tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53456358468496057142024-03-14T07:53:38.364-04:00the pleated polka dotAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.comBlogger420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-48532548126737647792014-05-12T15:18:00.003-04:002014-05-12T16:49:38.432-04:00:thoughts on community // coffee date #1:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMSnW7fL54I90jSk-XxSF2Qqi54egvB_tO_QHwRq3O7ZPwPR30ha2WEOXZdVyFokDkiAQK6BTRMn0nsMLEYRBwl8y0dVfdMHImfmZMl3q3x57T2keE6wIEhsJCBtPsoqG39lqZzXw-owr/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMSnW7fL54I90jSk-XxSF2Qqi54egvB_tO_QHwRq3O7ZPwPR30ha2WEOXZdVyFokDkiAQK6BTRMn0nsMLEYRBwl8y0dVfdMHImfmZMl3q3x57T2keE6wIEhsJCBtPsoqG39lqZzXw-owr/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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i have shared on many occasions how this crazy clan came to be.<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://thepleatedpolkadot.blogspot.com/2014/04/thoughts-on-community-it-all-starts.html">it all started with an invitation. </a></span>putting yourself out there can be a scary thing. i know this from experience. there are many scars and shards of the brokenness that has come as a result of letting my guard down. yet the beauty that followed was far worth the risk. the beauty of friendship and community and worship are rare and precious treasures that i do not take for granted. we do not take this gift for granted and we do not desire to hide it only for ourselves. in an effort to continue in the beauty of community<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://instagram.com/p/njSVbMGxC8/">we invited the internet to coffee. </a></span></div>
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seven beautiful ladies showed up from all around the area. hugs were exchanged upon meeting and saying goodbye. conversations were shared around two tiny tables while laughter filled the sunshiny sky and my heart overflowed in response to this gift. the gift of sharing our stories. i heard their stories, they heard mine and i left with a swarm of words that followed me throughout the weekend. we were not the same age. we were not in the same life stages. we may not have the same interest. we were not all married, not all mothers but we were all women with the desire to make deeper connections and that is all it takes. it starts with an invitation and it ends with the beauty of community. </div>
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our next coffee meet-up will be june 7th, 2014 at starbucks in hickory, nc 1342 2nd street northeast. please join us if you can. there are no requirements just a willingness to step out of your comfort zone! follow along on instagram for more details // @melissabeaver @alilittle28 @jonilwarren</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4N1_F7rIs51PwZiw3p_6FM6JgfRD9L67wf-LtUVSofCk1AtTMYAFEFUUWRj81uyguzSc6Fq_J4L20q6qbEO11ACbB2X5GW26cJBX5KArhBzHQPsu0C-KWjlKrJUVtN4FdsWt_wgxHlzP/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4N1_F7rIs51PwZiw3p_6FM6JgfRD9L67wf-LtUVSofCk1AtTMYAFEFUUWRj81uyguzSc6Fq_J4L20q6qbEO11ACbB2X5GW26cJBX5KArhBzHQPsu0C-KWjlKrJUVtN4FdsWt_wgxHlzP/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
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these words so resonated with me after our sweet little meeting. i hope they do the same for you.</div>
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"blessed is the influence of one human soul on another"</div>
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-george eliot. </div>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/223591433/Blessed">enjoy this free printable as a reminder of how amazing community can be.</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-63228330114660456182014-04-16T18:18:00.003-04:002014-04-16T18:18:58.710-04:00:thoughts on being RAD // FREE PRINTABLE:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgClRVif9d6gzVDbg5rGGxQoajCxoBWOy1lVNJcFZKBGn02hFT0Mcdw2Sh6KlY13g-xGd7Z_ymGs9v7sdu-NMtvfF1HfDZ-7PP7w3tLaeeWqHANX8yRrh70uwzAFKjcxqIbjSSkSvdqs7_/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgClRVif9d6gzVDbg5rGGxQoajCxoBWOy1lVNJcFZKBGn02hFT0Mcdw2Sh6KlY13g-xGd7Z_ymGs9v7sdu-NMtvfF1HfDZ-7PP7w3tLaeeWqHANX8yRrh70uwzAFKjcxqIbjSSkSvdqs7_/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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i am a list maker, note taker & paper lover. </div>
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i make them in my head and on my phone but i am so much more likely to complete </div>
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said tasks if they are on paper right in front of me. enter, the RAD to-do list, </div>
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created with pen & paper via yours truly.</div>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/218706756/RAD-to-do-list">get yours here for FREE</a> and make today the DAY of RAD.</div>
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<i>p.s. these RAD photos were compliments of my budding photographer: the Coopster. </i></div>
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<i>p.p.s for more RAD paper products check out <a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">my shop</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-55397088368941942532014-04-08T08:18:00.000-04:002014-04-08T08:18:33.877-04:00:thoughts on community // it all starts with an invitation:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k07p4tylv0EZ-ZdsMRbAAC1D8B7PXSA8nh7Ji8C57PvnXAhBKJlfb_AMdr1kbIzch149kU4_adDjR-Bk6Ey_Ugt0QK2NyWzruATAmP3rDWsv_LUz8iu41GYR5h29tbuTPLGN1DEmJRzN/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k07p4tylv0EZ-ZdsMRbAAC1D8B7PXSA8nh7Ji8C57PvnXAhBKJlfb_AMdr1kbIzch149kU4_adDjR-Bk6Ey_Ugt0QK2NyWzruATAmP3rDWsv_LUz8iu41GYR5h29tbuTPLGN1DEmJRzN/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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they walked in a tad late and sat quietly near the door. the room was full and the introvert in me was glad i could fade into the background. five months pregnant with our first child, i was super fashionable in american eagle sweatpants & a hoodie. i don't remember talking with them there, at that first meeting. i do remember sitting across from them at dinner one night, with the same group of people. we chatted about nursing school, which she was enduring & the hopefulness of motherhood. </div>
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somewhere along the way there came an invitation. an invitation to gather around the table. to break bread. to know and be known. the first time we graced her table, she prepared her signature dish, fettuccine alfredo with broccoli & mushrooms. we placed three tiny ones at a table near the window and gathered round her table for the first time not knowing it would become a tradition of sorts for our families in the years to come.</div>
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now sundays hold a place in our lives a reservation of sorts. the invitation stands unless otherwise noted. when we arrive we no longer knock on doors, we walk right in like family. we greet one another with hugs and high fives for the kiddos. we hold one another's babies we make meals together as we talk about the week and tend to bruises and scrapes from little ones at play. we shuffle babies, change diapers and wipe tears. we say things like<i> " here, let me take her so you can eat."</i> we ask questions that never get answered. we start and stop conversations a million times. we laugh. we know to where to find glasses and silverware, <i>or at least i do, wink wink.</i> we pour glasses of wine to start our evening and cups of coffee to end it. </div>
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these are my people. my tribe. my i<i>'ve got your back no matter what</i>. my <i>call and i'll be there.</i> the ones who know us right down to the bones and love us anyway. the ones who laugh when we laugh and cry when we cry. the ones who show up with coffee and meals when new babies arrive or they are just in the neighborhood. the ones who push me to be more, better, stronger just by living their jesus with skin on lives and <b>it all started with an invitation. </b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-92024159972018529302014-03-24T07:27:00.001-04:002014-03-24T07:28:01.298-04:00:thoughts on motherhood // the one on one project:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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he woke up a few minutes before seven like he always does. the girls we had to drag out of bed sleepy-eyed for breakfast. after yogurt and cheerios were consumed i helped tiny feet through the holes of pants, combed hair and gave a tight squeeze to each one. all three were loaded into our car and the girls dropped off at grandma's. </div>
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we could have left them all there for the day. they love grandma and she loves them and every parent needs a little time to themselves. yet we didn't. we invited the boy to spend the day with us. we want to know our children more so we are taking strides to spend time with them one-on-one. the little guy was excited for a day with mom and dad. he was not, however, excited about <i>the long-time road,</i> a.k.a. the interstate, we would be taking to our destination. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHFFrKFk3xuRppSRcbPvC6renMy4oeDSe4mDXOMkOK6yd0DB5RDxC4EHoB_KgCBPfSQ_MOXs1nY4h-3_hhRz48oa2OEFaso7WKr7M5yngwqvVp7dX9txYONfxlsoRMVpXOs8UXTSgQ3c/s1600/IMG_3705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHFFrKFk3xuRppSRcbPvC6renMy4oeDSe4mDXOMkOK6yd0DB5RDxC4EHoB_KgCBPfSQ_MOXs1nY4h-3_hhRz48oa2OEFaso7WKr7M5yngwqvVp7dX9txYONfxlsoRMVpXOs8UXTSgQ3c/s1600/IMG_3705.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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rain fell heavy the entire day.</div>
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we wanted to eat at our favorite restaurant but ran out of time and there is always a wait. jacob dropped us at the door of another restaurant because he is always teaching that boy what it looks like to care for a family. he doesn't say it. he just lives it on the daily. working hard. loving well. giving of self. laughing & playing & bringing joy to those around him.</div>
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while we waited on daddy to park the car we snuggled and watched the rain. he's nearly five and i know these things are fleeting. so i held him tight and breathed a prayer of thanks for a moment such as this. a moment of him and only him. a moment of peace. a moment frozen in time, burned in my memory. </div>
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this is us on the journey of parenthood. it's messy and ugly and also holy and gloriously beautiful if we have eyes to see it.</div>
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<b><i>how do you manage one-on-one time with your little ones?</i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-90295557903560884422014-03-19T08:19:00.003-04:002014-03-19T08:19:35.750-04:00:thoughts on art // FREE PRINTABLE:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia62wd_mji7dajhlpZf_29zCOiuxiT_xsv3LfkRdwRROB5QmODHDt_OKo_DLyS3mA-0cpFw-biJlM3OqxNUmq7l4c4YsqvQzrsNMGkpKvsD9c5j-hwQPkBNO59_qqm9krkWxbiOscZPvs/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia62wd_mji7dajhlpZf_29zCOiuxiT_xsv3LfkRdwRROB5QmODHDt_OKo_DLyS3mA-0cpFw-biJlM3OqxNUmq7l4c4YsqvQzrsNMGkpKvsD9c5j-hwQPkBNO59_qqm9krkWxbiOscZPvs/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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because everyone needs a bit of encouragement from time to time, here is a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/213293261/Do-the-Things">FREE PRINTABLE </a>from me to you. thank you for being a constant encouragement to me as i share my heart and my art in this space. </div>
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there are some new prints in <a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">my shop</a>! i'd love for you to stop by and share your favorites!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-81362177884008641372014-03-04T13:57:00.000-05:002014-03-05T05:46:31.005-05:00:thoughts on faith // the lenten season: <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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growing up Lent was not a word that circulated around our church. it was not a practice i was familiar with until well into my twenties when i began to learn how Chrisitans outside of the denomination in which i was raised, lived out their faith. i soon fell in love with liturgy and all the practices that go along with the liturgical year. </div>
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lent is a season of preparation for the resurrection of Christ, a.k.a. Easter. a season that calls for reflection and repentance, self-denial and change. </div>
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the first year i celebrated lent, i gave up coffee. i am sorry to say that this did not draw me closer to God. in fact, there were times where i questioned his existence all together. i'm kidding. Sort of. </div>
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as i've grown in my understanding of the seasons of advent and lent i have learned that these are times of refocusing. times of renewal and beauty. i have a great appreciation for the season and i am trying to teach my children the same. </div>
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we sat down yesterday and i began explaining the season as simply as i could. they surprised me by how intently they listened and the questions that followed. here are a few things that came from our discussion:</div>
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<b>we are giving up complaining</b> for Lent. our verse for the next forty days that will be in plain view daily is philippians 2:14. you can get the <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/210329567/Philippians-2-14">free printable here</a>. as i was reading different versions i came across the message and was instantly drawn to its phrasing. instead of <i>do everything without complaining</i>, it reads <i>do everything readily and cheerfully, no bickering. </i>i spend a good amount of my time refereeing around my home. so the no bickering clicked right away. i also love the positive spin of <i>how to practice</i> instead of <i>how not to practice.</i> when we say the verse aloud we speak the part <i>"readily and cheerfully"</i> with our hands cupped around our mouths in our best <i>"lets get ready to rummmmmmbbbllleeeeeee"</i> voice. this makes it light and fun and has since turned many heated moments into moments of silliness. </div>
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<b>we are giving 40 gifts for 40 days</b>. i want my children to love others. we talk about blessings constantly. god uses us to bless one another through our time and talents and generosity. so we sat down and began a list of forty people and forty gifts we can give. they aren't fancy gifts, just small reminders to think of others. we always delight in doing for others which is such a great way to emphasize the joy found in giving. some of our gifts ideas are m&m's, cookies, homemade rag dolls, hugs, cards, artwork and more. they have included friends and strangers to bless and i am really excited to get started! </div>
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i have a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+john+4%3A7-21&version=ESV">passage of scripture that i will be reading and memorizing</a> throughout the season as well as a few<br />
<b>books i'll be reading: </b></div>
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God Is On The Cross, Reflections on Lent and Easter by Dietrich Bonhoeffer</div>
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Eastertide, Prayers for Lent Through Easter from The Divine Hours by Phillis Tickle </div>
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City of God, Faith in the Streets by Sara Miles</div>
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i'd love to hear your thoughts on Lent!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-458240090742947522014-02-20T07:33:00.003-05:002014-02-20T07:33:24.522-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // FREE PRINTABLE:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvX7YSJWeJnhOnYSn9pHmx6n_6tuQVkUXJxM_LimZ38jYNkgkSLHws24hrmSIegpoz44iuDXYykaY_J6pai5FH3LpsOEgEvYoguKI9Mdbo69PkFxpUaNdr7kiyqkdgnLtMeJegnG_EvAf/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvX7YSJWeJnhOnYSn9pHmx6n_6tuQVkUXJxM_LimZ38jYNkgkSLHws24hrmSIegpoz44iuDXYykaY_J6pai5FH3LpsOEgEvYoguKI9Mdbo69PkFxpUaNdr7kiyqkdgnLtMeJegnG_EvAf/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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this is a constant theme around our home. seeking to live out love through patience and kindness. this setting aside of ourselves in order to focus on and bless others.<i> it starts at home</i>, mother teresa said, <i>it is not how much we do but how much love we put into that action. </i></div>
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i told jacob, <i>i want to learn first corinthians 13 with the children, picking a few verses each week until we have it memorized</i>. that was a month ago and we are still on verse four. i read it daily to myself and at least once a week with the children. we talk about ways we can practice being patient. we think of ways we can show kindness to one another. each week we come back to it and realize we haven't quite mastered it. i don't know that we ever will and i believe there is grace for that. so for now we are camping out here. i am happy to stay a while soaking up love and grace along the way. </div>
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i hope you'll join me on the journey. in an effort to encourage you, you can DOWNLOAD THIS FREE PRINT, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/207999144/LOVE-is-Patient-Love-is-Kind">here.</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-44273519195154133292014-02-18T14:39:00.002-05:002014-02-18T16:25:54.770-05:00:thoughts on marriage // valentine's edition:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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we woke up just like any other day, except we were at his parents house. due to the winter storm we camped out there with all the darlings to enjoy sledding and snow cream and all the goodness of childhood memories in the making. as you well know he is the more playful one. the one that stays out until tiny fingers and toes are nearly frozen then brings them in for thawing and cuddles. i dress and undress them in seventeen layers each because southerners are so ill-prepared for snow we close schools and even walmart when the flakes start falling. </div>
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on this day, that was just like any other day, we did not offer special gifts of candies or flowers. that's not our thing. we offered hugs and kisses and the knowing glance, of <i>yes, this is just fine with me</i>. once the snow began to melt we collected our little ones and made our way home. there we had take out and spent the evening snuggling the three we love most in this world. once sleep overcame them we fell into the couch, the one worn by the bouncy feet of four year old boy and many years of a growing family. </div>
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the next day he sent me off for a run, because he knows how much i love it and how much i struggle to get away. the to-do list is so long and there is always something to interfere, some excuse to be offered. yet he knows what i need and makes way for my needs to be met. i came home to grab a shower for date night, so graciously provided by my mom. there under the door i found my favorite thing in all the world. Words. kind words, words of affirmation are truly medicine for my soul. my soul that is often weary in this journey of faith and motherhood. this journey of living out the love and calling to the upside-down kingdom of jesus. this journey of figuring out how i fit my small, every day things in the big bring-heaven-to-earth message that jesus taught. he gave the gift no money can buy. exactly what my heart needed. yes this, this is what love looks like for us. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-89666579235687228402014-02-06T07:16:00.001-05:002014-02-06T09:39:25.543-05:00:what i'm into // january edition:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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january has been a blur. even though we have committed our days to slowing down they still seem to have moved at warp speed when looking back. i usually spend most of january recovering from the rush of december. we do a lot of purging and organizing. the month of january also has me in birthday mode with two girlies to celebrate early in february. none-the-less i have been <i>into thing</i>s that might peak your interest. </div>
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<b><u>read and reading</u></b></div>
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i read Pastrix by Nadia Boltz-Weber and loved it. she's raw and genuine in her love for jesus and others. i love how transparent she is with her feelings. she's not perfect and doesn't pretend to be. a recovering alcoholic and cynic turned lover is just sheer beauty to me.</div>
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also read Unschooling Rules by Aldrich Clark</div>
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this is a great read for anyone considering the path of home education. he gives many benefits to an alternative style of teaching our children. this is our second year homeschooling but i found the book encouraging for our journey.</div>
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as a read aloud with the children this month i choose Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren. when i read the first chapter there were some harsh words and phrases which made me question if it was appropriate for my little first grader and four year old that would listen in. i read a bunch of reviews that sang its praises so we read on and i'm so glad we did. this book is about a girl learning to be herself. learning to be honest and do the right thing when those around her do not. it's about a father's great love for his daughter and her great love for her friend. i highly recommend it. </div>
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currently i'm reading Free to Learn by Peter Gray. two chapters in and it is rocking my world. also, picked up Take This Bread by Sara Miles and started it last night before bed. i think i'm going to like it as well. she shares about her conversion via the eucharist and how she started food pantries and began feeding people all across the state in response. </div>
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not sure what our next read aloud will be for the children for now we are returning to little house on the prairie. we go back to it often in between the other things we are reading. so much knowledge and life lessons to be gained in the stories told. </div>
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<b><u>tv</u></b></div>
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i watched the following, season one. it was disappointing but a good filler while folding laundry. parenthood leaves me in tears every single week. we are waiting for the return of the walking dead and scandal. </div>
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<b><u>music</u></b></div>
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i've been listening to all sons and daughters or gungor in the mornings. when the kids are outdside playing or i'm cleaning house i crank up dashboard confessional or the cure radio. throughout the rest of the day we keep the pandora station set on Symphony no. 5. it plays a beautiful mixture of classical music from many different composers. </div>
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<b><u>things i love</u></b></div>
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running. my husband is training for a half marathon and has been encouraging me to do the same. i've always loved running but i've never been a long distance runner. i'm setting goals and working toward them! </div>
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coffee dates with <a href="http://instagram.com/alilittle28">this gal </a>and <a href="http://instagram.com/jonilwarren">this one</a> scheming about something awesome in 2014. </div>
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sunday nights with friends. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127874792/vintage-inspired-science-posters-antler?ref=shop_home_active_6">this piece of art</a> that i hope to hang on my wall soon. </div>
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date nights often granted by loving parents that are amazing grandparents. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175521253/scripture-memory-cards-for-children?">this is a perfect gif</a>t for teachers or friends or your kiddos as a sweet surprise! use code VALENTINE to save 15%. also the more you buy the more you save so check out the bundles.</div>
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i would love it if you joined me in <a href="http://thepleatedpolkadot.blogspot.com/2014/01/thoughts-on-motherhood-fun-mom-project.html">this! </a> follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/melissabeaver">instagram @melissabeaver</a> and #thefunmomproject to see all the goodness. </div>
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taking pictures of my kiddos i<i>n case you hadn't noticed. </i>here are two that i love!</div>
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<b><i>what are you into?</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.leighkramer.com/blog/2014/01/what-im-into-january-2014-edition.html">*linking up with leigh for what i'm into </a></i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-87315174110926862202014-02-03T07:33:00.003-05:002014-02-03T14:48:50.386-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // the year of fun:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_he2BB6BHEkH03DB_9OLikswr0pzwolttrPEthyphenhyphenmdpJcghtx9KfoQtr55JWFE1c8ruNMryL7t7Skw2b6g7lHxAQA1ljuDPI1S7RsZ7fG2Yfh7qQTbD0UdRfs1mix8-wnQ5vuBvZKsfOrO/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_he2BB6BHEkH03DB_9OLikswr0pzwolttrPEthyphenhyphenmdpJcghtx9KfoQtr55JWFE1c8ruNMryL7t7Skw2b6g7lHxAQA1ljuDPI1S7RsZ7fG2Yfh7qQTbD0UdRfs1mix8-wnQ5vuBvZKsfOrO/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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we let her sleep in our bed the night before her big day. as we tucked her in i reminisced about that same night seven years before. jacob looked at me from the other side of her and smiled that knowing smile. the one that lets me know we are on the same page and makes me weak in the knees all at the same time. i told her how we were going to bed and when i laid down my body told me she would be here soon. she didn't ask for details, she doesn't need them yet. her little heart simply needs only the details of how big our love is for her. jacob told her how it snowed the day she was born. that part of the story, her story, is magical in her eyes because she loves snow and we don't get it often. what a birthday present for such a tiny one!</div>
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after snuggles and giggles we tucked her in and gave her kisses knowing when she awoke the next morning the realization of a full year come and gone would fall heavy on this mama heart. </div>
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the birthday girl told me her desired theme for the party and we went to work late in the night to make it happen. birthdays are a very big deal around here. we celebrate the person like crazy, but we keep things simple. birthdays are always celebrated here at our little home. we invite our family and close friends to join in the fun. this means 30-35 people cram into our place and not a complaint is made. conversation and laughter ring from wall to wall. children run in and out. doors are left open. dirt is tracked everywhere and i couldn't be happier, for my little one is truly celebrated. </div>
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we had some special time together this weekend. i talked her into a photo session for her seventh birthday. <i>seven must be documented</i>, i told her. after a couple of outfit choices she landed on the new blue dress gifted by her mimi. add a scarf, a sweater and a top knot and we were off. we went down town and walked around. she looked in shop windows and admired cars that went down the road. she giggled with her new dolly, francine and insisted she accompany her in the photos. i didn't mind. i stayed up late sewing francine as a surprise on her special day. eisley has a deep love for the eiffel tower and all things paris. so francine was made of <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/brejer/mon_amie/paris_in_blush">this fabric</a> and the birthday girl was elated. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQL8BfhHop2qyaLCVXEXwQTl4X6x8Xmt4b8i0HGX7YfubG55N9cl3x5fUqkepV4_5Ay8iqxdXoJlb-UDKyYrbjvIIFFKQzhHsb9X5NuxUeDZOo9OoBydiE8kEAYbt6iDMykc1lcPxvEIo/s1600/IMG_4369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQL8BfhHop2qyaLCVXEXwQTl4X6x8Xmt4b8i0HGX7YfubG55N9cl3x5fUqkepV4_5Ay8iqxdXoJlb-UDKyYrbjvIIFFKQzhHsb9X5NuxUeDZOo9OoBydiE8kEAYbt6iDMykc1lcPxvEIo/s1600/IMG_4369.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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after a ton of photos we made a stop by goodwill. there she picked out a bell for herself and a car for her brother and we finally found a beautiful sheet for the back part of <a href="http://thepleatedpolkadot.blogspot.com/2014/01/thoughts-on-motherhood-quilting.html">the quilt we are making</a>, we headed home. on the way we talked about year seven. i suggested we give it a name. i offered several suggestions and she turned those gorgeous green eyes to the sky as she thought hard.<i> the year of fun,</i> she said. <i>yes, the year of fun is perfect!</i> i went on to explain that we could make even the things we didn't love so much fun because we are together and that alone brings joy. we topped that off with a little tickle session because, <i>FUN! </i></div>
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S E V E N ---> THE YEAR OF FUN</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-55707064910579428852014-01-29T07:27:00.000-05:002014-01-29T12:39:30.672-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // living out the love:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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we attended a wedding this weekend. the bride was stunning. her gown was beautiful and her hair divine. she glowed the glow of a woman in love. i watched as the love birds stood hand in hand reciting vowels. it was glorious, this joining of two hearts. when the minister read from first corinthians thirteen there was a stirring in my heart. so much goodness to be found in those words. so much to be practiced and lived out as a wife and mom. </div>
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for the next month we will be learning, practicing and living out the words spoken about love. we started this week with<b><i> love is patient. love is kind</i></b>. we talked about ways that we can live out this calling of patience and kindness in our daily life. </div>
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as a way to encourage my little one in letter writing and to spread love to others are sending out a few YOU ARE LOVED packages. it is simple, composed of things we have on hand. </div>
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a bookmark, which you can download for free<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/203108197/YOU-ARE-LOVED-BOOKMARK-SET"> here.</a></div>
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a set of the YOU ARE LOVED scripture memory cards which can be purchased<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175521253/scripture-memory-cards-for-children?"> here</a></div>
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suckers & smarties</div>
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handwritten note by my big girl</div>
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eisley loved writing the notes and adding her own artistic touch to the envelop. she chose each piece of candy with care and found joy in the blessing of giving. this will be something we practice regularly as we press on to live out the calling of bringing heaven to earth by loving others and loving them well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC4ocktxOOqDZYqSHUP69BF2hWqQLNWluOEA1WdwIVWZqBGt-B4w3zgQMRzo2IhjPx6N9DsoA_F0uCsR0enpjoJveR1SV-R7SHDSA1B41Y8m74IEniJGOFSYMKStkYzVSfBz1zd2HQyqm/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC4ocktxOOqDZYqSHUP69BF2hWqQLNWluOEA1WdwIVWZqBGt-B4w3zgQMRzo2IhjPx6N9DsoA_F0uCsR0enpjoJveR1SV-R7SHDSA1B41Y8m74IEniJGOFSYMKStkYzVSfBz1zd2HQyqm/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>"not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love"</b></i></div>
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<i><b>-mother teresa</b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-85451991493223061762014-01-27T13:16:00.002-05:002014-01-27T13:16:44.403-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // on independence & the sting of it:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaBnVodkoWv36-dnQdLeQcasGDLLISoMCINaa-yUSFRR_VK2qcHvlDnrNwser1zVKqCldBtbWUP5wUNSXryCfiyxxUBzBrM3TUZcbvYDG-M1twhAdf9SMPRJGTkEfabsS42iO_VOHZxih/s1600/IMG_4170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaBnVodkoWv36-dnQdLeQcasGDLLISoMCINaa-yUSFRR_VK2qcHvlDnrNwser1zVKqCldBtbWUP5wUNSXryCfiyxxUBzBrM3TUZcbvYDG-M1twhAdf9SMPRJGTkEfabsS42iO_VOHZxih/s1600/IMG_4170.JPG" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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i had big plans for our day. i'm on a mission to show her <a href="http://thepleatedpolkadot.blogspot.com/2014/01/thoughts-on-motherhood-fun-mom-project.html">a fun mom</a>. i dreamed it for days. my sister-in-law was coming to curl her hair as a special treat. i promised her blush, mascara and lip gloss. this is something she has enjoyed only once in her short six years and it was for her ballet recital. </div>
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the day arrived and we started our pampering session. the joy lasted for only moments then things quickly went downhill. she did not squeal with delight as i applied the mascara. in fact she cried, i'm still not sure why. she did not hug me repeatedly, overflowing with joy. she did not say anything along the lines of<i> oh mommy this is the best day ever,</i> as i pictured. </div>
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once we arrived at the event center, she immediately released me from my anticipated role of <i>wingmom</i>. she ran off in her fluffy white gown to be with the other fancy girls. she didn't look back, <i>much</i>. when asked what her favorite part of the wedding was, she replied, <i>i really like wandering around everywhere, </i>and she did. more than once we looked up to see her entertaining an entire table full of adults. she pranced around the room with not a care in the world, full of joy in the being. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-X0moPognjAYKBKZ5VymtmNcFg_V4s5dI2U33gphyphenhyphenZhQsoh8jN5O3Qi_drbzWroCOGF2D1z2I3wPnHpuw7setQOzpuW-85B-4DBJMHGCQ77B_IfUse9E_vdEAplwPo93w1AxGLFnzmHl/s1600/IMG_7210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-X0moPognjAYKBKZ5VymtmNcFg_V4s5dI2U33gphyphenhyphenZhQsoh8jN5O3Qi_drbzWroCOGF2D1z2I3wPnHpuw7setQOzpuW-85B-4DBJMHGCQ77B_IfUse9E_vdEAplwPo93w1AxGLFnzmHl/s1600/IMG_7210.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
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she made a new friend, the ring bearer, the only other child present. she shared her animal crackers and conversed with his mother as if they were long lost friends. i waited for a moment when she might need me. i looked for fear that would seek out comfort and found none. sure she would bounce back to our table from time to time for a drink or a bite to eat but it wasn't long until the calling to seek out and be among others overtook her. </div>
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i found myself both happy and sad. i squeezed jacob's arm and he gave me a knowing look. i am happy that my darling is independent and social. she has a deep love for people and a desire to know them. she is a great conversationalist and can hold her own even with those much older. she is polite and kind, silly and playful. </div>
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sadness came in the independence. it wanted to linger but i refused it. <i>this is our goal isn't it?</i> raising her to be a loving and kind human being. a person concerned for others above herself. one that brings joy to all she encounters. one that will make marks for good in the upside-down-kingdom. i cannot hold her hand on this journey but i can love her, support her and encourage her from where i stand. i can be there when she returns to feed her body and soul as needed. yes this my calling. this is motherhood. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-23198051684195526422014-01-22T07:31:00.002-05:002014-01-22T09:36:36.332-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // the fun mom project:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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i've always been the more serious type. when friends were loud and crazy i was quiet and observant. a wall flower, you might say. however, people that laugh loud and like to be seen, have always fascinated me. i'm drawn to those people. the ones with the boldness to be fun. maybe that's why i married a fun one. he's playful and friendly. he has a signature high-five that both stings a little and welcomes you in, lets you know you're included. it says, with a slap, <i>hey, you're cool, lets be friends. </i>only fun people can pull off the high five. </div>
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she sees this about daddy and loves it. the oldest, she's more like him in this way. she never meets a stranger and giggles deep from the belly with everyone she meets. the little two, they are always asking to go. go somewhere, anywhere. just go. </div>
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me? i'm the lover of home and quiet. i crave a full table of food and friends and have a deep love for people but there comes a time when i need home. routine is my favorite. as a mom who stays at home and has chosen home education, there must be routine to keep us in check. </div>
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so daily my children hear some of these things </div>
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<i>brush your teeth and get dressed</i></div>
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<i>it's time for studies</i></div>
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<i>clear your area</i></div>
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<i>put away your toys</i></div>
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<i>gather your books it's time for rest time</i></div>
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<i>please do not say _________</i></div>
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<i>is that being loving?</i></div>
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<i>time for books and snuggles before bed</i></div>
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i am the routine keeper. the trainer of hearts and minds. </div>
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daddy is home in the evenings and weekends. when he comes in the hallelujah chorus sings for all of us. he is truly the highlight of our day. he comes in and wrestles and tickles and laughs with our little ones. on the weekends they can stay in their jammies as long as they want to. he takes them on bike rides and hikes. daddy dates are their absolute favorite. </div>
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so when eisley looked at me one day and said,<i> mommy you're serious and daddy is crazy,</i> i felt a twinge of disappointment but also the sting of truth. i baked cookies that day in an effort to push back against her perspective. daily i've been thoughtfully looking for ways for my children to see the fun side of me. </div>
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during dress up time recently i had two princesses and a spiderman on my hands. the oldest princess said, <i>mommy i wish you could dress up</i>. though there were many things on my to-do list and routines to be kept, i did. i pulled out my wedding gown, and pranced around in my unmade-up face and unwashed hair and found that my little girl who sees me as serious, saw me as fun. even more so when she got to try on my dress. </div>
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so in an effort to show my children moms are fun too,<b> </b></div>
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<b>i will be documenting these moments via instagram. you can </b></div>
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<b>follow me // @melissabeaver and join in with the hashtag // #thefunmomproject. </b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-72879370049429338392014-01-20T06:46:00.000-05:002014-01-20T06:58:02.353-05:00:thoughts on faith // why he loves the flaws:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9ysbkFF04uJyAmd4cA9GJbGQVCWbAG8Sd1iUJqWyCRYl5mPIG_palpIBgYf53cr2qmVtllT7YegCKcFx6sjZa_3PvHPmJ6qh9AOPG-879luJe_Jmj8h8L05i4lu32R5uuScn_jE1VsvT/s1600/1100+page+width.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9ysbkFF04uJyAmd4cA9GJbGQVCWbAG8Sd1iUJqWyCRYl5mPIG_palpIBgYf53cr2qmVtllT7YegCKcFx6sjZa_3PvHPmJ6qh9AOPG-879luJe_Jmj8h8L05i4lu32R5uuScn_jE1VsvT/s1600/1100+page+width.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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i climbed up to the top bunk, like i always do, tossing stuffed animals left and right to make a spot for myself. she rolls toward me and says <i>"you know what my favorite things are?....the things you have made for me."</i> she pulls her ragdolls close. they are worn and frayed, true signs of something well loved. we lay face to face chatting about the day. she's sharing her favorite moments, clutching the heart shaped pillow to her chest. the one that she held on her lamp to see what would happen.<i> yikes! i know.we talked about it</i> holding it there too long burned a tiny cigarette shaped hole. i tell her, <i>i can patch that and it won't be as noticeable</i> she turns her round hazel eyes to the sky thinking about my offer. she looks back to her pillow and gently traces the mark with her finger. <i>no, </i>she says, <i>i like it. that's how i know it's mine. </i></div>
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we kissed goodnight and i climbed down from her bunk to go about my evening routine. i picked up a few toys here and there, returning them to their rightful home. i washed dishes in silence as her words washed over me, <i>no, i like the flaw, that's how i know it's mine.</i></div>
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the burn marks of my life surfaced. the ones that often bring pain and shame. the ones that i hide and worry will change how people see me. everyone has a mark of some sort. evidence of wrong choices made during a selfish season. a season when the desires of my own hearts were more important than his. a season when my path seemed better than his. yet i am convinced that jesus looks at those marks, traces them with his fingers, covers them with his grace and says, <i>yes, they are mine. </i></div>
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<i><i>i am his....marks and all.</i></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-87642978576527473332014-01-15T08:13:00.000-05:002014-01-15T08:13:15.750-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // the little one:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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this one is nearly two and i stand still, shocked by the fleeting of time. as her second birthday draws near, i see the beauty of her untamed curls, her all out excitement for living this life and the passionate love she has for all who cross her path,<a href="http://thepleatedpolkadot.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-where-i-open-my-heart-and-let-you.html"> i go back to that dark place.</a> i see her being wheeled away by strangers and feel the feelings of the unknown. gratitude fills my soul, to the brim. </div>
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he said it as we sped down the interstate, not far behind the ambulance that carried our day old baby, <i>"she's going to be fine. there is nothing wrong with her."</i></div>
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i sat nervously careful of my thoughts knowing my emotions were hanging by a thread. speaking to just the right person could open the floor gates of despair that i could not again, close. i didn't answer the phone when friends called. jacob handled nearly all communication. he kept everyone informed and somehow managed to keep me grounded at the same time. </div>
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our small stint in the NICU was but a wrinkle in time. i can say that now because it is behind us, a speck in our story. yet while living it, the hallways seemed miles long, the nights eternal and that week of <i>"maybe tomorrow"</i> never ending. the lessons learned will remain for all of our days. </div>
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yet here she is, in all her glory, almost two. this tender one of mine, reminding me what compassion looks like as her heart breaks with the broken hearted. as i see her draw near to her brother and sister when comfort is needed. love, freely given, without request or conditions. </div>
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thank you little one for helping me see this earth crammed with heaven. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-9716819386826721492014-01-12T13:31:00.002-05:002014-01-12T13:32:55.633-05:00:thoughts on faith // on sabbath & keeping it holy:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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our current read aloud is little house on the prairie. just recently we came across the chapter describing sundays and the honor of them. laura and mary weren't aloud to run and play on sundays. for it was the sabbath and meant to be honored, holy. this didn't sit well with laura- this idea mandated and passed down of what sabbath <i>should</i> look like for everyone. it doesn't sit well with me either. </div>
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times have changed a bit. children are free to run and play. stores are now open on sundays. church people are the primary patrons during the lunch hour rush. honoring the sabbath and keeping it holy looks different from one person to the next. </div>
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there was a time when i would notice someone mowing their lawn on sunday and judge them. </div>
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there was a time when i noticed the neighbors car never moved on a sunday morning and judge them.</div>
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now there are many days when our car doesn't move on sunday morning. yet honoring the sabbath and keeping it holy is sacred to me. </div>
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on any given sunday you'll find me sleeping in, sipping my coffee slowly while little ones snuggle close for books or a show. i might wake up early to sit in the silence and bask in the grace that never runs out and never gives up. i might crawl in that amazing tent my father-in-law built, to snuggle eisley, usually the last to get up, and chat about her dreams and plans and hopes. you'll most likely find me making the bed, because it gives me peace. before i can finish the one-that-i-love picks me up and throws me down for a cuddle. this cuddle is also known as an open invitation for little ones to join in to wrestle and tickle and giggle breathless. </div>
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these are the moments where i see the evidence of god. </div>
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these are the moments <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/38640-earth-s-crammed-with-heaven-and-every-common-bush-afire-with">crammed with heaven </a>and i see it and i am taking off my shoes for these moments, they are holy. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-51431410220316817222014-01-10T07:11:00.000-05:002014-01-10T07:16:14.363-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // on adventure:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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she flew in the backdoor, short of breath, cheeks read and grabbed my hand. <i>do you want to come see it mama? we decorated the clubhouse</i>! i followed her outside and for a moment my memories took me back to that little spot out in the woods behind my mama's house. the one with the swept dirt floors and wooden sign that said something like <i>keep out</i> or <i>girls clubhouse,</i> i can't remember now. </div>
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i followed her to the entrance and walked in across the newly laid, stepping stones with the words written by her friend:</div>
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<i>the playhouse </i></div>
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<i>ond by the bevers </i></div>
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i walked inside to see old christmas garland strung from one tree to the next. a living area that consisted of a little tikes chair from her table set, a camping chair and a flower pot turned upside-down for a coffee table. <i>the lounge area, s</i>he presented. </div>
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i paused to look all around, trying to take in all the beauty that her six year old eyes were seeing. after a minute my eyes met hers. the corners turned up and she gave me that quirky grin that says, <i>well, whaddya think mom?</i> i said <i>it's just perfect coop- just perfect! </i></div>
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the cold days have kept us from playing outside as much as we like. so when it warmed up after the single digit temperatures we set our sights on adventure. </div>
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our adventure included a bucket or basket for each darling to collect their findings and driving a good 4 miles to a local homestead for exploration. the children ran and giggled from spot to spot, hair flying in the wind, collecting and imagining and delighting in the newness of it all. they filled their baskets full of goodies to take home all the while basking in the beauty of make-believe, pretending the shelters were their places of residence<br />
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i was reminded how easily they are made happy. i was renewed in my quest for a simple life. i was refreshed by the crisp cool air and the warm sunshine on my face.</div>
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<b><i>"we have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this earth, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and to tell our stories. these are the moments when the world is made whole. in my </i></b></div>
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<b><i>children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist."</i></b></div>
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<b><i>-richard louv, last child in the woods</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-50311697298283627962014-01-08T07:30:00.000-05:002014-01-08T07:30:11.315-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // training days:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVqmeMQC2_DT7xEcz4qnmyu2sUCRIb99YKLif2iiPyO-YxnXm8lIKfrdse_FnY0fsYyU7qtk3GYqHmAVLHxQW0Kw3-Rg3nNIpmn8WAZ7B1rl-Wjy9WxAdErMAr0Zkiu_QY1bHt-uYh0KY/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVqmeMQC2_DT7xEcz4qnmyu2sUCRIb99YKLif2iiPyO-YxnXm8lIKfrdse_FnY0fsYyU7qtk3GYqHmAVLHxQW0Kw3-Rg3nNIpmn8WAZ7B1rl-Wjy9WxAdErMAr0Zkiu_QY1bHt-uYh0KY/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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the wind blows chill right to my summer-loving-bones. i've never liked the cold. give me warmth and sunshine and bare feet any day, <i>every day. </i>the winter days are hard and long with little ones that desperately need to be outside washing away their energy with running and jumping and tree climbing high enough to make my mama heart panic. </div>
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so, in an effort to fight the winter-melt-downs ensued by too many hours cooped up inside, i am slowly giving my little ones more responsibilities around the house. their ages are seven-next month, four and a half and two-next month. </div>
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after breakfast is finished they <b>clear their area</b>, <i>something we've been working on for weeks now.</i> teaching them to take ownership of their space and their things. they put their plates in the sink and their water cups in the refrigerator. i ask eisley,<i> the oldest</i>, to empty the dishwasher, which she currently LOVES to do. i start making the bed and durgin comes in upset that he doesn't have a job. now, had i issued a job earlier without his request i truly feel he would have resisted. however, seeing his older sister with a job instantly made him want one. so he brought the laundry from the dryer to the living room and folded what he could and put away a few things as well. </div>
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lunch was prepared while the darlings played. then we enjoyed a bit of geography along with our goodies. .</div>
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once they were finished they, again, cleared their area and asked to clean the floors. every part of my perfectionist self wanted to say <i>no i'll do that later</i>, but i resisted. they each had a broom or mop of some sort. very little cleaning was actually accomplished but with some upbeat music they enjoyed a little dance party while getting the hang of pushing the broom around. they expended some energy and my floors do look surprisingly cleaner. </div>
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<b><i>how do you teach your little ones to help out around the house?</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-23266024953379554962014-01-06T07:14:00.001-05:002014-01-06T10:45:30.494-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // on being an amateur:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5AaE9NrWVTexDnsxbyt4FL4lRLXsF9TmRnyjoelRMl7KNrHUBMDsgd6az7_eTzlLgFG_OdByfeEFJQhvFZoffbA4R2t-_3f0Rtf3OalOb3Sl1QNXgjjPIYJ15yrFrmCBLmrlOYHIZg20/s1600/IMG_3948-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5AaE9NrWVTexDnsxbyt4FL4lRLXsF9TmRnyjoelRMl7KNrHUBMDsgd6az7_eTzlLgFG_OdByfeEFJQhvFZoffbA4R2t-_3f0Rtf3OalOb3Sl1QNXgjjPIYJ15yrFrmCBLmrlOYHIZg20/s1600/IMG_3948-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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someone recently asked me, <i>"when did you get so crafty?"</i> and <i>"when did you start drawing?" </i></div>
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the love of art and all things creative has always been within my soul. burned deep in my memory are the moments spent with a blank canvas before me as mrs. freeze, my art teacher in the eighth grade, taught me how to make little trees with a fan brush. my mom had a custom frame built for that piece of art and the love of it all has lingered through the years. </div>
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having children has fanned the flame of creativity. my big girl is artistic by nature and i am certain that art time is her love language. she is happiest when she is creating. so i'm learning and i'm teaching her and she's teaching me as we go along. </div>
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this week we started a new project, quilt making.</div>
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i found <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Patchwork-Quilt-1/">this tutorial</a> for a patchwork quilt that looked simple enough for our first attempt. </div>
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we picked out the fabric from my stash with no particular rhyme or reason for each piece. i cut out 48 pieces and let her arrange them how she saw fit. she then ironed every piece, which was her first time using an iron- <i>yay for life skills!</i> then we sewed one row together. she got a little crooked on two pieces so we had to pull those out and do them again. her excitement about this project is contagious. the delight she has taken in one little row sewn makes my mama heart overflow with joy. i can't wait to see how it turns out! </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"every artist was first an amateur"</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">-ralph waldo emerson</span></b></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2014/01/life-lately.html">*linking up with carissa for miscellany monday</a></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-54246074207366399792013-11-25T07:18:00.002-05:002013-11-25T12:12:57.009-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // watch for the light:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS60QywND_a-9IRybFAwcRZ6tlrnuNoDt7UVVCdR9XJnRnzRL1E19gre5Ax72jxbZKN4D3mzhOY8I3qknhkkP2kgi3Eu0yFOFLMR_L77yiu36jmBYCNA-TzxtEd0yACsLK8WGafPESeqK/s1600/IMG_7452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS60QywND_a-9IRybFAwcRZ6tlrnuNoDt7UVVCdR9XJnRnzRL1E19gre5Ax72jxbZKN4D3mzhOY8I3qknhkkP2kgi3Eu0yFOFLMR_L77yiu36jmBYCNA-TzxtEd0yACsLK8WGafPESeqK/s640/IMG_7452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"the light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" john 1:5</div>
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as the advent season approaches things will begin to look differently around here. there will be a slowing of our days. there will be more calm as we await the coming of christ. there will be a tossing out of our sunday's best and we will put on our work clothes in order to do the hard work for the kingdom. the hard work of shining light into our hearts to see what must be changed. only when the light has been invited into our hearts can we do the work of bringing light to others.</div>
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so you might find us cuddled under blankets reading books upon books upon books. we will continue looking through the world vision catalogue trying to decide how we can bless those found inside. you will surely find us donning our aprons, flour dusting the floors, as we create goodies to fill the belly and bless the heart of neighbors, known and unknown. we will collect cans and coins and coats and take them where they are needed. we will seek out people that need encouragement and do what we can, with what we have been given. </div>
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we will open our home to friends and family and we will not worry about dirty countertops or dishes in the sink. we will relish in the gift of friendship and the blessing of community. my little ones will learn, first hand, the art of hospitality. </div>
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yes, for us, this will be the season of slowing. <b>what will your season look like?</b></div>
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<b><i>"we have to learn to live in what is coming from god every day and to carry a light </i></b></div>
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<b><i>from this awareness into the darkness" - alfred delp</i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*linking up with <a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2013/11/misc-monday_25.html">carissa </a></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-48686610905656821322013-11-20T06:54:00.001-05:002013-11-20T07:23:25.704-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // on the jumping in:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBTtZ34U77ySxRI-ZAsqyPfcNDv6lLGXIaKMjes3V2sLbILb3OohaNW9-m5KtOwtgswHxuMLxTT8JGpO2THi3_NTtS9NxAA8PEmvORSQ7eCY2Qu6dXEWm0uyiF97Ts-UGO_nbbonU2-tt/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBTtZ34U77ySxRI-ZAsqyPfcNDv6lLGXIaKMjes3V2sLbILb3OohaNW9-m5KtOwtgswHxuMLxTT8JGpO2THi3_NTtS9NxAA8PEmvORSQ7eCY2Qu6dXEWm0uyiF97Ts-UGO_nbbonU2-tt/s640/IMG_2643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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i dreamed of this little ones. i dreamed of growing you one after the other inside me. presenting you as offerings to one another, treasures to be loved always. i dreamed of you playing for hours endlessly in your own little world, fully delighting in the gift of a built-in playmate. </div>
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you spend your days doing studies together. durgin often whispers, <i>she's teaching me, mom</i>. and you are sweet eisley. you are the leader of this crazy crew, born to it. some days you love this privilege. some days you don't. you want to steal away to your space and time. you call it quiet time. i hear you playing and talking and living out the goodness of make believe. we give you what you need. all leaders need time to be refreshed. jesus slipped away from the crowd on many occasions to be filled so that he could come back and care for those around him. </div>
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durgin, my sweet rough and tumble boy. you are full speed, always. you wake up running. requesting to get dressed WITH SHOES before i have finished my first cup of coffee. full of spirit and passion. persuasive, lord you are so persuasive. blonde hair long and blue eyes bold like i've never seen before. you ask and i can hardly resist your request. you are sweet and tender and you love your sisters with a crazy love. </div>
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rohen mae our tender one, comforter to all who cry. when you find sadness your heart breaks and you lay your head on the shoulder of the broken one until they are no longer broken. you laugh all day long showing all five teeth at once. if you hear a beat you're moving, in this you are fully mine. </div>
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i dream of lifelong friendship for you. i remind you daily you are best friends. i dream of phone calls and advice given when you want it from someone other that mom or dad. i dream of shoulders to cry on. i dream of double dates. i dream of your families blending like one. i dream of your children being best friends. i dream of thanksgiving and christmas with a full table and laughter, oh the laughter. let us always laugh together. </div>
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i am reading cold tangerines by shauna niequist. she shares a story from when she was a camp counselor, at the end of the term they have a huge swim meet where the children swim for their parents. her job was to cheer for the swimmers in her lane. she saw that her swimmer was weary and about to cry and give up. so she jumped in, fully clothed and swam right beside her. if the swimmer touched the counselor she would be disqualified.so they just swam together to the end with shauna cheering her on, <i>you're tough, you can make it,</i> she would say. they reached the finish line together. </blockquote>
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this is my prayer for you all- JUMP IN, get wet, be there for one another, cheer, encourage, carry each others burdens, be best friends, be the living expression of god's love. </div>
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i love you all forever-always-amen. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://extraordinary-ordinary.net/2013/11/19/just-write-111/">*just writing with heather</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">ORDER YOUR ADVENT CALENDAR HERE!</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-20030378918999861592013-11-18T07:36:00.000-05:002013-11-18T09:18:08.216-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // for the love of reading:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we were all sitting in a circle around the room, some in the floor, some on the couch. she looked at me with contempt as i spoke about the book and my thoughts. i felt the intensity of her stare. me, a mere twenty-something, newly married, seeking the wisdom of those farther along on this journey of love and life. after a while she said, <i>you won't have time for all this reading when you have children. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">with three little ones now in our nest, i think about those words often as i open a book and the fragrance of pages to be turned surrounds me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">maybe i don't have time for all this reading, but i make time. <b>you make time for the things you love.</b> i love the written word. it is my hope to pen my own book someday. i want my children to love books and learning. none of these things can come into play without first reading and reading and reading some more. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">how do i make time for all this reading?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we do very little television. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i love shows. i love to just sink into a great show and not have to think, but i usually watch shows when i am processing orders for my shop or late at night with my husband. during the day you will find us curled up with books. we check out close to fifty books every week from the library and we read every single one before returning them the next week. my children go to bed with books. they take their afternoon rest time with books. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">reading in spurts. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">this used to be difficult for me. my personality wants to begin and end something in the same sitting. however, i have learned that doing things in pieces allows me to do more things that i love. i read a couple pages in the morning with my coffee. i wake up an hour or so before the kids so that i can read and write in the stillness. i read a couple of pages during their rest times. i read while i workout on the elliptical. i read a couple more pages at bedtime. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>keep books in plain view</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we have stacks of books throughout our home. our library collection can be found on top of the sewing machine my aunt gave me. it's right as the kids walk to their rooms so they are constantly grabbing a couple to peruse. i keep my library stack there too as a constant reminder to get a few pages under my belt. there is a stack on the table by the couch where i usually sit. there is a stack by my desk and by my bed. i walk around thinking, <i>i can't wait to read that one or more of that one. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">there is no trick to reading. you just do it, a little at a time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i love a good book recommendation so let me hear what you have read and loved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">get your ADVENT CALENDAR here!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2013/11/misc-monday_18.html"><i>*linking up with carissa </i></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-76510012943972487882013-11-15T12:14:00.004-05:002013-11-15T14:03:12.133-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // sharing stories:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH_dLiw9_9wDgAp_by0y366R9v2aKGxMqvYCFBhB-r-Hwnyx0mo4Tg6hEOQcapQECoL_ro2vJahSf8WfHuLU14ruEB0-cE9BbekUi6Ol8jTGDyCj65gdMTTpfrHaGCDBRDCKu8dIPWdC3/s1600/IMG_2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH_dLiw9_9wDgAp_by0y366R9v2aKGxMqvYCFBhB-r-Hwnyx0mo4Tg6hEOQcapQECoL_ro2vJahSf8WfHuLU14ruEB0-cE9BbekUi6Ol8jTGDyCj65gdMTTpfrHaGCDBRDCKu8dIPWdC3/s640/IMG_2293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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she asks the same question every single day. <i>mama, will you tell me a story about when you were little? </i></div>
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some days i'm tired and i don't want to tell the stories. i don't want to repeat the same things over and over again. i ask <i>why? why do you want to hear that one again? </i>she says,<i> because i like them.</i></div>
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she loves the one about the mouse getting in my shoe. </div>
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"one morning when i was getting ready for school i saw a mouse run across the room. <i>this was not unusual because we lived in the country amongst many fields, enter field mice.</i> i grabbed my <i>totally awesome</i> reebok high top tennis shoes and jumped on grandma's bed to put them on. i crammed my foot in but for some reason it wouldn't go. i turned the shoe over and patted it over my lap. out came a tiny mouse in my lap. that's when i screamed to the point of hysteria and grandma slapped me to bring me out of it. "</h3>
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she giggles her belly giggle with her white baby teeth gleaming and says <i>do the screaming part again, mama!</i></div>
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my stories are not amazing. they are simple. they are real. they are treasures to my little ones and no matter how many times they ask, i will always share my story as they develop their own to be shared one day. </div>
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<i>"miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see."</i></div>
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<i>-c.s. lewis</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">get your advent calendar here!</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-41107171670372263012013-11-13T07:07:00.000-05:002013-11-13T07:07:03.764-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // giving them heroes:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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they greeted us with smiles. ten kids under nine, full of energy and questions can be received in a number of ways. yet these men, took their time and answered every little question they threw out. they were kind and patient. when they pulled out their drawer of tools and little boy eyes grew wild wide with curiosity, the fed their frenzy and let them hold the sledge hammer and the hook. they lifted them one by one into the basket that lifts high for rescue. they let them sit in their seats and try on their hats. </div>
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they gave them someone to look up to. </div>
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they gave them real live people that do good for others and think of others before themselves.</div>
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they gave them kindness and laughter.</div>
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they gave them pride in a job they love.</div>
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<b><i>they gave them heroes.</i></b></div>
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<i><b>"I think that we all do heroic things, but hero is not a noun, it's a verb." </b></i></div>
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<i><b>-Robert Downey, Jr.</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.thelovelywords.etsy.com/">only 7 days left to purchase your ADVENT CALENDAR & receive it by December 1st</a></div>
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<br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5345635846849605714.post-56402746770299030792013-11-11T07:17:00.001-05:002013-11-11T07:17:22.358-05:00:thoughts on motherhood // learning to be thankful:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38lra4v7IT4bbfKxPaIMydyjuWoeAJMidx3NbQp7Xzo-VSTdPosJ8d_pEFIgfnOl2BZquTTWCWmSTJNTOdzn7wGgkhifd-9_QnHjVbkTwt9qCEq0Bk8WVilpE8GBBUmDS5yGOWXal2Vjr/s1600/Knitty-Bitties-Lovely-Words-Giveaway-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38lra4v7IT4bbfKxPaIMydyjuWoeAJMidx3NbQp7Xzo-VSTdPosJ8d_pEFIgfnOl2BZquTTWCWmSTJNTOdzn7wGgkhifd-9_QnHjVbkTwt9qCEq0Bk8WVilpE8GBBUmDS5yGOWXal2Vjr/s640/Knitty-Bitties-Lovely-Words-Giveaway-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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it can begin as early as breakfast, when they aren't happy with what's being offered, and can carry right on through bedtime prayers because <i>one more minute</i> is never enough. the little ones are not alone in this battle of the wills. this battle to acknowledge the gifts among the disappointments. my complaints look more like a sigh and dropped shoulders when i realize a mess i cleaned up four times already has again reared its ugliness. or a furrowed brow because there is never enough sleep for a mama of little ones. </div>
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selfishness covers the eyes like scales that blind us to the goodness that is to be found in every day. so we are learning together the beauty of thankfulness. </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"when i give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">i make a place for god to grow within me"</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">-ann voskamp </span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisanw3cMLww6QzmV654VAjUF9U2CyIuurjhgHZtZDOQQXFdVjuk_wZCn8BawMe44RhJRrkVQXxiQvH8EiCPaICgXwkObBPD5n8nZMDu8mtQEEOVS3TUeneTc0fIr8L1GxGngt0RzWICfdd/s1600/Knitty-Bitties-Lovely-Words-Giveaway-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisanw3cMLww6QzmV654VAjUF9U2CyIuurjhgHZtZDOQQXFdVjuk_wZCn8BawMe44RhJRrkVQXxiQvH8EiCPaICgXwkObBPD5n8nZMDu8mtQEEOVS3TUeneTc0fIr8L1GxGngt0RzWICfdd/s640/Knitty-Bitties-Lovely-Words-Giveaway-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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it begins with writing. writing down the big and small things that bless our days. <a href="http://knittybittiessews.com/">my friend andrea </a>makes <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/knittybitties?section_id=6280982">list takers</a> that are perfect for capturing blessings. in addition to the writing, we each picked a verse from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160145009/scripture-memory-cards-for-children?">thankfulness edition scripture memory cards</a> to focus on this month. </div>
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these are the small steps we are taking to draw us nearer to living out the radical love of jesus. because how can we love others and love well until we have a grateful heart? in an effort to bless and encourage you in your thankfulness journey, andrea and i will be giving away one <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130735291/list-taker-chevron-ricrac-covered?ref=shop_home_active">list taker </a>and one set of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160145009/scripture-memory-cards-for-children?">thankfulness edition scripture memory cards </a></div>
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***</div>
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<b>just enter via the rafflecopter below.</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> the giveaway will run from Monday AM until Sunday, November 17th @ 12AM. Winner will be announced on Monday. </b></span></div>
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here are some other ways you can connect with andrea::</div>
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instagram // <a href="http://instagram.com/knittybittiesshop">@knittybittiesshop</a></div>
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etsy // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/knittybitties?ref=l2-shopheader-name">knittybitties</a></div>
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blog // <a href="http://www.knittybittiessews.com/">knittybittiessews</a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e8d78721/" id="rc-e8d78721" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2013/11/misc-monday.html">*linking up with carissa</a></i></span></div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102642927521577817noreply@blogger.com12