tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58251858990333157192024-03-13T02:02:12.692-05:00If Stones Could Talk... Coupled With Some Baby TalkThe Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.comBlogger519125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-56911971289012387272014-08-03T20:32:00.000-05:002014-08-05T06:39:09.023-05:00Forty Years Together We met on a beach in Northwest Florida. I had not planned on coming to the picnic to hang with a group of boys from MBA and Vanderbilt, but my mother insisted since the host family were long-standing friends of ours and I had grown up with their sons whom I counted among my close friends. So I went reluctantly and with some fairly obvious defiance. Even though I would be an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt, I was all too determined not to fit within the boundaries of what was considered the norm for the TVC (Typical Vanderbilt Coed). Hence I wore no make-up, my hair was long and flowing free and I was clad the way all Florida girls were in my day, especially girls who were lifeguards, hippies, and wanna-be-surfers. I felt totally cool and totally justified. I was only going because my mother insisted. And when she INSISTED in her strongest Momma voice, I usually complied, albeit grudgingly. I wasn't interested in the boys from Vanderbilt or the boys from MBA. Truth be told, I was already convinced I had the world by the tail. Ahhh, the naivete and brazen foolishness of youth.<br />
<br />
I had no idea that this was a day that would totally change my life.<br />
<br />
A mere three weeks later the phone in my dormitory rang. It was one of the boys from the picnic asking me out for my first real college date. That phone call took place forty-two years ago and the guy on the other end was the man I would marry. It was love at first sight. As strange as it may sound, I even told my roommate and the other girls that I had found the man that I would marry. That pronouncement (after my first college date and first date with him) was greeted with gales of laughter.<br />
<br />
We celebrate forty years of marriage tomorrow. It's been the journey of a lifetime and one I would not and could not have made it through with anyone else. It has not always been a bed of roses, but there was and is a core of faith-based commitment that binds us to one another in ways that defy description. He is the love of my life and the father of our four children. Believe it or not, he is getting better with age! I both like and love him more now than I ever have before, and am so very thankful that we persevered through the years with three children under the age of four along with the surprise "gift" of a fourth. He teases me mercilessly, loves to plan surprises and is the more romantic of the two of us. He is also fun, adventurous and concert-crazy. There have been good times and bad times, times when I was so mad I could have called it quits (but never allowed myself to really entertain that thought, even though I was furious or wounded) lots of laughter and lots of tears (on my part, anyway). There have been times when I felt lonely and alone and times when I felt as if my heart would burst with joy and that there was no one else on earth who understood me as he did (and does). There have been arguments galore and lots of "kiss and make-up." There have been sicknesses, illnesses, and scary times when I feared I would lose him. He has nursed me through three joint replacements and migraines too many to count. He has been both the rock on which I lean and the splinter that rubs in my foot. He's been my sorrow and my joy as have I to him. We have made lots of mistakes. Mistakes with each other and mistakes with our kids. What has bound us together has not only been the love, for if we are honest, that has failed us at times....but it has been the faith. Both of us believe that our marriage is sacred to God, even if we have not always lived each day as if it were sacred to us. Forty years ago, we made vows to one another, and most importantly, we made a vow to God. When we have been fickle, frail, and fragile, God has always, always, always been faithful. He is literally our saving grace. I count God as the force that has bound and kept us together through the ups and the downs that comprise a marriage. <br />
<br />
In addition to our vows, here are the words Ed and I chose to say to one another forty years ago. By God's grace, I would say them again and I am confident so would he.<br />
<br />
On August 4, 1974, my husband spoke these words from Hosea, "I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in justice, in lovingkindness, in kindness and compassion. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord." And these words from the Song of Songs, "I will set you as a seal over my heart and upon my arm, for love is as strong as death."<br />
<br />
And I chose Ruth's timeless words to Naomi, "Entreat me not to leave thee or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."<br />
<br />
I told him then and I will tell him today: "You are the only one for me..." Thankful for forty years with a man of honor, strength and faithfulness. I love you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pOgxRDv94g/TNIRFS1m9cI/AAAAAAAAAq8/Oj_BPsZzW5o/s1600/wallace+wedding+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pOgxRDv94g/TNIRFS1m9cI/AAAAAAAAAq8/Oj_BPsZzW5o/s1600/wallace+wedding+065.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsDYKnAaXyr8kcaYVGlNCYlS13HWZ5SRaSselMJpV-fWe4lkMs5X25y0OBqnlUIJ87UbdDrGZic33YHenGoZP46Zkv4NL7mQOMLFhNKx3wPoCZlGSwNYupu9mKwgEnTTx5b6Y_BbvMHft/s640/1090045_10201655623254413_20472304_o.jpg" /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CyU1Sex9Bpo%2FUf7omw1NUmI%2FAAAAAAAAfps%2FDWKGYcWIwoI%2Fs640%2F1090045_10201655623254413_20472304_o.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsDYKnAaXyr8kcaYVGlNCYlS13HWZ5SRaSselMJpV-fWe4lkMs5X25y0OBqnlUIJ87UbdDrGZic33YHenGoZP46Zkv4NL7mQOMLFhNKx3wPoCZlGSwNYupu9mKwgEnTTx5b6Y_BbvMHft/s640/1090045_10201655623254413_20472304_o.jpg" -->The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-3836198039390223392014-05-10T17:32:00.000-05:002014-05-10T17:32:55.389-05:00How Could I Forget Thee?<br />
This is the first Mother's Day without my Momma who went home to be with the Lord on the day before Easter, just three weeks ago. It is an understatement to say that I am missing her terribly, yet I and my family do not grieve as those without hope. Easter embodies all that I believe. It is fitting that my Momma entered the gates of heaven to celebrate that Good Friday had come and gone, fulfilling its promise of Redemption and offering to all who believe the hope of the Resurrection! What Glory! I find a deep joy in knowing that my Momma is free from all suffering and I am replete with the memory of a mother who loved deeply and well.<br />
<br />
This post is from the archives:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she has borne? Though she may forget you, I will not forget thee. See, I have </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
engraved you on the palms of my hand." <i>Isaiah 49:15-16</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVwJXtr5Xv1_F0rbyUMzBLhoAbXJve02bYRpqX4fWqeGwx7Tb5FfhkgljkmqbjyyKOxTe9YTEsNKJtz9kjG_yKXO52jCzYiNH4omHUHBiO2pkGdSGk9E8_-np7tbQVJ1J4cgrwIJWwZCB/s1600/mother+and+child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVwJXtr5Xv1_F0rbyUMzBLhoAbXJve02bYRpqX4fWqeGwx7Tb5FfhkgljkmqbjyyKOxTe9YTEsNKJtz9kjG_yKXO52jCzYiNH4omHUHBiO2pkGdSGk9E8_-np7tbQVJ1J4cgrwIJWwZCB/s320/mother+and+child.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No mother would ever forget her child, for once conceived, a mother's children are hers forever. Yet the Lord makes it clear that His love for us exceeds that of a mother for her child. How can it be? And yet, He tells us again that no man can fathom the depth and heighth and breadth of the magnificent love He holds in His being for each of us. It is a love that defies description. A love that extends beyond all measure. It runs so deep that it forever scarred the hands of the One who gave Himself up for us. Even Isaiah who gave us these beautiful words could not have imagined the terrible price it would cost Christ to "engrave" us on the palm of His hand.<br />
Every mother alive would shudder to think of those selfsame nails piercing the hands of any of her children, yet that is precisely what happened to the Only Begotten Son of God. And it was love that compelled Him to go to that cross. Love for for you and for me.<br />
I began this Mother's Day by being thankful for my own Momma and her many sacrifices of love that have enabled me to become the woman I am today. It was she who rejoiced with me over the impending arrival of each little one; it was she who came at every birth and tenderly taught me how to love and care for my own babes; and it was she who has supported and championed me at every turn of my life as a mother. I owe her so much that I cannot begin to express my gratitude. A thank you seems inadequate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4RcTtqvMME/TSnacL1TR0I/AAAAAAAACZM/NuxWzn_hI4Y/s1600/Barbara+Kathy+Cindy+England+1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4RcTtqvMME/TSnacL1TR0I/AAAAAAAACZM/NuxWzn_hI4Y/s320/Barbara+Kathy+Cindy+England+1956.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart is also filled to overflowing as I consider the treasure of the three sons and one daughter who have afforded me the priceless treasure of being a mother. There are no words to express the joy I hold in my heart for them, as well as for their wives and husbands. Daily I am also thankful for the joy of being a grandmother to Little One, Little Two and soon-to-be here Little Three. These little people are teaching me so much about the faithfulness of our God!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndFd7dI7-uxt9nxZjpY04rhnlDF2AWPIpZho9-xy7BtuE1lyFSlXthg_l0Tv8k45ECJU6AU9SSNqQAis5Ha-V7HXgie_JSQ7mODZolnU40wLlUAgP5UCE1mr-9vGZ52mxOGHMyI29RVny/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndFd7dI7-uxt9nxZjpY04rhnlDF2AWPIpZho9-xy7BtuE1lyFSlXthg_l0Tv8k45ECJU6AU9SSNqQAis5Ha-V7HXgie_JSQ7mODZolnU40wLlUAgP5UCE1mr-9vGZ52mxOGHMyI29RVny/s320/IMG_3808.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5qpul2Qy6iduJU_SM3hjer4rQneNKZfEP4ZIsjgMZ2oWM5jB_vbbDL_PZ7QxpnCre9V_Ds0r_yYfTzmc8p3aIbhYlefEOfJQpp3tbNM79kyMgMpA57-Piky9xPCqeburXMb2F5XKWMNK/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5qpul2Qy6iduJU_SM3hjer4rQneNKZfEP4ZIsjgMZ2oWM5jB_vbbDL_PZ7QxpnCre9V_Ds0r_yYfTzmc8p3aIbhYlefEOfJQpp3tbNM79kyMgMpA57-Piky9xPCqeburXMb2F5XKWMNK/s320/IMG_3742.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Yet it is to the Lord Himself that I owe the greatest debt and the one debt that can never ever be repaid. For it is He who has given me and those I love life and breath and everything else. They and I are engraved on the palm of His hands. Those beautiful nail-scarred hands. It is simply too much to comprehend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/bluesofia/?action=view&current=nail-scarred-hands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Jesus te ama" border="0" src="http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq119/bluesofia/nail-scarred-hands.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-966835639501754132014-04-15T14:30:00.001-05:002014-04-15T14:30:47.712-05:00Springtime on the Eastside The Daughter has a wonderful neighbor who in addition to serving as friend and surrogate grandmother is an author, photographer and artist of note. Sometimes she spies Little One and Brother in the yard and grabs her camera to capture some magic. Yesterday was one of those days. Beautiful. Balmy. Nearly summer but for the magnificent tulips and flowering trees still lending their colorful majesty to each day. Today it's another story altogether. Dogwood winter. Whatever. Just plain cold. But yesterday...see for yourself. Bare feet. Bare arms and lots of precious smiles to go around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLuio8WlOh9kMlhviKdWGqS-zRL6qjlC8oxwwEVN26oCKbeE76DJb48rE3H_OOKl2zbSBD9oBJ-H7SWrndfgCxxbaaTpXCj00U2kVsat0vKtRqSYDVmer6vmAZro8x5LyPOTnjAKAZOA/s1600/Eloise+and+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLuio8WlOh9kMlhviKdWGqS-zRL6qjlC8oxwwEVN26oCKbeE76DJb48rE3H_OOKl2zbSBD9oBJ-H7SWrndfgCxxbaaTpXCj00U2kVsat0vKtRqSYDVmer6vmAZro8x5LyPOTnjAKAZOA/s1600/Eloise+and+flowers.JPG" height="366" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you see the butterfly on her finger? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEgahrNtcRQJBAVkdhl9JCfzxty9E-ax5AiI_EJU3zGiXTnGQk0joOA4VRqreJgb4gm0R_FckyBwSm1LsHlNJ8FRDA6KwJRp36L3mRNHI17FpcfNoLPHnMXAGC-Is2s5eC5_HAipTYHZqmo/s1600/Weathers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahrNtcRQJBAVkdhl9JCfzxty9E-ax5AiI_EJU3zGiXTnGQk0joOA4VRqreJgb4gm0R_FckyBwSm1LsHlNJ8FRDA6KwJRp36L3mRNHI17FpcfNoLPHnMXAGC-Is2s5eC5_HAipTYHZqmo/s1600/Weathers.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Windy day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT5McFj7BelTk6SghT2aIVHQLvvr2JiB6rZ8L5dndGn6KhhwH87HVm6-6BssU21RQJAUeERSlW63VPUO4HqnQEc7V729z7_M-hjx3dFTDvpUtOOk3Y0pKJoPhe_1hRW45pAoqypIIRao/s1600/Eloise+and+Weathers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT5McFj7BelTk6SghT2aIVHQLvvr2JiB6rZ8L5dndGn6KhhwH87HVm6-6BssU21RQJAUeERSlW63VPUO4HqnQEc7V729z7_M-hjx3dFTDvpUtOOk3Y0pKJoPhe_1hRW45pAoqypIIRao/s1600/Eloise+and+Weathers.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A rock, a red tree and a carpet of flowers at your feet. It's spring in Tennessee!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW3AeU0fEKN4_nHQ9qwFVITj7XfEp4BEOiohcXNqMiVFoOzueEtx5XBjXQuuM8pT20aZd8UfU73IpkcSSzXT9UUwdArO8xAGi0xNPi80gnGP_OcNYXGckWZlJtaZmGNspnEDxh-8yqtw/s1600/Eloise+playing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW3AeU0fEKN4_nHQ9qwFVITj7XfEp4BEOiohcXNqMiVFoOzueEtx5XBjXQuuM8pT20aZd8UfU73IpkcSSzXT9UUwdArO8xAGi0xNPi80gnGP_OcNYXGckWZlJtaZmGNspnEDxh-8yqtw/s1600/Eloise+playing.JPG" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ring around the rosie...this dress is one that I made for Little One's mother many moons ago!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_wUXrj885-f9xxRSgbbn9RiHM0nhBIcO-UcDQ0jnK5SecnBRNN3VImimRN-_dY7Yemhqpba_2a3GSDdluPlFcFyZiBYlhETcWa_I2_FllUuUYkABC9OVzROMDZr2pBMFrlY2HUG7I6A/s1600/Weathers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_wUXrj885-f9xxRSgbbn9RiHM0nhBIcO-UcDQ0jnK5SecnBRNN3VImimRN-_dY7Yemhqpba_2a3GSDdluPlFcFyZiBYlhETcWa_I2_FllUuUYkABC9OVzROMDZr2pBMFrlY2HUG7I6A/s1600/Weathers+2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peep Eye...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ZlRw16YchOEBUtXTyCrTYeMMC_muXb10ane91g3IolaTdEZ8YA9oD7HTQF4o8eFzZKV9U6iBcs5Bv8CSTAXSlzdn0nMW7oYh8qUzGFWN4bCX-rMPZw0UShyzJpzEVMpyO-L6Pp3HyQ/s1600/Weathers+and+Annie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ZlRw16YchOEBUtXTyCrTYeMMC_muXb10ane91g3IolaTdEZ8YA9oD7HTQF4o8eFzZKV9U6iBcs5Bv8CSTAXSlzdn0nMW7oYh8qUzGFWN4bCX-rMPZw0UShyzJpzEVMpyO-L6Pp3HyQ/s1600/Weathers+and+Annie.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sweet girl with her boy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Eu-56NE8T3TqTBSGcGZ6NaGj2OjWaueu5F60BJiAVcwGuFtp5EcriUuKRd6uTyzUhcO-gcFw27hkGlvPRyauKnOYzxD-GjXcIBG0McMBbQhnQO_CWlz3AkcFqBGX8v1nQyWjAhvjMs/s1600/Eloise+and+Weathers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Eu-56NE8T3TqTBSGcGZ6NaGj2OjWaueu5F60BJiAVcwGuFtp5EcriUuKRd6uTyzUhcO-gcFw27hkGlvPRyauKnOYzxD-GjXcIBG0McMBbQhnQO_CWlz3AkcFqBGX8v1nQyWjAhvjMs/s1600/Eloise+and+Weathers+2.JPG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And one more for the road...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brother checking out the neighbor's ride...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5PZz-d6bFjWzKRaBcC595fMgNMRDUpQkjaHTn0WogSmcMrkse0zTYu7OT-PRmb9vXZjI2ga5zWlRM8r5wegiRlNx-JIzDGd8tq7G6ecTRdq4LtaxQfEL5kC5wtZHsFtnCQrcGYR1Ptc/s1600/Weathers+peeking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5PZz-d6bFjWzKRaBcC595fMgNMRDUpQkjaHTn0WogSmcMrkse0zTYu7OT-PRmb9vXZjI2ga5zWlRM8r5wegiRlNx-JIzDGd8tq7G6ecTRdq4LtaxQfEL5kC5wtZHsFtnCQrcGYR1Ptc/s1600/Weathers+peeking.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you Marjie for sharing the love!</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-40141222395694596262014-03-17T09:13:00.001-05:002014-03-17T09:13:52.933-05:00An Offering Lent. A time of reflection. Waiting upon God. Practicing the gift of sacrificial love which knows no bounds. I view Lent as a communal grace offering to the One who has no need of gifts yet bids us come with all that we are and all that we have. This year more than ever I come seeking renewal. I have become all too aware that my vision of life and faith are so easily corrupted by the flawed level of consciousness I bring to each and every day. I humbly seek and desire the very mind of Christ.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33330661@N06/4062400583/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cross at sunset by minomap, on Flickr"><img alt="Cross at sunset" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4062400583_0627093873.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are a few of my Lenten gifts I seek to lay at His feet:<br />
<i>The gift of a letter.</i> To write a note of acknowledgement to someone whom I have witnessed extending a particular kindness or gentleness when none was required.<br />
<i>The gift of friendship.</i> To reach out to embrace and encourage someone to whom I am not easily drawn. I have been the recipient of much in the way of friendship and love. How can I continue to remain within my own selfishly comfortable boundaries, to withhold myself when Christ calls me to pour myself out on His behalf?<br />
<i>To surrender my secretly superior attitude</i> whereby I judge and condemn the actions of others. May I renounce, confess, and let go of this secret sin and the others that so readily grow alongside it.<br />
<i>To allow the wounds and suffering of others to pierce my heart.</i> I find it easy to grow callused and hard-hearted, particularly when confronted with suffering on a global scale. I earnestly desire to be faithful in prayer for those whom the Lord would put on my heart.<br />
<i>To seek out the way of unexpected service,</i> however small or seemingly insignificant it might be. I would do well to remember that a cup of cold water offered in the name of Jesus can be a precious and life-giving gift.<br />
<i>To daily seek Him and to offer up to Him the praise of my lips.</i> To turn my conscious thoughts toward Him and to meditate upon His word, then to joyfully come into His presence with songs of thanksgiving.<br />
<i>To laugh more with those I love. </i><br />
<i> To find joy in the ordinary and happiness in the simple.</i><br />
<i> To desire less.</i><br />
<i> To need less. </i><br />
<i> To buy less.</i><br />
<i> To give away more.</i><br />
<i> And then to give even more.</i><br />
<i> To practice kindness to those who have wounded me.</i><br />
<i> To seek to forgive quickly.</i><br />
<i> To be willing to readily forgive everything from the slightest hurt to the gravest offense. </i><br />
<i> To let go of old wounds and to seek the grace of healing that only He can bring.</i><br />
<i> To speak freedom.</i><br />
<i> To renounce all lies and to fall in love with the truth.</i><br />
<i> To be willing to speak the truth even when it is not easy or easily understood.</i><br />
<i> To risk reputation for the way of Christ.</i><br />
<i> To love the unlovely. </i><br />
<i> To listen more and to speak less.</i><br />
<i> To quit interrupting.</i><br />
<i> To value another's story more than my own.</i><br />
<i> To be willing to walk to the end of the road with someone. With anyone.</i><br />
<i> To be a better listener.</i><br />
<i> To be a giver of joy.</i><br />
<i> To rest in His presence.</i><br />
<i></i><i> To celebrate His beauty I see in others.</i><br />
<i> To celebrate His beauty in my surroundings.</i><br />
<i> To greet each new day with anticipation.</i><br />
<i> To end each day with heartfelt gratitude and prayer.</i><br />
<i> To share the story of all that He has done for me, in me, and with me.</i><br />
<i> To embrace the reality of Easter in a deeper way.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/applelike/3500141259/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="lily of valley by applelike, on Flickr"><img alt="lily of valley" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3500141259_e4105ac0f2.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-81121990336301178022014-03-14T19:57:00.000-05:002014-03-14T19:57:15.665-05:00Grace, Grace, and More Grace<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOXuncokWwY9xPRd9uNVvyS54glXrMFD1glkfju59CddRKz32aaqc2ftig9s9mqFWPzUmvgYirxaOMH67nI7ggyMrVQEUo-cho8gGciPPsTQcIXr5LQvnafPS5ZLAaaAJzAjFCCuVSu0/s1600/folded+laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOXuncokWwY9xPRd9uNVvyS54glXrMFD1glkfju59CddRKz32aaqc2ftig9s9mqFWPzUmvgYirxaOMH67nI7ggyMrVQEUo-cho8gGciPPsTQcIXr5LQvnafPS5ZLAaaAJzAjFCCuVSu0/s1600/folded+laundry.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wishful thinking at my house...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Consistency with daily tasks is not one of my better traits. I will leave the unfolded laundry on the kitchen table until the surface is all but obscured before I will get around to dealing with it; I hate hanging up clothes I have just taken off so I end up piling them up in a chair where they eventually collect dust and the ever-present dog-hair; and I avoid the grocery store like the plague. Yet I have somehow managed to function as a daughter, woman, wife, mother, grandmother, college counselor, friend, sister, and domestic goddess (insert a smile here, this is supposed to be funny) for one reason and only one: the grace of God. You might think, as I once did, that the grace of God is reserved for the hard things one encounters in life or as a covering for the sin that so easily besets us; but I have come to believe something very different: the grace of God is at once for everything and for all of life: the mundane as well as the sacramental; the boring as well as the glorious, and the burdensome along with the transcendent. I don't know about you, but I have just as great a need for the everyday circumstances of my life to be bathed in grace as I do the struggles that seem destined to impact my soul.<br />
A while back I encountered this tiny little verse that probably comes close to rivaling the ubiquitous "Jesus wept" as one of the all time shortest verses in the Bible, but despite its brevity, it has had a profound and lasting effect upon me and the way that I view my life. It is also found in one of the books of the New Testament that I have continually struggled for many years to understand and apprehend, the Book of James. I offer these words up to you today as a gift. A gift that I want to share. I also want to challenge you to meditate upon these six little words, this <i>logos</i> from the heart of God to you and to me to see if they will not change your perspective on living as much as they have altered mine. Without further ado, here they are:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"But He gives us more grace...</b>"<span style="font-size: xx-small;">James 4:6a</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Think about it. Never less. ALWAYS MORE. ALWAYS MORE. I cried the first time I comprehended these words. I had seen the words before, even read them before, but for some reason they were never able to penetrate through my grey matter to traverse the distance to my heart and they certainly seemingly never traveled that mysterious and incalculable distance to my soul. Yet somehow, in a manner I don't fully understand, this <i>logos</i> finally made that God-inspired, God-breathed journey to the place where bone meets marrow and heart meets soul. I got it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> And for that I am so very thankful this Lord's day...that despite all that I am, He is all that He is and so it is that He gives us more grace. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-rlKmLq_1N6FEkqz6cIQwmXjXfrjxYwGIx0YU9zi5sGYaoM7_fjyJXjy3hVoerDeLvOf_tgvCoQyod8PZ_0mlBTDnecE5W47o04kO5mR6QbjSCuCcByXFSmOoVKtW3USTSNnNaNOtJo/s1600/Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-rlKmLq_1N6FEkqz6cIQwmXjXfrjxYwGIx0YU9zi5sGYaoM7_fjyJXjy3hVoerDeLvOf_tgvCoQyod8PZ_0mlBTDnecE5W47o04kO5mR6QbjSCuCcByXFSmOoVKtW3USTSNnNaNOtJo/s1600/Joy.jpg" height="225" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Grace. Undeserved, beautiful, and bounteous. </div>
</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-75150184703941900582014-03-13T14:11:00.004-05:002014-03-13T14:11:51.029-05:00Searching for Easter I go looking for Easter in Walgreen's. Even though one might be fooled, it is not there among the Peeps, the plastic baskets, and the fake green grass.<br />
<br />
I wander down the aisles of the Hallmark store replete with their perfectly aligned cards and matching envelopes. Scattered everywhere throughout the shop are pink, blue and yellow bunnies nestled alongside hand-painted eggs. This is not my Easter either.<br />
<br />
I join the throngs in the grocery store, filling my cart with treasures for a meal that I will serve to cousins and sisters and husband and children at Sunday lunch. The cash register goes ching, ching, ching, and I am out of there with a laden car and a tired back. This, too, is not my Easter.<br />
<br />
Once home, I set the table, arrange flowers, and slice mountains of squash and onions, grease casserole dishes, tear lettuces, and chop herbs. I am working ahead. It is special, this beauty I seek to create, but it is not Easter.<br />
<br />
I walk outside to bask in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine. The silver maples are showering their helicopter seeds all over me. I wink at the sky and smile. But Easter? No, this is a compelling beauty from a Divine hand, but it is not Easter.<br />
<br />
I climb back into my Bible, suddenly thirsty for the Holy cup and the bread. I want to linger there at the meal shared with My Beloved, but I am called onward toward a hill outside the city of Jerusalem. It is here that I find a story played out that shakes my soul to the core. It is a tale, oft told, of a suffering and a sacrifice so wretched and so raw that it is at once almost unbearable and unbelievable. I am suddenly there. I smell the blood. I see the heavy splintered form of the cross and the broken God-man upon it. I look into the faces of the betrayers and know that their shame and their guilt mirrors my own. I know what I deserve. But the God-man hanging there will have the final word. "Forgive them," he cries as he shudders and gasps for air. Then He cries out to the Father.<br />
<br />
In a little while, the sky grows dark. The earth shakes. The bolts of lightening accelerate as they penetrate the darkness with a terrible light. I quake inside as I turn back to the cross. It is finished. The God-man breathes no more.<br />
<br />
I want to run from the scene. I am a betrayer and a rebel of the first-order. I don't even have to wait until the cock crows. I know my own heart. I feel the crushing weight of my own sin and my paralyzing grief. And yet. And yet.<br />
<br />
I limp through the days bereft. The morning of the third day dawns bright and beautiful. The women have been busy with their preparations. Their faces are worn with grief and exhaustion but they are filled with a sense of mission and purpose. They have come to anoint the body of the Beloved One. I have tagged along.<br />
<br />
One of the women runs ahead, spurred and driven by a need deep within her. Yet something is amiss. The guards have disappeared, and the giant stone is no longer blocking the darkened entrance to the cave-like tomb. A deep and powerful voice pierces the quiet surrounding the tomb. It is coming from an unusual creature standing vigil by the tomb, "Why is it that you seek the living among the dead?" The air seems to quiver at the sound of his words.<br />
<br />
The angel looks with something akin to incredulity at the mounting disbelief in the face of the stumbling weeping woman. Like her, my human mind struggles to apprehend the words and all that they imply.<br />
<br />
She runs to look inside. Her voice trembles as she announces that the tomb is empty. My vision grows blurry. How can it be? THE TOMB IS EMPTY. I fall to my knees, and something inside me begins to take on a life of its own.<br />
<br />
What is this glorious hope, this unspeakable joy rising up within me? Can the terrible suffering of the God-man on the cross find its completion and its consummation in an vacant tomb with its empty ledge and neatly folded linen?<br />
<br />
Yes, yes, my soul cries. Yes. <i>This, this is my Easter</i>. It is an empty tomb. It is here in the dust of the dimly lit cave that I have come to find life. And hope. And victory over an ancient sin and despair that have held my soul in their clutch. This tomb, this place of burial where the body of the Messiah was laid to rest is the Easter I have sought. And it is not just mine. It is for all who dare to believe.<br />
My heart leaps within me at the truth and the glory of it all.<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><img src="http://www.southlightstudio.net/pix/tomb.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christ the Lord is Risen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Indeed, He is Risen! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Let the earth and the heavens rejoice...</div>
</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-80833799796089693912014-03-12T07:51:00.000-05:002014-03-12T07:51:32.630-05:00Woodland Theme Baby My daughter-in-law is doing a woodland themed baby nursery. The inspiration for her design came from a fabric she found with trees and tiny little animals poking their heads up and around a forest. It was love at first sight for her. Then she happened upon this adorable stuffed fox and everything began to come together organically. This daughter-in-law of mine is especially creative and loves to "up-cycle," finding creative uses for vintage items that were originally designed for an altogether different function. I can't wait to see what the nursery will look like when she's finished. Maybe she will let me share a picture or two before the grandboy arrives in May!<br />
In the meantime, I have been seeing all manner of woodland things popping up everywhere. I couldn't resist sharing some adorable baby shower ideas that give homage to the woodland theme!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's start with some invitations!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How cute are these?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtJDsCvesyM6mQtNTD0lzfOU9ooQSZqr3EBiY9Ters1u0NCSuIW6JTx1cDZB3XhUHpLwKOrvc2qaGLbzDa3rtxMB1F_cCDo8ZU6Pblyx2VPIvU68FaEP0mMx6EXTPXGWkMfYIFlm5k-k/s1600/baby+shower+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtJDsCvesyM6mQtNTD0lzfOU9ooQSZqr3EBiY9Ters1u0NCSuIW6JTx1cDZB3XhUHpLwKOrvc2qaGLbzDa3rtxMB1F_cCDo8ZU6Pblyx2VPIvU68FaEP0mMx6EXTPXGWkMfYIFlm5k-k/s1600/baby+shower+3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how the envelope mimics a woodgrain pattern on the one below!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7635RseQYuItCit3DOknP2OxrhdaAVJQK8ZNROuJVYeqLxzZvS2wHFQqR8O5abDkSjvNuG85KWDcX5pNtl4PkUzx_aOBlUz7S6DofmGOCQqP496DR-Lgpc02Kaa9VeNXtEFSbQwHAPwQ/s1600/fox+baby+shower+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7635RseQYuItCit3DOknP2OxrhdaAVJQK8ZNROuJVYeqLxzZvS2wHFQqR8O5abDkSjvNuG85KWDcX5pNtl4PkUzx_aOBlUz7S6DofmGOCQqP496DR-Lgpc02Kaa9VeNXtEFSbQwHAPwQ/s1600/fox+baby+shower+invite.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5szc3-NBbSQXkfcTwNWCPs5fdD1BvBSSmpOkELVZR4MasIMNloJkZMut78EjVUm_tI3jjqzfp0iRQaS4mus6zbDGlV6r7CAOJKaxJAm-tD1ioBVp80HYj2WTaEjACccALttbK7BDawXY/s1600/baby+shower+invite+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5szc3-NBbSQXkfcTwNWCPs5fdD1BvBSSmpOkELVZR4MasIMNloJkZMut78EjVUm_tI3jjqzfp0iRQaS4mus6zbDGlV6r7CAOJKaxJAm-tD1ioBVp80HYj2WTaEjACccALttbK7BDawXY/s1600/baby+shower+invite+2.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkhJqg1s2kOQSEbJ6YjgtM3YOu3q6eGexsUNEmWqStDYso5HkLZSp8Mad-zVF-4MVXdlxTKy_g11-XVhzkhIQ7lNy4e5EhwdP7fTBQXCbh4NeZKv04DShrYuLxfa34XaziATTgeJUOag/s1600/baby+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkhJqg1s2kOQSEbJ6YjgtM3YOu3q6eGexsUNEmWqStDYso5HkLZSp8Mad-zVF-4MVXdlxTKy_g11-XVhzkhIQ7lNy4e5EhwdP7fTBQXCbh4NeZKv04DShrYuLxfa34XaziATTgeJUOag/s1600/baby+invite.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now let's move on to the party decor</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA-UlTLpq5zeN6KeuvMmM2Zb_loCaFvEW_q-M2-mRGEuM6zuKJEVKsTSqdu6SPTStwCQg9R8v6dWztXl-XDecPmDXIwB6vEZiexgpnHPYvzaTftsvxm7osUOzFCHOTE3a9mPyJMCEXoY/s1600/tablescape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA-UlTLpq5zeN6KeuvMmM2Zb_loCaFvEW_q-M2-mRGEuM6zuKJEVKsTSqdu6SPTStwCQg9R8v6dWztXl-XDecPmDXIwB6vEZiexgpnHPYvzaTftsvxm7osUOzFCHOTE3a9mPyJMCEXoY/s1600/tablescape2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the use of rustic and natural elements</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqHS7VDgk5BcMAXb5wesb4YzaEkxs7cqZTywFGL91znpA88ENgmrWa2c3JD-HtNWq_ofZpS7SLcK-8mt4Sda35OpBsb7C8lne2mG8lxXrpIUCHtIQLLMdL3yxjFe42mdfz-FK9rVWRME/s1600/cupcake+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqHS7VDgk5BcMAXb5wesb4YzaEkxs7cqZTywFGL91znpA88ENgmrWa2c3JD-HtNWq_ofZpS7SLcK-8mt4Sda35OpBsb7C8lne2mG8lxXrpIUCHtIQLLMdL3yxjFe42mdfz-FK9rVWRME/s1600/cupcake+display.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQweZkrnBOp0P8YztjMIUgm8K0qst1TieE-VRiWi_6DKv2M1EYY8v7itmMfxsJgJj3Pzc_0ctv3zAZz4t3HAbHVneFfSRb0Us5K1jSxV91f6GRRpLF67713YiihC1O1hnWYX3IydcSPL4/s1600/rustic+elements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQweZkrnBOp0P8YztjMIUgm8K0qst1TieE-VRiWi_6DKv2M1EYY8v7itmMfxsJgJj3Pzc_0ctv3zAZz4t3HAbHVneFfSRb0Us5K1jSxV91f6GRRpLF67713YiihC1O1hnWYX3IydcSPL4/s1600/rustic+elements.jpg" height="612" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the charm goes on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA355biL_jWB9B_7MgY6jo0lbUJCU1nDu8_gHQ3KswN65wePxnHZcUjD30sJSmXkJdRatAqGQUspVXvoTwRRedISSHXu9eZBG1kHkz7uTxPipfTU1f2z8o6OsN1NbYmiEHn2Wq58RXVeg/s1600/woodland-creatures-styled-shoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA355biL_jWB9B_7MgY6jo0lbUJCU1nDu8_gHQ3KswN65wePxnHZcUjD30sJSmXkJdRatAqGQUspVXvoTwRRedISSHXu9eZBG1kHkz7uTxPipfTU1f2z8o6OsN1NbYmiEHn2Wq58RXVeg/s1600/woodland-creatures-styled-shoot.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and on...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjQSe2OpGtp3hTMC8RqHZUOsn-ABLDPW2tEPlPxvoWgm-JapgZo3RAA9Wzf2afLL4Q-4uxoyD_ZZPNEOnWnvVez7af5KnvI1iOFKXvQTzw6qy8Qn72F2i3uk3mXJMVOSD9ucN0nip4pk/s1600/tablescape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjQSe2OpGtp3hTMC8RqHZUOsn-ABLDPW2tEPlPxvoWgm-JapgZo3RAA9Wzf2afLL4Q-4uxoyD_ZZPNEOnWnvVez7af5KnvI1iOFKXvQTzw6qy8Qn72F2i3uk3mXJMVOSD9ucN0nip4pk/s1600/tablescape.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it wouldn't be a party without a cake...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jSoRCC-SdciJkVlyxpzwg_1HWwPPM6dqJVmpZXaYGa1bYYpUFS5pEKt6raRXwPotfzXBXtJRmkkh2cpxlfvmZuHLlOYas0MOT_vZeW_UiaEo-h0ccgbkk7Em6eaZuwtiIXjpbBJFO4s/s1600/woodland+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jSoRCC-SdciJkVlyxpzwg_1HWwPPM6dqJVmpZXaYGa1bYYpUFS5pEKt6raRXwPotfzXBXtJRmkkh2cpxlfvmZuHLlOYas0MOT_vZeW_UiaEo-h0ccgbkk7Em6eaZuwtiIXjpbBJFO4s/s1600/woodland+cake.jpg" height="640" width="582" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or two...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MLdlxiccV2jhYle2ccpvVGAtrrbaMG31VYpXQh4nW4D8vtJ_JFZGKqb9Ke9uNkbxsTphHb_i-CApbT2AVMAN87GDhugDaXViyLR1fsRdlWIEZWDw0lZROy5sfnLrOZ84PEXmq74OcUc/s1600/Baby+shower+cake.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MLdlxiccV2jhYle2ccpvVGAtrrbaMG31VYpXQh4nW4D8vtJ_JFZGKqb9Ke9uNkbxsTphHb_i-CApbT2AVMAN87GDhugDaXViyLR1fsRdlWIEZWDw0lZROy5sfnLrOZ84PEXmq74OcUc/s1600/Baby+shower+cake.2.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How 'bout these cupcake toppers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDewyiiQy4kTz3HP8NcNMmaKmaT3K2hHvbjlYHCMtjw-S9D8KB5hU9d-8f3ssh-ADSLG-6vuD5MqPXr39WOaKfaVM1uum9Sx2dV3FzOII9Q_1mD3VOeiyVCV4RVaTus2BDPbyE8MdRp8/s1600/Woodland+Animal+cake+toppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDewyiiQy4kTz3HP8NcNMmaKmaT3K2hHvbjlYHCMtjw-S9D8KB5hU9d-8f3ssh-ADSLG-6vuD5MqPXr39WOaKfaVM1uum9Sx2dV3FzOII9Q_1mD3VOeiyVCV4RVaTus2BDPbyE8MdRp8/s1600/Woodland+Animal+cake+toppers.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gift bags anyone?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOuA584zIsEAc4kWBTGOgeDxUzcJDZubNoAc4adE1e5InexW9Nc_0WRx8sfGbPtvXQs3hCkkhVXnwo18ozlCZiTdfisMIDti1bSRDsFMdCX1br0jXtdTLPfNfVuX53cURS0tC3MwtT6g/s1600/Woodland+gift+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOuA584zIsEAc4kWBTGOgeDxUzcJDZubNoAc4adE1e5InexW9Nc_0WRx8sfGbPtvXQs3hCkkhVXnwo18ozlCZiTdfisMIDti1bSRDsFMdCX1br0jXtdTLPfNfVuX53cURS0tC3MwtT6g/s1600/Woodland+gift+bag.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this is some serious hedgehog love!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wJWBpI0dU2DoQEzyyA3TMgA-eLJnGyKaesyS_zN1YwAW66XnjkMOoelLmm2UNR4MajzVrvsUEMZN2xTPOsAO6Z2NuKQDiRnsCOZl5k-0R9b0qwefB7kKZhOuZP_W96vARpteMt6BGwA/s1600/hedgehog+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wJWBpI0dU2DoQEzyyA3TMgA-eLJnGyKaesyS_zN1YwAW66XnjkMOoelLmm2UNR4MajzVrvsUEMZN2xTPOsAO6Z2NuKQDiRnsCOZl5k-0R9b0qwefB7kKZhOuZP_W96vARpteMt6BGwA/s1600/hedgehog+cookies.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But you better watch out for those foxes, they just might steal the show!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvUBHWagM5y94GS_KG7G6Gs-FNUb-RJtUwZyQGPefRSV_zaEEdlmpOd45Ln2HZDSR135OpBjWQkUmCI8FOmQ_3rUEw0VNoT-sF2-c4sQQ9tYYECi-muwKyNHK8ghiBLztC8V9RGAEhyQ/s1600/Fox_Party_Plates_Decor_Supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvUBHWagM5y94GS_KG7G6Gs-FNUb-RJtUwZyQGPefRSV_zaEEdlmpOd45Ln2HZDSR135OpBjWQkUmCI8FOmQ_3rUEw0VNoT-sF2-c4sQQ9tYYECi-muwKyNHK8ghiBLztC8V9RGAEhyQ/s1600/Fox_Party_Plates_Decor_Supplies.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And since we live in Music City, what could be better than a very special </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woodland Mix for guests to take home</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCXnlt_B82SWCrUtKv4YXtMbriE_0FoNBPgCo-uAS4chwBzH5sfh6Pcmno4rDIgSJrdu9z1Kd4gCJHDVTom71l4J6rXXv_Eiy4hOUm5WClSCAMSanM5uy6QMYVZAMfwP3wrRtvHim-i8/s1600/Baby+shower+favor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCXnlt_B82SWCrUtKv4YXtMbriE_0FoNBPgCo-uAS4chwBzH5sfh6Pcmno4rDIgSJrdu9z1Kd4gCJHDVTom71l4J6rXXv_Eiy4hOUm5WClSCAMSanM5uy6QMYVZAMfwP3wrRtvHim-i8/s1600/Baby+shower+favor.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be creative and have fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-32431770046067594182014-03-10T16:41:00.001-05:002014-03-10T16:41:51.379-05:00Book-a-Month Club It's not your normal Book-of-the-Month Book Club, but rather my personal spin on it and one that has quickly become a much appreciated and anticipated tradition in our family. As a library/media specialist's daughter, my house, like my Momma's and her mother's before her, is filled with books. There are bookshelves in nearly every room filled to overflowing, there are books in cabinets, and books stacked under beds. There are books in the attic and books in the playroom. I guess you could say that books are somewhat of an obsession of mine.<br />
One of the best things about being a grandmother is digging out old favorites. I am thankful that in one of those many cabinets filled with books are all the oldies, but goodies, my own children loved. Some are missing pages. Some are so dog-eared and so faded that they bear little resemblance to the original. As do many of you, I delight in reading these timeless treasures to my grandchildren. There is nothing sweeter than the joy of exploration and discovery as seen through the eyes of a child.<br />
Thus when my daughter became pregnant with her first child, I began a tradition of giving her a book for every month of her pregnancy. And not just any book, but a book she had loved and read as a child. The major criteria for my purchase was that it must have been a book that I remembered seeing her return to over and over again. daughter. I have continued the tradition with both of my daughters-in-law, selecting books that their husbands, my sons, had counted among their favorites.<br />
Everyone thus far has been gifted with a copy of the perennial touch-and-feel book for babies and toddlers: <i>Pat the Bunny</i>. Who can't win with this little book? It never fails to enchant with it's simplistic and 50's style illustrations!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMSYom1CMoa3GOwP33bVDIpoGNQn4p4pU_pGWink6fvlFK3_HP1ZEyWV7-llJ_XCaz_pvxTt2B3bJXgYGyio63ugZKvS9xNQtsJhBIuuSKlYwzHh-2T7Li5JwUFMUB4Z3vqVTkERil2w/s1600/200px-Pat_the_Bunny_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMSYom1CMoa3GOwP33bVDIpoGNQn4p4pU_pGWink6fvlFK3_HP1ZEyWV7-llJ_XCaz_pvxTt2B3bJXgYGyio63ugZKvS9xNQtsJhBIuuSKlYwzHh-2T7Li5JwUFMUB4Z3vqVTkERil2w/s1600/200px-Pat_the_Bunny_image.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></div>
Don't ask me why, but Daddy's beard was everybody's favorite page and the first to disintegrate. We must have gone through five or six copies of this little treasure. Each child had his or her own copy and then I purchased a few extra for emergencies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIQkHCZweQI44kZg5XhAy6NT9TJSMcH4s_UmRCBpsxynglACW9dsrkcey0QN-TJCLYP4JreRb3yiMZcOB2bWIyq2DNjUld4-O29vl1MMOl9s3qo5xapM5sw4H0F4HSu4UInYwx3qt40o/s1600/Daddy's+Beard+Pat+the+Bunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIQkHCZweQI44kZg5XhAy6NT9TJSMcH4s_UmRCBpsxynglACW9dsrkcey0QN-TJCLYP4JreRb3yiMZcOB2bWIyq2DNjUld4-O29vl1MMOl9s3qo5xapM5sw4H0F4HSu4UInYwx3qt40o/s1600/Daddy's+Beard+Pat+the+Bunny.JPG" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up for everyone was another classic: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Who would think that children would love a book about monsters, but there is just something so glorious about these monsters. They are just so....loveable. And every child in our family wore this book out. I don't know about you, but who doesn't want to "let the wild rumpus begin"!!!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/Where_The_Wild_Things_Are_(book)_cover.jpg" height="569" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgXT5CFC2jHRSUe0TpCBdBBU0fNWPXHKfcl1sMRCcFPJx1D2jjYPPAaPtLlpmHR9iuHJGdYSyMEt_K6cMEw_G9MAXiIZKu_rkolNBGFj0Po5KW58L6JKaTywXK8ljw4iNPZ-FoqBF6KY/s1600/Where+the+Wild+Things+Are+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgXT5CFC2jHRSUe0TpCBdBBU0fNWPXHKfcl1sMRCcFPJx1D2jjYPPAaPtLlpmHR9iuHJGdYSyMEt_K6cMEw_G9MAXiIZKu_rkolNBGFj0Po5KW58L6JKaTywXK8ljw4iNPZ-FoqBF6KY/s1600/Where+the+Wild+Things+Are+3.jpeg" height="292" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A few years back when we made a family trip to Boston, each adult child made it a point to stop by to see the ducklings, i.e., the brass ducklings erected in the Boston Public Gardens in honor of the wonderful Momma Duckling and her babies made famous in "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey. And here they are in all their glory: Jack, Mack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Oack, Pack, and Quack. We were on first name basis with these little guys for a long time!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6knfR56gA3ksU4Io3KFZpt8cup5pcZ_5aZLbwnV0BQG1r7riPMy-k3xHSV_rf94T9xnTZ3DCWmj5jljTuyWh0KWKx5zh2B19R8Ef04XjkGP2fKWkXrOu6nnxqtTrvUeirp8ZD-poo9fA/s1600/Boston-Public-Garden-Ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6knfR56gA3ksU4Io3KFZpt8cup5pcZ_5aZLbwnV0BQG1r7riPMy-k3xHSV_rf94T9xnTZ3DCWmj5jljTuyWh0KWKx5zh2B19R8Ef04XjkGP2fKWkXrOu6nnxqtTrvUeirp8ZD-poo9fA/s1600/Boston-Public-Garden-Ducks.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This book is multi-generational in our family: it is one that I also loved as a child!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N3jsmw71bhTz6fToZBoMosU4OUOWFdKQyNewTeQIYWjYXMUe-t8cEgcnraT7exafYw_7LTEEh4gp8DK1f0FRcG664kaoOvg6w_28HQIRQtV9DVV4OekW3wXEToKfaD39CTEe7K-7rOk/s1600/make-way-for-ducklings_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N3jsmw71bhTz6fToZBoMosU4OUOWFdKQyNewTeQIYWjYXMUe-t8cEgcnraT7exafYw_7LTEEh4gp8DK1f0FRcG664kaoOvg6w_28HQIRQtV9DVV4OekW3wXEToKfaD39CTEe7K-7rOk/s1600/make-way-for-ducklings_book.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here's another favorite that everybody gets because it reminds us all about the<br />
power of love and how important it is to become "real."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Velveteen Rabbit, Or How Toys Became Real by Margery Williams" src="http://www.abebooks.com/images/RareBooks/avid-collector/Nov07/williams-velveteen-rabbit.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm always amazed when I stop to consider the wisdom found in this little book.<br />
Here's a little snippet for you to enjoy.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"What is REAL?" asked the rabbit one day. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long,long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are REAL you don't mind being hurt."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real, you can't be ugly except to people who don't understand. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really believe I learned more about life philosophy from children's books than any course I took in college. It's another reason why I love giving these books to my grandbabies.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two of my four children were also enamored with the book about the<br />
little bear who lives in a department store, waiting for someone to take him home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://c4.diapers.com/images/products/p/pn/pn-116_1z.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And while my daughter loved anything illustrated by the inimitable Tasha Tudor...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VvCRfJnfjwYLXkTF9pXk1JHYZ1CIDFs_tYIstirRxuki6iD9mCTuj-KujyhOFx5w3bC7-7fVOTs9ySe3PYFGWDkpKsd3QEzjTz9d-Ji2uDT4Sif_ISCNe683TpCF2bflK61TD_GHGv8/s1600/Tudor.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the boys, on the other hand were completely besotted with any<br />
and everything written and illustrated by Richard L. Scarry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things that Go Image" src="http://babygiftsandgoodiesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cars-and-trucks-257x300.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These books were so "busy" that they drove me crazy at times, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but everybody loved looking for goldbug!<br />
<br />
See if you can guess the name of this famous book...??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTAyzKvX1lgqUSeoez6mMo5__ABKyT6XgzlaIkEugwBwubTfjmYFMQitHllIq0Wcyk21egdsj4oeG0qDnA73ePp00SAX9PjHbgVyZD0e6xhaYgUVWFxb7nRq2vZ0SADWVLjqzBdcR6yg/s1600/book-hungry-caterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTAyzKvX1lgqUSeoez6mMo5__ABKyT6XgzlaIkEugwBwubTfjmYFMQitHllIq0Wcyk21egdsj4oeG0qDnA73ePp00SAX9PjHbgVyZD0e6xhaYgUVWFxb7nRq2vZ0SADWVLjqzBdcR6yg/s1600/book-hungry-caterpillar.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8eFkaED7g3X31xjKW976a5T9zoLA_f3rTgxEtnNOnCnSZu-JcL0UKpssISg14tNLrk6llCpibihTB2YWp6xw3NNIUS4t3_eCiLcNGAhpX_egGA_airoM4tOJkf9zy_a7qNdg-XgbEtU/s1600/HungryCaterpillar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8eFkaED7g3X31xjKW976a5T9zoLA_f3rTgxEtnNOnCnSZu-JcL0UKpssISg14tNLrk6llCpibihTB2YWp6xw3NNIUS4t3_eCiLcNGAhpX_egGA_airoM4tOJkf9zy_a7qNdg-XgbEtU/s1600/HungryCaterpillar.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yes, that's the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Who wouldn't love a caterpillar who eats Swiss cheese, cupcakes, sausages, lollipops and watermelons, among other things!<br />
<br />
Next up is a series of books that make me smile. They weren't around when my children were little, but I am giving them to the grandchildren for one major reason.<br />
Baby Llama has lots of drama...and so did all of mine!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpXejtrxn4vqoAjVA-AbGvgMBXj73nE_ftk_RwZonHVaL5xjSAZ26i8uEkyH3LA3XaT-pPtfHQ4QL0S9uBajv0s5PgXcAZs0pmPITS2jXjNVwdKHdLiisogR1mQd4Yr9P5EyPGSFDB0U/s1600/Llama+Llama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpXejtrxn4vqoAjVA-AbGvgMBXj73nE_ftk_RwZonHVaL5xjSAZ26i8uEkyH3LA3XaT-pPtfHQ4QL0S9uBajv0s5PgXcAZs0pmPITS2jXjNVwdKHdLiisogR1mQd4Yr9P5EyPGSFDB0U/s1600/Llama+Llama.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaqWTxGliG6hyphenhyphenTx3XCdcRksfjmE19ltAB5H6LXr6Pzbg9qwfAXS-V0CkvH3wiYBK9TGMYLSBfAJCeUn5yg8DPa7O6a-0qYX6615vJ5PB0T5OQobjlePu1BN8UTepAMv4ZOx9O7JGNqH4/s1600/cover_timetoshare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaqWTxGliG6hyphenhyphenTx3XCdcRksfjmE19ltAB5H6LXr6Pzbg9qwfAXS-V0CkvH3wiYBK9TGMYLSBfAJCeUn5yg8DPa7O6a-0qYX6615vJ5PB0T5OQobjlePu1BN8UTepAMv4ZOx9O7JGNqH4/s1600/cover_timetoshare.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My children were also great friends of the Man in the Yellow Hat and his famous sidekick, George.<br />
Somehow, George's antics seemed all too familiar!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr6SFiA6NbB-syVy9ajWyzH4MWMHritFdKT_V91uzDrBn_DUofdPZAkB5GOoiEG2jmUUnkGwqkFxkXOBi6eQStEPxz3YEDi6eGuc80UqiTAmWUEzoRkX8mP6ityi09A6NIlii4KNq_rM/s1600/Curiousgeorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr6SFiA6NbB-syVy9ajWyzH4MWMHritFdKT_V91uzDrBn_DUofdPZAkB5GOoiEG2jmUUnkGwqkFxkXOBi6eQStEPxz3YEDi6eGuc80UqiTAmWUEzoRkX8mP6ityi09A6NIlii4KNq_rM/s1600/Curiousgeorge.jpg" height="640" width="507" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And for some reason, Babar was a much beloved read-aloud for everyone. There is something magical about an elephant in a green suit and the little old lady from Paris who takes him in. I am certain<br />
that De Brunhoff may now be viewed as being politically incorrect, but I will not be teaching<br />
Babar as a purveyor of truth...he is the product of a vivid and and incredible imagination ...<br />
something I hope to inspire in my grandchildren, as well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g2RtPsWRBgD7VJUFPTYKSYsEGHy8w8F45A0hVqDcAxdafn_2EtzWSvN7CjsnGLNiwJikAkABdEK9ysO3zCZSOXUoQ1AFYXsbxHyKvBVxOx2q1i_zI8bAC84B_yTRLHjlH98dWGUyXak/s1600/babar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g2RtPsWRBgD7VJUFPTYKSYsEGHy8w8F45A0hVqDcAxdafn_2EtzWSvN7CjsnGLNiwJikAkABdEK9ysO3zCZSOXUoQ1AFYXsbxHyKvBVxOx2q1i_zI8bAC84B_yTRLHjlH98dWGUyXak/s1600/babar.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX71HDZylgcphbFi800K77SUancycIHrDB-DFk_ZkFH8DxFRHa_xwmhap6jOyz5DJP88fMXdoc0xaCN188jorKY5GgUCjnsNePbiwkVIJHsqfaTWJaFpdfHdU_Tl-GSGDYPzqrIAmatJA/s1600/storyofbabar45486pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX71HDZylgcphbFi800K77SUancycIHrDB-DFk_ZkFH8DxFRHa_xwmhap6jOyz5DJP88fMXdoc0xaCN188jorKY5GgUCjnsNePbiwkVIJHsqfaTWJaFpdfHdU_Tl-GSGDYPzqrIAmatJA/s1600/storyofbabar45486pub.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5825185899033315719" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5825185899033315719" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5825185899033315719" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Happy Reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-80228722961266208692014-01-26T17:59:00.000-06:002014-01-26T17:59:44.248-06:00A Sweet Way to Remember a Loved One Death is no stranger to any of us. And if we have not yet suffered the loss of someone we love, it is inevitable that we will. Death has been a fact of life since Adam and Eve left the garden, and will be so until Jesus comes again. Even if we carry the surety of heaven in our hearts, the process of dying still gives us pause. When we bury someone that we love, we understand the fragility of life in a new and different way. As never before, we long for the day when death and dying shall be no more.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I heard a loud voice saying, God's dwelling place is now among the people</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and God himself shall be with them...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He will wipe every tear from their eyes. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>for the old order of things has passed away. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> From Revelation 21</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
As a Christian, I am thankful to be of those who do not grieve without hope. Do Christians grieve? Absolutely! Yet the wonder is that the Holy Spirit miraculously keeps hope alive in our hearts. When we become believers, the hope of heaven is literally woven into the very fabric of our DNA. It cannot be denied. We may try, but hope works on us from the inside out, to bring us comfort, peace and a flicker of joy, even on the darkest of days. And so it is and has been with the Baby Sister.<br />
During the past two years, she and her husband, David, were an inspiration to me and many others, as against all odds, he chose life and fought hard and courageously to live each day on this earth that he had been given. When death finally came in July of this past year, David surrendered himself into the loving arms of His Savior and entered into the glory of life everlasting. Friends and family came near and far to cry, to weep, to rejoice, and to celebrate David Randell White's homegoing to heaven. My husband said it was the best funeral he had ever attended. It was hard, but it was good.<br />
My sister is keeping on with life since her husband passed away. I am sure that there are days when the depth of her loss takes her to her knees. And there are days when the grief of David's death is but a shadow that hovers and passes. Sometimes the nights are long and lonely and then there are times when she can sleep like a baby. Each day is different.<br />
The first holidays without a loved one can be especially difficult. The sense of loss is palpable. With Christmas coming, my sister came up with an idea for gifts for her children and grandchildren that would give them a tangible reminder of the father and grandfather they loved so much. Here is how it came about. In late summer when my sister began going through her husband's clothing, she found that there were several shirts that she was having a hard time parting with as they were a tangible reminder to her of her husband and of the special things he liked to do. There were his roping shirts (he was a team roper extraordinaire), his fishing shirts (he loved to flyfish and spend time on the Choctawhatchee Bay in his boat), his hunting shirts, his work shirts, his church shirts, and more. If you are getting the idea that this was a man who loved to spend time working outside enjoying God's marvelous creation, you would be right! David also loved to laugh, to sing, and as a man of great faith, he loved to worship the Lord with great freedom and joy. And even though he was a talented builder of note (one of his homes graced the cover of <i>Coastal Living</i> magazine), an incredible and creative problem solver, who was pragmatic, thrifty, and resourceful, he could be tough, if he needed to be. Yet David Randell White was a man with a great sense of humor, who loved his wife and his family and his Lord above all else. In short, he had the heart of a teddy bear. So the Baby Sister took his favorite shirts and made them into bears.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">One son loved to fish with his Dad, so his bear was made from a shirt he had seen his father wear when they fished together. One of the granddaughters loved nothing better than watching "Pa" roping his cows, so she was given a bear made from a roping shirt complete with a pocket with snaps. There was a bear with a camouflage look made from a hunting shirt, a soft flannel shirt oft worn became another favored bear. And the list went on. No two were alike. My sister had a bear made for herself out of a church shirt because some of her favorite memories were of standing beside her husband as they worshipped the Lord together. One special touch is that there are bears set aside for grandchildren yet to be born. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> My sister's found a wonderful way to remember her husband. It's an idea that David would definitely appreciate. He would be glad that the shirts are no longer hanging unused in the closet!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> And from what I understand, on Christmas Day my sister's home was filled with lots of laughter coupled with the shedding of sweet tears. I'm pretty sure that was the case on both sides of heaven. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpaLAtwIgEHdzuOORf_IYbk2yeWhOrRIK2D11epO-AkK2J0IDFsrXlQBHDensZGAQsQ_QC7qNManasS2iKGD_pstzwNEjDm8WUeRLZr5fc9OcbVZIftPqPp42EwUbpmZ0SBy81ym55Rc/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpaLAtwIgEHdzuOORf_IYbk2yeWhOrRIK2D11epO-AkK2J0IDFsrXlQBHDensZGAQsQ_QC7qNManasS2iKGD_pstzwNEjDm8WUeRLZr5fc9OcbVZIftPqPp42EwUbpmZ0SBy81ym55Rc/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHsDZRFUfuOW1T7TMYRdNNR-VLuMXZg0Xrc1yE_o0VeNbZHmxXlxOgDAvP4RlJ7UIdbelUj6zzr3WIexgVPHaXxTP7l_zefqUYzvM4wh6Rv-6CUFMNTMYv6r_JOvIKg3e6BI99JEcvPA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHsDZRFUfuOW1T7TMYRdNNR-VLuMXZg0Xrc1yE_o0VeNbZHmxXlxOgDAvP4RlJ7UIdbelUj6zzr3WIexgVPHaXxTP7l_zefqUYzvM4wh6Rv-6CUFMNTMYv6r_JOvIKg3e6BI99JEcvPA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the tag that accompanied each bear. My sister designed it and included a very special scripture that meant a great deal to her and her husband.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7J0DvVoAukxqUkB9h9z0ke_JYDn3JamFHjS0ZoZ_A8EFavveu9X8r4MCCKjyF_fVbXfENB5WV9bIcgZ4BW9kCqnByQ9CCootHsiCT8CT2bH2CZI6iJRkGxTulwqwXh0Y_-g32IWhFAY/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7J0DvVoAukxqUkB9h9z0ke_JYDn3JamFHjS0ZoZ_A8EFavveu9X8r4MCCKjyF_fVbXfENB5WV9bIcgZ4BW9kCqnByQ9CCootHsiCT8CT2bH2CZI6iJRkGxTulwqwXh0Y_-g32IWhFAY/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's a simple gift. Nothing too fancy and nothing too fine. Just a bear made out of an old shirt that belonged to someone they loved. A sweet way of remembering, wouldn't you agree?The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-33200916611191672152014-01-20T15:51:00.000-06:002014-01-20T15:51:41.342-06:00The Big Reveal In the modern era, it is more common than not for couples to find out the gender of their baby before the birth occurs. It was not even an option for The Husband and me in three of my pregnancies and by the time we got to our fourth, we already had two boys and a girl, so finding out the sex of the baby beforehand was not of prime importance. In my own case, I can readily testify that learning whether you have given birth to a boy or girl at the moment of delivery is possibly the most wonderful surprise in life. However, today it seems that the vast majority of couples want to know ahead of time. And since technological advances have given us a window into the womb, if my children choose to find out the gender of their baby and are willing to share the news with us, then I am more than happy to forego the element of surprise.<br />
My eldest son and daughter-in-law planned a "gender reveal" for us the week before Christmas that proved to be a lot of fun. The plan was for both immediate families, his and hers, to gather at our house and enjoy a meal together. After the meal, my daughter-in-law promised that we would soon learn whether the grandbaby would be a boy or a girl.<br />
Here's how it played out. The two grandmothers had the honor of cutting the delicious homemade cake which contained a surprise. You can tell that we are just a wee bit excited.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b9bo7E1EKpmVXPwwy5HC-y0UEyF31KS-P3wIXmSRWTdD75JthNfvFzNpeGcIPQDPwJyNhwBI4z2to-nfcEmzmihMnqJes39rvDQnFOv2GOxWaRUDCUiF7uQuSYUOCFusB9-Lx1yxGWE/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b9bo7E1EKpmVXPwwy5HC-y0UEyF31KS-P3wIXmSRWTdD75JthNfvFzNpeGcIPQDPwJyNhwBI4z2to-nfcEmzmihMnqJes39rvDQnFOv2GOxWaRUDCUiF7uQuSYUOCFusB9-Lx1yxGWE/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those are the parents-to-be standing by to see our reaction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you are wondering, we can't really tell anything yet...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD8FOatMPLfh2wV9_CtXAvelF2Nhq1eRLTaYB19VV-EE2P_iy3jxHZubP-jv_UIZu8wdWnBdH7R4MTXrKaVpD3o33Xn7RofZWiBtii4SMO3Fa9JfXnlsMfxD0XPXSNzjKJplkjttd-1Q/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD8FOatMPLfh2wV9_CtXAvelF2Nhq1eRLTaYB19VV-EE2P_iy3jxHZubP-jv_UIZu8wdWnBdH7R4MTXrKaVpD3o33Xn7RofZWiBtii4SMO3Fa9JfXnlsMfxD0XPXSNzjKJplkjttd-1Q/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still in the dark here...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxvNOisu_GW1w_EPKa6FFouy0FM3c-68FvUdI0sgjgSz9LFr1_-O9eDjI8u-LT6h4YXFxioDbd9RlarKHu6Ax_kuv-40llxthHLO6SCDX1Kzw2VNzlBMvQbD9J4GkniLSD9KjZha_FXg/s1600/IMG_7046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxvNOisu_GW1w_EPKa6FFouy0FM3c-68FvUdI0sgjgSz9LFr1_-O9eDjI8u-LT6h4YXFxioDbd9RlarKHu6Ax_kuv-40llxthHLO6SCDX1Kzw2VNzlBMvQbD9J4GkniLSD9KjZha_FXg/s1600/IMG_7046.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you tell that the other grandmother has figured it out?! I love her joy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPw9RcEJKdoau-jFMdXacGMqj7J9g14tg-t2iZKaC1wttqG5KNempk8KYPaiNSqFftlhZOcVQC536gswZButrkCDL3NIxg5KKlU83j0kqAlHpqynIo_sA6G-WToFzKr0BDq65ZfkI_Ow/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPw9RcEJKdoau-jFMdXacGMqj7J9g14tg-t2iZKaC1wttqG5KNempk8KYPaiNSqFftlhZOcVQC536gswZButrkCDL3NIxg5KKlU83j0kqAlHpqynIo_sA6G-WToFzKr0BDq65ZfkI_Ow/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ahh...there is the proof. Our grandbaby will be a BOY!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am hoping that May will get here sooner than later. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't wait to meet this precious little one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteFGaoT0vFStN1Sy4Gx8lGrn_7VtW9L8-3wWPpozmc0PiE6b7vPTWJRJDoL77dGvEQHwcAw21zTkiVm1Omv5GQyLV5e1p-_MXmvBmiB4u8j60L8tkGgXJ1Xn6JgY6nG2Y9XKRc6N7hbE/s1600/IMG_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteFGaoT0vFStN1Sy4Gx8lGrn_7VtW9L8-3wWPpozmc0PiE6b7vPTWJRJDoL77dGvEQHwcAw21zTkiVm1Omv5GQyLV5e1p-_MXmvBmiB4u8j60L8tkGgXJ1Xn6JgY6nG2Y9XKRc6N7hbE/s1600/IMG_7039.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are also some other little people in our family </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who are eagerly awaiting the arrival </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of a new cousin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I think the biggest attraction that night was the idea of getting to eat some cake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvc9u_tD0IidQ9gLiJJ83oNP3hMCu30bFcoo4EaQryn1ITlK0o4ZNEdwsXQgQzM-xH5dr6Kqh8-VgspthmJf387Rk18ebKmn4JnzYMXowOhC-rnznoX1HtqjXQPPm6QPrsyxGOknL6XI/s1600/IMG_7042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvc9u_tD0IidQ9gLiJJ83oNP3hMCu30bFcoo4EaQryn1ITlK0o4ZNEdwsXQgQzM-xH5dr6Kqh8-VgspthmJf387Rk18ebKmn4JnzYMXowOhC-rnznoX1HtqjXQPPm6QPrsyxGOknL6XI/s1600/IMG_7042.JPG" height="337" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recapping the moment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnZ-LmMwQcbF582GLkRa7Zd4FzLI64sfmKoJ8UItg9Gbjk4Yw6EXEAUTyWlKewb65wzn9g3M8U-8GLhVviAbjDdDCEv0vKt1xJGk_RGR4shi_YUd6K05e_Gp_Kf3evEpriC3n_DC2b4o/s1600/IMG_7049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnZ-LmMwQcbF582GLkRa7Zd4FzLI64sfmKoJ8UItg9Gbjk4Yw6EXEAUTyWlKewb65wzn9g3M8U-8GLhVviAbjDdDCEv0vKt1xJGk_RGR4shi_YUd6K05e_Gp_Kf3evEpriC3n_DC2b4o/s1600/IMG_7049.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Momma-to-be with her Momma!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiXzrtGhHbZZDGWZ04hHWfqe_lh6vs-FLJWdVa5B5vZplOZ04U_jYp00e3zeJdBEPxqLwyNiTMR8L7-hrzwWN_VPO_PdCVIUsQaRTsyYhsMcy436EkqVIdtJfR4YSWMIwrqeoVTp8SR0/s1600/IMG_7050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiXzrtGhHbZZDGWZ04hHWfqe_lh6vs-FLJWdVa5B5vZplOZ04U_jYp00e3zeJdBEPxqLwyNiTMR8L7-hrzwWN_VPO_PdCVIUsQaRTsyYhsMcy436EkqVIdtJfR4YSWMIwrqeoVTp8SR0/s1600/IMG_7050.JPG" height="546" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The granddaddy-to-be and his girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHAX6yRMFwIBEzPdPiuiYc4gVgXU93mbF4PGPZcmIZ__EvsIITTGeDjzjGwtJMcJan6jilyD1fHf2RLznV-R0I0JHJJQfP4uYSxcR3K-X6N3u3iJ6pJnyR8RJNzDctFBQ87eP9SXKHOU/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHAX6yRMFwIBEzPdPiuiYc4gVgXU93mbF4PGPZcmIZ__EvsIITTGeDjzjGwtJMcJan6jilyD1fHf2RLznV-R0I0JHJJQfP4uYSxcR3K-X6N3u3iJ6pJnyR8RJNzDctFBQ87eP9SXKHOU/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Momma-to-be and her siblings!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtVwnI-3fuemg6OO7AdQBda7YIA0kcTg0tcqAzipulDFI_KqIUG0Teb1rG4Wc5g3czKktiF39NHQdgJV85X4NvGn6wS7DgvDH-N_CtcCZsESM1hJqme-LgD3iGBxS00lppbtNxtTjt2U/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtVwnI-3fuemg6OO7AdQBda7YIA0kcTg0tcqAzipulDFI_KqIUG0Teb1rG4Wc5g3czKktiF39NHQdgJV85X4NvGn6wS7DgvDH-N_CtcCZsESM1hJqme-LgD3iGBxS00lppbtNxtTjt2U/s1600/IMG_7063.JPG" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Daddy-to-be and his siblings sans one son-in-law...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwvhGY1WCTc_TMFJ16UCCBhJFUtzTTDri7A5e-r9j5XoLhFdObZCZa7fPZxa8dt_rWd6tWOYft42k9WqKR3BhUXg8nIWe5MbaQImTOjZDHs7Rol3KrSOcxVPliAGQD7cWdP1mIvPx7Y8/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwvhGY1WCTc_TMFJ16UCCBhJFUtzTTDri7A5e-r9j5XoLhFdObZCZa7fPZxa8dt_rWd6tWOYft42k9WqKR3BhUXg8nIWe5MbaQImTOjZDHs7Rol3KrSOcxVPliAGQD7cWdP1mIvPx7Y8/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
And finally, here's the lovely couple with both sets of grandparents!<br />
<br />
No matter the number of grandchildren, the joy is the same. Love has a marvelous<br />
way of multiplying itself like a cup running over with the addition to the family of each little one.<br />
We feel so very blessed.<br />
I am mindful of the scripture I prayed before this first-born son of ours came into the world,<br />
<i>For this child I prayed and the Lord hath granted me the petition</i><br />
<i>I made unto Him, therefore, as long as he lives, he shall be given unto the Lord.</i><br />
May it be so with the life of this little one.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-85650529643428640582014-01-11T19:15:00.000-06:002014-01-11T19:15:02.353-06:00Acts of Kindness A hospital is a study in contrasts. As a place of employment, it is a bustling place that never sleeps. While nighttime does bring an ebb and flow of sorts, the siren's wail, the beep and whir of endless machines, and the quiet voices of the nurses and technicians as they move about the hallways remind one that the business of caring for human life in its various stages forms the crux and the impetus for the hospital.<br />
The waiting rooms are filled with another kind of energy. The weariness on the faces of those who shift uncomfortably in already uncomfortable chairs does little to disguise the tension and emotion that simmer beneath the surface. When the phone rings and a volunteer announces a family, you can feel the room rise, shift, and settle much like a wave in a football stadium. Sometimes the waiting seems interminable and the passage of time moves at a snail's pace. I am glad that I am not there today. Waiting in a hospital can be a difficult thing. But not today; thankfully, not today.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Hospital hallway." src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ff/c1/d0/ffc1d0540ad78afd43ff4ed81bd4db9b.jpg" /><br />
Today I am thinking that I am especially thankful for the tender mercies and kindness of health professionals: physicians, nurses, technicians and volunteers...for care given that moves beyond competence to become compassion. For hands that move with skill coupled with gentleness. For the willingness to see each patient as an individual with unique and special attributes in addition to his or her medical needs. So often the medical issue seems to dominate, but the gifted health professional has the wisdom to see beyond the need of the person to the person with the need.<br />
I have spent some time in hospitals recently. Either as a patient myself or alongside someone who was receiving medical care. The kindness of those who care does make a difference. Today as I prayed, I found this meditation by Teresa of Avila tucked in a page in my Bible. I offer it to all those who labor in hospitals to make a difference in the life of someone in their care. May you be blessed in your endeavors.<br />
<br />
<i>May today there be peace within.</i><br />
<i>May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.</i><br />
<i>May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.</i><br />
<i>May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.</i><br />
<i>May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.</i><br />
<i>Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise</i><br />
<i>and love.</i><br />
<i>It is there for each and every one of you.</i><br />
Teresa of Avila<br />
<br />
<br />The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-83937221238512595042013-12-29T14:02:00.001-06:002013-12-29T14:02:34.611-06:00Christmas Treasures The best gifts of Christmas are those you treasure in your heart. It's the moment when a child comes into a room with wide eyes and the biggest grin you have ever seen as she spies the gifts awaiting her under the tree. It's the unexpected bear hug from a tall son who also stoops to whisper, "I love you, Momma," into your listening ear. It's the quiet hubbub of little voices rising and the mothers' gently shushing them as Pappy reads aloud the timeless Christmas Story from Luke 2. It's the laughter around the dinner table. It's the grandchildren peering through the staircase spindles where once your own children pressed their faces in nearly the same way. It's a granddaddy who rescues a squalling baby and whisks him away to a quiet room where it's just the two of them sharing a moment of precious peace.<br />
I count myself as one blessed woman. No Christmas is ever perfect, because we are an imperfect people in great need of that Holy One who came to earth on that fateful night so long ago. The real miracle of Christmas is not even the treasured memories we collect and carefully document in order to remember. It is undeserved grace poured out from heaven above. Grace for sinners such as you and I. It is a baby born to die. It is sins forgiven, negated, absolved and remembered no more. It is freedom. It is mercy that finds itself renewed every morning by the power of that majestic giver of all grace, Emmanuel, God With Us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready for the celebration.<br />
A lovely banner ordered <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GraciousBeeGreetings?ref=pr_shop_more">here</a> on Etsy and a caramel cake from the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
incomparable <a href="http://www.dessertdesignsbyleland.com/">Leland Riggin of Dessert Designs</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnQZtQyczsctY1-Ni_cwK1UlcT9PReRqIOl7f5NgoowbqBGyZvBNlZOjuvHI8VUPGnX0NBjlTItV_PyFNiNmIx48Ydoa8g3YQCjv8pD5K5K7vUL0GyEptVpRIj7YwRf1dAPEdYXesHbc/s1600/IMG_7078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnQZtQyczsctY1-Ni_cwK1UlcT9PReRqIOl7f5NgoowbqBGyZvBNlZOjuvHI8VUPGnX0NBjlTItV_PyFNiNmIx48Ydoa8g3YQCjv8pD5K5K7vUL0GyEptVpRIj7YwRf1dAPEdYXesHbc/s640/IMG_7078.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The calm before the storm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoC-WaudrWzUPX5Op0NWqBPz4FG1qoKSLtalPUWv7AfKPkpBMScc2DvWff0uiafUMm6ZTKSemBaXlk5Qgg59oy5pafL5b4F-K4-4xDIQ9WX3DKZ8TGAk8cKyCYTQwoCRXzOLagaXXOZs/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoC-WaudrWzUPX5Op0NWqBPz4FG1qoKSLtalPUWv7AfKPkpBMScc2DvWff0uiafUMm6ZTKSemBaXlk5Qgg59oy5pafL5b4F-K4-4xDIQ9WX3DKZ8TGAk8cKyCYTQwoCRXzOLagaXXOZs/s640/IMG_7077.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BvLIsFcXmU_NyvXrK30ExeCnYbYLRbbSAcB4-4pQ4HUDlt4JL1BR4gcO6MhVyeBWWGchZBUI1pgHh2QNCbv7pAYEatvUmUuvsiYJlD8cjob-NRgx77qYz9uKvxm7-fBBiY9BVqZRYQw/s1600/IMG_7082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BvLIsFcXmU_NyvXrK30ExeCnYbYLRbbSAcB4-4pQ4HUDlt4JL1BR4gcO6MhVyeBWWGchZBUI1pgHh2QNCbv7pAYEatvUmUuvsiYJlD8cjob-NRgx77qYz9uKvxm7-fBBiY9BVqZRYQw/s640/IMG_7082.JPG" width="518" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All set and ready to go</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDr9EX04f0zEMdfC0elTu6wB4B7Kwztd3iTeIPx7U_ZF1pm-9Q6ZX2jgkPhZauABjYhpsUz0lHrUMPPAh0xWthk1GDv9JRQFnV4zkf0daTSgF7to6b-Z7nzTaTXbaSPwuZq4lKvTI_eM/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDr9EX04f0zEMdfC0elTu6wB4B7Kwztd3iTeIPx7U_ZF1pm-9Q6ZX2jgkPhZauABjYhpsUz0lHrUMPPAh0xWthk1GDv9JRQFnV4zkf0daTSgF7to6b-Z7nzTaTXbaSPwuZq4lKvTI_eM/s640/IMG_7091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here they come</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoHM8qhLGDMeAVJc8jT72SWa9ed3YF4FLdHHvXQlK-mOyLLU0vi-tyUN48GfbIRaS6ZJba0o6GCCdYIFCePRBl3ehFg44ZaFeHcUajlk7RQbSkL0LkQ5zkNIN127JsC2sbGN36qP8HZw/s640/IMG_7143.JPG" width="454" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Say cheese, please!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqFpcHtYbuCcBO4AhcwhB0qgqWxHECcH3gqPn-ZPZYFWZp2EMJVy4i0dD7JoFRphsipA2hoXoe1IT3ESRWujmCnXm0CIvGSp3OOAZWLDaI_3zmekAKoGLASPUq2cymc5FDJG49xoIa_w/s1600/IMG_7139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqFpcHtYbuCcBO4AhcwhB0qgqWxHECcH3gqPn-ZPZYFWZp2EMJVy4i0dD7JoFRphsipA2hoXoe1IT3ESRWujmCnXm0CIvGSp3OOAZWLDaI_3zmekAKoGLASPUq2cymc5FDJG49xoIa_w/s640/IMG_7139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And what to my wondering eyes should appear...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOYTpwP0UNaErN1ebRXXTteys-WCqnWs_vUJb7K1cqojj8_ibhEsYsOWD9F7mzP-nVOLt-QT1nHmqYnB_C-af2enww57_K0sVneE3I9tbGdOHb-kkJ3-UWLSLHRC-MUP8VcWcYoll6ac/s1600/IMG_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOYTpwP0UNaErN1ebRXXTteys-WCqnWs_vUJb7K1cqojj8_ibhEsYsOWD9F7mzP-nVOLt-QT1nHmqYnB_C-af2enww57_K0sVneE3I9tbGdOHb-kkJ3-UWLSLHRC-MUP8VcWcYoll6ac/s640/IMG_7130.JPG" width="632" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYVsGpgxx-AZ-xEpFpOX8QQqY7aeT1BcZ6LmKNO3EiQvcXgyVJ1JhAQk55W4oqSdle7jolln_57v9sIHFXTQl4bsoj70qZbUrZEtPmeyMzMlHsOkDTs-3ch1z-hQsdBKXQnv_U4uZ-LE/s1600/IMG_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYVsGpgxx-AZ-xEpFpOX8QQqY7aeT1BcZ6LmKNO3EiQvcXgyVJ1JhAQk55W4oqSdle7jolln_57v9sIHFXTQl4bsoj70qZbUrZEtPmeyMzMlHsOkDTs-3ch1z-hQsdBKXQnv_U4uZ-LE/s640/IMG_7149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
"I don't know about you, but I am going straight for the glass slippers..."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBrCTZDAAUqlC1E9cWhYzm1A5Dqi5IjN6vYWYJb09Xu3ULdeJUhZK5PNGKfJypJeuVkhFyLHwxfX5D4SmDe1NKKjorE_N5yl-XM5g1cN888jakaG6xLoiSJyJBftWyVicBn6t2AFCLi0/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBrCTZDAAUqlC1E9cWhYzm1A5Dqi5IjN6vYWYJb09Xu3ULdeJUhZK5PNGKfJypJeuVkhFyLHwxfX5D4SmDe1NKKjorE_N5yl-XM5g1cN888jakaG6xLoiSJyJBftWyVicBn6t2AFCLi0/s640/IMG_7156.JPG" width="610" /></a></div>
Nonna and the boys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMQOYdLdwgXXKmPrhGEHB_JEnutd2qYZPHJAi8mfOE2ILY5PLLRMxJWzbkqqAmtsJ0EZ4bz1WMeXooPY0jtAQ7duV9ZYGFH47y-GXzt0OA54GwveSMzG0xPF-BGhu9xM9vUj3QRaeNv0/s1600/IMG_7178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMQOYdLdwgXXKmPrhGEHB_JEnutd2qYZPHJAi8mfOE2ILY5PLLRMxJWzbkqqAmtsJ0EZ4bz1WMeXooPY0jtAQ7duV9ZYGFH47y-GXzt0OA54GwveSMzG0xPF-BGhu9xM9vUj3QRaeNv0/s640/IMG_7178.JPG" width="388" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Things are getting crazy around here</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXm28sWafhQAtW4buHrzt2eFE_uiQvFLWq0NyrOweMdyDvnveNQJBgpQtUYYyk6Q3MtFAxJwegrS_Od7PxRc4MKoe9LlQJFZCTtzZNFV3I2sQW-HCdjN4QdolrrgcEpaBmnX2JzOAJxI/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXm28sWafhQAtW4buHrzt2eFE_uiQvFLWq0NyrOweMdyDvnveNQJBgpQtUYYyk6Q3MtFAxJwegrS_Od7PxRc4MKoe9LlQJFZCTtzZNFV3I2sQW-HCdjN4QdolrrgcEpaBmnX2JzOAJxI/s640/IMG_7155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The girls' sleeping bags are a great hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtNoJbPXjgpVzPF4R_mZraE9qBL1ZLOAbKMBdmYzzTk0N3mzOy2MD25a7KSYadXkBADXKtm5XwMu6xgoBOzlHdmsl_H5CmAZCEGKdsDPWeeqEvWH4eXh15nwGN3TEiGBSZkkQNEkQivI/s1600/IMG_7159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtNoJbPXjgpVzPF4R_mZraE9qBL1ZLOAbKMBdmYzzTk0N3mzOy2MD25a7KSYadXkBADXKtm5XwMu6xgoBOzlHdmsl_H5CmAZCEGKdsDPWeeqEvWH4eXh15nwGN3TEiGBSZkkQNEkQivI/s400/IMG_7159.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
Let's try them out in the teepee<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOspt7wRVDjh_6rGy7pr47NWyfVyzdnOxTI-Wh3nB-gjwXi9DvHVSrF9cS4QhbF0ml5G0HUrnlQ3_nDkgFHPzganwZ2qGdZNc7ayefpFYrRYqJPeWch9h9eXfnZ3jS5qtAGQlLo1_bWQ/s1600/IMG_7169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOspt7wRVDjh_6rGy7pr47NWyfVyzdnOxTI-Wh3nB-gjwXi9DvHVSrF9cS4QhbF0ml5G0HUrnlQ3_nDkgFHPzganwZ2qGdZNc7ayefpFYrRYqJPeWch9h9eXfnZ3jS5qtAGQlLo1_bWQ/s640/IMG_7169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Good idea<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJhuA4T3IpYr56Wy4Lfl-bcYmTM9bckDbac74J-JW0czVVaoXV_AzyPTV8kA-BkDZfyW7BuyhzTDpOhgJY3ikfcijq4lSYsNes0UP9MbMBEAZLG0VBZdJFUq-MlaHEJHPScUvzAdkv_0/s1600/IMG_7170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJhuA4T3IpYr56Wy4Lfl-bcYmTM9bckDbac74J-JW0czVVaoXV_AzyPTV8kA-BkDZfyW7BuyhzTDpOhgJY3ikfcijq4lSYsNes0UP9MbMBEAZLG0VBZdJFUq-MlaHEJHPScUvzAdkv_0/s640/IMG_7170.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
Brother wants to get in on the action.<br />
Note the matching socks. Not.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSu3dvW8Fmq_YYMYTYtli4BguRwdyRTE4CYBcRepd6tNdI6DAxDWJaWl-U4JaA3E4yg9VFJpaqWHRtDjwnd_S7VTzrm7BqCvPG4RC3zI5PeixybwQu3DtADSoVxNoQtXq0Wh9KYAa98E/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSu3dvW8Fmq_YYMYTYtli4BguRwdyRTE4CYBcRepd6tNdI6DAxDWJaWl-U4JaA3E4yg9VFJpaqWHRtDjwnd_S7VTzrm7BqCvPG4RC3zI5PeixybwQu3DtADSoVxNoQtXq0Wh9KYAa98E/s640/IMG_7174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This guy is happy happy happy with his new book</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8eO7xNdkC5QiUgn78D9FV7voBK-WImnEf4XtDdHHbeqIcjaWsWR2d3cRblwXg2gLDlmH1v3bL0gpPaB85fJEHH23Mvbf254LVGfADbCftqSD2_ZXjj3gQOR68TWt-wUg9IpRQ2GbCKY/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8eO7xNdkC5QiUgn78D9FV7voBK-WImnEf4XtDdHHbeqIcjaWsWR2d3cRblwXg2gLDlmH1v3bL0gpPaB85fJEHH23Mvbf254LVGfADbCftqSD2_ZXjj3gQOR68TWt-wUg9IpRQ2GbCKY/s640/IMG_7184.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothin' like a boy and his truck (and a few dinosaurs)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrOYANJ2ogZtcSscQcI3d75Ud8UDo31xC9rxnVI8QrVPAf3_G6o3Pp3i2JG5tVCyWPWMfcAxAu9Y_Xwsj0WX6i5cs97BDW4kQxKJAhmZ-n3wz0eOk1cqqCx6HdpSB8gdT4pFYIOT3BhQ/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrOYANJ2ogZtcSscQcI3d75Ud8UDo31xC9rxnVI8QrVPAf3_G6o3Pp3i2JG5tVCyWPWMfcAxAu9Y_Xwsj0WX6i5cs97BDW4kQxKJAhmZ-n3wz0eOk1cqqCx6HdpSB8gdT4pFYIOT3BhQ/s640/IMG_7186.JPG" width="536" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey, when do we eat? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Uncle Bear and I are getting hungry...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_K7Mx4jJ23GK8QNGyM1lnNzBJB3vHHYjuuKFEe6Ae7F0Zg8_RKour-5DxqW7Ce645ppoQ08ORo-YLoombmh_tRdz7_75-XuyB-rXArqVYEVvzGbiUjo2zCFHCe0yOBeFajYIFCAbQzaw/s1600/IMG_7208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_K7Mx4jJ23GK8QNGyM1lnNzBJB3vHHYjuuKFEe6Ae7F0Zg8_RKour-5DxqW7Ce645ppoQ08ORo-YLoombmh_tRdz7_75-XuyB-rXArqVYEVvzGbiUjo2zCFHCe0yOBeFajYIFCAbQzaw/s640/IMG_7208.JPG" width="544" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While no one is looking, I'm gonna finish up the last of this spinach dip...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ3yj7C3TwJFFKSCyAZHK4kNvYXRZsuxqwtDxkVrwGydzpnkm942J_tkf2rMqs6npdeZOgYIIlooKgB4htyQSF4NsBwh43fZdjXM4mX2l2VQTDhAvVoMdyZaNsO-P3x8AvBQSDXtHuuU/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ3yj7C3TwJFFKSCyAZHK4kNvYXRZsuxqwtDxkVrwGydzpnkm942J_tkf2rMqs6npdeZOgYIIlooKgB4htyQSF4NsBwh43fZdjXM4mX2l2VQTDhAvVoMdyZaNsO-P3x8AvBQSDXtHuuU/s400/IMG_7115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR4JqfKOfVG0seofL2LJ06Bi0y6jp_1B2FrGuvsXCTYu2Bw-hOV1-Y1BCP4Mxf1OVYmkVDarVaOIWxU36m9qo_VQu00yDVB_wlVc3Hsj0PdqMaxMXQ6TH2Ioiy51f7RHX0faYzEh2-ms/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR4JqfKOfVG0seofL2LJ06Bi0y6jp_1B2FrGuvsXCTYu2Bw-hOV1-Y1BCP4Mxf1OVYmkVDarVaOIWxU36m9qo_VQu00yDVB_wlVc3Hsj0PdqMaxMXQ6TH2Ioiy51f7RHX0faYzEh2-ms/s640/IMG_7213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The girls feel special at their own little table<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TtV57RpWVETxWB6F2N7Knk6zx_4Lk2fgTBXkMErHzAu8nRhY6_MVne8Q9Cr9kthHwCKseQVxQu76-Xo5vpgdLku17wUV3ihVwG4X6fGN5MHZtXOFhA8B2QyYJqjCJKtFxVMJGrRLRm0/s1600/IMG_7210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TtV57RpWVETxWB6F2N7Knk6zx_4Lk2fgTBXkMErHzAu8nRhY6_MVne8Q9Cr9kthHwCKseQVxQu76-Xo5vpgdLku17wUV3ihVwG4X6fGN5MHZtXOFhA8B2QyYJqjCJKtFxVMJGrRLRm0/s640/IMG_7210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And then it gets a little crazy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FOWIuvaFIcTGXYnHFv58zdyQWS21vylg0DiQH5fhhATM9k9EI8KNaPNRxB1PvFg2dXEGr-HrDlKEblMKG5MkQRGUfPa0AQoxA08Ps52rgS2m2UKZZvlSwxsPE9landEEs99V59iRqE4/s1600/IMG_7214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FOWIuvaFIcTGXYnHFv58zdyQWS21vylg0DiQH5fhhATM9k9EI8KNaPNRxB1PvFg2dXEGr-HrDlKEblMKG5MkQRGUfPa0AQoxA08Ps52rgS2m2UKZZvlSwxsPE9landEEs99V59iRqE4/s640/IMG_7214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The aftermath<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk17ghv6dkqnss7OX7A0WyGaEV2zpsrmBvvFkZza0lJjJdF1KXVyQiyhKNV0S0WHFyLwby7a1gDI1yb5lxFhPDsa-kxMVeiE5KAnHlPNCoaqxI7EHq-Rx3StOqCyJFO4UuMyTJl815Q0/s1600/IMG_7218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk17ghv6dkqnss7OX7A0WyGaEV2zpsrmBvvFkZza0lJjJdF1KXVyQiyhKNV0S0WHFyLwby7a1gDI1yb5lxFhPDsa-kxMVeiE5KAnHlPNCoaqxI7EHq-Rx3StOqCyJFO4UuMyTJl815Q0/s640/IMG_7218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Whew...now it's time to chill out, and let the food digest while the grandbabes watch a little Sound of Music<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB06Q9gnDOI0mKlGQzIm4JdurGdJG8zmFFC1RmMPk6a_E5IGhUirquSvv-G2CsON-N9Ia6w4oz4jzAI3frvesuI9611vBkvmqzfqAVcF6era9L28VhRxvkq3Ghp_WEAd5XgCK2BnPa1qE/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB06Q9gnDOI0mKlGQzIm4JdurGdJG8zmFFC1RmMPk6a_E5IGhUirquSvv-G2CsON-N9Ia6w4oz4jzAI3frvesuI9611vBkvmqzfqAVcF6era9L28VhRxvkq3Ghp_WEAd5XgCK2BnPa1qE/s640/IMG_7236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtcahMaUBav9Qkq6Y2eewUV9QsRTe4YKd4jhGAYHtcexUhqi9C6ntZDDH7fGJaiPJb2gWIRI32n-SCOzcwedMKKUcUsiJomXUpUsM9rmi3MR3oYFClqPAMAQXPHTCYFTTVtx8vG402FY/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtcahMaUBav9Qkq6Y2eewUV9QsRTe4YKd4jhGAYHtcexUhqi9C6ntZDDH7fGJaiPJb2gWIRI32n-SCOzcwedMKKUcUsiJomXUpUsM9rmi3MR3oYFClqPAMAQXPHTCYFTTVtx8vG402FY/s640/IMG_7242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57B7ZYZ4YNybKksGTgmM34zZWIDANiLCAEc3bXSbnQF7D4Lppt3cfHE6lRkhWlTQChtWyD1UNA6DS7ZSrKgfsEJZEKnieWHd3pZ4xdUzvrQpR6dBWjABCDKWLmIiMz9m5Am1jto-Jb00/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57B7ZYZ4YNybKksGTgmM34zZWIDANiLCAEc3bXSbnQF7D4Lppt3cfHE6lRkhWlTQChtWyD1UNA6DS7ZSrKgfsEJZEKnieWHd3pZ4xdUzvrQpR6dBWjABCDKWLmIiMz9m5Am1jto-Jb00/s640/IMG_7248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And the adults open their stockings...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw4P0XIQKGBPDUbk57DMnqnnFEEifLw3dKCOk6qq70dkGmCSQqQ5J_EHSuFyA7xIL8y5OrwvGvteQUKExPnBNGt5jp7hCwmPOyNUpBOOGcLlGFrjJbeQM9lxP6cOkGTpwaSEDq8qTjz8/s1600/IMG_7249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw4P0XIQKGBPDUbk57DMnqnnFEEifLw3dKCOk6qq70dkGmCSQqQ5J_EHSuFyA7xIL8y5OrwvGvteQUKExPnBNGt5jp7hCwmPOyNUpBOOGcLlGFrjJbeQM9lxP6cOkGTpwaSEDq8qTjz8/s640/IMG_7249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fqt4lScLwFMwc-5CgqyIFVuM-F5rFg0_iRja5jTbJEiLsr_KE4ywmKixPqFZCv6AC_DO_w6YIN3xA-gMm2wMjYm_zKSVGheJ-o_acov_VsbUCRvdKQuoL6EYurlDn_VqUgZIGecPqrQ/s1600/IMG_7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fqt4lScLwFMwc-5CgqyIFVuM-F5rFg0_iRja5jTbJEiLsr_KE4ywmKixPqFZCv6AC_DO_w6YIN3xA-gMm2wMjYm_zKSVGheJ-o_acov_VsbUCRvdKQuoL6EYurlDn_VqUgZIGecPqrQ/s640/IMG_7250.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Am I dreaming or is this room getting smaller<br />
and smaller and smaller?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIsMDZC13EYY0DHbv1GN0e8YjGtS5pZdXuhje0eIkpJtaWLYzpB8nDCK5cYiGaqk-6cDd8RkEqImH7TY7dHgBxq-6hjp_7OtWHAZyDhSplme_aw9VFt2A3NmlQXYS_ATpG6GNQu8o0Os/s1600/IMG_7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIsMDZC13EYY0DHbv1GN0e8YjGtS5pZdXuhje0eIkpJtaWLYzpB8nDCK5cYiGaqk-6cDd8RkEqImH7TY7dHgBxq-6hjp_7OtWHAZyDhSplme_aw9VFt2A3NmlQXYS_ATpG6GNQu8o0Os/s640/IMG_7252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Pappy has found the perfect quiet hideout...in the teepee...with the grandchildren!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBiB-1beEhz8evDsAc4eLDmJ8TngEPSbf5FXQ-naFit7WjeVUC1PUL0SZ-bPDSiud3cvUbFu4pZu4wtPAkoSJB5qjxhKt_sndJxJYnsvr7SZQ2v-u-8FzDlHIWuDhlGT42thzVcm-x70/s1600/IMG_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBiB-1beEhz8evDsAc4eLDmJ8TngEPSbf5FXQ-naFit7WjeVUC1PUL0SZ-bPDSiud3cvUbFu4pZu4wtPAkoSJB5qjxhKt_sndJxJYnsvr7SZQ2v-u-8FzDlHIWuDhlGT42thzVcm-x70/s640/IMG_7253.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Then it's time for everyone to head home and put their sleepyheads to bed.<br />
Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-20618276786210852562013-12-26T10:51:00.000-06:002013-12-26T16:36:59.540-06:00The Husband's Christmas Letter 2013 <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwyKwSiTLjyM6u9arhKBHVBMY6QjQXLXYZQAccF22yZiuyuyNtFP6N8p-Wwk211MDVcphM_dqbWXRhbrAU-U_Gasb7kK_Lbd8MfaAebO6X-e-mQZInr8FH2KK4oQR-XbYxJ-IRKyZxnk/s1600/Wise+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwyKwSiTLjyM6u9arhKBHVBMY6QjQXLXYZQAccF22yZiuyuyNtFP6N8p-Wwk211MDVcphM_dqbWXRhbrAU-U_Gasb7kK_Lbd8MfaAebO6X-e-mQZInr8FH2KK4oQR-XbYxJ-IRKyZxnk/s400/Wise+Men.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Husband works for an incredible organization, <a href="https://www.pnfp.com/">Pinnacle Bank</a>, that allows him the freedom to send his Christmas reflection to all 750 bank employees each year. It is a special gift that he does not take lightly. I look forward each year to reading what he has written. This letter really pierced my heart. Here is this year's letter sent the week before Christmas! Read it and you'll see why I love this man so much.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas Blessing 2013</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As we once again approach that joyful time of the year, Christmas, I want to challenge and encourage us to contemplate two aspects of this<span style="color: #1f497d;"> most </span>extraordinary day in the history of the world<span style="color: #1f497d;">. F</span>irst, I challenge you to really <span style="color: #1f497d;">ponder </span>why and how we celebrate Christmas and the indescribable joy which it should represent to us<span style="color: #1f497d;"> ,</span> and secondly, something upon which we rarely focus in our celebration – the three Wise Men and what they should represent to us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">With regards to this particular day</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">, to me unquestionably Christmas is the most important day in the history of the world and reflects the greatest news ever given to mankind. The baby’s birth in the manger was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy: Isaiah</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">9:6 – “ For us a child is born, to us a Son is given. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace “</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">and</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">to the shepherds in the field an angel proclaimed in Luke 2:9</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">: “I bring you good news of great</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. “</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Through this day, there are several poignant messages given which we should recognize and claim. First and most importantly – God</span><i style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> loves you</i><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">. This love He has for you encapsulates </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">His </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">nature</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">, </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">for in His very essence God is love. Secondly, God is </span><i style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">with you</i><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">: Jesus is actually named “Emmanuel” which means “God with us." Thirdly, God </span><i style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">is for you</i><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> – He wants you to succeed in the things that are truly important. He desires a vibrant relationship with you – If not, why would He have sent His Son to be with us </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">except </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">to relate with us – not to judge the world but instead to love it and save it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Let’s not forget the Prodigal Son story<span style="color: #1f497d;"> in which </span>the father runs out to greet the returning wayward son who had previously abandoned his family. THAT is the story of Christmas. It is the Father who runs to greet us in the form of a babe. The Bible clearly states that we were all destined for eternal death in sin but God did not turn His head on us, but instead sent His Son to be with us and ultimately to be the vehicle through whom we can be reunited with Him forever. Is there anything of greater value to be celebrated? Life is tough – in fact very tough. Our lives resonate with poor choices; friends disappointing us; family trials; divorce; business failures; debilitating health conditions; deep suffering, separation, and even death. At some point some or all of these are a part of each of our lives. HOWEVER, Christmas is that good news of great joy which is for everyone who chooses to accept the gift,<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>such that we have something of God's own eternal nature coupled with the power <span style="color: #1f497d;">of </span>a heartfelt joy which can supersede and even conquer the temporary circumstances which cause us great unhappiness and anxiety. <span style="color: #1f497d;">Through our Lord we now have access to</span> that peace which surpasses all understanding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">You see, a major part of the “Good News” of Christmas is that YOU matter to God. He knows everything about us – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and He still loves us. We are not an accident – He has a plan and purpose of life for each of us. Christmas is God’s chosen time. It is not about religion, for Jesus did not come to bring us a religion<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span> but instead He came to bring us a relationship – the opportunity to know Him; love Him; accept Him as Lord; and be forever reunited with Him. God sent Jesus to us as the most extraordinary gift possible so we could know what He is like. God did not want us to love him from a distance but instead desired to love us up close.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Now as to the Wise Men, far too infrequently do we place any <span style="color: #1f497d;">emphasis</span> upon them and scrutinize exactly who they <span style="color: #1f497d;">were </span> and why they are important to us. The Wise Men were part of a totally different culture. They are fascinating people. Certainly in the manger, they looked out of place with their fancy clothes and gifts. The Bible refers to them as “Magi” – quite wealthy and highly educated – a combination of philosophers, scientists, and astronomers. They were also seekers of the truth. In Matthew 2:2 they ask: “Where is the baby who was born to be the King of the Jews?” They wanted to worship Him. They were willing to go to any length to find Jesus – to come from the Far East to the Middle East in Bethlehem to find Him – to embark on a four to five month (or possibly longer) journey across a scorching hot desert to find Him. All the major religious leaders of the world were basically right there in Jerusalem<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span> only six miles from Bethlehem<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span> but none of them were seeking Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Can you imagine what it must have been like when the Magi first saw the baby Jesus? He looked to be just another baby in a dirty manger, yet they knew immediately that He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They experienced such depth of emotion that they stopped in awe and fell on their faces to worship Him. Also, remember what these Wise Men did next – they gave Him gifts as part of their worship – gifts representing their very best – gold; myrrh; and frankincense. They bowed down and gave Him their treasures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So the question for you and me is: “What will we give Him?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Will we give Him our trust? Will we give Him first place in our life so that nothing robs Him of that place? Will we look at those things which quite frankly represent idols disrupting our relationship with God? Will we give Him our Heart? In that most special place of our heart is what we love; what we most deeply value; those things about wh<span style="color: #1f497d;">ich </span>we care the most. Will we share our love for Him with others? Will we be seekers of Truth like the Wise Men? And most importantly<span style="color: #1f497d;">,</span> as with the Wise Men, will we give Him our best – not simply our leftovers but instead our very best? Do you ever contemplate that just maybe God wants a present from us? Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl so valuable that one would sell everything and anything to obtain it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So the difference in giving our present to God<span style="color: #1f497d;"> - </span> our most valuable treasure – our Heart – we immediately get something back in return even more valuable – what a deal!! The best ever of which I have heard!!<span style="color: #1f497d;"> We are never to be separated from Him.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So this December 25<sup>th</sup>, I wish for you a most special and blessed Christmas – knowing how much God loves you; how He is with you regardless of present, past, or future circumstances; how in His omnipresence and omniscience He is always watching you and always for you. I pray that we all will give Him our very best and most precious treasure such that we will enjoy Him, <span style="color: #1f497d;">not simply at Christmas, but </span>for all eternity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">MERRY CHRISTMAS!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ed White</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-32145793365783198192013-12-10T20:36:00.002-06:002013-12-10T20:36:24.539-06:00O'er Hill and Vale The first snow of the season. A mere dusting. Not enough to sneeze about except that the thin crust of ice on the roads at 6 am sent more than a few drivers slip-sliding over bridges and a semi or two bumping into those careening cars. It was won and done. School was out for the day.<br />
The Daughter lives in a neighborhood in East Nashville where neighbors holler out across porches, join each other for impromptu dinner parties, and know the vagaries of one another's lives. So today it was time to rally the kiddos and head out for the slopes. The slopes being the Shelby Golf Course, of course.<br />
Here's what happened along the way. No commentary necessary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtt3ynFfZ4CDouSPOiVP7YzSgCv3vaHkTInAd9SR2MdU49m3S51W-uTGDY0e9bbnbZaNZHZODlgvdhloj9oUg_LGASCi23wCrnv4hkvyydD1RevCG7B17zt503Nl1XdPeKZiNvSIk5c/s1600/Olivia+and+Eloise+Snow+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtt3ynFfZ4CDouSPOiVP7YzSgCv3vaHkTInAd9SR2MdU49m3S51W-uTGDY0e9bbnbZaNZHZODlgvdhloj9oUg_LGASCi23wCrnv4hkvyydD1RevCG7B17zt503Nl1XdPeKZiNvSIk5c/s400/Olivia+and+Eloise+Snow+Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrfZeHYyWLSGpJ2A80Oz4D-se5tXDa6HXrUn92ypslL5vYny6Hm2ABV9GQit9c1yoTYU_ijhXckDvPzK8ofi8oMlRY2seqwdZijqMTUBTr5nubITvsA_QUvVhC6mwd1r86nh7jJ43IyU/s1600/Shelby+Snow+Hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrfZeHYyWLSGpJ2A80Oz4D-se5tXDa6HXrUn92ypslL5vYny6Hm2ABV9GQit9c1yoTYU_ijhXckDvPzK8ofi8oMlRY2seqwdZijqMTUBTr5nubITvsA_QUvVhC6mwd1r86nh7jJ43IyU/s400/Shelby+Snow+Hills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKYTRjmubVGS9TbCo_Cre-dRrZFnojc4_mw4-fXS4YXet0kTVVn9WDar9o0qRvVEJIYIHzMcEnJWBMcTX6QLnnnuLxgDKrVCW4KeIJm82_FZnbhZFSxmfJhb0PhcdbggFr2KknqoaL2o/s1600/Weathers+Snow+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKYTRjmubVGS9TbCo_Cre-dRrZFnojc4_mw4-fXS4YXet0kTVVn9WDar9o0qRvVEJIYIHzMcEnJWBMcTX6QLnnnuLxgDKrVCW4KeIJm82_FZnbhZFSxmfJhb0PhcdbggFr2KknqoaL2o/s400/Weathers+Snow+Day.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfQjDQVer-eSvgOGTUfzUnI5ngSs0ePrt9oSuxlDsf0hKf6pUSuZ1FWgIHubBwetkkGq6rIhKmnmawA_iiy_6K9DUdqPD5amHGk-zOQ1tUN9A82-AHKIidIrXI72ERsb7fgm5xTyHfEo/s1600/The+Intrepid+Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfQjDQVer-eSvgOGTUfzUnI5ngSs0ePrt9oSuxlDsf0hKf6pUSuZ1FWgIHubBwetkkGq6rIhKmnmawA_iiy_6K9DUdqPD5amHGk-zOQ1tUN9A82-AHKIidIrXI72ERsb7fgm5xTyHfEo/s640/The+Intrepid+Trio.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL7UkhDrsOB2RaZsCr_ln1FX0BS-bLhINXlLVsn-U9hyphenhyphen50SrUNhXfq2DWhK7bNl4Nfar2lFm7xFf3hxJXmvhd61-m2S3KyiG5nlKXmvYljfeEORd8E4OHGaExbKYu3JSjT2e8p7Us_hw/s1600/Shelby+All+Fall+Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL7UkhDrsOB2RaZsCr_ln1FX0BS-bLhINXlLVsn-U9hyphenhyphen50SrUNhXfq2DWhK7bNl4Nfar2lFm7xFf3hxJXmvhd61-m2S3KyiG5nlKXmvYljfeEORd8E4OHGaExbKYu3JSjT2e8p7Us_hw/s640/Shelby+All+Fall+Down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23jIzFxWCKiYWnUNezVsOXmoai3NlnO9-vOhFYB5H36tNWkMCPJd1AQk-Ai-Pt1asEykOIqe9gmvqCREMoByIPK_TZqw95S3m3BTMccWFfXSuHIyY7d0GrTjhAP0F0wYdStbWbsS7gDo/s1600/Back+up+the+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23jIzFxWCKiYWnUNezVsOXmoai3NlnO9-vOhFYB5H36tNWkMCPJd1AQk-Ai-Pt1asEykOIqe9gmvqCREMoByIPK_TZqw95S3m3BTMccWFfXSuHIyY7d0GrTjhAP0F0wYdStbWbsS7gDo/s640/Back+up+the+hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUPm7VtgrWA_VBjokiKbjydWAnCFkxuImQ8UuaaB3e2SP9o8eTFQklUGmz2bsBd-8jTJRxbYGxiVZicW1RvkQUx5qJJQfsJHf6z_1iZMtlDOzgNmWFEG-283xfQ8FsH2qK8XRUkoY5Ng/s1600/Eloise+thinks+she's+10IMG_1467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUPm7VtgrWA_VBjokiKbjydWAnCFkxuImQ8UuaaB3e2SP9o8eTFQklUGmz2bsBd-8jTJRxbYGxiVZicW1RvkQUx5qJJQfsJHf6z_1iZMtlDOzgNmWFEG-283xfQ8FsH2qK8XRUkoY5Ng/s640/Eloise+thinks+she's+10IMG_1467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY0IFvc7mIHoZ-XWUWV_VcKn0tbXC23AIajjhqtQn2wCIirb4wBZHGDQlOtQ5PbT1oHgRXH1wqHa5Z6hxLJdQsmZ6JLERp8Uy5wD_VQA_iKltGiwLqCywpKkSAuE4O_-YhxwBuQbxXE0/s1600/It+pays+to+be+the+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY0IFvc7mIHoZ-XWUWV_VcKn0tbXC23AIajjhqtQn2wCIirb4wBZHGDQlOtQ5PbT1oHgRXH1wqHa5Z6hxLJdQsmZ6JLERp8Uy5wD_VQA_iKltGiwLqCywpKkSAuE4O_-YhxwBuQbxXE0/s640/It+pays+to+be+the+baby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-1396838110276681842013-12-09T20:21:00.000-06:002013-12-09T20:21:15.015-06:00Books Under the Christmas Tree I have the honor of having a personal acquaintance with a couple of authors and artists who have new works that have made their debut this fall. Any or all would be a wonderful gift for a special someone in your life.<br />
Without further ado, I am pleased to introduce you to a few of my friends:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdwDD_JhzgNlpJJEvd0npg3UzL6E5EqLfGc49zkK9cjVT6tEAwi_9berxvz9uisv4eIZbLedazhdWqTfKkdDPUarSe7BmIVddzQWqpzE79Z1nXDAD8010JZVFt6ADtulFm2b2MJv4gCY/s1600/Lisa+Patton+photo.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/AVvXsEhGdwDD_JhzgNlpJJEvd0npg3UzL6E5EqLfGc49zkK9cjVT6tEAwi_9berxvz9uisv4eIZbLedazhdWqTfKkdDPUarSe7BmIVddzQWqpzE79Z1nXDAD8010JZVFt6ADtulFm2b2MJv4gCY/s320/Lisa+Patton+photo.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
1. I wrote about the author Lisa Patton and a very special occasion in her life <a href="http://ifstonescouldtalk.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-unexpected-gift.html">here</a>. I am honored to count her as a close friend. Lisa is one of the most delightful women I know and has made quite a name for herself as a Southern writer, in addition to her other gifts. This last book, which boasts my favorite title to date, is the final installment in a trilogy, but don't worry...you don't have to have read all three to enjoy this marvelously well-crafted and engaging story. <b><i><a href="http://www.lisapatton.com/">Southern as a Second Language</a></i></b><i> </i>can certainly carry its own weight. I am happy that much beloved character Leelee is back in all her glory. She is a friend that will stay with you long after you have closed the pages of the book. She is delightfully and totally "Southern"... and this book is filled with the things that make Southerners endearing to many. Yet if you are looking for a perfect book to curl up in a corner with, a book that will bring you to laughter and tears, this is the one for you. Oh, and there is also a thread of suspense that pulls you in and along just like an undertow. You'll keep turning page after page just to find out what happens in the end. And if you are not Southern when you pick up the book, when you finish you are going to have a better understanding of the rest of us Southerners. You are also gonna wish you were one of our much vaunted tribe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPapMkNo3SUH3_mwA1v9k2OfFpPHBVIV3ZTu5LvTRcuFcToNDI2xQnIoO0Lg6iOr4Z7PbfmZmkOHoXfGb9TLr5_m015P8j1Zg0vfi9RpywPZCVw5RXqCTmBNgU55VH-3UfjTYZyqVQE2g/s1600/Southern+as+a+Second+Language+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPapMkNo3SUH3_mwA1v9k2OfFpPHBVIV3ZTu5LvTRcuFcToNDI2xQnIoO0Lg6iOr4Z7PbfmZmkOHoXfGb9TLr5_m015P8j1Zg0vfi9RpywPZCVw5RXqCTmBNgU55VH-3UfjTYZyqVQE2g/s640/Southern+as+a+Second+Language+Cover.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmah8XplbikjtD0IDt2-TUN0WXPxiJB7A6yp69NK81p3DL97f3M6aCE1lSzF7eKv6iM2ArXyZU-2JBoyA5VskfUM_XE2SfrdI8B98rQW6BAIeBkxRd-HMvhmYuPl7B5qeIz85nV7wbJE/s1600/REggie+and+a+patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmah8XplbikjtD0IDt2-TUN0WXPxiJB7A6yp69NK81p3DL97f3M6aCE1lSzF7eKv6iM2ArXyZU-2JBoyA5VskfUM_XE2SfrdI8B98rQW6BAIeBkxRd-HMvhmYuPl7B5qeIz85nV7wbJE/s1600/REggie+and+a+patient.jpg" /></a></div>
2. I have been in community with Reggie Anderson's' family for many years. His wife, Karen, and I are dear friends and we have prayed for one another and for each other's children. She is one of the most tender and wise women I know. I remember when her husband mentioned one evening at dinner that he had begun writing down the special experiences that he had had through the years with his patients who were close to death or dying. I was curious at the time, but forgot about the conversation for many months until Karen told me that Reggie had acquired an agent, met with several publishers and had signed the contract: the book was going to be published. I could hardly wait to open <b><i><a href="http://appointmentswithheaven.com/">Appointments with Heaven</a> </i></b>by Dr. Reggie Anderson. It is a deeply personal story and Reggie shares much about his Southern upbringing in a small town not far from Selma. Alabama. His walk with God is an integral part of the story, as is the story of how he met Karen and fell in love with her, but the treasure of the story lies in the way that God reveals himself over and over again in Reggie's life and in the lives of those he serves. If you want to be encouraged, about not just what lies ahead for believers, but what is ours for today, read this lovely gem of a book. It will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljBmHqHBCqr34nyClg0Pp8rYnRiB2hcHJjwAhHYI-pwXfsEVfaa4XWRu3_dXOhz9GOg1MtclYyZxN9CnBaPgFegUfT6vVZq8EiUnLdcD5gP-A1AYcPPw6LriHmYoZOOuvWGzsXb3vTFc/s1600/appointments_with_heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljBmHqHBCqr34nyClg0Pp8rYnRiB2hcHJjwAhHYI-pwXfsEVfaa4XWRu3_dXOhz9GOg1MtclYyZxN9CnBaPgFegUfT6vVZq8EiUnLdcD5gP-A1AYcPPw6LriHmYoZOOuvWGzsXb3vTFc/s640/appointments_with_heaven.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgHNBPrnlzduDdBcJMx7W9n7p6VjupYxMFi1_4snSXk8yQjGXQ7f32m8m1R7ha-flLHQMAubmitZWBYvOoMHLYF9oVAhwEcn_92OE2Rdpi4sF74U-8q6BRs46Zx5O8m-ATgVmu1xVlGE/s1600/Ashley+Cleveland+singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgHNBPrnlzduDdBcJMx7W9n7p6VjupYxMFi1_4snSXk8yQjGXQ7f32m8m1R7ha-flLHQMAubmitZWBYvOoMHLYF9oVAhwEcn_92OE2Rdpi4sF74U-8q6BRs46Zx5O8m-ATgVmu1xVlGE/s1600/Ashley+Cleveland+singing.jpg" /></a>3. Singer/songwriter Ashley Cleveland has the gravelly power house voice of a rock-and-roller. Think Janis Joplin in her prime. Yet the woman can belt gospel with the likes of Mahalia Jackson. When she performs this woman is a combustible force onstage, and with three Grammy's to her credit, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her voice, if anything, has become more powerful and angst-filled as she has aged. This is not a vocal artist who will lull you to sleep. My life connected with Ashley's when she had just moved to Nashville and had begun attending the same church as I. Our daughters were the same age and in the same small school. She and I also were part of the same small women's Bible study group. After I heard her sing, I always wondered why she had not hit the "big-time" as the world knows it. She seemed immensely more talented that other artists who were singing in the same genre. I'm still puzzling over that one. But enough about the music and onto the book. It's a fairly slim volume but like the woman who wrote it, it conveys powerful truth. This is not a story for cowards. This is a book about the childhood roots of adult addiction, redemptive grace and the love of God for broken people. If you can identify with any of these, this book will carry a ring of truth. Ashley is fearless. She leaves no holds barred in her autobiographical work, <b><i><a href="http://ashleycleveland.com/little-black-sheep-a-memoir">Little Black Sheep</a>.</i></b> If you want the truth about how hard life can be, and how powerful and good God is, read this story. It will be freeing for your soul, and keep you searching for more. Trust me when I say that this is a uniquely Southern voice that must be heard.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/files/2013/09/Ashley-Cleveland-Little-Black-Sheep-cover.jpg" width="424" /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-89813622411176486272013-12-09T07:42:00.002-06:002013-12-09T07:42:47.300-06:00Diary of My Second Knee Replacement Yep. I just had my right knee replaced. Eighteen months or so ago, I replaced my left knee (and six years I replaced my right hip). In case you are wondering I am planning on giving Lee Majors and Lyndsay Wagner a run for their money. Not that you would know that to look at me. However, I digress. Back to my knee. My First Knee is currently very happy and doing her job, this new knee is not so sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAcHyr3FWLJC977jOBXwVYWJiZha7qmdsC8gbnietBGOtiAx5-de3l33SpPlN6xpYEfywXm4fD4O_NBHDFrYobSgTDzyNFbN3ffg5IiOD5nnt1Lhpk2tiDDjm5YcfNQCZvAERbrQKp-U/s1600/total-knee-replacement-surgery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAcHyr3FWLJC977jOBXwVYWJiZha7qmdsC8gbnietBGOtiAx5-de3l33SpPlN6xpYEfywXm4fD4O_NBHDFrYobSgTDzyNFbN3ffg5IiOD5nnt1Lhpk2tiDDjm5YcfNQCZvAERbrQKp-U/s320/total-knee-replacement-surgery1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cute isn't it...<br />
<br />
I am now on Day 10 of my recovery. I am going to try to give you the run-down to date of what has been happening thus far. Warning: this could definitely boring for those of you who do not have or are not contemplating the addition of artificial joints to your life. So feel free to move on whenever you can't take it anymore!<br />
<br />
Some things to keep in mind as you read this: I was definitely not overconfident going into this knee surgery; in fact, truth be told, I was dreading it and had waited as long as possible to schedule it before year end, but I believed I was emotionally prepared to handle the recovery process. I was not. In fact, this knee replacement has thrown me for a loop! Why, you ask? The pain. The pain. The Pain. Are you getting my drift? This knee replacement is totally different from what I experienced before. Sadly, my recovery thus far has seemingly been defined by said pain. I don't want to scare anyone off, I am just trying to be truthful. Stay with me, because I am confident that the picture will change and the pain will no longer dominate my life. I am on that pivot point. I can feel it.<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-Op</b><br />
My surgery group,<a href="http://www.sjri.com/"> Southern Joint Replacement Institute</a>, is the best in the Southeast. They are amazing and have a tried and true protocol both for surgery and for the rehab that is phenomenal. I know. I've benefited from it three times. Before I had my first hip surgery and then again before my first knee surgery, I investigated all of the local doctors that conduct these respective surgeries, and I could not find anyone else who offered the comprehensive level of services that SJRI does.<br />
After you meet with your surgeon and determine that the joint replacement surgery is a go, several things happen. You meet with the Surgery Scheduler (Susie Ashley, in my case) and she gives you a date for your surgery (you won't be given the time because that is set the week before with Susie and the Dr.); Susie also gives you a time to come to a Joint Replacement Class, an appointment for a blood draw, an appointment with a hospitalist for a physical check-up, and a time for an evaluation by a physical therapist You feel a little like you are going back to school. You are.<br />
At your joint class, you will be given a notebook. Then you know that this was not an illusion, you really are going back to school. Definitely take the time to read it cover to cover. But do not obsess over the contents. There are no tests. You will just need to be aware of the fact that for the six weeks after your surgery, your life will not be your own. It will almost totally be controlled by that lovely metal and plastic artificial joint that your surgeon has implanted in your knee. It is calling the shots. Trust me on this!<br />
Six weeks. Get a calendar and mark it off. Make sure that you do not plan anything of any consequence (for example: Thanksgiving or Christmas-- two holidays that fell during my recovery period.) or you will regret it. I will tell you when I get through this, if my timing was as bad an idea as I think it was and is. But I am not there yet. I am in the middle of it!<br />
I'll be back at some point with info on the hospital stay. Headed off for a required (in my book) afternoon nap!<br />
<br />The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-66396808818874400002013-11-25T18:40:00.001-06:002013-11-25T18:40:27.150-06:00Happy Thanksgiving to the Best Gift and the Best Giver of Good Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO4VVcvprqKmMqXLa1cFRkbMCBBpRc7iwzRo4mmpG5CK9GF2W31IkHuDpdVbPlckVXDTJ8zbUtbpfRsliE7H7u4931MP_ESWmP_mU5C5z9eBoy2zWtU8NAG3EC4C2izyMZdA55B8DI_pX/s1600/heart+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO4VVcvprqKmMqXLa1cFRkbMCBBpRc7iwzRo4mmpG5CK9GF2W31IkHuDpdVbPlckVXDTJ8zbUtbpfRsliE7H7u4931MP_ESWmP_mU5C5z9eBoy2zWtU8NAG3EC4C2izyMZdA55B8DI_pX/s320/heart+gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i> </i>I learned a long time ago that I talk too much. It started with the report card in second grade that was marked with the telltale notation: <i>Talks when she should be listening</i>. In other years the report card had a little blank for the teacher to fill in that said "<i>Needs to work on: </i><u><i>fill-in-the-blank</i> </u> and you guessed it, my blank usually said "talking." In fifth grade my teacher was Mrs. Mary Evelyn Clark whom I managed to adore despite the fact that she wrote on my grade report the words I could no longer ignore: <i>Talks excessively</i>. How embarrassing. And how true.<br />
It therefore stands to reason that my relationship with God has been governed, to a great degree, by the same struggle. I have never really had any problem talking to God. I have always been a pour out your heart and bore you with the details kind of girl. I figured that God could wade through the junk to get to the real issues a lot faster than I could, so prayer for me was a lot of prattling, some crying, some more prattling, accompanied by some more crying...I think you get the idea.<br />
And every year when Christmas or a friend or family member's birthday rolled around, I would get nervous. My budget was usually limited and my vision of what I would like to give was almost always limited as well. After years of purchasing things that left me feeling miserable and frustrated, I finally broke down and sent up a fully signed and endorsed (by me) petition to God regarding the whole gift-giving thing. It came in the form of a surrender. I raised the white flag, climbed down on my knees and said the big word, "H-E-L-P." And then I waited. That's really part of the miracle. That I waited. That I did not, once again, bombard the Holy One with details and instructions and requests. I waited. I know He heard me. He always did. The problem was that I almost always did not take the time to hear Him. I waited some more. I remember exactly where I was when this lengthy quiet exchange occurred. I was lying underneath the dining room table in our house in Temple Hills. It was my "prayer closet." Not a one of my four children ever thought to look for me there, so it was my private place where God and I worked a lot of things out (usually with me doing most of the talking).<br />
I waited a long time. I am sure (knowing me like I do) that I probably grew impatient. After what seemed like FOREVER, I heard these words spoken to my soul, "If you LISTEN, I will show you what and how to give." Wow. That doesn't sound like rocket science to some of you, but it was revelation pure and simple to me. "If you LISTEN....." What a novel idea. But I had no idea how to LISTEN to God. I had always been too busy talking.<br />
I could write not just a blogpost, but a whole book about the process God took me through to teach me how to listen, however I have to work around to my point sooner rather than later. Thankfully, I did (despite my sin, my stubbornness, and my unquenchable desire to have my own way) learn to listen. And let me tell you, when I have actually listened and heard and obeyed (gosh, I hate that word), I can always...not sometimes, but ALWAYS tell by what happens that God was and is right on target. For the most part, gift-giving is so different now. Please don't think I am some holier-than-thou amazing gift-giver because God will surely humble me as soon as I write this post...and I will be the person who gives you the gift that makes you roll your eyes, shrug your shoulders in disgust, and scurry to the store to return it as soon as possible. However, I want to go on the record to say that when I listen, He is faithful. In things great and small. If I have learned anything in these nearly sixty years, it is to give all the credit where credit is due.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqorVp1HcqGWuj9Sv413f72PMju9MvkMuNE9aL9gYs_EiW4K4n2AY0rg2NSCJ_1GOf4yWzrOQ_U8XDZmGuhE6nSU2Jc_UxERCM7tMvMnGa0U02PSaP-FdeJZ8n28413tXyOqU_8W8oSer1/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqorVp1HcqGWuj9Sv413f72PMju9MvkMuNE9aL9gYs_EiW4K4n2AY0rg2NSCJ_1GOf4yWzrOQ_U8XDZmGuhE6nSU2Jc_UxERCM7tMvMnGa0U02PSaP-FdeJZ8n28413tXyOqU_8W8oSer1/s320/candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So Happy Thanksgiving God! You are the BEST gift and the best giver of all time! You really do give amazingly good gifts to your children. The list is so long I can't really do much except hit a few high points: You have given us the gift of salvation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift of your Word, and the unbelievable gift of yourself. You are a giver through and through. I will unashamedly take all that you have offered. I thank you for giving me grace and mercy when I deserve the opposite. These gifts of yours are what get me through each day. Your grace is also what helps me to understand the price you had to pay to give me a life with you. A price so great I can scarcely comprehend it. I know that you have told me that I will be your daughter forever. I am counting on it and am thankful for this incredible gift of adoption. I also thank you for the grace, mercy, and love that were poured out on calvary. I have still got so much to learn from you. But I love listening to you almost as much as I love talking to you. And you and I know that is saying a lot. So I am here. Talking as usual. I need to go sit in your presence, not asking you for anything. Just rejoicing that I am your child and am always welcome.<br />
Just sitting.<br />
Just waiting.<br />
Exhaling.<br />
Inhaling.<br />
Thankful.<br />
Incredibly blessed.<br />
Yours.<br />
Sigh.The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-73983073777807218422013-11-24T18:01:00.000-06:002013-11-24T18:01:05.710-06:00Taking a Break<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It began with a crashing computer. The one with all of my photographs on it. Then one excuse began piling up after another. My stress level kept rising. I could not organize my thoughts or anything else, for that matter. So after much angst, I gave myself permission to take a break from blogging. Something that is supposed to be fun and therapeutic had ended up becoming a burden. Not a good idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am back today with a repost of a very special Christmas blessing that has a place of honor in our home each and every year. I just put this treasure out today. I know. It's the week before Thanksgiving. And here I am decorating for Christmas. But I have a good excuse. A really good excuse. I am having my right knee replaced the day before Thanksgiving. So unless I decorate today and tomorrow, the Christmas decor will pretty much be nonexistent. Thus...I have been dragging out my treasures and putting them out...smiling all the way. It's been a delightful day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I do hope to update you all on my knee replacement (this is my third joint to be replaced.) It's not exactly something to which I am looking forward, but it is something that I most definitely need to do. Look for me later. I will be the one in the hideous white TED hose that will carry me right through Christmas. Maybe I'll just pretend to be a snow bunny this year...right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> During the first twenty-five years of our marriage, it became a tradition for me to purchase something reminiscent of the nativity as a part of the Christmas gift The Husband and I gave to one another. Thus it is that our home at Christmas is filled with creches. When Christmas is over, I don't even put them all away. Some of them remain in place throughout the year as a perpetual reminder of the "Gift" they represent. Some are ornaments that hang upon the tree; others are fashioned of wood, ceramic, or clay, and one set is made entirely of felt. It is just perfect for little grandbaby hands to hold and to move and to place just so over and over again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">However, the favorite of all of my creches is a very humble nativity, one that is not likely to attract a second glance unless you know the story behind it. Despite its lack of supposed beauty, it has a place of prominence in our home: it has its home on the entry hall table to greet guests when they come in the door. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> The base is a slab of unfired clay made by one of my children. There are little figures crafted by another of my children, where once there were four figures, only three have stood the test of time. Sadly, Joseph has completely disintegrated. The figures are accompanied by a hand-lettered banner made by yet another child and finished off with a clay plaque by the last of my children. Thus, this beloved nativity represents the collective efforts of all four of our offspring. It was not planned this way, but I am convinced it was a gracious coincidence guided by a heavenly hand.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii6VZrIKsWQ2WrA2ns85jXIdRFguXuYZoL_9gGlGgp_ZkiXOodabE_qIkaGdPRqK7DGicGeQx_TXrJqRRx_Z2Ly-i07jdyyC3WzrnlB3lnoS1FuBcELfb4nri8BWG_LluqxsUWTEq09g/s1600/Christmas+Creche.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii6VZrIKsWQ2WrA2ns85jXIdRFguXuYZoL_9gGlGgp_ZkiXOodabE_qIkaGdPRqK7DGicGeQx_TXrJqRRx_Z2Ly-i07jdyyC3WzrnlB3lnoS1FuBcELfb4nri8BWG_LluqxsUWTEq09g/s640/Christmas+Creche.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> The banner is twenty-three years old. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the "</span><i style="line-height: 20px;">Goly to God</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> in the highest..." </span><i style="line-height: 20px;">Goly</i><span style="line-height: 20px;"> was a first grader's way of writing "Glory," but I am sure that God understood exactly what this child of mine was trying to say. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> Another child lovingly crafted the base which originally was shaped more like a cave and had an overhanging top that has long since broken off. It holds the three figures (there were once four). There is Mary; she is the figure on the right bending over the tiny figure resting on a bed of clay. It is Baby Jesus but his head is no longer attached to his body and must be carefully positioned or it will roll off on its own. To the right of Jesus and Mary is a lion, crouching in the snow. When the son who made the figures came home with this nativity with the lion, I had the audacity to ask him, "A lion?" (I am thinking a cow or sheep might have been more appropriate, but mothers should learn early never to ask children questions like this, unless they want to immediately be put in their place. I will never forget that he looked at me with something akin to disdain as he said, "Of course, Mommy, don't you know that the lion goes with the lamb?" And so it does. I cried. He patted me. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> The Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God...they go together, do they not, and indeed, are they not one and the same? Yes, some of the most profound truths come out of the mouth of babes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> The final complement to this treasured creche is the little clay plaque in the back:.You can barely read it, but in case you can't, I'll tell you: It says, "Jesus I Love You." It was originally supposed to be a cross, an Easter decoration, but when this child brought it home he told me,"I couldn't do the cross, Mommy, I wrote Jesus a letter instead. I thought He might like it better than the cross. I wanted to tell Him thank you." I cried again. He said, "I want it to go with the manger." It was springtime so I asked again, "Do you want me to put it out with the Easter things?" He shook his head firmly. "No, this cross is a letter, and it goes with the manger." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> How could it be that a child understood something so deep, so powerful, so profound? How could he grasp at the age of five, the very essence of the cross? How could he know that the cross, the terrible, wondrous cross, is also a letter, an I-love-you letter from a Holy God to His beloved, yet sinful people. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> So you see perhaps why this tiny fragile nativity holds a place so dear to this mother's heart. Each child of mine made his or her contribution, unplanned and unscripted over the course of many years to make it complete. There is a Banner of Love (<i>Goly to God</i>...). A little cave to cradle the Holy Family. A lion to stand guard and to lie down with the lamb. And finally, a love letter that would and should have been a cross, except that a little boy wanted so much to write this letter to say thank you to Jesus for the cross. And the child knew intuitively that this was no ordinary baby, this was a baby born to die to save us from our sins. Christmas irrevocably linked to Easter. It is no accident that we must become as little children, is it? And once again, I cry, "Lord help my unbelief. Help each of us to believe with the wonder and the certain faith of a child."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> It is my Advent song this year...starting with the Week of Thanksgiving.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><i>from the archives</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span>The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-83862954895225813562013-10-17T08:55:00.002-05:002013-10-17T08:55:24.061-05:00Beauty Everywhere It was a day like no other. The weather was nothing short of perfect. Brilliant sunshine. A cool but gentle tree-ruffling breeze. Temperatures in the sixties. The hint of fall in the air. Lots of golden afternoon light bathing everything in its warm glow. I know that I was not alone in thinking that heaven itself had bent low to create a magnificent day for this special Bride and Groom. There was beauty everywhere you turned. And none more lovely than the radiance of the Bride and Groom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1hzG2493EaFTOI7XqVkucLNO_cj9MSxyHDdCB2K0XYbap6JNZn9SaK2xSwI3twjITvyShRnYxIdv2Tgc_lJaLGhiEosfPQYQheb3xSp2FxISF8jN5IfdDBs46cqCnGzXZfI7vBsMacc/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1hzG2493EaFTOI7XqVkucLNO_cj9MSxyHDdCB2K0XYbap6JNZn9SaK2xSwI3twjITvyShRnYxIdv2Tgc_lJaLGhiEosfPQYQheb3xSp2FxISF8jN5IfdDBs46cqCnGzXZfI7vBsMacc/s640/IMG_6669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3gULfAk1z67wkAOkst8IP0jqkpltm24sSie0be1tSuvqYZ_yBk02p_teq_vOVnUvLIKp7AOHHdNzwK1vdLmXxLhnHJSqFSlOdtFKC-E2EhKPPtadrVWKhfXsUX8l_HsAc7TCkJ3-vwQ/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3gULfAk1z67wkAOkst8IP0jqkpltm24sSie0be1tSuvqYZ_yBk02p_teq_vOVnUvLIKp7AOHHdNzwK1vdLmXxLhnHJSqFSlOdtFKC-E2EhKPPtadrVWKhfXsUX8l_HsAc7TCkJ3-vwQ/s640/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP4LBGbgdZJy7WtpnJJJy6jw0xLulBpBiL61bW01EjafJ-vcx6mAM9GKMc5C6zTzbn3Oo1uHgRgswk4XcYXgsqFg88fn2Oj6ZNM1I9BYcSWkrerX3iNpbglIGaVY4EVEmUmI1BiyQHsg/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP4LBGbgdZJy7WtpnJJJy6jw0xLulBpBiL61bW01EjafJ-vcx6mAM9GKMc5C6zTzbn3Oo1uHgRgswk4XcYXgsqFg88fn2Oj6ZNM1I9BYcSWkrerX3iNpbglIGaVY4EVEmUmI1BiyQHsg/s640/IMG_6612.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrefbLhGz1Zuw3fUh0EkWVA-rT1B-HXAFPzKDFfaavwlni0Wctt3VceliLFw-KdsP_r-JO1iK1iwsWmSZQ4aOop_rznaW_MkEpJWr_zQlY5kIy9_8H42-vuiKM1g1B3TRMPaLHp7hq9g/s1600/IMG_6599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrefbLhGz1Zuw3fUh0EkWVA-rT1B-HXAFPzKDFfaavwlni0Wctt3VceliLFw-KdsP_r-JO1iK1iwsWmSZQ4aOop_rznaW_MkEpJWr_zQlY5kIy9_8H42-vuiKM1g1B3TRMPaLHp7hq9g/s640/IMG_6599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is obvious from these photographs that I am not a professional photographer. Below you can see the real photographer at work doing what she does best...capturing those special moments. I stayed out of the way but managed to get some sweet moments between the Bride and Groom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKBcJjEY3FKItOwjXuMR_3CMPzMZHhSe6l2t-7wCcU_2Lw_VQsx178hP-Nn3eAiwyy2bnut5nxNBOOwK-nUI_lcYwG3-1zCLMjdlnSIe1IRmgqubyQlHhl_1Vyr6E1R65FoxczB0eNjo/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKBcJjEY3FKItOwjXuMR_3CMPzMZHhSe6l2t-7wCcU_2Lw_VQsx178hP-Nn3eAiwyy2bnut5nxNBOOwK-nUI_lcYwG3-1zCLMjdlnSIe1IRmgqubyQlHhl_1Vyr6E1R65FoxczB0eNjo/s640/IMG_6601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who doesn't love the way that a Bride and Groom look at each other?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1xMcFSQ4uHcRrvA7wzqgE1IiHfRv5NCMz2JzZ1wEc913Er4Dht0OTVc67V_68rOpTag15JuYf6idGhDsLsV-tgRv7NTX6YnjUnc4co0B1L18TRXD3q0jKc6GlVC7qOUIBlnGWc82qmM/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1xMcFSQ4uHcRrvA7wzqgE1IiHfRv5NCMz2JzZ1wEc913Er4Dht0OTVc67V_68rOpTag15JuYf6idGhDsLsV-tgRv7NTX6YnjUnc4co0B1L18TRXD3q0jKc6GlVC7qOUIBlnGWc82qmM/s640/IMG_6617.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ZDTcx0cV1apH9Tdog6NmKJADj9OG7C8SWobKeIvIMv6Ss3Zt9E4y-05pHIDVzz_82g2DfWIiqVvfjPF35g4GfgkcgAbk2UxaBoPh-w02FQL_X_yeGOQK-aqJSlvPirFQHvXByTVEsE/s1600/IMG_6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ZDTcx0cV1apH9Tdog6NmKJADj9OG7C8SWobKeIvIMv6Ss3Zt9E4y-05pHIDVzz_82g2DfWIiqVvfjPF35g4GfgkcgAbk2UxaBoPh-w02FQL_X_yeGOQK-aqJSlvPirFQHvXByTVEsE/s640/IMG_6608.JPG" width="556" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96Xg-1etMWUUCJibCbHwmz6E90Cz0anpAamNniGJC55ugbxl7yKTpuZM6UwuTzG2Q2tPRdnn6g8GPgGmecJdInrxnxZeJA2M09t9QrwB15gAEKtCI27YdmfTBY0-FajMI33VIBxB7DSI/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96Xg-1etMWUUCJibCbHwmz6E90Cz0anpAamNniGJC55ugbxl7yKTpuZM6UwuTzG2Q2tPRdnn6g8GPgGmecJdInrxnxZeJA2M09t9QrwB15gAEKtCI27YdmfTBY0-FajMI33VIBxB7DSI/s640/IMG_6604.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTwCuxKxENqL8Uo9sZR9VvSahGdBqTABGfB7cAuxtAkWX4YYROMUVCmyj8RCH594J_robb8fMSf3_DCUHHX4GdWc0Zwk1FrE1QcwclaDCcFAK2_glkSEmHbKverGuinF-BrTTWaC0e2M/s1600/IMG_6616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTwCuxKxENqL8Uo9sZR9VvSahGdBqTABGfB7cAuxtAkWX4YYROMUVCmyj8RCH594J_robb8fMSf3_DCUHHX4GdWc0Zwk1FrE1QcwclaDCcFAK2_glkSEmHbKverGuinF-BrTTWaC0e2M/s640/IMG_6616.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_YzoKgZFm4BGL9ZtMP2820gXANhZbfPGvLbL_8cigysfwJt3UKPCA6Naj1TYFTvf0MmsGQg-OGbczLuMtWn1hktTKU7JRX_SRi5TihhDug11sbnbeLpEP2uVm0npTpA4dI8s7-Q_akE/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_YzoKgZFm4BGL9ZtMP2820gXANhZbfPGvLbL_8cigysfwJt3UKPCA6Naj1TYFTvf0MmsGQg-OGbczLuMtWn1hktTKU7JRX_SRi5TihhDug11sbnbeLpEP2uVm0npTpA4dI8s7-Q_akE/s640/IMG_6644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UIBeWmU8OeP2ngDs3igQzU0bmsw5eJ01dcw9E0k22AowNPQbCEVNaPfT37yAfO-JjbcMOV6MZkSQdILISXbpUgFi8lkS8vBnW1WTZC7ZQZI7HZIwQQhBIPiBbj88Z-LIVxVsXyjScdQ/s1600/IMG_6647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UIBeWmU8OeP2ngDs3igQzU0bmsw5eJ01dcw9E0k22AowNPQbCEVNaPfT37yAfO-JjbcMOV6MZkSQdILISXbpUgFi8lkS8vBnW1WTZC7ZQZI7HZIwQQhBIPiBbj88Z-LIVxVsXyjScdQ/s320/IMG_6647.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8anUVsC7iAReNNz5xJxn4GgWDjRLFkeJRAEizB0GsfVRT2s8j1Pgwk-nnglPtZXg_EcBAAg3K5AuMfJS7ecwlZUofrlojxBqAY65yNyG2XwJPsqNu6IuYFronswE9bw-IqT6AHGEitoM/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8anUVsC7iAReNNz5xJxn4GgWDjRLFkeJRAEizB0GsfVRT2s8j1Pgwk-nnglPtZXg_EcBAAg3K5AuMfJS7ecwlZUofrlojxBqAY65yNyG2XwJPsqNu6IuYFronswE9bw-IqT6AHGEitoM/s320/IMG_6649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Mother of the Groom, my Baby Sister. Isn't she lovely?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN164RLrfQHfuNC6iAD2HT_pTsPvA3MS2CEhoVRmK6fYHOPI3iw-sq1cd9lSi2d9j4wKlWYYjD0YQTlBfH-sgNMGTjONmIzPKFZZzd6vLivS2l_FOl5EWhXLIhGGP-2xjxF2nt83nl9Yo/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN164RLrfQHfuNC6iAD2HT_pTsPvA3MS2CEhoVRmK6fYHOPI3iw-sq1cd9lSi2d9j4wKlWYYjD0YQTlBfH-sgNMGTjONmIzPKFZZzd6vLivS2l_FOl5EWhXLIhGGP-2xjxF2nt83nl9Yo/s640/IMG_6651.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The two Mommas...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5u2VT3tfVdScrYfrhgvynd-4BJSyVSfmMyZ6w4bGkJnHcj7zo8VUCG-Tt20Wz5_8FMFFS6RtKPgu3S-G_DtMTHyc6sjh-AHNWntuE_R0Fj2UaXJ4cG_zVMKLzOgAFr4nSW0XH_8mbk8/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5u2VT3tfVdScrYfrhgvynd-4BJSyVSfmMyZ6w4bGkJnHcj7zo8VUCG-Tt20Wz5_8FMFFS6RtKPgu3S-G_DtMTHyc6sjh-AHNWntuE_R0Fj2UaXJ4cG_zVMKLzOgAFr4nSW0XH_8mbk8/s640/IMG_6568.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wedding was held at the lovely <a href="http://www.canongateoccasions.com/club.aspx?club=windermere">Windermere Golf Club</a> outside of Atlanta, GA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPX-LJeT8tl8Xhtn-5YiX_2CcjyrJEnwjm7NLGuX8rvPGhbTEd5FrDS4zRJA4oBRDPI9_Ci_vD7MapYDtTnFpgo6cg9tpvFsBErl5gO-THpsOpRQiLKSuKtRXNHoSuzEsjaGRQ3Rp7rg/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPX-LJeT8tl8Xhtn-5YiX_2CcjyrJEnwjm7NLGuX8rvPGhbTEd5FrDS4zRJA4oBRDPI9_Ci_vD7MapYDtTnFpgo6cg9tpvFsBErl5gO-THpsOpRQiLKSuKtRXNHoSuzEsjaGRQ3Rp7rg/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Vfl9o7tDvxkDRo79zx4rxD9lqn6QAudfYrOzmWWEopwJWa-4IWfE_UFTDfNa_4qlmbf0kwy3wL-jNBj47MDmj5WgFd4HobR2NlrcCjAbJEqXc4F_4x9ewpM2dGWB7bxAjabRQF5rdw/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Vfl9o7tDvxkDRo79zx4rxD9lqn6QAudfYrOzmWWEopwJWa-4IWfE_UFTDfNa_4qlmbf0kwy3wL-jNBj47MDmj5WgFd4HobR2NlrcCjAbJEqXc4F_4x9ewpM2dGWB7bxAjabRQF5rdw/s640/IMG_6580.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G_XfYqWg4rmHfp9XV5Hq30eHt1HBjVG1YvJdmC9QOaVH3x8lOvdixzL-FSgpVTz9r9dTo2LpdtFmWqzVpGzrK2zkjnqxGjpAHJoYa8g7GZBN-0tdr-UJE2mzuPrFGkSQuhUcltNvX1o/s1600/IMG_6584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G_XfYqWg4rmHfp9XV5Hq30eHt1HBjVG1YvJdmC9QOaVH3x8lOvdixzL-FSgpVTz9r9dTo2LpdtFmWqzVpGzrK2zkjnqxGjpAHJoYa8g7GZBN-0tdr-UJE2mzuPrFGkSQuhUcltNvX1o/s640/IMG_6584.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFz64Axdpm-jNcQnrf8acJi6jb9XRz2CCypMU0TNeD8m6SowdePoNc-cl_kWsTzzBz_pqIrkmp0PiAQT4o56LNH7Wy6gR_Vc7szphVxakBLrpvB7ZwgGWrJv1b5QSC7lK0451Eb0zR4g/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFz64Axdpm-jNcQnrf8acJi6jb9XRz2CCypMU0TNeD8m6SowdePoNc-cl_kWsTzzBz_pqIrkmp0PiAQT4o56LNH7Wy6gR_Vc7szphVxakBLrpvB7ZwgGWrJv1b5QSC7lK0451Eb0zR4g/s640/IMG_6596.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No Auburn wedding would be complete without a Toomer's Corner Groom's Cake. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wouldn't you agree?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNRHB-kqFTxl-nO47R682bLFVWmy2d2r71TLd1Uap612RGqc841PdbOb5FvZ2WROT8ZFG5nY-OiSSPyfu594Zt2cZ8VHQy6kMXOoa4PZ9FLNPs-GcQoieHg3KPcg9GGmsJWKeRpG-SS0/s1600/IMG_6593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNRHB-kqFTxl-nO47R682bLFVWmy2d2r71TLd1Uap612RGqc841PdbOb5FvZ2WROT8ZFG5nY-OiSSPyfu594Zt2cZ8VHQy6kMXOoa4PZ9FLNPs-GcQoieHg3KPcg9GGmsJWKeRpG-SS0/s1600/IMG_6593.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More to follow!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-38137127446259967152013-10-13T19:34:00.002-05:002013-10-13T19:34:34.355-05:00Sanctuary I'm not exactly one hundred percent sure that I know where this place is. That's the downside of using a navigation system to get from Point A to Point B. You don't have to map out a course, read a map, or figure out the most economical or most advantageous route to your intended destination. You just turn your brain off and listen to the computer-generated voice as she gets you from here to there. And that's exactly what I did. With my eyes open, of course.<br />
But oh my. When I traveled the backroads of Georgia, I had no idea that I was on my way to another version of heaven. But I was.<br />
Lake Lanier. A house (thank you Polly and John) for a week with my sisters. Time to pull things together for an upcoming wedding. Time to unwind. Time to relax. Time to laugh. Time to cry. Time to pray. A few of my favorite things in the whole wide world.<br />
I've always thought I was a beach person. Now I'm not so sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5XGvQU5MX5fTlLpW2qOZVP7f2K4dW_u6oeplEnaKLDsgPtH9txEnttjxx-BXXvJx7G8tFhxSv7Tx2iyREWTFcgAs4_85GI_K3dAckBM0mKFtCwHN6dJmhjO_7h6QtTGnl-33okHX98k/s1600/IMG_6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5XGvQU5MX5fTlLpW2qOZVP7f2K4dW_u6oeplEnaKLDsgPtH9txEnttjxx-BXXvJx7G8tFhxSv7Tx2iyREWTFcgAs4_85GI_K3dAckBM0mKFtCwHN6dJmhjO_7h6QtTGnl-33okHX98k/s640/IMG_6339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdpGnz2KLOBkGnAHUV0eKrI1J0Mjy7oAFwFQBqPDRBVQpf90-GkNZy4HQIC9OOkovMzzbA-ucX0MJgAeaOU6toXTYES17C4nEyoy_gb8C6mgcVAVFJCzmJL40Y00AHXOERCCx9a5SBtY/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdpGnz2KLOBkGnAHUV0eKrI1J0Mjy7oAFwFQBqPDRBVQpf90-GkNZy4HQIC9OOkovMzzbA-ucX0MJgAeaOU6toXTYES17C4nEyoy_gb8C6mgcVAVFJCzmJL40Y00AHXOERCCx9a5SBtY/s640/IMG_6272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCni7yfHUF47WEe2cH-J0rWkY62CHVvb5ck1oN9njF9WoVfavNVFnEkX16-f39Nd9FiWQNiOhavlhShmjjAtUO64jkM32YwWY0cSLzT7mOM8-Og-lLhLCjni7GUXnn9WL1tr1yaDSc-8/s1600/photo+(85).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCni7yfHUF47WEe2cH-J0rWkY62CHVvb5ck1oN9njF9WoVfavNVFnEkX16-f39Nd9FiWQNiOhavlhShmjjAtUO64jkM32YwWY0cSLzT7mOM8-Og-lLhLCjni7GUXnn9WL1tr1yaDSc-8/s640/photo+(85).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsDkB2Hl1tiUhi3IZEegrVRn_1ID0b8oyOow6kdzVWvVr-ZKWvzpdjVSRcYHl_UebKX3wU7zfRZXRX2ARmZ_pe3ctlZIRwPoclGTA8MGNaN47X5d9mhpPJ3OGnbJaVW1nILAeXknEOI/s1600/IMG_6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsDkB2Hl1tiUhi3IZEegrVRn_1ID0b8oyOow6kdzVWvVr-ZKWvzpdjVSRcYHl_UebKX3wU7zfRZXRX2ARmZ_pe3ctlZIRwPoclGTA8MGNaN47X5d9mhpPJ3OGnbJaVW1nILAeXknEOI/s640/IMG_6307.JPG" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm5UG5k8eNKkRKEm8i5QMDOdPwPG5WdO-geY6ciUb-CVmdygO7KUr-kgx5NyPioziwUWoLji92p6CaJXApHYyJG2Vhf9eucBgLc8jXBLLRnAiGLTCX3Ics_5NRyIhaE8TlhG094Lmdh0/s1600/IMG_6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm5UG5k8eNKkRKEm8i5QMDOdPwPG5WdO-geY6ciUb-CVmdygO7KUr-kgx5NyPioziwUWoLji92p6CaJXApHYyJG2Vhf9eucBgLc8jXBLLRnAiGLTCX3Ics_5NRyIhaE8TlhG094Lmdh0/s640/IMG_6275.JPG" width="552" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijy-9AUGwMu542FP44eSKKNhUybHB7hwRTtXt6f1VyBsL9jhGECiIgrOKXon7Lys_QAsvzgs9j-pITvsFyNUcYNR98RSlcdJ9uY4xYLKck16ZS61KoNgV7zSXoO4v0ty_1lSHpswxFdA/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijy-9AUGwMu542FP44eSKKNhUybHB7hwRTtXt6f1VyBsL9jhGECiIgrOKXon7Lys_QAsvzgs9j-pITvsFyNUcYNR98RSlcdJ9uY4xYLKck16ZS61KoNgV7zSXoO4v0ty_1lSHpswxFdA/s640/IMG_6278.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaEV-D7Gqb7aQSzt2dY2UiQ9fug3ss50orTWovAUhauzZpxKUnE_t1BT3FvdRWEZEUTR0c3l2Vu0kVMmlLgEGFWBbXNLDSy8EoPlqHjL88nDmhB6HgkfjoX__c8XT80pBQ-D8xfrz6BA/s1600/photo+(86).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaEV-D7Gqb7aQSzt2dY2UiQ9fug3ss50orTWovAUhauzZpxKUnE_t1BT3FvdRWEZEUTR0c3l2Vu0kVMmlLgEGFWBbXNLDSy8EoPlqHjL88nDmhB6HgkfjoX__c8XT80pBQ-D8xfrz6BA/s1600/photo+(86).JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GnxlCdA4WyXd_gy3gGlVDJPg-G5EcTzdbAJMv1-4GGUo6OEVwy5s9Pz_ek_TQr_Crhvea1tXGiO_m1VoejtjxN2IFOXFzy_X0nRfNpVmZWPjUyx_lyP0Hz47y6wdqevjzVH5SNkrrgI/s1600/IMG_6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GnxlCdA4WyXd_gy3gGlVDJPg-G5EcTzdbAJMv1-4GGUo6OEVwy5s9Pz_ek_TQr_Crhvea1tXGiO_m1VoejtjxN2IFOXFzy_X0nRfNpVmZWPjUyx_lyP0Hz47y6wdqevjzVH5SNkrrgI/s1600/IMG_6343.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn9ZNJMKCcMdx0a9KBy992O2TMrq_owJurAdvFOqne0ee-QACThRFaUUDzexKs9rgpAtlHgxOV0OSeevW_ijy022xVT0EUgp_-iJcDHpPBtoF7_tCMudEHZOwa4jLkgI0MVaxA92mbb0/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn9ZNJMKCcMdx0a9KBy992O2TMrq_owJurAdvFOqne0ee-QACThRFaUUDzexKs9rgpAtlHgxOV0OSeevW_ijy022xVT0EUgp_-iJcDHpPBtoF7_tCMudEHZOwa4jLkgI0MVaxA92mbb0/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn857GISbRbX_nsnGuwgKNJPdRmO6bvo4cQGsEhfmsFJkyzARcy0Jxl6ukcY-zwlptldI1gmehf_vBU2HcWfNWkioEU1Ghg94awKCcDNr3etWTn_FdYb0__APeSJZb1esmTAysx4MTl9w/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn857GISbRbX_nsnGuwgKNJPdRmO6bvo4cQGsEhfmsFJkyzARcy0Jxl6ukcY-zwlptldI1gmehf_vBU2HcWfNWkioEU1Ghg94awKCcDNr3etWTn_FdYb0__APeSJZb1esmTAysx4MTl9w/s640/IMG_6355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLhSXRIcQa3rQjFmNfaekTx2upg5PPDJi5ouYFcW-B6xGsnN8ILJOzbXYzzqca4WkfcHVqNRYEfiw_iBwtXO2UEabP9s5AKaDZJNye_7e0c4HMgb6fJr93VBAW16SOxWgu46CfZdXIvg/s1600/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLhSXRIcQa3rQjFmNfaekTx2upg5PPDJi5ouYFcW-B6xGsnN8ILJOzbXYzzqca4WkfcHVqNRYEfiw_iBwtXO2UEabP9s5AKaDZJNye_7e0c4HMgb6fJr93VBAW16SOxWgu46CfZdXIvg/s640/IMG_6356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtYadYiS-s4zjF0YxUV9R1YGFnoycgRsT08yJorBKguQnnDBTFGwDSk7sy9-BUiKo4a9aXSiQEwdYHrL-SfrzJ0CY5-nMhyphenhyphenYDOtt-uda55RXx7Oqi4zSuCVoTR0jMSVYffYvBpTbhXis/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtYadYiS-s4zjF0YxUV9R1YGFnoycgRsT08yJorBKguQnnDBTFGwDSk7sy9-BUiKo4a9aXSiQEwdYHrL-SfrzJ0CY5-nMhyphenhyphenYDOtt-uda55RXx7Oqi4zSuCVoTR0jMSVYffYvBpTbhXis/s640/IMG_6283.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULb_KJU9RT2jsFiL5A4wqDcJwiNE6cqAWXdgKD-IY3KNwOlTxN9Bw74bTX_sR7uJDkvmbK6s3RJgtTGoNmZhrLLNJX9RyDs4LabqTMXAV3KvM5wQUCSR-hHx-m4hYdxRggSeCr4A5Ci4/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULb_KJU9RT2jsFiL5A4wqDcJwiNE6cqAWXdgKD-IY3KNwOlTxN9Bw74bTX_sR7uJDkvmbK6s3RJgtTGoNmZhrLLNJX9RyDs4LabqTMXAV3KvM5wQUCSR-hHx-m4hYdxRggSeCr4A5Ci4/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9NLFNGBqNzDEckprTw9wKsf7fuVnThvYGXtRp5pwz6iU2zfmUZRgZ-MhyphenhyphenU_NDVVe00lhZDgLCIv8q5JM0NK9x50bbQ8c6Zx5QDa3JEd7BGooi6V0D6rcWAh_KDeop3D421j6ClLnwa0/s1600/IMG_6286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9NLFNGBqNzDEckprTw9wKsf7fuVnThvYGXtRp5pwz6iU2zfmUZRgZ-MhyphenhyphenU_NDVVe00lhZDgLCIv8q5JM0NK9x50bbQ8c6Zx5QDa3JEd7BGooi6V0D6rcWAh_KDeop3D421j6ClLnwa0/s640/IMG_6286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkd2OS_e6DRNC5vQmx7faqiggkknqacFtfbWqzBBmEI668cYohNw5jQ7bcTEU_BRGmlEnWbVvNH-6URvgjc5G0wHmosQOzFiEuOzC-okr4AghxyGBqxoLlvgdIeTxzPwwFMPc6O2JFkBc/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkd2OS_e6DRNC5vQmx7faqiggkknqacFtfbWqzBBmEI668cYohNw5jQ7bcTEU_BRGmlEnWbVvNH-6URvgjc5G0wHmosQOzFiEuOzC-okr4AghxyGBqxoLlvgdIeTxzPwwFMPc6O2JFkBc/s640/IMG_6293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyh6a0dm9OrE1LCLbYtAStL_XZ8grKIMLsX4Ej8XTwjQvuzsbYv4fWvVLUOe7ZU7tdXMiZHLG591YxFL4dgul7WFSeLsm2PNY8_PnMfVMuB9yuH8eye3e6fM1Rxxjr-hGJbZvX6S6KRQ/s1600/IMG_6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyh6a0dm9OrE1LCLbYtAStL_XZ8grKIMLsX4Ej8XTwjQvuzsbYv4fWvVLUOe7ZU7tdXMiZHLG591YxFL4dgul7WFSeLsm2PNY8_PnMfVMuB9yuH8eye3e6fM1Rxxjr-hGJbZvX6S6KRQ/s640/IMG_6295.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG1QSqUQR6MwnKCZ0fHGJZ1TrRtcOu4U_6HUYO_iMh9rVHmze7_YguvBszywnYu2kJ_1FsxZtPJmhY3v-HA81KqPcMx5gMBqLtN8gsGR-lPKS1QxKhqX08P0E8UvYJStWLJnIZJtqMeU/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG1QSqUQR6MwnKCZ0fHGJZ1TrRtcOu4U_6HUYO_iMh9rVHmze7_YguvBszywnYu2kJ_1FsxZtPJmhY3v-HA81KqPcMx5gMBqLtN8gsGR-lPKS1QxKhqX08P0E8UvYJStWLJnIZJtqMeU/s640/IMG_6298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KXjNd2UpSsC8AHlSOFDDquXv-XIZMbyHVF5VsWXaf_VDXbTEoI2Twiket8whSQ3QNWIvRDQme9FkF07DpkuBQK-cKV-T5KuOhp7E8F_DRj-qj-fdxmGMTq8WpGzdhzEdHrLgyIV5Fms/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KXjNd2UpSsC8AHlSOFDDquXv-XIZMbyHVF5VsWXaf_VDXbTEoI2Twiket8whSQ3QNWIvRDQme9FkF07DpkuBQK-cKV-T5KuOhp7E8F_DRj-qj-fdxmGMTq8WpGzdhzEdHrLgyIV5Fms/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovOvp_SwUueyPJUkXsH5MMSouy4sXXdAqTkTvu_95ziSq6yt70DHX4E5jFbdGRO6dhakJb5ReVxt_QyOnqojx083pZ1Ox2IZlK7JzNZl9TYHhF5A-XMs2ku9A27xOfziIoK8jZCzRSgg/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovOvp_SwUueyPJUkXsH5MMSouy4sXXdAqTkTvu_95ziSq6yt70DHX4E5jFbdGRO6dhakJb5ReVxt_QyOnqojx083pZ1Ox2IZlK7JzNZl9TYHhF5A-XMs2ku9A27xOfziIoK8jZCzRSgg/s640/IMG_6301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxoHHYfZb835Gjmf0stee99y2FDtC6Pm8onTJU1qWy61VhSjR0aHtK5IawF097zJrlv_PT2vEtGyxp1OJrKfB6QF33hwTHP81ElUbaEkIO3-gT0Sm9ygf30pLmVWfOXHqWn4kZ2BZWYs/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxoHHYfZb835Gjmf0stee99y2FDtC6Pm8onTJU1qWy61VhSjR0aHtK5IawF097zJrlv_PT2vEtGyxp1OJrKfB6QF33hwTHP81ElUbaEkIO3-gT0Sm9ygf30pLmVWfOXHqWn4kZ2BZWYs/s640/IMG_6306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-51718116864154071312013-10-04T18:40:00.000-05:002013-10-04T18:40:03.347-05:00Vintage Autumnal Delights from Etsy If you step outside in the early morning, there is a distinct sense that fall is in the air. The grass may still be green, but the early morning dew is heavier and a few of the leaves on the trees are beginning to turn a burnished coppery gold.<br />
Here are a few vintage Etsy goodies to help you get in the mood to rake leaves, carve pumpkins, drag your sweaters out of storage, and set your clocks back.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This cotton chenille pumpkin from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snooks?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Snooks </a>just tickles my fancy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So cute and guaranteed to impart some happiness year after year! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, I cheated. It's really not vintage, but it looks like it could be. Sorta.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Hand knit pumpkin - fall autumn orange cotton chenille tabletop thanksgiving tablescape table decor primitive rustic woodland" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/004/0/5137538/il_570xN.384473330_gu4z.jpg" /> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out the gorgeous colors in this fabulous circa </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1950's dress by Calpreta. It also helps if you are short and skinny. You can find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162179442/vintage-original-1950s-calpreta?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/019/0/7804804/il_570xN.499797909_bk6l.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pair that dress with this lovely vintage rhinestone set from Weiss. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little grandmother LouLou would have loved wearing the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157785140/weiss-rhinestone-necklace-earring?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto4&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">ear bobs and necklace</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="WEISS Rhinestone Necklace Earring Jewelry Set Golden Autumn Earth Topaz Citrine Amber Chocolate Glass Designer, FREE US Shipping" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/020/0/5512450/il_570xN.483620518_t3he.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In that day and time no well dressed woman would venture to town without<br />
a handbag that matched her outfit.<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105209221/vtg-1960s-carpet-bag-autumn-colors?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=autumn+purse&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto4&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn+purse">this 1960's velvet carpetbag</a>. Divine!<br />
<img alt="vtg 1960's carpet bag autumn colors perfect condition gold orange black green Fall Sale" height="505" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/004/0/7122056/il_570xN.359542797_tgut.jpg" width="640" /><br />
Or if you want to try for a more subtle look, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162225517/vintage-purse-bag-tooled-leather-boho?ref=related-3">this </a>hand-tooled leather purse might do the trick!<br />
<img alt="Vintage Purse Bag Tooled Leather Boho Gypsy Chic Fall Trends" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/020/0/5974234/il_570xN.499859590_qz1a.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Does anyone remember monkey pod wood? Who knew that it would now be considered<br />
super chic? It's also super functional!<br />
<img alt="Three Piece Table Decor" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/020/0/5461534/il_570xN.475734934_i8di.jpg" /><br />
And in case you were wondering, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153261777/vintage-brass-candle-holders?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=brass+table+decor&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintagebrass+table+decor">brass </a>IS back!<br />
I love that it is low maintenance and brings<br />
a warm touch to any decor!<br />
<img alt="Vintage Brass Candle Holders Candleholders Metal Table Setting Centerpiece Home Decor Modern Candlesticks Heavy" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/014/1/6401079/il_570xN.467396042_7ysx.jpg" /><br />
I'm also in love with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159960263/vintage-fall-autumn-floral-tablecloth?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">this </a>vintage tablecloth replete with acorns and leaves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's also vintage 1950's, of course!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Vintage Fall Autumn Floral Tablecloth 1950's" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/1/6705063/il_570xN.491539448_2a5y.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Set your table with these charming woodland <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163240749/vintage-home-autumn-squirrel-woodland?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">squirrels </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who just happen to double as salt and pepper shakers.<br />
Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Vintage Home - Autumn Squirrel Woodland Salt and Pepper Shakers" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/032/0/6061818/il_570xN.503552798_61l9.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out this vintage harvest gold food <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157956336/mid-century-autumn-gold-double-food?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">warmer</a>. Funky and fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Mid Century Autumn Gold Double Food Warmer" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/018/0/7004759/il_570xN.484251618_7qc3.jpg" /> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tea anyone? Look at the lovely lines on this little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/161582253/halls-superior-kitchenware-china-tea-pot?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=6&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">teapot</a>. I so want to make it mine. Today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Hall's Superior Kitchenware china tea pot, autumn leaf pattern with infuser" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/018/0/7908819/il_570xN.497520962_thl6.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am loving the pop of color this retro <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161977874/mid-century-modern-alarm-clock-nectarine?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintageautumn">clock </a>would bring </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to just about any room in which it finds a home!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Mid Century Modern Alarm Clock - Nectarine Orange, Autumn Colour - Remington, W. Germany - 1960's Home, Starburst Pattern, Morning Wake Up" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/014/1/6812495/il_570xN.449833514_jtbt.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember those rainy afternoons when you used to while away the hours with<br />
your paint-by-number set? This will send you back down memory lane...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Vintage Painting Horses Colt Homestead Barn Autumn Fall Leaves Ranch Western Pastoral ART" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/018/0/7093848/il_570xN.493012259_c5zg.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy browsing or happy shopping!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Etsy is full of treasures to enliven and embolden your fall decor.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-49836392873406516322013-10-02T08:52:00.001-05:002013-10-02T08:52:16.685-05:00And So It Begins Ours is a sports family. It is something I never anticipated happening because I am one of those perpetually clumsy people who cannot walk, talk, and chew gum at the same time. Yep, I'm a total goober when it comes to sports. However, when you marry a collegiate athlete who has an SEC Championship ring in his possession, and you somehow manage to give birth to four gifted athletes (no thanks to my gene pool), you can rest assured that a significant portion of your life is going to revolve around sports.<br />
After attending too many games to count, I now consider myself an erstwhile authority on the following: I know a good pitching stance from a bad one; I am able to discuss Sacs, RBI's and the nuanced posture necessary for a good bunt. I can even tell a curve ball from a slider. As far as football is concerned, I know about nickelbacks, dimebacks, corners, and safeties, and I know when a lineman has committed a hold. In basketball, I can spot "man" coverage when it shifts from a zone and when a player is setting an illegal screen. As a goalie's mom, I view penalty kicks and Sudden Death overtime with dread. However, when it comes to volleyball, I am not doing too well since high school rules have changed so much from the time that my daughter was playing. I am pretty much lost now. I only acquired all of my arcane knowledge for one reason and one reason only: I had a child in the game. <br />
Even though I never logged one minute of time on the court or playing field myself, I was an expert of sorts (mothers always are). When the last child graduated from high school, I folded up my chair and earned a well-deserved break from 28 plus years of attending sports events in which I had a significant personal investment. I thought my sporting days were over.<br />
<br />
I should have known it would not last.<br />
<br />
However, now the stakes have changed. When grandchildren play there is a level of enjoyment that is hard to explain. It is both fun and funny. I don't have to be there at the crack of dawn. I don't have to assemble a uniform, shop for athletic gear, and load up the car with snacks, blankets, chairs and other children. I don't have to worry about who is happy or unhappy about what is happening on the field. I have the detachment and the delight of a grandparent. Everything is just hunky-dory. The Husband and I get to glide in, give some hugs and high-fives, and then glide back out. It's a breeze.<br />
<br />
Our first grandchild made her athletic debut last week. We learned a great deal about her view of life at this stage by observing her on the field. Here is my interpretation of what was going on in that cute little head of hers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have been practicing wearing my uniform around the house to get ready for the game.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I can hardly believe the big day is here. I am so excited. Can't you tell?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XWUtf7Gm2yrf3gcRbOy_wZKaM4diK83WsrhYlJWvDtET9vZgnmudqULh0eaNsCfjcncLSozmKDCkPC82LnKbkNy2kbWyTthZu_VJq4neryBF9sFn2qZpFe6xd7HwACc_qRxMvdmPpTg/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XWUtf7Gm2yrf3gcRbOy_wZKaM4diK83WsrhYlJWvDtET9vZgnmudqULh0eaNsCfjcncLSozmKDCkPC82LnKbkNy2kbWyTthZu_VJq4neryBF9sFn2qZpFe6xd7HwACc_qRxMvdmPpTg/s640/IMG_5651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The next best thing to my uniform is getting to wear my hair in braids.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The whistle has blown and the game has started, but I need to do a hair check.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>After all, a girl's gotta look good...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw06MJeVDKT12Mro7yRpQhhDsYAUDv95YqJu2TO9sbpdhWvg94rxNEHDZcyW1D9gH4Zfqaq81rw8mikvq5wHcL1B2CmXqCiukRA-Y1rpE7DcQYAsHUyNai9SOAWdSGVpL2Y392Xz226_8/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw06MJeVDKT12Mro7yRpQhhDsYAUDv95YqJu2TO9sbpdhWvg94rxNEHDZcyW1D9gH4Zfqaq81rw8mikvq5wHcL1B2CmXqCiukRA-Y1rpE7DcQYAsHUyNai9SOAWdSGVpL2Y392Xz226_8/s640/IMG_5653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I think I am supposed to be doing something other than standing around,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> but I am not sure what that is...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDinIZINBQ5kdgAbe8o9I_M2Gk6Zm6ZhFwzE6a9xnEEH2N_viNHRiGg7jHkvGaSfOrXpbYuNLCAT1E3uOiTrCOtjc4dIxZWGqGc11Bniuvjqsp-b0xum5MWaoHsRy76LAzTMOUadArEw/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDinIZINBQ5kdgAbe8o9I_M2Gk6Zm6ZhFwzE6a9xnEEH2N_viNHRiGg7jHkvGaSfOrXpbYuNLCAT1E3uOiTrCOtjc4dIxZWGqGc11Bniuvjqsp-b0xum5MWaoHsRy76LAzTMOUadArEw/s640/IMG_5654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The ball goes rolling by, but hey, there's my best bud Selah. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I think I'll go over and hang out with her.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o8lkXfid8DF3mWsXnVEhYSaKCNOmf3QiAg0ffKFNYmnjODE5ax4lDagcg3tjnGMRLg0eBM8Pzbvsbr7wlPIqdZchB75fdHoeSY2HeLZ34wINyqM4qXrbK7bpOqmf0GHY-fuPG9g7Ysk/s1600/IMG_5657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o8lkXfid8DF3mWsXnVEhYSaKCNOmf3QiAg0ffKFNYmnjODE5ax4lDagcg3tjnGMRLg0eBM8Pzbvsbr7wlPIqdZchB75fdHoeSY2HeLZ34wINyqM4qXrbK7bpOqmf0GHY-fuPG9g7Ysk/s640/IMG_5657.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I think I'll practice a few warm-up exercises during the game. This is fun.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT2g8TLw4l_c3yUQ1fL20wOQhd0rvV-dzJJ8GcssF0jZ1YcgyreU6xYWHmgkgmvV-Jj858zKZHDsWrgUgdsvqLvTmKgpViOITSPR6xLffIkqC9zRVjr2DDmmvN3rPOd0dUwE8cizdtO0/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT2g8TLw4l_c3yUQ1fL20wOQhd0rvV-dzJJ8GcssF0jZ1YcgyreU6xYWHmgkgmvV-Jj858zKZHDsWrgUgdsvqLvTmKgpViOITSPR6xLffIkqC9zRVjr2DDmmvN3rPOd0dUwE8cizdtO0/s640/IMG_5664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Selah and I stick together. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We don't feel any pressure to get in on the action...</i><i>obviously</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6QwxdzvJNEuxiS0QYNkpVFfXtY3402Zc8zhQZvIute31taFRBx4ncTSlJXTceA89WHTUWqsWZLjXoWrQCa5a9j4-UhpTfnyWPVqJ0PKd3VsNOgTcqxXcdp_EDmgeLI63x525abIx984/s1600/IMG_5666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6QwxdzvJNEuxiS0QYNkpVFfXtY3402Zc8zhQZvIute31taFRBx4ncTSlJXTceA89WHTUWqsWZLjXoWrQCa5a9j4-UhpTfnyWPVqJ0PKd3VsNOgTcqxXcdp_EDmgeLI63x525abIx984/s640/IMG_5666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The coach is encouraging me to get involved. Might not be a bad idea at this point. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKDoW95SraKzkhfmvW0UzgAwGvCuMdV4r0XIyMdfWUfARjwZxpfEZvVP7AOia2deED8Y3B4R2elSWYhtjOz5Tsf8qSDvQTkk41jksbC1LjCuxYDtVLioBdALzubWWLUi9MLUc7xL8DVQ/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKDoW95SraKzkhfmvW0UzgAwGvCuMdV4r0XIyMdfWUfARjwZxpfEZvVP7AOia2deED8Y3B4R2elSWYhtjOz5Tsf8qSDvQTkk41jksbC1LjCuxYDtVLioBdALzubWWLUi9MLUc7xL8DVQ/s640/IMG_5679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Girl down. I just got slide-tackled.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs6grEeIq6vevPkOpSf23Jogy8hEfvV6O2Xkz6AsgagYTADOYOcEytbyqxFKBDPKCpWbJLDBVbdq9w2AhshU7F4PeK3YrZA5r0r-NNAJFAlgi_Hk9UOMOHy_6WfblcuimJ4qFKvW8epI/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs6grEeIq6vevPkOpSf23Jogy8hEfvV6O2Xkz6AsgagYTADOYOcEytbyqxFKBDPKCpWbJLDBVbdq9w2AhshU7F4PeK3YrZA5r0r-NNAJFAlgi_Hk9UOMOHy_6WfblcuimJ4qFKvW8epI/s320/IMG_5682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm not too happy about this.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I can't stop crying.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tFtffQnJS_c0Uy90GUQCKRGNImqkN5KzJjpm5jgAN7sBzEzMGIzmsVI3cWbJ1r6HE17r4oXbQ9BAMPuSMN4ZGDTztdPSPXKPafaySSTlEJOzxGYk9CJyiheMGLjwnrzbPPpsTddTzp0/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tFtffQnJS_c0Uy90GUQCKRGNImqkN5KzJjpm5jgAN7sBzEzMGIzmsVI3cWbJ1r6HE17r4oXbQ9BAMPuSMN4ZGDTztdPSPXKPafaySSTlEJOzxGYk9CJyiheMGLjwnrzbPPpsTddTzp0/s640/IMG_5683.JPG" width="498" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Coach lets me leave the game to get a hug</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwD_7ah1GyAvNGKhbBalge04kBJoE0tMs3l47nCKSg9iB4L5w0TQPu17CVSTfFHftR9DokJG8MAGTkmIsxMY8EC6RqSRG-sXS4aZrB8a_ZYEHxrCYT8q2BvRvILoUbizp99bluieqyE8/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwD_7ah1GyAvNGKhbBalge04kBJoE0tMs3l47nCKSg9iB4L5w0TQPu17CVSTfFHftR9DokJG8MAGTkmIsxMY8EC6RqSRG-sXS4aZrB8a_ZYEHxrCYT8q2BvRvILoUbizp99bluieqyE8/s640/IMG_5684.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Selah and I are back in action. We'll let the other guys chase the ball.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We'll just love on each other.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxnLtl_LmNUa4RU4PNf6sE9L7i7Ut7zgsLzTO-CzDCz-8ktehyphenhyphenIQX4J1zr4Vjel5eXZ1u1xFH65gMFa0QFJsScqvMYgYFJeRU0pqo4h-uraOUpAur5CwDVTNl65GwQhUvNysI5XE0HoM/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxnLtl_LmNUa4RU4PNf6sE9L7i7Ut7zgsLzTO-CzDCz-8ktehyphenhyphenIQX4J1zr4Vjel5eXZ1u1xFH65gMFa0QFJsScqvMYgYFJeRU0pqo4h-uraOUpAur5CwDVTNl65GwQhUvNysI5XE0HoM/s640/IMG_5677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One more hug from Selah before the whistle blows. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4uwh3cafwY51Cc_Ue-tpOrckDswVDBehvhPM5KOy0xnpNFR3YKZj4wzcXdZAQkiXnSZzx-Ke9-HyZUD3FGaOHWbhCSeprMWRB7V6NnQe6FplVgFF8EzB29x0_YPNElIlca9hK9t5jaU/s1600/IMG_5678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4uwh3cafwY51Cc_Ue-tpOrckDswVDBehvhPM5KOy0xnpNFR3YKZj4wzcXdZAQkiXnSZzx-Ke9-HyZUD3FGaOHWbhCSeprMWRB7V6NnQe6FplVgFF8EzB29x0_YPNElIlca9hK9t5jaU/s640/IMG_5678.JPG" width="640" /></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Soccer is fun. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I had such a great time hanging out with my friends. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Can't wait until next week.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few shots of the Peanut Gallery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCGHvtxDLwbMhjh4kyCO52Zn2qF5eZEVy7wEOE40JQh8nw_uJxf1uVRmf_C2RVcINPzxDyVhE_d6_OgxKJuhBm57N5zquOfgYHvfZV3W9WquhUZxcJo1eOtUo9nsTE3kqkj8o_SIHbJ4/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCGHvtxDLwbMhjh4kyCO52Zn2qF5eZEVy7wEOE40JQh8nw_uJxf1uVRmf_C2RVcINPzxDyVhE_d6_OgxKJuhBm57N5zquOfgYHvfZV3W9WquhUZxcJo1eOtUo9nsTE3kqkj8o_SIHbJ4/s640/IMG_5669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9u6kJusp2r3Xj5U75MhHVBMB2wyk8OzIxg5bQtPnqO2c0dcz3wVUz56_eIvvIUoJVXjT-_iicU12_PG3ZyS1bsX8NwjUI_g0tjXm2siMRbka3wv4ZTb5b8kTxLq75CmVyAQDjnwQWmw/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9u6kJusp2r3Xj5U75MhHVBMB2wyk8OzIxg5bQtPnqO2c0dcz3wVUz56_eIvvIUoJVXjT-_iicU12_PG3ZyS1bsX8NwjUI_g0tjXm2siMRbka3wv4ZTb5b8kTxLq75CmVyAQDjnwQWmw/s640/IMG_5689.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUTQMsopdHRlR5YI2UizW4mzMxeppSj4QJJW0v044ISD1oXm0Q37LjNWokzybXM3nN2gmtpQ95xOWN08T7uvERtpexOsJoCVvs64RfL5fWeyFcEIzGQf8elJPveKAWokRiLVmsfL9bvo/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUTQMsopdHRlR5YI2UizW4mzMxeppSj4QJJW0v044ISD1oXm0Q37LjNWokzybXM3nN2gmtpQ95xOWN08T7uvERtpexOsJoCVvs64RfL5fWeyFcEIzGQf8elJPveKAWokRiLVmsfL9bvo/s640/IMG_5691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-3192555779956485822013-09-09T18:53:00.000-05:002013-09-09T18:53:37.772-05:00For the Love of Green<div style="text-align: left;">
One of the things I love best about late summer is the lush panoply of green it offers as a visual feast to those who take the time to stop and look. All that green somehow leaves me satiated and satisfied. This year we have had so much rain that nature and her display of green are dazzling in both their intensity and variety. Even the grass in my yard has fared well. Instead of the withered stalks that August usually offers, I am finding new growth of verdant shoots poking up each day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In just a month or so, the leaves will begin to lose their chlorophyll, but today I am thankful for all that gorgeous color that greets me everywhere!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a pictorial ode to the magnificent lush green of summer. Oh how I will miss you when winter rolls around...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.hdwallpap.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Nature-Desktop-Backgrounds-66.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this one of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="480" src="http://www.paqoo.com/gudang/summer-storm-approaching-newfound-gap-smoky-mountains-national-park-tennessee.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="480" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Forest_on_Baxter_Creek_Trail_in_Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here is lovely Radnor Lake, right down the road from me...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Radnor Lake" src="http://m5.i.pbase.com/v3/98/596198/1/49300135.Landscapeblues.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another glimpse of Radnor's gentle green</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Radnor Lake" src="http://handsonnashville.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/boardwalk-in-radnor-lake-state-park-tennessee-tn399.jpeg?w=584" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How about this beautiful and symbolic ray of light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Ray Of Light" src="http://m8.i.pbase.com/v3/98/596198/1/49300138.RayOfLight.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or this one, where the sunlight seems to wink at you as it calls you to come and explore</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Forest at Radnor Lake, Nashville, TN" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e8/c0/1e/e8c01e978bc77677ecfcd3e1c2b734da.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there in the midst of all that green are treasures untold...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Foggy Morning Whitetails" src="http://m2.i.pbase.com/v3/98/596198/1/49411752.2deerfog.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Close up of the lovely wild geranium</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sanp.zenfolio.com/p133939552/e224186cf" title="GME62251"><img alt="Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers: Member Photos - Misc &emdash; GME62251" height="400" src="http://sanp.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v4/p574719695-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You would have to look very carefully to find this friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://fascinatingly.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/green-frog-bright.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These tiny treasures won't last in the heat of day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="When is the last time you paused to observe what the rain came and then left behind? The Observation of Patterns is a Choice." src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/12/f8/db12f8c5e98e0e95fec875923e852ef4.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this little hideaway will stay cool all day long</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://pixdaus.com/files/items/pics/6/76/37676_a4cda491396b8d9538e8e50f319ad0f4_large.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="ensphere:
(via :::::::Nature ( no animals ):::::::)
" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/7cb0307352bb0196b4aefa4b60309565/tumblr_mgnkh9nwIw1r779fko1_500.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.inspirefirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/21.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the words of William Wordsworth,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>The earth and every common sight</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>To me did seem</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Appareled</i></b><i><b> in celestial light</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>The glory and the freshness of a dream...</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such is the gift of summer!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-60600446021801667362013-09-08T19:12:00.001-05:002013-09-08T19:12:52.810-05:00An Unexpected Gift<br />
On Friday evening, The Husband and I were blessed to witness a wedding between two people that we love. We have known and loved The Groom for a very long time. We count him as one of our closest friends and more like family in many regards. We have done life together with him and his family for most of our thirty-nine year marriage. Our lives are deeply interwoven.<br />
One evening our friend was invited to attend a book signing at a friend's home for a local author who had just published her first novel, <i><b><a href="http://www.lisapatton.com/lisaBook2.html">Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter</a></b></i>. The author had labored hard to bring this endearing Southern novel to print, and she was justifiably very excited, as were all of her friends. I didn't know her well, but we had lots of friends in common who raved about her, so I knew that she had to be pretty special. She also had an entire entourage of childhood friends who made the trek from Memphis to attend the book-signing. I spent the evening watching her joy unfold. And from time to time, I saw my friend's eyes begin to follow this lovely woman around the room. Usually among the first to leave, he stayed late at the party. And we began to wonder...<br />
I won't go so far as to say it was love at first sight because they had met before, but something special between these two began to unfold that evening and over the next several years. Things progressed slowly. It took a while. It was nice in that the Husband and I and many of The Groom's friends came to know this lovely Memphis belle who was becoming very dear to him. She is godly, sincere, funny, and delightful. She has two handsome grown sons, two sisters, and more friends than I can count, including her surrogate family of childhood friends from Memphis. She and The Groom spent a lot of time getting to know each other, and coming to appreciate all that the other considered most important in life, including faith, family and friends. Their lives began to overlap and intertwine.<br />
I could write a short novella about all that has transpired over the last few years, but let me just say that I feel that the Lord has given these two people a very precious treasure and an unexpected gift. It's a gift from God, this love that comes when you least expect it, this Christ-like love that allows one person to commit heart and soul to another living person. For these two, it is especially poignant and especially sweet. Without a doubt it is a God thing because He has His handprints all over it.<br />
The Bride and Groom's words in the wedding program say it best:<br />
<i>Thank you all for joining us on this happy day. Every one of you hold a special </i><br />
<i> place in one or both of our hearts and we are honored that you are here. </i><br />
<i> We humbly ask for your prayers as we begin the second chapter of our life's journey.</i><br />
<i> Out of His great love and through His perfect gift of redemption, God has brought us together. We know that most certainly.</i><br />
Here are some pictures of their beautiful wedding:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lovely Stanford Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for the wedding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoURTXdoRyqheZjpH5UWPzOVKctTqPobB4b6H0tijooPFAGunw9VYGJ5UJvXP-wlE34s4EYK0MZv_J7sF-pEx4cq1AEr3nKV6K0zDmXDxN5PuMml2F65OLX3nlJyYKSw5VOzW8AVYycY4/s640/IMG_5316.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These gorgeous flowers are hanging below the carriage lamps on either side of the entry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXeElNCnO4FgcTgw3Bh7NfgkXq2I5SdiEPOKNyzetmxJIIXNp3HQzcPyKjDBixiMd-BkRd8JPotBjj4VpwvZ9f2wz7cp42HjNeJKSHdzo40KkWo8n_RNgGSG9cqCjjBxvTI6vUN8fP11s/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXeElNCnO4FgcTgw3Bh7NfgkXq2I5SdiEPOKNyzetmxJIIXNp3HQzcPyKjDBixiMd-BkRd8JPotBjj4VpwvZ9f2wz7cp42HjNeJKSHdzo40KkWo8n_RNgGSG9cqCjjBxvTI6vUN8fP11s/s640/IMG_5538.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGSqXO0rlpUMCcFL4qjdX6j9vlAw6VsoAuRC1-jCSs34aEybEXXjqKdJkxE4gKB3ZLw4FOAcgNOVJTvMvTWO4quGRat3sWaupH5Ek9QImYCPsWDPfU6PbvSm5UQnCVetgfZvXIMbOsTcy/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGSqXO0rlpUMCcFL4qjdX6j9vlAw6VsoAuRC1-jCSs34aEybEXXjqKdJkxE4gKB3ZLw4FOAcgNOVJTvMvTWO4quGRat3sWaupH5Ek9QImYCPsWDPfU6PbvSm5UQnCVetgfZvXIMbOsTcy/s640/IMG_5537.JPG" width="380" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lovely wedding programs are tied with soft pink watered silk ribbon<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Music has always been important to The Bride, and it was with great care that she made the selections for the wedding. A string quartet led by Sam Levine was responsible for the Prelude. Pieces included the lovely <i>Gabriel's Oboe </i>by Morricone as well as Aaron Copland's <i>Appalachian Spring</i> followed by a medley of timeless hymns. Prior to the ceremony, dear friend and recording artist <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tammyjensen">Tammy Jensen</a> sang the traditional Irish hymn, <i>Be Thou My Vision. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then it was time for the service to begin. The Bride's childhood friends entered the church in pairs, followed by The Groom's son-in-laws and daughter-in-law. Bach's traditional <i>Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring </i>played softly as the three daughters and son of The Groom came down the aisle to stand beside their father. Then as the strains of the all familiar <i>Jesus Loves Me </i>by Bradbury began to fill the church,the first of the nine grandchildren of the Groom, Rylan James Harris,entered the church carrying in his arms the youngest grandchild, tiny Wendy Anne Southard, just six weeks old. <span style="text-align: center;">Rylan was followed by Levi Thomas Harris carrying baby, </span><span style="text-align: center;">Arie Kenneth Wolf Sorensen, 3 months old. </span><span style="text-align: center;">The remaining grandchildren quickly followed suit: </span><span style="text-align: center;">Ty William Harris - 7 years; </span><span style="text-align: center;">Anne Clare Cline - 6 years; </span><span style="text-align: center;">Quinn Matthew Harris -4 years; </span><span style="text-align: center;">Elisabeth Maddux Cline - 4 years, and last, but not least, </span><span style="text-align: center;">Judah Andrew Cline - 2 years, who literally ran down the aisle!</span></div>
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6wFvUlilKmUEcbIkixHDStP2J07Rj379XqoiOGjrKrp7A731P4Ej4zSTjJlofZin4n7_FOlsXXohLmLkzILkYLSgQXl7lAbLD0DC_Qn_Hu2G3dsCWSqgP4mZrPWsekYskhQ38xgn-Zej/s1600/IMG_5583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6wFvUlilKmUEcbIkixHDStP2J07Rj379XqoiOGjrKrp7A731P4Ej4zSTjJlofZin4n7_FOlsXXohLmLkzILkYLSgQXl7lAbLD0DC_Qn_Hu2G3dsCWSqgP4mZrPWsekYskhQ38xgn-Zej/s1600/IMG_5583.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The altar flowers and kneeling bench</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnMrFmyJYHtIvdoresYjddCgVNNL0-b1JfEccGBBqF_SDxXkiF0y3yGHT_EQcjvUTSYqi68ASs7rMmGq7LS49wp11LPx5RQypD6Y88X8x0H688OabbnLBCKD_xpf_48ys_b9u645krF1t/s1600/IMG_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnMrFmyJYHtIvdoresYjddCgVNNL0-b1JfEccGBBqF_SDxXkiF0y3yGHT_EQcjvUTSYqi68ASs7rMmGq7LS49wp11LPx5RQypD6Y88X8x0H688OabbnLBCKD_xpf_48ys_b9u645krF1t/s640/IMG_5589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The windows overlooking the gardens were filled with vases of lovely flowers in shades of<br />
pink and peach accented with touches of blue and white.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJK8WdBHZPcU8APEwzVXbw0LATayLfknLi5Ci7pGSd9EcDhH_OK8k1C5skfn-wzHV3Jn8m5JrLBlNVwqWhPI7iCajMc0B44zvPIRKj-_cU-Tmhlyk1xjHLva72w2gUAMNcuxcWxGbV9Tn/s1600/IMG_5539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJK8WdBHZPcU8APEwzVXbw0LATayLfknLi5Ci7pGSd9EcDhH_OK8k1C5skfn-wzHV3Jn8m5JrLBlNVwqWhPI7iCajMc0B44zvPIRKj-_cU-Tmhlyk1xjHLva72w2gUAMNcuxcWxGbV9Tn/s640/IMG_5539.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudaqC-55ks2Ye7yrVW2z-bpsBOvF5QLqteff2p6I1KsaEGFPcX6CJnOb3xCWbkGOAc-BYn7FNXBUjgGKmp3DbOY1jjb8QruRnebG2Era1XNJEhgW3sRmPPjBOKSsgQEGK0R0aOjrYyAak/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudaqC-55ks2Ye7yrVW2z-bpsBOvF5QLqteff2p6I1KsaEGFPcX6CJnOb3xCWbkGOAc-BYn7FNXBUjgGKmp3DbOY1jjb8QruRnebG2Era1XNJEhgW3sRmPPjBOKSsgQEGK0R0aOjrYyAak/s320/IMG_5563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bride's bouquet and the bouquets for The Groom's daughters</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhIiPEa0NT_ucsX_TcK3SleJUWHMUpJLlqkVcdA9YCoQeBiuPTQyTkF9sZemq1MRFW87jQ_pt9DNVwbjgdBK2i8ch8taHxPSxf5IskhoJ-66yHdIGCeNcNnprEZKgsZWuEfgUR4Zo051Z/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhIiPEa0NT_ucsX_TcK3SleJUWHMUpJLlqkVcdA9YCoQeBiuPTQyTkF9sZemq1MRFW87jQ_pt9DNVwbjgdBK2i8ch8taHxPSxf5IskhoJ-66yHdIGCeNcNnprEZKgsZWuEfgUR4Zo051Z/s640/IMG_5542.JPG" width="552" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first glimpse of The Bride getting ready! She is flanked by her sisters and<br />
The Groom's oldest granddaughter, Anne Clare, who can't take her eyes off of her soon-to-be new grandmother who will go by the name of Hunee.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3To78l0-GCnnSFo1WU5GT27h5etympuq5qn-P2A8hC09UCDIpgnMg3LHlFY7fVwBaW1u98YQOgDd3wPIreiCwZ-mR5nGjQVj7IkQ-JAcH01yNH26TI2GFoyoI0zvYi4U81YshlZaAIIXQ/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3To78l0-GCnnSFo1WU5GT27h5etympuq5qn-P2A8hC09UCDIpgnMg3LHlFY7fVwBaW1u98YQOgDd3wPIreiCwZ-mR5nGjQVj7IkQ-JAcH01yNH26TI2GFoyoI0zvYi4U81YshlZaAIIXQ/s320/IMG_5557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The youngest grandbaby, six-week-old baby girl Wendy Anne Southard, relaxes before the wedding.<br />
She will still be sleeping when she is carried down the aisle by cousin Rylan James Harris.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiwygd394bsyqexDCqDWt8RcKHJwn59pcNFiH5qvNv-2R3d6ZTvfn5C8PiqD4vOUh2tbsPxzl0h4CWVAux-sEozX7iLPwgiG_1BxJgpsTf7qwIqL8UGCyainSt_vAyBKbV4RgzWR7_EXc/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiwygd394bsyqexDCqDWt8RcKHJwn59pcNFiH5qvNv-2R3d6ZTvfn5C8PiqD4vOUh2tbsPxzl0h4CWVAux-sEozX7iLPwgiG_1BxJgpsTf7qwIqL8UGCyainSt_vAyBKbV4RgzWR7_EXc/s640/IMG_5548.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The oldest granddaughter, Anne Clare, now waits patiently for the wedding to begin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjmbQSuKTg8fZMaoFsKWa43SGrhkEmcquMrKQlABiCEo9b6ae-WM4P1YBuC7nh-gKl01klxcE135J4cM07Fj_UmfJzQmn1G2IPuOhGwTE4XxtCpOuD3rimqHNfVS1e5cMJHPdKzumeyHl/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjmbQSuKTg8fZMaoFsKWa43SGrhkEmcquMrKQlABiCEo9b6ae-WM4P1YBuC7nh-gKl01klxcE135J4cM07Fj_UmfJzQmn1G2IPuOhGwTE4XxtCpOuD3rimqHNfVS1e5cMJHPdKzumeyHl/s640/IMG_5618.JPG" width="462" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Granddaughter Elizabeth (Ella) Maddux Cline is in awe of all that is happening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6N1c5enhSpUeut__COQP6zTbnrMZkz7KqrJcytCHNrv5G-3oQtYdM_DsCKgVADP6K3sy0zLTrmRnIWjxQvDRXgPoNErTmLbCnbx3-j6T2KbrKA7uzDibbDceCc_UY6avdr0J07nXV3Bf/s1600/IMG_5615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6N1c5enhSpUeut__COQP6zTbnrMZkz7KqrJcytCHNrv5G-3oQtYdM_DsCKgVADP6K3sy0zLTrmRnIWjxQvDRXgPoNErTmLbCnbx3-j6T2KbrKA7uzDibbDceCc_UY6avdr0J07nXV3Bf/s640/IMG_5615.JPG" width="366" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every crown needs adjusting...even those made out of flowers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37eZ54ML3082V4MypRkJLOURGRYZgjSu0p9Suz3N_HIqX0ZG_CBuK6q6BzznFhL-TBRybqylh6WSyiiBbelBq-Aw_HTKgNqnI8t2PMvMgA28ajDy5fWoU9yG-dsWA2AJ0n499XwQXeWK0/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37eZ54ML3082V4MypRkJLOURGRYZgjSu0p9Suz3N_HIqX0ZG_CBuK6q6BzznFhL-TBRybqylh6WSyiiBbelBq-Aw_HTKgNqnI8t2PMvMgA28ajDy5fWoU9yG-dsWA2AJ0n499XwQXeWK0/s640/IMG_5570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Memphis girls arrive to take a peek at The Bride. How I love their faces!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4nJWkMEYV5tb1sicAcXycQqbTztJ81koAYbpF1EUdl2Rxi1pu-_yptJlcFc6B0GUpZjUxw-TyE_pHfU5zdwMLhyphenhyphenbXsOcWHFoRIJhgMwLA8uuu0Byf3BQq3QmgHb4jhnXjLUJjPbTtmH_/s1600/IMG_5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4nJWkMEYV5tb1sicAcXycQqbTztJ81koAYbpF1EUdl2Rxi1pu-_yptJlcFc6B0GUpZjUxw-TyE_pHfU5zdwMLhyphenhyphenbXsOcWHFoRIJhgMwLA8uuu0Byf3BQq3QmgHb4jhnXjLUJjPbTtmH_/s640/IMG_5578.JPG" width="548" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnKOul9HhcE6cLfBPGqORYxHdBdgHSJQPfpsVQgqvPz_LtG6pi7wBdeGLPDEC75HYyCFX-hL2imJKFBehuH6J4dk6paZaTukLFtoWXSxwynnOcaztsrTnUC96EEkFspbnHuSp9LSBUyKI/s1600/IMG_5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnKOul9HhcE6cLfBPGqORYxHdBdgHSJQPfpsVQgqvPz_LtG6pi7wBdeGLPDEC75HYyCFX-hL2imJKFBehuH6J4dk6paZaTukLFtoWXSxwynnOcaztsrTnUC96EEkFspbnHuSp9LSBUyKI/s640/IMG_5551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bride and her sisters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iW7k6A0BIRwUQ33B6bX4q-cxGYaUEgFrzglxlzrJHpC7xbb3rBHD4TDwAqtfQGKkja7UetP_U9acfe8muP8tQ6gpLVW6bJCBN3AXMzc61XxD4XGAfiURZRFc3cwhI5p7Evot0znY1Dt6/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iW7k6A0BIRwUQ33B6bX4q-cxGYaUEgFrzglxlzrJHpC7xbb3rBHD4TDwAqtfQGKkja7UetP_U9acfe8muP8tQ6gpLVW6bJCBN3AXMzc61XxD4XGAfiURZRFc3cwhI5p7Evot0znY1Dt6/s640/IMG_5595.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The youngest grandson, Arie Kenneth Wolfe Sorensen, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is carried down the aisle by grandson Levi William Harris.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family waits for the wedding to begin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTqZaiKKdUwg5LoFgPM6vC3eBkZMAHfsbvOOe4t_wHLrrte3ipenbacy0ZjaGScl2-ZelGpHjrRzoUf8GB1IFRa8DuqXzLgrB4nD51dC1tm1U_2taf0pec-tpkzkmpfus1EFAr0OZGv3n/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTqZaiKKdUwg5LoFgPM6vC3eBkZMAHfsbvOOe4t_wHLrrte3ipenbacy0ZjaGScl2-ZelGpHjrRzoUf8GB1IFRa8DuqXzLgrB4nD51dC1tm1U_2taf0pec-tpkzkmpfus1EFAr0OZGv3n/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK9aSQ3D8oZALeIOL6713a_JmbtXi0CUMdN4iED1hNLMwAQNur5tkto5S-T_4mZAlXtpZ4JELkv1jKSdaz80Iaey0Ex5I-I6hapyzfDlHlkd7MdyJwadW7Bl8jGKicVdYVH-tbu3PmWAZ/s1600/IMG_5586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK9aSQ3D8oZALeIOL6713a_JmbtXi0CUMdN4iED1hNLMwAQNur5tkto5S-T_4mZAlXtpZ4JELkv1jKSdaz80Iaey0Ex5I-I6hapyzfDlHlkd7MdyJwadW7Bl8jGKicVdYVH-tbu3PmWAZ/s640/IMG_5586.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't think there was a dry eye in the house as The Bride enters the church with her</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sons, Michael Patton Brown and William Alexander Brown, by her side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her joyous smile meets its match with The Groom's beaming grin!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEc4kc9torK7Jtl3l-VeZ-yrRQGSIWVtaZTIY1e7jvl7JZVnfAwlkF2WewvfCThCzEsVUV3ihx4ifehTe09zF9e_FFBNlZ8GbzYgL-LZIAbMwVhmTuxxK6b3u2Pv8C0e-wpVEcYJbzO5Z/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEc4kc9torK7Jtl3l-VeZ-yrRQGSIWVtaZTIY1e7jvl7JZVnfAwlkF2WewvfCThCzEsVUV3ihx4ifehTe09zF9e_FFBNlZ8GbzYgL-LZIAbMwVhmTuxxK6b3u2Pv8C0e-wpVEcYJbzO5Z/s640/IMG_5596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"<br />
And the The Brides' sons say in perfect unison, "We do..."<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE2mDSa5ULvLAx8aJSjJexrlVAI0YG2zJq7bZBroT6DOCIr7G0eg2mKiLEiR9hdQJaJ-UlP78glERWvJE2CqqxjAfqgz4aJnH-7Nt3paeYW1gbUiifpiMmJVqPKxD_gMNtgRdMlxZkb_t/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE2mDSa5ULvLAx8aJSjJexrlVAI0YG2zJq7bZBroT6DOCIr7G0eg2mKiLEiR9hdQJaJ-UlP78glERWvJE2CqqxjAfqgz4aJnH-7Nt3paeYW1gbUiifpiMmJVqPKxD_gMNtgRdMlxZkb_t/s640/IMG_5601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You may now kiss your wife..." And he does!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygbGxX1FSt1MaH81yqMXsCKbXxY0mTRhc6PIlf917EkvLRTeV8Og4DORY6jYwBb8nvi_4FMpBoRo3HvW6f4uxy-nSZhJz-Mf_DUA7LuqrNXEivjrTGEpWV0AoQ1yC4ZM7BKcKjTFT8ufU/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygbGxX1FSt1MaH81yqMXsCKbXxY0mTRhc6PIlf917EkvLRTeV8Og4DORY6jYwBb8nvi_4FMpBoRo3HvW6f4uxy-nSZhJz-Mf_DUA7LuqrNXEivjrTGEpWV0AoQ1yC4ZM7BKcKjTFT8ufU/s640/IMG_5602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LgzhJT4hxjl7rMWZJzSraGzbqYcMHDNeYaaQdA3eovVJay9Je_VDEcpZvvCMbEQ-9FmflUzzHyhFimV1_jNVpgtk-E0TOh4KBgGNmHa776qGI1OJOHpZrCZHqZVPGITdQOWVyofAWR_8/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LgzhJT4hxjl7rMWZJzSraGzbqYcMHDNeYaaQdA3eovVJay9Je_VDEcpZvvCMbEQ-9FmflUzzHyhFimV1_jNVpgtk-E0TOh4KBgGNmHa776qGI1OJOHpZrCZHqZVPGITdQOWVyofAWR_8/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite wedding picture. No words for this kind of happiness!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WFdU_9Hji9WcaEgtooxb-g78qRXgM07AB_FEbHWEkAGXkzij3iMSE28rQwt6IRv2-v7eFFFAc0PT34kDQMRuwve__T24zU__GJZ-dUZFO03TNzGOJix1IwHVU21jJV78xumC2fZ_kY5r/s1600/IMG_5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WFdU_9Hji9WcaEgtooxb-g78qRXgM07AB_FEbHWEkAGXkzij3iMSE28rQwt6IRv2-v7eFFFAc0PT34kDQMRuwve__T24zU__GJZ-dUZFO03TNzGOJix1IwHVU21jJV78xumC2fZ_kY5r/s640/IMG_5605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More joy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wLISOseJ15TebwTsFWJV1BD1dJzNgVXDcGlos51ncY_WIuSOWSKbhPvQZAKrwZ3X1YIYhP1pY82ofmSFs8hGwQPQ-jvleFMyve6H4R1jzFF6uEAlHJdx1Mpu_Tp2Z1RFrMdI-AWpViXF/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wLISOseJ15TebwTsFWJV1BD1dJzNgVXDcGlos51ncY_WIuSOWSKbhPvQZAKrwZ3X1YIYhP1pY82ofmSFs8hGwQPQ-jvleFMyve6H4R1jzFF6uEAlHJdx1Mpu_Tp2Z1RFrMdI-AWpViXF/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TtNs8glertDicAaWn17uF2fy8w2JLQ2Zm2NTp1ODuJoV-HvhaNP1EzGm3WQWyTcnEVunKEsbqMC_g6oPHlZ3PeOQGnowRkzRQdm_rgvSHKyaRmahoKDUgN6ctz48tR2TwZYy0-Ww5i8J/s1600/IMG_5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TtNs8glertDicAaWn17uF2fy8w2JLQ2Zm2NTp1ODuJoV-HvhaNP1EzGm3WQWyTcnEVunKEsbqMC_g6oPHlZ3PeOQGnowRkzRQdm_rgvSHKyaRmahoKDUgN6ctz48tR2TwZYy0-Ww5i8J/s1600/IMG_5613.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Immediate family photo time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sLKk8aWg5N4iDWOZd35ScoOZclfO_G-K4B6ZzIqRMpAk-N2MXpOXxzkGHoRySnFt64QXziyfhNNJuPUofDol90dIMrM3a2q0ZtqlRBgd3ma6pvG2OyiijZBgJcC0bow9oMKrBGtoD3fd/s1600/IMG_5614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sLKk8aWg5N4iDWOZd35ScoOZclfO_G-K4B6ZzIqRMpAk-N2MXpOXxzkGHoRySnFt64QXziyfhNNJuPUofDol90dIMrM3a2q0ZtqlRBgd3ma6pvG2OyiijZBgJcC0bow9oMKrBGtoD3fd/s640/IMG_5614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More Memphis friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now for the reception...<br />
Time to celebrate!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFPyAbRkJZypZb1lfS68Z5wJ0jf1qZ5o7FEb4UpyPEP2npyvkl1dezVNSzCyjPlW_Hxx7TA5DBvA62Qlv4gTDx_PEGRFBIzeIFawzj0iC_wudEb6zFbBGuZ8a24yc_VGQDA4vtuRonqRA/s1600/IMG_5624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFPyAbRkJZypZb1lfS68Z5wJ0jf1qZ5o7FEb4UpyPEP2npyvkl1dezVNSzCyjPlW_Hxx7TA5DBvA62Qlv4gTDx_PEGRFBIzeIFawzj0iC_wudEb6zFbBGuZ8a24yc_VGQDA4vtuRonqRA/s640/IMG_5624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry5BGNfwqtb1Hb1pNTlU-Jl8IP_0-lvF6wepXGR1Ynj3K3sZ2ton22sELq1bIKKz9OvJuzJVesECdmqJN3ZlmjcdovJfEsuUlErWqqSj0H3j6EM1m1NcXX197Jj5IuaZAvtTlulp46oSV/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry5BGNfwqtb1Hb1pNTlU-Jl8IP_0-lvF6wepXGR1Ynj3K3sZ2ton22sELq1bIKKz9OvJuzJVesECdmqJN3ZlmjcdovJfEsuUlErWqqSj0H3j6EM1m1NcXX197Jj5IuaZAvtTlulp46oSV/s640/IMG_5629.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4lisMFl8Z7DrYIoTKafcK7LQeJSILIkWAtG46nvkIbbxLVJl2pq9yTJ5nnVPGRrIEmexvCNrQs0d3m_h9WQRCoXNIlLFLbX6qOlXd86LcNmyYyxnMBji0ij9ploAH98rE40fCEhNWEfY/s1600/IMG_5630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4lisMFl8Z7DrYIoTKafcK7LQeJSILIkWAtG46nvkIbbxLVJl2pq9yTJ5nnVPGRrIEmexvCNrQs0d3m_h9WQRCoXNIlLFLbX6qOlXd86LcNmyYyxnMBji0ij9ploAH98rE40fCEhNWEfY/s640/IMG_5630.JPG" width="438" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A pair of flower filled urns flank the fireplace<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTDsmt2KXH8-RcA3PxDu66PXbnI0vM3q5C9aWSvEUT1PPxiMnwnsXmvqw58Ruap2F-GVNO7a2HsXQtrIp23e0T3rozY9LSSC_RVvAxfXFEfYYHFTjhMfKHrPH_WTVzMxtyZlIsTw1-E0/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTDsmt2KXH8-RcA3PxDu66PXbnI0vM3q5C9aWSvEUT1PPxiMnwnsXmvqw58Ruap2F-GVNO7a2HsXQtrIp23e0T3rozY9LSSC_RVvAxfXFEfYYHFTjhMfKHrPH_WTVzMxtyZlIsTw1-E0/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wedding cake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yhGehkWWESC3fvx0IpND0h_oUQ-wPr4FCHXMWBv82BzZ3sOrWCRJnnPLEvSrvmk_2rg5qiLVRf7HtMywZu2C-LGbW_nhqTGUZUy6TY0MbxLyudYP1xRO4Kh2whRZrB9tZGQU51TBqQA/s1600/IMG_5628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yhGehkWWESC3fvx0IpND0h_oUQ-wPr4FCHXMWBv82BzZ3sOrWCRJnnPLEvSrvmk_2rg5qiLVRf7HtMywZu2C-LGbW_nhqTGUZUy6TY0MbxLyudYP1xRO4Kh2whRZrB9tZGQU51TBqQA/s640/IMG_5628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Close-up of the embroidered linen on the cake table which echoes the design on the cake</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBp_G4weDaiorYGaDOdjam-4mSL27JM5UqdtyIWMhn2EOK2CwMfgi7bId6boN4EbpTZV8rOfJ5sSs85Gq26PzzZKL4wyplW-kNJ03NV4y20qVsS32p7NYiECCvU1FrO6-OooskVe8jFma/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBp_G4weDaiorYGaDOdjam-4mSL27JM5UqdtyIWMhn2EOK2CwMfgi7bId6boN4EbpTZV8rOfJ5sSs85Gq26PzzZKL4wyplW-kNJ03NV4y20qVsS32p7NYiECCvU1FrO6-OooskVe8jFma/s320/IMG_5631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A mixture of table sizes (a hightop here) with linens of different color, pattern, and texture</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
add a special touch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9WfvlFm-MNpvDiQwXT-UpCRAz4xxbT0YF5vHUgT2Sllhd0tizR3mnGvyX2Pxpdv9d_A9UXoYAe4jTs9Fs-L94myHYe0CjYL-89igqrP0Y_h5GRnxYMZv846WSSZN1PBnTeIv2SlQ0raY/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9WfvlFm-MNpvDiQwXT-UpCRAz4xxbT0YF5vHUgT2Sllhd0tizR3mnGvyX2Pxpdv9d_A9UXoYAe4jTs9Fs-L94myHYe0CjYL-89igqrP0Y_h5GRnxYMZv846WSSZN1PBnTeIv2SlQ0raY/s640/IMG_5632.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cocktail tables laden with flowers and food</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DMQ-wMAvKTaXF30hUb2qygrrfXVdAJ26tbiODAURIbwklZuf53ncdoT5iPm1I79jGuncBoKD8mQYhm1D0Ch4w4hyphenhypheno5ziW5by3jyyWormUxINkUvSu6D74ipt711_6WUTnyjMWw5M15qJ/s1600/IMG_5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DMQ-wMAvKTaXF30hUb2qygrrfXVdAJ26tbiODAURIbwklZuf53ncdoT5iPm1I79jGuncBoKD8mQYhm1D0Ch4w4hyphenhypheno5ziW5by3jyyWormUxINkUvSu6D74ipt711_6WUTnyjMWw5M15qJ/s640/IMG_5634.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Silver pitchers served as flower containers in one of the rooms</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpnXq8TmwQM9mzJwliRWQhu7SATahJoU8JYa39Q5D3s__hk0MPEmDI5sWCrOXmoaVmk-alelzgwRLVx0pb17l-PprRviAoqxVJHMQS2GZHJv_LLyo2Nos9t92mVzVk2QTyKSHsIKXk7b5/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpnXq8TmwQM9mzJwliRWQhu7SATahJoU8JYa39Q5D3s__hk0MPEmDI5sWCrOXmoaVmk-alelzgwRLVx0pb17l-PprRviAoqxVJHMQS2GZHJv_LLyo2Nos9t92mVzVk2QTyKSHsIKXk7b5/s640/IMG_5636.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.citylightsband.com/"> Sam Levine and the City Lights</a> keep the party going and the dance floor filled!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD92WMwdaMcH7gylL-H6f4eNfP2-L0aHoR7GBAxLxxL2cO0ajL3SsVSIOkjjT94QruM0oe9JoEb4XeASI7rbFO94jz5J_d1VEaAN-ux4Hqr4dqnIdtN4ZeDAjfz-ZuOVnhNJ15ZTkiNun/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD92WMwdaMcH7gylL-H6f4eNfP2-L0aHoR7GBAxLxxL2cO0ajL3SsVSIOkjjT94QruM0oe9JoEb4XeASI7rbFO94jz5J_d1VEaAN-ux4Hqr4dqnIdtN4ZeDAjfz-ZuOVnhNJ15ZTkiNun/s640/IMG_5637.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN45gXRv3K1Y1os0_lUzEnFB6c1GHkbWSR6zFOheyhgruVQg00lDZSnZzL0E3Rm2llttbRs_aa7YmwNqN22jk_3bgxUe1w_KKftmKY0j-7YdDgV5QltDq-CQ3RgrUqagzLWrBt62ZBiI1w/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN45gXRv3K1Y1os0_lUzEnFB6c1GHkbWSR6zFOheyhgruVQg00lDZSnZzL0E3Rm2llttbRs_aa7YmwNqN22jk_3bgxUe1w_KKftmKY0j-7YdDgV5QltDq-CQ3RgrUqagzLWrBt62ZBiI1w/s640/IMG_5639.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0yzUWO3xeIUfNunhluR6nBerzNNJj83Ym92BBzZ_Pds8Y_3J71iiIyZjodRsND5ksuL8yJhiB7epvxkFDIgJwa2jOOnQPvQLtZCNPRw-Lwl_0CF6C5uRrFR34glj89XdpfFr713VgjMB/s1600/IMG_5640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0yzUWO3xeIUfNunhluR6nBerzNNJj83Ym92BBzZ_Pds8Y_3J71iiIyZjodRsND5ksuL8yJhiB7epvxkFDIgJwa2jOOnQPvQLtZCNPRw-Lwl_0CF6C5uRrFR34glj89XdpfFr713VgjMB/s640/IMG_5640.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcuwpqgPabcuJiBYS6Je7xDNfu6KghESY-LzKXSFUC73IE7hbzEYO_eoHW7D4pOhFQSVHmDVCdOYeXBxgtHXvzWWIdABTnpvsDMag_zU5HImlxtNjYqus1Ynj0foP9_XlrPdTiYZe-PpT/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcuwpqgPabcuJiBYS6Je7xDNfu6KghESY-LzKXSFUC73IE7hbzEYO_eoHW7D4pOhFQSVHmDVCdOYeXBxgtHXvzWWIdABTnpvsDMag_zU5HImlxtNjYqus1Ynj0foP9_XlrPdTiYZe-PpT/s640/IMG_5641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidFOSb_DrDysfMZ-JyLH3g38LICDmuJMbir_CXTlP-UQVvDPVJX1pjGr0qetRlVt7KY7yIuQfxWPDNg6GuK3tY6hpwaS4I3pGH4vXP5Slv8MMCl5CqwM9sbzCk-nY4Bz0mmCUCeB_eZui/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidFOSb_DrDysfMZ-JyLH3g38LICDmuJMbir_CXTlP-UQVvDPVJX1pjGr0qetRlVt7KY7yIuQfxWPDNg6GuK3tY6hpwaS4I3pGH4vXP5Slv8MMCl5CqwM9sbzCk-nY4Bz0mmCUCeB_eZui/s640/IMG_5642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://sphotos-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1236293_4700365806049_46577657_n.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSXzGgm0wWD2yVQOJJXdIE6vP2_OPXMSGR1eGgfdO739xhGfkKJP6zpIrTEFmz2UaQmVkM-yoGmGB7-WGvJUGtjA0MpG-3jTfV8MJf2IvcH4rk-DqYMgfE00JU9LCEm4SClnXimmEumdQ/s1600/IMG_5643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSXzGgm0wWD2yVQOJJXdIE6vP2_OPXMSGR1eGgfdO739xhGfkKJP6zpIrTEFmz2UaQmVkM-yoGmGB7-WGvJUGtjA0MpG-3jTfV8MJf2IvcH4rk-DqYMgfE00JU9LCEm4SClnXimmEumdQ/s640/IMG_5643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Va4n6VMxijsrrzPTsB5dyRTQ8OnPbeSYBOwEjwj9fE8KyMT2f-SylBbbp7Y1Qy-QfzMmbofbCIlE_JFLhHhyphenhyphenxPvUhTDqmg72dnun2NpFENuF4RG8yq-_4UHzHRhj4jpefo2iQu_oeFqt/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Va4n6VMxijsrrzPTsB5dyRTQ8OnPbeSYBOwEjwj9fE8KyMT2f-SylBbbp7Y1Qy-QfzMmbofbCIlE_JFLhHhyphenhyphenxPvUhTDqmg72dnun2NpFENuF4RG8yq-_4UHzHRhj4jpefo2iQu_oeFqt/s640/IMG_5645.JPG" width="610" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And off they go to the adventure of a lifetime!</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825185899033315719.post-87092138446861047082013-09-06T10:23:00.001-05:002013-09-06T11:27:09.830-05:00A Gender Neutral Nursery Fit for a Prince or Princess! My niece and her husband made what appears to be an unusual choice these days: they opted not to find out the gender of their baby. The birthing trend for most young parents is to acquire as much information as is possible beforehand, to organize and plan everything out to the most minute detail, and to outfit the nursery with a specific theme that is designed with a particular child in mind. Some parents-to-be even go so far as to schedule an induction so that even the actual birth day of the child will not be subject to the whims or vagaries of nature.(Heaven forbid!) I won't get started on my opinion on all of that...but let me just say that I am a firm proponent of waiting. I can readily testify that the moment when you discover just who your child is one of the most magical and wonderful events in life.<br />
That being said, living in the day and time that in which we find ourselves, planning and executing a gender neutral nursery can be a significant challenge. Most of the decor that is available is geared toward one sex or the other. My niece, however, managed to pull together an adorable nursery that strikes the perfect balance. The soft blues, creams, and touches of white and burnished gold will lend themselves well to either a baby boy or a baby girl.<br />
I also love that she incorporated items that had been used in her own nursery. In some cases they were updated and in others, they appear just as they were thirty years ago. As you enjoy seeing her selections, I will try to let you know where she sourced everything.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The color palette is soft and soothing. No bright colors here to strike discordant notes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little nursery will be a sanctuary for mother and child alike. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Noted designer Erika Powell of U<a href="http://urbangrace.com/">rban Grace Interiors</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
worked with my niece and assisted her with the wall color, bedding selections, and window treatments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjGjMREVzKoEnlY1v8if5EMLtlqtYhGFC_KxZ71nQw206VIvecE3UFCcRlydjjvV2tcLmzOno2DRE8djp27MWxY0KAMdA06lCw3L424dNipa62fePAeLRrP3e3_X0NY-LR2SrySURm_UI/s1600/1185113_10101572469660061_789949054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjGjMREVzKoEnlY1v8if5EMLtlqtYhGFC_KxZ71nQw206VIvecE3UFCcRlydjjvV2tcLmzOno2DRE8djp27MWxY0KAMdA06lCw3L424dNipa62fePAeLRrP3e3_X0NY-LR2SrySURm_UI/s1600/1185113_10101572469660061_789949054_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From this picture you can see that the bedroom was originally </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
paneled in hand-hewn tongue and groove cypress that has been painted with Benjamin Moore White Dove.<br />
I am usually not a fan of paneling, but here it provides interest and adds a cottage feel to the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pegged oak floors are original to the house and were refinished with a darker stain this past year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb_3QcSAYXcTWiaegxyZAbxZ8C9PyY-Y-jwTtTjxT-mRHciBOYjFOXYE3Z2h61W-BFrOa5LHES7VpQ7MLCwdY8vhVtYYVLT8k0WLg1klRl2vZHyOyvypRIV9Xi-V3bA_m1V-hdv75XMwe/s1600/1185088_10101572469315751_1905246479_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb_3QcSAYXcTWiaegxyZAbxZ8C9PyY-Y-jwTtTjxT-mRHciBOYjFOXYE3Z2h61W-BFrOa5LHES7VpQ7MLCwdY8vhVtYYVLT8k0WLg1klRl2vZHyOyvypRIV9Xi-V3bA_m1V-hdv75XMwe/s1600/1185088_10101572469315751_1905246479_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Jenny Lind crib was used by my niece when she was a baby.<br />
Urban Grace worked their magic on the bedding.<br />
It is a masterful blend of textures, subtle patterns and tones.<br />
It's neutral, but not boring!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX23Wls5FrWix6uy0zD4kGYNWweaytFWg3s5aQmw9l9ATgksxViuiYvaj2XI-6iRAU7sX1Mb6Q6bZ10S8UHW6bn9mB7PvxDZi3bwy0srTHzH_pP4c08z2hAqyG8xlJkhQDE-WL4peRdXtO/s1600/IMG_4325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX23Wls5FrWix6uy0zD4kGYNWweaytFWg3s5aQmw9l9ATgksxViuiYvaj2XI-6iRAU7sX1Mb6Q6bZ10S8UHW6bn9mB7PvxDZi3bwy0srTHzH_pP4c08z2hAqyG8xlJkhQDE-WL4peRdXtO/s640/IMG_4325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The crib skirt fabric is a Jane Shelton linen fabric: Raindrops in Blue/Green. It is designed to adjust</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
as the crib is lowered. The crib sheet is Serena and Lily Aqua Trellis, and the bumpers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
are Robert Allen Diamond Tuft in Natural with welting and ties in Fabricut Elements in Haze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXyTjDi-DyDNJvVh3l8i5WSG4y6jJe_9kau2ownyomd-4KtnO1y4HHyqXWxilgT6z5hvE6iGuFGsZ3JNMHxrIcjWo5qF7_W1UAq6IgW0oveBYbkBryOob_o3ZIdLb7vxoEAN6UvsKsO7w/s1600/IMG_4327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXyTjDi-DyDNJvVh3l8i5WSG4y6jJe_9kau2ownyomd-4KtnO1y4HHyqXWxilgT6z5hvE6iGuFGsZ3JNMHxrIcjWo5qF7_W1UAq6IgW0oveBYbkBryOob_o3ZIdLb7vxoEAN6UvsKsO7w/s640/IMG_4327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FjdlMS7eKMDP_f0Z5SF2faJCuQ0fOJPRFwT_9ZK7tInYkVWJ8TKo98Knx_7uaJlQFxr8S0kFOYzssM0qCF84Dqxnfx5_rpJon9RlZPZYvuvPTUd_C_mtYvsIIaBgXIB0Ko1QKervDsUF/s1600/1209055_10101572469510361_1259446355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FjdlMS7eKMDP_f0Z5SF2faJCuQ0fOJPRFwT_9ZK7tInYkVWJ8TKo98Knx_7uaJlQFxr8S0kFOYzssM0qCF84Dqxnfx5_rpJon9RlZPZYvuvPTUd_C_mtYvsIIaBgXIB0Ko1QKervDsUF/s1600/1209055_10101572469510361_1259446355_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this piece and think it adds great cachet to the space. My niece searched high and low and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finally found this gem on a FaceBook auction.<br />
Even though she had to drive 120 miles to pick it up, it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was definitely worth it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJvk2MK8_pO3HohK9uBcu9vB6zyXZsw2tEOeqqgig-_qzTULYrnR5eZHFPZhHXiTORxLwfdi23DMtGRWEVgEcL18D-RbOu028HNSbQueyHaA5r-q-tIOJjzGKNvshaFbY38qwmRP379E2/s1600/8576_10101572465702991_1007889076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJvk2MK8_pO3HohK9uBcu9vB6zyXZsw2tEOeqqgig-_qzTULYrnR5eZHFPZhHXiTORxLwfdi23DMtGRWEVgEcL18D-RbOu028HNSbQueyHaA5r-q-tIOJjzGKNvshaFbY38qwmRP379E2/s320/8576_10101572465702991_1007889076_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This ceramic bunny has a happy home in the corner</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know whose idea it was, but it was a genius plan to remove the closet doors and add the shelving for baskets (from <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a>). It will be a long time before baby will need the extra length for his or her clothes and this makes wise use of what is normally underutilized space in a closet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS6U9SMzrM8HrUdZLtV-vERj7DkpIcv7LITmgtB0vYHFU3j7XgxVONyXee9McR9octwS9MBDjbgEeD-NnDoilalk8tR6nrCFYsjiG4zSrehZwfkoSR9Mgt6NdkjZ_EtWaxorjOZFyj5MD/s1600/1231702_10101572469704971_1932195323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS6U9SMzrM8HrUdZLtV-vERj7DkpIcv7LITmgtB0vYHFU3j7XgxVONyXee9McR9octwS9MBDjbgEeD-NnDoilalk8tR6nrCFYsjiG4zSrehZwfkoSR9Mgt6NdkjZ_EtWaxorjOZFyj5MD/s1600/1231702_10101572469704971_1932195323_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vdz6PMuHObLUQwo6rCH-H-JX5Oves6t2Ts4sdFV7o8wFHadifzZwVmddMVv9-M-4BLz1GDRfLy9KmDopbpTljPS1C7vgjrC5BxdlpCaSUif9F5rpyRwDplRVgly4h2LuGc2tF-IlkXjx/s1600/1001126_10101572461586241_386087950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vdz6PMuHObLUQwo6rCH-H-JX5Oves6t2Ts4sdFV7o8wFHadifzZwVmddMVv9-M-4BLz1GDRfLy9KmDopbpTljPS1C7vgjrC5BxdlpCaSUif9F5rpyRwDplRVgly4h2LuGc2tF-IlkXjx/s1600/1001126_10101572461586241_386087950_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a closer look at the changing table combination dresser. My niece<br />
ordered this charming piece on Etsy from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Daniscustomdesigns">Dani's Custom Designs.</a><br />
I love the retro knobs and the embossing detail on the front of the drawers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oVC0KHkR5E9TygDG07fcl8dxhQZKexCYLB_KmAnlh1XA3LUjOSLVGF-XOxoHH8z1ewWVGqgQuRuv4XTSMGJYKW-f83URiGi_6FyQdViT1SI-yfdTBJWkXNwkqcBPtMwrjCMoTAppjv5i/s1600/IMG_4333+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oVC0KHkR5E9TygDG07fcl8dxhQZKexCYLB_KmAnlh1XA3LUjOSLVGF-XOxoHH8z1ewWVGqgQuRuv4XTSMGJYKW-f83URiGi_6FyQdViT1SI-yfdTBJWkXNwkqcBPtMwrjCMoTAppjv5i/s640/IMG_4333+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmC7od2SZpjDDVpFtX_DZo30H6rhpxv2o_zNSpVleFcycw9g3PlUnAbOijdMfSYo8sWImmqn-JMxVfIHRTp3Ei_ctWlS-6ALWc4JAYZ1aIUlGXk3sl9IQUYddDXlK3BYnEhCVVlK4-eDm/s1600/8570_10101572464904591_2079558295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmC7od2SZpjDDVpFtX_DZo30H6rhpxv2o_zNSpVleFcycw9g3PlUnAbOijdMfSYo8sWImmqn-JMxVfIHRTp3Ei_ctWlS-6ALWc4JAYZ1aIUlGXk3sl9IQUYddDXlK3BYnEhCVVlK4-eDm/s640/8570_10101572464904591_2079558295_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother made each of her daughters a series of these counted cross-stitch nursery rhymes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for our baby nurseries. My niece had these keepsakes reframed in burnished gold for an updated look. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkg2vQ-BsgOS114RYbMWCPZXoh3PdC8ynd-HiZM1Nq4cqvw72jX0VUXgZUtdRR_CMLVq3knovA55oy0cIbXM0GjqhNgmC4foPRFCTaX2gZUawEuzGySXSy0L18NQGtB8cxVp881ZDDIJK/s1600/1236758_10101572464874651_738709075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkg2vQ-BsgOS114RYbMWCPZXoh3PdC8ynd-HiZM1Nq4cqvw72jX0VUXgZUtdRR_CMLVq3knovA55oy0cIbXM0GjqhNgmC4foPRFCTaX2gZUawEuzGySXSy0L18NQGtB8cxVp881ZDDIJK/s640/1236758_10101572464874651_738709075_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No family nursery would be complete without a hand-knitted baby<br />
blanket designed and executed by the baby's great-grandmother, our beloved BaBa. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The nursery rocker/glider is from<a href="http://beauhomeinteriors.com/furniture/"> Beau Home Interiors</a> in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida,<br />
and is slipcovered in a natural cotton twill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEs7GtXj-qIHMnR40rsCJBr8UgHI5kQAfNk80cyXYaKzAJglnqtnFDviaFK-hT7HNWSVRAkKmxDoDGLcBdLtc6QClDHNKXc4-sKSMiNlnHkzz1Er8_d1hqi3JBMYFB9K_b8_7iN_ZybGg/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEs7GtXj-qIHMnR40rsCJBr8UgHI5kQAfNk80cyXYaKzAJglnqtnFDviaFK-hT7HNWSVRAkKmxDoDGLcBdLtc6QClDHNKXc4-sKSMiNlnHkzz1Er8_d1hqi3JBMYFB9K_b8_7iN_ZybGg/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Both the shade and the curtain above have blackout lining. Draperies are Fabricut Carrom Robin's Egg. <a href="http://urbangrace.com/">Urban Grace</a> fabricated the cornice board in-house. Hardware is by<a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/"> Restoration Hardware.</a></span><br />
One of my favorite touches is the bird lamp on the wicker table (from an estate sale)<br />
by <a href="http://www.dimondlighting.com/eSource/THREE_BIRD_LIGHT_PICK_SH_93-052/i_0_0_/DIMOND_93-052.aspx">Dimond Lighting</a>.It definitely brings a touch of whimsy to the space<br />
and echoes the burnished gold tones of the chandelier hanging above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyE9sZCa9ls7dZsZnErHCZoVrWtNGbWw1_Ot04kPxqmyfAukpb4aN-jue5Kurx5yF6JadyZ1fRRjfP9iQBDQIfnX6pLvNU-S2yz5ekcGRl_VAvbpKOtqJkaV13Xz8sWgIxc6vcvUuWS0P/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyE9sZCa9ls7dZsZnErHCZoVrWtNGbWw1_Ot04kPxqmyfAukpb4aN-jue5Kurx5yF6JadyZ1fRRjfP9iQBDQIfnX6pLvNU-S2yz5ekcGRl_VAvbpKOtqJkaV13Xz8sWgIxc6vcvUuWS0P/s640/IMG_4340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl-Jfk1lChv4SjACSlaH_O3PbrELyhaLicsV55njzHau5Davr5-3TGV4hOc_xfUX0HfKaBVpUkqujzFIZvA5pCOrWypUSu0ow8wM3hFdB4FNcBou4RuZBmTgdZtP20WrsDgvHfWI8DNpS/s1600/IMG_4341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl-Jfk1lChv4SjACSlaH_O3PbrELyhaLicsV55njzHau5Davr5-3TGV4hOc_xfUX0HfKaBVpUkqujzFIZvA5pCOrWypUSu0ow8wM3hFdB4FNcBou4RuZBmTgdZtP20WrsDgvHfWI8DNpS/s640/IMG_4341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here are a collection of treasures that belonged to my niece when she was a baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m9tUdHK1Wg5BRA5sMTaeBC5nxZAhfBIpLkL5nDlk9VUJnlUgCqivkbpXZK-DjnmjGqGVgpGS6nsFQRchccgx75_sfErbpX0myFGZPcG8cyJp962ewwjtiOaO5py8dmiLI_Cr12P7rimD/s1600/1157552_10101572465488421_29294070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m9tUdHK1Wg5BRA5sMTaeBC5nxZAhfBIpLkL5nDlk9VUJnlUgCqivkbpXZK-DjnmjGqGVgpGS6nsFQRchccgx75_sfErbpX0myFGZPcG8cyJp962ewwjtiOaO5py8dmiLI_Cr12P7rimD/s640/1157552_10101572465488421_29294070_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQWh8fKtYRFAfZuo0HnAQA1i6xlKY9IkCayY9kyAUHW5ez3Nab9jN6NCYTpW8AJX8-Riig4AUTKN6TJo1GZrghFTj7S_KMEL0l6gvfZPLGBXEZD2YbODqkUsJn8VvUPpjkxxXA51BAEo5/s1600/1238966_10101572465463471_1716367972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQWh8fKtYRFAfZuo0HnAQA1i6xlKY9IkCayY9kyAUHW5ez3Nab9jN6NCYTpW8AJX8-Riig4AUTKN6TJo1GZrghFTj7S_KMEL0l6gvfZPLGBXEZD2YbODqkUsJn8VvUPpjkxxXA51BAEo5/s640/1238966_10101572465463471_1716367972_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leather baby shoes that have been preserved in porcelain paired with a Wedgwood Bunnykins bank</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgTndT4kSlvu3Kqgku6cWYxrsW-nrQGnIP33jedkUQYS1LeIt5MyqZ0XTCSKcPIhb9bB3YK8bcfriTxzizSR8Oq4AJ3fj3TMEdGY-1CJAsqrsjaFsceZSuj7z1O46pIumFWu_WM-EHLCq/s1600/1239044_10101572465503391_1117351096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgTndT4kSlvu3Kqgku6cWYxrsW-nrQGnIP33jedkUQYS1LeIt5MyqZ0XTCSKcPIhb9bB3YK8bcfriTxzizSR8Oq4AJ3fj3TMEdGY-1CJAsqrsjaFsceZSuj7z1O46pIumFWu_WM-EHLCq/s640/1239044_10101572465503391_1117351096_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The vintage Beatrix Potter music box by Schmid with Mr. Owl and the Squirrel<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCkhCN3N__D20_gWhdh45PDNrDf4e84QmTpLKKsLn2R4Wbes-TOk2rTnaa_FXzj-kQoKZoypw9x1y_6tI54BBnH4MRonBXK2G1X2ucwCAcmdHXPbyFoc9gFEhVHPe66uFOLSG4pefYdHl/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCkhCN3N__D20_gWhdh45PDNrDf4e84QmTpLKKsLn2R4Wbes-TOk2rTnaa_FXzj-kQoKZoypw9x1y_6tI54BBnH4MRonBXK2G1X2ucwCAcmdHXPbyFoc9gFEhVHPe66uFOLSG4pefYdHl/s640/IMG_4763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A closer look at the artwork by Ginger Leigh of Grayton Beach, Florida that was<br />
commissioned especially for the nursery.<br />
<br />
You've seen all of the special touches that my niece pulled together to make a<br />
serene, soothing and inviting space for her little one to play and sleep and dream.<br />
Now it's time to find out just who will be taking up residence in this lovely nursery....<br />
Drumroll, please...<br />
It's a Girl!<br />
It's a Princess!<br />
Here she is...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEld63z6YKZ9EBZBrmvYp_X6IML0CkA8yuT26Cj-4lGJcT_lqEMJIxjdc-9pbpmSd0DxBZJxW1ybhDcLvQh7r7-UDUCmrFWvBSVSIlbHt9BicdqX-KleOKo7mjJFc6OJ_1s-lbVVbcoPYp/s1600/998474_10101572679145251_321131832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEld63z6YKZ9EBZBrmvYp_X6IML0CkA8yuT26Cj-4lGJcT_lqEMJIxjdc-9pbpmSd0DxBZJxW1ybhDcLvQh7r7-UDUCmrFWvBSVSIlbHt9BicdqX-KleOKo7mjJFc6OJ_1s-lbVVbcoPYp/s1600/998474_10101572679145251_321131832_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Nursery rug from <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/">Joss and Main</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All baskets pictured from Pottery Barn</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mother Goose gift from <a href="http://www.prettypleaseonline.com/">Pretty Please</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chandelier found online</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Small wicker rocker gift from friend</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Round wicker table from an Estate Sale</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby Girl - gift from God (every perfect gift cometh from above....)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
The Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12509234059629495086noreply@blogger.com0