tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44575743147546913812023-11-24T04:33:16.156-06:00Wiley AdventuresCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.comBlogger730125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-51135097371585609912021-01-04T21:46:00.000-06:002021-01-04T21:46:15.800-06:00Family Pictures 2020 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdQMBypCVNV1rJ7CV_38EWN7qBk3HghmBt2qP3ekYqJ15i4UxyJlR-lBtsL9YHklO2rZ7C-g5EoTygJ2iJVIvOB8pZPMvqQHQGnPJ2L8LLR0X2uuUd4dMHTBfHffnT5kuYUKnoY8sh3k/s2048/06228CC1-78FC-4F76-BBF6-48C2C13A4104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdQMBypCVNV1rJ7CV_38EWN7qBk3HghmBt2qP3ekYqJ15i4UxyJlR-lBtsL9YHklO2rZ7C-g5EoTygJ2iJVIvOB8pZPMvqQHQGnPJ2L8LLR0X2uuUd4dMHTBfHffnT5kuYUKnoY8sh3k/w640-h426/06228CC1-78FC-4F76-BBF6-48C2C13A4104.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had the BEST time on our photo shoot with our friend McCall Smith (<a href="https://www.limitlessphotog.com/">Limitless Photography</a>). Family pictures can be stressful trying to pick out the best outfits, bribe your children to act like happy playful children and to smile a normal smile, not like a Jack-O-Lantern, and to pretend that they like each other for a few minutes. That is NOT how it went this time... honestly our photo shoot felt like a fun family outing. </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/AVvXsEipORThwwJLFLIeZ6elYMZltKairPAJ4Rz2gzAjTQSoBgtCYJFcw7fDZ7Pa-2qRrsI_x6OKjnNxWf6yk7ACpQKfV92qi9NHHy6h7FEBuFBYWNLu6iDBjeA3Ik55AvLtnhqzCJZbd75a2_s/s2048/08A1D7AE-56E4-4772-842A-0123AA13D3C9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipORThwwJLFLIeZ6elYMZltKairPAJ4Rz2gzAjTQSoBgtCYJFcw7fDZ7Pa-2qRrsI_x6OKjnNxWf6yk7ACpQKfV92qi9NHHy6h7FEBuFBYWNLu6iDBjeA3Ik55AvLtnhqzCJZbd75a2_s/w426-h640/08A1D7AE-56E4-4772-842A-0123AA13D3C9.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K15gMsixQyvKMMlWzQPw7hqcsE_BPyGUWASLpSZOEsShfp-OaLDOFSjCM88YfhMY62kXpHZ_YYwHCvVYHF0L_4NSpvTFBTGpFJufQ_Ivp3ANP62kRk9bcRqFt14xPiJb6acIdYpYcNI/s2048/301735B5-A667-42EF-BDFA-F5AA0B6D0D1D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K15gMsixQyvKMMlWzQPw7hqcsE_BPyGUWASLpSZOEsShfp-OaLDOFSjCM88YfhMY62kXpHZ_YYwHCvVYHF0L_4NSpvTFBTGpFJufQ_Ivp3ANP62kRk9bcRqFt14xPiJb6acIdYpYcNI/w426-h640/301735B5-A667-42EF-BDFA-F5AA0B6D0D1D.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT4w_L8qj9gpTqJcATS3gEknQQYb1DGg1WJ8CND940L4utRbOjTAUvYIO0pC3VRc6N69tysk3E4ULRlomiDy9txF9pSCemTw_5RhcAH5e52Z13Ns4-yxVbpZ_8WP-Pf4Mo135Bl0UTeY/s2048/F9BE8CEC-CCAA-4A2F-AE13-13727E549F23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT4w_L8qj9gpTqJcATS3gEknQQYb1DGg1WJ8CND940L4utRbOjTAUvYIO0pC3VRc6N69tysk3E4ULRlomiDy9txF9pSCemTw_5RhcAH5e52Z13Ns4-yxVbpZ_8WP-Pf4Mo135Bl0UTeY/w426-h640/F9BE8CEC-CCAA-4A2F-AE13-13727E549F23.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids felt like they were just playing at the park. McCall was SO good with them, laughing and playing with them. It was the first photo shoot I can remember where there were NO meltdowns from anyone. </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/AVvXsEg0Tvr_uqhQv123o6S5qHCU9zyx85iu39qLRBnWQkMGZyh4ichxvoCVH7cLXyXvngrFN2GJ4uqftOEqCb6JzNUVwSbKJKbHLk41sJakK2UWnmdI2xiMpiWO2y3nBvVRn22m7-5RKS5un6k/s2048/5E600C19-90D8-41B1-9DF1-599A0D78593D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tvr_uqhQv123o6S5qHCU9zyx85iu39qLRBnWQkMGZyh4ichxvoCVH7cLXyXvngrFN2GJ4uqftOEqCb6JzNUVwSbKJKbHLk41sJakK2UWnmdI2xiMpiWO2y3nBvVRn22m7-5RKS5un6k/w426-h640/5E600C19-90D8-41B1-9DF1-599A0D78593D.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfbOm_8ZJ960YOlHoguPum6pOpjvmTMsaOIS9E01pfTMYFyoApiikFNhDvj1pR8IkU5PSn3fyvxPYWZqLvaJ5PnvqiR6V08bNFHua_axte52CuQOKMeTjfO3XaiWDtMVnhgZNTkY-QJQ/s2048/7FD2A036-99C9-4489-86F0-ACF065B0F40F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ONfvNGb7ObaWUEdKFDelN4PksaZp3seoO5MQ1KnijB0xr9LU7TVKJ4f88FMLS1MbOeCB8Lv5FdJM38fua7G2sxdr4B_MjG-Y7y8mFPth6SDaHpfKQoDMX310VcRFItC7TfRKLJigo4o/s2048/F9386342-DBD5-467B-A191-94260CD3A2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ONfvNGb7ObaWUEdKFDelN4PksaZp3seoO5MQ1KnijB0xr9LU7TVKJ4f88FMLS1MbOeCB8Lv5FdJM38fua7G2sxdr4B_MjG-Y7y8mFPth6SDaHpfKQoDMX310VcRFItC7TfRKLJigo4o/w426-h640/F9386342-DBD5-467B-A191-94260CD3A2B2.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took our pictures in Washington Square Park in Downtown Mobile and it was PERFECT. The trees are just gorgeous! </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/AVvXsEiO54RKJNrhSo3pYFMW11HhgtStVHOsbZQ2Y1CrgO5NugnRxANoS1GSgczZJxwJTROjkG6Qc9iqoNqRyH5wu0hPX1LQTl_XJNb0A4MYhJvZ22g5tsNrRT1tdmt_wDV-8b1DbyMFx_9fkVg/s2048/0E3DF7D7-F198-4012-A88C-8E6CFBEBB715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO54RKJNrhSo3pYFMW11HhgtStVHOsbZQ2Y1CrgO5NugnRxANoS1GSgczZJxwJTROjkG6Qc9iqoNqRyH5wu0hPX1LQTl_XJNb0A4MYhJvZ22g5tsNrRT1tdmt_wDV-8b1DbyMFx_9fkVg/w426-h640/0E3DF7D7-F198-4012-A88C-8E6CFBEBB715.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAcu6Uk6NYy9zZoAWmc5K0wo6JYRcJoUDOLrB4GcLwhOrywOEYIHX9iY_uj82HCu4_xoPf9UMagg73Bkfvbs-x7IWKmtiv8HFz_EgKf2LSMlT7GOlqoDEmmPwI5NHGV4r3a9ArJgZE3I/s2048/1F1A5A3A-6A2A-4104-A840-55F34FB7338F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;">If you live in the Gulf Coast and are in need of Family Pictures, I can't recommend <a href="https://www.limitlessphotog.com/">Limitless Photography</a> enough! </div><p></p>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-57416049950302676832020-10-03T16:27:00.003-05:002020-10-03T17:57:07.998-05:00Wiley Update! Fall 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRGr5Hxl00qW6SBqmxWUEaW7BUUG1-6mDPW-fbSNgqVQM1_jFBkGBIuwE4pMlLw5xKEszvtGZcQyjMPYJDyMafXQtPkmfUa9my1mg8jiDG6OwK5M1XRb2E3nMh9E6PjI-xZXr-S-oSas/s2048/IMG_5718.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRGr5Hxl00qW6SBqmxWUEaW7BUUG1-6mDPW-fbSNgqVQM1_jFBkGBIuwE4pMlLw5xKEszvtGZcQyjMPYJDyMafXQtPkmfUa9my1mg8jiDG6OwK5M1XRb2E3nMh9E6PjI-xZXr-S-oSas/w640-h458/IMG_5718.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This year has brought challenges of all sorts and finding ways to "recharge" and really looking at self care has been something that I've needed. Even though it's been a while, blogging is very much "self care" for me. I've always seen blogging as an outlet and my own little space to make my own and make my happy place. So here I am, working on that (imperfectly as it may be) and I am just delighted to be back in this space again. </p><p>As we have continued to navigate this crazy year as a family, the time has continued to pass, which means babies have continued to grow, adventures continue to be had and the Lord continues to lead us towards new things.</p><p>Thankfully, as a family we have continued to stay in good health and no one in our family has gotten the Corona Virus. Even as we have phased back into our public activities, I am so thankful that we have stayed well so far. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabPyg6L3eOuWVf0LCUe4vBliXG_PdXjYud3wxuejnhXR245j5_qqFpwvdLYL-oIM01fSBdqz1cyK7y8ZiU46xCg1G5NA6t_KIgsY5xML3X7gUL8iAibklSuomHO6tPTc1O4bnzbWeBeQ/s2048/EDCAC8F9-32E4-4EC1-99F6-AF00221E22BA.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabPyg6L3eOuWVf0LCUe4vBliXG_PdXjYud3wxuejnhXR245j5_qqFpwvdLYL-oIM01fSBdqz1cyK7y8ZiU46xCg1G5NA6t_KIgsY5xML3X7gUL8iAibklSuomHO6tPTc1O4bnzbWeBeQ/w640-h480/EDCAC8F9-32E4-4EC1-99F6-AF00221E22BA.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p>At the beginning of September, the kids started back to school remotely. We got devices from the kids schools and all of their schoolwork has been completed online. I have been really impressed with how the schools and teachers have handled it, all things considered. But if I'm being honest I had such mixed feelings about the whole concept. I wanted to keep my kids safe and help protect our teachers and admins, but we I also know the importance of the classroom setting and face-to-face teaching. I never dreamed Archer would start Kindergarten online. And all of my kids act crazy after being in front of a screen all day. Also? It's just hard managing four different school grades and keep them on task. Regardless, I have tried really hard to keep our attitudes positive and encouraging, know we havn't had a choice and that a good attitude will help go farther than a bad attitude well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OTwJFqux2m0Y9ohBJla3F6xaZ2eCeSsjDBD7lhTrNPl6bWO_IH1Rs6VrVsYe8zkHFtA13JzEnTOvrJ_z8z4_AGN43jrcwTGx3Y8VQ1HnsiZt-ucsO86nzv8Dqh3egYS-Y6NTTVoe_UY/s2048/19ED55A6-D5C1-43F3-867B-B0C401AFE0BD.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OTwJFqux2m0Y9ohBJla3F6xaZ2eCeSsjDBD7lhTrNPl6bWO_IH1Rs6VrVsYe8zkHFtA13JzEnTOvrJ_z8z4_AGN43jrcwTGx3Y8VQ1HnsiZt-ucsO86nzv8Dqh3egYS-Y6NTTVoe_UY/w640-h480/19ED55A6-D5C1-43F3-867B-B0C401AFE0BD.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p>That being said, I am SO proud of my kids and how well they have done. We are so excited that our district has made the decision to start back with an in-person option in the next weeks. Archer will start back this next week, and the other 3 will the week after that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYLFeB_VtEbOrv5fTzNhQnZJ49zgutwqXrur0MRB-Yno0cGEChqo3J_9U3aM7-HTT1TrOvw9WWdV1q5U6sU06-PrgvARh9n3N2Zj0ReWXJo-zlo8tQGbTzzct-pg_qQ3-IRA-efi9ZFk/s2048/9A570688-AD2B-40C5-81F0-CD62CE734311.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYLFeB_VtEbOrv5fTzNhQnZJ49zgutwqXrur0MRB-Yno0cGEChqo3J_9U3aM7-HTT1TrOvw9WWdV1q5U6sU06-PrgvARh9n3N2Zj0ReWXJo-zlo8tQGbTzzct-pg_qQ3-IRA-efi9ZFk/w480-h640/9A570688-AD2B-40C5-81F0-CD62CE734311.heic" width="480" /></a></div><p>Laura Kate is in 7th grade this year. Yeah, 7th grade. We are right dab smack in the middle of middle school and it is every bit as terrible and awkward and hard and wonderful (?) as "they" said it would be. Jesus take the wheel. Parenting pre-teen Laura Kate involves so much mental fortitude and more PRAYER than I ever imagined. She LOVES listening to music, talking to her friends, writing stories, reading, and more reading. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9ZMGSyDknhWthLLeMdjCXQylfH262ZwKyU4pD1DyY9vBIHImgGEludJ5HbhQgJNys9TXqMni-UI70Dlf6lafxIj-WgrY8_WG0dWxAHSAplESk1weVRi5exKLu3BW9b-ijF6aqWaGdZo/s2048/59246BA6-EE20-488B-BEFB-A2A91DB7E045.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9ZMGSyDknhWthLLeMdjCXQylfH262ZwKyU4pD1DyY9vBIHImgGEludJ5HbhQgJNys9TXqMni-UI70Dlf6lafxIj-WgrY8_WG0dWxAHSAplESk1weVRi5exKLu3BW9b-ijF6aqWaGdZo/w480-h640/59246BA6-EE20-488B-BEFB-A2A91DB7E045.heic" width="480" /></a></div><p>Shepherd is in 4th grade and he is very much loving anything that has to do with football, sports and of course his daddy. He is working really hard at school and doing a good job of staying on task (for the most part!) Sometimes he tries to rush through his work so he can try and play video games or watch Pokemon but, he continues to work hard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYmi2t5d5Uux-TfO7hxbLY54g7pNcsliDGTxaYz3l6Pa_EeTEEQhZPLUQ9HcfwkEVYWQNf6SSAMbGM_wF2cNuo__rrhOF8Jn7x9AndEIp_ss505NV6pcmyj-1EGxAJbNHx4t8CXn6_fg/s2048/0B1ED897-E51B-437C-9E09-68511F91EB74.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYmi2t5d5Uux-TfO7hxbLY54g7pNcsliDGTxaYz3l6Pa_EeTEEQhZPLUQ9HcfwkEVYWQNf6SSAMbGM_wF2cNuo__rrhOF8Jn7x9AndEIp_ss505NV6pcmyj-1EGxAJbNHx4t8CXn6_fg/w480-h640/0B1ED897-E51B-437C-9E09-68511F91EB74.heic" width="480" /></a></div><p>Fischer is in 3rd grade this year, and this sweet boy is really giving it his all in school. It's really important to him to doing things the right way and I've really seen a new sense of responsibility in him. That being said he can be so sensitive when he misses a question or a problem and it really bothers him when he is not perfect. He is tender to the people around him and I love how he is so gracious with almost everything he does. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX7CmYYZroX0j-ktHDYVmsPr1mGn3CLBPvqVN5Z45oSUvSBlSLNSLDeq8Kg93AwgSi3ToMmG8eg16MuLrAKvHuG_YM6ETpbDFua51Q1XW9MWRO4vzg3vDcbsebDVtgf4dPtCUhCBS9hs/s2048/BDC34002-B5F7-4CC6-B929-52BA61834F13.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX7CmYYZroX0j-ktHDYVmsPr1mGn3CLBPvqVN5Z45oSUvSBlSLNSLDeq8Kg93AwgSi3ToMmG8eg16MuLrAKvHuG_YM6ETpbDFua51Q1XW9MWRO4vzg3vDcbsebDVtgf4dPtCUhCBS9hs/w480-h640/BDC34002-B5F7-4CC6-B929-52BA61834F13.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>And then our little Archer is loving Kindergarten, in spite of it being online. Some if it is fairly boring for him, but he keeps at it and loves his teacher! Archer is all about Daddy and he loves that he gets to go to Kids Worship with the bros now at church. He is quite the social butterfly and has many friends. Like his older brothers, he has fallen head into the Pokemon world and has his own notebook to trade cards and "battle". </p><p>Another big change we have seen this year in our family, is that Kyle has started coaching football at one of the local high schools in town. Specifically, he is coaching inside linebackers. So Friday nights, you can find the Wileys at the football field watching high school football!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nmmREES_jNBIg6cyGLZKsPkNP8EZgK7q7aWmxlI8fTJ_vp1VvCbKKIE0uYHj8vETxc3-eMC_OI6V1c5PXa31dEMpB7aQ80NAF-BptncXlE-TUGkEoB9_jqBqgPZIj2wT3IHK-TkMTWY/s4032/9A3BD8EF-CCD9-4BA1-AB5C-7503C9DA26E5_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nmmREES_jNBIg6cyGLZKsPkNP8EZgK7q7aWmxlI8fTJ_vp1VvCbKKIE0uYHj8vETxc3-eMC_OI6V1c5PXa31dEMpB7aQ80NAF-BptncXlE-TUGkEoB9_jqBqgPZIj2wT3IHK-TkMTWY/w480-h640/9A3BD8EF-CCD9-4BA1-AB5C-7503C9DA26E5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3U2T6fTbZzWWdICFjWF4oCHVN8XYVhfFxMIo9_ml8j2d6IDeQaEBx762uPOMdF9WqKyPqFuP6flAFSggyp3zqFinqaRPqaaZcL92l1WXO8gqist5EIDh72e2Qly5JED-NNyPs-ASWI/s2048/884651AB-FC9B-47AA-93A7-C5973EAABB13_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3U2T6fTbZzWWdICFjWF4oCHVN8XYVhfFxMIo9_ml8j2d6IDeQaEBx762uPOMdF9WqKyPqFuP6flAFSggyp3zqFinqaRPqaaZcL92l1WXO8gqist5EIDh72e2Qly5JED-NNyPs-ASWI/w640-h458/884651AB-FC9B-47AA-93A7-C5973EAABB13_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_rmJhcBm_AV_ugLPEiSdBRpN2NlLEcaSJcUC5XeuvvhjS233ZauAeyQiHCiec4Nlg65wSQx2lrlpVr9-RXCnBEDZDCH5g4N8aiBQhCYj5uIhcZChHQ5vO8BiP-vf9bc-KFUQmBX4S2c/s4032/94045280-59EB-4CA7-8DF3-B3CADBB5D7AD_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_rmJhcBm_AV_ugLPEiSdBRpN2NlLEcaSJcUC5XeuvvhjS233ZauAeyQiHCiec4Nlg65wSQx2lrlpVr9-RXCnBEDZDCH5g4N8aiBQhCYj5uIhcZChHQ5vO8BiP-vf9bc-KFUQmBX4S2c/w480-h640/94045280-59EB-4CA7-8DF3-B3CADBB5D7AD_1_201_a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e_LKimtT6wXWKRkLtCiinoVfPFIyAmX6JXRQuF__e0_eYNwNVvDSQdAyUXjy5KaynZJ_tG-22kLRkPR8hthO-bmae0zzo2YY9tlVdk6h_YA8sCx6kdalrT-jBPZ6kzSTzf8496Ulxrs/s3088/50705FF0-B00F-49AC-81DE-64CBB205FA5E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e_LKimtT6wXWKRkLtCiinoVfPFIyAmX6JXRQuF__e0_eYNwNVvDSQdAyUXjy5KaynZJ_tG-22kLRkPR8hthO-bmae0zzo2YY9tlVdk6h_YA8sCx6kdalrT-jBPZ6kzSTzf8496Ulxrs/w480-h640/50705FF0-B00F-49AC-81DE-64CBB205FA5E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJnvhKwSz9Nj1dbet6Y1LJbCJi1be5EL1T6omDFyNs-u_i3Q0d0sItbhOvC-2ExR2bL4oB6Fb9RpieysgYrREkYaX2zxjqzryNFuj-avMp7SzXifFS4SIgLPI8xaKT-g3EVe_4JN4q6g/s3088/EAE6B9F8-5104-43A4-9FE1-8725D2114819_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJnvhKwSz9Nj1dbet6Y1LJbCJi1be5EL1T6omDFyNs-u_i3Q0d0sItbhOvC-2ExR2bL4oB6Fb9RpieysgYrREkYaX2zxjqzryNFuj-avMp7SzXifFS4SIgLPI8xaKT-g3EVe_4JN4q6g/w480-h640/EAE6B9F8-5104-43A4-9FE1-8725D2114819_1_201_a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In the world of children's ministry, we have been slowly working our way back to some semblance of normal. We re-gathered for in-person church at the beginning of August, and quickly followed by opening Worship Care ministries and Kids Worship. In September we started back our Wednesday mid-week services and then in another week, we plan to re-open our LIFEgroups completely. While this has been the most challenging season I've ever walked through in ministry, I'm constantly reminded that the Lord has not abandoned us, and that our hope is safe in Him. Even in the challenging days, I love my job and am just SO GLAD that this is where the Lord has me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mi-dh_CkjNT2an0CfIVOnuUdQVmTvNIdp6QwoxQiTplpoL7Dfw_ODzWFf00vMYe8aE2fA56Z-rwHLBKzgUlVM2n6ftF519F8zCUqgGhQ1zbqVryTxTyDPf8Iw2k-7KNuCFgRFxwAJ6Y/s1024/0AC0D9BB-B3E2-4444-ADE8-2C923D6AD8A4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mi-dh_CkjNT2an0CfIVOnuUdQVmTvNIdp6QwoxQiTplpoL7Dfw_ODzWFf00vMYe8aE2fA56Z-rwHLBKzgUlVM2n6ftF519F8zCUqgGhQ1zbqVryTxTyDPf8Iw2k-7KNuCFgRFxwAJ6Y/w480-h640/0AC0D9BB-B3E2-4444-ADE8-2C923D6AD8A4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0oVGO9sF7YC5E6-zvxfKV5TCoPORP-0b6BEjzlfK4vRbMn1rFrBMtySM4UXNWBJLeD7JCGn3dNJ5vJXQ6BRuABoZW2qU9rMoT5nuGk-wnI3JnMcAetpxGpRc0CnpY10YVZgLu7hdJdQ/s2048/9C3EE0B7-582E-42C6-9DC3-35535CD990B4.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0oVGO9sF7YC5E6-zvxfKV5TCoPORP-0b6BEjzlfK4vRbMn1rFrBMtySM4UXNWBJLeD7JCGn3dNJ5vJXQ6BRuABoZW2qU9rMoT5nuGk-wnI3JnMcAetpxGpRc0CnpY10YVZgLu7hdJdQ/w480-h640/9C3EE0B7-582E-42C6-9DC3-35535CD990B4.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7GSiMPlABjLACTlRX_5FPQA3AfVOBhCe786FTcV8vf1ryKNYPNA-11ohzxW6PLDRA8UAZT3BPGX89OF2ZIijJ1UWaUoQCMxzPmrTwXHwRh5RkJEfoQk6U48t1efux02jF3VGzYZ-Zvs/s1440/0E9C06FB-9D78-425D-88CA-B4A46B08F140.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7GSiMPlABjLACTlRX_5FPQA3AfVOBhCe786FTcV8vf1ryKNYPNA-11ohzxW6PLDRA8UAZT3BPGX89OF2ZIijJ1UWaUoQCMxzPmrTwXHwRh5RkJEfoQk6U48t1efux02jF3VGzYZ-Zvs/w640-h640/0E9C06FB-9D78-425D-88CA-B4A46B08F140.jpeg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEh1-X17JH3QGrIS2X70862EbTFuJQpfgYEE7hGfXS8y-U5JWHjDzefJc8gE8zK0TBWgiVMVTH00MDy0xNLpVoQg41qcTYBhRhY6tJpOVM2jWOA86mfglJ-AKzXM-EXn8drKJ6hQswtq7no/s1024/F67448DC-D148-423C-A16D-73AD9D8599A6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-X17JH3QGrIS2X70862EbTFuJQpfgYEE7hGfXS8y-U5JWHjDzefJc8gE8zK0TBWgiVMVTH00MDy0xNLpVoQg41qcTYBhRhY6tJpOVM2jWOA86mfglJ-AKzXM-EXn8drKJ6hQswtq7no/w640-h480/F67448DC-D148-423C-A16D-73AD9D8599A6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another big change for our family is that our van officially died a sad death. She started violently shaking whenever we would hit about 30 mph. We knew it was possible it might be the transmission and were at the point with the number of miles on it and how old it was that if it wasn't worth it, we didn't want to keep pouring money into it. Well, it turns out it wasn't worth it. Our mechanic told us the list of things wrong with it and just to keep it running was SO LONG, that they didn't even GET to check out the transmission yet. So we went car shopping. Bitter sweet for us, but we are loving our new (to us) Pathfinder and find it fits us perfectly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LOVWIbWy66sqE-5eizw-yD5Rm_PGPSfUALFpA2fsibVaEb2Ma3poMTZr7lJXKDiF95xsUnYVjfFRrx_77B6DhYBWE8mpMm41UjlUgH0BGYVQEbHOMyvztqVvg4ONOoyJ-BRLG7xcfs8/s640/IMG_5140.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LOVWIbWy66sqE-5eizw-yD5Rm_PGPSfUALFpA2fsibVaEb2Ma3poMTZr7lJXKDiF95xsUnYVjfFRrx_77B6DhYBWE8mpMm41UjlUgH0BGYVQEbHOMyvztqVvg4ONOoyJ-BRLG7xcfs8/w640-h480/IMG_5140.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, we went crazy and got another cat: Meet Mike (Like Mike Leach). (Also we just thought it would be funny to have a cat named Mike!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLus7WkqEDTYY6p3jgnE9mDSPKbgV-7oqHa52C5GKt_GktQPDMv4CAh4FSehqnxe3gWvnEMPPX63O_Y46Zxiw1qMM0MWR7R7uYfV4YcTN3ZFGS7t8LxmwH_7uOk0doEpvJcuVRgd8KTpc/s2048/568EFFC4-AF92-4709-8CA9-526AB6A4ECDB.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLus7WkqEDTYY6p3jgnE9mDSPKbgV-7oqHa52C5GKt_GktQPDMv4CAh4FSehqnxe3gWvnEMPPX63O_Y46Zxiw1qMM0MWR7R7uYfV4YcTN3ZFGS7t8LxmwH_7uOk0doEpvJcuVRgd8KTpc/w480-h640/568EFFC4-AF92-4709-8CA9-526AB6A4ECDB.heic" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEhFEka4dhYevIDTzK-Vd1wsP_sBSUhTNPL7gL9TqjWISr6hDH7yxmC8RQ7bb3RUdw-TLCn4nwj07x2FK0ykCNXxGEl6TtBC8L_GgWGjId5z6QMUfvSVxCCkt4Ut7OkW4h4JVHgmgXYBhqc/s1472/27E8060D-3B83-42A8-91DD-3B5CF33CD046.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEka4dhYevIDTzK-Vd1wsP_sBSUhTNPL7gL9TqjWISr6hDH7yxmC8RQ7bb3RUdw-TLCn4nwj07x2FK0ykCNXxGEl6TtBC8L_GgWGjId5z6QMUfvSVxCCkt4Ut7OkW4h4JVHgmgXYBhqc/w360-h640/27E8060D-3B83-42A8-91DD-3B5CF33CD046.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGJRUZSx4JFcsS8c4OOK9x3mqeVA9ymdnZWAOTsE0auCnYGH9MHkzNtx_hkL68hVbJxP5XEs0KDSIqtRWJxLKR2OkX-73IPPsm_VIawvMoqPqbbtybrdgEdpM_mec8It_Vog7PDXICOY/s3088/0340DB8D-B422-4FBB-BE36-1E1BFEF87F67_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGJRUZSx4JFcsS8c4OOK9x3mqeVA9ymdnZWAOTsE0auCnYGH9MHkzNtx_hkL68hVbJxP5XEs0KDSIqtRWJxLKR2OkX-73IPPsm_VIawvMoqPqbbtybrdgEdpM_mec8It_Vog7PDXICOY/w480-h640/0340DB8D-B422-4FBB-BE36-1E1BFEF87F67_1_201_a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In short, though we have had to me more flexible than ever before, we are doing well in the midst of the 2020 craziness. I'm thankful for how the Lord sustains us and leads us and provides for us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ez5zNlILmSk5j4GVd0YrvJrhaRgYY0v6vMuK7Dn0JfK23zqJb8vGcWEC7DoCTCHCfDpF-Ny2nIgAgJNp2JACuSy7D0yu-bFxfG9HAyzeMPSO8n0tSKbMUv_1DZAkhDJjAUBcQBAHFpw/s2048/EC81490B-ABF1-4756-ADCD-BB727B5A4F4B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ez5zNlILmSk5j4GVd0YrvJrhaRgYY0v6vMuK7Dn0JfK23zqJb8vGcWEC7DoCTCHCfDpF-Ny2nIgAgJNp2JACuSy7D0yu-bFxfG9HAyzeMPSO8n0tSKbMUv_1DZAkhDJjAUBcQBAHFpw/w480-h640/EC81490B-ABF1-4756-ADCD-BB727B5A4F4B.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-71973161581181146152020-04-17T21:11:00.002-05:002020-04-17T21:58:57.755-05:00Friday Favorites - Corona Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E7NRUUGMtO26I4i9ZLuO-vLXtbH9_9zPJ5xpTfHcX7ZAO5_Zse_sS3rTgXSvxbj5HXZicc34qTvXLHqrNBo4RZbmH48EDDN2pSPiKDJ58O1Txvcg6Nm0GV7ylk_cxwUXrypVaMiQz0k/s1600/DD95CA07-76FC-4854-B07E-01ABBBC6B4A7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E7NRUUGMtO26I4i9ZLuO-vLXtbH9_9zPJ5xpTfHcX7ZAO5_Zse_sS3rTgXSvxbj5HXZicc34qTvXLHqrNBo4RZbmH48EDDN2pSPiKDJ58O1Txvcg6Nm0GV7ylk_cxwUXrypVaMiQz0k/s640/DD95CA07-76FC-4854-B07E-01ABBBC6B4A7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wanted to share some of my favorite things helping me keep my sanity during this time!<br />
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I've already shared about my hammock, aka my new habitat. I may or may not be in it while I'm typing right now. Ok, you know I am. I've had a few people ask for a link for it... so here it is:<br />
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Trust me, you won't be sorry if you order it.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RLDNHT">Viviere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand (Tropical)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpNLHkijhOM4rLjWyYKOLX80txcY9GhJa-hWW0Ok5jJrDlZwiqTfWj1VHWSIZGziJtke8ioVkxvWvDOPoqJV2i93wM_c6F8ZZK3FVOPW2PnReNsXXA1uw9bpaMlHXoR-d_ebm-i-RMew/s1600/hammock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1500" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpNLHkijhOM4rLjWyYKOLX80txcY9GhJa-hWW0Ok5jJrDlZwiqTfWj1VHWSIZGziJtke8ioVkxvWvDOPoqJV2i93wM_c6F8ZZK3FVOPW2PnReNsXXA1uw9bpaMlHXoR-d_ebm-i-RMew/s400/hammock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are a few podcasts I've been listening to fairly regularly right now. I've been a long-time listener of Annie Down's That Sounds Fun Podcast and she and Eddie Kaufholz have been doing a daily TSF Quarantine Podcast. It's raw and real and funny. It's one of my very favorite things! If you're not listening already, you should... just look up "That sounds fun" on your favorite podcast app. (Also, following the hashtag on twitter is good for a giggle most days too :) ). </div>
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So another favorite podcast is a new discovery for me that will actually reveal a guilty pleasure of mine.... get ready... haha. So I'm minorly obsessed with with Royal Family. I really like following along with the latest royal news. And I found a fabulous podcast to listen to keep up with all things royal... its light and fun, includes a bit of royal history, doesn't seem to biased towards one royal or another and specifically isn't ugly about the royals which I really don't like.<br />
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So, if you are like me, and like following the royals, I highly recommend giving this pod a listen.<br />
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Another thing I am loving right now are bubble baths at night with a face mask and candle. I turn the lights off, light a candle and just let the stress melt away (or try to... you know...).<br />
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This is my favorite face mask.... They have it at my Walmart pickup in sample packs or you can get it here on Amazon:<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2VhEnPv">Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJHc8PiARnhi4FeoIG7A0Opbmvk4EmyYtYcKkeW8DKtolwe2griAz5kH8Mj9GSApMNzSdoOaSnXMk4QhaEucsDQnu01huSdbSl9ZfzcIDJb8YuSFn_r3w_30hdKtLM6IJSy5F_tsNFQA/s1600/facemask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJHc8PiARnhi4FeoIG7A0Opbmvk4EmyYtYcKkeW8DKtolwe2griAz5kH8Mj9GSApMNzSdoOaSnXMk4QhaEucsDQnu01huSdbSl9ZfzcIDJb8YuSFn_r3w_30hdKtLM6IJSy5F_tsNFQA/s320/facemask.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSeY30faLj376MJ41FOnpMlEjUYdcDRTvlnHVBlQ9AcsMXGGs_ndHC7ScocgmAf3uTDAEVRBuASIdRc-9tU4nt4ak9CNi6Wz331WYW5nG0QN6KKNyd5DcFQUPwnqGUSObdZfs4Nyvtv0/s1600/3747645C-5F62-4859-B0BE-2E81E236D513.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSeY30faLj376MJ41FOnpMlEjUYdcDRTvlnHVBlQ9AcsMXGGs_ndHC7ScocgmAf3uTDAEVRBuASIdRc-9tU4nt4ak9CNi6Wz331WYW5nG0QN6KKNyd5DcFQUPwnqGUSObdZfs4Nyvtv0/s320/3747645C-5F62-4859-B0BE-2E81E236D513.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have yall seen the #worldofhearts movement? I love it so much. It started by a family in North Dakota as a way of spreading love during this difficult time. Basically it is cutouts of colorful hearts attached to windows facing a street where others can see it. If you want to cheer up your day, you should search the hashtag #worldofhearts or #aworldofhearts and see the delightful pictures. </div>
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Monday was a really rough day around here. It was the first full day of distance learning for the kids and it was overwhelming to say the least. So we took a much needed RESTART for the day and I decided to cut out hearts and spread some love on our front window. Archer was the perfect little helper. </div>
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Yall know I love a nice cup of tea, and my current favorite tea is this Ginger Peach Tea from the Republic of Tea. I like it because it is naturally sweet and fruity. I have found it at most grocery stores including Walmart, Target, Publix and Whole Foods or you can order it here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3bkz2g7">Ginger Peach Tea. </a></div>
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Finally, my Friday Funday Facebook videos with Nicole have been my FAVORITE! They are so much fun! Basically I feel like I'm living out my dream of being a podcaster... ha! If you havn't watched yet, you should check it out on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chbckids/">Cottage Hill Kids Facebook Page</a>. You can watch it live on Fridays at 10:00 or the videos always post afterwards. </div>
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Happy Friday friends! I hope that you are continuing to look for joy amidst the gloom right now. Maybe one of these ideas could help you as well! Know that I am praying for you and your families!</div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-84055219473685179142020-04-16T22:36:00.000-05:002020-04-17T21:16:24.692-05:00Easter 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Easter this year will be one we never ever forget. For many reasons. </div>
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Obviously, the pandemic changed so many things about what is typical for our family's holiday traditions. I still tried my best to do what I could to make it special for the kids including getting a new outfit! I was able to find something cute for the kids from Old Navy and then found a new dress and shirt for Kyle and I at Target. </div>
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Since the barber shops are closed, we had to have haircuts at home for the boys! Thankfully, I had a set of clippers at home from the season of life when the boys would thrash about and scream in public anytime I would try and take them to get a haircut. </div>
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We had a photo shoot at home. I asked one our friends and neighbors (THANK YOU ASHLEY!!) to help us snap some family pictures and then I took some of the kids as well. </div>
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Laura Kate and I decided to have an "Easter Spa" complete with face masks and finger nail painting. I had a refreshing clay mask and LK had a pink holographic mask. It was really fun. </div>
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For the kids easter baskets this year, I got the big kids these fun "Paint by Sticker" books and they have been a huge hit! I wanted them to have something that would be a fun activity that they could work on during the day that wasn't screen time. </div>
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We got this fun book for Fischer: <a href="https://amzn.to/3etfhFa">The Original</a></div>
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Here is the one we got for Shepherd: <a href="https://amzn.to/2VdIeNG">Under the Sea</a></div>
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And here is the one we got for LK (the glitter stickers were so cute!): <a href="https://amzn.to/3bfGDMJ">Unicorns and Magic</a></div>
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For Archer, I got this <a href="https://amzn.to/2z8ccdm">Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker book</a>. He has LOVED it!!!!</div>
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The kids also got these <a href="https://amzn.to/3bhokaa">swim goggles</a> in their baskets! </div>
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The best part of the weekend, by far was our Church Easter service. This year we planned to have Drive-In Services. While we are still under a stay-at-home order, the Governor made specific allowances for drive-in services with certain conditions. The main one being that people had to remain in their cars. </div>
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We had a main stage and 2 large screens, one for the front and one for the back parking lots. The tech team worked tirelessly preparing all of the necessary equipment including an FM transmitter on top of the building and everything needed to be able to record the service to be able to stream on Sunday for those who chose to stay at home.</div>
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The other main concern we had was the weather. It was predicted to be terrible weather for the weekend. Sunday called for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Several other churches in town had planned to have drive-in services and ended up having to cancel or move their service times. We decided to keep ours as planned on Saturday night and Sunday morning -- and the weather held up!!!</div>
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As a staff member, I attended all 3 services and helped to "Greet" by waving and directing cars as the pulled into the parking lot. I don't think I have ever been so giddy just to see people in my entire life. I was basically dancing in the parking lot. </div>
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Kyle and the kids attended the first Sunday morning service and my parents attended the Saturday evening service. My mom and I high-fived through the window. It was so good to see them and also hard because we miss getting to see each other and hug so much. But it's really important that she stay safe because she is in the high-risk category. </div>
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Over all three services, we had 78 people make decisions for Salvation and over 601 cars attended! It was such a wonderful time and God was truly glorified. I will never forget how He moved in spite of circumstances. </div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-15977058633561623352020-04-12T22:25:00.000-05:002020-04-17T21:34:00.807-05:00Covid-19 Pandemic & the Wileys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I didn't want this time to pass by without documenting it for our family and what it was like.<br />
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I can't believe it was only a little over 8 weeks ago that we were discussing the virus like it was only a possibility of it coming to America, much less shutting down so much of our "normal" life as it has.<br />
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I honestly didn't know what to think then. It was hard to believe something like this could happen, because it never has before. I couldn't wrap my brain around the news projections. Alabama was one of the last states with confirmed cases, and Mobile didn't have confirmed cases for a while after that as well. Most people seem to believe this was due to lack of testing, not necessarily absence of the virus, however. Now, I have faces and friends who are sick and fighting this sickness. I know many who are putting themselves on the frontlines caring for those who are sick.<br />
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As a family, we started off trying our best not to focus on fear or frustration but on Jesus and remembering the stability and hope we have in Him and regardless of our circumstances, He never ever changes.<br />
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It was about 6 weeks ago that we began talking about what it would look like to move our services online. It felt like things were changing in the news daily, as our "social distancing" restrictions got tighter and tighter.<br />
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I'm so thankful to work with a team of people who loves Jesus and our people and are willing to stretch their creativity and minds and try new things. It has been challenging at times as we navigate completely new things, but we have seen the Lord doing amazing things in completely new and different ways.<br />
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Working from home has been interesting, but there are some definite perks! I have had some funny moments figuring out "zoom" meetings and learning new technology for LIVE Facebook calls. The weather has been mostly LOVELY, so I have taken over the back patio and been working at the table or in my new hammock.<br />
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March 15th was our official last day to meet in person at church. Many churches across the country had already moved to online services. We had about 70% of our normal attendance. I wish I had hugged more kids that day, because I have so missed seeing everyone. Every Sunday since then, I wake up just a little bit sad in my heart knowing I don't get to go through my normal Sunday morning routine and flurry of activity getting ready for our services.<br />
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Today marks the 4th Sunday we have streamed services online. We have had Sunday morning services online, and Wee Worship and Kids Worship in the evenings (as well as other kids stuff throughout the week!). I have tried to still get up and shower and get dressed just like I would as if I were going to the church building. I make myself a cup of tea and Kyle fixes himself coffee and try* and settle the kids down for the service.<br />
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All things considered, things at home have been going really well. Everyone is processing things in their own way. For me personally, it is an absolute roller coaster. There have been times that I feel that I am handling things with grace and rolling with the punches and then other times I completely melt down and lose it. </div>
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Kyle is continuing to work at home. It's probably hardest on him since he is our resident introvert and we are now invading his space ALL THE TIME now, but he is of course handling it like a champ. He is truly the best teammate. He has helped with cooking, schooling, ALL THE THINGS. He just needs to go for a little drive sometimes :).</div>
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I'm so proud of the kids... YES, they are arguing left and right, but also, they are showing me how AWESOME they are. They are playing and laughing and snuggling and wrestling and talking and OH HOW THEY ARE TALKING ALL THE TIME. </div>
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I've worked on a few projects, the least of which was painting the piano! </div>
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If you have known me for any period of time, we might have had a conversation about how I would feel about the idea of homeschooling my children. Ha. </div>
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Ha. Ha.</div>
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Hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaahhahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahaha. </div>
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The kids last day of school inside their classrooms was on Monday, March 16th. They've had "enrichment" for two weeks, a week of Spring Break, another week of "enrichment" and then now they are officially kicking off the 4th quarter this next week of online learning. </div>
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I am so so so thankful to have kids who are excited about learning. Every morning they wake up begging to start school. They miss their friends and their teachers, but they are really doing well with their online assignments so far. The biggest challenges we are having is sharing devices and making time for everyone to have a "break" from each other!</div>
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Grocery shopping has turned into something that feels like a mix between real life Grocery Games and something you read about from war-time. Shelves bare from people panic-buying toilet paper and meat and stores counting people and only allowing a certain number of people in at a time. It gives me this weird feeling of heaviness every time we've had to go. You add to that the recommendations of wearing masks and gloves while shopping so as to not spread the virus and it is very surreal.<br />
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(Kyle takes it in good humor)</div>
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Cassie ordered a hammock and was telling me and Corie and Kara about how it changed her life so we all decided to order one too. We now have a hammock club. It really is one of the best purchases ever. I live in mine now.<br />
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So, we are taking things one day at a time, facing this together, and trying to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We are doing it incredibly imperfectly. I just keep trying to remind myself to give grace to others and to myself. None of us have lived through a pandemic before. </div>
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-69864799268791455072020-01-18T21:02:00.000-06:002020-01-18T21:02:50.144-06:002020: Linger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year has been a little bit of a slower start to the year than is typical. I've felt a little sluggish getting into the swing of things and it's taken me a little bit longer to settle on what I felt my word was supposed to be for this year.<br />
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As the last weeks of 2019 drew to a close, I began asking to the Lord to show me what He had for me to focus on in the new year and for the first time since I started doing this (8 years ago), I felt a little lost. My mind was foggy. Maybe I didn't need to do it anymore?<br />
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Over Christmas, what I felt like the Lord taught me was about His peace. How He himself is our peace. I felt like that was really crucial to the Christmas season for my heart and my perspective to who He is for me in this time in my life. And while that was so good, I just didn't feel settled that "peace" was the word for the year. So I continued to pray and ask the Lord for clarity.<br />
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New Year's Day came and went. I kept asking the Lord to make clear to me what he wanted for me. And then finally, a few days after the new year as I was just about to drift off to sleep, I felt what I can only describe as a whisper in my heart the word <b><i>"linger"</i></b>.<br />
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In the next days I began to read and look at what the Bible has to say about the word <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"linger"</i></b></span>... and to be honest, I was a little discouraged. At first it seemed negative. There are a good amount of verses that caution against lingering in the Bible. But I don't think that's the purpose the Lord has for me with this word.<br />
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I finally came across a passage in the Message Bible, in Isaiah chapter 26 and my heart settled on it...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"We're in no hurry, God. We're content to linger in the path sign-posted with your decisions. Who you are and what you've done are all we'll ever want..." </i></b></span><br />
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I KNEW when I read that what my focus needs to be this year in lingering in the Lord's path.<br />
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What's so sweet about that passage is that Isaiah 26 has been a really important passage for me throughout my life, v. 3 in particular... "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast in Him." And there's the peace I had been sitting with over Christmas. The Lord so sweetly leading me to this passage, this word.<br />
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So there it is, my word for 2020: linger. I am so excited to see how the Lord will use it to teach me new things about Himself.<br />
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You can read about my words from past years here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2013/01/2013-grace-upon-grace.html" style="color: #dea08c; max-width: calc(800px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">2013: Grace</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2014/01/2014-hope.html" style="color: #dea08c; max-width: calc(800px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">2014: Hope</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2015/01/2015-joy.html" style="color: #dea08c; max-width: calc(800px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">2015: Joy</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/01/2016-kindness.html" style="color: #dea08c; max-width: calc(800px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">2016: Kindness</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/2017-blessed.html" style="color: #dea08c; max-width: calc(800px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">2017: Blessed</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2018/01/2018-abide.html">2018: Abide</a></div>
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2019: Remember </div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-13630011857626675082018-10-13T22:43:00.000-05:002018-10-13T22:50:42.974-05:00Confident in His Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(This Monday, October 15th, is National Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day. It's important to me to recognize this day because I want to push back against the taboo feeling of it being something we can't talk about and because I want to live out 2 Corinthians 1:4 - He comforted me in my troubles and I want to comfort others in theirs....)</i></div>
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It's been almost twelve years since my first miscarriage, but it is a pretty vivid memory for me. I remember traveling home from Thanksgiving, and the ER visit. I remember our friends praying over us and feeding me cookies and mashed potatoes. I remember my husband, always with me. </div>
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The day we got home, I was curled up on the couch praying, crying, waiting. And I remember FEELING the Lord's goodness in spite of everything. I remember it so vividly because it just didn't make sense with everything else I was feeling. It was almost cruel. </div>
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And then it snowed. And you can believe me or not, but on that day, in Lubbock, Texas, I believe God gave that snow to me. As a picture of His goodness and His ability to make all things good and right and beautiful. </div>
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That moment, my snow moment, became such an important and necessary exercise of faith for me....<b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">did I really believe God was who He said He was, even when it really and truly didn't feel like it.</b> Even when it didn't make sense. Even when, at the time, it hurt worse to believe it. I was asking God to miraculously stop the miscarriage and save that pregnancy. And He chose not to and He told me He was still good. </div>
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Reconciling what I knew to be true in my head and heart to what my circumstances were screaming at me was incredibly painful and it was the first major life circumstance that I didn't have the right answer memorized for. </div>
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But the Lord never abandons us,and He didn't abandon me then. I felt His presence so very closely and tenderly to my broken heart. So much so that <i>that</i> is my strongest memory from my first miscarriage, more so than the emotional or physical pain, I remember the Lord's closeness to me and I remember His goodness. </div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28,2006</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">Well, I'm laying on my couch. I laying here waiting and wondering if I still have a baby or if I have already miscarried. It's such a weird feeling. I've been talking to the Lord a lot. It's amazing how durable His peace is. I'm not really scared anymore. I know God is in control. I can actually feel it. I will admit I try not to think about what is actually going on. But when I do, I think about the Lord's plan. I don't understand it, I don't agree with it, I don't like it, and I would definately do things differently. But, regardless, He is good enough to have a plan. It is not in my hands. So, I 'm just laying here waiting. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">I think the most astounding thing of all during this tragedy is the amazing depth of love that has grown in my heart. At night, Kyle and I read a Psalm, not every night but frequently. We were on Psalm 16 on Sunday night and I had Kyle read it to me in the hotel room after we got back from the ER. Verse 6 says, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places". I can't get that verse out of my head. I know it's because it is so true. I have the most incredible husband. I know that my love for him has grown to a new depth. On top of that, I have an incredible family (blood related and church family) who pour out their love for me in prayers and words of encouragement.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">Whenever I would break up with a boy my mom would always tell me that the pain I felt just made more room in my heart to love even deeper. I think the same concept applies. I'm so excited about being a mom and I know that when we are blessed with a baby that my love will be even deeper.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">Psalm 16</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">A miktam of David. [a]</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">1 Keep me safe, O God, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">for in you I take refuge. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">apart from you I have no good thing." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">3 As for the saints who are in the land, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. [b] </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">4 The sorrows of those will increase </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">who run after other gods. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">I will not pour out their libations of blood </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">or take up their names on my lips. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">you have made my lot secure. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">surely I have a delightful inheritance. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">even at night my heart instructs me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">8 I have set the LORD always before me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">Because he is at my right hand, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">I will not be shaken. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">my body also will rest secure, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, [c] </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">nor will you let your Holy One [d] see decay. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">11 You have made [e] known to me the path of life; </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">you will fill me with joy in your presence, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;">with eternal pleasures at your right hand.</span></span></i></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-86947184284101883692018-08-28T10:10:00.000-05:002018-08-28T10:10:03.123-05:00How To Re-Fuel Mid-Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(this post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.babywisemom.com/">Chronicles of a Babywise Mom</a> on June 27th, 2018)</i></span></div>
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Have you ever seen an airplane re-fuel mid-air? Yeah, me neither unless you count that one episode of the West Wing or seen the Focus on the Family movie where they try to refuel the Space Shuttle in the middle of outer space. But we've heard it happens, right?<br />
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In motherhood, we often don't have the luxury of landing first, or stopping, to refuel. We eat lunch standing up, we shower when we sacrifice sleep for it, and I KNOW I am not the only one who often goes to the restroom with a "helper".<br />
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Taking care of ourselves comes at the sacrifice of something or someone else. Or, at least it feels that way. But while we are talking about airplanes, let me remind you about the oxygen mask theory: you can't help others if you don't help yourself.<br />
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So, we don't have the luxury of stopping or landing, but we still need to re-fuel, re-energize and take care of ourselves. Here are some tips to re-fuel mid-air:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. Ask for help</span><br />
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You knew I was going to say that right? Listen, I know as women that we want to have it all together. I know it goes deeper than just wanting to look that way, we really really WANT to have it all together. But the actual reality is that no one, NO ONE, has it ALL together. NO ONE. It actually does take a village and it is not possible to do alone, at least not anywhere close to done well.<br />
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There is no shame in asking for help. The best way to do that is to identify a small area that would have a big impact that you could ask someone to help with.<br />
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*Maybe you just need to ask your husband to help with the kids baths tonight so you can make a Sonic or Starbucks run.<br />
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*Is there a friend you can offer to date night swap with (they keep your kids one night and you keep theirs another night)?<br />
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*Is there someone you could share carpool with so you could squeeze an afternoon nap in or get some work done?<br />
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This can be difficult for me to do, especially when I'm exhausted. So sometimes I need to ask people who love me and are close to me to help me identify it with me. Those conversations might look like this... "I know I'm exhausted and I need some help, but I'm having trouble thinking through what to ask for help with. Can you help me?" See what I did there? I asked for help asking for help. You can do that too.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Utilize Your Schedule For Your Advantage </span><br />
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One of my favorite things about keeping my kids on a good routine and schedule is building in elements that help me refuel throughout the day. Here are a few of them:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Independent Playtime: </span><br />
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My oldest child is 10 currently, and I have incorporated independent playtime with her since she could first sit up as an infant. When she started school we still would utilize it on the weekends. It is my favorite thing. In the Summertime, my older kids will have it in the afternoons when littles nap and rest. When my kids are in independent playtime, I use that time to get work done, take a nap, read, work on a Bible Study, do housework, prep dinner, etc...<br />
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If you have never incorporated this into your schedule, it is not to late and I highly recommend it. You can read about how we do it in our family <a href="http://here/">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Naptime/Rest Time:</span><br />
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We hold on to nap<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>time for a LONG time in our home. And once they CANNOT sleep during naptime, we transition to rest time. My three school age kids have had a combo of napping and resting up until the week they started Kindergarten. The Summers are always interesting with a combination of my older kids and younger kids. This Summer, I have had my older kids in SSR (below) and Independent Playtime while my three year old still naps every day. This is another chunk of time that I have every afternoon to get things done or rest and refuel myself.<br />
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You can read a little bit about transitioning from naptime to rest time <a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/08/tranisitioning-nap-time-to-rest-time.html">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SSR: </span><br />
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Sustained Silent Reading. The basic idea is that everyone sits in the same room and reads their own reading material silently. Even Mom gets to do this! This is something brand new to me that I wish I had discovered years ago. I discovered it on <a href="https://www.babywisemom.com/">Chronicles of a Babywise Mom's Blog</a> and it has bought me another re-fueling element in my day. We love to read in our house and the great part of this idea is that I get time to read as well.<br />
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You can read a little bit about how to cultivate a book-loving home <a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2015/10/how-to-cultivate-book-loving-home.html">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monitored Screen Time: </span><br />
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Listen Mamas, screen time is not the devil. It can be an awesome tool and resource and you can use it to your advantage without guilt. We use it in our home as a reward and as something fun for our kids to do. We monitor the what and the how much and we just don't stress about it too much. If it is a stressor in your house, change it or toss it out, but if you just need someone to give you permission, here you go. Go forth and use the screens to your advantage in healthy and good ways.<br />
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You can read the latest AAP guidelines on screen time and how we implement them in our home <a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/how-we-do-screen-time.html">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Simplify Your Dinner Menu (For a Season)</span><br />
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This is something that a fellow Mama in the trenches shared with me when I was in the throws of newborn life with my third baby. She told me that she radically simplified her dinner menu for a season of a few months. Here is what it looked like:<br />
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Sunday - Cereal and Yogurt<br />
Monday - Tacos<br />
Tuesday - Hot Dogs<br />
Wednesday - Soup<br />
Thursday - Slow Cooker Meal<br />
Friday - Pizza<br />
Saturday - Sandwiches<br />
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You can make your own version of that and do you know how much brain space that frees up? The same menu, the same grocery list for as long as you decide. It won't be forever, but even for a few weeks that will add some energy and relief and allow you to catch your breath.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. Take 15 Minutes A Day</span><br />
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Somewhere along the way, I discovered that taking just 15 minutes for myself can radically change my outlook on my day. Here are a few things I can accomplish in 15 minutes that will turn your day around:<br />
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- washing your hair<br />
- shaving your legs<br />
- brushing your hair<br />
- changing into fresh clothes<br />
- 10 minute shower + 5 minutes for make-up<br />
- making your bed<br />
- putting on lotion<br />
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On the surface, these things may seem petty or insignificant, but I find I am a better mom when I feel better about myself. And when I really stopped to think about it, it doesn't take that long to do just a few thing to feel human again and ready to face my day with my little people.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Don't Neglect Time In God's Word</span><br />
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This is probably the most important one. There is absolutely a significant difference in the days where I make time to read God's word and the days I do not. It's worth it to wake up a few minutes early. It's worth it to stay up a few minutes later. It's worth it to skip the nap. It's worth it to put off the TV show and the vegging. There is nothing that can re-fuel you like God's word, nothing.<br />
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** A special note to the lonely Mamas: For those of you reading this who literally have no one. The single mamas. The Mamas whose husbands put in the very long hours to provide for your family. The mamas who are in a season where they actually can't think of a single friend. To the Mama who just moved to a new place and doesn't have a church or a school or a job or anything even close to a community and cries every time she reads the word village right now. I just want to remind you in this tender place, that you are in a season, and tonight, why don't you put your babies to bed 15 minutes early. Even if they cry or complain. Take that extra long bubble bath. Take a deep breath. Open God's word for a few minutes. Close your eyes just a minute. Why don't you feed your kids hot dogs for dinner because its cheap and easy and order takeout after they are in bed? Something really delicious. You can do this. The season will end one day.<br />
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For all of us, one day, the plane will land. One day, we will walk down lonely hallways. We will nap whenever we want. We will sit down to eat every single meal. We *might* even miss the little fingers under the bathroom door when we are just trying to get a moment of peace. (Don't worry, this isn't where I'm going to guilt trip you into a carpe diem situation.... hang with me...) In the meantime, take the moments when you find them. Make the moments happen when you can't fine them. Ask for help when you can make them happen. Ask for help when you can't ask for help. Solidarity Mamas! That's my plane flying next to yours!<br />
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-11321504432633963282018-08-13T00:00:00.000-05:002018-08-13T14:11:49.971-05:00To the Mom of the Threenager<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Mom of the Threenager,<br />
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No one prepared me for the threenager year. I knew plenty about the terrible twos, and terrible though they were, I had had the naive idea that when my angel turned three she would magically turn, well, not so terrible anymore.<br />
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I wasn't prepared for the boundary pushing. I wasn't prepared for the emotional meltdowns, and I wasn't prepared for the grand gestures of independence.<br />
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When my oldest was three, it was one of the greatest parenting adventures I have had thus far in my decade of parenting. She was (and still is) one of the funniest human beings I had ever met and I laughed more than I ever though I would or could as a mom. She's fantastically hilarious.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But yall, it was also SO VERY HARD. </span><br />
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Every day she had a new idea of what she thought she should be able to do that day. One day it was "decorating" my headboard and footboard of my bed by sticking my jewelry to it with vaseline.<br />
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Another day, she cried for HOURS because we couldn't go swim with the dolphins that day. She insisted on dressing herself in outfits that didn't come close to matching, every day.<br />
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Every time I brushed her hair, she acted as though I was cutting her scalp open with a scalpel.<br />
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At naptime in her preschool, she would wait until the teacher got all of her friends to sleep and then she would POP up and with great delight say, "WAKE UP FRIENDS! WAKE UP!!! IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AND PLAY!"<br />
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During that season, I had a lot of mom friends who would laugh with me, a lot who would give me advice (most of it was awesome and some of it extremely helpful!). I had some solidarity from moms in the trenches with me.<br />
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But I think the one thing I didn't hear, and the one thing I really needed to hear was that it was OKAY that it was so hard. That every day of mothering that little world changer was so hard and that it was supposed to be.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So Mama of the threenager, hear this:</span></i><br />
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It's so very hard. And it's ok. And it's going to be ok, yes. But it's ok that its hard right now.<br />
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It's supposed to be hard. This is very hard work you are doing every day.<br />
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Know that you are not alone, there are other threenager moms in the trenches with you and it is hard for every one of us. Hang in there and know that one day they will turn four, and thankfully there is no freaky four. (But they do whine a lot.... don't say no one told you...)Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-2580255278455725132018-06-26T15:00:00.000-05:002018-08-13T11:07:51.223-05:00Girl Talk: Conversations With My Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you've been reading some of my posts lately, <a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2018/04/not-for-faint-of-heart.html">like this one</a>, you might have picked up on the fact that I'm in a rough parenting season with Laura Kate. To be fair, this is the first time I've ever parented a ten year old girl. And, to be fair to her, this is the first time she's ever been ten years old.<br />
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We are both trying to figure this new season out. I even think if you asked her, she would agree that this season is difficult. It's new and it's hard and it's frustrating and we are both wanting what we want in the moment. The main problem there is that one of us is supposed to be steering this ship we're on and the other doesn't know how to steer yet, contrary to what she might sometimes think.<br />
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And while there are for sure two parents in this house and for sure one of them is the designated leader in our home, there is something really unique about this mother-daughter relationship. I only get one daughter. I want to steward this gift of my one girl really well.<br />
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I've been brainstorming some ideas of how to improve our relationship and how to navigate this season well. (Also praying a lot.) And I don't have all the answers. But one thing I know FOR CERTAIN is that it means more time together and not less. So I've set up a weekly time for us to have a "coffee date" (that's in quotes because neither of us are going to actually drink coffee, but tea and smoothies will for sure be in order). On Saturday mornings she and I are going to get away for an hour or so and talk about some specific things.<br />
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I have some specific topics and devotional type things in mind for us to talk about. And while I will never share our private conversations, from time to time, I do want to share some of the topics we talk about here on the blog. Because this involves Laura Kate too, and because she is a gifted writer, I'm going to let her add her own thoughts at the bottom of these posts from her perspective. I want this to be a joint project for the both of us. While we are meeting weekly, I have no commitment for the frequency of these posts other than I hope they happen from time to time. My main priority is quality time with my girl. But we both love to write and she's been begging me to blog so this seems like a fun venture.<br />
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Any topic ideas or mother-daughter books and devo ideas are always welcome! Send them my way wileyadventures@gmail.com.<br />
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<i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Well said Mama! I cannot wait for this Saturday! I had in mind Krispy Kreme. I'm not sure about it now because McDonalds' all-day breakfast is now in the competition, and so are Chick-fil-a and Starbucks. I just can't decide which will be better! All I know is that I will do the dates. All of them. </b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Mama also forgot to mention that I am reading the Christy Miller Series. Its teen setting is perfect romance, adventure, and pure Christ answers. I love it. ~~</b></i></span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> Lk out!</b></i>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-89463195816113161282018-06-25T00:00:00.000-05:002018-06-25T00:00:04.415-05:00Spring Break Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(Read Spring Break Part 1 <a href="https://www.wileyadventures.com/2018/04/spring-break-2018-part-1.html">Here</a>)</div>
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The next morning, we woke up and left Joel and Ashley's and got back on the road. We thankfully had a nice day driving with no car trouble and were able to enjoy the drive and the scenery. Also our funny kids, because they can say really funny thing sometimes. </div>
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For this trip, I was so crazy busy leading up to the trip planning trips for other people, that I let Kyle take the reigns for the planning on our trip. He found us a great deal on a cabin on the mountain and it was darling! It had a hot tub, loft with TV and Nintendo, 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, grill, family room, games, etc.... It was great! </div>
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For dinner that night we went into Pigeon Forge and at at the Smoky Mountain Brewery. It was kind of a long wait, but we let the kids run around outside while we waited and the food did not disappoint. It was delicious!</div>
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After dinner, we made a quick grocery run and then we came back to the cabin. While there was an entire loft upstairs, no one wanted to sleep upstairs without the others, so they all piled into one bed together. (This lasted much longer than I anticipated when Archer came and got in bed with Kyle and I in the middle of the night).</div>
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We woke up the next morning and fixed cinnamon rolls at the cabin for breakfast and let the kids play on the Nintendo upstairs. We got dressed and headed to the Smokey Mountains National Park. We started at the Visitor's Center there because we wanted to look at some maps and see what was around there that we could hike that was easy for the kids but would give us some fresh air and see some things we wouldn't see in Mobile. </div>
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We decided to hike the trail the starts right off the visitors center. We took our time and with great delight I discovered that most of my children are sign readers. As no surprise to most of us, Laura Kate was the most excited to read every sign about every plant. Archer just kind of frolicked along behind all of us. Shepherd looked for the coolest rocks and vines and Fischer wanted me to take a picture of him next to every piece of nature. </div>
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After the nature trail we took an adjoining trail to see Cataract Falls, a small waterfall located nearby. I loved this whole experience with my family!</div>
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When we left we took the scenic route home. Not necessarily by choice but because every road looks the same (face palm). We ended up swinging through a drive through and eating a late lunch back at the cabin. We rested that afternoon and went out to the newer development in Pigeon Forge called "The Island". There are some unique shops and restaurants. But very busy and very touristy. All that being said we actually ended up eating at Cheddars. Ha! Everywhere had a long wait and we all were craving something different and we knew we could all get what we wanted there. We all went to bed with full tummies and happy hearts. </div>
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(<a href="http://www.pancakepantry.com/">photo cred</a>)</div>
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The next morning we went into downtown Gatlinburg for a little browsing and breakfast. We ate at the famous Pancake Pantry, and yall, I cannot tell you how amazing it was. My mouth waters just thinking about this breakfast. It was so amazing. </div>
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We headed back home shortly after breakfast and had an uneventful trip home. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get away for a few days to explore and see some different scenery. We each thoroughly enjoyed our time in the mountains and can't wait to go back!</div>
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After we were home, we finished out our Spring Break week with a crawfish boil with some of our friends! </div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-11043177996356194552018-06-12T15:09:00.000-05:002018-06-12T16:03:08.721-05:00Growing Up As A Twin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite parts of life is being a twin. Cassie is my first and best friend. We talk multiple times a day and she is my "person". She knows me better than almost anyone and I know her the same.<br />
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Throughout our lives, we have gotten many questions and comments about twins. Being a twin is something many people are curious about. A lot of people say they always wanted to be a twin or wondered what it was like. While there are differences in twin experiences, I love getting to share my experience of being a twin.<br />
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Cassie and I are <a href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/fraternal--twins?s=t">fraternal twins</a>. When we were little we would always say "two eggs not one" :). We are five minutes apart and I am older by 5 minutes. My mom delivered us at full-term. And by full term, I mean we were two days past our 40 week deadline. BLESS HER HEART. She also delivered us vaginally, not by C-Section. At 40 weeks. Two full-sized babies. I'm pointing this out, because I cannot EVEN imagine it!! I'll say this for sure, twin moms are ROCKSTARS! Having just one baby is exhausting and I can only imagine two!!<br />
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We obviously look really different. She has always had lighter hair and I have always been taller. She has blue eyes, I have brown eyes. Pretty much the opposite of identical. Many times people wouldn't believe us when we told them we were twins. Ha!<br />
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We have very different personalities. Cassie is an introvert and I am an extrovert. When we were little, I was the one who liked being a twin and Cassie didn't. I loved to dress alike and she really preferred to do her own thing (I will say she is much more easily persuaded to dress alike as adults when we go to Disney!!). We (still) don't always agree on everything, don't do everything the same and have very different interests and passions.<br />
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We for sure had the typical twin things of being called the other by many people for most of our life. And our favorite pet peeve is when people would refer to us as "you" as in one person not two.<br />
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With the exception of preschool and a few high school classes, my parents always put us in different classes at school. It worked well for us to have our own spaces. We even went to different Universities for colleges.<br />
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Friendships are always interesting to me for twins. For us, we pretty much had different friend groups throughout most of our growing up years. There was for sure some overlap and many mutual friends through the years, but in almost every season of life our friend circles looked different. The tricky part comes in because I think twins can be really intimidating for friends. "Love me, love my sister"kind of thing. Which on the one hand was so so great to always have someone, but I think it could be really intimidating to other people at times. There were also times when we wouldn't want to have to include the other in something but had to so they weren't left out.<br />
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We never really had a twin language or anything, but I would say we have a deeper connection than just sisters. There is also just a very deep level of understanding and communication that I feel like we share.<br />
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My very favorite thing about being a twin is that throughout my whole life I have always had her with me. Through every season, all the ups and downs, I have always had a friend and someone who gets it, understands me, and loves me no matter what. I am so so grateful for that.<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-73926369213307001612018-04-22T00:30:00.000-05:002020-04-16T22:43:13.254-05:00Not For The Faint Of Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When Laura Kate was about a month old, I had just made it past the post-partum baby blues, we were settling into a good newborn routine. While Kyle was at work one day, I was laying on the floor with LK on her play mat and I just remember looking at her and knowing deep down - as far deep down as you can know something - "I was made for this". Just like I knew deep down that I was made to be Kyle's wife, I knew that I knew that God made me to be Laura Kate's mom.<br />
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That moment I truly believe was from the Lord. It was a foundational cornerstone for my mothering. I can't tell you how many times I have come back to it. Millions. Because the mothering thing? It is not for the faint of heart. If it was, I would have been dead a long time ago.<br />
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When Laura Kate was three, I fully understood the term "threenager". The fits, the whining, the strong will. The Shenanigans. Yall, how any of us survived it is only because of the Lord Jesus himself and because he has bigger plans than all of us. I just remember it being SO HARD.<br />
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I remember parents of older kids telling me this: "The younger years are more physically draining, but the older years are more mentally and emotionally draining." And while I now understand that a little bit better in theory now, it was SO discouraging at the time because there were days that I felt drained in every way. It made me feel weak for feeling drained mentally and physically with my three year old. Imagine what would happen to me when she was a teenager! </div>
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Mama of the threenager reading this (or the terrible two year old, or the whiny four year old or tattling 5 year old.....) READ THIS: It's so hard. All of it. Is is also the best thing in the world? Yeah it is, but there are other posts to be written about that. This post is about it being hard, because someone needs to just outright say it. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. </div>
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I wanted to write this post because this past week was hard with my almost ten year old. Maybe the hardest yet. On Tuesday, I woke up and felt prompted to love my girl in a very tangible way so I spent most of the day cleaning her room for her and redecorating it. About midway through, I got a phone call from the school letting us know their school was on lockdown (super precautionary thing....everyone was fine). And then about three quarters of the way through the cleaning, Kyle forwarded an email from LK's teacher revealing some major character struggles our girl is going through. The whole day I spent praying (and crying) through my broken heart of her bad choices. </div>
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And I felt that deep down feeling again.... </div>
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"You were made for this."</div>
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That sweet truth washed over me like a tidal wave and I remembered playing on the floor with that that tiny baby. I remembered the threenager. I remembered it all. Because the truth is, it's hard BECAUSE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. </div>
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Shepherding a child's heart is hard because our hearts are wrapped around theirs! So while the Lord is working on their little growing hearts, he's working on our tired and weary hearts too. </div>
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It's hard yall. This isn't a solution post, rather than a permission post. Permission for it to be hard, no matter the stage. And permission for your heart to be worked on too. </div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-52932094702046466172018-04-16T00:30:00.000-05:002018-04-16T00:30:07.624-05:00Spring Break 2018 (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Spring Break started with Easter this year! We celebrated with our church family and enjoyed having our big kids in worship with us! After church we went to my parents house for a wonderful Easter lunch with Aunt Deb and Uncle Tommy and UT's mom Carol. We had an egg hunt and then another egg hunt with my parent's across the street neighbors. It was such a fun day. </div>
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On Monday we hit the road for our Spring Break Trip... first stop was Atlanta for a Braves Game! Except we hit some car trouble so our first stop was actually Fort Deposit, Alabama. I was asleep and woke up to some really terrible sounds coming from our car. We ended up getting towed from the highway to the closest town which just happened to be Fort Deposit. We were really concerned it was something detrimental to the engine based on the sounds it was making but it ended up being fairly minor and something to do with spark plugs and coils and such. They fixed us up really well and were so very kind to us! Highly recommend Randy's towing and garage service if you are ever in that area! Very fair pricing and over and above service for us.</div>
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I was so proud of the kids all morning. They had great attitudes, played in the shop and I had thankfully charged the tablet ;). </div>
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The garage was next to a Dollar General so we had a little picnic lunch outside! </div>
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Originally we were going to go straight to my brother's house and then head to the game with them, but because we lost so much time with the car trouble, we headed straight to the stadium.</div>
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Suntrust Park, the new Braves stadium, is AWESOME. They have made considerable effort to make it family friendly. Outside the stadium they have a shopping, eating, activity area called the Battery. We stopped for so dinner there and it was delicious and fun! They had clips from old Braves games playing on the TV's which I love!</div>
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We met up with Joel and Ashley and the boys and the kids wasted no time in having a dance party. </div>
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Now, I have grown up a Braves fan my whole life, and especially with having lived in Atlanta for a little bit when I was younger. They just happened to be playing the Nationals, which is the team Kyle (randomly) routes for. (For the record, we are also Rangers fans because we lived in Dallas and root root root for the home team....). </div>
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At the beginning of the game, only LK was with me in the Braves cheering section. The boys just wanted to be like Daddy. But by the end of the night I have all 3 boys chopping for the Braves! even though we lost.... womp womp....</div>
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After the game we went back to Joel and Ashley's to spend the night. We got the kids down and then Ashley and I stayed up late catching up which was just so nice and good for my heart! I love being friends with family so much. </div>
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So while we had a rocky start to our trip, we made the most of it with an adventure and had the best time at the baseball game!!</div>
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-77448276575141288352018-04-09T00:30:00.000-05:002018-04-09T00:30:38.213-05:00Wiley's 2018 Baseball Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This ball season, LK, Shepherd, and Fischer are all three playing! We play with a local church league close to our house (it's actually where the boys have gone to preschool). All games are on Saturday mornings and all the playing fields take place in one giant field divided up into smaller fields. Because of this, it makes it doable to watch all three of them play!<br />
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Laura Kate is playing softball for the first time ever, and yall, I swear we have a natural hitter on our hands! I am honestly so surprised. Sports and physical activities have never been her strong suit and I was prepared for this to be a good learning experience in dealing with frustrations. And there has been some of that (especially with fielding and catching the ball), but she has surprised us all with her natural hitting abilities. She is LOVING being part of a team and is just overall really enjoying the experience.<br />
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Shepherd is playing coach pitch, and speaking of the coach, he's pretty cute if you ask me! Kyle was originally not going to coach this season, but they were in need of coaches so he made the last minute decision to coach with the caveat that they not be the Yankees. So the Nationals it is! Shepherd is doing a good job of continuing his skills from his previous years' experience and continues to throw and bat left-handed, even though he writes right-handed. We have tried several times to have him throw right and he says it feels to weird, so a lefty he is!<br />
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Fischer Knox, yall. If there is ever a cuter boy in baseball pants I would beg to differ. He is loving playing tball, and to be honest, I think he loves the attention the most. He hams it up on the field whenever he knows we are watching. Like his siblings, he likes hitting the most and genuinely loves being around his teammates.<br />
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And then my little helper. He likes to wear his baseball pants to the games and run the bases after the games :). He loves cheering for his siblings and really really wants to be old enough to play himself.<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-16929025919670067242018-03-28T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-29T10:13:26.965-05:00Praying Proverbs 31 For Your Daughter<div class="entry-content article" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 35px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other night, I was praying for Laura Kate and looked up this post because I think it is a powerful thing to pray over a daughter. The post itself needed some reformatting to this blog (it was written on an older blog of mine), so I just decided to republish it. I hope it is something you find helpful as you pray specific things over your daughters! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Pray that if the Lord so wills, she would have a husband and children one day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Pray for her character. That it would be noble and worthy of her husband’s confidence in her. Pray that her intent towards her husband and children would be for their good. Pray against selfishness. (v. 10-12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Pray that she would be a willing and eager hard worker. Pray against laziness. (v.13-14, 17)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Pray that she would seek her rest and energy from the Lord. That she would be willing to sacrifice for her household. (v.15)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Pray for clear thinking that she would think and act wisely when it comes to making decisions for her family. Pray against impulsiveness. (v16).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Pray that she would see the value in her living out the role the Lord has called her to, and that would encourage her in her work and sacrifices. (v.18)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Pray that the Lord would give her a heart of compassion and hospitality. Pray against indifference and any form of animosity. (v.20)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Pray against a spirit of fear and anxiety. Pray that she would be diligent to think ahead to the coming seasons and would prepare accordingly. (v.21) Pray that she would not fear the future. (v.25)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Pray that she would be creative and thrifty in helping support her household and making a house a home. (v.24)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Pray that she would be a woman of strength and dignity. That she would find her strength in the Lord, not her own power. Pray against immorality and indecency. (v.25)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Pray that she would speak with wisdom and would instruct others in the faithfulness of the Lord. (v. 26).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Pray that she would be a good steward and manager of all the Lord has given her. Pray she would be able to take stock and know that her household is in order. Pray against idleness. (v. 27)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Pray that she would not put her hope in things of this world like beauty, charm, and things, but that she would only and always fear and respect the Lord. (v. 30).</span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-42684225700797754442018-03-26T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-26T00:00:30.798-05:00A Big Fat Catch-Up Post <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it's been a while! Life's been moving pretty fast around here and to be honest, blogging has taken a back seat to life for a while. I always want to make sure that my heart is in the right place with this blog and make sure I'm the one running it and not it running me. This is my happy place and to keep it that way, sometimes I take breaks. That being said, I'VE MISSED IT!!! And it order to jump back in with both feet, I'm going to do a big fat catch-up post for the big events in the past few months. Some of these things I'm going to come back and write their own post for, but I wanted to go ahead and get something out there this week!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Archer's 3rd Birthday</b></span><br />
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Travel if you will back to mid December..... we celebrated Archer Leigh's third birthday! Can you believe this tiny baby of mine is THREE?????? I'm still figuring out the whole December, almost Christmas birthday party thing, but we had a blast with a "red" themed party.<br />
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We served all of Archer's favorite foods.... Chips, Cake, Apples, and Pizza Pockets! </div>
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In addition to having many friends come, we also had Aunt Ashley and cousins come! The timing worked out perfectly as they were driving through to visit family for the holidays.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas 2017</b></span><br />
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This year for Christmas Break, we made the drive to Texas. We stayed in the Dallas area for a couple nights to catch up with some friends and then continued west to Lubbock.<br />
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In Lubbock we stayed with Cassie and fam and had such a great time with them. I say this all the time, but it is so much fun being friends with family. Cassie is my best friend and I love how much our families love each other!!<br />
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On the 23rd, we spent the day with Kyle's Aunt and Uncle and family. We started a new tradition of lunch at a Mexican Food restaurant and it was so good I could cry thinking about it. (Dear Alabama, get better at Mexican Food. Love, Carrie).<br />
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We had our usual Christmas Eve morning tradition at Kyle's dad's house. It's Kyle's favorite meal of the whole year: Biscuits and gravy and orange juice and sausage.<br />
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Later that night, we went to Christmas Eve service with Cassie and Curtis at their church. Then we went back to their house for taco soup and to read the Christmas story.<br />
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Real Talk: we had sick kids and Cassie and I both had bad colds and did not feel awesome. We didn't get much sleep with coughing kids,and Cassie and Curtis had to make an ER run with Cason for tummy issues, so we were all pretty tired come Christmas morning. BUT, we rallied and had a wonderful morning opening presents.<br />
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We were originally going to break up the drive and stay another night in McKinney, but due to sick kids decided to make the entire drive so we could be back in our own beds that night. It was long and hard, but in the long run, it was the right decision to make.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Years</b></span><br />
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I love New Years so much. After we got back from Texas and re-cooped and rested, we were ready to ring in the new year. I love having a clean slate and fresh start every year. I love to look back at all that the Lord has done in the previous year and make goals and pray for the coming new year.<br />
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This year for New Years Eve, we went to our friends, the Davisons, house for S'mores and Fireworks. It was so much fun! Laura Kate loved having some girlfriend time with Maggie and the boys loved playing and watching the fireworks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Olympics</b></span><br />
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banananananananananananana..... (that's the Olympic theme song in case you didn't figure that out). Y'all know how I feel about the Olympics. I love it. Winter, Summer, Summer, Winter. I love it all. I love the curling and the skiing and the figure skating and I absolutely love the snow boarding.<br />
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This year's opening Ceremonies fell on a Friday night right before our Mardi Gras break and our trip to Disney World. I seriously considered pushing to afterwards and having a closing ceremonies party, but I just couldn't do it. Opening Ceremonies is where its at. We made it happen again folks.... another Epic Olympic Party. There was food. There were photos. There were friends. There were glowsticks. There was American Pride out the wazoo. (Also Jamaican because Cool Runnings). It was fabulous and I already can't wait for the next one.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Disney World</b></span><br />
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I'm for sure going to write a separate post about this trip,but we had an absolute blast. But, here are a few highlights to tide you over...<br />
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1. The Boardwalk Resort<br />
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We stayed at the Boardwalk Resort, which is one of the Epcot resorts and it is BY FAR my favorite resort we have ever stayed at. I LOVED the location, I loved the relaxing atmosphere and we loved the pool area.<br />
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2. Whispering Canyon Cafe Dinner<br />
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I've heard such great reviews of Whispering Canyon, and I am SO glad I got to have a first-hand experience there. It was delightful and the food was absolutely amazing. Bottomless milkshakes, delicious steak and ribs and skillets. Absolutely a must-try.<br />
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3. Pin Trading<br />
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For the first time, our kids started trading pins this trip! They had each gotten a lanyard and a few pins each to start with. We loved how much they got into it and were so proud of their initiative to trade with cast members. It was so fun!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shepherd's 7th Birthday</b></span><br />
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My first boy turned 7 a few weeks ago and we celebrated in Pokemon style!! Shepherd is ALL ABOUT the Pokemon cards right now and that's the theme he requested for his party. We had several friends come celebrate with him from school and church and it was such a great time. It's hard to believe he is already 7 years old!!<br />
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If you're still reading, thanks for sticking with the long post! I'm looking forward to being back into the swing of things!! Happy Spring Yall!<br />
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-14989435995197728332018-02-21T00:00:00.000-06:002018-02-21T00:00:40.030-06:00How to be Kind and Still Firm with your Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This post originally appeared at <a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/">Chronicles of a Babywise Mom</a>)</i></span></div>
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Today, I'm sharing with you something that has been a struggle in my own heart and life lately and one I am very much still learning as I go: how to be kind and still firm with my kids.<br />
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I think it is so natural to get frustrated when our kids disobey, or give us attitude or make bad choices. You know, when it's time to actually <i>parent</i> them. I think it is really easy to give short, clipped instructions and corrections. And I for sure think it's easy to lose your cool. I know I struggle with this. It is something my husband and I talk about frequently and hold each other accountable to.<br />
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There is a line though, right? Certain behavior is completely unacceptable and needs to be corrected. But, isn't the same true of us as parents? It IS possible to be kind and firm in our instructions and corrections, even though it is difficult at times.<br />
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I have one tip for how to accomplish this and it's actually a tip that works across the board with talking with any human being (including your spouse, wink wink).....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>consider the other person.</b></span></div>
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Being considerate of your child when you are correcting them doesn't mean you let them have their way and it doesn't mean you let them get away with poor choices or bad behavior. It means you consider the best way to communicate it to them. We all know there is a kind way to communicate with your child and the other way(s) that comes out of impatience and frustration. So yes, consideration takes a minute longer and often requires a bit of humility on your part too. But I think the response and results are worth it.</div>
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To this day, I remember times my parents corrected me and 90% of the time it was with kindness and with the intent of helping me <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/03/what-it-means-to-raise-adults.html">grow into a responsible adult.</a> I really want my kids to be able to say the same thing about me one day.</div>
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Why is this so important? Why does it matter? In our family, we believe <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/03/discipline-as-discipleship.html">discipline is a means of discipleship</a>. Of helping shape their hearts and minds to love God and love His people. It is really difficult to do that if we aren't modeling that behavior for them. So we model kindness when we talk about hard things or things we disagree on. We model repentance when we get it wrong. And we model forgiveness and grace when they get it wrong. </div>
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Consideration shouldn't be such a foreign concept, but in the world we are living in now - this high charged, high-opinionated culture where everyone has a voice on social media and so many hot political topics vying for our attention - we have to be very very intentional to teach, train, and model consideration and kindness for our kids. </div>
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<i>Carrie is wife to Kyle and mom to Laura Kate(9), Shepherd(6), Fischer(5), and Archer(3). She blogs at <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/">www.wileyadventures.com</a>. She is a Jesus-loving, routine-following, travel planning mama, finding adventures in everyday life. </i></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-10438423987842831492018-02-08T00:30:00.000-06:002018-02-08T00:30:28.944-06:00Understanding Your Preschooler's Mindset And Correcting Behaviors Accordingly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Parenting. The art of figuring out little human minds, teaching, helping and shaping the person inside. Far from a simple task.<br />
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In the preschool years, there is a lot of learning that needs to be done as our children open their eyes wider to the world around them. Our babies are becoming more independent by the hour, and they test the waters. Some days they seem far more grown up than they should be, and others they seem to revert to their baby-like behaviors. Providing structure and discipline during these years is essential, but can also be quite the challenge!<br />
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There is a very big difference between a child that is acting childish and doing something foolish, versus one that is being defiant. And, the consequence needs to fit the crime. I find this topic to be so fascinating, because the reality is I see my daughter oscillating between these lands and it's often hard to figure out which land she's visiting at any given time: "The land of Childish Mistakes", or the "Land of Defiant Misdeeds". (Preschoolwise, pg 156)<br />
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So, let's look at these two lands as described in the Preschoolwise book:<br />
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<b>Childishness</b>: "Innocent immaturity". (pg 157) These are all of the accidental mistakes that our children make- they spill a glass of water, they run so fast out at the playground that they bump into someone, or they pick flowers from the neighbor's yard. These are all completely innocent, and accidental mistakes. The child has no idea that they are only supposed to pick flowers that were not purposefully planted by someone else. When a child "does something without knowing it was wrong", this is considered to be childishness, and not defiance. (pg 157)<br />
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<b>Defiance</b>: "Implies bad motives". (pg 157) When a child knows that something is wrong, but chooses to do it anyway, it is considered defiance. I love how it is described in the Preschoolwise book. <br />
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"Childishness is usually a head problem- a lack of knowledge. Defiance is usually a heart problem- the child does not want to do the right thing." (pg 157)<br />
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Both childishness and defiance need to be corrected, but the correction or consequence will differ greatly depending on if the child was being childish or defiant.<br />
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In the Preschoolwise book, Ezzo talks about the four laws of correction. These 4 laws will help you to administer correction that is fair and effective.<br />
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<b>Law 1: Distinguish Between Childishness and Defiance</b><br />
I tend to hold my daughter to super high standards. She's smart. So very smart, and very mature. So when she does something she shouldn't do, I have to really think hard about her intentions. She's pretty rarely just childish. So rare, that when it happens, I sometimes don't catch it. I have to make sure I catch those moments and address the action accordingly.<br />
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Conversely, many parents assume their children must not know better. Think again. Don't always give your child a free pass for being childish, simply because of their age. Give them the credit they deserve and think about how often you've told them not to do something. If you've said it before, they are being defiant, not childish. Children have excellent little memories.<br />
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<b>Law 2: All Correction Must Promote Learning</b><br />
There are two quotes that I just love in this section of the book:<br />
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"Correction requires explanation. Without the why of wrong there is no correction, just a random redirection of behavior." (pg 159)<br />
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"Children learn by gaining knowledge." (pg 159)<br />
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I love these quotes so much. When parents simply say "because I said so" as an answer to a question, it isn't doing much good. Yes, I get that we want our children to listen to us without demanding an explanation for our request. I get that parents want that respect. But, I'd argue that children are in this wonderful part of their lives where they want to LEARN. <br />
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We need to take full advantage of that. Let's not view the "why" as questioning our authority. Let's view it as a legit question and search for knowledge. And let's take on the responsibility to teach our children. Whether the act was childish or defiant, the child needs to learn from their behaviors.<br />
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Sometimes natural consequences answer the why. Sometimes it's taking the time to provide a simple explanation. "Consider the behavioral explanation you give today to be a deposit on tomorrow's behavior." (pg 160)<br />
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<b>Law 3: Make Any Punishment Fit the Crime</b><br />
Not all actions should be corrected with the same consequence. Some things to consider:<br />
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- The age of the child (a 3 year old should be given a different consequence than that of a 4th grader)<br />
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- The frequency of the offense (The first offense should be treated far differently than the tenth)<br />
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- The context of the moment (Was your child just following the social norm, or was your child leading the group- never is this an excuse, but just something to take into consideration. A child may know not to do something, but if everyone else in the room is doing it, they might be confused if they are 3 and just figuring out their worlds).<br />
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- The overall characterization of behavior (Is this the only behavior, or is it part of a larger pattern of behavior that needs addressing? Is it a symptom of a bigger problem?)<br />
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- The need for balance (Too harsh a punishment will cause a power struggle and lead to little learning, but too lenient will fall short of correction). Find what works for your family and be consistent.<br />
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<b>Law 4: An Offense Against a Person or Property Requires and Apology</b><br />
In our house, we require apologies. I know this is not the norm of today, but we have found that this is something we want to require of our children. Just as we require please and thank you to be said, we require apologies. Not only an "I'm sorry", but an "I'm sorry for ___". When our daughter was 2 we'd help her in this process. We'd identify the behavior she'd need to apologize for. Then we started asking if she could identify it. Now, at 3, she does it all on her own without any prompting.<br />
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The Preschoolwise book also suggests asking for forgiveness, and I have to say I really love this idea. Requiring a "deeper commitment, that of seeking forgiveness". (pg 163) Ezzo even mentions to try this with your marriage. The next time you have an argument with your spouse, seek forgiveness instead of just saying I'm sorry. "Will you forgive me for ___?" Seems like quite the world changer to me!<br />
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This chapter has SO many wonderful things to take into consideration. I'd highly recommend taking a look at the Preschoolwise book. Not only does it expand on these sections above, it then goes into some specific correction methods. These books are just packed full of useful information, far beyond that of just schedules and sleep. <b></b><br />
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<span class="script" style="font-size: 40px;"><b>-Katrina</b></span><br />
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-10165531905350827542018-01-25T08:55:00.002-06:002018-01-25T08:55:59.614-06:00Another Quick Trick For a Happier and Healthy Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAci2luBkqgylbDgjWkaxbaJujr-QaxmCtT6LbAKdUMDh6aihMrTpYvCwdmLqnsmAkvlZ36KKJIrPMBVuvyIhseId7xqT_wvP9yfeH7skqQR5mP8cf4_-u3N7jtrAL9OW-gXD_vnTKDA/s1600/WileyFamilySession-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAci2luBkqgylbDgjWkaxbaJujr-QaxmCtT6LbAKdUMDh6aihMrTpYvCwdmLqnsmAkvlZ36KKJIrPMBVuvyIhseId7xqT_wvP9yfeH7skqQR5mP8cf4_-u3N7jtrAL9OW-gXD_vnTKDA/s640/WileyFamilySession-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last year, I shared <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/02/one-quick-trick-for-happier-and-healthy.html">One Quick Trick for a Happier and Healthy Marriage</a>, and today I'm sharing another one. Both of these concepts are things that Kyle and I practice regularly in our marriage and I think make a significant difference in the strength of our marriage.<br />
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This tip is so simple sounding at first, but when fleshed out can be more difficult than you think. It requires selflessness which is not always so easy to offer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">consider the other</span></div>
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...when you plan your time</div>
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...when you spend your money</div>
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...when you communicate</div>
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...when you manage your home</div>
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...when you pray</div>
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Easy, right? Just think of the other person. I find this to be pretty easy on days when everything is going my way and when I've gotten enough sleep and I'm not frustrated by parenting that day and Kyle hasn't done something I didn't like. It's pretty easy on those days. But on the days when I'm tired or days when things havn't gone my way, it's much more difficult. And that's because it requires me to not be selfish. </div>
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Ultimately, it's asking yourself, "How would [my spouse] feel in [this situation]"? And considering what is best. Sometimes it means you change course to meet those needs. Sometimes it might mean you change your tone of voice or how you communicate. Sometimes it might mean that you make a point to pick up before he gets home because he's had a hard day and needs a haven to come home to. Sometimes it means you change your plans and have dedicated prayer time FOR HIM. And sometimes it means you buy the Aloe Vitamin E Cottonelle Toilet Paper because it's his favorite kind even if it's $4 more expensive than the other brand. </div>
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It doesn't mean your spouse is controlling you. It doesn't mean you can't be independent or that your desires and needs aren't important. A marriage involving two people who are considering the other person is a marriage with love that "does not demand it's own way" and a love that "NEVER FAILS" (1 Corinthians 13). That's the kind of love I'm interested in for my marriage, so I make the effort to consider Kyle. </div>
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<i>Today, the ladies of the BFBN are all talking about the topic of "love". Check out their posts below:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc8kwH41r6xHHumSFFSPwy7Tu5Q5-8ztUJwIaDpoUpyEZycIXmQF9icjtyYkJe43YZSJgB09UumHberLNusRri_jusYRBG-UtG3tWo0tXRRV_LHLT9NwGHiXQzYbxwXia5d9nbYC3JUA/s1600/bfbn+Cristina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="720" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc8kwH41r6xHHumSFFSPwy7Tu5Q5-8ztUJwIaDpoUpyEZycIXmQF9icjtyYkJe43YZSJgB09UumHberLNusRri_jusYRBG-UtG3tWo0tXRRV_LHLT9NwGHiXQzYbxwXia5d9nbYC3JUA/s320/bfbn+Cristina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/2018/01/how-to-teach-your-child-to-love-others.html">How to Teach Your Child To Love Others, by Valerie Plowman</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.christinekeys.net/how-to-have-a-happy-marriage/">How To Have a Happy Marriage When You Have Small Children, by Christine Keys</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.journeyofparenthood.com/2018/01/showing-love-to-expectant-mother-during.html">Showing Love To The Expectant Mother During Adoption, by Emily Parker</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mamasorganizedchaos.com/2018/01/my-daughter-what-i-want-you-to-know.html#.WmnusainHIU">My Daughter - What I Want You To Know About Valentine's Day, by Katrina Villegas</a></div>
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<a href="http://team-cartwright.com/2018/01/teaching-your-children-valentines-day-is-more-than-just-romance/">Teaching Your Children Valentine's Day Is More Than Just Romance, by Kimberly Cartwright</a></div>
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<a href="https://rogerspartyof5.com/5-love-languages-children/">How To Show Your Children Love With The 5 Love Languages, by Caitlin Rogers</a></div>
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<a href="http://thecombsfam.com/2018/01/25/show-foster-child-love/">5 Ways To Show Your Foster Children Love, by Natasha Combs</a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-10193968754756874552018-01-15T08:32:00.000-06:002018-01-15T08:32:37.259-06:00The Feelings Game: A Strategy To Manage Big Feelings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5veO6xfe4g4ZILJUeGZgWL5zIiHJpgRuCyYXM_OK-_dpNV5nHK9psLm0HRnVtKG_gaEQ3iCDYCOvTFhROQWFPCQP4X5XQvUSkDPMHbq0s0eQsgWh3rvLYou4Ctev-i4Xy4b5gZ6DtKA8/s1600/big+feelings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5veO6xfe4g4ZILJUeGZgWL5zIiHJpgRuCyYXM_OK-_dpNV5nHK9psLm0HRnVtKG_gaEQ3iCDYCOvTFhROQWFPCQP4X5XQvUSkDPMHbq0s0eQsgWh3rvLYou4Ctev-i4Xy4b5gZ6DtKA8/s640/big+feelings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mamasorganizedchaos.com/2017/10/bfbn-guest-post-feelings-game-strategy.html#.Wly7JainHIU"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This post originally appeared at Mamas Organized Chaos)</span></i></a></div>
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We have a LOT of big feelings in our house. A lot. (If you know us personally you're nodding or laughing.... you know.) All six of us I would classify as "Big Feelers". Not only do we feel all the things, but we are pretty skilled in expressing those feelings.<br />
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I got broken in really well with my first-born in learning to parent a big feeler. Laura Kate, my oldest was very verbally advanced and could appropriately tell me how she felt, by age 2. But 2 year olds don't know what to do with big feelings, at least not constructively. By the time she turned three, I started to feel a little bit of a loss of how to help her manage her feelings. I was talking to my mom about it one day and she helped me come up with "The Feelings Game".<br />
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Here's how it works. Whenever you have a day where you notice your child is having explosive emotions (it could be ANY of them: anger, sadness, frustrations, even happiness or joy), choose a time in your day to play the game. For us, it was also a good time to snuggle. So I either pull my kids into my lap in my rocking chair or lay down beside them before rest time, and I say "Let's play the feelings game!"<br />
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I start by asking "What's something that you feel sad about?" and then wait for the answer.<br />
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They might respond "I don't want to take a nap".<br />
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So you respond simply by repeating what they say in a calm voice. "You don't want to take a nap".<br />
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Don't respond by saying "Don't feel that way!" All you are doing in this game is giving your child an outlet to say why they are "sad, mad, happy, frustrated, etc..." and then affirming that you hear them. This isn't the time to discipline or fix bad attitudes. This is providing an outlet and practicing a constructive way to express those emotions that we all feel.<br />
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After they answer a question and you repeat respond, ask about a different feeling....<br />
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"What is something that you feel frustrated about?<br />
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"..... that you feel happy about?"<br />
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"...... that you feel mad about?"<br />
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"..... that you feel excited about?"<br />
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In my experience with this game, by giving my kids an outlet to express their big feelings, they are able to calm down and handle their day better overall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeYCzGG8mUhCCtQO4nuZQWBwcI0IGnqZZC3SHlLsp7WqSIWW8FFnymCNofOVMGUDvEeuG0M8S6GVZXr8GuFXi3v_XdurmzCQdhZm8qk-P6-dGnAbMGNf_-dscL6NB_Sn1JyGy_9pkq_A/s1600/feelings+game+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeYCzGG8mUhCCtQO4nuZQWBwcI0IGnqZZC3SHlLsp7WqSIWW8FFnymCNofOVMGUDvEeuG0M8S6GVZXr8GuFXi3v_XdurmzCQdhZm8qk-P6-dGnAbMGNf_-dscL6NB_Sn1JyGy_9pkq_A/s320/feelings+game+pin.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-11646393786974175112018-01-10T00:30:00.000-06:002018-01-10T00:30:02.956-06:00Finding Time to Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jUhnek0quDLDAZZYgVfqBxXs-5s7NM9-e-Q3CPo0KvaudJBpfif_VaK6OLwidMvI9tqDmpalw89fNCoxpLYn95Z3WNMUzC17rwcoMeFp8x0lek2Vs_Pch4_ShVNE5FfqC_QDJOQ7LWg/s1600/time+to+read+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jUhnek0quDLDAZZYgVfqBxXs-5s7NM9-e-Q3CPo0KvaudJBpfif_VaK6OLwidMvI9tqDmpalw89fNCoxpLYn95Z3WNMUzC17rwcoMeFp8x0lek2Vs_Pch4_ShVNE5FfqC_QDJOQ7LWg/s1600/time+to+read+blog.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"How do you find time to read?"</b></i></span><br />
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It's a question I get asked OFTEN. People will come across one of my book stacks and wonder how I ever find time as work-from-home, mom of four, to read. Most people who know me know I enjoy reading very much. It's my favorite way to relax and my favorite thing to do during my down time.<br />
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As most wives and mothers, I don't have a whole lot of down time. Because of that reading often becomes a luxury. So how do we I do it? How do I find time to read?<br />
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There's one thing I do to find time to read, and it's something you can do too. Ready for it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I make time to read. </b></i></span><br />
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That's it. I make the time. It means I have to decide it's important enough to me and I make time for it. Sometimes it means I read in the bathtub (oftentimes it means I read in the bathtub), sometimes it means I stay up a little bit later.I almost always have a book with me in my purse so if I have to wait in a long line I have something to pass the time. I read while I blowdry my hair (because is there a more boring chore in life than blow-drying your hair?!) OFTEN it means I limit my screen time to read. Why? Because I decided reading is more important to me than watching TV.<br />
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Do you want to find more time to read? Then just like everything else that's important in life, you have to make the time for it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/p/reading.html">More posts about reading on this blog.....</a></i></span></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-83797448504060948372018-01-08T00:30:00.000-06:002018-01-08T00:30:07.906-06:00January Book Stack <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeJpx-PzpwF8TOUPK9u_jkJwUBByPPaZE4P8MFpbLiJjuI7BqU8s0TFmR8tIwKCsCd_QcUhyf4hp8qeizACtuapbTT_WZ2a5ALu-iHMKz2Hlfolna5sHkBgjs0JOvUhCmf3NBC7DwJi4/s1600/Photo+Jan+07%252C+8+50+08+PM+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeJpx-PzpwF8TOUPK9u_jkJwUBByPPaZE4P8MFpbLiJjuI7BqU8s0TFmR8tIwKCsCd_QcUhyf4hp8qeizACtuapbTT_WZ2a5ALu-iHMKz2Hlfolna5sHkBgjs0JOvUhCmf3NBC7DwJi4/s640/Photo+Jan+07%252C+8+50+08+PM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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*Amazon Affiliate Links*</div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2CRHJRa"><span style="font-size: large;">The Trouble With Tulip</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2CRHJRa"><span style="font-size: large;">by Mindy Starns Clark</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2qCQIAx"><span style="font-size: large;">The Residence</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2qCQIAx"><span style="font-size: large;">by Kate Andersen Brower</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2F9IfrL"><span style="font-size: large;">Braving the Wilderness</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2F9IfrL"><span style="font-size: large;">by Brene Brown</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2Ff601F"><span style="font-size: large;">Finish</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2Ff601F"><span style="font-size: large;">by John Acuff</span></a></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-27098416725774082252018-01-03T11:10:00.000-06:002018-01-03T12:00:44.095-06:00Best of 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8BdvsJA6Rf_Sbp9ycA930P6ZR5xg8ckAeByAbhwu1lPyJ8xUF9zJ4cAmd50fe_BWHi6G28xdT1uyCHqNBhW9p92LcpEu_JHFLD7hS1tzQttE02smbrjnCDyYkNfuxOBA_JcCJ8uIXpU/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8BdvsJA6Rf_Sbp9ycA930P6ZR5xg8ckAeByAbhwu1lPyJ8xUF9zJ4cAmd50fe_BWHi6G28xdT1uyCHqNBhW9p92LcpEu_JHFLD7hS1tzQttE02smbrjnCDyYkNfuxOBA_JcCJ8uIXpU/s640/IMG_1552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2017 was such a fun blogging year! Thank you for reading and being a part of it with me!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are the top 12 Blog Posts from the year:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/10/a-husbands-perspective-of-miscarriage.html">12. A Husband's Perspective on Miscarriage</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/02/5-tips-for-successful-outings-with-your.html">11. 5 Tips For Outings With Your Kids</a></div>
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10<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/how-we-do-screen-time.html">. {How We Do} Screen Time</a></div>
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9<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/04/my-favorite-kids-discipleship-resources.html">. My Favorite Children's Discipleship Resources</a></div>
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8<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/my-favorite-childrens-books.html">. My Favorite Children's Books</a></div>
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7<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/08/the-loneliness-of-mothering-gifted.html">. The Loneliness of Mothering a Gifted Child</a></div>
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6<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/10/thoughts-from-missionary-wife.html">. Thoughts from a Missionary Wife</a></div>
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5<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/tips-for-road-trips-with-kids.html">. Tips for Road Trips With Kids</a></div>
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4<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/02/one-quick-trick-for-happier-and-healthy.html">. One Trick for a Happier and Healthy Marriage</a></div>
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3<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/11/to-woman-in-middle.html">. To The Woman In The Middle</a></div>
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2<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/09/grammy-detox.html">. Grammy Detox: Recovering Your Schedule After Spoiling</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/10/mothering-kids-with-big-feelings.html">1. Mothering Kids With Big Feelings</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Top Guest Post of 2017 was: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/03/what-it-means-to-raise-adults.html"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/03/what-it-means-to-raise-adults.html">What It Means To Raise Adults</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7YPStfwRRrvrKar0gziEiaE-CCuhi8AbymAGHK9KGu1oBdJ5tWZGB7D4CIbgGZ3L_s7jCw4xgGLDnLEEWa0p9VaaWorkxVWAOaYVUb_qmrjI-5khas5FlqJRJdjE8M11DZ86ZGuW7Vw/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="516" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7YPStfwRRrvrKar0gziEiaE-CCuhi8AbymAGHK9KGu1oBdJ5tWZGB7D4CIbgGZ3L_s7jCw4xgGLDnLEEWa0p9VaaWorkxVWAOaYVUb_qmrjI-5khas5FlqJRJdjE8M11DZ86ZGuW7Vw/s400/dad.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Top 10 Posts of All-Time:</span></div>
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10. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/10/mothering-kids-with-big-feelings.html">Mothering Kids With Big Feelings</a></div>
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9. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2013/06/sanity-savers.html">Sanity Savers</a></div>
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8. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2013/09/5-ways-to-be-blessing-to-your-childs.html">5 Ways To Be a Blessing To Your Child's Teacher</a></div>
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7. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/08/tranisitioning-nap-time-to-rest-time.html">Transitioning From Naptime ro Resttime</a></div>
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6. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2015/03/packing-for-vacation-for-four-kids.html">Packing For Vacation For Four Kids</a></div>
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5. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/09/waketime-lengths-quick-fix-short-naps.html">Waketime Lengths: A Quick Fix For Short Naps</a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/08/done-having-babies.html">Being Done Having Babies</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/06/taking-care-of-mama.html">Taking Care of Mama: How 15 Minutes Can Radically Change Your Day</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2015/07/bfbn-week-sleep-conquering-forty-five.html">Conquering the 45 Minute Intruder</a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2013/01/why-i-stopped-folding-my-childrens.html">Why I Stopped Folding My Kids Clothes</a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457574314754691381.post-66488755208085444562018-01-01T05:00:00.000-06:002018-01-01T05:00:17.342-06:002018: Abide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCmHf20VZZkhvOj1Z-mPOEPg9juuNYBvBh9EvbKQd-lE6k4JhnL_4UF78KhTNwfWeooGgvD8zWbo6gOR7cm6Oy9RrABuLgrkeqqPfr_4q7Bk-VT4aFhGX8tNQe7ePfmUT4hjiUeN6pBE/s1600/amos-bar-zeev-138099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCmHf20VZZkhvOj1Z-mPOEPg9juuNYBvBh9EvbKQd-lE6k4JhnL_4UF78KhTNwfWeooGgvD8zWbo6gOR7cm6Oy9RrABuLgrkeqqPfr_4q7Bk-VT4aFhGX8tNQe7ePfmUT4hjiUeN6pBE/s640/amos-bar-zeev-138099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's that time of year again. The beginning. A fresh start. A new beginning. A clean slate. My favorite.<br />
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Last year, I felt like the word "blessed" was my focus. Not just the feel good, getting what you want definition of blessed, but the truly content and fulfilled idea. I have had many an opportunity to learn exactly what I thought I would: true blessing comes only from the Lord. It doesn't come from money or things or even people. It doesn't come from good intentions or even from gifts. It comes in the person of Jesus and God coming to be with His people. The blessing is in the relationship with Him. That truth carried me this year through the hard things and also the good things. It's a bedrock and a foundation.<br />
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As has been the case in some past years, last years word has led me into this year's word. If I could pick one thing to do better it's being better connected to the Lord. Not just reading the Bible more but doing my life WITH him more. REMAINING steady. RESTING in Him. CONTINUING on in the things He has called me to. Abiding.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you , unless you abide in me" John 15:4. </i></span></div>
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To be honest, I've tried to change the word about 7 times. There were other words that I was leaning towards, and some with really good reason and calling: brave, confident, joy (again), people, rest..... But every time I thought of another word, I felt like the Lord brought me back to abide. To be brave and confident, I have to abide first. To pour out to people, I have to abide with the vine first. Rest IS abiding. Joy (and every other fruit of the spirit) is a litmus test for how we are abiding. If we aren't abiding, we aren't bearing fruit. Every time I prayed about it, it kept coming back to abiding. </div>
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This started to settle in my heart about a month ago. And while I had yet to share it with anyone yet, I asked the Lord to make me confident in it before I started hearing other people's words for the year. I didn't want to be swayed. I'm so glad I prayed that because in the past week, I have heard two other people whose word is abide for the year. It made me question my motive behind even having a word of the year. Which was actually a good thin because I don't want to do it because it's popular or because other people do it or don't. When I prayed about it, the Lord reminded me that the call to abide is for everyone and this is something He is doing in my heart, it's between me and Him. </div>
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So, abide. That's what I'm focusing on this year. May this year be known as a year that I abided with the vine. Happy New Year, friends!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">abide:</span></div>
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<div class="sb has-sn" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px 0px 1.1875em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 35px; position: relative;">
<span class="sb-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><br />
<div class="sense" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="sb-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="num" style="left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: left; top: 2px;">1</span></span><span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="sb-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="mw_t_bc" style="letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">: </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;">to remain stable or fixed in a state </span></span></span></div>
<ul class="vis" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: 0.64px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;">a love that </span><em class="mw_t_it" style="letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">abode</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;"> with him all his days</span></div>
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<span class="sb-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="num" style="left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: left; top: 2px;">2</span></span><span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="sb-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="mw_t_bc" style="letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">: </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;">to continue in a place </span><span class="mw_t_bc" style="letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">: </span><a class="mw_t_sx" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sojourn" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; font-size: 1.2em; font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">sojourn</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;">will </span><span class="mw_t_wi" style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">abide</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.64px;"> in the house of the Lord</span></div>
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You can see the previous year's words here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2013/01/2013-grace-upon-grace.html">2013: Grace</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2014/01/2014-hope.html">2014: Hope</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2015/01/2015-joy.html">2015: Joy</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2016/01/2016-kindness.html">2016: Kindness</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wileyadventures.com/2017/01/2017-blessed.html">2017: Blessed</a><span id="goog_775253412"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_775253413"></span></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17439906808287314659noreply@blogger.com1