tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88781609557887490582024-02-07T19:50:44.286-05:00In Case They Ever WonderIn Case They Ever WonderCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-532280521784241322013-03-07T00:40:00.003-05:002013-03-07T00:44:10.709-05:00With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"The boy" turned five, and it came as no surprise to anyone who's had a conversation with him in the past year that he wanted a superhero birthday party! He's fairly obsessed with all things superhero, and his absolutely favorite is Spiderman.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0aXvXF_nXnP5oGCg2Lu5bq4R3IBvJtGw0-G-N5MpNPuRvWBni7OcOx30SZ-dJIMZcoh8KIw_UKCmc3AJabvSOYdEEq-noaOlvYXEuzUJJuFhMTDZaeTtEPOKJpCFuKPlr9kLubxJH1b0/s1600/cw8976+Superhero+-+Boy+1+-+Photo+Invite+_PROOF+-pt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0aXvXF_nXnP5oGCg2Lu5bq4R3IBvJtGw0-G-N5MpNPuRvWBni7OcOx30SZ-dJIMZcoh8KIw_UKCmc3AJabvSOYdEEq-noaOlvYXEuzUJJuFhMTDZaeTtEPOKJpCFuKPlr9kLubxJH1b0/s400/cw8976+Superhero+-+Boy+1+-+Photo+Invite+_PROOF+-pt.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Will had a great actual birthday (Matt stayed home from work, we went to an indoor play park where he ran into a buddy, and then we celebrated with the family at Aunt Pammie's). But his birthday party was like watching his dreams come true. We had superhero training at an indoor play park, but in reality, it was he and his buddies, playing their hearts out being as rough as they could be and then topping it off with cake, lemonade, and sno-cones! Of course, Mr. glass half-empty nearly had a meltdown because his party was "too short," but at least I knew that he had the time of his life! The highlight of the party was when his friends made a tunnel and he rode a motorized bike through the tunnel of friends chanting his name! A fast car, superheroes, and other guys to play with...Will's dreams coming true!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm so proud of my big, healthy, strong boy. We went for his five year old check up last week, and he weighed 56 pounds, and was 48 inches tall. He's only a little more off the chart in height than weight. Our doctor said he's the size of the average 7 1/2 year old and as healthy as a horse.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, I'm proud of more than his size. I am proud of who he is. It's strange because Will is the child that I understand the least in some ways because he's a boy, and yet, in other ways, I understand him well because he and I share so many personality traits. I'm sure sharing those traits is what results in many of my fervent prayers for my boy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know how he is struggles with perfectionism. How it devastates him when he feels like he's failed. I understand how strong his sense of justice is and how much he wants to fight against what he perceives as injustice. I know how sometimes he doesn't feel confident even when he should. I get how routine and structure help him feel secure and how change can leave him spinning out of control.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXutdzwpSA_-O7IOvmYIEBVJWTlBmFkOwqoD999u5ToEB63q-CJuyIAXjX8meleQ1mamcEi4T91DcbhalaO76PBEvz6pojx3m_wZkWEMv1YUTq5v5K32dFY3QgySlDxASg6oi_X513vIG/s1600/IMG_5260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXutdzwpSA_-O7IOvmYIEBVJWTlBmFkOwqoD999u5ToEB63q-CJuyIAXjX8meleQ1mamcEi4T91DcbhalaO76PBEvz6pojx3m_wZkWEMv1YUTq5v5K32dFY3QgySlDxASg6oi_X513vIG/s320/IMG_5260.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't quite understand, but I'm learning a lot about how he feels driven to use his body physically - to run, to jump, to climb, and, above all, to wrestle. I don't quite get how he doesn't understand that he outweighs all three of his sisters, the youngest two by twenty-five and thirty pounds, or why he doesn't understand that he can't be aggressive with them without me having to break out the ice packs! I don't quite understand why in a female-dominated mind game, he winds up head-butting a sister or cousin into the middle of next week. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I sometimes forget that while is body is nearly eight, (much closer to Sophie's age), his heart and mind, just turned five (much closer to Lillie's age). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's quite a bit that is still a mystery to me about mothering a boy, but I'm committed to learning more each day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My family and friends would say that out of all of my children, I am the most oversensitive about and overprotective of Will. They are probably right. You see, I watch people miss who Will really is all the time. Some see a big, over-aggressive bully. Some see a whiny, over-sensitive boy in a house full of girls. Some people don't stop to notice him at all. Because I share some of his more "challenging" personality traits and because I have taken the time to study his other personality traits, I see an amazing strong and true little boy, one of the deepest-thinking people I've ever known.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqwcTFKE5Kf4DUK6RrIyoZBWIpyQ0DTBtY5Fbu-fydz6SyV0viGSTF6mC5ZHTICqsM7jYrMc08TBPV12FPyXVArK9QVX-EjHz5Ngw6pYG-G22p0Jo7XcfH9ROnYaiDnqsOpjmDZEyyZa7/s1600/BAM+sign+-+My+Paper+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqwcTFKE5Kf4DUK6RrIyoZBWIpyQ0DTBtY5Fbu-fydz6SyV0viGSTF6mC5ZHTICqsM7jYrMc08TBPV12FPyXVArK9QVX-EjHz5Ngw6pYG-G22p0Jo7XcfH9ROnYaiDnqsOpjmDZEyyZa7/s320/BAM+sign+-+My+Paper+Lily.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Will's strength doesn't lie in his 56 pounds, or 48 inches, or even in his ability to take a hit without seeming to notice. Will's strength is actually rooted in his depth. I can't say that Will asks nearly as many questions as Lillie does and certainly not as many as Sophie did, but when that boy does ask a question, rarely can I answer it without having to stop and ponder. From the trinity and forgiveness to dusk and arachnids, he just doesn't bother with the trivial. And he isn't satisfied with a pat answer, he won't stop asking follow ups until he understands. Understanding is crucial for Will. And that understanding is where his strength is growing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRW7LelWuiFVkLCkXWEAfS3QsoPlq4oE5jAoGWIwvm2QdMA9oaZlOHSXWhTpQ2is1-R-8IbDp3p4foUFbGkUXRssTXRDyQLzQMr-vIw3mlj46hvnDkZGOPzj9fUCTBQmZLP-bQHPMZ0VA/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRW7LelWuiFVkLCkXWEAfS3QsoPlq4oE5jAoGWIwvm2QdMA9oaZlOHSXWhTpQ2is1-R-8IbDp3p4foUFbGkUXRssTXRDyQLzQMr-vIw3mlj46hvnDkZGOPzj9fUCTBQmZLP-bQHPMZ0VA/s320/IMG_5156.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love that Will loves Spiderman. I love it because he's something of a Peter Parker, not the kid that is charming and winsome and everyone wants to be around. Not the kid that is super-creative and everything comes easily to. Maybe not the kid that everyone picks out as the natural born leader. But not unlike Peter, from deep places, Will is growing strong and he is passionate about truth. I just can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkzWzda-PRhIEi4IML0DPXqp3nYjsBtZpTVwJAaupjRUdV2ydNvovLxJT9YkOkPpniKJJ5XypQhBz7LaQtO0PSRyNFegbpVI89I96bUiIhTRA0NVRqrlraa8x10IZxopXx4GqWqjDpxZc/s1600/IMG_5246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkzWzda-PRhIEi4IML0DPXqp3nYjsBtZpTVwJAaupjRUdV2ydNvovLxJT9YkOkPpniKJJ5XypQhBz7LaQtO0PSRyNFegbpVI89I96bUiIhTRA0NVRqrlraa8x10IZxopXx4GqWqjDpxZc/s200/IMG_5246.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"With great power comes great responsibility" is a phrase I learned reading a Spiderman book to Will. It's reminiscent of another phase my parents taught me from another book, "To whom much is given, much is required." Will is a powerful boy, in body, mind, and spirit, and I'm encouraged by how he is growing in his responsibility. He's been given many gifts, and one of the greatest gifts I've been given is parenting him. My prayer is that I will do all that is required of me to help Will grow into a real hero, a strong man with deep roots who is passionate about truth that can only be found in the One who created him.</span><br />
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-3143031632105386162013-03-03T16:30:00.001-05:002013-03-03T16:30:21.925-05:00These Moments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr-mM4Xczh3j2Kks8tQ3qALJxDDMNrw5_-agEfZsY9ZRTEqPNmpqSze6RYGEsfcV7VpR2_stz_7yJ6rCk32WmxwQOgyVYKxA7b_63SgUh9P6AxbCZLAYHkEyCcCY1YlYU1Lap4CNgF3ha/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr-mM4Xczh3j2Kks8tQ3qALJxDDMNrw5_-agEfZsY9ZRTEqPNmpqSze6RYGEsfcV7VpR2_stz_7yJ6rCk32WmxwQOgyVYKxA7b_63SgUh9P6AxbCZLAYHkEyCcCY1YlYU1Lap4CNgF3ha/s320/IMG_5419.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I really want to blog more. I don't know if I can because I am tired. Really more than tired - exhausted to the bone in a way I'm not sure I knew was possible. (For me having a little baby is a walk in the park compared to having a toddler!) But, I want to blog anyway because there is absolutely no way I will remember many of these moments if I don't record them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3dXS8qcr4Yg6k0IFAH4oFV7gJHCGfBLCMofPfGmUZ2XE7K6ldpOlswu4xtlKTO3CDmpZW9dzejeMfeZhiwXNnxq9XYrvSsdXhb4sBup3RSSyTU7SYf0FFuMUyLeAU9HkT-cTn1CxN2FM/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3dXS8qcr4Yg6k0IFAH4oFV7gJHCGfBLCMofPfGmUZ2XE7K6ldpOlswu4xtlKTO3CDmpZW9dzejeMfeZhiwXNnxq9XYrvSsdXhb4sBup3RSSyTU7SYf0FFuMUyLeAU9HkT-cTn1CxN2FM/s320/IMG_5420.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know that to do that I will have to set my standards even lower. I already don't edit my posts (even though I am paid for my editing skills...) because I realized long ago that I could either write and post, still rather infrequently, or write, edit, and post twice a year! Anyway, I want to remember these moments because, crazy as they are, they are wonderful, beautiful and sacred to me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w7cu3lHPe_QMHGf_p8uGkFJYofL3w6QdMVr11mRa_nDwKDCgDKkpX6KUAAG-2KYqweF09R3lTPDYmDOQ4-R9Eh7-zFSZ5uCa2Zm5ZxW0iz_avB85QoXSTfj7DzojyzIOBTurnKqdjtte/s1600/IMG_5451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w7cu3lHPe_QMHGf_p8uGkFJYofL3w6QdMVr11mRa_nDwKDCgDKkpX6KUAAG-2KYqweF09R3lTPDYmDOQ4-R9Eh7-zFSZ5uCa2Zm5ZxW0iz_avB85QoXSTfj7DzojyzIOBTurnKqdjtte/s320/IMG_5451.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJgpYVTb5D04ucAEEk0gSUk9KbVtcXfcJJ_nmpFqbm0gHfMc1-3Dcd37eugxrXQiJGCU8rz-U7bpe1CnWFsOPa_Z3eXJX5iets8px4urMP0vE0C_-wsG1Uo0YLPy_f7D_55uA-gmuuHDv/s1600/IMG_5445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJgpYVTb5D04ucAEEk0gSUk9KbVtcXfcJJ_nmpFqbm0gHfMc1-3Dcd37eugxrXQiJGCU8rz-U7bpe1CnWFsOPa_Z3eXJX5iets8px4urMP0vE0C_-wsG1Uo0YLPy_f7D_55uA-gmuuHDv/s320/IMG_5445.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, here are my snowbirds playing in the March 2 "blizzard" of 2013! :) Will's comment was, "I feel so sorry for the Africans because they just don't get to play in snow like this." Indeed, I think the "Africans" are the only group of people jealous of our snow! Our snowbirds had more fun than I would have thought possible in this dusting, and I'm pretty sure it was the first time Lulu registered what snow was!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Matt took the kids for errands after our snow play, and I marveled at how grateful one could be for a couple of hours to do laundry alone. I really never dreamed I could be that happy about an untold number of laundry loads and <i>The West Wing</i> coming to netflix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But all good things must come to an end, and my plan for Matt to bring Lulu home for a nap while I kept working turned in to me attempting to keep working while holding an over-tired baby! I was so frustrated because I had been praying for motivation in our house (it's in the worst shape it's even been in), and I finally had momentum, only to get stopped dead in my tracks. I'm all about "excuse my messy house, making memories," and "messy house, happy children," etc, but at some point, you realize you are making memories naked because you haven't done laundry. I mean, my children get read to, rocked, tickled, cuddled, etc., but I really don't want them to get taken away because our home is labeled a bio-hazard, and we're approaching that tipping point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I was then in a fabulous mood, and dinner was less than picture-perfect. We are working on training the kids in taking more responsibility in the house, and I may have been less than gentle in some of my training techniques. Not the order-restoring, life-giving afternoon I had planned. Anyway, because I want my children to remember me making chocolate chip cookies rather than yelling, I made a super-fast trip to the store for some forgotten ingredients so I could bake chocolate chip cookies after I yelled. I'm hoping they remember the cookies and not the yelling. Both are part of our reality right now, and I'm committed to treasuring these moments.</span><br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-75012089555271456052013-01-27T10:11:00.001-05:002013-01-27T10:11:18.037-05:00Birthday Princess
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh my Lillie Pie! You are three years old. I can hardly
believe it, as in so many ways, you still seem like my little Baby Mine. But as
much as you still love being held and you delight in being rocked and sung to,
you really growing up. Three finds you testing the limits a bit, seeing if
throwing a fit might get you what you’re hoping for, and I’m trying my best to
firmly show you that isn’t the way you should go. Some days are better than
others. Three seems to be toughest age for the Roden kiddos (at least the
toughest from 8 and under), but like with almost everything in life, three
seems a little easier with you. I’m sure a little of it is that we’ve navigated
these waters with two other children, and we know a bit more about which
battles to pick and which to let go, but I really think the main difference is
you. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-X7MbP6aiCsIsB_mV7KrJUEeUZA5477E3i_mszPRkrEurxO9Ws-l5kAREHR8Uxks-AM_1SQjxMBcNRNMAx9iiVDvEKWEgoVVkQnQDPJBZmKPCPqARapUckfpYTzTxkVWxDFMy605czIb/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-X7MbP6aiCsIsB_mV7KrJUEeUZA5477E3i_mszPRkrEurxO9Ws-l5kAREHR8Uxks-AM_1SQjxMBcNRNMAx9iiVDvEKWEgoVVkQnQDPJBZmKPCPqARapUckfpYTzTxkVWxDFMy605czIb/s320/IMG_1735.JPG" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lillie, you are without a doubt the kindest, most loving
child I’ve ever known. You greet each day with absolute wonder and excitement,
and your joy is contagious and life giving. When you were only two weeks old,
we found out that Tato had cancer, and you brought so much happiness and hope
to our family, and to me particularly in such tough time in our lives. You were
literally encouraging others before you could talk! I’ve always prayed that you
would be full of hope and to bring hope to others. I can’t count the ways in
which the Lord has answered this prayer in you. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLztE8OvMXaQQQ4FFioMQfuJ8vil7yulM2ByRwL590dINeriFs9wtohojJOZSAxYdl5qk9MCiDoPc14L2stT563l_G-xe2p7G_H1hW3rxobUOBEn7f8u411w5isSteDl_5224ppAbB4W3n/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLztE8OvMXaQQQ4FFioMQfuJ8vil7yulM2ByRwL590dINeriFs9wtohojJOZSAxYdl5qk9MCiDoPc14L2stT563l_G-xe2p7G_H1hW3rxobUOBEn7f8u411w5isSteDl_5224ppAbB4W3n/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" width="213" /></a><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I could not have imagined a more appropriate place to celebrate
your birthday than the happiest place on earth, and this year, we celebrated
your third year of life in Cinderella’s Castle right in the middle of the Magic
Kingdom! You make so many ordinary moments magical, and it was so fun to give
you a truly magical birthday! I don’t think I will ever forget the sheer
delight all over your face as you were crowned by your daddy, met beautiful
princesses, or saw your lovely Cinderella cake! You are just the kind of child
that truly finds joy in the little things, so the big things leave you nearly
breathless! It was a fairy tale birthday for a little girl who has the demeanor
of a fairy tale princess! I would say you were too good to be true, if I didn’t
get to witness the occasional three-year-old fits that remind me you are real. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFODIiYdnLMaTH4yGKr1wXPvBPVUCDg8icB7wBpo3SLFoxjovqzpOsXJP3e6oYtfQnrp6WLIQzFZczCNonY3Vphep_mkD2rEb3nm8dToQnPCx1IELn1lPYH3fpKLiamUq4LP1a0NP-2pX/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFODIiYdnLMaTH4yGKr1wXPvBPVUCDg8icB7wBpo3SLFoxjovqzpOsXJP3e6oYtfQnrp6WLIQzFZczCNonY3Vphep_mkD2rEb3nm8dToQnPCx1IELn1lPYH3fpKLiamUq4LP1a0NP-2pX/s320/IMG_1664.JPG" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lillie, I am so very grateful to be your mama. I’m grateful
that mine are the arms you reach up to each day, that it’s my face you shower
with kisses throughout the day, that it’s my lap you love to cozy up in for
stories, and that it’s my voice you ask to sing you to sleep. I’m grateful for
every way that you are growing up into a young lady and for every way that you
are clinging to staying my little baby. I thank our gracious heavenly Father
for choosing you for me and me for you. I pray that your life continues to
overflow with hope – that you continue to bring hope to other people through
your kindness and happy heart. Lillie, your heart, your spirit, your outlook on
life, these are gifts from the Lord that few possess, but ones that I’m praying
he will use in you for His great purpose. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love you as big as the sky, Lillie Pie!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mama</span><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-90062495343551002612012-12-21T03:17:00.000-05:002012-12-21T03:17:58.818-05:00First Birthday Gifts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Precious Lulu,</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1Ss2o5vwhnDzEUMsn9llb7E8n3ae6OeeD2b7EcLpv3J-x2BugeehEKW18761wUdvJW2_Fa7Lp0nTIWkb29_8wQSPtzPb190kDuZtoCEmhxwEL800fr7pPF06mzwoTWgPWB6H-StJ5vRa/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1Ss2o5vwhnDzEUMsn9llb7E8n3ae6OeeD2b7EcLpv3J-x2BugeehEKW18761wUdvJW2_Fa7Lp0nTIWkb29_8wQSPtzPb190kDuZtoCEmhxwEL800fr7pPF06mzwoTWgPWB6H-StJ5vRa/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You turned one! And I have to say it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. In fact, it was really a wonderful day. A small part of me was dreading your first birthday because I know you are my last my baby. I know this is our last first birthday party, our last first bite of cake, our very last year of firsts. But though I leave our last "first" year behind, it's hard to look at it as leaving when really I'm running headlong into more adventures with a baby girl that I know so much more about than I did one year ago. And in addition to the many first birthday gifts you received at your party, I count the many things I've learned about you as God's gifts to me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know that you, Lucie White Roden are a born communicator. I've known it for a while now. Like I knew Sophie was full of passion and creativity. Like I knew Will was an incredibly deep thinker. Like I knew Lillie was full of kindness and joy. I know that you are a communicator. Before your birthday, you were saying, "What is that,?" "Thank you," not to mention, "Mama, Dada," and even "Will!" But it's not just the actual words. You have been able to let us know what you want, how you feel about something, or who needs to stop doing what he or she is doing! Not only are you great at letting me know what you mean, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you understand me. We just about have our own private language. Very rarely, am I at a loss for what you want, and of all the babies in our family, I feel sure that you understand me when I talk to you. I am so thankful for your communication gifts and for the understanding that we share.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpXjL3W1VsxsLAX_70aAW0gIb7bIW0BLftVGJf4GgXRDbrClEoKN43bGRXA44Hc9VkSQtmrvr3B6AjLLLlCHPr-uP-AzrrgX5nPcjR68FYCcMHtVP3oRp1phXigY30f10FWGJkmrR2Gyx/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpXjL3W1VsxsLAX_70aAW0gIb7bIW0BLftVGJf4GgXRDbrClEoKN43bGRXA44Hc9VkSQtmrvr3B6AjLLLlCHPr-uP-AzrrgX5nPcjR68FYCcMHtVP3oRp1phXigY30f10FWGJkmrR2Gyx/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also know that you are a climber. We've never had a climber. I can't say this is my favorite gift. I can say that I am thankful that in addition to being a climber, you seem to have a great sense of balance. This balance has already come in handy in you climbing the stairs repeatedly, climbing on top of the playroom table, and getting out of your high chair and crawling across the kitchen table. From the rocking chair in your room to a cardboard box to a steep flight of stairs, you are not afraid to tackle a climb.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbLDSaF98Fq2w6zvf9MRhY-PMwOmQ0kX9hxeyFfg_90Ecqby4jFH59MNW3WJCjr6RkG-NfRvXgYXKfGWBrCYg8EB51x7B2lm0RLcNMZHWokhEwaQYnAKf-Ncm9R7EOUaw5cH1k8JMDUj6/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbLDSaF98Fq2w6zvf9MRhY-PMwOmQ0kX9hxeyFfg_90Ecqby4jFH59MNW3WJCjr6RkG-NfRvXgYXKfGWBrCYg8EB51x7B2lm0RLcNMZHWokhEwaQYnAKf-Ncm9R7EOUaw5cH1k8JMDUj6/s320/IMG_4552.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also know that you have two favorite playthings - pencils and rocking chairs. You aren't that interested in baby toys (though do enjoy some of your siblings' toys), but you love nothing better than a Ticonderoga yellow #2 pencil. You love to pretend to write, and you will fight to the finish if someone takes a pencil away. I've learned to give you an unsharpened or very dull pencil rather than suffer the meltdown. Not only do you love a pencil, but you also adore a rocking chair. You love to rock and sing "Rock, rock, rock, rock." Now, you will often move from rocking to standing and seeing how far you can lean over without falling, but not before having yourself a nice rocking session. Usually when you've finished with your daredevil antics, you rock again for good measure. With your love of pencils and rocking chairs, you're a bit like a little old lady in a baby's body! And since I've always been an old lady myself, you being a bit of an old soul is definitely a gift to me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgPWdsMMgt9z1iKIqKbsXXzAH4Ump4KLBjbDFJzTtekoYnj5aEihtCdXQrqtl6KhpPdlUFjk9zOfavNNmprdOdpisPkR60LY05NePxfTKfazoYUuMXAgJwB3bO-BJskk9p97uGzoTntqG/s1600/IMG_4575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgPWdsMMgt9z1iKIqKbsXXzAH4Ump4KLBjbDFJzTtekoYnj5aEihtCdXQrqtl6KhpPdlUFjk9zOfavNNmprdOdpisPkR60LY05NePxfTKfazoYUuMXAgJwB3bO-BJskk9p97uGzoTntqG/s320/IMG_4575.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also know that you totally hold your own in our family. Of course, with the personalities of your sisters and brother, I was concerned that you might get lost in the shuffle. And when I learned that you are pretty naturally content, I was concerned that you might get passed over because of "squeakier wheels." I should not have been concerned. You march your sisters and brother and know exactly how to get what you want from just about every member of our family! Whether it's my undivided attention, a pencil from Sophie, a toy from Will, or a game of "pass the baby" from Aunt Tori and Uncle Derek, you pick your battles, but makes sure you win what you pick. That, my dear one, is a priceless gift in our family!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA128CY95yacTzYW-CBqef8ecMH16fzzDirHNTIqsa3ifZsx4cNbtN_KlxP-JCLbOSy9F54JspANWtRl_l5vhW2kaOrZasy7RgXIfqrrsDLRGm_7V0w826XyeC_utMigIdtn-O5yg0o2d3/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA128CY95yacTzYW-CBqef8ecMH16fzzDirHNTIqsa3ifZsx4cNbtN_KlxP-JCLbOSy9F54JspANWtRl_l5vhW2kaOrZasy7RgXIfqrrsDLRGm_7V0w826XyeC_utMigIdtn-O5yg0o2d3/s320/IMG_4519.JPG" width="213" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB_YjZ2s3llJKj10kBcdwiKO8UXnwIkOt3SNpmQxY2g5k7BffUjbf1gJspUNFbpENMMrJUBdfms5jYJfWiX2bsatre0gg_aPHDJ4dcEHjjFn6mXDoooaUIe-pLRaR-XGG2CE7IujJQUZU/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB_YjZ2s3llJKj10kBcdwiKO8UXnwIkOt3SNpmQxY2g5k7BffUjbf1gJspUNFbpENMMrJUBdfms5jYJfWiX2bsatre0gg_aPHDJ4dcEHjjFn6mXDoooaUIe-pLRaR-XGG2CE7IujJQUZU/s320/IMG_3724.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This year I've gotten to spend nearly every moment (waking or otherwise) with you. I know you inside and out, and the appropriate response to this year can't be sadness, but it must be gratitude. I am so incredibly thankful that I've been able to get to know you, my amazing, unexpected gift of God's grace. Oh, my precious baby Lucie. I love you more than I know how to say. I am thankful for every moment I get to spend with you. I am thankful for every way that you are like your siblings, and I am thankful for every way that you are unlike any other baby in our family. I absolutely can't wait to know more about you as you grow. I am so very thankful that I am your mama and you are my Lulu. I am thankful for all the gifts that you have brought to our lives. I love you as big as the sky!</span><br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-25391026143680256272012-10-15T22:24:00.000-04:002012-10-15T22:25:19.949-04:00Because Sophie's Fingers Are So Tightly CrossedSophie is hoping and praying to win the new American Girl doll, Caroline Abbott! She really wants Caroline and Marie-Grace, and she knows it is "inappropriate" to ask for two American Girl dolls for Christmas (I actually agree...), so she has her fingers and toes crossed to win Caroline in a contest and then ask for Marie-Grace!<br />
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So, we've entered a contest at Barnes and Noble, and now we are entering one here:<br />
<a href="http://www.grandmascookiejar.net/2012/10/im-giving-away-american-girl-doll.html">http://www.grandmascookiejar.net/2012/10/im-giving-away-american-girl-doll.html</a><br />
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Keep your fingers and toes crossed for Sophie! :)Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-31625624456467318552012-10-08T01:16:00.000-04:002012-10-08T01:16:32.146-04:00Zero and holding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, sweet Lulu,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2JwDdIP4g4Q3PVihjdcrcd4mV0cYATz6eyU40UEOOsmi9ow_7Rwq1DcqbMC6G1Gx3eYjc4txWZhnH4Z0DFnCUGI7K1SdyZaI_Dcn1d8R0uPIsSNQ-CNlXueVe1VhSl6177cE2u-06TVS/s1600/_DSC0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2JwDdIP4g4Q3PVihjdcrcd4mV0cYATz6eyU40UEOOsmi9ow_7Rwq1DcqbMC6G1Gx3eYjc4txWZhnH4Z0DFnCUGI7K1SdyZaI_Dcn1d8R0uPIsSNQ-CNlXueVe1VhSl6177cE2u-06TVS/s320/_DSC0236.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You are almost 11 months old! This is the last month I will have a baby who, as Sophie says, is "zero!" Tonight I put you down in the nursery (that you share with Lillie) for the very first time! You are in your small baby bed, but very soon we are moving you into the pink crib! I have new bedding and everything! All that's left is to find a "big girl" bed for Lillie Pie! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I know you will probably wind up in bed with me before midnight, but I must admit I'm a little sad that you aren't waiting in my room for me. It was awfully sweet though singing to both you and Lillie after I'd rocked her, nursing you while letting her choose lullabies. I loved saying to her, "Lulu is right here with you," and whispering to you, "your big sister is right here." I think you two girlies are going to be great friends and major partners in crime!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUyrinQSnOsdA5yXEMW3_yIQrfsNrmjd4NK-rgzyHuBZxeMFv63V_xOBltDMgb9wqHVul5sqoTHIxB110Yekaq-N5ctuna8BcjnyqFxHogDOlragEJHqlesjK-lYlWcWtjm65yDmEpZNO/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUyrinQSnOsdA5yXEMW3_yIQrfsNrmjd4NK-rgzyHuBZxeMFv63V_xOBltDMgb9wqHVul5sqoTHIxB110Yekaq-N5ctuna8BcjnyqFxHogDOlragEJHqlesjK-lYlWcWtjm65yDmEpZNO/s320/IMG_2447.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWGYKhGs4CWY0p2bthwm5PPnpNBO0YzynK-VXyOIAnizUigoYaqWF6Z7MGx8FoFE3uvDMlnQ_xMsy-0fKv8XkpnTciVenxaOV94WKzIWM81-OYyhFFhL9RqlzDJX4-lD7a6JSTAHMNsQp/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWGYKhGs4CWY0p2bthwm5PPnpNBO0YzynK-VXyOIAnizUigoYaqWF6Z7MGx8FoFE3uvDMlnQ_xMsy-0fKv8XkpnTciVenxaOV94WKzIWM81-OYyhFFhL9RqlzDJX4-lD7a6JSTAHMNsQp/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Not only are you big buddies with Lillie Pie, but you are also crazy about your big brother! You and Will have special time together most mornings, and he always reminds you that he will give you his bot as "soon as the milk is all gone!" If you are fussy, he sings you the lowest version of <i>You Are My Sunshine</i> that has ever been sung, and he goes on and on about what a precious baby you are! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBQnAwlUct3OQDgJi8hHxautz09SUwktROCZWou1fGWaEj2zr1NPmNjtfYt4tSVA5bwTAckqH9iQWq8SCTuAiCYQE2TUOOJfGb7CgW8oK0XO8O2peEyXKgUhv2BvB8G1J16cI6g4tTx0M/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBQnAwlUct3OQDgJi8hHxautz09SUwktROCZWou1fGWaEj2zr1NPmNjtfYt4tSVA5bwTAckqH9iQWq8SCTuAiCYQE2TUOOJfGb7CgW8oK0XO8O2peEyXKgUhv2BvB8G1J16cI6g4tTx0M/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Sophie also takes amazing care of you. She can amuse you to no end, and you get lots of time with just her on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Will and Lillie are at preschool. You love to learn right along with us, and you hold a pencil like it's the most natural thing in the world. It has to be one of your very favorite playthings! Sophie is truly a great big sister, and you seem to know that she is looking out for you! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRw5gZWVSNHMMOG0R4fv03UXQP6nm5NbsGLtn3YVbSEuL5genm2fsoHZsI5pNdvs8uHFHdziNdf3DtgOQovrBskkHQKRkF3OHM10q-fJJQ_Qam0Z-H5GnVyigvDeqJV3RnSIABr9w_4cT/s1600/_DSC0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRw5gZWVSNHMMOG0R4fv03UXQP6nm5NbsGLtn3YVbSEuL5genm2fsoHZsI5pNdvs8uHFHdziNdf3DtgOQovrBskkHQKRkF3OHM10q-fJJQ_Qam0Z-H5GnVyigvDeqJV3RnSIABr9w_4cT/s400/_DSC0246.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You are absolutely dying to talk! You say "yeah" to lots of questions, and you have said "mama" when you've wanted me to pick you up, but even more interesting is your babble! You are so ready to join the steady stream of conversation around the Roden house! I am so excited to hear your thoughts on all the craziness in our life! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_G8otQfwdjQ1KhrKVVADSAFyApaRwmRkhTsIAbvGpq-aEz13-QwqHiZWB4X7sJsbatEwWxKTZCvyR-IBc2k4kvTLjMbjNqFILwkZEAqoD_I9hqHq3stgyNr-mseTqIlornUOUuGH-mtw/s1600/_DSC0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_G8otQfwdjQ1KhrKVVADSAFyApaRwmRkhTsIAbvGpq-aEz13-QwqHiZWB4X7sJsbatEwWxKTZCvyR-IBc2k4kvTLjMbjNqFILwkZEAqoD_I9hqHq3stgyNr-mseTqIlornUOUuGH-mtw/s400/_DSC0242.JPG" width="266" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You are a fast crawler, and you can climb stairs as quick as a flash! Baby gates have once again become as necessary as my morning coffee! I discovered you could climb stairs several weeks ago when I ran upstairs to grab socks, a bow, or one of the bazillion items I forget to lay out each morning, and I came down to find you at least five or six steps up! I wanted to scream, but I was afraid I'd startle you and you would fall, so I prayed with every step down, but seconds seemed like hours until I scooped you up and put out the bottom-of-the-steps gate!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxq3ntqw30yjoRL3QC782FWe3t0y3R8iCukewlzJKjlHHRWKme_-o29ZMSAp_PECresqDizr4yTaXkSop53cV6quWb-Ep2MZcA-KVbORvjnivFGay61nG8kI7LqsQBuJ50meY88TUiwwX/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxq3ntqw30yjoRL3QC782FWe3t0y3R8iCukewlzJKjlHHRWKme_-o29ZMSAp_PECresqDizr4yTaXkSop53cV6quWb-Ep2MZcA-KVbORvjnivFGay61nG8kI7LqsQBuJ50meY88TUiwwX/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You are still a fantastic eater, and you seem to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">enjoy a good meal as much as your mama! :) You can drain a pouch of food in seconds, and you love my homemade oatmeal. Daddy gave you your first french fry at Chick-Fil-A (without permission with me, I might add:)) and just the other day, MeeMaw gave you your first pizza (also, without permission!) You absolutely loved pizza, and you may be a fan of Italian food because you ate your weight in homemade lasagna that Joy made for Aunt Pammie's birthday! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRw5gZWVSNHMMOG0R4fv03UXQP6nm5NbsGLtn3YVbSEuL5genm2fsoHZsI5pNdvs8uHFHdziNdf3DtgOQovrBskkHQKRkF3OHM10q-fJJQ_Qam0Z-H5GnVyigvDeqJV3RnSIABr9w_4cT/s1600/_DSC0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivphvzwpz-XciL_AJLxHdWw9FvTXqOEx5muNHC6eZFugFHOuHWpEa9tzaiKcgF6TDnMjvSGUVDqKEXcqpi1twGh5BEia0jjyYeO5zFRw8FUxkjInX3vxhzQZXXssVdvm3Ks56rekUG50au/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivphvzwpz-XciL_AJLxHdWw9FvTXqOEx5muNHC6eZFugFHOuHWpEa9tzaiKcgF6TDnMjvSGUVDqKEXcqpi1twGh5BEia0jjyYeO5zFRw8FUxkjInX3vxhzQZXXssVdvm3Ks56rekUG50au/s320/IMG_2638.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBTfEeGScQR5OYy3tmTDSzB-ty69rEMj7jNxkLn3_rW9e0o3dFPGBoe8cqFFZ15X3otMkoRrIJoORP8xIu44-1-GfTK-mmlLxIxG2J3TI4Rww71RDio1EZE6aT9ryKe0Kgt-p1U9M1NcV/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBTfEeGScQR5OYy3tmTDSzB-ty69rEMj7jNxkLn3_rW9e0o3dFPGBoe8cqFFZ15X3otMkoRrIJoORP8xIu44-1-GfTK-mmlLxIxG2J3TI4Rww71RDio1EZE6aT9ryKe0Kgt-p1U9M1NcV/s320/IMG_3555.JPG" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You've had a lot of fun "firsts" lately, and for the next month, we are going to soak up every last minute of you being "zero," and celebrate every last "first" including your first trip to a pumpkin patch, your first Halloween, and finally, your first birthday! Spending my days with you is one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I am so incredibly thankful to our Father </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that he gave you to me! I love you as big as the sky my Lulu!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mama </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-16168928730654879222012-09-15T02:16:00.003-04:002012-09-15T02:20:27.081-04:00Watch Me Grow Up!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lulu,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You have changed so much the past few months! At eight months, you started crawling, but nice and easy, just a little here and a little there. Until you decided to take off. It seemed like you went from slowly winding up on a different side of the living room from where I'd sat you down to truly speed-racing down our long hallway! At the same time, you've gone from happily eating whatever veggie I offer to total frustration that you can't completely feed yourself! You've gone from sitting happily in the middle of the bed with your siblings in the morning to diving for the edge while Daddy and I nearly fall all over ourselves trying to keep you safe! I've whispered in your ear, begging you to slow down, not to grow too fast, but I don't think you are listening. I think the problem may be that your siblings are yelling in your face to follow them, to run and frolic, to get into mischief and mayhem, to grow up alongside them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OHSykUd_W2u7clo2v7IWq0tS88tpdjFMx8onl-BJhxmjduRVXhElFQqmxMeTUsdLNNDdLDNt2hfPmZKmJ38E6F2_yflReGmk0-eGGTBdG_wnJq5V_ZmPHU0gA3uRrPop8NA6FxR-mWwM/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OHSykUd_W2u7clo2v7IWq0tS88tpdjFMx8onl-BJhxmjduRVXhElFQqmxMeTUsdLNNDdLDNt2hfPmZKmJ38E6F2_yflReGmk0-eGGTBdG_wnJq5V_ZmPHU0gA3uRrPop8NA6FxR-mWwM/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OHSykUd_W2u7clo2v7IWq0tS88tpdjFMx8onl-BJhxmjduRVXhElFQqmxMeTUsdLNNDdLDNt2hfPmZKmJ38E6F2_yflReGmk0-eGGTBdG_wnJq5V_ZmPHU0gA3uRrPop8NA6FxR-mWwM/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not only have you learned to speed crawl, but you have also learned to raise both your arms when we yell "touchdown Bama!" You aren't very cooperative about doing it for pictures, but I don't mind because it is the most adorable thing I've ever seen. You love to plunder through everything, as much as Lillie ever did - if not more - (and way more than Will and Sophie)! I can't even begin to think about what all you have eaten off our floors, but I'm afraid that some days the amount of crumbs you consume rivals the amount you eat at the table! You still love music, and Daddy swears you are the most rhythmic child we've ever had. You can just about keep a steady beat, and you love to bang on the toy piano and drums. Your favorite thing is for daddy to keep a beat for you to dance to!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizgybhDJ_4OnjqFkwK5v18YWEiBj2SXJ83nHZ9itrIWI19wZwahAmJ0xWc7_K3pUmlADcYJjIXeD4bxY6HL6_bMgXuaapuROkeQff6Db9UEXqcbrAJDOPg198h35q98FDFIfzHwaMJ9V5/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizgybhDJ_4OnjqFkwK5v18YWEiBj2SXJ83nHZ9itrIWI19wZwahAmJ0xWc7_K3pUmlADcYJjIXeD4bxY6HL6_bMgXuaapuROkeQff6Db9UEXqcbrAJDOPg198h35q98FDFIfzHwaMJ9V5/s320/IMG_1813.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p53eYk2dWTrfTMwYa2ZZTZcAdA5H3Am4HZSAIKg4Q3n3-RdA3Qy1zC_VcJn8-dlC8xty4jH9LkIgoVvuhKWMv8NrYoKEOMf9CA4bBnikdhGMy9oowYOO0ur_bPuBTVklsaZqKyemSILX/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p53eYk2dWTrfTMwYa2ZZTZcAdA5H3Am4HZSAIKg4Q3n3-RdA3Qy1zC_VcJn8-dlC8xty4jH9LkIgoVvuhKWMv8NrYoKEOMf9CA4bBnikdhGMy9oowYOO0ur_bPuBTVklsaZqKyemSILX/s320/IMG_2151.JPG" width="213" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Your aren't just growing physically, but you personality is growing too! You still seem to be our most laid-back baby, but we have discovered that you do have a temper! You aren't easily angered, but if you get riled up, look out! You don't plan on taking any mess off your siblings, that's for sure! You aren't the easiest child to make smile or laugh, but if someone is willing to work for it, you have the funniest gummy smile I've ever seen and sweetest snicker I've ever heard! I recently heard you described as "the one that just stares at you!," Now I do think you sometimes stare at some people and wonder if they have a brain in their heads, but other than wanting to slap the idiot who said that about you, I also realized how you have the kind of personality that not everyone appreciates. You are not the bubbly, vivacious type (don't worry, no one in our family other than Daddy and Lillie are...), but you seem to have a seriousness, a thoughtfulness, and an inquisitiveness that I am so very proud of. And you do way more than stare for anyone who actually watches and sees! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I'm always a little bit sad to watch my babies grow up, but you approaching a year is especially bittersweet for me because you are my last little one. I've been known to sing to Taylor's Swift's "Never Grow Up" to all of you, and Will and Lillie both seem to delight in coming up ever-so-sweetly to me, giving me a little love, and saying, "Mama, watch me grow up!" before breaking into peels of laughter as I beg them not to! I think you have caught on to their wiley ways because you seem intent on transforming before my eyes!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And as much as part of me wants to stop you or to at least slow you down, another part of me realizes how blessed I am to witness your growth. I am spending my days with you and whether it's watching Sophie really begin to take responsibility as she looks out for you, or Will absolutely fawn over his "dumplin" in his deep voice, or Lillie truly beginning to develop a friendship with you, I am watching growth in each of you. As I take quiet walks with you in the morning or have a girls' days with you and Patti-Grams at Trader Joes every other week, or as I rock you to sleep each night, I am privileged to be witness to the tiny changes in you each day. Watching my children grow is a dream come true for me, the Lord fulfilling one of the greatest desires of my heart, and I am so thankful to Him that He is allowing me to watch you grow up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue1HCXy8wKNoi-pwqrpdetKo9t4lae6wdv2hUruQfIP2EnygDvYpMpJzlcQebhJenIFq4rfwOrmr9ZZSDZBEhyphenhyphen4Z6JzRZC5Quxxd4-bh_EZ2TCxe0b1nlP1kePf-oROeGyXlEq7LfDA7j/s1600/roden+family+7-12+(123+of+44).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue1HCXy8wKNoi-pwqrpdetKo9t4lae6wdv2hUruQfIP2EnygDvYpMpJzlcQebhJenIFq4rfwOrmr9ZZSDZBEhyphenhyphen4Z6JzRZC5Quxxd4-bh_EZ2TCxe0b1nlP1kePf-oROeGyXlEq7LfDA7j/s400/roden+family+7-12+(123+of+44).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-17826739466331874342012-08-16T01:01:00.005-04:002012-08-16T01:01:57.590-04:00Sophie's 8th Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl_-0yIIk4BQyqYMIePCnCW-PiRGFuWj8TT9eqZ2_RM4o7bQBKqY13GEBsi-MpODD3ECqkVvCfjquDt-DEBIH6Dj2LxUBpqBlTnrWfiZD97mzwyzyZiYn1z2imrFaDQ8Ifd_Q1x_aYleA/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl_-0yIIk4BQyqYMIePCnCW-PiRGFuWj8TT9eqZ2_RM4o7bQBKqY13GEBsi-MpODD3ECqkVvCfjquDt-DEBIH6Dj2LxUBpqBlTnrWfiZD97mzwyzyZiYn1z2imrFaDQ8Ifd_Q1x_aYleA/s320/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sophie had one of her most perfect days on her 8th birthday, and I loved that we were able to give her a dream-come-true day! She woke up to a birthday breakfast, but without our typical doughnuts because we were headed straight for the Franklin Farmer's Market. We showered her with art supplies and an Ariel birthday sign, and she was thrilled about all of them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_fa4SsmbFrCar0SYLoRynJlu2-Ax3xAyajMi6E9U_E6FyRi7myKcyh4-rT8TsjkUkIEJJiwBJOIiZhAsiyD_YgT7LbO6HojgZomrbhvDhum9QRH86p4v7Sa5PpvoB_opqkRseuE5YALG/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_fa4SsmbFrCar0SYLoRynJlu2-Ax3xAyajMi6E9U_E6FyRi7myKcyh4-rT8TsjkUkIEJJiwBJOIiZhAsiyD_YgT7LbO6HojgZomrbhvDhum9QRH86p4v7Sa5PpvoB_opqkRseuE5YALG/s320/IMG_1272.JPG" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtP-XuQUjWfTQOxU2dgU3MsFp4MqVCwxmdjiQP5PDsX_RGCgPbTO9HQN9qEAB_fxa_0OQRzqpP9YkFPbrKfPee9gJDHLSEAagEgG_R7XUJtleHZbu6-zO8eqOo1Etl1DN4wdWbtdMOKb7/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtP-XuQUjWfTQOxU2dgU3MsFp4MqVCwxmdjiQP5PDsX_RGCgPbTO9HQN9qEAB_fxa_0OQRzqpP9YkFPbrKfPee9gJDHLSEAagEgG_R7XUJtleHZbu6-zO8eqOo1Etl1DN4wdWbtdMOKb7/s320/IMG_1273.JPG" width="228" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the Farmer's Market, Sophie roamed around like the gypsy she is, thrilled to have $10 (instead of her usual $5) to spend! You can't imagine how much Sophie can buy with $10 at the Farmer's Market! When honey sticks are going for a quarter, that can make for a long day! It was hotter than blue blazes, and we'd brought Aunt Tori, Uncle Derek, Aunt Hope, and Zoe, so over half our crew had to head inside The Factory before Soph had finished her shopping, but not before we all enjoyed treats and lunch from Biscuit Love! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwLWsPf68DNflzleO1CFm-std8-UBv8JuH2FZKxbyXMb8h5zpe9kER0ABJ9bTeG33ClK0RXVCQBGFU2NPRjGL4sqUEjr6QXykcacYKfATftrqjzNqUOWFIbs6u0txLwi91MAAL0pAP4wr/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwLWsPf68DNflzleO1CFm-std8-UBv8JuH2FZKxbyXMb8h5zpe9kER0ABJ9bTeG33ClK0RXVCQBGFU2NPRjGL4sqUEjr6QXykcacYKfATftrqjzNqUOWFIbs6u0txLwi91MAAL0pAP4wr/s200/IMG_1324.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6vQMYkHYocEgCGzTv0rq4m3-504pcqHndHmVK1LPxyLvpawz-9BC5JtGsGxXXAc5UlUkhAeuRxwxoXYfB8X2q6dDze3k4A7GifdnqzdLEefTnyxmX-joIbwQo9LGY8HHWpMpPZ2nDRWX/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeDSVM1vs0THVa7KdIFqgYsVobKwqw_KCk2BbDK2s3IU6dcNwZ-8X0u50AoyTAk7YWe2EKwpSkF9B1mItvhlkVIiyF-lpEs_uiRArKjSQM70V0zguTiDl-5sfIqbbrdrn_3rnMnSpQqM8/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6vQMYkHYocEgCGzTv0rq4m3-504pcqHndHmVK1LPxyLvpawz-9BC5JtGsGxXXAc5UlUkhAeuRxwxoXYfB8X2q6dDze3k4A7GifdnqzdLEefTnyxmX-joIbwQo9LGY8HHWpMpPZ2nDRWX/s320/IMG_1301.JPG" width="320" /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW6_Fm127eYcMbrUNEjbrgOsImcYTn2qTFNmAZw8xT8yXpDmzeoDIkIbu8bOuCXn-wQ-DU8pVpHkhOwhngPV6kJdh238pU_E_e94CMU4z7pSTeeLr7MK9FFOSTxvz0fCORUInzeEvehrm/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW6_Fm127eYcMbrUNEjbrgOsImcYTn2qTFNmAZw8xT8yXpDmzeoDIkIbu8bOuCXn-wQ-DU8pVpHkhOwhngPV6kJdh238pU_E_e94CMU4z7pSTeeLr7MK9FFOSTxvz0fCORUInzeEvehrm/s320/IMG_1354.JPG" width="213" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After the Farmer's Market, we all head to Honey's, a new candy store in downtown Franklin, where the kiddos enjoyed ice cream and a candy treat! Honey's is a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy, making it a favorite of Sophie's. At Honey's, Sophie unwrapped her present from Aunt Hope, thrilled to open a new Mereda (from the movie, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brave</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) doll! After leaving Honey's, we headed home for Sophie to open her gift from Aunt T, Uncle D, and Zoe - a kindle! At first I couldn't tell if Sophie really liked it; she was so quiet and subdued. But I knew when we didn't hear from her for a couple of hours that she was in her own personal heaven! It could not have been a more perfect gift for Soph!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a couple of hours of reading (while the little ones slept), we headed over to Mee-Maw and Papa's for dinner and cake! The kids had a ball playing and getting tons of attention from their great-grandparents, and the night was capped off with Sophie opening her present from Mee-Maw and Papa - her first pair of roller skates! She immediately tried them on, and I have to say that the other kids did an amazing job of not being jealous, although Lillie did ask about 100 times where her skates were! Not only </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeDSVM1vs0THVa7KdIFqgYsVobKwqw_KCk2BbDK2s3IU6dcNwZ-8X0u50AoyTAk7YWe2EKwpSkF9B1mItvhlkVIiyF-lpEs_uiRArKjSQM70V0zguTiDl-5sfIqbbrdrn_3rnMnSpQqM8/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeDSVM1vs0THVa7KdIFqgYsVobKwqw_KCk2BbDK2s3IU6dcNwZ-8X0u50AoyTAk7YWe2EKwpSkF9B1mItvhlkVIiyF-lpEs_uiRArKjSQM70V0zguTiDl-5sfIqbbrdrn_3rnMnSpQqM8/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="212" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">did Sophie practice skating the night of her birthday, she has put her skates on nearly every day since! We've yet to try them out at the rink, but that is definitely on our to-do list!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We returned home to give the birthday girl a final gift of paper dolls that she'd been eyeing at Honey's, and Sophie went to bed with a truly grateful, happy heart. The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">only</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> downside to the day for Sophie was that Patti-Grams and Tato were still in Miami, but she knew they would be home for her birthday party, so she was content. Her gratitude made making the day all about her a pleasure, and I was so thankful for a peaceful time of celebrating Sophie by indulging in all her favorite things!</span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-76503627324290917462012-08-16T00:25:00.003-04:002012-08-16T00:25:40.970-04:00Sophie's Birthday Questions: Age 8This post is inspired by the book <i>The Birthday Questions</i> by Jeff Anderson. We may begin the tradition of asking these questions on the first day of school rather than on birthdays because all the kids really want to be asked on the same day, but for now, here are Sophie's answers on her 8th birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBLEsYA11iIjetJB6tGo0baU6CXv3SuqQ5QAFkwqxupmDphzoXS5GqcsG1tffOtUMpfzCxnVEUWIj8yBpDLXQwN6Myt_a7b_2S9v346PSGQgqDbSC48IAC60n_94uMq0WTH5pw5VpEvq/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDBLEsYA11iIjetJB6tGo0baU6CXv3SuqQ5QAFkwqxupmDphzoXS5GqcsG1tffOtUMpfzCxnVEUWIj8yBpDLXQwN6Myt_a7b_2S9v346PSGQgqDbSC48IAC60n_94uMq0WTH5pw5VpEvq/s400/IMG_2450.JPG" width="266" /></a>What is your name: Sophia Paige Roden<br />
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How old are you?: 8<br />
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When is your birthday?: The day I was born. :) July 7, 2004<br />
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What is your favorite color?: It changes every year. This year it is turquoise blue.<br />
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Do you like boys? No<br />
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Do you have a boyfriend?: No<br />
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Who do you want to marry when you grow up?: Mr. Nobody<br />
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Who is your best friend?: Jack McClanahan<br />
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What do you want to be when you grow up?: a nurse and a teacher<br />
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What is your favorite sport?: tennis<br />
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What is your favorite tv show?: <i>Arthur</i><br />
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What is your favorite movie?:<i> Brave</i><br />
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Who is your favorite singer?: I don't have one.<br />
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What is your favorite song?: I don't have just one, but one of my favorites is <i>Rolling in the Deep</i><br />
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What is your favorite book?: I like them all, but Boxcar Children are some of my favorites.<br />
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What is your favorite teacher's name?: Mrs. Griswold - I like her because she is kind.<br />
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What is your favorite class in school? Why?: recess because it's fun and it's the only time of the day when I have a choice about something. I also really like history.<br />
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What was the best surprise in your life? I've had many, but my first birthday trip had to be a big hit. (Chicago)<br />
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What makes you sad? When I'm in trouble. I get in trouble for fighting with Will.<br />
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What makes you happy? Being with my family.<br />
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When you have free time, what do you like to do? I like to color and I like to read (that's reading with books and reading with the kindle).<br />
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What is your favorite Bible verse, phrase or quote? God made the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 - I like this verse because it is the first verse in the entire Bible.<br />
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What is your favorite thing to do as a family? I like it when we have family time, playing Wii, having family talks and devotions. I like dinner.<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-46585018592178877512012-07-06T02:44:00.003-04:002012-07-06T02:46:14.365-04:00Head to Toe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of Will's favorite books when he was a baby is now one of Lillie's favorites, <i>I Love You Through and Through</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, and I couldn't help but think of it as I looked through Lulu's six month pictures.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love your top side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and bottom side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your inside</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and outside</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love your happy side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and your sad side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your silly side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and your mad side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love your fingers</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And your toes</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your ears</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and your nose</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love your hair </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and your eyes</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your giggles and</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, today, and tomorrow too!</span></div>
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</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-44629666818419378782012-07-06T02:11:00.000-04:002012-07-06T02:20:13.017-04:00My One and Only Lulu<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lulu,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> You are my fourth baby, and while you have many things in common with your older siblings, there are also many ways you are my one and only!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0qOQjn1PBhLmw73DPTBlJgxlEdwbjoTPHr-2Ku5yCRTvrAleuZHrItDotE0Sx9xFrguQdrDLe0_jD7EXO28EbDhAa6kzywUueL-HitKFRVz0DwgUvan9OJhg8Zwb31L-UZwsK1rLEJSj/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0qOQjn1PBhLmw73DPTBlJgxlEdwbjoTPHr-2Ku5yCRTvrAleuZHrItDotE0Sx9xFrguQdrDLe0_jD7EXO28EbDhAa6kzywUueL-HitKFRVz0DwgUvan9OJhg8Zwb31L-UZwsK1rLEJSj/s320/IMG_9596.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A lot like your big brother, you are tough to make laugh, and when you do laugh, you snicker, kind of like you are trying not to, but just can't hep it! And you already have a sophisticated sense of humor! Not only does it take a lot to make you laugh, when something does make you snicker, it will only work a couple of times! Much like all your siblings, when you don't find someone funny, you have a way of looking at people like you think they are crazy! Even though I don't hear it that often, when I hear your precious chuckle, it is the sweetest sound in the world!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2zR0wOhDIDlWshaakp6tSJcDpHtc8Mrrz0tpdw2ia90aY-Ooe89BiBu5m7HjKy3-Z8vpdhm2_H2dBWQQde5WyCNAGaJDmKLjO4iKrXMEAslL6WKdR0y6BuYx7DQgy7u5XeEYkTXS18Ii/s1600/IMG_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2zR0wOhDIDlWshaakp6tSJcDpHtc8Mrrz0tpdw2ia90aY-Ooe89BiBu5m7HjKy3-Z8vpdhm2_H2dBWQQde5WyCNAGaJDmKLjO4iKrXMEAslL6WKdR0y6BuYx7DQgy7u5XeEYkTXS18Ii/s320/IMG_0353.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8TZWQjUnnZ8gcABdpXndYph9cr2xsHoL_FGocohhW9OmmjfLaQDWffZzxqqKAcgxgHOtRRwnfJbCQd_Hma1BepGd8E7IcnZTUTexc2dNMTpHQwLi-6xveSCF4p-vjaZOpQDdW6TEMdEc/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8TZWQjUnnZ8gcABdpXndYph9cr2xsHoL_FGocohhW9OmmjfLaQDWffZzxqqKAcgxgHOtRRwnfJbCQd_Hma1BepGd8E7IcnZTUTexc2dNMTpHQwLi-6xveSCF4p-vjaZOpQDdW6TEMdEc/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are my one and only baby who prefers vegetables to fruits! I just love that about you! Right now your favorite food is peas! You also love sweet potatoes and squash, and you aren't really crazy about apples! I love that you know what you like and what you don't, and I hope your love of veggies continues as you grow!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_z4KrfggmGJkyKYmWDjVxxaBeNdEin0wDdx6w7TZX1Cwy1EAD52ZgE8-W6kW8jlcW2_lMc9rUGHrWk9gx7kDqMN-XfBuZoF1qgdwqdbZ_h-5EM28yVnP26d1KELO_ih9OTl5Hhyphenhyphen0vUnh/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_z4KrfggmGJkyKYmWDjVxxaBeNdEin0wDdx6w7TZX1Cwy1EAD52ZgE8-W6kW8jlcW2_lMc9rUGHrWk9gx7kDqMN-XfBuZoF1qgdwqdbZ_h-5EM28yVnP26d1KELO_ih9OTl5Hhyphenhyphen0vUnh/s320/IMG_2455.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A lot like your sister, Lillie, you are great at communicating! At just seven months old, you have been waving, shaking your head no, and today, you looked straight at daddy while you were waving and said, "hi!" You love to babble, and you are the loudest baby we've ever had! I think you've learned that volume is necessary around here!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are my one and only baby who is crazy for music! Now your brother and sisters all liked music as babies, but you are ready for your own ipod! Aunt Ashley and I drove all the way from Franklin to Destin, without much more than a peep from you as long as you had your Pandora radio station on my iphone! When we tried to switch to a book on tape, you let us know quick, fast, and in a hurry that you wanted your music back! I hope your love of music continues as you grow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A lot like your sister, Sophie, you already love books! Books are one of your favorite playthings, and each and every day, you unload all of the bookshelves in our kitchen! When our crew is all reading, you don't want to get left out of the fun, and you love to have a book in your hands (and sometimes your mouth) whenever possible!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are my one and only baby who takes regular showers! I bathed Sophie till she was just about raw, and you are lucky if you get three baths a week! The nighttime bath routine around our house already takes forever, and you are not quite ready for the wild rumpus that is the Roden bathtime, so the best time to get you clean is in the morning when I shower! You are always smiley and patient with me when I accidentally let soap get in your eyes. I'm looking forward to getting you in on the nighttime bath fun, but for now, I'm enjoying my shower buddy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80UX8VtCzl7KB52Jc5SLDjFys69UJIA_pNdl_fheMSHWSCJ4Dsp6LqMmfMMVySb2QRUxuj7NG8mDLInm54OBJZf67zMZ7bjS8XfLJRw7CseRsEcrZ9OPFCTBb8NRnw9jxKnjhnAnvVJ9K/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80UX8VtCzl7KB52Jc5SLDjFys69UJIA_pNdl_fheMSHWSCJ4Dsp6LqMmfMMVySb2QRUxuj7NG8mDLInm54OBJZf67zMZ7bjS8XfLJRw7CseRsEcrZ9OPFCTBb8NRnw9jxKnjhnAnvVJ9K/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are also my one and only baby I spoil rotten without evening thinking twice! Now many would debate this fact, and really, I've probably spoiled all the others, but I at least worried about it! With you, I pick you up whenever you even whimper, if I ever bother to put you down, and you'll probably still be sleeping with me when you start kindergarten! Sophie started sleeping in her own room (for at least part of the night) before she was six months, Will around seven months, and Lillie, around eleven months. I'm not sure you ever will! Knowing you are my last precious baby, I am in no hurry for you to grow up.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lucie, you are precious, peaceful, and just about perfect. It is truly a joy to spend time holding you, rocking you, singing to you, tickling you, reading to you, You are definitely one of the Roden bunch, and I can see the bond between you and your siblings growing stronger each day. But as much as you are "one of the crew," you are also my one and only baby girl. I am so incredibly thankful to be your mama, and I love you as big as the sky!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwayS5wdbK7L_IrocqciVNStjUJDtA35O9_55L91vL_bRWsMO0NNQREE28gngjQzEa2xp4Jn9g_mqfHuqW-rrh6Zr0IXi1x7pzXtp9iZBqNTuMB4opPmtf5p2J_ETuf1VQ3PZE0cdV7Lhh/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwayS5wdbK7L_IrocqciVNStjUJDtA35O9_55L91vL_bRWsMO0NNQREE28gngjQzEa2xp4Jn9g_mqfHuqW-rrh6Zr0IXi1x7pzXtp9iZBqNTuMB4opPmtf5p2J_ETuf1VQ3PZE0cdV7Lhh/s320/IMG_2456.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-60232915151446200002012-06-03T00:58:00.003-04:002012-06-03T01:15:55.268-04:00Blessed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sophie is spending the night with my grandparents. In some ways, that seems totally normal to me. I've spent countless nights with Mee Maw and Big Dad. Many of my very best childhood memories include my time with them. But they aren't Sophie's grandparents, but rather her great-grandparents. I mean, how many kids get to spend that kind of time with their great-grandparents? I remember spending a few days in "the country" where my great-grandparents lived, which was amazing, but even at that I don't think I was nearly as close to them as Sophie is to Mee Maw and Big Dad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In some ways, I feel a little sad when I watch my grandparents with my children because they are no longer the larger-than-life, always-on-the-go, way-more-fun-than-your-parents couple they used to be. Mee Maw and Big Dad took me on my first trips to Washington D.C., New York, LA, and Las Vegas. And that's just the beginning of the adventures we went on together. In my years at Alabama, I traveled to many away games with them, happy to have the opportunity continue my adventures with people who made me feel like the most important person in the world. My kids will never experience those adventures with them. But as I watch Sophie beg me to spend the night with them, Will cry because he can't yet, Lillie charm her way into every piece of candy within a five mile radius of their house, and Lulu fall under Mee-Maw's crazy baby whisperer charms, I realize that some things about them haven't changed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And even the things that have changed are OK because they aren't supposed to be the "adventure people" they were to me. For Sophie, Will, Lillie, and Lu, that's Patti-Grams and Tato. Mee-Maw and Papa are the people with whom the kids can enjoy simple pleasures instead of grand adventures. "Fat Boy" ice cream sandwiches, playing with a box in the back yard, blowing bubbles on the back porch and listening to songs and stories that have been sung and told for generations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The past few months have been full of lots of ups and downs for my grandparents. My grandfather has spent 82 years in the state of Alabama, and he wasn't exactly excited about leaving. Both he and my grandmother had serious health issues within a week of their move. There has been adjustment after adjustment and change after change they've had to make. A church, a community, doctors, friends, Sunday school classes, brother-in-laws, and sisters have been left behind. The past few months have been hard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TaTxb6_TOgzcSZWynHkxGXCrm2JPOoxQszVPWOH8GQ1reQOQUeOFXe1i3BVxwameUJcsfl52dWNiYJwpWGC5SwgHs0y-LTe4oNm4a4ZP7xLNn9DMuGZrM21Xv5E-FwVIAfUC_B1-h6QT/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TaTxb6_TOgzcSZWynHkxGXCrm2JPOoxQszVPWOH8GQ1reQOQUeOFXe1i3BVxwameUJcsfl52dWNiYJwpWGC5SwgHs0y-LTe4oNm4a4ZP7xLNn9DMuGZrM21Xv5E-FwVIAfUC_B1-h6QT/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But tonight my seven year old daughter begged me to spend the night with her great grandparents. And as hard as it is for me to imagine, if I ever have the opportunity to have <i>Sophie's granddaughter</i> beg to spend the night with me, I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am indescribably blessed. I'm so humbly thankful for the opportunity my children are receiving to spend time with the people who've loved me so well and taught me so much about how to love well, but I'm also grateful that my grandparents are receiving the gift of time, not just with their children or even with their grandchildren, but with their great-grandchildren. I'm thankful the Lord is allowing them to continue to build into the lives of their descendants. They are living to see on earth that their children, their children's children, and their children's grandchildren are walking in the truth. We are all indescribably blessed.</span><br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-35487152726841819522012-05-26T00:43:00.002-04:002012-05-26T00:46:42.062-04:00You've Been Warned<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Warning: If you hear a deep voice behind you quietly growl, "Hey, Humpty Dumpty," the next thing you know you will be on the ground, courtesy of Will's straight-arm shove. Just ask Sophie. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsCJXDx3fo8CgrWJ3eqqlm6H9ncOCIFrAia4LGb8FsN8S1nc_8BFq9n_kjsWNZOsYpItd0GSL6qgA4AQd7Pe7vhMGFWp3GO5r9KIpAcAm1UWBDAUSNPR0s-tCMFXWgKgC0XqgpakthnN1/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsCJXDx3fo8CgrWJ3eqqlm6H9ncOCIFrAia4LGb8FsN8S1nc_8BFq9n_kjsWNZOsYpItd0GSL6qgA4AQd7Pe7vhMGFWp3GO5r9KIpAcAm1UWBDAUSNPR0s-tCMFXWgKgC0XqgpakthnN1/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-64594134554554990962012-05-12T23:44:00.002-04:002012-05-13T00:06:11.460-04:00A Million Ways<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The greatest thing she learned is that there is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I come from a long line of amazing mothers. In fact, I am named after my great-grandmother, Carrie Vickers, who was the mother of nine, eight of them being girls! I try to remember her on days when my girls seem like they are made of very little sugar and too much spice! I knew my great uncle (her oldest) the very least, (though I can tell you he was one adored fellow), but I can attest to the fact that she raised eight steel magnolias - beautiful, strong women that she must have been incredibly proud of. Her ninth child - Carrie's baby - is my grandmother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09I6GENDlClhAo7iLWy7-nDU5WM4bLA3Y3Vgbc_V3jz9hijSwi4DO4qQ8dqHvHsUuNYxdFYi_D0Q4vEDVwPsrXAl16V17VkHPid7A_UHg0UGOgxiSlxq57quc47CZnT1DnYhOvAICdVJE/s1600/roden+and+family+1-12-140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09I6GENDlClhAo7iLWy7-nDU5WM4bLA3Y3Vgbc_V3jz9hijSwi4DO4qQ8dqHvHsUuNYxdFYi_D0Q4vEDVwPsrXAl16V17VkHPid7A_UHg0UGOgxiSlxq57quc47CZnT1DnYhOvAICdVJE/s320/roden+and+family+1-12-140.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will celebrate Mother's Day with that grandmother this year. She is the matriarch of our family - a legend in her own time. She has taught the younger women in our family enough to fill volumes about motherhood. I've learned all kinds of lessons from her, but maybe the most important is to love fiercely. The woman puts mother bears to shame. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">can actually remember feeling sorry for kids who were not her grandchildren. She has a way of making you feel like you are the absolute center of the universe, and she also has a way of making you feel like she might mop the floor with anyone who doesn't agree! She must be where the expression "I love you as big as the sky" comes from. Loving fiercely is one of the ways I know can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so thankful I will celebrate this year with my mom, who has shaped who I am as a mother more than anyone on earth. I can't begin to count the lessons about motherhood that I have learned from her. One lesson that I am particularly grateful for is that I must be who the Lord created me to be. (This lesson is also known as "I'd rather be me...", but I digress.) She has taught me that it is more important to be who I am meant to be than it is to be liked. And that it's more important to be who God made me to be than to try to be like anyone else. Oh, how important this has been in mothering. Sometimes it would just be easier to be liked or to mother like someone else would. But I know that being the woman the Lord created me to be is one way I can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will also celebrate with my Aunt Pam, who has been like a second mother to me, from sleeping on my college door room floor to helping decorate every house I've ever lived in. Aunt Pam has taught me many lessons about mothering, but none more valuable than sometimes being a good mother looks more like being a rescue hero. How many times has Pammie come to my rescue? From the time I broke my nose in her foyer to the time she drove from Birmingham to Atlanta when I was rushed to the hospital when Lillie was six weeks old, Aunt Pam has never failed to be there when I needed her. And I assure you, I never needed her at a convenient time! Cooking, cleaning, moving, decorating, babysitting - being a good mother sometimes looks like working your tale off, and Aunt Pam has certainly done that for me. Coming to my kids rescue, being willing to work hard for their benefit, is one way I know I can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyJGxWkMkYivHCvpcXXUSedJEVbiEIQ0sdGOI-eaC3vACyVn5HKZqgLexXBlQkexELNfTlOPpUPiOlkfbRtg1WTcPlkF496U8FYQruu8gy6o02jqO_mJ26tQVbl6q9ryNUW8V7lTGrD1I/s1600/roden+and+family+1-12-211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyJGxWkMkYivHCvpcXXUSedJEVbiEIQ0sdGOI-eaC3vACyVn5HKZqgLexXBlQkexELNfTlOPpUPiOlkfbRtg1WTcPlkF496U8FYQruu8gy6o02jqO_mJ26tQVbl6q9ryNUW8V7lTGrD1I/s320/roden+and+family+1-12-211.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will also celebrate Mother's Day with my sister, Tori, who is a wonderful aunt and now a fabulous mother herself. Tori has only been a mother for a year, but she's been an aunt for nearly eight, and I've actually been learning from her even before she had her own daughter. Now Tori will tell you flat out that she likes to party, and that actually has a lot to do with one of the motherhood lessons I've learned from her. Tori continues to teach me about the importance of celebrating my children. And it's not just about having a huge birthday party, but about using celebrations to show your children that you really know them. That you see what they love and that you want to celebrate what makes them special! Whether it's birthdays or Wednesdays, Tori has a way of communicating "I see you, and you matter to me" to the children in her life. I know that specifically celebrating my children is one way I can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqucKhn5uusHREO1_IXaoUNFkNWhuGUjWrlXTO1lknPIBJAGaB1xTERMte0Pq9zdp3nfVu9-4FnPiUXgV-KPeVvNK7YFXNQQoVbabEJBEmsGTSry3oh80WBXd8nIsCL0KP2frhRthKpnDw/s1600/roden+and+family+1-12-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqucKhn5uusHREO1_IXaoUNFkNWhuGUjWrlXTO1lknPIBJAGaB1xTERMte0Pq9zdp3nfVu9-4FnPiUXgV-KPeVvNK7YFXNQQoVbabEJBEmsGTSry3oh80WBXd8nIsCL0KP2frhRthKpnDw/s320/roden+and+family+1-12-160.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will also celebrate Mother's Day with my cousin Jamie, who will be celebrating her very first Mother's Day! Jamie is a brand new mother, but I have to say that already I am so proud of the mama she has become. You don't have to be around Jamie very long to know that she is absolutely in love with her boy, Leo, and I've learned from her the beauty of a mother's adoration of her child. We know that motherhood is serious business, that we must teach and train, direct and discipline, but we shouldn't forget to also revel in the amazing gifts we've been given. I love to watch Jamie beam with pride over Leo, and it serves as a great reminder to me to step back and beam a bit over my babies. I know that unashamedly adoring my children is one way I can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA6-Bgowe6RrqmA2Z5ghW7tKomb1g7RSJOVPWCvPWQWR3JbkI5Ve6AYlKMfAOd5Ed_OKq3wzSo4EAz4nQSha063mjX-HPxmUU44ymKfAiKemcoo3E36ZrdxOdMX7eZqMWif_337FNtBN0/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA6-Bgowe6RrqmA2Z5ghW7tKomb1g7RSJOVPWCvPWQWR3JbkI5Ve6AYlKMfAOd5Ed_OKq3wzSo4EAz4nQSha063mjX-HPxmUU44ymKfAiKemcoo3E36ZrdxOdMX7eZqMWif_337FNtBN0/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will also celebrate Mother's Day with my sister, Hope. Hope isn't a mother yet, (and after the past few years with all my children, she's not sure she wants to be!), but she a terrific aunt to Sophie, Will, Lillie, Lucie, and Zoe. We are so thankful that Lillie and Zoe spend time in Hope's care each week. Though she may not technically be a mother, she has the heart of one, and I have learned an important mothering lesson from her too. Hope has an amazing way of finding the child who needs a little "extra" that day and meeting that need. Now I'm sure that as a twenty-two year old, she would rather be doing many other things, but I can always count on her to be the extra set of hands when mine are full. Putting my own needs aside to meet the needs of my children is yet another way I can be a good mother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvXbCWddv7DGxWqGHiPILXjnJvUnslMDL9TaolatCSdFWNIx9MV21ppJsFv5LCFlRga5MwLDBhrPMMPvoUHhJ6J3FcN4wQGfrJiaV3WMPvlhGCkJeMq1GnrRSws2JZmzR0gcjpR0A8ZBW/s1600/roden+family+2012-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvXbCWddv7DGxWqGHiPILXjnJvUnslMDL9TaolatCSdFWNIx9MV21ppJsFv5LCFlRga5MwLDBhrPMMPvoUHhJ6J3FcN4wQGfrJiaV3WMPvlhGCkJeMq1GnrRSws2JZmzR0gcjpR0A8ZBW/s320/roden+family+2012-170.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am most thankful that I will celebrate Mother's Day with the four children who call me mama, Sophie, Will, Lillie, and Lulu. I cannot be a perfect mother for you guys. I've tried many times and always failed miserably. Striving for perfection always winds up with tears - mine and yours! But I will strive to be a better mother - focusing on my strengths and strengthening my weaknesses. I will strive to be the mother the Lord wants you to have. Just like the bracelet that I wear around my wrist to remind me of my purpose, I will remember what I have learned - "there is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one." I love you as big as the sky. May I learn a million ways to be a good mother to each of you.</span><br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-908468622716625512012-05-06T17:13:00.000-04:002012-05-06T17:15:25.600-04:00Oh, How I Love Lulu!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24sF0vSvzO-xZUwbJoFiDDFLkGsLPslKJX_15rzTx-Yxo_Vdr1ksEjfns55yN6decaRD3TL7hw214tiOgnRrmXD7pkh4rib-DcXNP0wYhVsty4iwnHKBlsXU1hR_3OdsXk6Cw2vY2e7jX/s1600/roden+family+2012-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24sF0vSvzO-xZUwbJoFiDDFLkGsLPslKJX_15rzTx-Yxo_Vdr1ksEjfns55yN6decaRD3TL7hw214tiOgnRrmXD7pkh4rib-DcXNP0wYhVsty4iwnHKBlsXU1hR_3OdsXk6Cw2vY2e7jX/s400/roden+family+2012-113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRp7NJlEkZn8DfmPZ3gF7mlT_0X9unEppoJxbRiXdsQCD5IVhuAOazyIVmfsD7FN0TYckxmmE5CDR6VEQKSeDuQYKWckoH72Q0CeGuzUy39mPoC5zhi7EAJjFpNaV0s6VQ-cyddQgPJH8/s1600/roden+family+2012-127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRp7NJlEkZn8DfmPZ3gF7mlT_0X9unEppoJxbRiXdsQCD5IVhuAOazyIVmfsD7FN0TYckxmmE5CDR6VEQKSeDuQYKWckoH72Q0CeGuzUy39mPoC5zhi7EAJjFpNaV0s6VQ-cyddQgPJH8/s320/roden+family+2012-127.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, my precious Lulu. You are five months old already! I love my time with you, getting to know you better with each day that goes by. You are very alert. You've already been to two plays, and you watched both with interest. You love to be read to. Your favorites are poems or stories that rhyme, and you love for me to stretch you out with your head on my knees so you can see my face while I read. You like to vocalize. You don't do it all the time, but when you do, you "talk" loudly (I think you know it's all about volume around here), and you know exactly what you are saying, even though we're not sure yet! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHFjC38n6zshwuu36UKJa8zCQVPOEIKaLFZMDXSfSP_wNOZFyIOB5VQ39QQWwHOLiEJwFGlWKw-C7b76XGNP7PeyhUwHDLa7qVVALf81otLfq4Nt0r2yrAFuPDbGHItuma9t2qfFKs98D/s1600/roden+family+2012-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHFjC38n6zshwuu36UKJa8zCQVPOEIKaLFZMDXSfSP_wNOZFyIOB5VQ39QQWwHOLiEJwFGlWKw-C7b76XGNP7PeyhUwHDLa7qVVALf81otLfq4Nt0r2yrAFuPDbGHItuma9t2qfFKs98D/s400/roden+family+2012-183.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwN8WY65MBiT03-U2kMycSm0H_8jKXZhMYT1stkcHxd2z-VG6i9wGfcUIjrLMxU0dVrpXBNHyu8Gw57ndw1iOgZN26pv97FSnwE4lk1L5lB8D6YI9LcnxRhcM9558bBTps3n0Y7GkesB1/s1600/roden+family+2012-119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwN8WY65MBiT03-U2kMycSm0H_8jKXZhMYT1stkcHxd2z-VG6i9wGfcUIjrLMxU0dVrpXBNHyu8Gw57ndw1iOgZN26pv97FSnwE4lk1L5lB8D6YI9LcnxRhcM9558bBTps3n0Y7GkesB1/s320/roden+family+2012-119.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You don't cry often, and your needs seem to be pretty simple. I would say it boils down to the three ms - mama, milk and music. You definitely like to have one-on-one time with me, and you don't mind staying up late to get it. You recently made it clear to Patti-Grams that you had no use for either a bottle or formula. Thanks, but no thanks. You may be the only baby to ever join the La Leche League. And on a recent girls getaway to Florida with Aunt Ashley and me, we discovered that there was no end to the number of hours you would ride in your carseat - as long as Pandora Lullaby was playing in your ear. No need for us to try to fool you with an audio book either. You were happy to be good as long as you had your tunes! I'm thinking of getting you an ipod for your first birthday! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfL3dvlRjSJTUxV2JX5C4bjLycLn-rxMpHgqqItiA4nAEXRQZ96KbsPc1hzFv6sTPDiV9AitiMGrkAfBYMjerRwGrMvxY2jojhoKgB5sBajHW2nYQPYgp2zQJ1lfpKVera7cymJKwh6z/s1600/roden+family+2012-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfL3dvlRjSJTUxV2JX5C4bjLycLn-rxMpHgqqItiA4nAEXRQZ96KbsPc1hzFv6sTPDiV9AitiMGrkAfBYMjerRwGrMvxY2jojhoKgB5sBajHW2nYQPYgp2zQJ1lfpKVera7cymJKwh6z/s400/roden+family+2012-111.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You give me the most adorable smiles. You don't laugh all that much, and when you do find something funny enough to laugh, you'll only chuckle a couple of times before you just good-naturedly smile as if to say, "that was funny the first time..." You are beginning to enjoy toys more, and your favorites are your Sophie the Giraffe and a pink teething bracelet that Patti Grams gave you. You love to interact with Sophie, Will, Lillie, and Zoe. Now you will definitely let me know when you've had it (like when Lillie has given you the 999th kiss of the day), but mostly you take things as they come and you seem to enjoy all the excitement/chaos of life in the Roden Family Circus! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have loved learning about each of my babies during their first few months. Precious characteristics come bubbling up long before first steps are taken or first words are uttered. With Sophie, we knew early on that she was full of passion - for better or worse, and thanks be to the Lord, it has been mostly for the better! And though there are other passionate people in our family, none quite as passionate as Soph. With Will, I sensed a depth that was definitely hard to explain in an infant, and yet it was there then and continues to this day to be an important part of who he is. With Lillie, there was a joy unlike we'd ever experienced in our family. And that joy flows through her to us each day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKmv9ZnX7pSrbxuWPxhqz71P6yGEKZ3HovDhLKlU5Z1a8sWAZwe2uHdtbd8eYs87bKr_tUGxyu-SDNRdqJC-mG2S9-NnMvnhkIqD8TeOg06pzp_MyCLz4317CNJ_BcehTWyuSFFOYAE5T/s1600/roden+family+2012-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKmv9ZnX7pSrbxuWPxhqz71P6yGEKZ3HovDhLKlU5Z1a8sWAZwe2uHdtbd8eYs87bKr_tUGxyu-SDNRdqJC-mG2S9-NnMvnhkIqD8TeOg06pzp_MyCLz4317CNJ_BcehTWyuSFFOYAE5T/s400/roden+family+2012-117.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With you, my Lulu, there is yet another unique trait that makes you the one and only Lulu. You are the absolute picture of contentment. It's not that you don't have preferences or that you are just willing to take whatever leftover time and attention can be given. You have no problem letting your needs be known. But you do have a way of making the best out of crazy circumstances. You aren't super-sensitive, you calm easily if you ever do get upset, and you seem to find pleasure in simple things.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-LSdcgoPcw-86C1uTchjw4Gl8NS4gRoWWaxwvykq0QUgAuLYatocPBNcVqfGxPNcDxJKH9I9ZQk761nzZD11ouZUrHs0vghInhvxbem3r7FmheO17yN5Hb4ywM4nH8ekbe_b2ZoUb5SB/s1600/roden+family+2012-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-LSdcgoPcw-86C1uTchjw4Gl8NS4gRoWWaxwvykq0QUgAuLYatocPBNcVqfGxPNcDxJKH9I9ZQk761nzZD11ouZUrHs0vghInhvxbem3r7FmheO17yN5Hb4ywM4nH8ekbe_b2ZoUb5SB/s320/roden+family+2012-133.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am actually learning great lessons about my own contentment from watching you. Though I don't have it all figured out yet, there is a definite connection between contentment and peace, and I am praying that both continue to be a part of your make up, and that both are built in more to who we are as a family. I always worried that if I ever had a truly contented baby that I would somehow neglect to give her the same attention and love that I've given the others, but I've found with you that I so love being with you that I keep you with me all the time. A few weeks ago, I needed for you to spend a couple of hours at the church while I worked with Aunt Tori on something, and I remember walking off with you in a childcare worker's lap, thinking, "does that woman know how lucky she is to get to spend time with Lulu?" I missed you even though I was just downstairs and I was just away from you for a couple of hours. Hmm. It seems there may be a connection between contentment and relationship too. What a gentle teacher you are my beautiful baby!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want you to know what a joy it is to be your mama. I want you to know that though you are my fourth baby and my third little girl, you are distinctly precious to me. I see already that there are traits that you have in common with your siblings and then ways in which you are uniquely you, Lucie White Roden. Every day that I get to spend getting to know you is a gift. I love you as big as the sky, my Lulu.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-77719141478037127042012-05-06T16:14:00.000-04:002012-05-06T17:46:15.648-04:00Good Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I can be a whole lot like Alexander. You know, Alexander from the children's book, <i>Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day</i>. There are just some days when, from the very beginning of the morning, I am, as Will used to say, "done done." And I know there are days when, like Alexander, I would rather be in Australia, and I'm pretty sure there are days when the kids would rather I was there too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3t3AiGsF_lCATjboxjpvvCqI3ChcndGBWhp6PeRRK4g146IyOP5Xw-LsyBLpRG9c1ve4CrrjrxAN-IKJ7ZLTq-ck1DBEDxuJ1ztJHIZNPTQuVlEOhO-OFIBQmnyqwYbhgS-3N1OaGBtZ/s1600/roden+family+2012-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3t3AiGsF_lCATjboxjpvvCqI3ChcndGBWhp6PeRRK4g146IyOP5Xw-LsyBLpRG9c1ve4CrrjrxAN-IKJ7ZLTq-ck1DBEDxuJ1ztJHIZNPTQuVlEOhO-OFIBQmnyqwYbhgS-3N1OaGBtZ/s320/roden+family+2012-156.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>In fact, most days around here are not easy. I still think moving from two to three was the biggest transition for us, but having four children just makes us a four ring circus vs. a three ring circus, and there are still only two people manning the rings! I am tired in a way I didn't really know I could be. It's part physical, but it's not like I've done manual labor. It's part mental, but it's not like I've written a thesis. And it's a lot emotional, but I am not dealing with any "real" problems that I hear about affecting so many people around me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XP60EajTGpQQdPJs50ndW-gpokHWkQEjWVNsE6B-RAqsKdVdwiy0LZ2Hhw76u6CGU0xsyNRlAVD9vVdE_mPzbYjpYLzi95Rrvp91DU4RqyZD0LyR_oP-88qNkul3SfzGrqDkRPxZo-Lo/s1600/roden+family+2012-161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XP60EajTGpQQdPJs50ndW-gpokHWkQEjWVNsE6B-RAqsKdVdwiy0LZ2Hhw76u6CGU0xsyNRlAVD9vVdE_mPzbYjpYLzi95Rrvp91DU4RqyZD0LyR_oP-88qNkul3SfzGrqDkRPxZo-Lo/s400/roden+family+2012-161.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And yet, some days I go to bed exhausted and wake up only slightly less so. I admitted to my best friend that sometimes I actually feel like a shell of a person - I know I look like I'm alive and functioning, but really I lack the ability to complete a thought, much less a conversation. In the past few weeks, I've thrown food into the trash can instead of the crock pot, filled Lillie's cup with half and half instead of milk, and actually fallen asleep right in the middle of an argument with Matt! And apparently the fatigue is contagious because the tooth fairy actually stopped one night late at our house because she had come down with "fairy flu!" These are not easy days.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not every day is tough, but no matter how wonderful our day has been, it seems like all hell breaks loose about 45 minutes before Matt gets home, and one of the kids (and sometimes it's me) is in a heap on the floor before dinner. Whether it's the "arsnic hour" or not i can't say for sure, but children who have been otherwise cooperative the rest of the day will come unhinged for no apparent reason between 4:30-6:30 p.m. And though I may have calmly cleaned up ten spills earlier in the day, I am likely to go bonkers over the eleventh that is spilled at 5:30.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTPrVe4luIc068ccsEd72K4NTpdkC0IHD3lDfxIuUedffu_4cjzsg6H-O2wgeA1A_4G1Cq3517IdKgWLRwLesUr_FYakn7mf5OPB4fmbWcIY69BS0Wg6MJSdwpNu_l6-7KYC77N5P_jnu/s1600/roden+family+2012-190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTPrVe4luIc068ccsEd72K4NTpdkC0IHD3lDfxIuUedffu_4cjzsg6H-O2wgeA1A_4G1Cq3517IdKgWLRwLesUr_FYakn7mf5OPB4fmbWcIY69BS0Wg6MJSdwpNu_l6-7KYC77N5P_jnu/s320/roden+family+2012-190.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I should also mention that it now takes us 20 minutes to get in the car. Used to, when things got too tense around here, I would pile everyone in the car and give us a change of scenery. But now, there are days I would sooner attempt to climb Everest than try to get everyone to the car. I mean, I actually don't leave the house at least two days a week simply because of how incredibly long it takes us to get in the car. I can be looking at four children who appear dressed and ready to go, but I promise you, it's at least 20 minutes to wheels up. Shoes that were put on have been taken off - and probably lost. Babies that have been changed make it clear that they need to be changed again. Someone forgot to brush his or her teeth. Someone else decided to take out the pink bow that it took me 20 minutes to find in the first place. Getting out the door around here is like playing a really stressful game of whack-a-mole. And that's assuming everyone is already dressed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GEOSRbGThIoSbE3kBuIL4CVsGUVN_iOgctZe6VEj_mF6DBwQtUMfvvhf_AT5icMv8rTf28jd5etBzfxLlatvjCwFTXgzKgFiADwgA_Kn1Nlk7xOmYceOSd9_Kr0hOxl4lf7GOSqY-C9a/s1600/roden+family+2012-192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GEOSRbGThIoSbE3kBuIL4CVsGUVN_iOgctZe6VEj_mF6DBwQtUMfvvhf_AT5icMv8rTf28jd5etBzfxLlatvjCwFTXgzKgFiADwgA_Kn1Nlk7xOmYceOSd9_Kr0hOxl4lf7GOSqY-C9a/s400/roden+family+2012-192.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And I really can't even get started about the mess. Lillie's splat mat is a complete biohazard. The crumbs found within hours of our children waking up to a clean floor amount to enough to feed a multitude. Sophie is the messiest child I've ever personally known. Will's hands are a petrie dish, and apparently, I spent too much time teaching about using toilet paper and not enough time teaching about flushing. I never dreamed my house would look like it does.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZDq3oGtnxDEami7qTgZzugm3HFAd43cEkFCzYApCZ_xgkOnabcrT8eKiBwJ0c_xeB-abbjboZEePOrg2ZmTw1VH2lulQuvuUpQvySIolrLZgPgG6MsqZRjYJNGB2pVOTthaLqyda5egA/s1600/roden+family+2012-185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZDq3oGtnxDEami7qTgZzugm3HFAd43cEkFCzYApCZ_xgkOnabcrT8eKiBwJ0c_xeB-abbjboZEePOrg2ZmTw1VH2lulQuvuUpQvySIolrLZgPgG6MsqZRjYJNGB2pVOTthaLqyda5egA/s400/roden+family+2012-185.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiZEsDJijlbXGQO7u9AMMf-L3lcm_3mFn3UM9EA6_7wuDMVlo8vo48AyVEL5589NmcxlPR4yMyhmjZR4vMxfsNXip7JFZ4y0wrqtRUeLpPg6pWEm0sRzw8EP_FvBU6OBsFY9k5O8zoFbh/s1600/roden+family+2012-155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiZEsDJijlbXGQO7u9AMMf-L3lcm_3mFn3UM9EA6_7wuDMVlo8vo48AyVEL5589NmcxlPR4yMyhmjZR4vMxfsNXip7JFZ4y0wrqtRUeLpPg6pWEm0sRzw8EP_FvBU6OBsFY9k5O8zoFbh/s320/roden+family+2012-155.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And yet, I know in my soul that even with the lost bows and 5 o'clock weeping and gnashing of teeth, these are good days. And though sometimes, I really need to be reminded, when I look at the gifts that God has entrusted to me, I am truly amazed. These four beautiful, intelligent, funny, interesting individuals have been given temporarily to me. And on top of that, I have been given this time, this season of life, to spend with them. Though that sometimes leaves me incredibly weary, I don't want to miss the joy that these days hold. And even the times that aren't "happy" are still good. Children are growing and so are their parents, and though that is not always pain-free, it is good.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today we went to the Farmer's Market, had a great lunch with family at The Factory, cheered for Will at his soccer game, then took to the kids to the same Baskin Robbins I went to as a child, and ended our night with four generations of family cooking out at Mom and Dad's. It was such a good day. Last Thursday, Sophie was not cooperative about her schoolwork, Will was home from CLC sick and cranky, Lillie found a drink in the trash can, and Lulu decided she'd rather be held while she napped. I'm pretty sure I sounded a bit like Alexander when I described the day to Matt. Well, if Alexander had developed a nervous twitch and a crazy eye.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I refuse to miss the joy of tough days. I refuse to waste the time I am being given with these children, with this husband, living in what may well be a four ring circus. And though I am not naive enough to think that there won't be more days I'd like to describe as, "terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad," I know that I set the tone for how our family experiences each day, and what I most desperately want them to hear and see from me is gratitude. Gratitude to my family and friends who support me in truly incredible ways. Gratitude to Matt for being such a great husband and father and for modeling the power redemption playing out in a family. Most of all, I want them to see my gratitude to the Lord for all He has given us, especially for giving me each of them. These are not easy days, but even the most "terrible horrible" one around here is a gift. These are good days that I wouldn't miss for the world. Even for a trip to Australia.</span><br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-54453339446278416812012-02-28T22:14:00.009-05:002012-03-01T16:36:12.825-05:00Lillie's Circus Celebration Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This year rather than have a big birthday party to celebrate Lillie's second birthday, Tori</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3wqwNHZUeGGEEn5MEw3NUIvAFDX6d9xrcUw6EmwlYgf7o-pON57GOw7BWgS-mCFYcK6iDkgILzxEmwERS843lfZH-9XRHxa3Hn1WyYnn2hjg3wN9Ua2HrTPNbDGAhu_sWYxRS7AExX1-/s320/IMG_8838.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714397033175400610" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px; " /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> suggested that Lillie might enjoy a trip to the circus. So we decided to have a family dinner on Lillie's actual birthday and then celebrate with a special trip to the circus the next week! Lillie's special day began with the traditional Roden doughnut breakfast and a special poster made by </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Daddy. And we also gave our Lillie a lily of her own! Even though she wouldn't eat her doughnut, ( she just stroked it like it was a fuzzy kitty), she was so excited that the focus was all on her!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After a day eating<b> in </b>at Chick-Fil-A, (a real treat for us) and an outing at Brilliant Sky picking out a birthday treat(a wooden apple pie set for our Lilie Pie), she was ready to come home for a quick nap and a big birthday dinner! I can't say Lillie ate </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4Yk68DznGg6GkMZvcU7upTOlAkOt29IrfGYO0YvRTUx0EKP_R4E-u3c3-EQkXEKPkoqLa0NXf72rRYLVdxvaMM3RLMdGBne3lQi9W3jLoGRDqgNT82EobJtAlPNhMCY2vEZPUXAj9xSG/s320/IMG_8877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714397061286990914" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><div> much dinner, but I've never seen a child light up anymore over a birthday cake! </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmGFFiE6b9rskCO0uEgWWgGAOe-5g0aWq5k4BXe74J9ELdXvEoC-gbeyolch3OxOKPHBGNaUP4SEXbu4W8OxkPQe8Gi9W0rc7I30eSOFxQzwV3OLxBLoz34L5z9bfm7mDs33lgt-uU-5f/s200/IMG_8859.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714399008008551634" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px; " /></span><div> After cake, she was more than ready for presents, and the hit of the evening was from Patti-Grams and Aunt Tori, the playmobil circus set! The perfect gift to get us ready for her big circus celebration!</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to playing with our playmobil, we spent the week getting ready for the circus by </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEwBCO5IiqBRxBmJsQI445bV9DrMkPbFLK94VC5R4DoA3tp6yx0q-N9LLtdTgAAWGdRaHbNgblyprQ043qCMkdz4ZMIIIS7vfNEn4CubPZu5zPZKzbfqE05nFzGFKDUKOFJd-HXMyYJ6L/s320/IMG_9060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714397051752236066" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>reading books about the circus, working circus puzzles, and even watching a special Mr. Rogers about the circus. We also had a circus dress up day and a special showing of <i>Dumbo</i>, which has since become one of Lillie's favorites (she has me read the book almost every night)! Needless to say, by the time the day arrived, our crew was more than ready!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgGleYWcUjvY75iAsxMwuG450obgkSrjHI8pIdwk8z2gdSMpB13NZbyry0-GJA-OLbKiJZ5HjM1iax0_gX6jC5JvJkl9Iry7m1-6NZgF9vlER-evwxqBueoF_izlnC3FCdJbhS-f4JmtC/s320/IMG_9075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714399964532221266" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiYLywCF389KaBw7iUWdbGeLg-pFNwIcseqJMhU8GN_HPtLmzHsh-bXBLW18hHmce2n7xiSb3s5g44SaORhAGp6LHlwPg0S925gXAPhV_z17grKF-k7eGJaSq1E3-tQK-ckREf24o4oIx/s320/IMG_9091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714401650490402610" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBd54_43Ad3esDiqX9m4Y1MynBOY6PopSGxjj4Ts8usUgGMPm1CnppCn6PncVApyTHeHOamUdfkTk4t3usl66zobKxBerFX1dbyYCLxvzWsE0ZsAEB1kPTdADWvbbm08dzzDLDq4BOQWC/s320/IMG_9154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714399954710723906" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /><div>Our trip to the circus could not have been more perfect! After a fantastic dinner at Demos' the whole family went to Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth, which was a first for four of the five kids in our family! Never have the kids had more fun or had more</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYz540weBJ7Kf5WR9Z2vdVOrgS0mBfoh14CUH7VLZYqHGZmEWoGpNe9KegirsfmekYiRJ2s2ZWWPSLhjLGfg8zJg1lG2xe4m4ygLbhJDI-02oCaROpsIpbCI9GMWkL8K3q0-Set1ikyWp/s320/IMG_9088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714401637544718274" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMO3f0jBEfenDgRkhjuHDeNxwaAMt30eQ3BxkSIwmrMA-9MzXoddeFOrFzLA8RHQsd2o8mPrk0_6s1Ni5Iex3FUqvcFyrqBVcw0BTPYacIYn4mEFHhvdgfGQ3fDKsCDLvqobccf55VPjl/s200/IMG_9114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714403175655735618" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3EIuY9FqDCqWxr0T-0A6Zy4FTMaVv-SQJcfZMxZs2jVqUwFYviCkNr8WEftCc5vdvfUdqiIDKMYA6hrRyMlqbPRj1SmcEPc-1FfrQ4oBUC4NDDMLjG8RkFzI8aiA-D3uE42uVUwuRYNz/s200/IMG_9132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714403153142962930" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div>grateful attitudes than they did at the circus - which made </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphyphenhyphenH3WN2Vy16B_kAoGOL-CxK_cdD9Xz3_pqcxYk8l__d7YBmpxp-U1aoLOJit_oY2P_lNYwUEYzbupypPWbo2RQ-P9C8H_9DsYOdEuFDMKGzDgbtsCLk9CKcULXO5UXbt9XQHFld8v-J2/s200/IMG_9106.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714403159454759426" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div>the whole experience even more fun! Lillie truly enjoyed every site, every sound, and every taste. She was completely mesmerized and engaged</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-wTmol2o-3-N5Fs-1jZr13tM6e6FOCVMBZUyQE-W_b_I6F42zxdPH7VTYxQ3zS2Ft_tF_N2EAmZ8eEZFwwgbT_86Z7QfQNAywwDg8n5Msugt0oYkyH6kX-GOGqaTK0K-xERGXFJS6zJ7/s320/IMG_9107.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714397048451231042" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px; " /></span><div> throughout the entire show, even though it didn't even though it lasted until </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>nearly 10 p.m.! From the snocones to the clowns to the cotton candy and the elephants, Lillie Roden enjoyed it all! She tasted everyone's snack and wound up with everyone's souvenir before the night was over. With her sweetness and charm, she conned every adult into buying her either a snack or souvenir! Lillie beams from the inside out, and I've adopted a quote Sophie said about her, "she can make a bad day good." And as far as our circus outing went, she made a great night, spectacular! Our circus adventure could not have been a better celebration of our precious Lillie!</div></div></span></span></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-76810250697038820042012-02-26T14:59:00.014-05:002013-05-07T17:10:13.382-04:00The Boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45zr9tVxDxlmfCLt-MQh8vqfmqQlpav0BmIstA3vEbNm37ShR4WNHWJcTzuoaBl3g8ZfiTpr93f2zMhTqGgj0r_isiR8H2jzxNqOkVhgA61uM3lpgu3qVrmkUGLhJHU4zxYUNz4IUzI_R/s1600/IMG_9193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714389784602879170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45zr9tVxDxlmfCLt-MQh8vqfmqQlpav0BmIstA3vEbNm37ShR4WNHWJcTzuoaBl3g8ZfiTpr93f2zMhTqGgj0r_isiR8H2jzxNqOkVhgA61uM3lpgu3qVrmkUGLhJHU4zxYUNz4IUzI_R/s200/IMG_9193.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenvKSiB4_PYa9cGCaONDqpWagBjJB_PYKUUJc-yGhfGa9hBMiEZ8FT1GjwY-_ItyFn5WbBNyf94ZWmr4Qq_6mtbEcatcG-PS_OLFan3Z1PFj3CwXRZ2eCUm6CrUCA7NMQW6Z7swrCmGea/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5CjMRHPjCAgf63ctfgt6iZp972nMXTA-7l6QKW-TB1_oBXj58vc9ddCrEuru_2hIj6Jb3fj-9XJQFMPisMmCF7I9WB4okeAMiSw8peRw9mu5LIXrsAbOr9U2wXBN34ZCH1U7rC-PXJGm/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714386778314173026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5CjMRHPjCAgf63ctfgt6iZp972nMXTA-7l6QKW-TB1_oBXj58vc9ddCrEuru_2hIj6Jb3fj-9XJQFMPisMmCF7I9WB4okeAMiSw8peRw9mu5LIXrsAbOr9U2wXBN34ZCH1U7rC-PXJGm/s320/IMG_9191.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qFlUamWJ25dMQLvegNPmPEHIbMF7z0A750nytGe7y9zGqCV7Fr7h0Fq6VqqlsLC622geLVC5tZdgE1WyO0F2_-I5wQjDJTWkRY6TqdTgvLJETtsRKK32Z42KbvDpSVhVcABvF6PG088y/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-ZFCLuhPix5V_Rk62672ME0vtuO5MrqfUzAUx5UcktQmZExZPOHQkrjAkQJ9hyY1NcWd1nL9ELpvU12xRZgiza_wvhdL-8YTupHL8McjIc_iSQvdq1PSzksEob1N3vuMd757Pk7-Qvhi/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U0Eq2885AG6uc-2ukwttCp6sE6RYG1NvuSoRxSIFSeR6SwyAWQC5_4vcdTiDLm235zOj28Nj6CIgB6Gfcua_za0Pl_KCqpID-8HmeQZRYmLCicjuORkAD7qZRzxdbAclEgLkdBVcpRBs/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Well, "the boy" has turned four, and though his birthday began with him waking up with a stomach virus, we finally had the big Cars party (more about that later) yesterday, and I believe, in the end, his fourth</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> birthday was a great one! Actually, Matt says that if I understood guys, I would realize that his actual birthday was a dream come true because even though he threw up right after he woke up, because I felt so sorry for him being sick on his birthday, I gave him unlimited screen time and let his stay in pjs all day! He raced Mario Karts, raced on the ipad with his new Cars Appmates, and got to watch his beloved Jungle Junction whenever he tired of the racing! It was not the day I had in mind for my boy, but it may have been the day he's always dreamed of!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will has matured so much in this last year. As Patti-Grams likes to say, he has really "come</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714368626790877522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPhCB8_kMtxK2TJcuEycZK8_LUSkNVW-TrUrioYoQo33hNUBNnyDX3FsZZ6RT3pfVdMDatYyxkFhpOvLQwtTU9hGI7UWUIIRgJA7AJttWqCgqSNN8uYvdMquY-5loMfvQCmqw2Q08inN3/s320/IMG_5195.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 228px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> into his own." Not only is he more off the growth charts physically, than he was at his three year old check up (this year - 50 pounds and 45 " tall), but he is also growing emotionally, in his relationships, academically, and spiritually. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will still has a high need for structure, but he is more confident, and he seems to adapt to changes better than he once did. This latest move has been much easier for him, and he's flourished </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714371757008247618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLulIaiSyWWvwrYhc-liZSM6l04QlEfbmr9eTIAcUen6XskRwozAAAsYWgtO5-9TCiywhc58sGMyABa0bBqOKDgIImQvWE8DNJd0ijsx7gCgGvup91Ml9QAKy-y-frvi7Ljic8cWduK1A/s320/IMG_6915.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">in his role as big brother this time around. Will has overcome many fears this year (though he'd still rather keep both feet on the ground), and he is growing stronger and braver each day. H's proud of watching <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas and</i> <i>How to Tame Your Dragon</i>, and he marched straight up to "scary houses" at Halloween while his big sister stood shaking in her boots! And though Matt constantly reminds me, "Carrie, he's a boy" when he doesn't squeal </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369434739471170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw4TAtgk5VHdItSmGx2cnL-gvVIGCyxcrpQHzV3SRHgy_zOjrv3UqxbHDBYHAZ-97LQU_PEapVZBz0KNHDZMxxuaJc40E69m-KHe8izDLDCXHmWh_9Whn3N-aSYAo_ecJGWmn3WGoE77B/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-147.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">with delight over party decorations or when he doesn't bubble over with enthusiasm over a gift I know he's been longing for, Will finds other ways to express his feelings. For his Valentine's party at school, I let him dictate to me exactly what he wanted to write on each child's valentine, and most said something like, "I like it when we play cars." or "I'm glad you're my friend," but when we got to his main squeeze, Annabel's, he said, completely flat-line, "Write 'I love you so much.' " No hesitation. No emotion. Just a straightforward declaration of love. And If I'm surprised by the things he doesn't get excited or show emotion about, I'm equally surprised</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714373829367458210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U0Eq2885AG6uc-2ukwttCp6sE6RYG1NvuSoRxSIFSeR6SwyAWQC5_4vcdTiDLm235zOj28Nj6CIgB6Gfcua_za0Pl_KCqpID-8HmeQZRYmLCicjuORkAD7qZRzxdbAclEgLkdBVcpRBs/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 229px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> about the things he does get revved up about. He laughs over bodily function sounds like they are truly the funniest thing in the world. It tickles him like nothing else can. He loves cars and racing with every fiber of his being, and though he doesn't express excitement the way the girls </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714371753120647586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciQ4BkKWHmuuu85AGfIBOYojYDj_8gG3v2gGAus_nDGbAbId5waykZwed7GTSn0ZhQA3O8BFnT19xshn3lZfN8lNyGSWF54Fc2Nd8J4WYKcBrz6BAALufZLpOP9BeXT9tuS8JIAhBSZG0/s320/IMG_7631.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 229px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">do, there is a quiet intensity that should not be mistaken for indifference. He also continues to show love by head-butting, and where one of the girls might come up and grab my hand, he rams his head into my back! But rarely does he forget to find mama to give me his "love" before bed, and when he does just run up and hug me or quietly rub my arm or shoulder, it absolutely melts my heart. The boy is growing emotionally.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369419900829410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dUmU0HGL9HF0Ee13vGuuS3CMHQtn9FGHNh196L5GDdbLZO1AjPYvYfyHGF2hMgoIeNGRht3th-cVkc1guUlAyWPUxdntZ1f8vJ7TKE5nkrWNbnUSAQFnN0CcJvJ9S0J2Db10NhyphenhyphenSckeR/s320/070211_4224.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 220px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will is also learning to negotiate the waters of life with four females! He still doesn't excel at the psychological warfare that all girls are born experts in (he's much rather just flatten them and move on), but he's starting to develop some coping skills. When talking to our pediatrician about Will's place in the middle of the "sister sandwich" with Sophie and Zoe on top and Lucie and Lillie on bottom, we joked that he will either </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714386785959579074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XBrGuq67YaL6QaFFRcuksbKyFM7z8DGKd78AtQQm_GN9Qvrg61TiaAQmlpIxi2AhQFJnEbAQ3mf8I0hgE-BkZd_XSCo7PMYh_GCefkeDzFqRt1zNsd6qXCWoWlkDid3J9PqUzw65oe9p/s320/IMG_7017.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">be an amazing husband or a priest! He has the most tumultuous relationship with Sophie, but at the end of the day, he really adores her and wants her approval (though he will fight tooth and toenail if he thinks she is getting anything more or better than he is). He and Zoe sometimes fight like siblings, but he really thinks she is a rock star, and it is so interesting to see their interdependent relationship, and how one is strong for the other in some situations and how those roles reverse in others. They truly care for each other and take care of each</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369421171325394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8XOp-WU0A-9Cx2-CIzj-gQ0e40QXm-YiUPKl_xjcgBZ4e3-w1QNLpc48gSQCLi_ILW9xwiWp_1V14-o2AhqRex8tEbUJdaT0ZzsWKiAh2iVO6Z6IoInH5cpopTMB-TNwivYM9DrmEyco/s320/070211_4316.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 207px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">other and then occasionally fight like brother and sister. Will </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714372601557651666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqjqrUIV7BAW3zONnGlJ6HSlIYz1opxx6afa8bYJ0c37EUDTp_NwPDoMo_alVh3SXeos-OpopZVqSa0FBnXHiJu1qkRD_twFeSdYtwgVKyZu5jDg2-lo8ja9sgMDp6b2Jrx_yIYIBVl9w/s320/IMG_6339.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 228px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">and Lillie's relationship is developing by leaps and bounds these days. It's funny to watch them growing from mutual adoration of baby sister-big brother to beginning to play together as friends, really for the first time. Will is seeing her less like a baby and more like a playmate. Since they are not quite two years apart, I think they will grow even closer. And Will thinks Lucie is just the most precious baby in the world. I won't be a it surprised if those two don't have a special connection. Will is amazing with her, quietly chanting in his deep voice, "hey Lucie, Lucie, hey Lucie, Lucie," and singing "My Little Lulu" in an octave so low, I </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714371762386937266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMLEf5I_Dqy9dPSHh-TwqigaOvYUCTapD4sdiPEvXQPXWsQepDXTjPhtZIuH9A8i9ksvbZjjSd3cJ-iZoKPxbKeniUO1sPIoH3J0uEA0Y6pKArt6yFjiSDHMqPR-zkt_t5WcmAuHVMymP/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-143-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">can't even sing along! For now, Sophie still manages to send him on the occasional "fool's errand," Lillie tortures him by snatching his beloved cars, and the three biggest girls can still run him crazy saying absolutely ridiculous things that any girl would have the sense to ignore, but Will is starting to find his way, and along that way, he's forming some deep relationships with his sisters and cousin that will serve him very well as he gets older. The boy is growing in his relationships.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will is truly excited about learning, and he loves for us to "do school" together. He will stay at</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714372611779268594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqWQQ7GT15RVh43fGuOeRueASdGU4v7tTWwjTSfMbNi34iwgx0-7dXtMP5pNnpKGK-FA1z2Y0exeydf3JdxX9BHUPGOcK03n6DpfKqR4ef-Qx1-hkyKVy-oCh809Ap0JJHyowH1VeYCGn/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-146.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 214px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> the table all morning with Sophie, even when the things I have planned for him are all finished up. He loves to do well, and he beams in spite of himself when he accomplishes something new. He isn't reading yet, but he wants to, and he is happy to take a slow and steady approach to phonics that will result in solid reading whenever he takes off. He has great critical thinking skills, and I think he may take more to math than his older sister. He has a very methodical approach to school, and like in the other areas of his life, he likes his lessons straightforward and consistent. Will is growing intellectually.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will doesn't bring up spiritual things every day, but when he</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> does, I'm always amazed at the depth of his questions, and how clear it is that he has been pondering whatever topic we last discussed. He is really wrestling with what being a leader vs. a follower, and what it means to be a leader who leads in the right direction. He is passionate about praying out loud at mealtimes (not so much as bedtime), and it is so amazing to see how his prayers are</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369417295308898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1sDZKIzHZnRQ92jSFlv4or9-yoOqf8MEFWsx60qS9Nd47R1g8lDDblqOkbim5bjuDHt1Dalza18g_Ppk_IIys-Ep7EkRC3ygOT4Ar_B_uIjpRgT2yjnJNjjWm1DnYMVK9R3EyLgRkqEr/s320/070211_4240bw.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 202px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> developing. He has an amazingly strong sense of justice, and though he has a lot to learn about life not being fair, I pray that his strong desire for things to be "right" may motivate him to stand up for others. He definitely wants things to be fair for himself, but I am also beginning to see him care that others are treated fairly. I 100% believe that Will's concept of justice is tied in to how he sees the Lord, and I believe that this aspect of his personality is going to be a crucial part of his spiritual life. The boy is growing spiritually.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Will continues to remain the most mysterious of my children, but never have I enjoyed a</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714372604288305442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yuu1qrLr7G6d9ofnfqDHaq4oimWlsa6kUqGwLyoYdOa7lZRfEvrDoK19T3QetKrUzY19yzLOza2dpHLXp6ZJEV8CymGY6k57DR5PU19xaJH2SwiQLwUgN626HKQF64Ja7eWTTwPeuawn/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-134.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> mystery any more than I have him. The fact that this little guy will one day, not all that long from today, be a grown man just blows me away. I see the Lord answering my prayers that I've prayed since before he was born that Will would be grow to be a strong and brave defender, one who will be full of truth and stand up for what is right. I love this guy more than I could have imagined, and I'm so very thankful that I am the mama of the kid who in our family is known as "the boy." Happy 4th Birthday Will! I love you as big as the sky!</span></div>
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</span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-26714875570834189912012-01-23T17:42:00.023-05:002012-01-24T01:41:37.361-05:00Holiday Recap: Christmas 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt6RXBRTZZ76-naWhWv7INol1X3rysBHT98m72ERNGZeKRFwWWKPhLsd8Alu4NN6PukCcttrVI6gY0_-GebGVjhYy4B-vY5YxERgKPGqoGtPaxsh9K05mhr-ax6jP3vb-TsYwlbgnIRB8/s1600/IMG_7534.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We had a busy, but wonderful Christmas season this year. We were in Christmas mode from the day after Thanksgiving right up until, well, let's just say our Christmas tree was down before MLK day! Some of the highlights of this year were:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Breakfast with Santa</b> - Now, if I'm being honest</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUffuncV37Qb0_CTaH5WeZa_aF0nOF3u8ZPmMPMN77uK7aWSK39BIgfvA-onMcHysDKsDkbyku5H_bJARKtgiptc5DuoaA-UGp7QrVUuLNOvqRvphh57RcUV7wbZPeYkfosDMB4-bnBA0/s200/IMG_7407.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701053105521596946" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px; font-size: large; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">this one got off to a rather</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I1ijH5M0q0r6-OLJmvS1pdB0jGGC60XnBlVQg2x3hZFthsAt4k7eFUAF1XLzWjy0VnBK8nMaYlo2nDyBGrNmSwsQsHnI7WCXpc9lhOJ-gAVA0FkZnX7Pb_sAk2ejgDMzzYNAe0toS-I5/s200/IMG_7363.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701053104077086450" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> rocky start! I don't</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXI5z9MtqlioKkHpZuTUO2eEaO-FpNpMnvUvnT4Rrvp3b6FM_TehMSJbGoRtEPwRhPmQUZ8cA6QMPQYrsO1Kj1Cmvm1ndpfdTYSbWj5_sXhCaiw_5EgzU47AXpXX0BaXQud9mTewZUVK4/s200/IMG_7329.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701053096605753906" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> remember all the details, but I think it was one of our first attempts at being anywhere early dressed and ready as a family of six! What I do remember is finally arriving and </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsRxlerJVxJu_8QPHXiW78P6Dyt9GQp3FQPY8SFcQW1yS1SuwriTaNE3ABlg6pVuvSC1fi4U0SQuDRDuO-lHaOMAehpG8lP8y7zaUAIuqeoAubfdXsQu925uPSTIYIj6TObywz_jn8LP5/s200/IMG_7322.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701054249791705522" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">sitting down to eat, and Will looking across</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CdE4Ykwxs0czmPHToQwBFP014p5cr4u7_ZlbHBsnnZU0y_K67fCQlZvwD_9wP4oPmwny6DC-EmMnTnF3mKhXRWLfhraa26MEzqOo8WGGpGknJ22XvxRc9JsBU0OTqhNSJY3tpR4pAS1A/s200/IMG_7355.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701053100894591442" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> the table to his cousin, saying loudly, "Hey Zoe! Did your mama and daddy get in a big fight on the way here too?" Thanks buddy. As it turned out, we did have a good time, and this wound up to be a big day for our family because later that afternoon, we had...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Lucie's Dedication </b> - We were so happy to dedicate Lucie at TPC Spring Hill with both Tato and Uncle Derek </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi2xsQ74WGC3i34ibIKNXR6NobwIb0zZVGJDZ8WzeF-TjIS_kWvJ05T5-42sJD8YCn4ArJwGz7ljX8fRFRgtbVCQaAHrbwdCQ_1dXwRljDfVHDsnDL2MCfk7fYNyd7SAh5cn7AfVtk4jO/s200/IMG_7439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701054254673247986" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">on had for the service. Lucie's service was very sweet, with a </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2Uko5Y4vMcDSOvVmg4LeO4J7FEYQiLQxD8Cag4dyozpUJuTuNqYPeBUENHpNpgLRGfFvSVJ4VH5LNSRM-vap9cJ_SxzwHofUtMWIPIBRqsSMjLDBYl1OQsydDxgv5Q5csZZPOj9bp8y_/s200/IMG_7437.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701054255379698786" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5Ffa5W-nkxKbs44pbSLXXHV9LvOMpirRH-o5mIRZ0bau7VpGlxq-zx0NMhcsiPw5nApqKGo0nmjHyR2zRN_g4ZMgcdT69lSTpoBitdykeXhqigwIemPc04ans_5oOcZ2iFWUBWH0gifF/s200/IMG_7443.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701054255862409122" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">small group of parents and children gathering to promise to raise their children according to principles of Scripture. Lucie wore the same dress that I wore when I was dedicated, just as Sophie and Lillie did as well. There was a great reception following the service, and it was a special time to pray for our family, specifically for Lucie that she will come to know and accept the great love that Jesus has for her.<b> </b></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Walk through Bethlehem</b> - This was another big day for our family as we were celebrating Uncle Derek's 30th birthday! After church and cake we continued with one of my favorite activities of the Christmas season. The Walk through Bethlehem put on by Woodmont Christian each year is truly an can't-miss event! Your family is transported back in time to Bethlehem, and you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the first Christmas. The sheer number of volunteers and then the attention to detail that those volunteers put in makes this day an incredible gift from Woodmont Christian to the city of Nashville. I could and should write an entire post just about this </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULJysX-_2Egq1K8hW3HXELz9fQd6yFEhBi35cY8c_y20kOMhz2mTfqpxa7WzhmYFl6nXZMqNveAp3n6loFqnfOiG_pFPhdntjOgYnLYW0CQ0sw35zdKOHFhvA6shQP8q1zKTwYdj1yTqJ/s200/IMG_7585.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701056168247009522" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt6RXBRTZZ76-naWhWv7INol1X3rysBHT98m72ERNGZeKRFwWWKPhLsd8Alu4NN6PukCcttrVI6gY0_-GebGVjhYy4B-vY5YxERgKPGqoGtPaxsh9K05mhr-ax6jP3vb-TsYwlbgnIRB8/s200/IMG_7534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701083531230306818" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">event, but some of the highlights include:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" >the amazing foods the children try (Sophie's favorite this year was pomegranate seeds)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">the various animals the kids get to see and pet!</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">the crafts the kids make - this year our crew all made dolls to give to the baby Jesus</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">the gorgeous set - I've said before that other than a Disney experience, I've never been so "transported" as I am during Walk through Bethlehem. The church does such an amazing job not<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIqsEq8a84oezq1bRp-guWBJAhp-gmB0f-kOQnY4FlObz2EJWCr_rZzT3W0pezAG7cCYopn_VuusaRr_rFFAobYWNL2DcMlztsm0jjYxeHim9uGgAxIWf5rhZg8Jonk9FY2oeux-0SQqI/s200/IMG_7564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701056165760349986" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span> only with beautiful and historically accurate props, but also with music and smells of spices and animals that make it hard to remember that you are smack in the middle of Green Hills!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFQgq0IAZ0-Evn4rt4-Dl4jUjKAPknQreQR2_jfuN-QNK7aVRxZ7YELPdTYyerX8HHEU9kDud0tXJILW10KdNB5H4Au6WAUJqdci91hzlh70NWTnL0HQgBJdR91YLXyaN9UmE07_WrJKX/s200/IMG_7556.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701056189761279474" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">the incredible way the actors all remain in character and interact with the children - From the Roman soldiers whom the kids are told to protect Baby Jesus from to the village people who are so amazingly knowledgeable about their</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyVpKPkzB90WTXzOuN0USi_tUGkLsC_1nCj2HsZyow-30iCkqPudRwEO14VZsybP6ioQNtD9gFV6l08wHQeFFWKBc_zjBuAsUxoT73BbmtOSYgZx_YbldbB3WWH-ZWpLzAaSdJ7h5Utc7/s200/IMG_7598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701056178922418050" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " /></span> jobs in the town to the beautiful actors who play the familiar faces of the nativity story, the whole experience helps Scripture come alive for children and adults.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Sleigh Ride at Shadrach's</b> - We didn't know quite what </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2ZywWAH8IAyGJiIGWXqUb22kA791UACF5x5O2roBBflk3bRrloAG0Wbb8Q6rjHKQVtejcn6phb6HuAoKkYnvSu2kt5RRHCce8vCjEqpJ110kwt-VKYVd8JzDLtQe4NjSo2ScRfkCs9t9/s200/IMG_7632.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701057467936197138" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">to expect from the Christmas event, but it turned out to blend two of our families favorite</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndbZieLgdeZ7aqCEOqFvfS1JEocTS8vTec2OmnbYXbhioSbzNLnIym0jVvhrHGaVdfl-mPcDDDNvnDoZo4r09xLAawkZwFnlDC-xOjsPMW-IxLRl9L0atYE_nsrTtjz9jR62adS2VdxXG/s200/IMG_7634.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701058721688473842" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAJgAZPtvbM7mmATQWw-mhqWGMxalEER5FaSN0KsBOiwFMFwDPpSCEaUdoQjwkHQZ7AIw4VuW3ZgD7rn53w25VyLsKhp30W6dAKymzEroEKKBQY2gQWlch-D3B0zl0NlUWERPwUUwlQnA/s200/IMG_7614.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701057458068277874" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">things - Christmas and the fair! After a fun sleigh ride (I think it was actually a </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRclNUyxobsq_xwhwNreX8rfVkxzu1rmg41Tn7HHy4YZ8gonm-24v2DYXWBH9AwBvhYaLy4zFmoemvlBbbQI1Ao0lpputzQ3Fjg9KNOKXdQJgt6y_m3zjnrWzY0QWTCftxTbAoFPgSFss7/s200/IMG_7613.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701057448832943906" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">hay ride without hay because of the size of our family), our "colorful" driver </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtd9NVnU_llLZwdFv37Y8O2nxQQUfTa0CQFSx9exDkLMC9wc-vIMbWffvCjuZiVVxg74PbJK5iMGqbcxTbAXcW7Lev_O3OA6obTJ2cBJI5Bu98dAGkZ6yxVELTYSYNhuFor3dcVQxECHz/s200/IMG_7612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701057448027298402" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">dropped us off at Santa's tent, where the kids had a blast riding expensive carnival rides while the adults enjoyed feasting on expensive fair food! It was not a typical Christmas experience, but we truly had a blast, only to go back to Patti-Grams and Tato's for our first...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Big Family Christmas Get Together - </b>Lucie met Mee-Maw</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqfGuEzO3vSbc2EpxlJ18Ijyj8E8-idfrMj_31-p6jDHpEDvvRcwOl2HRjMcPVu7b34-I28wRwrN0vU_IBG6pAa_zvA5TQz09HOMbXXRWSybq8jbcOpBwUAuXPObWEbShsBHDCxeEuikB/s200/IMG_7769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701060251196448162" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> and Big Dad for the first time, and the next day we all met Leo for the first time! It was a</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkdA8UdPNRWJ5x65XiohaVVzgUDGKsGfx3LXrrzXeK-348lZ840cbsXYRfB6RBa3jknaFB4TTQfUzejXaUjhk7y9mmtaOf0_QrqiRjCgKzrTlHfQx3cBMo5fHpc9Lj4LA3n8DR2mwUowA/s200/IMG_7812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701060254409861106" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> super-short visit before a longer visit closer to</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1LgjEhkyOx7cBZ9sovxD8bahaE54HCTRvZqbjS-EX7ir56f7cSZjLqhEAcS04z6eASris03n7yyfNVFPXXoYKDnjJpUAUgIt-QM4CZm4Ebln7AnjDr6S0I0sFe8I0N5irnlmMJl1f8A0/s200/IMG_7845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701060264482410386" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Christmas, but we were all excited to see one another. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><b>Christmas with Aunt Judy</b> - We kicked off our celebrations with family by getting together with Aunt Judy and exchanging Christmas gifts. This was also Lucie's first chance to meet </span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12qrom6IaccNZP32kS_AyHTGCxpjHIl0uDpCx5qJcvHNnB4a5mhdR1qWdj3e2DZNDdJ23g_cfx34THHDdxCLRc8wifBF5BvkHgl0pildu8dmA9ODIpiHDAMIjCcuCH1e3owQmxrqjjjRb/s200/IMG_7933.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701061296962555538" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">Aunt Judy! These were the kids' first Christmas presents (Zoe's first ever!), and they were all truly grateful and excited! It was great to spend some time with Aunt Judy and to spread the holiday fun out a bit so the kiddos didn't get so overwhelmed.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Sophie's Gingerbread Decorating Party</b> - I'm not </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDq3NrixNrKI8YuUbutpbkMad5m9wH7zNp3Hb9pl3RJpgkQAoqsxe7oKWoCioz6Vd9uboXQkV6sPYdzUXoWok2yk8xRVQnpY4nCfvfBmcMQhqB6DeOh3Z38Q3u3wdlNBs9asQii8qc6Pp/s200/IMG_7989.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701063696896182514" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">quite sure how Sophie talked me into having a party the week of Christmas, two</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_0fhyojaoYcHm4ixCE8e1msia5LuYcYOl571NWzXD4DozfMcV4WIPB0JFIp9-r8BcC4JpdX3W1xoGC5dnZXsUHsezNDL6wHSvARGbZgm5hACNlw9K08rial46PbKyfIjYDoq5VI6vAsh/s200/IMG_7971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701062160572135314" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> months after moving to a new house and one month after having a new baby, but she invited the second grade girls over to decorate gingerbread on December 20th, and we had a great time! Patti-Grams, Aunt Tori, and Aunt Hope all helped us to get ready, and Uncle Derek had Will for the </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c8Npf9L-WUM8hM6VLc6IILZnxdifviQC2-ucaGwwBIheMUC-XZVBV7zr0BveMVSHcooBLEgeeiZidnLJu-Ui9xkLyCy0rymh7kgxZODmR8EztityemFOZQe1Ih0cb7ZSdwVTINEhqUaZ/s200/IMG_8004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701081259406018210" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">afternoon, so I was able to focus on Sophie and her friends. We had several sweet girls, some siblings, and their moms, plus plenty of cookies and icing for everyone! I was so</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6W6cyJhNLXC3rTUDQ6TXRDTePwEfPyDPMI_z9XyL6LrhKk3nKD8YWTSDKmW_H0ac2qIKD9gpujvf3I4dpNOtz5HiVGo7PuWJ7GW_fi59Tr6GoEkYhaqIIFtnAfHp7yxSkzk5ArpA9EFNM/s200/IMG_7968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701062158123580882" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> proud of my "homemade" gingerbread cookies, that I'd stocked up on in the freezer section at Target. The highlight of the desert table was the gingerbread house, that was actually a gorgeous cake made and decorated by our friend Michele.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Ice at Opryland Hotel</b> - For Aunt Tori's 30th birthday, we had an </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPVRTg5Q01Q6oDD0zFA-AhQITdDaiNv7WXZOVDFWLMx2rmd-TpvhBqz3NwEorr0iG2tEP8LMugPkI8EmMt9oDwpWinV8ikfo5gIOFquWg1hyphenhyphenEclRjPpKi-QDNOsfMzCVN-au6_Fs5w7Zv/s200/IMG_8025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701063711219818322" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">awesome birthday cake and then bundled up and headed out to look at lights at Opryland </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCWolUp1U1Tng5Astvh9G3hWPRUjzPeuqMbpwY4pvnQkiR2Q0lxqrqWbdXlf43aQ0Jv8TuQhVJUDiskYoIrcXwi7mgzyZsPRBWpVBE4VJsvj6IC3Wyu4jjFcq9lKRLfUdx3R6E9jdrEa6/s200/IMG_8096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701063727311855746" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Hotel and visit Ice with the Merry Madagascar characters. We all enjoyed the amazing sculptures featuring the</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1zzP-MCSndba3VpYXqKImqLOUNazgM7KquiITjynDzt1NFq1AdcQz-qgPn3CxiBMBvDB-UqzpBg-xZHqVmQADiIf_EHDIeKHkcY9muGcniqvjViVTe_0xLagZtVdljqVqJdaYb4GQVY9/s200/IMG_8119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701064425301831394" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Madagascar crew, but the ice slides were a huge hit too! I think everyone was actually most amazed by the ice nativity at the end of the exhibit. After taking the very worst picture with Santa</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnndMdSnY7DMirveGPo4vJoCXNzTws2jCkjvdUGNHgMmR-9DDZ2QYBoJ6r6Uvp_Y-OkbgjBrdXCjDNr9BV7GJeVJc0PydOtbkKALrtVHfxAojxFllzUOGsaWQ2FewYzQixpo9kJf1VS8vl/s200/IMG_8120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701064432826718434" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> that my kids have ever made, we walked about 50 miles to a restaurant we'd heard was great, only to find the wait was several hours (even though we didn't see anyone waiting). Needless to say, we cut our losses and headed back to Patti-Grams and Tato's for...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Big Family Christmas</b> - It was then time to celebrate Christmas </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavZVWNXEVuJ1aDXkxvWM50WsJf9XYjTYAri4buqeLpGnWLlhcirzhJmBbBK0WZc6dlbnVXuBB1lPnNnLr5NxDfw3VU7Ckgb_6ZbETye1cgo188IHZVOqw8LtPCgaSdD79stLnvZhPnGWy/s200/IMG_8283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701065415826094738" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">with Mee-Maw and Papa, Pammie and Joy, </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgH3_d-QVsBMmiV8Om2dI2uKEhhkpsmt3FkyjCvj2Dsx9E_jPJCfVnJVy7lbO0pHIH46xtCk7D7gdN-SLSRHIpj6zFL1UmWiUzAI5OUD0CjdrluHqCRWdb5ELXeN9UnUj9OR55Qcpl9nM/s200/IMG_8189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701065413567769010" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Jamie, Ry-Dog, and Leo. We had a ball, taking some special pictures with Mee-Maw and Papa (which I can't wait to see and</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBRWuYMTjbpzxqByrSob8bUWkWCXEnECEhWAnmg2pTCDnG7FgjgZCYcqAB2YOsoOp-8xNkVM_QVrVTWj-E35sC6dIzVK22jxhkSrqeaegxr7TI51qZ50ThNnPWpSMl941G9tQ40wjOZp4/s200/IMG_8288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701066001599472930" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> post), and we even squeezed in some last minute shopping. Ry-Dog</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxTRP_ASG7YppbQ73LEvj6NEH6ACcv4SBnsgRwCCBzIE9wIaTgdgB3ZF3FG_PBvcgV0AUTzYoz0KI1mrhlqRWcCIfbkJamvURDYjJAexjFnLdZXiwh4dyohswogLGTprBdfZUmrvkIjpH/s200/IMG_8276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701066006036147922" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> didn't get into town until later in the </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFGrpvrXqOFwzjMXVMoFDljmP7GndGV9rPvUXC7Bve5yuU-yKFgh3NOAuvQtNXhUkVU6McFgz31LjfI8FIdEEfoLoiwek7exrMnOkUbr5ECXLnmz8CkCRsnB7K1t7UHBgT6dnZngnu9oZ/s200/IMG_8141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701065409771737810" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">evening, so we were a little worried about</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHQ8FzrxpU_SO_5FbnUUwWPvOsMNE_FOrHb92p-gSg9lx7k_Z_sq06UM-J5jU9_Y0jYiD7gn_ZFPK2rl-eJlKfpLP49q1LgsCr78PF-8mjrUq4j3STWBJRDsoKRZeXXpb1aq6BhTvEJ9g/s200/IMG_8229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701066016105635090" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> the kids making it without a meltdown, but they all did amazing. They had a blast opening presents, playing and spending time with Baby Leo!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Christmas Eve Service</b> - This was Zoe (and Lucie's) first Christmas Eve service, and</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbgigQWqXS7QCks6UeF7LVEyX-co46X77zj1jORY9qd2QyibIVMrkJDW9KAVWnhEXSMzKK7rA9dqnnFFuIIAc1cuCLzpzQFLgUnQFrwH3lOeRQkliXxqg1qo3aExwxMNaAB7c0bIY2ogg/s200/IMG_8294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701067389844912370" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKT04TNrenrXWINPaXwXxKlQcRNcI3b6uXDV8M_s7JeN0oS-pghsBORjT5_9Zp89XjF1VeLlsHIkl5s7cQB6qcCGA13qj5GhlCXfsTq5TL0mDgOgU6JEnqRSfvpCoBh_zAmt1MR1Naal_/s200/IMG_8334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701068556069523938" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">as Sophie pointed out, her first as a Christian because she was sick for last year's service. Christmas Eve at TPC is always a beautiful service, and this year was no exception. I was</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavbw_JV1zEJBXs_c-YdgjGFrm-k1k3jRHo67juIlBSU0W-bGuAMChPlRifoPOqM4dqOLYVVYpIfrQ02gYdaVXek2WtYhEJuiQ0t31YI2V77RKmmX-iMfNN1mDz78davPDrqeAVE2pdNXC/s200/IMG_8322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701067394112440082" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> overwhelmed with how many blessings we'd been given since last year. Last Christmas Eve,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2es8oMmf8fTnqmmpe9AL_MzhFSmZf10CZ-6XOTusbJfEd9Nv1rXoHIGVn4JUlOn-ZVrp7t5f_ke8MEuCgb33t-z8sO3DViDBp1e8wndVVG2jOR1DNPkcM37K4OCOQ_Gi9iY_6RnJs2A_v/s200/IMG_8320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701067395092176994" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> I was celebrating Lillie's very first Christmas, and this year, she was the big sister. Last year, I was so wishing Zoe was with us, and this year, she sat laughing and playing with</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YRRxX-q2SCQGkY5EJVTIecUYkEWot8qhvrYuZX3_Aa00iW9Udep-n8-ixhs1tI1NEZ0le3msfH3s0LUfbZ152qTeqA_cVBtBW_p3LI0ahTKmeuIa_uYyfjVgnruxk9S9TeSvnHab3gws/s200/IMG_8319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701067410743194866" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> her co</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybApLMxUV_8nKasMeFTtHqpnwcimgMjYD34RMVLxxpF5V0KL_W6UW9NKQfunxu7ux1YIuBQGB-sSnZt1yLC0uiyafQk6nUcrxsAegfx08bNycHTa5BKSsm1yYMVw30let2jitW8_lU6-z/s200/IMG_8295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701081257545957874" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">usins, already fully a part of our family. Last year, I had no idea that I would be </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel2ixXhbdmYIQElS7UZn3WfohyCPz1HRQMYToLS_s4DgaFbf0yBww6N3RJuSuxuS7HMBk_zCcdyP1FChoPO13m87ht0o-WssulqwPXwxRQQT5EbZvzrzLGM_VcOA1_gBMS8M6rFOPrkH5/s200/IMG_8344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701068568054191458" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VJ-rvvM51V1D_LGCmjQ5iYkJEwt9vrCdjb_E5TMm5kKCSNT6ahW8mQKW63GbPVYB6VPeYdT1LZgo2wkputGb4z1WJhVgzu0FGMkKCXclG7x9-VJ_lRFR49kLz01mHLiuQ_GHV5EN9P_R/s200/IMG_8339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701068560496711986" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">cradling another sweet baby in my arms, and this year, I celebrated the birth of my Savior with sweet Lucie in my arms. And the Christmas Eve service is only the beginning of what turns out to be one of our latest and hardest-working nights of the year, all to get ready for...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b>Christmas Morning</b> - Again, the difference of one year was amazing! Santa must</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyVVLait5GV5jyeNvFnSmCks_4l4iZQFdgeesw3ZwNkm7HenvKBFLeEM4Bv1tKI9Ma6LM0880rZaYD_NeWzmKxg7WPzFLZh3ybQk1KokHhxnzieYvh0v0944mfo9ZgZ-VlgqZqAvBvFOa/s200/IMG_8501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701078537269813954" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> have brought an extra sleigh to bring all the gifts to Patti-Grams and Tato this year! Jesus had a birthday, but Sophie, Zoe, Will,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtGzF9YHsZFKDB67PbcTjsLKJNpsfZzZgPygNaCRKyK_cI61VfuA3TVxwGdVMwdpuIRt_rNvBE_ymCAe9cFdbVvlnydAHFOMXJHPgwCsr2L5ntPmDzm5fzAlbsfrtpam6tFDMnxx6crat/s200/IMG_8546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701078543420886690" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Lillie, and Lucie got the gifts! There was too much excitement and too many presents to name them all, but Santa brought a few extra special presents. For Sophie, there was an Egyptian playmobil set, for Zoe, a Loving Family dollhouse and family, for Will, a Cars 2 World Grand Prix set,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jtKj4BjMN-bYlln_t-2jV0dbFD-IXICgLAmXTKUScU_X_9zUbzc2V9Ul8wzLRms3xzNLS_-mv_IaipgXLQ3X4wfVbpu_WQfSqM-PYbujMSHmYWQ4lp80uRH6YHPAXa9p65PP8ilBYh5N/s200/IMG_8547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701078552925757298" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> and for Lillie, presents galore including a special Minnie</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7I5sBEODLPu9MdtJd1Fv1S8nX2HuIt-a1hPre2hAoUKmgZOaxavBfxlwFbckZbIK_wsQHdKhm46um37whB4LF7lCFupD0Lr3lpH5NpGGMmW1-hyJwGLNVdG7qglEDjMR8DHm30Ffq1Wz/s200/IMG_8430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701068577344944770" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Mouse playset. Lucie hadn't put in any special requests, but even she got a gigantic pink teddy bear! Patti-Grams and Tato gave the kiddos special gifts as well, with Sophie getting a Playmobil dream castle, Zoe, a trunk full of costumes, Will, a train desk, Lillie, a piano, and Lucie, a beautiful blanket and pillow. We had a great breakfast, a truly amazing lunch, a much-needed rest, and then a special birthday party for Jesus, complete with Tato reading the Christmas story. We had so much excitement packed into 24 hours, the adults could have slept for the next 24 hours. If only the kiddos had felt the same way!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, and this year was such a special one. I know these are the years that our children will remember when they think back on their "childhood Christmases," and I am so thankful for the memories they are making and for the precious people they are making them with.</span></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-72026543480582394112012-01-18T03:28:00.015-05:002012-01-20T01:57:04.960-05:00A Birthday Lullaby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZJdIdvjsZYGva5XMFCGzISEUQE93-0-tmSFaBVWR79wuLvf8teP7BU5cmrc06ZYFsZOReYdBQe7MRZmFCRw2QnaASxg2goaBreIHocZDbSDyrMcMO9x6xs8gIRZbIAG2xsr6BI6oCGzZ/s1600/IMG_6338.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">My Lillie Pie is turning two tomorrow. This was her lullaby</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"> tonight.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D0HA9HWTrNAgo-bMu4By4tbml5hAW_ZQLRrN5qKLjE3uzwdxHUX2vVLJvDYGeoIpaLk9-1ESWvHXcvtpebp6hov-IY96PGzF6zg3_tGk1Dx5KepGeIkSiPzfhz92gUjAOxsplVGajET6/s320/DSC_8272-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699583752624118594" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Your little hand's wrapped around my finger</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">And it's so quiet in the world tonight<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3a8tCzGtURBPuafXzv9kSXVQ4YHeRwAO7t03o8K0ErIU9yH6uvWk6unQZYMDB5ChEqCCvythqR1WQfEjhmdWgcKUkaw8SC5q9oUZdPnEChE8E5juB8l2G5u89cOJ6QTZVhnidTr984K8C/s320/DSC_8248-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699583757785826706" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQRivPZqcI2MJf5lE3ibHgWUN-J8GE_IbRoFPG09QCfUT1WchVo0VvOINe7I3wu8bbpflGiPUs9Fdbncdfr-4GSqaVp8YfTlTqDdFqU899LI-cLpbn-1E4b5AJfHVaZ2uVepBthFlRyFH/s320/IMG_4931.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699592867329091458" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">I'd give all I have, honey<br /><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaCBvj2onrJ2m_RE4IGZq6EbMl10pZiwMg0ti1PgzSpctWoFIw1ah-ZlzFzRGm11bErcYo_9SgCt-FpKOF5Lv74YTxx6tQzfh9BwT4Wzmnn8oftF4mYvBRobt88aVzMZHxojiGaoRbhdo/s320/IMG_5834.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699594335566877282" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">If you could stay like that<br /><br />Oh darling, don't you ever grow up<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Oh darling, don't you ever grow up<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Don't you ever grow up, </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">it could stay this simple</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONx5hTfFbfJCDFOeOGee4I77bJah0cUlnFDbptDPY6yrY7w_gpfxQfepCMEpLVFcxw7muvXRgr7z9BqbqBiHazDpBF7h8NDiHdvbBK6HMPKUItb3C5aGBaTBxWz2S78pA0dnBvMWw4BpN/s320/1222551673_roden+family+2-11-0283.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699594338653131410" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">And no one will desert you<br /><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Just try to never grow up</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj205BJcmYFRjA66kd2XhyphenhyphenXo0xLml92c5cGcnSVwvh5yfXKlV987F0V2BP3ZvjnTysIAlwi2H1HnkFr1b3-9Yl8Mv0lyoARsFr0oO0j_vF7lrhKaXLyDjh4gubU7BLPrm3wv5sYxbexP-PT/s320/1222518744_roden+family+2-11-0027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699602296873837426" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMSx5JfLok80KAh9vfbSXNfu20sjjZt6rf_6tsRwu904Fi48ndOJIuVKSOjGEuD0eokEV2ujJKeltdeFREans0rxLIZGaJR9npjTCfjKeUYhSiW37DNhUEBuCUmeYSkTlFUTzrNtHTFyL/s320/RODEN-135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699594339950981634" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Oh darling, don't you ever grow up</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;">Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4NPaROvay9ZM1Phd63gqId1K9KMS1CDEIU9F42E-MSC5ShadsBsuSXLcriepLDhuHn5GiPy6G9LULHyHMwiR89o5hbfBKJaaJpzJPQx83Hb7hQyZNE6_HRRAXi6L6MlqUuEHq8LFo5G1/s320/IMG_0475.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699602297910326626" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;">Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;">Won't let nobody hurt you</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;">Won't let no one break your heart</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswJa6hDc8i_Uy9OhYp-dBRFcC0RlwaDwIIY1JRi5dKGyZVbJXOt9UeWLxKTbR-_-pX3gCh_1027x4owk0hm20KpEqtubHkE0ys4SoBz6cSwzgyYlEGmONIu-y0xyzuOGYwony6NZAcz4l/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-181-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699596106021290386" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:130%;">And even though you want to, please try to never grow up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;">Some people are born "old souls," - but not my Lillie. She is young, not just because she's two, she's young at heart, beautiful and charming, winsome and hopeful, full of joy and wonder. I am so, so lucky to be her mama. Happy birthday Lillie! And even though I want you to grow to be a mature woman of God, I pray that you retain your beauty and charm, your winsome ways and your hopeful heart. May you never lose your joy and wonder. And in those ways, I pray, you don't ever quite grow up. I love you as big as the sky!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJcPMLlGmglcjkovbAY9A2HHN6S2YJMAjNIhJZFSr96MLihoH_Ml9eB9BrBfbqWdqrUapdM8Q0P9wfiueMIlVBWuOyp6qY5kyHJsGKZujG256rzlXCnrtXeD8tclkRD4BZGYbWoQB7yU9/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-103.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699594352338917874" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;color:#0000ee;">*<i>Never Grow Up lyrics by Taylor Swift</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-40238718527966523702012-01-17T00:18:00.008-05:002012-01-17T01:13:48.566-05:00Holiday Recap: Thanksgiving 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVwC83KyWnpB4hv0YjlnUDbDKsdxxkkh4ka5IhD87_i61tEW9URjXLL7atjonkQ3AGtb5U8oAnyzPdwEUnn9SKzZGqzJmeH3HmZWEPu7OKhJaqHI6Ur_iSGGFyW4vPrspJ0z5azx1iUzr/s1600/IMG_7085.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVwC83KyWnpB4hv0YjlnUDbDKsdxxkkh4ka5IhD87_i61tEW9URjXLL7atjonkQ3AGtb5U8oAnyzPdwEUnn9SKzZGqzJmeH3HmZWEPu7OKhJaqHI6Ur_iSGGFyW4vPrspJ0z5azx1iUzr/s200/IMG_7085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698480214440682578" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">Since Lucie decided to be our Thanksgiving turkey instead of our Halloween pumpkin, the holidays kind of snuck up on me a little! We didn't get around to reading all of my Thanksgiving favorites, but we did manage to make our hand print turkeys and at least read the Thanksgiving </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidqxLhZYJprq1VbPXVsW424IOXz3zIwP357L9112Es9fGT65T4yN92YnYnEgFGAs0gNwNhGwuUwVgdjqweC0EF1SL81X2Fu0FXLcTpJwlrLTcJXl6KwuauAWgAfGxBVpqU7T1BY3ExO_J/s200/IMG_7143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698469439057240770" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span">story! But even with our two-week old turkey, we had a very special Thanksgiving, celebrating Lucie and Zoe's very first Thanksgivings! </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Highlights of this Thanksgiving were:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4BZa0FLuUQnmaUxHHIqWn9qRV2Ng8vxxPuKiZbqjM_IuMlnJF2-zKkRc4e6iLvwvqWuHHxUjLKAo9Ik6E69xrXF2HhUxGjTnYUcEF8PgwR6FVpoNfs1bV4_L-kU2M7UbInA_Y8ffQTKz/s200/IMG_7010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698469440189339058" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sophie's Thanksgiving feast at FCA - We are just crazy about Sophie's school, and I am so thankful that even though part of schooling is at home, that she is able to experience more traditional "school" experiences like a Thanksgiving feast. She was an adorable pilgrim, and apparently the feast (prepared by the kids) was pretty good because Will couldn't get enough "friendship soup!" We brought two little native </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHgvRbJSe4w2ZuNpqLZc3nxRUnb8Th5J3RM4rSGbsvDrUq6HnzazQekL5W5PCWry2CgV1Ta4GfiIx50lBcDcCBPlbGG01-8cV2UoKQxwzFU3GmX4HRK2NnHeBL1X3l9xaQ6VEPBFYWY6M/s200/IMG_7017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698475615510260546" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Americans of our own, not to mention an adorable pilgrim baby!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTAo5qQV9mjtC-cGWO-Fg1LoSgsnbs_5cV4FjSGTA9-NAz9O6jlyTJmDyf3e8F0fcpI-ZDj4mcxUHmIEmCzFHDB5-N3AglC6ODV4zhVIGPmNGFVZ92uVYhzwnHU9cFwBe-O-zqmssmLUw/s200/IMG_7029.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698475626509969026" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55M7VMD3jEPLANLJxf9AZfByf4WxB0UvLRPVbReCd7uYss1ytujnsw7FWt27CWX3e2UWmyXJhgZrkIQg56Ag8DxdTZhm1SMrW6zKmVbBG9pY2IJ4klPHwuq72h4ID-HXJbF6bLvUXKtyg/s200/IMG_7006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472992782521202" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojTFh1t_LNQYhyphenhyphen23DkodjxUgTIGj71_GcQexO7RlXMMdcC_aVeuLUV5GrrrKNLYhV1iinfT3Xd2xpZ9roAzZDz5-HCMsHgV4MEI9IFHOAUY_AAEdKYWL1u4Aj1Nbr1000I29VWRHXqNL_/s200/IMG_7004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472991466929314" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI52CxFw_2yrlmT-Sum7lMBGwYsXx-jomsANT48RDpkyUeSl0xVbb_n1g7-cBCjEruz1h1wUJSRlczog-Cfjq8nHe1ZM-wVW0EW2tDDUictl2RNopIwpK1YnGPLgLgGvpASh9qXPbTPYI/s200/IMG_7184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698471785882252754" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The kids' Thanksgiving skit at Patti-Grams and Tato's (This was our first go at this, but a tradition we definitely want to continue). Sophie was a Puritan,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PeAdWxpxkKAWPhcLw9cD-SKIIaJ5CnOcGgPk9mxNEWeJzrH77ZftgVokVdjyoTH8mQ76tcyNIERDoF_dvzgv0UOCsZ-bub671OhktKtanl6XjALwo-24o6SgluaB4SFFm4yG1OQAxqru/s200/IMG_7186.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698475613965868466" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Zoe and Will were native Americans, and Lillie was a turkey! They were hilarious!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V0QoOQzFM03t9gXa2YGleh8KHLWyGDL5PVImd_2zy4C3Gy1dNuTbxeqziSsX8oguWRFLSp_afV469BprRNhsfwNU5Ku2vjhHi5xJnf6Zl5qx-My3BHhMTDKSQsQtCgVNeqY5BnDhcJ98/s200/IMG_7154.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698471784616119266" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Zoe being able to eat Thanksgiving turkey! Since she had been on a mostly liquid (with only very soft foods) diet since her surgery, Zoe will getting super hungry! I couldn't stand the thought of her not tasting turkey on her first Thanksgiving. We were so thankful that she was cleared to eat a just a little, so she was able to enjoy her first Thanksgiving feast!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Our midnight run to Target with the four big kids all home with Tato! (Another tradition, I think should continue!) I have no photos of this one, but let's just say when we finally returned in the wee hours of the morning, all three of the big girls were in bed with Tato and I don't think a whole lot of sleeping had gone on!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with oh-so-much to be thankful for this year! Patti-Grams and Tato's house was messy and loud, full of crafts and crumbs and the sounds of laughing and crying at nearly all hours of the day. But we were thankful to be all together, with two more added to our number and blessings overflowing. At the end of the long weekend, we were full of great food and memories, and we were ready to start the celebrating the Christmas season. </span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreYty1oCMkIjEQB56PwSwuka2ixx_MeX39Lveo60d-y9a3AB4wdNhdi8_7DKWGCr8sndl-IojiUsS3dwzEm2pG0_awreAoL-B3s5cjD7GJqJOpW8HJ3N-ljm6f06kOK1isP2ucjviCttU/s200/IMG_7122.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698471787941577042" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFfE3aTVRlDvMgk9TUHOCBdCb4fJPGX0uk7IrCoOEeVLbCNtXxKm7gJ5k1rI1RLlzl8X64C-klsgW-53QjMEfDoOsfVNy3-FAiSKyDHBpPv2llk8-JxSo03FRhMX24euFELkUvkmMFQoD/s200/IMG_7152.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698471780285481074" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmfGdGuxhH55-qEFEKBAVlVgn8pn0D4yeIWub8mimtlGo9d_0NzGMFPfh-tppzjPlb0ZEcb-e2NRI7r3rK4cEfk1MkdQN99u3XjtSf9U0IFTP6_x2cCbKKE3VM0MAYfEJKFvEoQIw7yT_/s200/IMG_7147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698471783417944722" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3d-yufWtgT-d38lugXV7PROfgyI6konubCKwesFwUaqdzUGR0Hu3yoHL-YnzZkpzXy0oF7S9_EDQTv2Hq6a2Z9JKsPCGWFk9fJB6wStIFEQhOl4X_3i8Vrog_J0f0Ox0W-tsTCrjbXEZ/s200/IMG_7134.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698475618280026642" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">Our tired little turkey!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i6u1aIWR1tRa3N7R0HCqbctWDhlKAtsEnVC408ee9IUJv1gsYv0nIVH3kvdQis2V1g9EK0Sj00LuHiksUHZ2Vt6uS9a3hS9lDcHNWvcHs7Ghs0M5aGH75lfOIIInovF3YYm6iYi3da0n/s1600/IMG_7170.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i6u1aIWR1tRa3N7R0HCqbctWDhlKAtsEnVC408ee9IUJv1gsYv0nIVH3kvdQis2V1g9EK0Sj00LuHiksUHZ2Vt6uS9a3hS9lDcHNWvcHs7Ghs0M5aGH75lfOIIInovF3YYm6iYi3da0n/s200/IMG_7170.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698469434971167810" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-8656909898230790142012-01-15T01:23:00.000-05:002012-01-15T02:06:58.157-05:00Snapshots: January<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTpcjt00NnO793OMDmbvrLizUGXoqAwYtzNXf2zThhu2fcE2XRmrg6zqej_z6GfLiZ0ELev9u18o4nsWep4ianUNRVW7mdQ8YiKIBlbsY8p6tmtVYbNqKTraFGrZ6PEb711ARTShGBRzt/s1600/roden+newborn+11-11-126-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_jmmABMux-CbVV9FLeCqbRjzXv4gjwar68r-qqW5qKXlreciSse1OJ3KCjXjuZBbSLeR5OG95r8eIselzT7qubpoDZBph5lYlUtVJesWFrdpUDWRQL8wS4qMHTr5NYiYnVfGfrR3Jw/s1600/roden+newborn+11-11-134.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgz40tRcvlSUpwfPQk1M8wO9sksek_c1vYmXJ1eG3hGuOa3FFHWq06obXXcQWHhbO0jkXVYnbxnZd9C5DPX0WTQT-dPod64aeUE1ZUJCvk39CTR_G0BS02frfUe8ckgC6x5Rj1zV1xHY/s1600/roden+newborn+11-11-139.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgz40tRcvlSUpwfPQk1M8wO9sksek_c1vYmXJ1eG3hGuOa3FFHWq06obXXcQWHhbO0jkXVYnbxnZd9C5DPX0WTQT-dPod64aeUE1ZUJCvk39CTR_G0BS02frfUe8ckgC6x5Rj1zV1xHY/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-139.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697744167575920642" /></a><br />I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">n an attempt to blog a little more this year, but also realizing that I will be even less capable of coherent thought than I've been thus far, I want to take some "snapshots" of who the kids are and how they are changing throughout the year. Even though this is a crazy-busy time of our lives, there are times when I look at my four and wish (even if just for a moment) that I could freeze time and keep them at exactly the stage they are now. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Truth be told, I want them to keep growing and changing, and I wouldn't survive it anyway if Lillie was a toddler forever, but I do want to remember this stage of life. (And I have a sneaking suspicion, that I may wind up a bit fuzzy on the years 2010-2012!) So, in addition to taking way too many pictures, these are my "snapshots" of Sophie, Will, Lillie, and Lucie.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDJEOG4V0BBspTn1pY9HBSGoWevJA0Fze2SO41PDKP7VRER7Io0e_MH0PnaIc7680E5jXMIT_BNVTFk9FdQDUrICsqMiEqtrCDzfMCe4UBvLnh8i39K7bzWhPyHcNsU8ZRstwfwEvcxs/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-102.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697747194317971490" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sophie: I am learning so much about Soph right now. Always my child who, like the little girl with a "little curl, right in the middle of her forehead," is very, very good or...not so good, she and I have definitely had a rocky patch in the past few months. Because she is our first, she's always the one that enters a stage, we figure out a strategy, and then she enters a different stage. She is also my most intuitive child, and I know she has felt and responded to a lot of the stress that our family has been under this year. Anyway, I have definitely needed to take a step back from how we are relating to and disciplining her. By praying through some things and reading some great books, I am learning lots about my firstborn (and actually a little about myself as well.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sophie is a definite dreamer. She is artistic and intense, and she sees the world through</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc2XNa6Kgh3PcoyBQdKITrLQKDSqrl6t6MghqaTqjzSBwFDfcwHCuwOg9ooog7Hl8Dt_U1GAgKc9Z7ScGd2HQL_RTlRzKB5U4mkBxrsvE2U4Uvrahq7c2uZ35TJMwbDfxvPPg6AiJEQ4/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697748179086778402" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> the lens of creativity. When she colors, she mumbles/talks to herself the entire time is coloring. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7eQdCf2OXgxDnMT7iJ3JYlsHSGAkw69b2OlMP1CLAwT2VW1s33V4eWP0q35bm-PuUGvoGSTSUhA4B-jhznhyGCbqkab22R7u6tzaJgV_RLr6bpd0ke8lYiIcrKA2_dmRyebJs01e_VMt/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-180-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697750575660789154" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Once, I asked her what she was saying while she colors, and she told me that she makes up stories about what she is coloring. She loves art and is enjoying her art lessons. She is incredibly messy, and selectively forgetful. She also loves to write and illustrate her own stories. She is still an avid reader, and though she reads about as well as I do, I am making a priority to read to her every day as I know that is something that she truly loves and a great way for us to connect. I make my biggest mistakes as a mom with Sophie, but I love her fiercely, and I am committed to learning from my mistakes and loving her well. The main thing I'm learning in parenting Sophie is to strive to be a good example of how to handle my emotions and to admit my mistakes when I fail.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_jmmABMux-CbVV9FLeCqbRjzXv4gjwar68r-qqW5qKXlreciSse1OJ3KCjXjuZBbSLeR5OG95r8eIselzT7qubpoDZBph5lYlUtVJesWFrdpUDWRQL8wS4qMHTr5NYiYnVfGfrR3Jw/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-134.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697747196404521842" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Will: Will has come into his own this year. He is usually my guy who doesn't handle change well, and we've had another year of big changes, but my big buddy has really matured. My instinct is that his preschool teacher has provided him with a lot of structure that has helped him deal with some of the other big changes. He loves our new house and his new room, and he is adorably confident in his role as big brother this time</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-1mHb6ZlS3oO6bVBqbwteBDUlDRhK0gSxdKI-T6X4ipTA9Wew-y2KfxtMx_AWLT1HkOej6bsKyuF8VXwmeAV34S4ACGCrNXFgN4GaR57CRpt7CewOFHikKyYEldX82Fb5Q3dA7qlV-I/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697748182701968258" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> around! Will loves to know the rules, to follow them, and to ensure that everyone else follow them! He can't stand to be wrong or to have to apologize. Once he finally come terms with having made a mistake,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">manages to force out an, "I'm sorry," the person he's apologizing to better be quick to say, "I forgive you" because those are the rules! Though he does struggle with perfectionism, Will has a heart that longs to be strong and true. He wants to be a "good guy," and I can't wait to see how the Lord uses his desire to be "good" to grow him into a man of godly character. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">He lives and breathes for cars and racing, he loves to say "bathroom words," and he still uses head-butting as his primary form of</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57skqL9nmyIuo5FMxpYbPadoVO0I_P5wzPDiqzOBwnVN6NeaoPFkqjB1DdkFs4Tmq5BbIWyZVDU54UefiOKFlEjSYea-_0z5jiSXKrnXh6l5yYoEV8wQiYIYnXYkmzTw23IXqs6x12lI/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697748825570941106" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> communicating both love and frustration! He loves playing cars, and because of him, I know the name of more vehicles than I ever dreamed possible. Will has recently discovered Mario Kart, a racing game on Wii that he loves to play with Matt, and this has only increased his love of cars and racing. I am basically putty in his hands, and after a trip to the grocery store where I had agreed to a $4 car, and we came home with a $20 spyplane, Matt and I agreed that I can't take Will to the grocery store anymore! I am always learning with Will, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a mama to my son. The main thing I'm learning in parenting Will is to battle my own perfectionism so that he might learn to strive for excellence rather than perfection.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE1nZC3ddDWBm1ZtdS8-xzesOnLKR1Ly0Klej_a2PTrr0ITN8gdsX_2oi9mHIW9UlOzpKCdud1C9W7XeEzzCLBMo6ECaH44DpK2tcjeHtdeQaAf-B4W2diBuEARyorQsAOJrKE8mkZHc/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-103.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697746589868690866" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Lillie: Oh, my goodness, our little Lillie. What she lacks in stature, she makes up for in spunk! We've decided she is part beautiful fairy, part naughty elf. If I forget Will is still three because he is the size of a five year old, I forget Lillie is not quite two because she carries on conversation more like a three year old! She is crazy verbal, amazing at the alphabet, and wonderful at counting. The most amazing thing about Lillie, however, is how relational she is and how she uses her personality to get exactly what she wants. Where Sophie and Will would exert their will to try and get their way, Lillie uses her charms and manipulates her way to what she wants. Matt is already praying about Lillie as a teenager! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hRvquHnXsBCpPcv6mUUJPmzx2Jk8Jfv2vkJPg9LXMGLz9x0M5He8htx8zM9zycdKAwa_-KloRwOjzL4ZfenYbK4uh903YjTFl6PbUVLkx9QOSvKvf8F4YLYQEsGI0KuqV6Eq6N4sZvCg/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-136.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697750577909287426" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Lillie is also very different from her older siblings in that she gets in to everything! She</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0-M6HGvpKgZ47C0hrHbqVhfOYgaXqcwvWUVlcWaOkzRC7HnFfBskeRvhqG2FTD0iYA1xIwxVQuFXaN8tjgSBj-S-0gSO7XQg3T9ypPbXJbF0VVHmG5WFVYBZou9woxlEm_-91JEIBhU/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-181-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697748830244987090" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> is a total plunderer! Every bag, drawer, and cabinet I have has been emptied with its contents thoroughly examined! Her latest feat was getting bright pink lipstick all over our white bedroom carpet! And just today, she came out with toothpaste all over her hands, pointing her finger at me, saying "Stop, I made a mess. I clean up my whole big mess!" And to top it off, she has no fear! The higher, the faster, the wilder, the better! My little fairy is very different from her big brother and sister, and she is definitely keeping me on my toes, but along with lots of scares and messes, she brings incredible love to our family. Though the day can bring lots of surprises with Lillie, I can always count on waking up to "I wanna snuggle mama," with lots of sweet kisses and cuddles, and I know our day together will end with Lillie charming me into extra books then singing along on her lullabies. I'm amazed daily that I have a child as sweet and gentle as my little Lillie. The main thing I'm learning as I parent Lillie is how contagious attitude is. As Sophie recently told Lillie, "you can make a bad day, better," I'm learning as a parent Lillie that having a "merry heart" really is amazing medicine for the soul. I want to bring relief in stressful situations through my attitude as Lillie does for our family. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP-uQBS2CnPQ57cLRkQWM_zoMOJjaMgxykNb1m1Vag2SXL3Sodu922H6VcfovM53ZOIg5OH9Wiow-tp6Hr2gtQ6tAQ93INOE9sgoCea9MkyPSHrF1p5NOAuCLpWX5IFriBIU2kWeU8vI/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-159.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697747558349327266" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Lucie: What a good-natured, laid-back baby we have! Our Lulu is so very relaxed, can sleep through most anything, and is busy smiling, cooing, and trying to laugh! The only "milestone" I had a question about at her two month check up was "startles at loud sounds." I told our pediatrician, I've seen her startle a couple of times, but it takes quite a loud sound! It is funny, though, that Lucie is most alert and engaged later at night after her siblings are in bed! She doesn't worry about getting one-on-one time with mama, she just gets up after the crew has turned in! Or it may be that she can only relax enough to "talk" when she is not being so well loved on by her two surrogate</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLC4Bh9sNnedEucTL_Wn9lqZ_3d4DE3t0JtbyJ5QfPc9rOT4W74ySy19kNDWPSZjAlwCKGKXEnHczGhxKEBYV5h-uMXddMKS4hsWfJdqShQ74IMwdbVW1i8QctdBwP99QU80uECANbGE/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-165.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697749538721596082" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> mamas and her big protector. There is no shortage of love and attention for this baby. I have no idea what Lu's personality will turn out to be, but I am so grateful that she been such a delightful baby. The main thing I'm learning and trying to remember in parenting Lucie is to treasure each and every moment. She is making that lesson a joy to learn.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTpcjt00NnO793OMDmbvrLizUGXoqAwYtzNXf2zThhu2fcE2XRmrg6zqej_z6GfLiZ0ELev9u18o4nsWep4ianUNRVW7mdQ8YiKIBlbsY8p6tmtVYbNqKTraFGrZ6PEb711ARTShGBRzt/s320/roden+newborn+11-11-126-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697751103759822178" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-14370697793596120122012-01-14T23:44:00.005-05:002012-01-15T02:06:13.218-05:00Bama Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVNvz_0uHpK1akYgFpPTBStUhKlKYZpSEHJmmyK09WOrSQsskzPCfGUuC3Qz8jEhonMhiQ9ma4zasAouq44b-_blRmPxycZp-Rf9EOFch3mFJDnIYI3V3NjmgQXzhajPkkF_dE81ia90/s1600/IMG_8709.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVNvz_0uHpK1akYgFpPTBStUhKlKYZpSEHJmmyK09WOrSQsskzPCfGUuC3Qz8jEhonMhiQ9ma4zasAouq44b-_blRmPxycZp-Rf9EOFch3mFJDnIYI3V3NjmgQXzhajPkkF_dE81ia90/s320/IMG_8709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697726159481798002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtjHraqTqxPR2ut086o61fnJxkoeQiffgxMqTn2ZMrnQj60Pf_YRgjAESQvX7yydh12lDBa9WryW19MVH3ItRg0mi1YdU9cRIeq4c8PzrCHbHQhNWBivBHgnevnGvVMqSxDtzOSfhg88/s1600/IMG_8714.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Well, it just so happened that the national championship game and Lulu's two-month check up (and very first immunizations) fell on the same day. I'm pretty sure it was due to the shots, but right before kick off, Lucie got angrier than I've ever seen her. It was the first time we haven't been able to comfort her within a minute or so. We even walked her outside! I told Matt that if Bama was half as mad about losing to LSU as Lu was about her shots, that they were going to kill LSU! Apparently, they were just as mad because LSU was only allowed to cross the midfield once, and the final score was 21-0! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This Bama baby settled down just before kickoff and slept through most of the game, but when she finally woke up, she felt much better and had two very happy parents! Overall, Lulu's first national championship was a huge success, and we hope she has many more like that one in her future!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtjHraqTqxPR2ut086o61fnJxkoeQiffgxMqTn2ZMrnQj60Pf_YRgjAESQvX7yydh12lDBa9WryW19MVH3ItRg0mi1YdU9cRIeq4c8PzrCHbHQhNWBivBHgnevnGvVMqSxDtzOSfhg88/s320/IMG_8714.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697725850274522994" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-11298001341077337592012-01-14T23:11:00.008-05:002012-01-15T02:05:55.212-05:00We Love Lucie: Two Months<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yf_01YheyANUf6NvQZYxbl3WJiBVYQNBQh-KiECxD4j5w1IfXmYGixEPAcDe4baoUDvBOqIUimckPFQo4IWcgCTYW5VLhbnx_k4CtpjtwvvRKjROjXHpW8w7nLxtiniYCngOZ8US9fw/s1600/IMG_8617.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDzSIQVf9C0cLueS1c_d5WGzw6cN7dwTRBVEaYFzJXEHiR3ZVl_gysFq-hBrRNO4-UxV3Af97QeERki0t4WOdA-ziN-1V6151wyZttu19BxOZqVlri2kCLpQs8OYcf68JBKz_EvpdqoM/s1600/IMG_8722.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDzSIQVf9C0cLueS1c_d5WGzw6cN7dwTRBVEaYFzJXEHiR3ZVl_gysFq-hBrRNO4-UxV3Af97QeERki0t4WOdA-ziN-1V6151wyZttu19BxOZqVlri2kCLpQs8OYcf68JBKz_EvpdqoM/s320/IMG_8722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697712192318875250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sweet baby Lulu is two months old, and she has done some major growing! She's weighing in at 13 pounds, 10 ounces, and she is 24 inches long! She is in the 95% for weight and the 98% for height! She is just behind her big brother who was 14 pounds and 24 1/2 inches at his two month visit! Our wonderful pediatrician said she looks like a perfectly healthy four month old!</span><div> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">She took her immunizations like a champ, crying a little, then calming right down. Just before the Alabama-LSU game, she had her first major fussy period, which I think probably had something to do with the shot. She slept after a good cry, but would wake with a cry and then fall right back to sleep. By late that night, she was back to her normal, even-tempered self.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Lucie is obviously a champion nurser, but she is also a great sleeper. She sleeps like a champ during the day and then comes alive when her siblings go to bed. She is determined to get her one-on-one time with mama! We are enjoying her smiles and coos, and I especially love when she tries to sing along with me. She loves when I sing a song I made up for her.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yf_01YheyANUf6NvQZYxbl3WJiBVYQNBQh-KiECxD4j5w1IfXmYGixEPAcDe4baoUDvBOqIUimckPFQo4IWcgCTYW5VLhbnx_k4CtpjtwvvRKjROjXHpW8w7nLxtiniYCngOZ8US9fw/s320/IMG_8617.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697713394340879330" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My little Lulu, </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Your eyes are blue, blue</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I love you true, true</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My little Lulu</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My little Lulu</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">How I love you, you</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Oh, yes I do, do</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My little Lu</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">She kicks and coos and tries to sing with me! She hasn't had her first real laugh, but she is definitely trying! We are so enjoying getting to know sweet Lucie, and we are so thankful she has joined our family!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878160955788749058.post-51867397483478876802011-12-03T23:29:00.007-05:002011-12-04T01:34:22.853-05:00Very Last First Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfeAAlHZkTORpjkIB2VUwOOAxYW7UIYEt_HZLA72BS0RQYOMBKR9eEbjpYuThR_b58Sq4umuEey9PLKISbe_jeAaOHGRJY8SakbdYOjG5rjj9lFNIzvweky9CVbJZTENSj_K364vu6sI/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQB6f4bXZ3JL5xTT5G9WwMKOjcD0ZbXfMwMoDc9IgmRdEUSEpVjQ_qKU1Ex6W005SUh8NgUYza8Nhjt08Kw8h5qg9auayUcX1-Dw8j5kmKE_2qX6uj7dHYqj2eAiF6oIqOmtSkAVqUZ6M/s320/IMG_6623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682138431002180802" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I have always loved babies. I don't remember a time when I wasn't playing with dolls dreaming about being a mom. I picked out names from the time I was a preschooler myself. I can honestly say that having children has always been one of the greatest desires of my heart. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">And even though we've just had our fourth, and I'm certainly waaaay more relaxed (maybe a little too </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5EWo-qWlw73n4_UYASWsxdHE9myPNhdmjlpBhau6waCWYUeTbm0OjGhNRHnOB53nC-XVLopjQCr5U1rVlpyXSF4RbFKMyLC6TbkiUYxpbnj-uFHqvf0SAQT_tGUj9AtbjZ3ScJQkbjc/s320/IMG_7310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682138418367743250" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">relaxed) about welcoming a new little one, I can also say that there is still something completely magical about a new baby. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As I think about the way we've welcomed our children, I love that each one has been so special for a different reason. With Sophie, everything was brand new. She was the typical doted on first born. I saved the bandaid from her first immunization, and I probably took pictures of her first diapers. It was utterly ridiculous. I rocked her and stared at her for hours on end. With Will, he was our first boy, and not only Matt's and my first boy, but the first boy in our family in generations. And though I didn't know it at first, I totally fell head over heels with being a boy's mom, and went baby crazy in a whole new way - baby boy style. I stared in wonder at my son, and as I've stared, I've watched him transform from a baby to a boy right before my eyes. Then along came Miss Lillie, and I really thought she was probably our last baby, so I treasured every moment with her. We also found out that Dad had cancer when she was two weeks old, so our whole family had a special awareness of how precious each day was. I was intentional as I stared at Lillie and clung to the hope that her life represented. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5qYMesulqwy-oXCiLZnZSheATPYhrkpRgyKxHVAWV3aGsuFgSNfYQypQEvTdtUxiCUh_xO7YGxpQU_lfmTceKXgaATqBLyjaWQbxmDkRJ6P0biqdPGyTPFthyVGSH0SlwsZGl5QBisk/s320/IMG_6936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682136804840212178" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">And now, once again, I am cradling a sweet baby. One more blessing that the Lord has given me as an answer to one of the greatest desires of my heart. I feel quite sure that Miss Lucie is the last baby the Lord will bless our family with, and in her three short weeks, I have realized time</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6_XSLkklk5usTYixcLr18YuGpGF4fPmCapCt6a9lc9oLdRHJxbEJXP2b3sc8B0sGY_eDXO9lcFuTQaxO2dvHkRt7FKWw4FnxX0jIZNA0GbhxF1QGZLEaoFbJ8JQFFNtDX5KbIQEShSs/s320/IMG_7085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682136812941342386" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> and time again that I am experiencing the very last "firsts"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">of many kinds. We've had our last coming home from the hospital. Our </span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLmpY5xKALgCRntGUBXdf82iDEhCkqChrAmCS-3F5n6T5IpdPiUyWTO07MvttbFFiBnGDgv0cBNbOPxsMOPz6BnHuMRzJRsJRAiLKNWYsmpSL7Dp1YLsaR9P9hUyuMvjqpJimxb0gT2A/s320/IMG_7049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682136800047559746" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">last first night home. Our last first trip to the doctor. Our last first bath. Our last first Thanksgiving, and pretty soon, our last first Christmas.</span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sp2zVHiEWZIn0-2KOIrhg92jnJxSZbhvIeiD9mUmFZbX_6SejlErz_z90EMS5g7NPFxi5VSXS00sDME73rSHAg4h1HdHB52Nb-5i0o4B2rWM0aL4l_gw8mftT03T0h7iYNJml2yq7g/s320/IMG_7335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682138423055366098" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Though another baby was a great surprise to us, I couldn't be more thankful that I am experiencing these last firsts one more time. And while it can be difficult to make the "fourth" first time as exciting as the first, in my heart, I am treasuring each last first. I am stopping to stare long at my baby girl. This time around as I stare, I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I see her as the answer to the deep cries of my heart. While Lucie definitely has to share me, my time, and my lap more than any of her siblings did as a baby, she has my undivided love as much as Sophie, Will, and Lillie. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">And as I fall more and more in love with my precious baby, I am cherishing these moments that I have the wisdom to know are quickly fleeting. I'm not worried about</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfeAAlHZkTORpjkIB2VUwOOAxYW7UIYEt_HZLA72BS0RQYOMBKR9eEbjpYuThR_b58Sq4umuEey9PLKISbe_jeAaOHGRJY8SakbdYOjG5rjj9lFNIzvweky9CVbJZTENSj_K364vu6sI/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfeAAlHZkTORpjkIB2VUwOOAxYW7UIYEt_HZLA72BS0RQYOMBKR9eEbjpYuThR_b58Sq4umuEey9PLKISbe_jeAaOHGRJY8SakbdYOjG5rjj9lFNIzvweky9CVbJZTENSj_K364vu6sI/s320/IMG_7447.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682157344971699874" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> when she'll roll over, crawl, sleep through the night or walk. It will all come too quickly. And though the days with four little ones can be overwhelming to me, I am working hard to remember that while many things remain undone, I will take the time each day to stare at my baby and thank my God for allowing me to experience the very last first time.</span></div></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279565322504433002noreply@blogger.com0