCRQ_ZPMfHPXv0EB4cVI1a7Li8g9gzytDrd2Cv/s320/IMG_20170901_133702998.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini noodles with homemade<br />
speghetti sauce and almond flour<br />
rosemary garlic bread sticks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each of us had a friend come visit and stay with us during
December. Eroica, Kajsa, and Kamden stayed with us for a week in early December
and Duan came to stay with us for Christmas. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It got cold, the likes of which I’ve never felt. And it was
icy. I stayed inside and snuggled my baby for most of the winter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our family members got suddenly and severely sick,
and was diagnosed with a life-long autoimmune disease. That meant travelling
through the ice and snow for tests and appointments, and many hours spent
researching options for treatment.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every ounce of energy I could muster went toward learning a
completely new way of preparing food. No grains (wheat, rice, oats, etc.), no
sugars (except for honey), no dairy (except for certain hard cheeses and
homemade yogurt that had been fermented for 24 hours). No starches. No fillers.
No preservatives. No exceptions. That leaves fruit, vegetables and meat.
Suddenly this vegetarian was learning how to prepare meat for every meal and
was making everything from scratch. So. Many. Dishes. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EQ-tFOqNkRnL6Eftj8H8PuMPonHFAzE-0vF2NXuahmh4t-PHBtUcWej6r8qKqVQUvO5Ak6OC-OWsUJ7OC2yP5SzJeWO-ciwSLkKnkz8gMXtZplu5TmlLTUzUXk16UoaETTGFctur-Azd/s1600/IMG_20170223_143226000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EQ-tFOqNkRnL6Eftj8H8PuMPonHFAzE-0vF2NXuahmh4t-PHBtUcWej6r8qKqVQUvO5Ak6OC-OWsUJ7OC2yP5SzJeWO-ciwSLkKnkz8gMXtZplu5TmlLTUzUXk16UoaETTGFctur-Azd/s320/IMG_20170223_143226000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Silas, and Monica at the <br />
Magnolia Bakery in Waco, TX. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A woman who has walked this road before us mentored me along
the way and helped equip us to stay the course with this lifestyle change. She
was and still is such an encouragement to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent 5 glorious days in Texas with my very best friends (from
California, Oregon, and Texas) and my 3.5 month old baby in celebration of my
35<sup>th</sup> Birthday. We visited the Magnolia Market and the Pioneer Woman’s
Mercantile. It was a much needed break for this weary mama! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhW9Ar4cR9BQtTKINtkKI82jIbpikQrV4_l9MjFF5uQrQujaP_hOJ3HNwI6LtTOWwajpvJPYlHVdpB_G-ckL0dr8bpQLgKHfKPMwJGHB789yKHSjSBO-wd1qT5hb1d2mBSBUc5eHrgsdq/s1600/IMG_20170224_164743166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhW9Ar4cR9BQtTKINtkKI82jIbpikQrV4_l9MjFF5uQrQujaP_hOJ3HNwI6LtTOWwajpvJPYlHVdpB_G-ckL0dr8bpQLgKHfKPMwJGHB789yKHSjSBO-wd1qT5hb1d2mBSBUc5eHrgsdq/s320/IMG_20170224_164743166.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my besties getting to meet the Pioneer Woman<br />
at her Mercantile. An unforgettable trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hit homeschool hard in the spring, since we had limped
through the winter with the new baby and the new illness. We had continued to
do the core subjects throughout, but we picked back up the ‘fringe’ subjects
that we had let slide during that time. We found ourselves very grateful for
the flexibility of homeschooling!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In late April we flew back to Oregon to visit friends and
family for 3 weeks and got to introduce them all to our new addition. It was so
good to see our friends and family again since we had left in such a hurry in
attempts to get established with a new doctor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-4UFMVYs10P0dVEHK_2AdFp2D8S6lsmmSr06F85WR0qnlcbrqK-CfNBA4isCe4-y_WnONDtEqOxkvZsLSrM4T4bYenk00TXsmld47P4MowLRnl2SMr2FniS-8OMgW0HoadREnoqPWKv2/s1600/graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-4UFMVYs10P0dVEHK_2AdFp2D8S6lsmmSr06F85WR0qnlcbrqK-CfNBA4isCe4-y_WnONDtEqOxkvZsLSrM4T4bYenk00TXsmld47P4MowLRnl2SMr2FniS-8OMgW0HoadREnoqPWKv2/s320/graduation.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with his brother and dad on<br />
graduation day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought a new-to-us minivan while we were there since we
had left one of our cars behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the beginning of May we attended Rob’s graduation, as he
earned his Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in non-profit management
from Corban University. Yes, this means that while all of the above was occurring,
he was working diligently toward finishing his degree during every spare moment
we could find. I don’t want to brag, but he earned A’s in all of his classes,
except one… and that one was an A-.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In June we began to feel like we had a little space and breathing
room. So naturally, I decided to do the finish work on a custom built 10 foot
farm table and Rob decided to paint the exterior of the house. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The kids took four weeks of summer school classes at the local school.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Dz6uty_TzxW6YwaWtVYguNBYL1CJpVl7EBU5hg_yisoum3Ux4yMRSV5Nk8c9sGP1gegy0_frmeZSoIiIWj_lxWkvFRM2R8o_ziSjD5cVnWPQivOeJXI8e0FZ6PGyj6-HnhLXd2wG4up/s1600/IMG_20170705_154415043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Dz6uty_TzxW6YwaWtVYguNBYL1CJpVl7EBU5hg_yisoum3Ux4yMRSV5Nk8c9sGP1gegy0_frmeZSoIiIWj_lxWkvFRM2R8o_ziSjD5cVnWPQivOeJXI8e0FZ6PGyj6-HnhLXd2wG4up/s200/IMG_20170705_154415043.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful 10 foot farm table!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also decided to help take on the task of launching
Children’s Church at FBC. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In July, Kyndall (Leeann’s birth mom) came to stay for a
week. We celebrated Leeann’s Birthday together and had one epic shopping spree
at the Mall of America! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
I helped plan VBS this year. I was the craft lady and I
loved it. It was so good to be able to help with a VBS program again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned to can and process/cook all sorts of food that has
been shared with us. It seems like nearly all of our friends grow fruits and
vegetables and/or raise animals and we’ve been able to enjoy so much farm fresh
nutritious food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN0sXjuneV_M0cDhGoFEgqEiC5d4EZYjPkMS2AdpAS-7mcPVKo1LFYlDChkuFR_E4M3H40wk-9wkEHhG7PkdTCmPbKuofD2LQmtjgMH-Uru0DlWw-82mQTp_CW__2IvKDsVYIlWr-O9xV/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN0sXjuneV_M0cDhGoFEgqEiC5d4EZYjPkMS2AdpAS-7mcPVKo1LFYlDChkuFR_E4M3H40wk-9wkEHhG7PkdTCmPbKuofD2LQmtjgMH-Uru0DlWw-82mQTp_CW__2IvKDsVYIlWr-O9xV/s320/friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeann and Titus enjoyed playing soccer this year. Here<br />
they are with their best friends. The best kinds of a friends<br />
a mama could hope for her kids to have!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All the while, our sweet baby boy has continued to thrive
but he still requires A LOT of time and attention from his people. His default
mode seems to be “fussy” unless he has recently been fed, or someone is holding
him close to them. We have more or less spent his whole life playing hot potato
with him. If he falls asleep on you, you drop what you are doing and spend the
next part of your day enjoying sleeping baby snuggles. It’s a rough life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leeann and Titus played soccer in the fall and they also started with a homeschool choir and chimes group. That meant regular trips to town several times a week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7rxyTNSUaJ73qWuVi9VS7HBHbuf6MJKzRd7r82_piWv0wt0qNTSXUZloMmHUoODwMmp6wz5gGTXf87F1bGPEYuKt05DhwLb5HdV2hda-3DHSHrU0AjjBChDt7tpM71YqdtHUCNFOM4RW/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7rxyTNSUaJ73qWuVi9VS7HBHbuf6MJKzRd7r82_piWv0wt0qNTSXUZloMmHUoODwMmp6wz5gGTXf87F1bGPEYuKt05DhwLb5HdV2hda-3DHSHrU0AjjBChDt7tpM71YqdtHUCNFOM4RW/s320/birthday.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to believe he's one already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In November we celebrated Silas's first Birthday. Monica flew in to help me plan it and many friends gathered with us to celebrate surviving the first year of his life!<br />
<br />
Our nephew, Josh, got to visit with us for Thanksgiving on his break from college. It was so nice to have family here for the holidays. Our kids were over the moon excited to have a cousin here for so many days!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a few weeks ago Rob and I got to get away on an overnight adventure to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. We travelled to Green Bay and got to tour Lambeau Field. It really was such a neat experience, and of course, it was so good to get away together after such a long and exhausting year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ8w4V7VXc61zwQjcVxc4PwyalookeYkQ9wkJlVsUrBn3WVkplH4jYSxrWdBEDRkzcDhrjObi992C3ZE8bbhUK71MyEzVZHBx9L96p0jRnW79Nu0Na0gKIwscCbAktfMDNPNf1wLr8whw/s1600/josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ8w4V7VXc61zwQjcVxc4PwyalookeYkQ9wkJlVsUrBn3WVkplH4jYSxrWdBEDRkzcDhrjObi992C3ZE8bbhUK71MyEzVZHBx9L96p0jRnW79Nu0Na0gKIwscCbAktfMDNPNf1wLr8whw/s320/josh.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kids with cousin Josh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are so many good things that have happened this year, far too many to include in one simple post, but I'd be remiss if I didn't try writing at least some of this down as a record of what a crazy, difficult, beautiful, exhausting year this has been.<br />
I wish I could have spent more time writing down the specifics of this year as it unfolded--but alas, I've had a baby to hold. And we all know babies don't stay babies for long. It's been a delight and treasure to get to know and love Silas. He's such a joy to our hearts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have all made wonderful friends and we
continue to absolutely love our church. There has not been a single moment that
we’ve regretted or even questioned our decision to move out here. Well, okay…
the day it was -22 degrees may have made me wonder out loud who on earth
chooses to move to a place where the air makes your face hurt. But, it was fleeting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We remain confident that God has brought us here and we are
grateful for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us throughout this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
We have no way of knowing what this next year will bring, but we look forward to many new adventures as a family of five. By the time our next Christmas letter comes out (assuming I get around to writing one), Silas will be 2, Leeann will be 15, Titus will be 13, and Rob and I will have just celebrated our 17th year of marriage. It seems impossible that these numbers could be correct, but I've done the math and checked the calendar. Apparently time doesn't stand still even though you beg for it to do so. This is my life and I couldn't imagine it any other way!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours,<br />
<br />
The Buhls </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-74519805740631430342017-08-29T09:07:00.001-07:002017-08-29T09:08:01.675-07:00Dear Little One-- Brudderly Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-P4cdxzrgJqG9ZG-eSwBSQhT5ULyyJrCFoTD5ROcOrKBpd-Jv5f3Gk4d8IpCRkDhjATdJDT6zzcMD1VRX7HfthiY0gRoFMS5zQeX2oGCo_NcN8uoUSXGwaVl8mlbeVT79v2h5XrDYmKA/s1600/IMG_20170829_103425761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-P4cdxzrgJqG9ZG-eSwBSQhT5ULyyJrCFoTD5ROcOrKBpd-Jv5f3Gk4d8IpCRkDhjATdJDT6zzcMD1VRX7HfthiY0gRoFMS5zQeX2oGCo_NcN8uoUSXGwaVl8mlbeVT79v2h5XrDYmKA/s640/IMG_20170829_103425761.jpg" width="360" /></a>Dear Silas,<br />
<br />
I took this picture of you this morning. I have dozens of others just like it. From day one, your brother (or 'brudder' as we like to say) has studied you. He quickly figured out how to soothe you, how to make you happy, and my favorite-- how to get you to sleep.<br />
<br />
Dare I say it, some days he's better able to soothe you than even I am.<br />
<br />
There is an incredibly special bond between the two of you and that really took me by surprise given your 11 year age gap.<br />
<br />
Each and every day he asks if he can get 'pinned' during your morning nap. This is a code word for, "Mom, can I please hold him and let him sleep on me while I watch something on my computer?" Lest you think he only asks to hold you when he can get computer time, be assured that he also asks to hold you while you nap even when he can't have screen time.<br />
<br />
Your brudder has literally figured out how to get you to fall asleep in seconds and some how he manages to get you to stay asleep for hours. It's almost magical to watch. You start to wake up and he resumes bouncing you with your bum sticking out. He burries his face in yours, shushes you, and gently closes your eyes with his hands. Then he kisses your forehead and you drift back to sleep. We call him the baby whisperer!<br />
<br />
He loves his little brudder. A lot. It's so evident.<br />
<br />
He's also fiercly protective of you. Since day one he has double checked to make sure your carseat and stroller are buckled properly. Okay, okay, one time I forgot to buckle you in your stroller and you almost fell out and it turns out to be a good thing Titus double checked. I'm sure you can ask him about it because I'm pretty sure I will NEVER live that one down!<br />
<br />
When you were tiny, your brudder would sneak in close to your face and ask me if I was sure you could breathe. He checks for choking hazards and falling hazards, and if you cry he will rush to wherever you are to assess the situation. He's even been known to do that when you are fussy at night, even though he's long been asleep himself. He'll stumble out of his room and through tired eyes ask, "Mom, would you like me to get him to sleep?"<br />
<br />
He can hardly walk by you without touching you, kissing you, and telling you he loves you.<br />
<br />
One of the most significant ways he's taken care of you is by taking care of me. Since the moment he found out I was pregnant, this kiddo literally turned from a boy into a young man. He selflessly asks what he can do, what he can get me, and how he can help. He fetches water, food, burpies, blankets, binkies, diapers, wipes, and sometimes even chocolate. Whatever your mama needs, whenever she needs it!<br />
<br />
You are getting bigger and bigger by the day and I'm not sure how much longer he can cuddle you to sleep with his magical hold. Though, I have a sneaky suspicion that even when you can't snuggle up on his lap you will still be snuggled by his side. This bond is unbreakable. And it warms my heart.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-64056371320517576572017-04-05T17:36:00.000-07:002017-04-05T17:42:10.220-07:00Dear Little One--The Little ThingsDear Little One,<br />
<br />
I haven't chronicled much of your life here on the blog yet in spite of my best intentions. Why, you might ask?<br />
<br />
Well, my hands have been full, but not nearly as full as my heart. There's been so much to write about but so little time time to do so. Because really, would I rather write about you or sit down with your sweet head snuggled up on my chest while I stroke your back and smell your sweet baby hair? Option #2 clearly wins out almost every time.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b5W2aINgvNaZaf5CauMmsw9ol02PdWlbJy2znNswRS8i-PQlGu7TRIxsVjadWmCnsKhURYtE0dNW24lyECF_QMLXYYEiCv4JVoiDmshNKwg3zpWKjybl-92KawkWF1GJ_dKfC-rUCLiS/s1600/Computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b5W2aINgvNaZaf5CauMmsw9ol02PdWlbJy2znNswRS8i-PQlGu7TRIxsVjadWmCnsKhURYtE0dNW24lyECF_QMLXYYEiCv4JVoiDmshNKwg3zpWKjybl-92KawkWF1GJ_dKfC-rUCLiS/s320/Computer.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
What can I say... I <i>adore</i> you. Not just in an, "Oh, look at that cute little baby!" kind of way. Nope, this is the fierce, determined, heart bursting out of my chest kind of adoration.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm sitting on a chair in front of your swing just watching you sleep, unsure of how long I have to write. As much as I'm excited to have a few minutes to sit and pour out some thoughts, it's hard for me to not just pluck you up from your peaceful sleep and cradle you in my arms.<br />
<br />
But, the other day your siblings were reading stories from their childhood on my blog and they both insisted that I write more about you so you have fun stories to read some day as well. So here I am.<br />
<br />
Just in case I never get to chronicle the nitty gritty details of the past five months let me give you a quick recap:<br />
<br />
You sleep a lot. Your preferred sleeping position is curled up on someone's chest. As much as you like sleep, you also like to wake up in the middle of the night. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. <br />
<br />
You seem to always just want to be where your people are. Sometimes you are fussy, but you are usually content as long as you've got one of us nearby. Just like your mama, you're not a big fan of being anywhere by yourself.<br />
<br />
Spit up. Let's talk about this. It's a little out of control sweet boy. You spit up. All. The. Time. We soak through a huge stack of burpies and blankets each and every day. Some days I think all I do is snuggle you, feed you, change you, and wipe up spit up. Actually, some days that really is all I do... or at least that was the case early on. I don't have that luxury as much now that you're getting older. It turns out other people in the house sometimes need me too!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMe_CpNR_VDuShrLmrB0724rkXiTrUjvy1fGTH4zI2jfoM7m3gnuiVBlWAXzXdnGx_ZBqmRKwAyokxWwA6cQBMG64G32yAq5hL3I7_G7vZr7yszIbEaMvAWGrNGuSlrpkXEb3Wb3tQPfn/s1600/IMG_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMe_CpNR_VDuShrLmrB0724rkXiTrUjvy1fGTH4zI2jfoM7m3gnuiVBlWAXzXdnGx_ZBqmRKwAyokxWwA6cQBMG64G32yAq5hL3I7_G7vZr7yszIbEaMvAWGrNGuSlrpkXEb3Wb3tQPfn/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken by Eroica when you were one<br />
month old. It captures the intensity of your eyes so well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your eyes. You have the biggest, brightest, most beautiful blue eyes. I get so lost in them. I seriously feel like I could just stare at you all day long. And your sweet little smile. Don't get me started!<br />
<br />
Well, you have now woken up so I'm going to have to end this here. I just wanted to take a few minutes to capture a few of the little things that I hope never to forget. These days can be so long sometimes, but they are oh-so sweet. I'm beyond grateful for you sweet Little One. So. Very. Grateful.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy <br />
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-64161453588134535732017-01-19T22:21:00.001-08:002017-01-19T22:21:43.215-08:00Dear Little One-- A Labor of Love (Your Birth Story Part 1)<div style="text-align: left;">
On Wednesday November 9th, the night before you were born, your daddy and I crawled into bed and spent some time discussing how lovely it would be to have you outside of my womb, as the discomforts of pregnancy had taken quite the toll on me--and therefore, everyone else as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Little did I know that would be the last conversation we would have until our lives would forever be changed by your impending grand entry into this world.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're not a fan of reading about birth stories or bodily fluids, feel free to wait for future updates, as the rest of this post will contain the story of the day you were born, and well, that's hard to do without including at least a few of the messy details. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZV7sUi24KHlHH9iz8KJsydgoPBG6Jkhv6jZD7jRzZ1S2x_09P3aDp2-p6rD75nMmmbDScKDgqglRLYiOcndKK-t6PCywJC_CzhAr6K5Ds6tz9R3WgRmWY9CjsUklijDA757-uYzsvFj9/s1600/IMG_9368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZV7sUi24KHlHH9iz8KJsydgoPBG6Jkhv6jZD7jRzZ1S2x_09P3aDp2-p6rD75nMmmbDScKDgqglRLYiOcndKK-t6PCywJC_CzhAr6K5Ds6tz9R3WgRmWY9CjsUklijDA757-uYzsvFj9/s320/IMG_9368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>Your Birth Story</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I bolted out of bed at 5 am feeling like something was off. As soon as I stood up I found myself stepping in a puddle of liquid so I waddled to the bathroom. "Oh great, let's add complete loss of all bladder control to our list of lovely pregnancy symptoms," I thought to myself. After about 15 minutes of trying to clean myself up to no avail I realized that there was a good chance that I didn't actually lose control of my bladder. So I made my way back into the bedroom and turned the light on and told your daddy, "I think my water just broke." To which he replied, "That means hospital, right?" "Yes, not only does that mean hospital, but that means baby. Wake the kids up and have them help pack."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You see, I had made packing lists for everyone (the day before), but I hadn't yet actually packed our hospital bags because we still had 3 weeks and 2 days until your due date. So we all scurried around while I showered and tried in vain to control the copious amount of liquid that kept making its way to the ground. Let me tell you, it's not a one time event like what you see in the movies!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A friend of ours came over to watch the big kids (she, as a well seasoned mother of 7 already had <i>her</i> bag packed) and Daddy and I eventually made it out the door and somewhat leisurely made our way toward the hospital which is about an hour away. It was nothing like I'd pictured that moment to be like. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was convinced that you were going to be born on the side of the road in the middle of a snow storm, Or, I would have fretted all night about whether or not it was "time to go". I had pictured a miserable drive as I was attempting to breathe through contractions while daddy would be speeding along praying he wouldn't have to deliver you in the car. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Instead, we left our house about 6:30 am after a full night's sleep and leisurely made our way toward the hospital. The skies were blue and the sun shined brightly in the sky. I think it was an unheard of November high of 64 degrees. It was a beautiful day! I made a few phone calls on the way up, including one to the hospital. I let them know that my water broke and that you were still breech, as that combination would mean that you would be born via c-section. As much as I'd hoped for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) I marvelled at the thought of meeting you in just a few short hours!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwBY6qF8Hqm7ZzoEz3RLcSBC0pYwXF3OdBQUxj1Hc2sHyvkFuprXxg00ZrvIKF9ULE93T3i5bkrhqmwE6v6I0uS82W6kho2HwzrsqI_UMuGSvkoa-7JD6NrkZe6OX6o00nrxQZz-deYkN/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwBY6qF8Hqm7ZzoEz3RLcSBC0pYwXF3OdBQUxj1Hc2sHyvkFuprXxg00ZrvIKF9ULE93T3i5bkrhqmwE6v6I0uS82W6kho2HwzrsqI_UMuGSvkoa-7JD6NrkZe6OX6o00nrxQZz-deYkN/s320/IMG_9370.JPG" width="240" /></a>We settled into a beautiful birthing suite and the doctor on call came in to confirm your position via ultrasound. With one swipe of the wand she looked up at me and said, "He's head down, fully engaged, right where he should be. Would you like a VBAC?"<br />
<br />
I excitedly told her I would love a VBAC and she and I discussed how this day might unfold. Daddy and I settled in for the long haul, clueless as to what we needed to do next, except to sit and wait.<br />
<br />
So we did. We made some more phone calls, watched t.v., walked the halls, and waited impatiently for the contractions to come. They were slow and irregular, which was a problem because I was put on an "invisible time clock" the moment my water broke. They don't like you to go more than 24 hours after your water breaks before giving birth to reduce the chance of infection.<br />
<br />
I watched the clock tick on without my contractions picking up. My cervix wasn't dilated and it didn't appear that labor was going to start on its own, so the doctor tried a minimally invasive technique (Foley bulb) to help me along. Then we waited some more. Early evening my contractions started to become more intense and slightly more regular, but not regular enough to be considered "active labor". This really threw me off because it was <i>so </i>painful. If this wasn't active labor, I couldn't imagine what "real labor" would be like!<br />
<br />
Finally, around 10:00 pm, nearly 18 hours after my water broke, the nurse was trying to hook me back up to the monitor after I had gone to the bathroom. She was having trouble getting your heartbeat to stay on the monitor (as had been the case all day), but then she suddenly got a little more forceful with her words telling me that I needed to turn to the other side "for the baby". She was asking me to do this during a painful contraction which I thought was odd, as the nurses had all previously just let me be while contracting. This happened a couple of times in a row but it was a new-to-me nurse, so I thought maybe she just had a different style than my previous nurse. The doctor came in and during the next contraction she was also telling me to position myself differently "for the baby". I was confused, but did my best to comply, as clearly they were seeing something I wasn't.<br />
<br />
Soon the doctor was checking my cervix so we could make a plan for how to proceed for the remainder of the evening. Suddenly she and the nurse started to exchange words in hushed tones. Next thing I knew the nurse was putting an oxygen mask on my face. The moments that followed were all a bit of a blur, but I recall the doctor looking at my husband and telling him that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that she suspected that you and I would both be okay, but we needed to get you out. Now.<br />
<br />
She looked at me and told me that your cord had slipped out of my cervix, so as your head was bearing down you were cutting off your oxygen supply with every contraction. She hopped up onto my bed and explained that she was going to continue to hold your head up off of the cord and they were going to have to put me under general anesthesia, but that everything should be fine. Next thing I knew there was a flurry of nurses in my room, unhooking cords, hooking up monitors and moving my bed toward the surgical suite.<br />
<br />
At that point I realized all I could do was breathe. I closed my eyes and focused on one breath in, one breath out, wondering what would be the last thing I would remember. I asked the doctor how long it would be before I would wake up so I could see you, but she didn't answer. I was trying desperately not to panic because I knew that wouldn't help you and it wouldn't change anything. All of my visions of minimal interventions, of holding you as soon as you were born and nursing you right away flew out the window. I just wanted you to be here. Safe and healthy.<br />
<br />
In mere moments, I heard a code come over the loud speaker, I felt bright lights on me, and I heard equipment beeping. People were scurrying all about the operating room, each doing their job as if they were seasoned actors in a well choreographed parade.<br />
<br />
The anesthesiologist was on my left hand side, talking to me each step of the way about what was going on. I don't remember a thing he said, but I remember his presence being a calming one. I grabbed onto his hairy arm and held on for dear life as I was being told to scoot from my bed to the gurney, all while people were poking and prodding and prepping me in a hasty fashion. It was overwhelming.<br />
<br />
At one point they were trying to do some very uncomfortable things to me that I was instinctively fighting against and I finally heard the scary blissful exchange of words between the doctor and the anesthesiologist that indicated it was time for me go under general anesthesia.<br />
<br />
I prayed that my next memory would be that of you, safe and healthy in my arms.</div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-9777748819293599892017-01-01T22:28:00.000-08:002017-01-10T21:56:24.257-08:00Perspective— Learning to love the little things<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M-FbZe2ihqeQzmnBOmLTaesTykT4uEQMkvD-RfIX6lp-0XyuWz11BbRjLO1-Og0Irzi0Ma0le4E_2BOiDiO5WB1ViaTbFFacqQ4cIZsOmcUDWtSn7XCGbqfJd6apisznukh6hHTrQIxm/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M-FbZe2ihqeQzmnBOmLTaesTykT4uEQMkvD-RfIX6lp-0XyuWz11BbRjLO1-Og0Irzi0Ma0le4E_2BOiDiO5WB1ViaTbFFacqQ4cIZsOmcUDWtSn7XCGbqfJd6apisznukh6hHTrQIxm/s320/IMG_0980.JPG" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Perspective. </span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It's a little word
with a big impact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I recently began
feeling a little down when I realized that I have no big plans or dreams for
2017. I have no resolutions in mind. No lofty goals. No huge projects to
tackle. Nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In years past I've
entered the new year determined to do<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>all
the things</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Not this year.
This year I simply want to <b>savor all the good things</b> that are already in my
life. I want to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>be—</i>not<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>do</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to be
present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To be
joyful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to be
mindful of all of the good things that God has already placed around me. I want
to find joy in the everyday circumstances of this beautiful life I live. I want
to count my blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Somewhere along
the way I feel like I've lost my sense of gratitude. And with it went my
optimism. And my joy. I let the aching of this life overshadow the beauty that
is all around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That's what
happens when you focus on the negative instead of the positive. In 2017 I need to
re-focus. I need to choose to look at life from a different perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8z5ftg-4gyq14kEembqZwLdNdnXTXv9QwdWVM_TCIOfkLuDUgH0mzHhukgGdqNJiIQgXjFlue11h3PobMXVn3y2M8JlmMiBl12Ql681cPACbhHeI-UfLwatMm9ncDBj4ItWdYTHK00ej/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8z5ftg-4gyq14kEembqZwLdNdnXTXv9QwdWVM_TCIOfkLuDUgH0mzHhukgGdqNJiIQgXjFlue11h3PobMXVn3y2M8JlmMiBl12Ql681cPACbhHeI-UfLwatMm9ncDBj4ItWdYTHK00ej/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of <br />
moms about perspective last March.<br />
<br />
This is a doodle I created as I was preparing <br />
for that talk. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm sure there
will be future years where I will set big goals. There will be years I dream
big dreams. God willing, there will be years I set out to influence the world.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This year, while it isn't the only thing I want to accomplish, I am choosing to <i>focus</i> on one goal and one goal only. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to learn to
love the little things. The simple, every day, beautiful things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As I find the time
to write this year I will share glimpses of the everyday people, objects, and moments
that make life amazing—even if it means I have to work harder to look at things
from a different angle to find the beauty through the mess and the mundane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Today I am
grateful for perspective, for it is through a right perspective that I can see
God's hand at work—even in the little things. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-84446217712533839672016-11-08T20:32:00.000-08:002016-11-08T20:42:27.600-08:00Dear Little One-- My hopes for the future in the midst of chaos<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 12.0pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">D<span style="font-family: inherit;">ear Little One, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="float: left; margin: 0in 12pt 12pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Today is November
8th, 2016. You are blissfully unaware of the current state of our </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">nation,
and frankly, I'm a little jealous. If you want to know what this post was
all about, do a quick search on the 2016 election. Better yet, watch some of
the debates. It's like a three ring circus around here.</span></span></div>
<div style="float: left; margin: 0in 12pt 12pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't yet know
how the circus will end, as the newest ringmaster has not yet been revealed,
but he or she will be by the time you enter this world. Either way, I feel like
I can say with confidence that you are entering a far different world than the
one I grew up in. Even one different than the one your older siblings have been
born into.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkkKKDazJ2RiKYXSpQbsl40L-NL29fxW5z7tqJhpsRtAv2IjH5JltW3-z_D9DM0anrQjHQV5nmeEfiIdq2yTZZnq2IpYinXGpvsO99i9ThCIJZGMpKhBqNBmNqcXqmB8zmWKqHB5x91W-/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkkKKDazJ2RiKYXSpQbsl40L-NL29fxW5z7tqJhpsRtAv2IjH5JltW3-z_D9DM0anrQjHQV5nmeEfiIdq2yTZZnq2IpYinXGpvsO99i9ThCIJZGMpKhBqNBmNqcXqmB8zmWKqHB5x91W-/s200/vote.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Your siblings went with us to the</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">polling place as we cast our first</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">ballots in a non vote by mail</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">state. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But that's what happens. Times change. People change. Culture
changes. And here we are just trying to navigate our way through the troubled
waters, unsure what lies around the river bend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In time I will do
my best to teach you all about politics, because politics are important. But,
it is my sincere hope that some way, somehow, I will do it in such a way that
will help you to understand that people are more important than policies, that
souls are more valuable than soundbites, and that living in faith is better
than living in fear. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If this election has taught me anything, it is that our
world is anything but predictable and stable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have no idea how
much time I am granted here on Earth. When all is said and done, I haven't a
clue what difference my life will have made. Goodness gracious, I don't even
know what tomorrow will bring! But, I do know one thing— my greatest legacy
will not be in the vote that I cast today. It will not be in the person I did
or didn't sway to see my political point of view. I am utterly convinced that
the greatest contribution I will make to this world will be through who I point
to Jesus, and through the legacy I will leave behind through you and your
siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have so many
hopes and dreams for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Dear sweet Little
One, I pray that you will grow up to be a man of faith, a man of character, and
a man of wisdom. I pray that you will be strong, kind, and courageous. I pray
that you will be selfless and compassionate looking out first for the best
interest of others, especially those who are unable to speak up for themselves.
I pray that you will be able to see past the colors red and blue, and be a
force to help bring people together instead of tear people apart. I pray that
you will be a man who leads. As you grow I hope you will lead your peers, your
classmates, your family and who knows, maybe even someday your country, in a
way that honors God and people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But until then, I
pray that you will flip head down and that you will ease up on simultaneously
punching my esophagus and kicking my bladder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">One thing at a
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I realize that a
lot of who you will become rests on my shoulders. No pressure, right? I pray
that I will be the kind of mama who is somehow able to instill these things in
you. I pray that I can gently guide your heart, mind, and soul toward becoming
the man that I hope for you to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's with a heavy
heart for our country and a hopeful countenance for the future that I find
myself writing this letter to you tonight. I pray that your hope (and mine) is
built on nothing less than Jesus's blood and righteousness, because in the end,
everything else is sinking sand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Mommy</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">p.s. If this post seems a bit scattered, just know that it is a reflection of the state of my weary heart and mind. And it resembles the state of our country. We are all tired and worn out and disheartened. Sometimes, that's just the way life is, but there always seem to be brighter day and clearer skies ahead. I look forward with the greatest anticipation to meeting you face-to-face... my hoped for bright spot in the midst of all of the chaos that surrounds me!</span></div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-49987107394148589152016-10-13T12:03:00.000-07:002019-01-31T07:07:51.240-08:00A Mini Tour of Whitehall, Wisconson<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to a mini tour of my new town!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB_m0x98GWLEK6TbC_U2mP0wPO35072LCzYToSN-FAQWobQMD8ezDt6RMFtbd9w6iyiBTYBIXZIqpAVSw5WkuOKipNFOI-Km4dGwIdcnHyYSMZi3RB-38WvyduC0PRQ8Uxv6Gpwy4ntdu/s640/IMG_5966.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="640" /></td></tr>
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</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> As you enter <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitehall,_Wisconsin" target="_blank">Whitehall, Wisconsin</a>, this is the sign that will greet you. A great place to live and work indeed!</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt58bOA9kWWvlbb-86Zh4-dP_a41TUD-TW-gDHfmf5Mu7xSPqqsQCFL0nwgcnD3srlmopahMILuxc3kc4y_3llQhT-OcpdBHZgRneVERjaAWYCrvDBGUNUdLUOqnzvGdfdo9SRD5d2Pno/s1600/IMG_5919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt58bOA9kWWvlbb-86Zh4-dP_a41TUD-TW-gDHfmf5Mu7xSPqqsQCFL0nwgcnD3srlmopahMILuxc3kc4y_3llQhT-OcpdBHZgRneVERjaAWYCrvDBGUNUdLUOqnzvGdfdo9SRD5d2Pno/s320/IMG_5919.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This town LOVES their Kwik Trip! <br />
It's the go to place for milk, eggs, and bananas. <br />
It's kind of like a really big 7-11, only with good prices <br />
and a better selection. It has lots of drinks, a mini bakery <br />
and some hot foods. It's also where you get gas and the <br />
bonus is that it's open 24 hours. I like to call this Grand Central<br />
Station because you are almost guaranteed to run <br />
into someone you know any time you go into Kwik Trip. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YwUOdOerpcDCOGfgkqda9Sqx3FtS8diW2HyZV5N7WCWqeaRcuYLnFuoccRXXc78tvs6E_flBSuXVtDqSgl5a1npvaL0Wosce0nllMRNfEfSfe2PgiwBtRAnNvkiU5Xre2k_jPfxf_wrJ/s1600/IMG_9148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YwUOdOerpcDCOGfgkqda9Sqx3FtS8diW2HyZV5N7WCWqeaRcuYLnFuoccRXXc78tvs6E_flBSuXVtDqSgl5a1npvaL0Wosce0nllMRNfEfSfe2PgiwBtRAnNvkiU5Xre2k_jPfxf_wrJ/s200/IMG_9148.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The football field is where you will find <br />
much of the town on Friday nights in the <br />
fall. There is plenty of small town pride <br />
for the Norsemen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tHLV3yuz_JBLoKiJpQuGoCqHVSY3ckGRr424TIm_ZXjPn4Hg7c7vGuUfy38LmebAUGHTLnaFQwsf5pUZyFZNBfzoeXhd9dr20N7MeM08ESJJAJRA1CMrimCTaait6Qf2n4KE2XyVuUad/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tHLV3yuz_JBLoKiJpQuGoCqHVSY3ckGRr424TIm_ZXjPn4Hg7c7vGuUfy38LmebAUGHTLnaFQwsf5pUZyFZNBfzoeXhd9dr20N7MeM08ESJJAJRA1CMrimCTaait6Qf2n4KE2XyVuUad/s640/IMG_5933.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love this quaint little train station in the center of town. It makes me want to take a trip through the beautiful fall foliage and discover the beauty the rest of this state has to offer before the snow starts to fall. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_qeBDv89NlrxC73c2TKRJ1SAQFrhiZj1GcumJXeoXpcA3f2U2UZQEWi93emEisQFvTbblluCAcma7AWgK1zH3ZI98x2nqCtMrzIlUx40vcha_zJBWTbTF6kJsLDljEUUEr75r3wHOa-E/s1600/IMG_5930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_qeBDv89NlrxC73c2TKRJ1SAQFrhiZj1GcumJXeoXpcA3f2U2UZQEWi93emEisQFvTbblluCAcma7AWgK1zH3ZI98x2nqCtMrzIlUx40vcha_zJBWTbTF6kJsLDljEUUEr75r3wHOa-E/s320/IMG_5930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole town knows when it's straight up noon because the<br />
fire station tests it's alarm system. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFq_ddU8qjjaZ8Sk6eRpOyrgLIMP8rIR1Jrp4YH8skXkl4eXD-DxszDlGHwB6SGJ-nx6qDIyuYElDsaiu3ISOt49rtPKqc5Yg-Bs8E_CWE2mK_p5eioN13lxbb36reIF3-dNHjTf9gE-0/s1600/IMG_5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFq_ddU8qjjaZ8Sk6eRpOyrgLIMP8rIR1Jrp4YH8skXkl4eXD-DxszDlGHwB6SGJ-nx6qDIyuYElDsaiu3ISOt49rtPKqc5Yg-Bs8E_CWE2mK_p5eioN13lxbb36reIF3-dNHjTf9gE-0/s320/IMG_5926.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though the town itself is only 1,558 people, as<br />
the county seat it feels much bigger. <br />
Many of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trempealeau_County,_Wisconsin" target="_blank">Trempealeau County's</a> services <br />
are located here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP3NiyBv3rH3aaz7E_7T3uRhPTvqk6I0ckXggfqw3pemBa-TX6wpihdj6s89mnP_z9-iUgYQzOk6whhxyjF4iaHOpHBZRuNG06gphH6eUWKv4D8BY4tWCGXyLt8Bdcm_5JZo6p4ruPDYo/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP3NiyBv3rH3aaz7E_7T3uRhPTvqk6I0ckXggfqw3pemBa-TX6wpihdj6s89mnP_z9-iUgYQzOk6whhxyjF4iaHOpHBZRuNG06gphH6eUWKv4D8BY4tWCGXyLt8Bdcm_5JZo6p4ruPDYo/s320/IMG_5937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the four vets that own this clinic go to our<br />
church. The former vet goes to our church. The founding vet (I<br />
think he was the founder anyway) used to go to our church<br />
but is now in a care facility. There are lots of animals <br />
(big and small) to take care of in this area, especially cows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdUYYGk0rca1Ivq3n4D9Pp9OZKI7b_CqSaLGii8kBglAne2W2QfWw1-oFpHVC7YHWg6qOoUte95HtaErGO51fK8wXhN-SwTwPbfh2gbhG1X6-sdb8Ba78Oy4FAtMStzHYrs5dBRjcx-Et/s1600/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdUYYGk0rca1Ivq3n4D9Pp9OZKI7b_CqSaLGii8kBglAne2W2QfWw1-oFpHVC7YHWg6qOoUte95HtaErGO51fK8wXhN-SwTwPbfh2gbhG1X6-sdb8Ba78Oy4FAtMStzHYrs5dBRjcx-Et/s320/IMG_5952.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the kind of town that boasts toilet <br />
paper throughout the town during <br />
homecoming week. My understanding is <br />
that you aren't supposed to TP public <br />
property and you aren't supposed to get<br />
caught. Other than that, TP away! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCPWFI-YvNeLGgHdJUzNkQNEXwM2zKm2FpV_F7PVAJW4IjE6MMuffY-mYKJh6rrapWQpsSCKo5Cg5B22YF4nLKapKsiTqm5uUO3EUVK0lEWdkbCdRxPf84PFFdyrsCuoTqJOChQh7x-KT/s1600/IMG_9154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCPWFI-YvNeLGgHdJUzNkQNEXwM2zKm2FpV_F7PVAJW4IjE6MMuffY-mYKJh6rrapWQpsSCKo5Cg5B22YF4nLKapKsiTqm5uUO3EUVK0lEWdkbCdRxPf84PFFdyrsCuoTqJOChQh7x-KT/s400/IMG_9154.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance to <a href="http://firstbaptistwhtl.org/" target="_blank">First Baptist Church</a>. Our family is so <br />
excited to be a part of the ministry here!<br />
<br />
This is such a delightful, friendly, caring group of people <br />
and we are excited about the future of this church!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkSOOboRK3kD-vTgYYKa8UZW-JOHGlLsVgcr-0zWQSaGh3OQ2AQF9OlrP7lma_6iM07oVCKYW3AqZKG1Np00Glx1usvsnNxS0JjzwU-wywNwDCxKLfwbPGB7ChjfOveelxmX1a6HA2vtT/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkSOOboRK3kD-vTgYYKa8UZW-JOHGlLsVgcr-0zWQSaGh3OQ2AQF9OlrP7lma_6iM07oVCKYW3AqZKG1Np00Glx1usvsnNxS0JjzwU-wywNwDCxKLfwbPGB7ChjfOveelxmX1a6HA2vtT/s200/IMG_5955.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The public library operates in a small store <br />
front on Main Street. It's not big, but it has a <br />
good inter-library system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqo8n14xEXL7p-LrBsOG1X0ElKna35QclXHKBj5XQB-fX6rAbSAGXyH0kjeZ-b7wr7FF7fysDMiTuY30x3ClLDcQkaL7LvBuklJPH3DTA6l0R4E7T3GBgSoIxIH8cij9JotPekSHvc40R/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqo8n14xEXL7p-LrBsOG1X0ElKna35QclXHKBj5XQB-fX6rAbSAGXyH0kjeZ-b7wr7FF7fysDMiTuY30x3ClLDcQkaL7LvBuklJPH3DTA6l0R4E7T3GBgSoIxIH8cij9JotPekSHvc40R/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've had many people ask if I would continue Robyn's <br />
Nest Bakery in Whitehall, but really, there is no <br />
need. <a href="http://www.sweettemptationsllc.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Temptations</a> is a delightful bakery and <br />
cafe that services the town well. Though, they do have <br />
an amazing ice cream flavor that I'm dying to try <br />
with my <a href="http://reallifepastorswife.blogspot.com/2015/01/brown-butter-salted-caramel-chocolate.html" target="_blank">Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate <br />Chip Cookies</a>. I'm pretty sure the combination of<br />
flavors is going to be life-changing.<br />
<br />
That'll be another post for another day though, I'm sure!<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeBekpT9W33i4XC9LAnM4UA8ENZWjqGuTtF3p6gK3_qSlD8R4cdOkNgG0H2eCrm-WW2T88CxE4VyM8hYpetma96gmooYsAw6oM554liB7seic_ddK_f9JaHgjFqnTmOz4kB3MRQ1tGDV-/s1600/IMG_5939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeBekpT9W33i4XC9LAnM4UA8ENZWjqGuTtF3p6gK3_qSlD8R4cdOkNgG0H2eCrm-WW2T88CxE4VyM8hYpetma96gmooYsAw6oM554liB7seic_ddK_f9JaHgjFqnTmOz4kB3MRQ1tGDV-/s200/IMG_5939.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are homeschooling our kids this year (one year, one <br />
kid at a time we say!), but we hear great things about the <br />
<a href="http://whitehallsd.k12.wi.us/" target="_blank">Whitehall schools</a>. The average class size is 15-20 kids, <br />
and the elementary through high school kids are all <br />
educated on the same campus, though they have their individual spaces. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkRcVLpLskZ1Ftuoctb3XuWV1GqqlbouQEFBi0sB1tjhHV_pXRNqliq7q3rTQuILu3FHXn_NflGUNDEEcy3-Oi_JVAVhTuZ7FHn7OoPW-L7IaI44PdzYQK1Eghs41_ovF9L08EhhiRtNM/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkRcVLpLskZ1Ftuoctb3XuWV1GqqlbouQEFBi0sB1tjhHV_pXRNqliq7q3rTQuILu3FHXn_NflGUNDEEcy3-Oi_JVAVhTuZ7FHn7OoPW-L7IaI44PdzYQK1Eghs41_ovF9L08EhhiRtNM/s200/IMG_5948.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city itself is only 2.8 square miles, but <br />
the county has hundreds of miles of snow mobile <br />
and bike routes. If I'm understanding it correctly, <br />
it's not actual trails, just <a href="http://www.tremplocounty.com/tchome/landrecords/documents/map%20gallery/snow_County_Roads_11x179.pdf" target="_blank">designated routes</a> for <br />
enjoying these activities.</td></tr>
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The town itself is 2.8 square miles and is surrounded by other similarly sized small towns. While the footprint and population of any given town in this area is not large, this seems to be an area dotted with thriving farming communities, not small towns that are dilapidated or depressed. There is one chain restaurant in Whitehall (Subway), and a few other eating establishments (see <a href="http://www.whitehallwichamber.com/chamber_members.php" target="_blank">chamber of commerce list</a> for some local businesses), but the whole town closes down pretty early. </div>
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It kind of feels like a step back in time. </div>
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Every road we turn down outside of the city limits seems to have rolling green hills and barns standing alongside tall silos. It really is breathtakingly beautiful. I especially love seeing the Amish farms scattered through the hillsides with their plain clothes hanging from the clothesline, and watching their horse drawn buggies clicking and clacking through the town.<br />
<br />
We are currently 2,000 miles from Oregon, the only home 3 of the 4 (or, rather 4 of the 5) of us had ever known. It's more than a little surreal to think that we up and moved across the country in less than a month. But we did. Here we are. And lo and behold, it's already starting to feel like home. </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-91386690909140104732016-10-03T09:05:00.000-07:002016-10-03T09:14:30.606-07:00Dear Little One-- Just Two More Months!Dear Little One,<br />
<br />
I just realized that I haven't written a post for you since August 3rd, which was two months ago! I'm loooong overdue to give an update. I wish I had done a better job of chronicling this journey, but alas, better late than never?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNE41A4o9iCmTWkRmoiDSFRimlMwjn4NkSFWek5stI9CAybvgaHuoEeAGpe_4pis-hteSZMOh4r8mi3rUm8Iy2fOOulXDqugqmT8Tpe5GcNPec8IFXBJvMmchMXcZmemMqbX9ivCzvzwz/s1600/IMG_5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNE41A4o9iCmTWkRmoiDSFRimlMwjn4NkSFWek5stI9CAybvgaHuoEeAGpe_4pis-hteSZMOh4r8mi3rUm8Iy2fOOulXDqugqmT8Tpe5GcNPec8IFXBJvMmchMXcZmemMqbX9ivCzvzwz/s320/IMG_5779.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first picture in Yellowstone Park<br />
27 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a good excuse though. In those two months we visited Wisconsin, candidated for a pastoral position, returned to Oregon, packed up all of our worldly possessions, said goodbye to friends and family, and took a week long trip across the country. It's been a crazy, crazy, crazy time!<br />
<br />
In all of this I literally had one goal: to get you to Wisconsin, in my womb, alive. Just a few minutes after we crossed into Wisconsin from Minnesota, I felt you leap within my womb and rejoiced at the fact that we had indeed gotten you to Wisconsin, just as we'd hoped and prayed.<br />
<br />
I still daily marvel with awe and wonder every single time I feel you leap inside of me. In these past few weeks your movements have gotten so strong, very intense, and plenty frequent! There is no doubt in my mind that you are growing. I am so grateful for that!<br />
<br />
I haven't exactly had a flawless pregnancy, but your health and growth continue to get good reports. I've had some unexplained bleeding (one episode that landed me in the hospital for a few hours), some intense Braxton Hicks contractions (that landed me on near bedrest for a few days), and some joint pain (that makes it difficult for me to stand or sit for any lengthy period of time). Needless to say, that made packing up my entire house and spending 2,300+ miles in the car quite difficult.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I failed my gestational diabetes test which now leaves me counting every carb, being very intentional about what I eat, and testing my blood sugar 6 times a day.<br />
<br />
But, beautiful things are often shown through difficulty. I have been unable to do much of anything these past several months. I'd say I've been operating at about 10% of my normal energy levels. It's literally all I can do to just make it through the day on most days. Your daddy and siblings have been amazingly helpful. They've all stepped up and done far more than their fair share of keeping things running smoothly for our family in the midst of this chaos.<br />
<br />
Not only that, but there have been so many friends who have chipped in to help to make this move happen as quickly and painlessly as it did. I don't want you to get a big head, but it's pretty much been all about you, kid! We wanted to get here to Wisconsin as quickly as possible so I can get established with a new doctor, and to increase the likelihood that we would actually make it here. We knew the longer we waited in Albany the more likely it would be that I would end up having to stay there until after you were born. So, as hard as it was to pack every box and cram every goodbye into less than 3 weeks, we somehow managed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC8xBJEc95gUfT1n73BqdKYjPK8DUZLUiRqNc69sgjsMGrflxO3Ax0ogCa1DLjKaOuQJNqI9gym4gSl4SgUe1ZTz9HTgzjlr9A2aaRcypu_eDJ6WgMAaGRQYUNT-1yt-LrKnNXc5jN-WD/s1600/IMG_8594-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC8xBJEc95gUfT1n73BqdKYjPK8DUZLUiRqNc69sgjsMGrflxO3Ax0ogCa1DLjKaOuQJNqI9gym4gSl4SgUe1ZTz9HTgzjlr9A2aaRcypu_eDJ6WgMAaGRQYUNT-1yt-LrKnNXc5jN-WD/s320/IMG_8594-001.JPG" width="320" /></a>Many friends came and helped us pack, more than 60 people came to help us load our truck, and more than 100 people came to our little Farewell party and "Baby Sprinkle". Instead of traditional baby shower gifts, our Oregon friends brought you books to enjoy as you grow. They all have letters written to you inside. I cannot wait to share these treasures with you and tell you all about these people who loved you and prayed for you before you were born. Many of them have prayed for you long before you ever came to be, even!<br />
<br />
We are all so excited to cuddle you up on our laps and read some of these delightful books to you. Soon enough, Little One, soon enough. Just two more months to go!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-66353475208057246592016-08-20T19:37:00.000-07:002016-08-20T19:37:20.038-07:00Hello Wisconsin! Early this year Rob and I both had a sense that this would be a year of hope for our family. Of course, we had no idea what it would look like and how it would unfold, but we were trusting that 2016 was going to be a year of change--in a good way!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNS1L957Q47gs4PYlbD6s6VdAeVC3a1jPpLkWn8aOgypI6tpU_nChvjMFFoHiFTQYjIGBrJWcum_V_GgHMrQsaqEJx30Z7Q5W2XRw2mTqAiQbDGXudSS_3pPQPQSlX2lKWU_hU2VQbuz9/s1600/IMG_8381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNS1L957Q47gs4PYlbD6s6VdAeVC3a1jPpLkWn8aOgypI6tpU_nChvjMFFoHiFTQYjIGBrJWcum_V_GgHMrQsaqEJx30Z7Q5W2XRw2mTqAiQbDGXudSS_3pPQPQSlX2lKWU_hU2VQbuz9/s320/IMG_8381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture doesn't even begin to do justice to some of the<br />
beautiful countrysides we saw in Wisconsin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We never could have imagined just how much change it would bring!<br />
<br />
Late winter brought the sale of our condo, leaving us without any property ties to our current city.<br />
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Early spring brought a very surprising positive pregnancy test!<br />
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Mid spring brought a strong feeling that with a new little one on the horizon, we really wanted to pursue a return to full time ministry. Simply put, after a long season of waiting, it was time. Our whole family felt an itch to diligently look for full time ministry opportunities.<br />
<br />
I distinctly remember a night in mid May that we set aside some time to look for jobs. Rob was absolutely convinced that he needed to put out at least one application that night. He had some school work to do so while he was working on one of his assignments I sat next to him and went to all of our normal job search places and started pulling up job postings. By the time he was finished with his school work, I had 15+ tabs open on my computer.<br />
<br />
One by one I showed him what I had found and one by one he seemed to say, "They're not looking for someone like me, they want someone who is really good at..." In all fairness, it seems like nearly every church truly wanted to hire Super Man who can be all things to all people at all times.<br />
<br />
But, there was one that really stood out to us. The job description specifically said they preferred someone who had some work experience outside of Christian ministry and they also wanted someone with a heart for small groups. Of course, they were hoping for some other specific things as well, namely a man with a gift for teaching and preaching, but they weren't looking for Super Man. In fact, it appeared that they might very well be looking for a man like Rob. As we read through the job posting again and again we finally stopped to ask, "Where exactly is this church?"<br />
<br />
Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
<i>Isn't that somewhere over by the Great Lakes? Or is it more Mid West? Further East? Wait, where exactly is Wisconsin?</i><br />
<br />
So, Rob sent out his cover letter and resume that evening, and as we've often done in the past, we waited to see if we would hear anything back from this church. Eventually we did hear from back from them. They had gotten Rob's application and they kept us in the loop as to where they were at in the hiring process. Then we started hearing from them with increasing frequency. Eventually we heard Rob was one of four they were seriously considering.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhysH-zJ6YEe9k1iERXxrnHQP_QOdsfmfNA8OV5i4MLrCMrS9tARkDrCNpYXZNvT8gBsSvaxnAT0mGoWr531HdN3R0i92LrurWrJGxm6KSk68xKnoClIPTRopvMsCy8NulT5aFegPLMrV/s1600/IMG_8350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhysH-zJ6YEe9k1iERXxrnHQP_QOdsfmfNA8OV5i4MLrCMrS9tARkDrCNpYXZNvT8gBsSvaxnAT0mGoWr531HdN3R0i92LrurWrJGxm6KSk68xKnoClIPTRopvMsCy8NulT5aFegPLMrV/s320/IMG_8350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory PDX carpet picture as we set out to WI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then we got the call one Thursday night.<br />
<br />
They were down to one, and it was him. When Rob sat the kids down to tell them, Leeann who had recently read Lord of the Rings excitedly asked, "Are you the chosen one?!?!" Of course, we all burst out laughing. <br />
<br />
Long story short, we flew to Wisconsin last Thursday. And we loved it! We loved the people. We loved the church. We loved the community. I woke up Saturday morning and asked Rob, "Do you get the sneaky suspicion that we are home?" He agreed that every step of the way so far, it seemed like God may very well be leading us in this direction.<br />
<br />
We spent the long weekend with various groups of people. They asked us lots of questions and we asked many questions in return. One by one, the answers were what we had hoped to hear. Each step of the way we asked our kids how they were feeling and they both consistently said, "I hope they ask you to come!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNFeHx6OYXVeGNbnAJQY6LTPZQ88_gUEh9wA1fRWNvUNZ1wWVNC0hJSLv0VM8FEghm1O2Nx3dPzSFRCi22MKwywMfI0nSseIHXtyJxbQBDhtiP7pTF5jXJAygLH8l1-jrQufFgVGuEcFw/s1600/IMG_8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNFeHx6OYXVeGNbnAJQY6LTPZQ88_gUEh9wA1fRWNvUNZ1wWVNC0hJSLv0VM8FEghm1O2Nx3dPzSFRCi22MKwywMfI0nSseIHXtyJxbQBDhtiP7pTF5jXJAygLH8l1-jrQufFgVGuEcFw/s320/IMG_8389.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Rob got to preach on Sunday and we enjoyed a potluck after church. Then there was some Q&A time. After that we jumped straight into another meeting and then had dinner with some new friends at their farm. Our kids had already made fast friends with their kids and we all enjoyed our evening together.<br />
<br />
Monday morning came around and we finally had a little bit of room to breathe and explore the town. The church would be voting that evening on whether or not they wanted to call Rob as their Lead Pastor. As we talked about whether or not we should take a few days to respond if they should offer the job, we came to the conclusion that there would be no need for further discussion. If they offered the job, we would accept.<br />
<br />
We got a phone call after the meeting had concluded, and indeed, they did offer the job, and we accepted on the spot. The kids jumped up and down in nearly uncontainable excitement, and we sat down to start sketching out plans for a move across the country!<br />
<br />
So, here goes nothing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGgxMKOOe_8UMJwecvh1ZEOeCIfv-n2ew6TNY8bbmWlomfWZOlruCbgY4mZchuuEw-rUD0uDmraRd_SLaWsc6tvbkZL_jJNLfZH1tMVkuA4yjZhv2EbVhU1He2cqhuuaSJkfkZO8NrkTC/s1600/IMG_8392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGgxMKOOe_8UMJwecvh1ZEOeCIfv-n2ew6TNY8bbmWlomfWZOlruCbgY4mZchuuEw-rUD0uDmraRd_SLaWsc6tvbkZL_jJNLfZH1tMVkuA4yjZhv2EbVhU1He2cqhuuaSJkfkZO8NrkTC/s640/IMG_8392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new church home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In just over two weeks we intend to load all of our worldly possessions into a UHaul and make our way across the country to Whitehall, Wisconsin. It sounds a little crazy to up and move that quickly, but I need to get settled in with a new doctor as soon as possible. Besides that, we are anxious and excited to start our new adventure!<br />
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Here are some pictures from our time in Wisconsin this past weekend:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUj3823eIOfhg61kiiBBd_qN4dWEDtv0rwWDteYmcuHmWvqWxdcN24n6VbIYmNw5J6PutqXlOq6gOpIjz9yRcVuH2rhAoWRe3_y0J9WCkXlH4w0kFurLKRi59QD1-tRx358kic5zqu6hS/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUj3823eIOfhg61kiiBBd_qN4dWEDtv0rwWDteYmcuHmWvqWxdcN24n6VbIYmNw5J6PutqXlOq6gOpIjz9yRcVuH2rhAoWRe3_y0J9WCkXlH4w0kFurLKRi59QD1-tRx358kic5zqu6hS/s200/IMG_8355.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mall of America Sugar Shoppe</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWDC5IsE9jcMNZ8x88zA5WjlEszNwWErl3kuazjikVCV42sRqEuVpfMHDy6vP2b1JDVuumU-eOhVJIIGKhDayVNnWZI6TI4-suMf49iRvWf8xFPU9ZSzJS8COFOqmhsc8XfJqn9Nysx5B/s1600/IMG_8363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWDC5IsE9jcMNZ8x88zA5WjlEszNwWErl3kuazjikVCV42sRqEuVpfMHDy6vP2b1JDVuumU-eOhVJIIGKhDayVNnWZI6TI4-suMf49iRvWf8xFPU9ZSzJS8COFOqmhsc8XfJqn9Nysx5B/s320/IMG_8363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most epic slip n' slide ever!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXJp1neOG7ZSgXJQP-bgafTwWUsRWP-1opvpbMJgftCzV5sqITrxPrFjIz2cMA2bwXM8UdXzK0G5XsiM85A43VACkrSFuM56bMQY6xg-CBwXKPds6N72abKcQ6EqdO1ghwF_4YhXlzWyU/s1600/IMG_8354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXJp1neOG7ZSgXJQP-bgafTwWUsRWP-1opvpbMJgftCzV5sqITrxPrFjIz2cMA2bwXM8UdXzK0G5XsiM85A43VACkrSFuM56bMQY6xg-CBwXKPds6N72abKcQ6EqdO1ghwF_4YhXlzWyU/s200/IMG_8354.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mall of America Lego Store</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_AETVt03EzVZ3VbTYVkmTHNYHkReL7Dg9JP8X0c2Ds7ZPD1DdXbvSFIAGudrrvVu0AaJ2J50tJ7faL2-hkmw-15qaliPgEH5X1kBIStKwJod29cfNOIeczzEwPvvHO9X3WHH0COvdKYe/s1600/IMG_8372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_AETVt03EzVZ3VbTYVkmTHNYHkReL7Dg9JP8X0c2Ds7ZPD1DdXbvSFIAGudrrvVu0AaJ2J50tJ7faL2-hkmw-15qaliPgEH5X1kBIStKwJod29cfNOIeczzEwPvvHO9X3WHH0COvdKYe/s320/IMG_8372.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearing a knife parable from one <br />
of the most engaging gentleman I've ever <br />
had the privilege of speaking with! </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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBaW668hmdeBRVVJE0-E4XxiELHEbKXcCvYDLC9Gy8e6MOQ25w3bUqiPEhqL2j7LlqDpqLH_rQjC7HcycCm_5HWOQ7RmegcIO23kAMHLpJF4wLk-U7vMWv8LKErmDrd13Gs1-vD9m6bg_/s1600/IMG_8377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBaW668hmdeBRVVJE0-E4XxiELHEbKXcCvYDLC9Gy8e6MOQ25w3bUqiPEhqL2j7LlqDpqLH_rQjC7HcycCm_5HWOQ7RmegcIO23kAMHLpJF4wLk-U7vMWv8LKErmDrd13Gs1-vD9m6bg_/s200/IMG_8377.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petting the animals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_xdWTD8gIMEb98f3ufCNlHzf_1pzdrbNQtuUqxSnBe8wG2XKOdjtYAW8wP3IW68AdLGdSGVCnfjflH7uzf5BtKC7cYZT1rYMrMs_lPEFzpqPpVGBhr-vAzHFsCR13JNNb1ILbWYISKtz/s1600/IMG_8378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_xdWTD8gIMEb98f3ufCNlHzf_1pzdrbNQtuUqxSnBe8wG2XKOdjtYAW8wP3IW68AdLGdSGVCnfjflH7uzf5BtKC7cYZT1rYMrMs_lPEFzpqPpVGBhr-vAzHFsCR13JNNb1ILbWYISKtz/s320/IMG_8378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little ride through the country side and story time time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg-PRMnFQAtFgOQt1w9i-Ljz4i-4lHbNiVvCYX3MVGHhrl2InmBm0jOO5J2OmpjEAv2G9M8WYFhYLx7MlANoajwT630UYhqt0AQawyHwEAD6Ps9caCZt1urnE_pDIwytWt_PP27VmJkJz/s1600/IMG_8380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg-PRMnFQAtFgOQt1w9i-Ljz4i-4lHbNiVvCYX3MVGHhrl2InmBm0jOO5J2OmpjEAv2G9M8WYFhYLx7MlANoajwT630UYhqt0AQawyHwEAD6Ps9caCZt1urnE_pDIwytWt_PP27VmJkJz/s320/IMG_8380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backseat drivers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80AU8QgVO4kPBW61KDh0s6wD67Q_THn75S_H9ZtqIQ2nFqWWS-tAo9l8yI9UlOGx9RvmLrFUGqfy34M7iFNd4mS90Z4o9h2g9xRrT5yVxgsZe9bOCYCZXWSaZUD8SD71kCt6Rst4XB8o-/s1600/IMG_8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80AU8QgVO4kPBW61KDh0s6wD67Q_THn75S_H9ZtqIQ2nFqWWS-tAo9l8yI9UlOGx9RvmLrFUGqfy34M7iFNd4mS90Z4o9h2g9xRrT5yVxgsZe9bOCYCZXWSaZUD8SD71kCt6Rst4XB8o-/s200/IMG_8376.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYbpPvOlrl8WUAyxNUB-foh0auwmxQqjDP3OgkfxK7Kxqp8yUjgpBAxtMfzh-sKtRZ_MuJAcDWo02-D463Qif9UHIwkgLPEzSbAn_hUTdy0VbkaDDaB99QLexNZpbtofXO4_ix0u8dP6N/s1600/IMG_8431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYbpPvOlrl8WUAyxNUB-foh0auwmxQqjDP3OgkfxK7Kxqp8yUjgpBAxtMfzh-sKtRZ_MuJAcDWo02-D463Qif9UHIwkgLPEzSbAn_hUTdy0VbkaDDaB99QLexNZpbtofXO4_ix0u8dP6N/s320/IMG_8431.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Return trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh72dp-XGmzhdI_D_8NgTQGllJEX1hYGqlHloaelotRlY4fn1Sy5HFwO6BfCAevBABnZrTTUDQjpybUE0i8i9om6qWtFxgkXI-JV54WuJXKWS4lW_-T9mS_XEkzQ3H7pmS9mEebnB6JpT/s1600/IMG_8432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh72dp-XGmzhdI_D_8NgTQGllJEX1hYGqlHloaelotRlY4fn1Sy5HFwO6BfCAevBABnZrTTUDQjpybUE0i8i9om6qWtFxgkXI-JV54WuJXKWS4lW_-T9mS_XEkzQ3H7pmS9mEebnB6JpT/s320/IMG_8432.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofballs!</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEY5Rhp0PDDp_LqX17-RFpIOT3PE8OYUJK_UAZb3imnic-qYECZJB675a8AtlNpmohbkoV8ll27SiQWux1BypZSZrh_GFQvyM3M-t17Cah4l0EkigeIkn0vAVaZ14FDQyaZ_hwb5ur4aD/s1600/IMG_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEY5Rhp0PDDp_LqX17-RFpIOT3PE8OYUJK_UAZb3imnic-qYECZJB675a8AtlNpmohbkoV8ll27SiQWux1BypZSZrh_GFQvyM3M-t17Cah4l0EkigeIkn0vAVaZ14FDQyaZ_hwb5ur4aD/s320/IMG_8433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture pretty well sums up how we felt by the time we<br />
returned to Portland night. Exhausted, but excited about<br />
the future! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-71680555785003781842016-08-03T08:43:00.000-07:002016-08-03T09:01:41.103-07:00Dear Little One-- How I Wonder Who You AreDear Little One,<br />
<br />
You have no idea how much I think about you! I often wonder about your personality and ponder what you will look like. Will you look more like me, or daddy? Will you be short like your parents, or tall like your uncles? Who's personality will you take after? Will you be an introvert or an extrovert? Will academics come easily for you or will they be a struggle? Will you be outgoing or shy? Will you like sports? Will you be techy like your brother? Will you look out for the needs of others like your sister? Will you be a picky eater? A fitful sleeper? Will you be sensitive to noises, or sights, or sounds? Will you be wild and carefree or cautious and pensive? Mostly, I get caught up wondering how those personality traits are going to manifest themselves in your early days, and what our lives will look like as a result. One way or another, things are about to change around here!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bbdxW1YMyZCjfaUU8yHw8LpUciJl73JUFPFNNkjUNUxrOVagS0L9En5RcG038Bq9oW890jEzTlq4ZS8PWLiTowQmoFKK_PBfM8Z9FnnWr3JuQLkqULYzOJ9o9_ZtkXg1LiDjjiOKwO7X/s1600/Buhl+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bbdxW1YMyZCjfaUU8yHw8LpUciJl73JUFPFNNkjUNUxrOVagS0L9En5RcG038Bq9oW890jEzTlq4ZS8PWLiTowQmoFKK_PBfM8Z9FnnWr3JuQLkqULYzOJ9o9_ZtkXg1LiDjjiOKwO7X/s320/Buhl+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
All I know about you now is that you appear to be healthy and growing right on track, you are a boy, and you bounce back and forth doing karate in my womb on a regular basis. Based on your 20 week scan you appear to have a similar profile to Titus, but you can only tell so much from a black and white ultrasound picture.<br />
<br />
The rest is yet a mystery. A really, really exciting mystery!<br />
<br />
You are somewhere between 12 and 20 ounces this week. If you are born at the same weight your brother was, you will gain 6+ pounds between now and when you're born. The only problem is, I cannot for the life of me fathom where on earth you are going to fit within my womb! I already feel stretched to the brim, maxed out, and terribly uncomfortable. You kick me anytime I bend over as if to say, "Hey mom, stop squishing me!" I am consistently finding myself in awkward situations where I've gotten into a position while sitting or laying down that I cannot get out of, and I am almost constantly short of breath. At this point, it's just kind of comical... but I'm only half way there!<br />
<br />
However, you are oh so worth every awkward moment, every ache, and every pain!<br />
<br />
I just realized that almost every sentence I've written so far ends with an exclamation point. That's poor writing, I recognize, but it so perfectly captures where my heart is right now. My heart is so full. It's full of hope, full of wonder, full of excitement, and full of awe! I am giddy that every single morning when I wake up and every single night before I go to bed, you make your growing presence in my womb known. Daddy keeps catching me giggling and looking at me inquisitively, to which I regularly respond, "I just feel him moving"! It insights such joy in my heart that every last leap and twist and turn still sends me to cloud nine. I treasure these moments. I treasure you!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
p.s. One thing I'm wondering right now is if you are going to be born in the Northwest or the Upper Midwest. Will you be a Beaver or a Badger? An Oregonian or a Wisconsinite? And most importantly, how do you feel about about wearing a block of cheese-shaped foam on your head?Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-1849909693436193842016-07-30T21:52:00.001-07:002016-07-30T21:52:21.512-07:00Cupcakes, Sprinkles, and Bacon, OH MY!This weekend I had the pleasure of making cupcakes for a wedding reception. It was for an order that had been placed long before I knew I was pregnant, and it was for a friend, so I chugged through the back pain and swollen feet and spent the past few days "whipping up" 12+ dozen cupcakes in three yummy flavors. <div>
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<div>
Let me introduce you to my new friends:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOFgb6iWu8Ke0Q342LKFQR1blSv_2ogHpcX_s_JAhM4sCx3GLZms1ra67BIoaWVBfWy1tHkDJl_eAoTWoDgVUi3yQFc3WzuxnV7vVLdDvRBFEUXIIGB_vn2bz_FV34G9hRi33a5WTKB-k/s1600/2016-07-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOFgb6iWu8Ke0Q342LKFQR1blSv_2ogHpcX_s_JAhM4sCx3GLZms1ra67BIoaWVBfWy1tHkDJl_eAoTWoDgVUi3yQFc3WzuxnV7vVLdDvRBFEUXIIGB_vn2bz_FV34G9hRi33a5WTKB-k/s640/2016-07-30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I never understood the maple bacon craze until now. Mostly because I choose not to eat a whole lot of meat and I haven't had bacon since before bacon became the "in" thing. But, of course I had to try some, you know, for quality control purposes. I candied this bacon and I have to say, I suddenly understand why bacon (especially maple and bacon together) have ended up with a cult-like following. It turns out that Baby is a fan of bacon, especially the bacon that was dipped in the leftover chocolate ganache! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebh8ZE4UWH0jOz4wcPGqwtRfM2G5ZEnYF1I0BwHBZZ6N9OhP-0VRIAxQ95-mHtl_ay-_7h2XuONj6VYNY6ox9V10h6xpCf3LwC-Sufg7U6SguW9vFmCh9vF-Wsd6gjJAppMOmCc0TDpTY/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebh8ZE4UWH0jOz4wcPGqwtRfM2G5ZEnYF1I0BwHBZZ6N9OhP-0VRIAxQ95-mHtl_ay-_7h2XuONj6VYNY6ox9V10h6xpCf3LwC-Sufg7U6SguW9vFmCh9vF-Wsd6gjJAppMOmCc0TDpTY/s640/IMG_8309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">The cupcakes were beautifully displayed on this lovely dessert table and enjoyed by many. But mostly be me... because, well, I'm pregnant. And of course, I had to taste test these beautiful creatures every step of the way. You know, again, for quality control purposes!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNX10rizjMUboQ_3lpS3-9OoBuAZgsggOzfJhaKXIZOLaEG21vO4eRefG19e1KEFywoY_YjEXHBsRwOKOGSDEhhy37jo8NqJK_pkJIha5e_ZOV5BWAOKD5OMg7sl7SiAL6L1iIb11rcva/s1600/IMG_8320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNX10rizjMUboQ_3lpS3-9OoBuAZgsggOzfJhaKXIZOLaEG21vO4eRefG19e1KEFywoY_YjEXHBsRwOKOGSDEhhy37jo8NqJK_pkJIha5e_ZOV5BWAOKD5OMg7sl7SiAL6L1iIb11rcva/s640/IMG_8320.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtUFuK7wLRx1fN7VzqlzJJl43qnFgNC6AMPaHHxg5naKcUv9VrlRAAiEXxiZfWlUQKBaeOzfK4Scr5GsoUAVjIax2g2t6GxQLXilO7b6jUjObDaFYfvGjENbIeDSUGVDwX9vS6UV5RnUN/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtUFuK7wLRx1fN7VzqlzJJl43qnFgNC6AMPaHHxg5naKcUv9VrlRAAiEXxiZfWlUQKBaeOzfK4Scr5GsoUAVjIax2g2t6GxQLXilO7b6jUjObDaFYfvGjENbIeDSUGVDwX9vS6UV5RnUN/s400/IMG_8311.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
I really enjoy having an edible outlet for my creative side, and honestly, it was nice to have a sizeable project to tackle to get me up and keep me moving. It's been all too easy to succumb to afternoon naps these days!<br />
<br />
The best part is, at the beginning of the week I got a genius idea to invite my mom to drive up (from 4 hours away) to help me with these cupcakes, and as payment, she got to take my kids home with her for the next week. I'll let you decide who's getting the best of this deal!<br />
<br />
It was a huge blessing to have her help, especially with the dishes. I'm pretty sure I could bake all day long if it weren't for the dishes. And the shopping. And the whole cleaning up after myself thing!<br />
<br />
At the moment I'm kicking my feet up, relaxing, ingoring the powdered sugar mess on my floor, and dreaming about the future with my husband, all while the kids are getting fully spoiled at Grammy's.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I'm eating leftover cupcakes. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it! </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-52258727437902918192016-07-19T22:41:00.003-07:002016-07-19T22:45:25.652-07:00Dear Little One-- It's a...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYl_TXhwpC5iXQMxaxU1X4oBT3cRagn_3R2cs4ZEZzc-rkWzLYOdk56yT8ifGKm4ZvQNXUZdFlF_98XCCEsBtA2hx3_9F1jFT5pBXF150bjKOTDHkSv-5AvH1U2LVuo_rTPYAfoPXxIck/s1600/IMG_5177-2+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYl_TXhwpC5iXQMxaxU1X4oBT3cRagn_3R2cs4ZEZzc-rkWzLYOdk56yT8ifGKm4ZvQNXUZdFlF_98XCCEsBtA2hx3_9F1jFT5pBXF150bjKOTDHkSv-5AvH1U2LVuo_rTPYAfoPXxIck/s640/IMG_5177-2+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Dear Little One, </div>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From the moment I found out about you I was utterly convinced that you were a girl. I envisioned frilly tutus and hair bows. I day dreamed about an introverted, quiet little girl with wavy brown hair and glasses sitting by my side quietly playing with her dolls. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I envisioned a room full of Minnie Mouse style polka dots, and I collected a board full of little girl ideas on Pinterest. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had compiled a list of names so long that I knew I would have a hard time figuring out what to call you. Lydia, Elizabeth, Hattie, Norah, Hailey, Emmaline, Naomi, Lucy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks before we found out your gender however, we decided what your name might be if you were a boy. We had compiled a short list but none of them were "sticking"... all the more reason I was convinced you were a girl. We had so many names to choose from!<br />
<br />
But then a boy name stuck. Suddenly I had a hard time envisioning you as a girl, because I just couldn't let go of this name. I looked Titus in the face and thought,<i> I think I could wrap my mind around cars, trucks, trains, and wild sound effects</i>.<br />
<br />
After our scare a few weeks back I decided to get the blood test that gives information about the makeup of your chromosomes. If something were wrong with your development, I wanted to know. Also, I was very persuaded by recognizing that in finding out more about your chromosomes I would find out your gender.<br />
<br />
So, late one night (at 9:30 pm!) my doctor called and said, "Baby appears to be healthy on all accounts so far. Would you like to know the gender?"<br />
<br />
"Yes! I would love to!" I whispered, trying not to draw attention to my late night phone call.<br />
<br />
Then she told me the news...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSlgvNJ0MJgHVFATNhGh5Y3_KnOYsa0aEz5rESDKt326hd4e38F0bAWz2DsR3QiGPwu_WibXT68ggHsal9wWIOSSgF7j-XB_2DWLBBuI9F2eVTEfPoStYh35O9LUI-uM57hWqZKURz6SU/s1600/oh+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSlgvNJ0MJgHVFATNhGh5Y3_KnOYsa0aEz5rESDKt326hd4e38F0bAWz2DsR3QiGPwu_WibXT68ggHsal9wWIOSSgF7j-XB_2DWLBBuI9F2eVTEfPoStYh35O9LUI-uM57hWqZKURz6SU/s640/oh+boy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKT0ZOJJYJ4W-KqdmkyvRN8OqxDK35BBOcYa15W5RqkfaESggax5PJ1eRh4RXkFWO8_8qYN1M7dZZjPjiyRheGAVDk-_juKXWoOQ5u-LPt10dFyx10tFLyRJBt-XPXTafSRHOYJ6zBtIX/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This whole time I had thought I would be disappointed if I didn't end up getting to dress you up in tutus and hair bows.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTifa_vf8mYKU-Yr15C5VAlzsvSrNd8anH_EfFsd_2L4jdRi8B6cnmmVX29RLK6WsY7pnCFLtC3s2QZl0pIOs4tWmh0pQTW5-bQHPb-q7VrjuQodvhCsO1tgd-UvL7wxUFGUuU1p1vXYTR/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTifa_vf8mYKU-Yr15C5VAlzsvSrNd8anH_EfFsd_2L4jdRi8B6cnmmVX29RLK6WsY7pnCFLtC3s2QZl0pIOs4tWmh0pQTW5-bQHPb-q7VrjuQodvhCsO1tgd-UvL7wxUFGUuU1p1vXYTR/s200/IMG_8001.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
But I wasn't. Not even a little. I knew that instant that you were exactly what our family needed! I rubbed my belly and tried your name out in my head, then I rushed in to tell daddy, who was also surprised, but oh-so excited! Titus was the only one who thought you were a boy. The rest of us were convinced you would be a girl!<br />
<br />
The next day we told the kids with a blue-themed lunch and they also quickly became excited to learn a little bit more about who you are. Titus is a little bit concerned about having to share his room with a little one who will try to eat his legos, but I'm sure we'll work something out over time!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKT0ZOJJYJ4W-KqdmkyvRN8OqxDK35BBOcYa15W5RqkfaESggax5PJ1eRh4RXkFWO8_8qYN1M7dZZjPjiyRheGAVDk-_juKXWoOQ5u-LPt10dFyx10tFLyRJBt-XPXTafSRHOYJ6zBtIX/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKT0ZOJJYJ4W-KqdmkyvRN8OqxDK35BBOcYa15W5RqkfaESggax5PJ1eRh4RXkFWO8_8qYN1M7dZZjPjiyRheGAVDk-_juKXWoOQ5u-LPt10dFyx10tFLyRJBt-XPXTafSRHOYJ6zBtIX/s200/IMG_7994.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yesterday we got to see you on our 20 week ultrasound scan. From what we could see, and what we were told, you are developing just perfectly and you are definitely a boy! We saw your brain, heart, kidneys, ambilical cord, gender, spine, limbs, and your sweet, sweet face. What a relief to my still anxious soul. Sometimes this whole thing just seems unreal, and far too good to be true!<br />
<br />
You were (once again) quite active. This is the third ultrasound tech that has commented on how active you are. I have a sneaky suspicion that you might be less like the docile little girl I pictured and more like a rough and tumble, fearless little guy who never stops moving! The good news is, I definitely have experience in this department. Your brother went straight from standing to running and still has a hard time sitting still. I'm not going to lie, I get a little exhausted just thinking about chasing you around. I'm not 24 this time! <br />
<br />
Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, tall or short, focused or fidgety, etc., I pray you always know how much I love you. I look forward with great anticipation to learning who God has created you to be. It is my hope, dear son, that I can be a small part of helping you reach your full God-given potential. It is a joy I look forward to with the greatest of anticipation!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">p.s. My friend Eroica took the family photos. I can guarentee this won't be the last time she'll take your picture! </span><br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-27757104864084452402016-07-16T20:38:00.000-07:002016-07-18T16:48:17.848-07:00Dear Little One-- Half Way There!Dear Little One,<br />
<br />
You have been growing for 20 weeks, and you have 20 weeks to go (approximately). You are roughly the size of a banana weighing in at 10.1 ounces and measuring at 6.50 inches!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJY243tr0gl6R6VkMpg4bi7k7VZuzLYFgjRHtYxVSpfwDLxPjgnBILyF5PHblSb0InF-u-JOePho3zAzPpDikaIrZ1SjNkLj5I_UzeQKHymw7C3iZUZMLYQfT7d0tf9X1py-zCk0-l6JY/s1600/Half+Way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJY243tr0gl6R6VkMpg4bi7k7VZuzLYFgjRHtYxVSpfwDLxPjgnBILyF5PHblSb0InF-u-JOePho3zAzPpDikaIrZ1SjNkLj5I_UzeQKHymw7C3iZUZMLYQfT7d0tf9X1py-zCk0-l6JY/s320/Half+Way.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some Ben and Jerry's "Half Baked"<br />
ice cream to celebrate your "Half Way"<br />
Day today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You are now yawning, hiccuping, sucking, and swallowing. You are also twisting, rolling, punching,and kicking. Daddy even gets to feel you move sometimes, without any doubt. You are quite active!<br />
<br />
I, on the other hand, am not as active as I would prefer to be at this stage, but I do see light at the end of the tunnel and this pregnancy seems to be progressing rather quickly. I'm sure you'll be in our arms before we know it!<br />
<br />
I try to pass time by thinking of my pregnancy with you in small increments. At first, it was counting down the days until we could see a heartbeat. Then I was counting one week to the next, praying for sweet relief from "morning" sickness (which still hasn't entirely gone away). I anxiously awaited getting past the first trimester, which held the highest risk of losing you. Then I wanted to find out your gender (which I already know, but haven't announced publicly yet). Next up is your 20 week anatomy scan, which is only 2 days away. Then I'll count down to 23 weeks which is when you begin to have a chance of living outside of my womb should something happen. Each week after that is another viability milestone, increasing your chances of being born healthy.<br />
<br />
In late November/early December I'm going to start counting down the days until you get here instead of counting down the days of keeping you safe and tucked away in my womb. Ironic, isn't it?<br />
<br />
In the meantime, your family is hustling and bustling with summer plans and projects. Most of my projects have been done from the couch with the help of Google, but I've also been able to fulfill a few cookie orders I already had scheduled for this summer before I knew about you. I've researched and ordered Leeann and Titus's school curriculum for next year, and I continue to schedule it out piece by piece, recognizing that I have<i> no idea</i> what this next year will hold. I'm hoping to more or less have the year planned out before it starts so they can keep going even if I end up in a spot where I can't help them as much as I'd like. Along with reading, writing and math, I anticipate that both your sister and your brother will always look back on this year thinking about how much they learned about pregnancy, childbirth and babies. Talk about a real world education! <br />
<br />
I've also been doing a lot of research. On a church. In a town. In a state. That's kind of far away! We are currently walking through the process of figuring out whether or not daddy would be a good a pastor for a particular church, and whether or not the church and community would be a good fit for our family. So far, we are very excited about the possibility of this new opportunity, but it's a little weird to think you might not end up being born an Oregonian! <br />
<br />
This church's search committee has asked us a lot of questions, and have answered a lot of our questions. They've interviewed us and checked daddy's references. We are praying that God makes his desire for our family very clear in the weeks ahead, as we walk down the path of seeking his will together.<br />
<br />
One thing you will learn in life, dear Little One, is that you simply never know what a day will bring. When I wrote our <a href="http://reallifepastorswife.blogspot.com/2016/03/spring-family-update.html" target="_blank">family update</a> in March, I could not have dreamed what kind of excitement would be in store for us in 2016, but daddy and I were already calling it a year of hope. We still have no idea how this year will end, but there is plenty of excitement here in the middle as we watch God's will for our futures unfold!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-17056136000004204772016-06-21T14:03:00.000-07:002016-06-21T14:03:57.632-07:00Dear Little One-- A Little ScareDear Little One,<br />
<br />
Have I told you lately that I love you?<br />
<br />
You gave me quite a scare a little more than a week ago. I had a little bit of a reason to be concerned Sunday night and an increasing reason to be concerned Monday night, which sent me into a little bit of a tail spin.<br />
<br />
I realized that somewhere along the lines of the last couple of weeks I've gone about talking about you in the "if we get to bring you home" context to the "when you're born" context. So the thought of losing you at 15 weeks almost sent me over the edge.<br />
<br />
Since the moment I found out about you I made a committment to hold your life with an open hand. I was intent on seeing the beauty that is the unexpected gift of your life no matter how many days I get to know you in my womb, and regardless of whether or not I get to bring you home.<br />
<br />
But I realized Monday night how desperately I want to bring you home. I want to hold you and kiss you and smell your sweet smell. I want to nibble your toes and comfort you when you cry. I want to meet your needs and enjoy every aspect of your presence. I want a chance to meet you outside of my womb. I will love you and treasure you and celebrate your life regardless of the outcome, but I really, really, really want to <i>know</i> you. <br />
<br />
I fretted all night about whether or not to go to the E.R., but I had an appointment already scheduled for Tuesday morning so after talking to the on-call doctor I decided to just take it easy and wait until the morning. At this stage, there wouldn't be anything they could do if my body began the process of miscarriage.<br />
<br />
So I wondered and I worried and I waited all of Monday night, and I spent the evening texting my friend Marnie who happens to be due the same day and is very knowledgeable on all things prenancy related. She did her best to help me make sense of what might be going on, but most importantly she was a listening ear. Daddy spent the evening comforting me and praying for you and I eventually managed to drift off to sleep while gripping a handful of tear soaked tissues. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwgnsnS4waKMJPmiECep8aruaiKnTjOp8rjtDt1U7TbRKRNeC_5gqo72hlEBgMlyrKFSRDg8l1ScnkCYkdksU5Pn7U0R2vhiK5dREbd_vpI3z0MyUhF4_OIzdDu1vYQFMu1grSpoASMhS/s1600/Heart+Beat+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwgnsnS4waKMJPmiECep8aruaiKnTjOp8rjtDt1U7TbRKRNeC_5gqo72hlEBgMlyrKFSRDg8l1ScnkCYkdksU5Pn7U0R2vhiK5dREbd_vpI3z0MyUhF4_OIzdDu1vYQFMu1grSpoASMhS/s320/Heart+Beat+Picture.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not entirely sure how to add a sound bite to my blog,<br />but here is a picture of the sound waves of your<br />sweet little heart beating! Ignore the date, that<br />was the date I recorded it to my phone from a <br />video your daddy took. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I woke up super early Tuesday morning and was preparing for the worst, while praying for God to preserve your life. Daddy and I went to the doctor and right away the nurse found your heartbeat. 156 beautiful beats per minute! Have I ever told you how much I love that sound?<br />
<br />
It's such a sweet, sweet sound.<br />
<br />
I will never get tired of hearing it!<br />
<br />
The doctor examined me and did an in office ultrasound and as far as she can tell everything looked good. We got to see you (it was daddy's first time!) and you were once again very active. You waved at us and danced around. A few hours after that appointment the symptoms I was experiencing began to die down and I started feeling you move around again. The doctor isn't sure the reasons behind the scare, but she was very reassuring about what she saw. I am amazed that I live in a time where technology can give us such a clear peak into your world inside my womb.<br />
<br />
I am grateful, as it put my mind greatly at ease.<br />
<br />
I treasure these moments and even the scares, as they are a constant reminder of what a gift you are and how precious life is. I am so very grateful for you. I forgot how intense a mother's love can be for a child she's never laid eyes on. I hope someday you get an opportunity to write letters to a little one of your own.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-55435321134334828552016-06-06T16:24:00.000-07:002016-06-06T16:24:15.404-07:00Dear Little One-- One Trimester Down, Two To Go!Dear Little One,<br />
<br />
We have made it to the 2nd trimester. You are officially 1/3 of the way through the baking process, <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfIBzef4QIstX_eqwy44SDX1gwwKADO-ZC2U1xJZB3JpjWvY8YUNhzQ5T7hQEV8HmghnKKeyx3cwnSXvGPqwNFGw6WQIGXFSIR88AqGWABPQTOkCKFH-ah2nf0seCxsRmIz2vKYc_HKBI/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfIBzef4QIstX_eqwy44SDX1gwwKADO-ZC2U1xJZB3JpjWvY8YUNhzQ5T7hQEV8HmghnKKeyx3cwnSXvGPqwNFGw6WQIGXFSIR88AqGWABPQTOkCKFH-ah2nf0seCxsRmIz2vKYc_HKBI/s200/IMG_7439.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first picture of you at <br />6 weeks, 6 days. You were only <br />the size of a blueberry. I had no idea<br />how far along I was or if I would<br />get to see your heart beat. My big<br />puffy eyes are a result of my sobbing<br />at the sight you. I've cried every time I've <br />seen or heard your over the past few <br />months. I may or may not be a little on<br />the emotional side these days!<br /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br />I sent this picture to</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">daddy to share the good news! </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and approximately the size of a peach!<br />
<br />
The chances of us getting to bring you home once you've passed the 1st trimester are very promising, especially since we've heard your heart beat and gotten a chance to see you.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this someday, clearly, you finished baking with success!<br />
<br />
Guess what? Last night I even got to feel you move! I've thought I may have been feeling you move from time to time for the past two weeks but I wasn't positive, and that would definitely be on the early side. Last night though, I felt something funny just to the right of my tummy below my belly button. A few minutes later I felt it again. It must be you dancing and rolling and playing around! I went out to tell your daddy and he put his hand on my tummy and swore he felt you too. I told him it was too early for him to be able to feel it from the outside, but he insists that he did, so I won't argue!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<br />
Let me tell you a little bit about the last few months. It's been a doozy, but oh-so worth it.<br />
<br />
About a week after I found out I was expecting you I got the 'pleasure' of getting sick and throwing up often. I say 'pleasure' because it was a constant reminder that you were doing well and getting what you needed to be healthy. I put quotes around it because throwing up is not the least bit pleasurable.<br />
<br />
But at this point I haven't thrown up much in the past week and I feel increasingly human by the day. I am celebrating that both you and I made it through these past few months!<br />
<br />
So yes, I've had the customary nausea and vomiting, but I've also had some other symptoms that you might find hilarious someday. I didn't find them hilarious a few weeks ago, but even now I can find some humor in some of them.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the things that have given me a really hard time:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The smell of bread toasting</li>
<li>The smell of red onions</li>
<li>The smell of the drapes in my house</li>
<li>The smell of bathrooms</li>
<li>The smell of breath</li>
<li>The smell of my hair after I've flat ironed it (even 12 hours later!)</li>
<li>The smell of my closet</li>
<li>The smell of hot foods</li>
<li>The sight of various foods for any number of reasons</li>
<li>The taste of my own mouth (yeah, that was fun!)</li>
<li>The feeling of a toothbrush in my mouth (which is not good considering the point above)</li>
<li>The feeling of being touched (I am always HOT, and touch only makes it worse)</li>
<li>The sun (see above)</li>
<li>Getting into a hot car (see above)</li>
<li>Taking a warm shower (see above)</li>
<li>Waking up and opening my eyes before eating something</li>
<li>Loud noises</li>
<li>Flickering lights</li>
</ul>
<div>
As a bonus, I pretty much spent two whole months asleep. I wish I were joking. Most days, if given the opportunity, I would wake up and eat then go back to bed. Then wake up and eat and take a nap, or lay down and watch Call the Midwife on Netflix. Then I'd eat and then sleep for a few hours in the afternoon. Then I would wake up and eat and try to stay awake a few hours. Then I would fall asleep again somewhere in the 8-9 o'clock range, usually while watching another episode. I can literally think of only a few tangible things I've accomplished over the past couple of months, unless you count watching an entire t.v. series. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, what I <i>have</i> been accomplishing is pretty remarkable. I'm growing a human! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And for that, I continue to be oh-so grateful. In the moment these last two months have almost felt unbearable at some points. However, I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, and day by day I'm getting more and more excited about your impending arrival. I am fully aware of the blessing that you are, and I am tickled that I'm getting a chance to know you more and more each day!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you Little One!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mommy </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-90726116921346912492016-05-20T14:16:00.000-07:002016-05-20T14:18:39.333-07:00Dear Little One-- 12 weeks! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO-9P-xhSq5NhtCPEPV0c9RzVUkKsw8ic1qLqepqMvzeDQFd5gRwSJl4GjiaNWcws_z25AwJAIDfsdCmtOothAg5i4XYwddc_e8pHiKDfcb7uF7iYW7Y8VdSi0LWCdx62yUbZAx_IM6zt/s1600/12+week+baby+bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO-9P-xhSq5NhtCPEPV0c9RzVUkKsw8ic1qLqepqMvzeDQFd5gRwSJl4GjiaNWcws_z25AwJAIDfsdCmtOothAg5i4XYwddc_e8pHiKDfcb7uF7iYW7Y8VdSi0LWCdx62yUbZAx_IM6zt/s320/12+week+baby+bump.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first "baby bump" picture. I can't<br />
believe how quickly I've started to<br />
show with you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear Little One,<br />
<br />
I know I still have a lot to write about your life leading up to this point, but those letters will have to wait. Because today, my heart is bursting!<br />
<br />
You are right on the verge of being 12 weeks old. TWELVE WEEKS! Sometimes I still can't believe that we are here. You are growing in my womb. I am pregnant!<br />
<br />
I knew I was pregnant from the moment I saw two pink lines on my first pregnancy test, but the reality has only sunk in little by little over the past few months. <br />
<br />
It first started to sink in when I started feeling sick, then when I saw your heartbeat at my first ultrasound when you were nearly 7 weeks old, then as my belly started grow, and again when I got to hear your hearbeat at the beginning of this week.<br />
<br />
But today, today takes the cake. I got to SEE you.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QP2j6pZIc0XILRXFdIOv-I_ttDZSy6HZ9-whw1ehzaguPVKuB6YQOvSmoNO2_vCsFNoIP_CugTKQKBa4CZyRa-R9Y8FQUbcGvhzj3ZFsE9k1Xxp2EL_QwMCWcx8lgMVD0S4gg3Lwcpyu/s1600/IMG_7756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QP2j6pZIc0XILRXFdIOv-I_ttDZSy6HZ9-whw1ehzaguPVKuB6YQOvSmoNO2_vCsFNoIP_CugTKQKBa4CZyRa-R9Y8FQUbcGvhzj3ZFsE9k1Xxp2EL_QwMCWcx8lgMVD0S4gg3Lwcpyu/s200/IMG_7756.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing the camera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You were moving and dancing and flailing your arms about. You sucked your thumb and kicked your legs. You twisted and you turned. I got to see your little feet and the flicker of your heart. I even got to see all four chambers of your heart! You were so active!<br />
<br />
You have a head, and two arms and two legs. Your eyes have moved to the front of your head. I saw your spine and I even got to see your brain forming.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxutDsKjhDoLHZ-G-OPH5Jukcb2FeReqjHS_ITIYilgVhip9LUlFhlp7ndk-5QQNmKeJwTvmOPSpjW3DBlpoy5XT8IpfDQO-SGhQ8-k51i47KMAnY2Ws_CmkDG317KlZiUpOyn0RjJ_6d/s1600/IMG_7755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxutDsKjhDoLHZ-G-OPH5Jukcb2FeReqjHS_ITIYilgVhip9LUlFhlp7ndk-5QQNmKeJwTvmOPSpjW3DBlpoy5XT8IpfDQO-SGhQ8-k51i47KMAnY2Ws_CmkDG317KlZiUpOyn0RjJ_6d/s200/IMG_7755.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't know what I was expecting to see. This whole pregnancy I've been super excited about you, but also bracing myself for the possible news that something is wrong. And while I realize there is still that possibility, I also know that there is an increasing likelihood that I will get to hold you in my arms and hear your first cries. I long for that day!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwd4gdEg015o3Ql109DLBLX-oLlV96Z50qCvg8RJ496hgvybCXKJjA9P6kSRsFTAfjiTsb6zP48YacfxZUnnmi7q6CBatx5ImYV3Es46fnMRmzV9qv1W2AhUoaZJtSGr6SUIL5UuAyS4v/s1600/IMG_7757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwd4gdEg015o3Ql109DLBLX-oLlV96Z50qCvg8RJ496hgvybCXKJjA9P6kSRsFTAfjiTsb6zP48YacfxZUnnmi7q6CBatx5ImYV3Es46fnMRmzV9qv1W2AhUoaZJtSGr6SUIL5UuAyS4v/s200/IMG_7757.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 little fingers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as the nurse put the ultrasound wand on my tummy you started dancing for me. It's almost like you just wanted me to know that you are alive and well in there. Leeann and Titus and Mrs. Monica got to come in at that point and you put on a show for them as well. It was fun to watch your siblings stare in awe at your movements and wonder at the amazement of your presence in my womb.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4MuS62Cf7ebyri1Mh1jr-zbeyYh_LO6JGxFHRh-a7qkCO-N1yhqHVxiNinMasl3pCLh2U4gWYZKceXY13u9wXok7TljGcrgG0mCG1oJzaZgYZ7GNSaT15QOadQLprSebtnj7tflUeaxj/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4MuS62Cf7ebyri1Mh1jr-zbeyYh_LO6JGxFHRh-a7qkCO-N1yhqHVxiNinMasl3pCLh2U4gWYZKceXY13u9wXok7TljGcrgG0mCG1oJzaZgYZ7GNSaT15QOadQLprSebtnj7tflUeaxj/s200/IMG_7758.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon enough I will start to feel those movements. That's another thing I'm really looking forward to. I am truly enjoying every moment of this journey with you. I love you sweet child and I'm so very grateful for you! <br />
<br />
p.s. Thank you so much for the dancing and the enthusiastic waving. Seeing you active and growing does my heart wonders! Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-86251609780137014462016-05-16T16:52:00.000-07:002016-05-16T16:52:24.974-07:00Dear Little One-- Our Journey to YouDear Little One,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQEUdA-wXtRVw_lBWripq3oW9NSAe4GSSD-T6-SLvHPaVyq1Tol1bxv-k9BSokmpncKoF036qO_R27a_9OC95sPdCPKRENthM66WqXDT5zwTdK3WG05BoUMZdXi8bZVAHrtQTq953usse/s1600/Baby+Announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQEUdA-wXtRVw_lBWripq3oW9NSAe4GSSD-T6-SLvHPaVyq1Tol1bxv-k9BSokmpncKoF036qO_R27a_9OC95sPdCPKRENthM66WqXDT5zwTdK3WG05BoUMZdXi8bZVAHrtQTq953usse/s400/Baby+Announcement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are anything like your big sister and brother, when you get older you are going to LOVE hearing stories about yourself. You will ask us to repeat the same stories you've heard over and over and you will beg to finish your schoolwork early so you can read my blog and look at pictures and read stories from when you were young.<br />
<br />
So, here is the first story in your journey to life, but it starts long before you began to grow in my tummy. Your presence, sweet little one, is nothing short of a blessed miracle.<br />
<br />
Our journey to parenthood began with your sister. We had known her and loved her from the day she was born, but she didn't become our daughter until she was 16 months old. I first became a mommy in 2004 through the blessing of adoption! Your daddy and I had decided that we wanted to start a family. Because of how my body works, I always suspected that I might have a hard time getting pregnant, but I didn't know that for sure. Regardless, we were ready and wanting to become parents when an opportunity came about to bring Leeann into our family. We jumped at the chance to become parents. And parents we became--literally over night. One night it was the two of us and the next day we had a toddler!<br />
<br />
Your brother came around in 2005, about a year and a half after we had decided to start a family, and a year after Leeann had made us parents for the first time. My pregnancy with him was a doozy, but I loved him from the moment I found out that life was growing in my womb!<br />
<br />
When your siblings were 2 and 4 your daddy came home one day and said, "I think it's time to have a third kid." This news was much to my surprise and delight because daddy had previously said he was pretty sure that two was the perfect number of children. I <i>not-so-secretly</i> wanted more kids. <br />
<br />
To make a long story short, we decided to pursue the adoption of a teenage girl, who ended up being placed with another family. Shortly thereafter though, we ended up becoming foster parents. Over the next 6 years we would foster 19 children. I thought that maybe child #3 would come from one of our fostering situations. But alas, it never did.<br />
<br />
Somewhere during that time we decided to try for another biological child. We spent years learning about infertility. Our dreams of another child were being crushed month after month after month.<br />
<br />
Finally, in September of 2011, I learned I was pregnant! I sent my baby off to kindergarten knowing that there was finally a new baby growing in my tummy! Our joy grew into heartache over the next two months, however, as we learned that the baby in my tummy wasn't growing. Eventually, we came to accept the fact that this little one was not meant to join our family here on Earth.<br />
<br />
On that baby's due date, I found out I was expecting again! But my joy once again turned to grief when we had to let go of those dreams just 5 days later--on Mother's Day no less.<br />
<br />
After losing these two little ones, mommy's heart couldn't take it anymore. We decided to put aside our dream of having child #3. The grief and sorrow was simply too much to bear. I knew I needed to be healthy and present for your big sister and big brother, and I was having a hard time doing that while hanging onto the dream that I was powerless to fulfill.<br />
<br />
So I let go of my dream, though the desire never disappeared. I always felt in my heart like God had more in store for our family, but clearly, he was not opening any doors by which to make that happen. In 2014 we let our foster care certification lapse, since we didn't know what the future would hold for our family. Another potential avenue closed.<br />
<br />
Now, here we are today. It's 2016. Your sister is 12 and your brother is 10. I had long given up on having a third child, until early April when much to my surprise I learned that were growing in my tummy. Miracle of all miracles, I marvel that God is growing life within my womb after so many years of wishing and wanting and waiting!<br />
<br />
I don't know if God will allow you to join our family here on Earth, or if you are meant to join your siblings in Heaven until we get to meet you face to face one day. But, what I do know, is that our whole family is choosing to celebrate every day of your life. We are grateful for the joy that you have already brought to our hearts and we anxiously await seeing what God has in store for you and for the future of our family!<br />
<br />
Dear little one, I love you more than you could ever imagine. I look forward to writing more stories about how you are growing and changing in the weeks and months to come. I'm so excited to meet you one day! Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-52705868020318232352016-04-29T09:45:00.000-07:002016-04-29T09:45:32.425-07:00Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIMgA3f2GSSi1Qcmd8JgkB7Cs2Eo8bTTfNss_SvG6_2IM1gkymNvY21VCNiqS9FEIEy129EJR7jKZyg3gVy_6OCzjygWnlgtU1HGF69s0U5gPZawLZeojctUt4DsQVJPg94MGtCA1rus/s1600/2016-04-291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIMgA3f2GSSi1Qcmd8JgkB7Cs2Eo8bTTfNss_SvG6_2IM1gkymNvY21VCNiqS9FEIEy129EJR7jKZyg3gVy_6OCzjygWnlgtU1HGF69s0U5gPZawLZeojctUt4DsQVJPg94MGtCA1rus/s640/2016-04-291.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
I pulled into my driveway last night after an event at church and suddenly remembered two things:<br />
<br />
1.) I had to drop my car of at the mechanic before morning.<br />
<br />
2.) I promised my favorite client (my husband) that I would make him some carrot cake cupcakes for a retirement potluck at work along with a couple of individual cupcake boxes for the retirees.<br />
<br />
Mind you, this was at 9 o'clock at night.<br />
<br />
My husband, being oh-so understanding, drove with me to the shop and then we put the kids to bed and I got started on yet another late night baking adventure.<br />
<br />
Honestly though, despite my best intentions, it's just kind of what I do.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I'm also in the middle of a delightful show about horses on Netflix and Rob got me some wireless headphones for my Birthday this year, so it's not so rough spending my evenings in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
And despite the mess, I enjoy when something beautiful and yummy comes out of my kitchen that ends up being a blessing to others!Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-64369789040064848812016-03-24T09:37:00.000-07:002016-04-07T00:32:17.380-07:00German Chocolate Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCqChOOUzOtmSzBS8FxKGsR81Bu_XgIDkxN2WowqNsq1g4WZXG6SZ_SXvTv-6KhEon6QlpFXxuLkjGNg4MCMikPtgFUg0KzK7Zqa4BepiRSzFK7eNhHTxbzmRIUl_0Jbff5ZKR4V86BWE/s1600/german+chocolate+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCqChOOUzOtmSzBS8FxKGsR81Bu_XgIDkxN2WowqNsq1g4WZXG6SZ_SXvTv-6KhEon6QlpFXxuLkjGNg4MCMikPtgFUg0KzK7Zqa4BepiRSzFK7eNhHTxbzmRIUl_0Jbff5ZKR4V86BWE/s400/german+chocolate+cupcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
German chocolate cupcakes. Oh, so delicious!<br />
<br />
I didn't know I liked German chocolate until I made these cupcakes. I think the only German chocolate nutty coconut topping I had ever tasted had probably been from a can, or on a cake from the store made from whatever ingredients allow it to have a shelf life of several months. (Seriously, next time you're at the grocery store look at the expiration date on cakes in the bakery. "Fresh" baked cakes can have a shelf life of 3+ months. My cakes and cupcakes have a shelf life of 3 days. I hate to think about what's in a product that allows it to stay "fresh" that long.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I made these for a customer and I absolutely fell in love with this dreamy almond coconut topping. I may or may not have eaten by the spoonful. You know, for quality control purposes...<br />
<br />
It's a chocolate cupcake iced with chocolate ganache and topped with a German chocolate filling. A few almond slices and an inverted chocolate chip work together to make a flower that adds the perfect bit of class to this already delicious cupcake!<br />
<br />
<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-18331735641237513392016-03-10T10:28:00.001-08:002016-07-06T13:43:55.605-07:00Spring Family Update<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKsczoetv7xbQXZYg_q2LOXbiN48E2XIYn0t-DHYkAavUAxEw6LUEgUDKfSYajNkVgJaoykC3c4gMKX6rtZspRwXlNBoJLcDA9e74MzO-mtFQZkEJ2RYGcndShOrKoJ48A9LGtAZc4RZO/s1600/IMG_5230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKsczoetv7xbQXZYg_q2LOXbiN48E2XIYn0t-DHYkAavUAxEw6LUEgUDKfSYajNkVgJaoykC3c4gMKX6rtZspRwXlNBoJLcDA9e74MzO-mtFQZkEJ2RYGcndShOrKoJ48A9LGtAZc4RZO/s640/IMG_5230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: September 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I feel like we are </span><i style="text-align: center;">long
overdue</i><span style="text-align: center;"> to give a family update.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2015 went by in the blink of an eye. I had grand visions of
writing more on the blog. But I didn’t. So I figured I’d write a Christmas
letter. But well, I didn’t do that either. New Year’s came and went (and I
missed the opportunity to finally get that letter out), but hey, lookie here,
I’m <i>so</i> early for my Easter letter.
Aren’t you proud? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of a year in review however, I’m going to give you
some of the answers to our most frequently asked questions: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>FAQ: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How is your family?</b>
In short, we’re doing well. 2014 was a really difficult year for all of us.
2015 was a year of healing. We’re already categorizing 2016 as a year of hope.
We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for our family in the
year to come! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our days are currently filled with a whole lot of education.
The kids are doing online school (see below), but the latest news on the
horizon is that Rob is also going back to school! Rob is in the process of
getting his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in
non-profit management. He’s doing this online through Corban University, so
he’s able to juggle work and school. So far, anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<b></b></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuO7bxaXEtmWvycRDLG0-MEArajm-UZez4dBbAvN7MthyRW6TW8cwL0f5ozVZyLGh2CPVIWYozgXZ8vA4cuwNGuvAl75EP0prX0_4ZrmEK-VEoWcsVy9tNVB_1D6AR8g6DGYzjIPDHr0x/s1600/IMG_6912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuO7bxaXEtmWvycRDLG0-MEArajm-UZez4dBbAvN7MthyRW6TW8cwL0f5ozVZyLGh2CPVIWYozgXZ8vA4cuwNGuvAl75EP0prX0_4ZrmEK-VEoWcsVy9tNVB_1D6AR8g6DGYzjIPDHr0x/s400/IMG_6912.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone around here is studying something these days!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Are you still in
Albany?</b> Yes. However, in the past two years we’ve mentally considered a
move to Salem, Klamath Falls, St. Helens, Monmouth, Dallas, Tigard, Corvallis, Portland, Oakridge
(all in Oregon), Ellensburg, Spangle (Washington), Anaheim, Lake Forest, San Diego, Santa
Clarita and Dos Palos (California), Denver (Colorado), and Phoenix (Arizona).
We’ve also considered moving to Guam, Thailand, and Canada.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But yes, we’re still in Albany! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84qAvNYEPOX8CUCs9TFj7K6nv2pjzg5Bh4WT3piK0DqHjyIatC2cNaSqaXFOJ1LqzPuUlq_c1ssQpfNH-dxPBvwECe6GeHTykC3JH5DsVXaM4BcDedmvL1rtgEO8U7dGz93m85H1RfVX-/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84qAvNYEPOX8CUCs9TFj7K6nv2pjzg5Bh4WT3piK0DqHjyIatC2cNaSqaXFOJ1LqzPuUlq_c1ssQpfNH-dxPBvwECe6GeHTykC3JH5DsVXaM4BcDedmvL1rtgEO8U7dGz93m85H1RfVX-/s200/IMG_5273.JPG" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob- Looking quite dapper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Is Rob still working
in Salem?</b> No. He actually got a job in May in the Albany office of the
Oregon Employment Department. He is helping local businesses recruit employees,
while helping people who are unemployed find jobs. We are grateful to have him
so close, and he is very grateful to shave his daily commute down from 90 minutes to
8 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Is Rob looking to get
back into ministry?</b> Ultimately we would really love to get back into
ministry. We both feel strongly that God has called Rob to be a pastor, and he
has called our family to serve the local church. We’ve knocked on some doors,
filled out some applications and even done some interviews, but God has not yet
opened the door for us to walk through. We are prayerful that our next ministry
will be one that is a really good fit for our family and that our family will
be a really good fit for that church. We’re willing to wait patiently until God
makes our next move clear, but we’d both be lying if we didn’t confess that
we’d prefer God to open those doors sooner rather than later! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzz2LsdCmg4VqhLCJz8yFzLbCVkpNuuquzUiaXcZ7sX-V6cYOreuewcAsiMje_ajm5obV9wJ2BSmIEmIZRnizSIMESYlcZ7c1b_GGa3UTa7wJvWDe201tPiH4J78KyTWbNYTQnXKJPzxD/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzz2LsdCmg4VqhLCJz8yFzLbCVkpNuuquzUiaXcZ7sX-V6cYOreuewcAsiMje_ajm5obV9wJ2BSmIEmIZRnizSIMESYlcZ7c1b_GGa3UTa7wJvWDe201tPiH4J78KyTWbNYTQnXKJPzxD/s200/IMG_5722.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My primary job at this point<br />
is being a fake patient for<br />
medical students to practice on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Are you working?</b> Leeann
(12) asked me recently what exactly it is that I do, as in, what is my job
title? Rob and I both laughed because the truth is, I have several part-time
jobs in such a wide variety of fields that it's hard to put a label on exactly
what it is that I "do" for a living. In this past year I have worked
as a church secretary, I have filled in at a school as a secretary and a
kindergarten assistant, I have worked as a standardized patient, a standardized
patient coach, and a standardized patient educator at a medical school, I have
provided personal life-coaching and home organization assistance, I’ve done
photography, I have also taught cooking classes to kids and created baked goods
as part of my small home bakery business. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past I have also been employed doing children's ministry, foster care,
childcare, retreat speaking, event planning, and wedding coordinating. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, in an unpaid capacity I enjoy writing,
financial coaching, instructing, and assisting wherever there is a need for my
skills and abilities. Hence, the lengthy list of part-time employment!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, back to the question, “Am I working?” Yes. However, I am
intentionally pulling back on work to spend more time educating my kids at
home. At this point I am mostly focusing on being available for acting jobs at
the medical school, though I’m still open to picking up a random job here or
there as needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How’s the bakery
thing going?</b> I officially got my kitchen licensed in July of 2015! I’ve
spent a lot of time baking and dreaming and thinking and praying about what God
might want me to do with this desire stirring within my heart. I’ve mentally done
everything from baking on occasion to opening up my own commercial bakery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjUPX03q-bZgsjk6h6wftx2N11vtdm58Ymf6JSI4q5jw__qb267s_ZnwPy49ctnIlst-pVN7hUObpMBHPkaSX90wBOlzzuvghA9r4yWNkEp7f2cHdIwhgU6MQJwY0aY-PE1-6dpX7wiPi/s1600/Robyns+Nest+Logo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjUPX03q-bZgsjk6h6wftx2N11vtdm58Ymf6JSI4q5jw__qb267s_ZnwPy49ctnIlst-pVN7hUObpMBHPkaSX90wBOlzzuvghA9r4yWNkEp7f2cHdIwhgU6MQJwY0aY-PE1-6dpX7wiPi/s320/Robyns+Nest+Logo+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reality is that I enjoy baking and creating beautiful
tasty treats. I like taking pictures of food and writing about my experiences
with food. I love sharing my creations with people! However, it’s not something
that I want to do every day, and it’s not something that I want to put pressure
on to make enough money to cover regularly occurring family expenses.
Therefore, I think I’m going to leave my little Robyn’s Nest Bakery in the
hobby category for now. I will continue to bake and share my creations, and
sell the works of my hands as the opportunity arises, but I’m not going to work
diligently at turning it into a profitable business at this time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAN9ypE0hBKMNOCT7oAYwZ8MTg5NnjV0lVUIg9arCF9EeKD6OeYrgFjbzIANMdPjo4jI9P5D0OgJQWT_svxs81gxYJSx1IGzQWNwH8a3WW-HPqEgkp-Te9kI_efISSLQgwoDuLKY3PYFS/s1600/IMG_4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAN9ypE0hBKMNOCT7oAYwZ8MTg5NnjV0lVUIg9arCF9EeKD6OeYrgFjbzIANMdPjo4jI9P5D0OgJQWT_svxs81gxYJSx1IGzQWNwH8a3WW-HPqEgkp-Te9kI_efISSLQgwoDuLKY3PYFS/s200/IMG_4992.JPG" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeann and Titus on their <br />
"First day" of 4th and 6th grade. <br />
I call that the beauty of home education!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>What are your kids
doing for school?</b> This year both of my kids are doing online school through
Albany Online. They both went to public school in a dual immersion program up
until recently. We started homeschooling/online schooling Leeann spring of 2015
and decided to include Titus on this new family adventure in the fall of 2015
as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Albany Online is an online public school that uses K12
curriculum. So technically, we are still connected to the school district, but
they are doing their school work at home. They both have teachers they receive
some instruction from, but most of their instruction comes from
me (their learning coach). For Leeann we are doing a little bit of a hybrid
actually, some K12 and some of our own independent study curriculum. We are
still trying to find the best fit for everyone!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBBidobNj6tBixd-T4XMsJE3Mr4RuH4njut2VLjhzSagCaxdXMngMPbZZB7KbERrNDptPmPg6CjEJDNs9dsNnhkbx7DRIWnQsbkt35hD6ujFk8BqE1_P69cL7cJk_aFHUkDLjEq8pSN2o/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBBidobNj6tBixd-T4XMsJE3Mr4RuH4njut2VLjhzSagCaxdXMngMPbZZB7KbERrNDptPmPg6CjEJDNs9dsNnhkbx7DRIWnQsbkt35hD6ujFk8BqE1_P69cL7cJk_aFHUkDLjEq8pSN2o/s200/IMG_4993.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She just throws her arms around me and<br />
leans against me like it's no big deal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Is Leeann taller than
you?</b> Yes. Really, it’s hardly even a question anymore, because it’s so
obvious now. But still, we frequently get comments on her towering height from
people who haven’t seen us in a while! Leeann (12) is nearing 5’4”. Titus (10)
hit 4’2” recently. I’m holding steady at 4’11”… and a half, for the record! I
feel like my kids are growing so fast. In fact, they’re hardly kids anymore.
We’ve definitely entered the preteen zone and we’re quickly coming into the
full-fledged teen years. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDLy-g_6R5VKgzT9BnswOnz-7eP5HzF_4yJhlndrvaOqaAcihFoFYXDUOzAVs1wZPtc7NGGnPTk5-q08u_7BPGLruS3-IDKhSbUx_wWkMUXq3vkPv0-4B9nlPYeFw61ejqVag5uttEJer/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDLy-g_6R5VKgzT9BnswOnz-7eP5HzF_4yJhlndrvaOqaAcihFoFYXDUOzAVs1wZPtc7NGGnPTk5-q08u_7BPGLruS3-IDKhSbUx_wWkMUXq3vkPv0-4B9nlPYeFw61ejqVag5uttEJer/s200/IMG_5169.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know these days won't<br />
last forever. I treasure every<br />
one of them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are enjoying this stage in life with our family. Our kids
are a blessing and a joy, and our love for each other continues to grow and
develop in ways that I never could have imagined when we started out on this
journey together of life and love 15 years ago! This truly is a sweet stage in
life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many blessings from our family to yours, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robyn <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-9922758151502538562016-01-28T10:04:00.000-08:002016-02-18T11:39:51.611-08:00Homeschoolopoly: Making a Game of our Homeschool Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigURyHOUb2o5gzGot2FcqyJQxxra48BMEfZLXSUIvRTdwB06QsZavuMX7PAf6ErZLGfMUkrw0K4rhNlrsF2keKtqu7zoR1ixFpLeznmVbu1UyeCtCtLE6FUuCg5wq8uZFtboQHSpA0YXGC/s1600/Homeschoolopoly+Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigURyHOUb2o5gzGot2FcqyJQxxra48BMEfZLXSUIvRTdwB06QsZavuMX7PAf6ErZLGfMUkrw0K4rhNlrsF2keKtqu7zoR1ixFpLeznmVbu1UyeCtCtLE6FUuCg5wq8uZFtboQHSpA0YXGC/s400/Homeschoolopoly+Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am relatively new to this homeschooling adventure. I started doing online schooling with my daughter last Spring and this Fall we decided to online educate/homeschool both kids. So really, I'm more-or-less a first time homeschooling mom with a 4th grader and a 6th grader. It's not the age and stage the average person finds themselves homeschooling for the first time. But alas, here I am.<br />
<br />
Can I just say it isn't always easy?<br />
<br />
I feel like I've spent so much time just trying to figure out and establish rules and routines. Then I find that something isn't working, so I throw it out. And we try something new. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.<br />
<br />
I was talking with a dear mama friend at a local coffee shop the other day. She's in a similar boat to me but she's way more structured than I am, so I was delighted to pick her brain about what's working for her and her family. In the midst of this conversation I got an idea in my head that I couldn't let go of. It took me a while to flush out the details, but I'll let you take a peek at my beta-test version of our new family board game: Homeschoolopoly! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nl2bWOGhO2KQGMVgphYDCSuYzZO_zR6OLWQsFRgyzfA4VMzRbj9VGw12jAYlg5A0MF_FNDtCC-RTMUiLIu-pdty01nzlkQCCM35Y4Slt_BE3SVsPemzvuyCWLrSVrwfxPO_wjSrWCUqv/s1600/Homeschoolopoly+12X12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nl2bWOGhO2KQGMVgphYDCSuYzZO_zR6OLWQsFRgyzfA4VMzRbj9VGw12jAYlg5A0MF_FNDtCC-RTMUiLIu-pdty01nzlkQCCM35Y4Slt_BE3SVsPemzvuyCWLrSVrwfxPO_wjSrWCUqv/s640/Homeschoolopoly+12X12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The idea here is that you move around the board clockwise, but you follow continuous lines in order, and you roll the dice to determine the order of things that are represented by a line with arrows at both ends as explained in the bottom right corner of the board.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplSRO-QsEBEBzs8cDaiLXU9J06mfOu9AEW9gfye9EJV4QJk7GZ_pfmKbocRZv1NeyGAZzqO6SLen9xO3_4sA_pVGjqk1etVSlRtIC-GpmPiaXSklbXBmEkWN-BIMIUuz8XMYtHD38-Aro/s1600/IMG_6510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplSRO-QsEBEBzs8cDaiLXU9J06mfOu9AEW9gfye9EJV4QJk7GZ_pfmKbocRZv1NeyGAZzqO6SLen9xO3_4sA_pVGjqk1etVSlRtIC-GpmPiaXSklbXBmEkWN-BIMIUuz8XMYtHD38-Aro/s320/IMG_6510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saved my 12X12 board as a JPEG in Publisher <br />
and sent it to Costco to get it printed out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First thing in the morning my kids are expected to get up by 7:10, get dressed, eat breakfast, do their morning jobs and get their school stuff out for the day. If they have that accomplished and they're ready to start at 8:00 a.m. then they get to enjoy some privileges. For us that includes bringing a stuffed animal to school, getting to enjoy music throughout the day, and having the freedom to "move about the cabin" during the day instead of being stuck doing their work at their desk or the table. I should note, however, that some of our subjects are music free and need to be completed at a desk or table, so being ready by 8:00 a.m. doesn't give them complete freedom in these areas.<br />
<br />
I was just trying to find a way to motivate my kids to get up, get going, and get ready on their own accord!<br />
<br />
Once they've gotten ready for their day they start with Bible and Cursive while a history timeline song plays in the background. Then they move on to math. My youngest also completes a "Jump Start" page, front and back. It's basically just a skills update worksheet that covers some math, handwriting and basic language arts. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiu7fpnqbTvo4fiisSyxXC545hlmMLwTTRuSieomkjBE7-1KR4jHXNpjNOX4thu7Wqy0TBp6U2eeS-pI3xU3OzQulO1_Si6jDR2vaVvsn1yXsJpSjSKlOU7lx_DG_vQkh2EBUjToemRpw/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiu7fpnqbTvo4fiisSyxXC545hlmMLwTTRuSieomkjBE7-1KR4jHXNpjNOX4thu7Wqy0TBp6U2eeS-pI3xU3OzQulO1_Si6jDR2vaVvsn1yXsJpSjSKlOU7lx_DG_vQkh2EBUjToemRpw/s200/IMG_6519.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the perfect place for fines, loose change <br />
and other random goodies. I think it's my<br />
kids' favorite reward!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After math they are free to roll the dice to see what's next. They complete that subject then roll the dice to see what's next and repeat until lunch time.<br />
<br />
Right after lunch they need to finish anything from the morning that wasn't complete, but after that they can move on to "specials" for whatever time remains in the afternoon, rolling the dice to see what's next.<br />
<br />
You will notice that there are four spots on the board for cards. We've turned old playing cards into four different categories of cards that are used throughout the day. <br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcZ2OiqEZKrCBAoYj92dQRbMMVFy9Qk3XOYVf2zR4TkhuFbI9wYRUUU0qEi-M2bxp6rNLF1_ZlDab1XgAmV2BHvhmJwLsyVy14CkeKnvwIVIbQYoARS9MlJWFTCFMXpnK0iHKXgWUdLFh/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcZ2OiqEZKrCBAoYj92dQRbMMVFy9Qk3XOYVf2zR4TkhuFbI9wYRUUU0qEi-M2bxp6rNLF1_ZlDab1XgAmV2BHvhmJwLsyVy14CkeKnvwIVIbQYoARS9MlJWFTCFMXpnK0iHKXgWUdLFh/s640/IMG_6511.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations cards are given out as a reward. I give them out for good attitudes, chores well done, insentive to transition well, and even I even use them for bribery. I've gone so far as to use them to get the kids to do stuff for me that I don't want to do myself, like make me cereal! Basically, I use them to encourage behavior I want to reinforce. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC9Q7h4QYSGN2zWBcsHHW5MfbFLq3JJWau0-jQF5F_a2qT_gMWN0wOHa7cKtfA9LLD-ZFH-qyIQ4I2F9nXIqM9d7oOz6KjfxAj0P-_mj_9WOqips-H3dyfdgUNydTnDamd1wWkcNPLDvP/s1600/IMG_6515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC9Q7h4QYSGN2zWBcsHHW5MfbFLq3JJWau0-jQF5F_a2qT_gMWN0wOHa7cKtfA9LLD-ZFH-qyIQ4I2F9nXIqM9d7oOz6KjfxAj0P-_mj_9WOqips-H3dyfdgUNydTnDamd1wWkcNPLDvP/s640/IMG_6515.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consequence cards are used mainly to correct attitudes or behaviors. So far we've had a need to copy down dictionary words such as "cheat", "accomplice" and "priorities". Sometimes a student isn't quite ready to start work as evidenced by their attitude so they get an opportunity to work off some steam by completing some tasks prior to starting or getting back to work. Titus recently remarked, "You can pretty much get us to do anything with red cards!"<br />
<br />
I have one child that isn't necessarily quick to do what they're asked to do. Now, instead of repeating myself or getting frustrated I will say something like, "Put your math away and get out your next subject." If they don't immediately respond I will say, "Red card in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..." and they magically bust into gear, usually by the time I get to 3. It's a beautiful thing! </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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxtwNrMfsj902W45dR4rd76vmE3harC6X2C-ykVqwdVhChevUgciUmzb-Jr7Q-0L5ljoZOC52_W5OBynhWf3PUUMcqsEY6iTysYnEAo3K2z0j6VXIjp6HXsI9Bb3UGlcuh5j6fGibzWn-/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxtwNrMfsj902W45dR4rd76vmE3harC6X2C-ykVqwdVhChevUgciUmzb-Jr7Q-0L5ljoZOC52_W5OBynhWf3PUUMcqsEY6iTysYnEAo3K2z0j6VXIjp6HXsI9Bb3UGlcuh5j6fGibzWn-/s640/IMG_6512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choice cards ensure that I never hear the words, "I'm bored" again. These cards give my children some direction for the chunk of time between when school ends and dinner begins. Some of these cards are a great reminder for them to pull out things that they enjoy, but tend to neglect or forget about. </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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ4w8a9Xa5j49_Vc6-M0G43F9gs809od3V_7uSdKcs8KcA9hQmZHIvR940-xNpiMxuexYS7yaJeEaaJralRBY0MyoQ1hOjirPc9mQG587CfqOF69BeeJ-1WBwR5imukSvHKtZkuPUfEcu/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ4w8a9Xa5j49_Vc6-M0G43F9gs809od3V_7uSdKcs8KcA9hQmZHIvR940-xNpiMxuexYS7yaJeEaaJralRBY0MyoQ1hOjirPc9mQG587CfqOF69BeeJ-1WBwR5imukSvHKtZkuPUfEcu/s640/IMG_6513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chore cards are drawn at a few points during the day. They help the household run smoothly, but it also gives my kids a little break here and there where they have to get up and get moving. Most of these chores can be done in 5 minutes or less. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sometimes the cards are used right away, and sometimes they are saved for later, it just depends on the card drawn and where we are at in our day. We discard the used cards until the whole stack has been cycled through. My kids are really enjoying the surprise elements of this game, while I really enjoy the flexibility. If one of the cards isn't working for us I can just remove it from the deck. If I think of something else I want to include, I can just add it in. If I don't want them to complete a subject that day I can just cover it up or add a marker to that spot so they skip over it when they are playing the game. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It's like structured chaos. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">That's how I roll.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhjG_9qs1FIReawyW7UBBZkjYgB8QrkIISzWDZMCEZJVMKSRJHpdPlFT4rhzBpztwzWwQK-2Pce4NYTXH7LGTQuL8wNRCjFVPG88P6zmfz8mO8rdEATnOr8sXUh86w8nR0OvBPYJppfwY/s400/IMG_6518.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is what the board looked like just before lunch today. The buttons show what Leeann has completed and the Lego parts and weapons show Titus's progress. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wO-2mpOnk7TsxNxlGOVrSo1Yzus5qj9Ufw2_aUA-Eo3bBjZisK3FOjgq5P5CZYkaIAAC8gfK8FhdD8ncqZEBkmPu9dO4im2Com0uwdaDydjM3gxY0BcT4XbuA5VkqEGmIsU0YE666i14/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wO-2mpOnk7TsxNxlGOVrSo1Yzus5qj9Ufw2_aUA-Eo3bBjZisK3FOjgq5P5CZYkaIAAC8gfK8FhdD8ncqZEBkmPu9dO4im2Com0uwdaDydjM3gxY0BcT4XbuA5VkqEGmIsU0YE666i14/s640/IMG_6517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
We are really enjoying making this game part of our homeschool routine. Our family loves board games so this feels like a natural and fun solution to our search for a routine that will actually work for our family and our life of structured chaos. </div>
Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-7331535440242626052016-01-03T17:40:00.000-08:002016-01-03T17:43:20.070-08:00The Little Mermaid Cake<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLCGK2HqoDEB_OZTtzGZ83OdoWayut1yDFaby29ZPFtTI3pza1nue1eE4FczZdCK8rV-ajZVL5ItBUhgFHilugZDuJOSfQLzIUUvI7f1-KRd_1oiEmCspIDmY9-xcNhqABqK-9CXDBvlQ/s1600/IMG_5793-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLCGK2HqoDEB_OZTtzGZ83OdoWayut1yDFaby29ZPFtTI3pza1nue1eE4FczZdCK8rV-ajZVL5ItBUhgFHilugZDuJOSfQLzIUUvI7f1-KRd_1oiEmCspIDmY9-xcNhqABqK-9CXDBvlQ/s640/IMG_5793-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at this stuff</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't it neat?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girl who has everything?</div>
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</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq68bRI-FfSz4AN7F3I_uUFk64rJx2v4yqRlDI7V31LpikBOiTTlN5kNQoMPHYZttxYJUStriJlO-Sg4n5YjCcMFGgT0aZnMq6HXaZTifSM4AG4ZY2ryyXhg-fuBpUdSYxIH3TK1dYkNAy/s1600/IMG_5770-001+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq68bRI-FfSz4AN7F3I_uUFk64rJx2v4yqRlDI7V31LpikBOiTTlN5kNQoMPHYZttxYJUStriJlO-Sg4n5YjCcMFGgT0aZnMq6HXaZTifSM4AG4ZY2ryyXhg-fuBpUdSYxIH3TK1dYkNAy/s400/IMG_5770-001+-+Copy.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at this trove</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Treasures untold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How many wonders can one cavern hold?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking around here you think</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sure, she's got everything</div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinByHgfW34i_CgzMWAglKZT7FMHyVK8LSiriuv7QvkB6RSb8PV8-DupkHeiSlYUDRHYT8iDZJ8FrBxVNv3-JlIOJWykHcYomXVhBO0EJsoTSTQUK1gBIJam-hvltVV17smHKK5EuOkBgFS/s1600/IMG_5788-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinByHgfW34i_CgzMWAglKZT7FMHyVK8LSiriuv7QvkB6RSb8PV8-DupkHeiSlYUDRHYT8iDZJ8FrBxVNv3-JlIOJWykHcYomXVhBO0EJsoTSTQUK1gBIJam-hvltVV17smHKK5EuOkBgFS/s400/IMG_5788-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've got whozits and whatzits galore</div>
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</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-UXob1dKEXUtwKQ7GBdcT-hi1FsboVaICJSZpPytLzLUwrc7sibfKhgIjbyL37c2ugG45Z8nWwEDpw0KSnT-VMv8JpYD4dUb4TBjR8cYqYzWlHA42HcFYl07oSDOV4uHmPmSrZgdQZaT/s1600/IMG_5779-001+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-UXob1dKEXUtwKQ7GBdcT-hi1FsboVaICJSZpPytLzLUwrc7sibfKhgIjbyL37c2ugG45Z8nWwEDpw0KSnT-VMv8JpYD4dUb4TBjR8cYqYzWlHA42HcFYl07oSDOV4uHmPmSrZgdQZaT/s400/IMG_5779-001+-+Copy.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You want things of above?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've got twenty!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyrKSijtgkkWuSlhHIVFy9aE48kuDnZbv3cLUFtIgWk_3fuEqCj8NqLBpHNA4qrbK8oaZwOG5FdDxHncBoX-G1wqZV89EYAC1oIYSWL98rJPLkBCSdeDtf9Ox3jMslxWL4lp6KZnMsYt-/s1600/IMG_5780-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyrKSijtgkkWuSlhHIVFy9aE48kuDnZbv3cLUFtIgWk_3fuEqCj8NqLBpHNA4qrbK8oaZwOG5FdDxHncBoX-G1wqZV89EYAC1oIYSWL98rJPLkBCSdeDtf9Ox3jMslxWL4lp6KZnMsYt-/s400/IMG_5780-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">But who cares?</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhg0lpnnRGBQVlBUhX3BrnhXJYrfXtW0OhpjoBCaRDHJcENzi_5DNIcRzjiQw0QyAP_R8FLOfr305_MfvTDPAeCDeZeZ9HZ7TCbg4W8VB5WlSD-Q0F2E4nmYN3nlsioHqsu8itjKXwdnF/s1600/IMG_5791-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhg0lpnnRGBQVlBUhX3BrnhXJYrfXtW0OhpjoBCaRDHJcENzi_5DNIcRzjiQw0QyAP_R8FLOfr305_MfvTDPAeCDeZeZ9HZ7TCbg4W8VB5WlSD-Q0F2E4nmYN3nlsioHqsu8itjKXwdnF/s400/IMG_5791-001.JPG" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">No big deal</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNie2wGjivAJeTz4rc0VkwqoN1DD8TR-YZWq09Xqq8l09TB6pubRImCMtwp57Sadpa2h9mKmhPGpeV8x5j1OnWV0U7MezR79QyPzdm_j99sh5DANyGMtu7fIFdjFzOw2IAEKERL6aNSqB/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNie2wGjivAJeTz4rc0VkwqoN1DD8TR-YZWq09Xqq8l09TB6pubRImCMtwp57Sadpa2h9mKmhPGpeV8x5j1OnWV0U7MezR79QyPzdm_j99sh5DANyGMtu7fIFdjFzOw2IAEKERL6aNSqB/s400/IMG_5782.JPG" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I want more...</span></td></tr>
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Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-59495171707867918482015-06-20T22:21:00.000-07:002015-06-20T23:46:06.160-07:00Red and Black Wedding Cake with Cascading Flowers<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sdfYlRYFiO8/VYZdomF1kfI/AAAAAAAAK_c/VGLxvYhr5QI/s1600-h/IMG_4873%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4873" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4873" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SaFx7DA384M/VYZdqXokcuI/AAAAAAAAK_k/9ZsUS_tz35s/IMG_4873_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="414"></a></p> <p align="center">This cake has a 14" chocolate pound cake base with a chocolate ganache buttercream filling, and a 10" and 6" white cake with a cinnamon buttercream filling.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fsUvuUyrTxE/VYZJtljEXfI/AAAAAAAAK-0/A5ROZObX3_U/s1600-h/IMG_4860%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4860" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4860" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWGGFHOscOQ/VYZJvVt53kI/AAAAAAAAK-8/Tz6tLnRqlZE/IMG_4860_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center">It is finished with a rustic buttercream icing finish. And can I just say, it weighed a TON. I could hardly twist it, let alone pick it up. I’m so grateful for my husband’s willingness to be my personal cake delivery man. I quite literally could not have done this one without him! </p> <h3><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7UOU4E4I1g/VYZJxUxIs9I/AAAAAAAAK_E/Juh-X9izock/s1600-h/IMG_4919%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4919" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4919" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQn_6RyJlfQ/VYZJzB_NYcI/AAAAAAAAK_M/UxPXfCzy0vI/IMG_4919_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="265"></a></h3> <p align="center">And this is me with one of my creations. I sure have enjoyed learning a little bit more with each cake I’ve done. I can’t imagine how people learned all the ins and outs and tips and tricks before blogs, online forums and Youtube. I still find myself Googling a great deal of questions during each of my baking sessions. I am grateful that so many people take the time to share their knowledge with the rest of us. Maybe someday I’ll get some “official” training, but in the mean time I’m enjoying trying my hand at different techniques as I continue to learn the fine art of baking from others via the world wide web.</p> <p align="center">If you’re a baker, what resources have you found to be most helpful in your own learning process? I’m always open to learning new things! </p> Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443651213029776569.post-37712860166458160302015-01-30T14:25:00.001-08:002016-10-06T14:07:00.976-07:00Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies!<div align="center">
This happened in my kitchen.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cqbNJwKZ_50/VMwEcHJRrDI/AAAAAAAAK4k/3neM8X3uCbk/s1600-h/IMG_4295%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4295" border="0" height="462" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-vY980G1Qu3c/VMwEdaJDx8I/AAAAAAAAK4s/VEV7qxoKx9A/IMG_4295_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4295" width="662" /></a></div>
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This face says it all: </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jpv9MNsoZV8/VMwEeb-skLI/AAAAAAAAK40/tQLAry6xIJ8/s1600-h/IMG_4373%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4373" border="0" height="308" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-sBndoPANZgc/VMwEfAubbtI/AAAAAAAAK48/ULE-z5V68PY/IMG_4373_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4373" width="189" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRMt7KjlRN1u0jxhroIiEbaypFWCaLSwsCwaFyDI_b6Of7aLdkISc7nGz-kBtps-zTp1N9mVcMY2hsGr2EP8uat-qR5nVwDyxduHDKVxdPpMxBpDjpeIKD_U9dEUxoVF33u7L0-go3L9v/s1600-h/IMG_4307%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4307" border="0" height="310" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-8wIZAn4pf8Q/VMwEg-QY4eI/AAAAAAAAK5M/mk4zQZF-RGQ/IMG_4307_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4307" width="279" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i7fHBiuaG2U/VMwEh16CoFI/AAAAAAAAK5U/M6SlYqMqgPw/s1600-h/IMG_4379%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4379" border="0" height="310" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-NIk8uzKWbXc/VMwEikoC7vI/AAAAAAAAK5c/RTzOawTu4rw/IMG_4379_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4379" width="197" /></a></div>
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The nutty taste of browned butter folded in to a slightly chewy, yet a tad-bit crispy, perfectly browned chocolate chip cookie is amazing…</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v0tbx1_VbMs/VMwEjtzH7yI/AAAAAAAAK5k/Bgd5AP9mthg/s1600-h/IMG_4368%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4368" border="0" height="386" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-0-QQA_fURwo/VMwEklxquwI/AAAAAAAAK5s/lu2lqRvKFjM/IMG_4368_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4368" width="520" /></a></div>
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Add in a variety of chocolate chips and chocolate chocolate chunks…</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q5yq0WkJz0E/VMwElr0QTcI/AAAAAAAAK50/hB6vW-evxNg/s1600-h/IMG_4341%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4341" border="0" height="688" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-6KeCh1J_ryE/VMwEmlOUGJI/AAAAAAAAK58/bje5DJoOLHw/IMG_4341_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4341" width="437" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pcGpcq5WCJQ/VMwEnohOweI/AAAAAAAAK6E/0r5XxhIHpZY/s1600-h/IMG_4354%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4354" border="0" height="343" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-cwvSd_oTgpQ/VMwEo-VTBrI/AAAAAAAAK6M/CQkW0y9Uh10/IMG_4354_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4354" width="201" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e4W2zrp-I7I/VMwEqLxpo5I/AAAAAAAAK6U/2TnFH0hCjGY/s1600-h/IMG_4315%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4315" border="0" height="346" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-JKfFxFZOm9w/VMwEqz6m57I/AAAAAAAAK6Y/2yIVl-z1uZU/IMG_4315_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4315" width="202" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
But don’t stop there. Throw in some caramel bits. </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-biQrPVoaZxI/VMwEsNfDE1I/AAAAAAAAK6k/jhU3ICWbyYM/s1600-h/IMG_4329%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4329" border="0" height="452" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASLziU2A8Oc/VMwEtCnwGtI/AAAAAAAAK6s/Ip1fQMcP_i8/IMG_4329_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4329" width="648" /></a></div>
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And sprinkle the cookies with a sea salt and raw sugar mixture. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ibU1ktfUT2Q/VMwEuqCLYOI/AAAAAAAAK60/VmV4xTzfJIA/s1600-h/IMG_4392%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4392" border="0" height="272" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-LWxKPnMIYMo/VMwEwC1vxfI/AAAAAAAAK64/6enocdfXEN0/IMG_4392_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4392" width="394" /></a></div>
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Pair these cookies with milk, a sunny winter day, and a new Lego magazine. Does life get any better than this? </div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "castellar"; font-size: large;">Brown Butter Salted Caramel </span></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "castellar"; font-size: large;">Chocolate Chip Cookies</span></div>
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*I have decided to delete the recipe I posted here because I ended up making so many adjustments to the original recipe over the course of the past couple of years. Since I made so many changes to make it my own and have offered the cookies up for sale, I've decided not to post my updated recipe. Feel free to add some caramel bits to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and sprinkle with coarse sea salt & raw sugar, and see what you come up with. Even if it's not <i>the</i> cookie, it'll still be delicious, I'm sure!*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbJ2_pVEhNOw79NjS3axN0RRYArf_Ecgvk2rLkOhi1Vd6mvbhJ_UQ4bieunIgy6joiVDWa6eDhmppD4Z7iw5lUhwhbKLldwbHM2ZWHoaigAKBrhvioNMOhONaBHXh4fN8BrsPiDrP9NXK/s1600-h/IMG_4394%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4394" border="0" height="484" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-boPL-a9vIc0/VMwE569EFGI/AAAAAAAAK7w/0TObzbnuTbM/IMG_4394_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4394" width="694" /></a>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12436435468095515083noreply@blogger.com2