tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70032665372141151212024-02-08T07:41:33.444-08:00Life and Adventures of the Jenkins RevealedMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-87001716725781420182010-07-16T09:50:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:55:23.462-07:00Beach combingThese are pictures from a couple months ago, but worth posting. Cora's friend Clay is an expert beach comber and teaches her all kinds of things about marine life. <div><br /></div><div>More pictures soon of our summer fun.<br /><br /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf63%2Ftheglessners%2FClay%2520and%2520Cora%2520at%2520the%2520Yellow%2520Gate%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/af63/theglessners/Clay%20and%20Cora%20at%20the%20Yellow%20Gate/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-56161058678168429192010-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:002010-05-17T09:45:50.536-07:00Happy Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S_FwtWRMi2I/AAAAAAAABus/vPTEl3dLBtM/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S_FwtWRMi2I/AAAAAAAABus/vPTEl3dLBtM/s400/IMG_2749.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472278946605992802" /></a><br />So, yes, I know, I'm the most sporadic blogger <i>ever</i>, and most of you my friends have given up on me and probably never check here anymore unless you have a blog reader that alerts you to the off-chance update. Just so you know I have started <i>many</i> blog posts over the past few months (and even more in my head) but there seems to be so much to say that I never finish until its just old news and so they keep sitting in the draft box. Here goes another attempt, but I find it's so difficult to try to capture what's going on in my head and heart and life. Life is so full to the brim of joy and excitement around here that it can hardly be expressed in my faltering words!<div><br /></div><div>We reached another milestone of our lives in April: the excitement of David graduating with his MDiv (which as his professor said at the graduation ceremony does not mean becoming a Master of Divinity, but rather Master of becoming mastered by the Divinity. Truly.) It has been an unbelievable journey of change and growth and profundity and humility. It seems surreal for him to be finished. But he has sucked every drop out this experience and is so excited about God's next adventure in store. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right now that adventure means a summer of parenting and continuing life as it is while I spend a gorgeous Vancouver summer madly trying to take two courses and write a 40,000 word thesis. All while struggling with mommy brain during those final months of pregnancy (only 18 weeks left. Eek.)</div><div><br /></div><div>It also means taking some much needed downtime before starting the craziness of a brand new career. Which for David, of course means sailing. He has joined a few guys that own a sailboat in doing a bit of a co-op so that he can sail regularly this summer. This weekend he is out with one of his best guy friends on a weekend sail over to the islands. I am missing him terribly, as are the girls who are <i>ridiculously</i> attached to him. He's sort of the stable center around whom all we girls flit about. When he's missing we're just going in circles!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hannah and Cora are keeping us laughing constantly. They keep me grounded in what's important after long days in my head at the library! They have such fun personalities. Every day I feel overcome with feelings of gratefulness to God for allowing me to be the mother of two such amazing people. Already I can see they are so diverse and yet equally so gifted and beautiful. Their crazy antics bring so much exuberant joy to this home!<br /><br /></div><div>At a recent parent-teacher meeting, Cora's teacher gave us some fabulous insight into her strengths--things we know so well, but hearing the perspective from someone so experienced in child development was fun. Some of Cora's particularly strong traits she mentioned are her compassion--she's always noticing and caring for others; strength and confidence--she stands up for herself using her words, and knows just what she likes to do; tells stories and loves to make people laugh (David and I get this side at dinner every night!); happy to share and take-turns; absolutely loves story-time and is a great listener.</div><div><br />Another thing about Cora is her growing spiritual awareness. Sometimes she surprises us with the sweetest things. A recent example is in the car one day when we heard the song "There Will Be a Day" and it speaks of seeing Jesus face to face. David told her that this song is about when we are with Jesus forever. She listened for a moment and said, "It says we'll see His face! And we're going to run to Him, right? Yeah, 'cuz I love Jesus <i>so much</i>!" It was one of those melt-your-heart moments that lifts your own heart in worship.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-82080963474430658102010-02-21T21:32:00.000-08:002010-02-21T21:51:57.938-08:00Olympics Fever<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXD0vBPII/AAAAAAAABsY/thlKT-8CoFs/s1600-h/DSC05069.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXD0vBPII/AAAAAAAABsY/thlKT-8CoFs/s800/DSC05069.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEHVER0I/AAAAAAAABsg/ArtD00imCaM/s1600-h/DSC05057.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEHVER0I/AAAAAAAABsg/ArtD00imCaM/s800/DSC05057.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEdLTVuI/AAAAAAAABso/BWZqQiryzRk/s1600-h/DSC05075.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEdLTVuI/AAAAAAAABso/BWZqQiryzRk/s800/DSC05075.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEgkVnvI/AAAAAAAABsw/yge5G67gofU/s1600-h/DSC05085.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IXEgkVnvI/AAAAAAAABsw/yge5G67gofU/s800/DSC05085.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hannah was fascinated with the lights and tall buildings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IYWPz2y7I/AAAAAAAABs4/sffbnicZ9gE/s1600-h/DSC05095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IYWPz2y7I/AAAAAAAABs4/sffbnicZ9gE/s800/DSC05095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440938070297201586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Watching the US-Canada hockey game on the big screen.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IYWvdqSRI/AAAAAAAABtA/OZo7bpcQGqw/s1600-h/DSC05101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S4IYWvdqSRI/AAAAAAAABtA/OZo7bpcQGqw/s800/DSC05101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440938078794041618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Taking a rickshaw ride.</div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-40495436609013208642010-02-06T20:46:00.000-08:002010-02-06T20:46:29.686-08:00School Photo...1st of Many!<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S25FowEgUrI/AAAAAAAABr4/mx0Dcbm1Qr8/s1600-h/5+x+7-1.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S25FowEgUrI/AAAAAAAABr4/mx0Dcbm1Qr8/s400/5+x+7-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-79837027780930772362010-02-06T10:45:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:39:59.349-08:00Hannah's BirthdaySweet Hannah turned one on Thursday! Cora's first birthday involved a huge party with all our friends, visiting grandparents, a cookout, balloons, and lots of presents. Hannah is the stereotypical second-born. She got a nice family dinner, a birthday cake celebration with our close family friends Dana, Justin and Clay, skyped-in grandparents, and no presents except a handmade butterfly card from Cora, which actually turned out to be quite exciting for her. However, another perk of being second-born: there was a lot more sugar in this birthday cake than my super-healthy carrot cake for Cora. Hannah loves her food, and she gobbled this!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224zFv9u1I/AAAAAAAABrI/Ul58VXn-xGY/s1600-h/IMG_2441.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224zFv9u1I/AAAAAAAABrI/Ul58VXn-xGY/s800/IMG_2441.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224zTdjKBI/AAAAAAAABrQ/fE8lpGkA0ks/s1600-h/IMG_2467.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224zTdjKBI/AAAAAAAABrQ/fE8lpGkA0ks/s800/IMG_2467.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S226e757UmI/AAAAAAAABrY/0Yh3NbQBSnI/s1600-h/IMG_2469-1.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S226e757UmI/AAAAAAAABrY/0Yh3NbQBSnI/s800/IMG_2469-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S226fHrmH1I/AAAAAAAABrg/PsJYgMKVPUU/s1600-h/IMG_2449.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S226fHrmH1I/AAAAAAAABrg/PsJYgMKVPUU/s800/IMG_2449.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224yjbB_OI/AAAAAAAABq4/00l2lR1ateo/s1600-h/IMG_2480.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224yjbB_OI/AAAAAAAABq4/00l2lR1ateo/s800/IMG_2480.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224y9PlG5I/AAAAAAAABrA/RjyfcWSWKc8/s1600-h/IMG_2500.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/S224y9PlG5I/AAAAAAAABrA/RjyfcWSWKc8/s800/IMG_2500.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><br /><b>Hannah Shalom's stats:</b><br /><br /><b>Disposition</b>: Constantly laughing and smiling, unless she's hungry or mad when she can throw big fits<br /><br /><b>Personality</b>: Spunky, determined, independent, our wild child<br /><br /><b>Favorite place:</b> Anywhere outside, or if inside, on top of the kids table<br /><br /><b>Favorite things:</b> shoes and avocado<br /><br /><b>First steps: </b>About a month ago, but still much prefers crawling<br /><br /><div>Hannah, you bring so much life and joy to this family! Thanks be to God for the blessing of this special first year with you.<br /><br /><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-86624378090272807472009-12-19T11:42:00.000-08:002009-12-19T12:13:18.568-08:00Festival of LightsLast night in celebration of the completion of our semester we went to the Festival of Lights at some nearby gardens. There were paths and paths of enchanting lights, and Cora led the way running down different paths and exclaiming "Christmas lights!" over and over, just as she does in the car every time we pass them. She also enjoyed a visit with Santa and dancing with the Dancing Lights to the Nutcracker Suite. Oh, and the Gingerbread house. She couldn't get enough of playing in that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0vmSILLAI/AAAAAAAABpw/R3g4k0JGrf0/s1600-h/DSC04547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0vmSILLAI/AAAAAAAABpw/R3g4k0JGrf0/s640/DSC04547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417038261544233986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0snVRGTnI/AAAAAAAABpQ/Ga9A3Spe_Ec/s1600-h/DSC04587.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0snVRGTnI/AAAAAAAABpQ/Ga9A3Spe_Ec/s640/DSC04587.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0sn49_1EI/AAAAAAAABpY/YgdeV40t3yU/s1600-h/DSC04571.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0sn49_1EI/AAAAAAAABpY/YgdeV40t3yU/s640/DSC04571.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0soHzBFfI/AAAAAAAABpg/gXbjTGTeA40/s1600-h/DSC04563.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0soHzBFfI/AAAAAAAABpg/gXbjTGTeA40/s640/DSC04563.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0soTLI6II/AAAAAAAABpo/0b1HzcOn8CI/s1600-h/DSC04556.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0soTLI6II/AAAAAAAABpo/0b1HzcOn8CI/s640/DSC04556.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-11635232078857500852009-12-11T11:02:00.000-08:002009-12-19T12:16:11.123-08:00A Preschool Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0oZ5cKKKI/AAAAAAAABpI/ejjLtgSA5Xo/s1600-h/DSC04306-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sy0oZ5cKKKI/AAAAAAAABpI/ejjLtgSA5Xo/s800/DSC04306-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417030352177342626" border="0" /></a><br />Last night was the preschool Christmas party. The kids were so so cute with their singing and playing and visiting Santa. Cora, Clay, and Charlotte are a bit cliquish, and haven't branched out very well into developing other friendships. When Cora mentions someone from class, we say, "Oh, is that your friend at school?" And she says, "No, not my friend. Clay and Charlotte are my friends." Needless to say, the three were running around together last night, holding onto each other and giggling and running into adult's legs. I overheard their teacher saying "Those three are so cute!" Ahhh, that's a relief to hear, rather than just "Those three. Sigh." Cora and Clay were particularly crazy, dancing and giggling together for ages. I decided to get a little video, and what I ended up with is pretty scandalous.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMod91-vPki6O51Q9VxXVDy1TLWMF67owLTVQLIon0G3VMTUxP9s-iBfWxjsKx7blp372r8tak3n9SoF8VDw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The concert:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybZt1yEy6AiG7SAmi-58qlyetiy9bYQlW9gjch-NUgaPyYJ6acad7JBLvdFM8HIeTIBC5-QYPmrZJUAtLD-A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3uoAkv9eJliWI11jPw38IJ4k7QpuX3SarVx9Mm59YNEreGAbaNHbQOlxaMmXd46T143FkoM6j3YcDlXzchQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Cora asked for a ball from Santa. No problem.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfW2H6UqXDJ_9C5pH5eXX2z1PYSsuGZra8p1Q9Ua4SCrmTkwHK2ONaWpXWcDayi6JVCW9KnvJqqz9Ga86Jvg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-77017730741563116142009-11-08T20:46:00.000-08:002009-11-08T21:50:34.972-08:00Thanksgiving Monday<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sveem28d5mI/AAAAAAAABmE/sD6srU8lXb8/s1600-h/DSC03548.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sveem28d5mI/AAAAAAAABmE/sD6srU8lXb8/s640/DSC03548.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />The Thanksgiving festivities continued on Monday with a trip to the Applebarn with friends for animals, hayrides, pumpkins, and apple-picking.<br /><br />Sorry for the excessive amount of pictures--I had trouble narrowing it down.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveemKfuivI/AAAAAAAABl0/1BtzZrsY0pc/s1600-h/DSC03540.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveemKfuivI/AAAAAAAABl0/1BtzZrsY0pc/s400/DSC03540.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveemuiE8II/AAAAAAAABl8/A9Lw2FrYXBU/s1600-h/DSC03543.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveemuiE8II/AAAAAAAABl8/A9Lw2FrYXBU/s400/DSC03543.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveenOM0N6I/AAAAAAAABmM/nS9a4tfjX9c/s1600-h/DSC03559.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SveenOM0N6I/AAAAAAAABmM/nS9a4tfjX9c/s400/DSC03559.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see the trepidation in their faces.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0OdKy9I/AAAAAAAABmU/0QcwkZK5cpA/s1600-h/DSC03563.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0OdKy9I/AAAAAAAABmU/0QcwkZK5cpA/s400/DSC03563.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Rock-scrambling<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0Rrl6lI/AAAAAAAABmc/Bk2c6J7m4gw/s1600-h/DSC03574.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0Rrl6lI/AAAAAAAABmc/Bk2c6J7m4gw/s400/DSC03574.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally warming up to the goats.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0Tex1tI/AAAAAAAABmk/fRQS0nWlvjU/s1600-h/DSC03595.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0Tex1tI/AAAAAAAABmk/fRQS0nWlvjU/s400/DSC03595.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hayride<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0i7D7wI/AAAAAAAABms/Kvj_ZxfGbTQ/s1600-h/DSC03619.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee0i7D7wI/AAAAAAAABms/Kvj_ZxfGbTQ/s400/DSC03619.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee7D6xqNI/AAAAAAAABm0/jc090qJuEzA/s1600-h/DSC03636.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee7D6xqNI/AAAAAAAABm0/jc090qJuEzA/s400/DSC03636.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Choosing pumpkins<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee7hPaLuI/AAAAAAAABm8/T6_9tW0RfFI/s1600-h/DSC03684.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee7hPaLuI/AAAAAAAABm8/T6_9tW0RfFI/s400/DSC03684.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Best friends<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee75vIRaI/AAAAAAAABnE/O00JYLS69jk/s1600-h/DSC03672.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee75vIRaI/AAAAAAAABnE/O00JYLS69jk/s400/DSC03672.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee8C2vMzI/AAAAAAAABnM/3-XXWKZw3LM/s1600-h/DSC03688.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svee8C2vMzI/AAAAAAAABnM/3-XXWKZw3LM/s400/DSC03688.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefDRZWuBI/AAAAAAAABnU/1-Dn8EwnzmM/s1600-h/DSC03694.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefDRZWuBI/AAAAAAAABnU/1-Dn8EwnzmM/s400/DSC03694.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefDjsIAqI/AAAAAAAABnc/_StZdATR4Ls/s1600-h/DSC03727.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefDjsIAqI/AAAAAAAABnc/_StZdATR4Ls/s400/DSC03727.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefD18vsxI/AAAAAAAABnk/BdLywaSuiPQ/s1600-h/DSC03728.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefD18vsxI/AAAAAAAABnk/BdLywaSuiPQ/s400/DSC03728.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefECbC7yI/AAAAAAAABns/BaJCndlcnnM/s1600-h/DSC03736.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefECbC7yI/AAAAAAAABns/BaJCndlcnnM/s400/DSC03736.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefLuoCs6I/AAAAAAAABn0/lKpDLl1dKY4/s1600-h/DSC03743.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefLuoCs6I/AAAAAAAABn0/lKpDLl1dKY4/s400/DSC03743.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefL7wPOxI/AAAAAAAABn8/0ZgNRTuF6hs/s1600-h/DSC03749.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefL7wPOxI/AAAAAAAABn8/0ZgNRTuF6hs/s400/DSC03749.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefMGSR_TI/AAAAAAAABoE/szGSMGihK3Q/s1600-h/DSC03771.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefMGSR_TI/AAAAAAAABoE/szGSMGihK3Q/s400/DSC03771.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">They were really excited about the concept of "teamwork"<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefMcOG79I/AAAAAAAABoM/nwWP0DROK3k/s1600-h/DSC03772.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefMcOG79I/AAAAAAAABoM/nwWP0DROK3k/s400/DSC03772.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><div style="text-align: center;">3-year old conversations are the <span style="font-style: italic;">best </span>to listen in on<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefRSbE85I/AAAAAAAABoU/NmuQ_X1sfng/s1600-h/DSC03776.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefRSbE85I/AAAAAAAABoU/NmuQ_X1sfng/s400/DSC03776.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Some more teamwork going on.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefRrN7Z3I/AAAAAAAABoc/_2MYRPTzm4s/s1600-h/DSC03778.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefRrN7Z3I/AAAAAAAABoc/_2MYRPTzm4s/s400/DSC03778.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The things we do for the perfect apple.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefR6k_KDI/AAAAAAAABok/hNRvYo2SOHE/s1600-h/DSC03786.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefR6k_KDI/AAAAAAAABok/hNRvYo2SOHE/s400/DSC03786.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefSC5xZKI/AAAAAAAABos/5AxJxBFl1VY/s1600-h/DSC03790.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefSC5xZKI/AAAAAAAABos/5AxJxBFl1VY/s640/DSC03790.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefY8t-W7I/AAAAAAAABo0/0gFoAYZXvgo/s1600-h/DSC03798.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvefY8t-W7I/AAAAAAAABo0/0gFoAYZXvgo/s640/DSC03798.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-29713086879085140952009-11-08T12:44:00.000-08:002009-11-08T14:34:47.883-08:00Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">O Thou who has given us so much, </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />mercifully grant us one thing more</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">-<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">a grateful heart.<br /></span></span> <span style="font-size:78%;">-George Herbert</span><br /></div><br />I couldn't let October pass by without recording the very best part of that very best month: Thanksgiving weekend. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving--<span style="font-style: italic;">appropriately </span>as my farmer friends add--at <span style="font-style: italic;">harvest</span>. And where better to celebrate than on a farm, surrounded by the autumnal color and bounty . We've taken care to stay as close as possible to our food sources this year, buying local and in season, and growing some of our own. So, riding our bikes down to the UBC farm and being fed a feast of freshly picked beets, carrots, potatoes, chard, cabbage, applesauce and pumpkins, completed with stuffing made from home-baked bread and a free-range turkey, made this Thanksgiving seem more fitting, more true to its original purpose than any before, as a day for praise to the Creator for the provision of our daily food--a much more obscure truth when you pluck a box off the grocery store shelf.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcrq-1jKdI/AAAAAAAABkU/W0M1M0UgHk8/s1600-h/DSC03481.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcrq-1jKdI/AAAAAAAABkU/W0M1M0UgHk8/s640/DSC03481.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:1161/737af8b92d713f70209f354e7938c767/image/b33d17debc9a4bd5.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1161/737af8b92d713f70209f354e7938c767/image/b33d17debc9a4bd5.jpg?size=640" border="0" /></a> </div> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw7LiXd0I/AAAAAAAABlU/EjsQ_MG7mho/s1600-h/DSC03477.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw7LiXd0I/AAAAAAAABlU/EjsQ_MG7mho/s640/DSC03477.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw66T-xfI/AAAAAAAABlM/IiW_CBN-LLE/s1600-h/DSC03513.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw66T-xfI/AAAAAAAABlM/IiW_CBN-LLE/s640/DSC03513.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svctwq5KVVI/AAAAAAAABk0/uTtOpJxx-Es/s1600-h/DSC03506.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svctwq5KVVI/AAAAAAAABk0/uTtOpJxx-Es/s640/DSC03506.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctvzcTVOI/AAAAAAAABkc/RApPkv0_7mE/s1600-h/DSC03473.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctvzcTVOI/AAAAAAAABkc/RApPkv0_7mE/s640/DSC03473.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctwEQEnYI/AAAAAAAABkk/q9HODofVjNk/s1600-h/DSC03488.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctwEQEnYI/AAAAAAAABkk/q9HODofVjNk/s640/DSC03488.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctwaDUN5I/AAAAAAAABks/S27ocRimKCQ/s1600-h/DSC03494.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvctwaDUN5I/AAAAAAAABks/S27ocRimKCQ/s640/DSC03494.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw5xjLogI/AAAAAAAABk8/1hAeUdzgJ2I/s1600-h/DSC03528.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw5xjLogI/AAAAAAAABk8/1hAeUdzgJ2I/s640/DSC03528.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>It was a pleasant day, so we ate out in the greenhouse.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw6bOFZAI/AAAAAAAABlE/HcPADp3MPRU/s1600-h/DSC03517.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Svcw6bOFZAI/AAAAAAAABlE/HcPADp3MPRU/s800/DSC03517.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:1161/cbfbd1d7963310949213d976d47aa513/image/9841e406bc63afbc.jpg"><img src="http://localhost:1161/cbfbd1d7963310949213d976d47aa513/image/9841e406bc63afbc.jpg?size=800" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-22141934808812444372009-11-05T13:31:00.001-08:002009-11-05T15:34:46.012-08:00November charmsI have been bemoaning the passing of October, decidedly <span style="font-style: italic;">the </span>best month. But November is not all sogginess and bone-chilling wind and shockingly early darkness and runny noses (though there is a lot of that around here already.) It has its own charms. Perfect toadstools, remaining bits of blazing color amidst the bounty of browns, relatively mild fall afternoons for backyard play, and early candlelit dinners of stew, chili, pumpkin soup, and more stew.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNM5r-3P8I/AAAAAAAABiU/ljTrcbAgAqI/s1600-h/DSC04101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNM5r-3P8I/AAAAAAAABiU/ljTrcbAgAqI/s400/DSC04101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400744932090003394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNM59CZq2I/AAAAAAAABic/Q4qCw6VI2uA/s1600-h/DSC03975.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNM59CZq2I/AAAAAAAABic/Q4qCw6VI2uA/s400/DSC03975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400744936668244834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGeBuNRQI/AAAAAAAABiM/0EFCi5mTTGo/s1600-h/DSC04105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGeBuNRQI/AAAAAAAABiM/0EFCi5mTTGo/s400/DSC04105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737859819619586" border="0" /></a>Cora's favorite outdoor pastime is making "stew"<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGd7UWitI/AAAAAAAABiE/48X1TpfUvJQ/s1600-h/DSC04108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGd7UWitI/AAAAAAAABiE/48X1TpfUvJQ/s400/DSC04108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737858100562642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGKVXXlVI/AAAAAAAABh8/1VdZfBXoJdc/s1600-h/DSC04120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGKVXXlVI/AAAAAAAABh8/1VdZfBXoJdc/s400/DSC04120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737521495151954" border="0" /></a>BTW: that one tooth has been around since she was 3 1/2 months. I thought she was an early teether, but she's almost 9 months now and no more have poked through. Apparently it's just the unruly rogue.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGKMgIt4I/AAAAAAAABh0/81yz_PTCMnk/s1600-h/DSC04121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGKMgIt4I/AAAAAAAABh0/81yz_PTCMnk/s400/DSC04121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737519116007298" border="0" /></a>Cora's hand-me-down coat from the Alpharetta neighbors. Thank goodness we had another girl for this precious stuff.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJ4Bpy0I/AAAAAAAABhs/tIYBhuz7unI/s1600-h/DSC04124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJ4Bpy0I/AAAAAAAABhs/tIYBhuz7unI/s400/DSC04124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737513619442498" border="0" /></a>Backyard play with friends.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJdD_o1I/AAAAAAAABhk/KfktAtlQUTk/s1600-h/DSC04127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJdD_o1I/AAAAAAAABhk/KfktAtlQUTk/s400/DSC04127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737506381505362" border="0" /></a>Such blue eyes, just like her daddy.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJEytqaI/AAAAAAAABhc/3qz5tC1v4gQ/s1600-h/DSC04132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNGJEytqaI/AAAAAAAABhc/3qz5tC1v4gQ/s400/DSC04132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400737499866573218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-44855532546471700952009-10-31T21:41:00.000-07:002009-11-05T15:34:25.702-08:00HalloweenOctober is going out with a bang. (Literally. This city loves fireworks on Halloween.) This weekend is packed full with <span style="font-style: italic;">3</span> kiddie birthday parties, 2 adult Halloween parties (you should see David's costume, but he made me swear not to post pictures. Something about pastoral search committees), a fall festival at the UBC Botanical gardens, and trick-or-treating in our student-family housing, pedestrian-only neighborhood, which equals: <span style="font-style: italic;">hundreds </span>of children.<br /><br />Tonight I had the fun of watching my daughter turn from a greedy hoarder into an enthusiastic giver. As our massive bowl of candy dwindled in the face of the hundreds of children charging our house, I began picking through Cora's trick-or-treating pumpkin bag for some more fodder (i.e. the pieces I don't really like). As I'd drop them in the bowl, about every other piece Cora would say "I like that" and put it back in her pumpkin. That was fine and at least the hoards were slowing. I left her in charge of distribution to the stragglers in order to go get Hannah warmed up and ready for bed, but I could hear her voice downstairs as she kept excitedly coming into the house to get more candy from her bag until it was depleted as well. "I need more candy! There's more kids!" Once she was in charge of the giving, she discovered it's much more fun to give than to hoard all for yourself. It was a good lesson for me, considering before the kids came I had already pulled all the Twix and Butterfingers out of the bowl and now have them hoarded in my top cupboard.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkrh_4GI/AAAAAAAABkM/nWJvyVrD-xk/s1600-h/DSC03914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkrh_4GI/AAAAAAAABkM/nWJvyVrD-xk/s400/DSC03914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400761063866097762" border="0" /></a>A very enthusiastic Tinkerbell and dragon.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkW-EnxI/AAAAAAAABkE/lyWOMoHkAe0/s1600-h/DSC03922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkW-EnxI/AAAAAAAABkE/lyWOMoHkAe0/s400/DSC03922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400761058346704658" border="0" /></a>The best friends: two fairies and a dragon.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkP6rabI/AAAAAAAABj8/x9dmXsZ8_Ro/s1600-h/DSC03929.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbkP6rabI/AAAAAAAABj8/x9dmXsZ8_Ro/s400/DSC03929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400761056453421490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbj6chtQI/AAAAAAAABj0/YKzgf7GH_5k/s1600-h/DSC03931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbj6chtQI/AAAAAAAABj0/YKzgf7GH_5k/s400/DSC03931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400761050689811714" border="0" /></a>Visiting the botanical gardens.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbSZEMjyI/AAAAAAAABjs/WzqVvrKG0IM/s1600-h/DSC03936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbSZEMjyI/AAAAAAAABjs/WzqVvrKG0IM/s400/DSC03936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400760749671616290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbSLPPc_I/AAAAAAAABjk/6Dk6oxI2yyg/s1600-h/DSC03940.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbSLPPc_I/AAAAAAAABjk/6Dk6oxI2yyg/s400/DSC03940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400760745959846898" border="0" /></a>They belonged in a fairytale!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbR-0lWNI/AAAAAAAABjc/AyR_tfPMKV4/s1600-h/DSC03939.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbR-0lWNI/AAAAAAAABjc/AyR_tfPMKV4/s400/DSC03939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400760742626810066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbRoLYA-I/AAAAAAAABjU/ObUsvmjVi0I/s1600-h/DSC03957.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbRoLYA-I/AAAAAAAABjU/ObUsvmjVi0I/s400/DSC03957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400760736548389858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbRPRE3MI/AAAAAAAABjM/GXjwyCvgv-o/s1600-h/DSC03995.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNbRPRE3MI/AAAAAAAABjM/GXjwyCvgv-o/s400/DSC03995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400760729861414082" border="0" /></a>And later for trick-or-treating. These guys are inseparable.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlG0aZfI/AAAAAAAABi0/1Elmphc_tQI/s1600-h/DSC03987.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlG0aZfI/AAAAAAAABi0/1Elmphc_tQI/s400/DSC03987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400756673144579570" border="0" /></a>What did you get?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXk8EvZwI/AAAAAAAABis/pvVV4UGO54o/s1600-h/DSC03997.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXk8EvZwI/AAAAAAAABis/pvVV4UGO54o/s400/DSC03997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400756670260274946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXkryTRLI/AAAAAAAABik/cK-rlB-TuYs/s1600-h/DSC04002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXkryTRLI/AAAAAAAABik/cK-rlB-TuYs/s400/DSC04002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400756665887966386" border="0" /></a>The fairy godmother. And her monkey? Which story is that again?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlcvYveI/AAAAAAAABi8/PO5lH3aYNVk/s1600-h/DSC04053_edited-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlcvYveI/AAAAAAAABi8/PO5lH3aYNVk/s400/DSC04053_edited-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400756679029079522" border="0" /></a>Look at that face Hannah has. Candy even tastes great with the wrapper <span style="font-style: italic;">on</span>. Speaking of yummy wrappers, at a bonfire birthday party last night, I let a fussy Hannah gnaw on my cupcake wrapper, thinking she'd like the taste but would only get a few crumbs. Next thing I knew, the wrapper was only a tiny tattered remnant. So much for only crumbs.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlnGvOzI/AAAAAAAABjE/EsVw9KEnMaQ/s1600-h/DSC04083.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SvNXlnGvOzI/AAAAAAAABjE/EsVw9KEnMaQ/s400/DSC04083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400756681811376946" border="0" /></a>Cora expressed a mixture of both fear and fascination with the costumed characters coming to our door.<br /></div><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-46131058761255718782009-09-14T21:36:00.000-07:002009-09-14T21:55:30.710-07:00First Day of School!Today was Cora's first day of preschool! It was bitter sweet for me. I'm so excited to see her grow and develop and gain new experiences, but also sad as part of me wants her to just stop growing and stay this precious, caring, silly little three-year-old forever.<br /><br />She loves her school. Today as many of the other 3-year-olds nervously clung to parent's pantlegs, Cora jumped into playing with the experienced 4-year-old second years. Her teachers are Ms. Christa and Ms. Danielle, the latter of whom Cora will only call Ms. Dana because she's so familiar with our friend Dana. When I tell her "Dan-ielle" she says, "I can't say that."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a1tZP3-I/AAAAAAAABg8/9kBpVZfQv8Q/s1600-h/DSC03424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a1tZP3-I/AAAAAAAABg8/9kBpVZfQv8Q/s400/DSC03424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381549589751914466" border="0" /></a>Off she goes.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a1BYecKI/AAAAAAAABg0/xYtGbHm619s/s1600-h/DSC03433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a1BYecKI/AAAAAAAABg0/xYtGbHm619s/s400/DSC03433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381549577937514658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a0poTdEI/AAAAAAAABgs/DY2xwdod0_g/s1600-h/DSC03436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a0poTdEI/AAAAAAAABgs/DY2xwdod0_g/s400/DSC03436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381549571561452610" border="0" /></a>Bye, Mom!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a0DsHUiI/AAAAAAAABgk/dg7r2BjSauU/s1600-h/DSC03438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8a0DsHUiI/AAAAAAAABgk/dg7r2BjSauU/s400/DSC03438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381549561376887330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8azj4ztDI/AAAAAAAABgc/wozh3cx42mg/s1600-h/DSC03439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8azj4ztDI/AAAAAAAABgc/wozh3cx42mg/s400/DSC03439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381549552840193074" border="0" /></a>She loves the kitchen and the dollhouse the most. Very girly! <br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-26688932803029672982009-09-14T21:33:00.001-07:002009-09-14T21:36:40.276-07:00Get a gripCora loves the zipline, and isn't scared at all even though it can go pretty fast, though to be honest, her mother was a little! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZWgMNqCI/AAAAAAAABgU/MWUTm8TEZLw/s1600-h/DSC03317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZWgMNqCI/AAAAAAAABgU/MWUTm8TEZLw/s400/DSC03317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381547954120009762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZV1h1hqI/AAAAAAAABgM/jYO3LxFD9oc/s1600-h/DSC03318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZV1h1hqI/AAAAAAAABgM/jYO3LxFD9oc/s400/DSC03318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381547942667978402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZVQ755oI/AAAAAAAABgE/lqESycGl6QM/s1600-h/DSC03315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8ZVQ755oI/AAAAAAAABgE/lqESycGl6QM/s400/DSC03315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381547932845205122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-74649262799801787922009-09-14T20:48:00.000-07:002009-09-14T22:13:04.424-07:00Vancouver BikingVancouver graced our last few days before the furiously busy semester started with the most perfect, cloudless, 65-degree, slightly breezy, glorious weather. We wasted the weekend away light-hearted and carefree, riding bikes around the seawall, sitting around in the grass visiting with neighbors, taking walks and trying out my new $5 roller blades from the University Chapel rummage sale.<br /><br />Our car unfortunately was not in good spirits despite the gorgeous weather. He got sick, leaving David stranded a couple miles from home with both the girls on his way home from errands on Saturday evening. A neighbor friend ended up "towing" it back home with a rope behind his Honda Pilot.<br /><br />That left us without a car for church. We could have taken the bus. But I decided I wanted to use my new roller blades. So, I strapped them on with my nice trousers and fresh makeup and set off pushing the jogging stroller with Hannah in it for the three-mile ride. Dave followed close behind on his bike with Cora in her bike seat. It felt great. Until the hills. I hadn't remembered there being much of any hills. I arrived to church sweaty and red-faced and a few minutes late. We had a barbecue after the service, and I don't know if it was the endorphins or the shiny face, but I've never had so many people comment on how energetic and happy I looked!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XFkWZtyI/AAAAAAAABf8/-RxBU8BVhig/s1600-h/DSC03325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XFkWZtyI/AAAAAAAABf8/-RxBU8BVhig/s400/DSC03325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381545464155453218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XFMK2fvI/AAAAAAAABf0/Qr-ySiOpZKU/s1600-h/DSC03332.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XFMK2fvI/AAAAAAAABf0/Qr-ySiOpZKU/s400/DSC03332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381545457664556786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XEmuUv7I/AAAAAAAABfs/8caTTowrtrA/s1600-h/DSC03338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XEmuUv7I/AAAAAAAABfs/8caTTowrtrA/s400/DSC03338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381545447612792754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XEIgIgfI/AAAAAAAABfk/Kj24ZyK1pgQ/s1600-h/DSC03339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XEIgIgfI/AAAAAAAABfk/Kj24ZyK1pgQ/s400/DSC03339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381545439500206578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XDp4J9hI/AAAAAAAABfc/9KWvLeCIMpQ/s1600-h/DSC03340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8XDp4J9hI/AAAAAAAABfc/9KWvLeCIMpQ/s400/DSC03340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381545431279466002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V_qJfVbI/AAAAAAAABfU/m33ju7EtpfM/s1600-h/DSC03347+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V_qJfVbI/AAAAAAAABfU/m33ju7EtpfM/s400/DSC03347+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381544263121065394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V_JZH0SI/AAAAAAAABfM/ca6XE_jtvD8/s1600-h/DSC03358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V_JZH0SI/AAAAAAAABfM/ca6XE_jtvD8/s400/DSC03358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381544254328262946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V-tMPwoI/AAAAAAAABfE/pEgv3g11N7M/s1600-h/DSC03376.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V-tMPwoI/AAAAAAAABfE/pEgv3g11N7M/s400/DSC03376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381544246758064770" border="0" /></a>Hannah was much happier when we weren't moving.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V-UCn7zI/AAAAAAAABe8/ITPxbgxLAx8/s1600-h/DSC03392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V-UCn7zI/AAAAAAAABe8/ITPxbgxLAx8/s400/DSC03392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381544240006819634" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cora enjoyed watching the raccoons who were very bold about asking us for some food.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V9-U1B_I/AAAAAAAABe0/i8T1-Tdpmhg/s1600-h/DSC03411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/Sq8V9-U1B_I/AAAAAAAABe0/i8T1-Tdpmhg/s400/DSC03411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381544234177595378" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The best thing about special family days is the chocolate gelato!<br /></div><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-27576786196138919432009-08-29T22:40:00.000-07:002009-08-29T23:08:03.155-07:00Place and HomeTwo weeks now in this new home. And, as life tends to be around the Jenkins house, it's been quite eventful. Amongst loads of cleaning, unpacking, organizing, reorganizing, arranging furniture, rearranging furniture, moving the furniture outside because the next-door laundry room hot water heater burst and flooded our downstairs, recleaning, rearranging, etc., there's also been a fabulous flurry of people in and out: four dinner parties (one of which was for 16 people for our home group), houseguests for two nights, a host of spontaneous visits and playdates with friends that live further away, as well as delightful entry into the lively community immediately surrounding us. This area is abundantly more conducive to community than apartment living, and therefore is so much more enriching and ideal for our style of living! For example, last night we enjoyed going to an engagement party for a couple just across from us, that although we have only known for two weeks are quickly becoming close friends simply through proximity and chatting together most every day while their 3-year old son plays with Cora. Tonight, as we ate dinner together as a family in our "backyard", a huge green space shared by all the surrounding townhouses, some neighbors brought us over some incredible chicken and lamb they had just grilled out insisting that we try some (which ended up falling like a little gift from God as our simple vegetarian meal turned out to be a bit lacking.) In typical Filipino fashion, it required four times for us to finally assure them that we had plenty and didn't need anymore. It's all exactly our cup of tea.<br /><br />As it's a pedestrian-only neighborhood full of families, it's also so perfect for Cora. She has so many playmates and is enjoying much more outdoor time than was possible in our apartment. Here are the three musketeers who have been almost inseparable these past couple weeks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpoS2AhyA_I/AAAAAAAABes/ZTwpJQjT0h4/s1600-h/DSC03307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpoS2AhyA_I/AAAAAAAABes/ZTwpJQjT0h4/s400/DSC03307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375629824284034034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Being here has helped me understand better the importance, and distinctiveness, of place and home. We can make a home anywhere, and it will be rich because it includes our family and hospitality and good food and a comfortable atmosphere. But choosing the right place for our home is crucial for augmenting the values we hold as a family, those of community and simplicity and sharing and leisure time not predominantly spent in front of a television or computer, but in the company of God image-bearers. We won't always find a fit like this--being in family housing on a large university campus obviously has the advantages of diversity, children, and varying intellectual pursuits. But the value of community-style living that we experienced in our community house combined with having our own space and home is something I hope we can work hard to find wherever we end up in the future.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-70582504019342805762009-08-26T11:27:00.000-07:002009-08-29T17:43:12.641-07:00Crazy Child!Hannah is absolutely nuts! We have all these fantastic toys for her that are barely used. Her swing and bouncy chair and bumpo and exersaucer are all useless already as she <span style="font-style: italic;">hates </span>to be contained. Even her regular toys are usually ignored. The only thing she loves, <span style="font-style: italic;">loves</span>, is furniture or anything she can use to pull up on. I can put her in the middle of the floor surrounded by toys, but in a jiffy she's at the couch pulling herself up to standing. She's even begun cruising along it with small faltering steps. What the Babycenter milestones list puts as an advanced skill for an 8-month old, Hannah has mastered at 6 1/2. <br /><br />Here she is in three different rooms in the house finding something on which to pull up. She especially loves the still-unhung mirror in our hallway--it has slobbery kissing marks all over it.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnJ2BCKnwI/AAAAAAAABeM/G_MNqRGX5WA/s1600-h/DSC03296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnJ2BCKnwI/AAAAAAAABeM/G_MNqRGX5WA/s400/DSC03296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375549560071036674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnKIyGkENI/AAAAAAAABec/xNRHdUIbAV0/s1600-h/DSC03308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnKIyGkENI/AAAAAAAABec/xNRHdUIbAV0/s400/DSC03308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375549882480464082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnJ26b58YI/AAAAAAAABeU/gCjADU6Vel8/s1600-h/DSC03301.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SpnJ26b58YI/AAAAAAAABeU/gCjADU6Vel8/s400/DSC03301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375549575479816578" border="0" /></a>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-82539509518770216782009-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:002009-08-24T21:44:08.178-07:00Flower Girl #2She's for hire if you want one for your wedding.<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCiM81jQiWk8k9alQbz3jYl4MK9wB9T1c2ut6tOXqVZuCPGlSqyiwENk7MU2Nk2B-LUW34w0rB_G3dRPGbvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-27262459449170267832009-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:002009-08-14T12:34:04.901-07:00New SkillsHannah has been so excited about her new skill of pushing herself from a lying down to sitting up position that she hasn't slept in a week. Not enough anyway. Consequently, nor have I. At least twice in the night, she fails to quickly put herself back to sleep like the good old days, but sits up and starts talking, so proud of herself. Since she's sharing a room with Cora, I have to drag myself out of bed before long and go remind her that it's the middle of the <span style="font-style: italic;">night</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>play time, then nurse her back to sleep. Going to bed time has been very difficult too: if I don't nurse her all the way to sleep, as soon as I lay her down she pops herself upright, even if she's dead tired.<br /><br />Today after a long morning swimming with my oldest friend in the world, Erin, and her two sweet boys similar in age to Cora and Hannah, both girls were so tired. Cora curled up in her bed without a problem, but Hannah was not interested in nursing nor in lying down. She only would sit in bed and cry from being so tired. I waited and waited for her to get herself to sleep, but it was not happening. She just would not lie down! Finally, I left for a few minutes and at one point it quieted down, so I peeked in, and there were the two of them sitting in the crib together, playing with blankets. Cora piped up that she was "helping Hannah." She is an extremely empathetic little thing and can't stand for anyone to be upset. <br /><br />Yesterday at naptime we had the same problem, and I thought I'd catch her on video so her daddy can have a peak. Tomorrow we'll be back home, so no more missing his girls!<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxq4UM7l0HQ-dkk7CsO8PlOn-PNWE7KiKNWlC5EpQ8Gc1Acxtov4peHkzdDWoax8HbqhyaJ-k2kWVv_IsQO8g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyR-ux6S52cWcoYV4jDa_8oO1l1y-s00ebw_Zf2nB7LtCIeSiVNuLM_DIEQCH7vI7mIJ38pt9LV4L70tPzFlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-12481862425608635932009-08-14T05:46:00.000-07:002009-08-14T12:02:06.318-07:00Mommies and Babies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0aL9hAtI/AAAAAAAABeA/Jigm_-yihro/s1600-h/IMG_4130.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0aL9hAtI/AAAAAAAABeA/Jigm_-yihro/s400/IMG_4130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369896492689588946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0Zz94viI/AAAAAAAABd4/jfhS9o85yK0/s1600-h/IMG_4131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0Zz94viI/AAAAAAAABd4/jfhS9o85yK0/s400/IMG_4131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369896486248693282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0Za8kaoI/AAAAAAAABdw/dw-QXDlcEko/s1600-h/IMG_4134.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoW0Za8kaoI/AAAAAAAABdw/dw-QXDlcEko/s400/IMG_4134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369896479532280450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWzojaE8AI/AAAAAAAABdo/GyIqSHOPxKU/s1600-h/IMG_4138.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWznbDoNUI/AAAAAAAABdQ/I7N_CPGcN_k/s400/IMG_4158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369895620568429890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWzml8WplI/AAAAAAAABdI/SKl3xjc4vys/s1600-h/IMG_4166.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWzml8WplI/AAAAAAAABdI/SKl3xjc4vys/s400/IMG_4166.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369895606310839890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy6Apfj1I/AAAAAAAABdA/cf0VayDs4Pk/s1600-h/IMG_4171.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy6Apfj1I/AAAAAAAABdA/cf0VayDs4Pk/s400/IMG_4171.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369894840385376082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy5qgziMI/AAAAAAAABc4/185YEzzO9YI/s1600-h/IMG_4177.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy5qgziMI/AAAAAAAABc4/185YEzzO9YI/s400/IMG_4177.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369894834443356354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy5ZAXaKI/AAAAAAAABcw/YnsoNyucc7g/s1600-h/IMG_4181.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy5ZAXaKI/AAAAAAAABcw/YnsoNyucc7g/s400/IMG_4181.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369894829743892642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy45hs9gI/AAAAAAAABco/SY4-TMwSP9s/s1600-h/IMG_4186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy45hs9gI/AAAAAAAABco/SY4-TMwSP9s/s400/IMG_4186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369894821293782530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy4QVzhFI/AAAAAAAABcg/S7insLFBtBc/s1600-h/IMG_4187.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWy4QVzhFI/AAAAAAAABcg/S7insLFBtBc/s400/IMG_4187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369894810238026834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx-hPu_8I/AAAAAAAABcY/GSfEWRtlL7M/s1600-h/IMG_4189.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx-hPu_8I/AAAAAAAABcY/GSfEWRtlL7M/s400/IMG_4189.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369893818343555010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx-F-kUPI/AAAAAAAABcQ/x93MUxwWn_I/s1600-h/IMG_4192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx-F-kUPI/AAAAAAAABcQ/x93MUxwWn_I/s400/IMG_4192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369893811023794418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx9kqZ1LI/AAAAAAAABcI/nS9-Xzz_mzI/s1600-h/IMG_4117.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx9kqZ1LI/AAAAAAAABcI/nS9-Xzz_mzI/s400/IMG_4117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369893802080851122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx9CpSB3I/AAAAAAAABcA/n_QClODrYUU/s1600-h/IMG_4111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx9CpSB3I/AAAAAAAABcA/n_QClODrYUU/s400/IMG_4111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369893792949340018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx8oY2gZI/AAAAAAAABb4/1lLBug8z1mU/s1600-h/IMG_4105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoWx8oY2gZI/AAAAAAAABb4/1lLBug8z1mU/s400/IMG_4105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369893785901105554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-58675502212634430532009-08-13T07:17:00.000-07:002009-08-13T08:13:40.393-07:00Playing OutsideOne of the many wonderful joys of coming home for visits is the incredible photography of my mom, brother, and sister-in-law. Check out some of the fruits of their artistic labor. I only have a fraction of it on my computer, so more will be coming soon.<br /><br />In mom's backyard:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQleUVGR0I/AAAAAAAABZo/lWnXJWonFiw/s1600-h/IMG_3078.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQleUVGR0I/AAAAAAAABZo/lWnXJWonFiw/s400/IMG_3078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457858515978050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQldwR3MRI/AAAAAAAABZg/yfuonZwmeuA/s1600-h/IMG_3062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQldwR3MRI/AAAAAAAABZg/yfuonZwmeuA/s400/IMG_3062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457848838730002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhcdWtWtI/AAAAAAAABZY/ZfM7M6XjNt8/s1600-h/IMG_3079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhcdWtWtI/AAAAAAAABZY/ZfM7M6XjNt8/s400/IMG_3079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369453428532402898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhbvuAKwI/AAAAAAAABZQ/4adzHQRhVR4/s1600-h/IMG_3073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhbvuAKwI/AAAAAAAABZQ/4adzHQRhVR4/s400/IMG_3073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369453416282073858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhbGzUSbI/AAAAAAAABZI/u4B1xmY-3bo/s1600-h/IMG_3072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhbGzUSbI/AAAAAAAABZI/u4B1xmY-3bo/s400/IMG_3072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369453405298510258" border="0" /></a>Snacking on the roof her her beloved playhouse:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhalZ1LPI/AAAAAAAABZA/r5QW9aHS0Ns/s1600-h/IMG_3053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhalZ1LPI/AAAAAAAABZA/r5QW9aHS0Ns/s400/IMG_3053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369453396333243634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhaI10LGI/AAAAAAAABY4/kG9q5pN_llk/s1600-h/IMG_3010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQhaI10LGI/AAAAAAAABY4/kG9q5pN_llk/s400/IMG_3010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369453388665990242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />At a park with the cousins:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqBz3ougI/AAAAAAAABbg/_A0oTeqTq9Q/s1600-h/IMG_4060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqBz3ougI/AAAAAAAABbg/_A0oTeqTq9Q/s400/IMG_4060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369462866324273666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQrfpBYBHI/AAAAAAAABbw/TqTafShuWJk/s1600-h/IMG_4077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQrfpBYBHI/AAAAAAAABbw/TqTafShuWJk/s400/IMG_4077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369464478320034930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqBYbGQ2I/AAAAAAAABbY/g97o1KXh-t8/s1600-h/IMG_3998.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqBYbGQ2I/AAAAAAAABbY/g97o1KXh-t8/s400/IMG_3998.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369462858956817250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQobofwpaI/AAAAAAAABbQ/9QrF3Rx1Kqg/s1600-h/IMG_3979.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQobofwpaI/AAAAAAAABbQ/9QrF3Rx1Kqg/s400/IMG_3979.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369461110924682658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQobLYH7ZI/AAAAAAAABbI/sJ5qMRw3stY/s1600-h/IMG_3978+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQobLYH7ZI/AAAAAAAABbI/sJ5qMRw3stY/s400/IMG_3978+-+Version+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369461103108025746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoajU6I2I/AAAAAAAABbA/enzPzkxw-E4/s1600-h/IMG_3942.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoajU6I2I/AAAAAAAABbA/enzPzkxw-E4/s400/IMG_3942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369461092357120866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoZzCbRXI/AAAAAAAABa4/bQLsZop97O0/s1600-h/IMG_3941.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoZzCbRXI/AAAAAAAABa4/bQLsZop97O0/s400/IMG_3941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369461079394698610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoZUKgpiI/AAAAAAAABaw/P99f2zIXi8c/s1600-h/IMG_3926.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQoZUKgpiI/AAAAAAAABaw/P99f2zIXi8c/s400/IMG_3926.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369461071107106338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm4MUvR5I/AAAAAAAABao/Lx2NLGga_sY/s1600-h/IMG_3933.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm4MUvR5I/AAAAAAAABao/Lx2NLGga_sY/s400/IMG_3933.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369459402555213714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm3un9A_I/AAAAAAAABag/Jl5n8g3qnGM/s1600-h/IMG_3916.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm3un9A_I/AAAAAAAABag/Jl5n8g3qnGM/s400/IMG_3916.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369459394582742002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm3K2pLzI/AAAAAAAABaY/76t2QV63dXs/s1600-h/IMG_3911.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm3K2pLzI/AAAAAAAABaY/76t2QV63dXs/s400/IMG_3911.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369459384980680498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm2t493XI/AAAAAAAABaQ/9wvAQvnp4hs/s1600-h/IMG_3910.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm2t493XI/AAAAAAAABaQ/9wvAQvnp4hs/s400/IMG_3910.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369459377205796210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm2IVHtqI/AAAAAAAABaI/NdElsK72PYA/s1600-h/IMG_3891.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQm2IVHtqI/AAAAAAAABaI/NdElsK72PYA/s400/IMG_3891.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369459367123334818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQlfxCsepI/AAAAAAAABaA/m_vxYro5Rcw/s1600-h/IMG_3855.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQlfxCsepI/AAAAAAAABaA/m_vxYro5Rcw/s400/IMG_3855.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457883403287186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQlfbBw1II/AAAAAAAABZ4/RFAFkLuUo-k/s1600-h/IMG_3809.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQlfbBw1II/AAAAAAAABZ4/RFAFkLuUo-k/s400/IMG_3809.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457877493798018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQle72p4zI/AAAAAAAABZw/ktdY0WRbaoI/s1600-h/IMG_3804.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQle72p4zI/AAAAAAAABZw/ktdY0WRbaoI/s400/IMG_3804.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457869125706546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Getting tired:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqCZqUp7I/AAAAAAAABbo/Q2akScc-uLw/s1600-h/IMG_4089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoQqCZqUp7I/AAAAAAAABbo/Q2akScc-uLw/s400/IMG_4089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369462876468979634" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-81237237612245767342009-08-10T07:20:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:20:06.396-07:00Birthday Boy<p class="MsoNormal">This cute little guy is 29 today.</p><p class="MsoNormal">1981:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDgrLiW5XI/AAAAAAAABYo/Gz_vVNB1uR0/s1600-h/david+as+baby_0006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDgrLiW5XI/AAAAAAAABYo/Gz_vVNB1uR0/s400/david+as+baby_0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368537788261524850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDgrq4sC0I/AAAAAAAABYw/c9-RWdM4YIM/s1600-h/david+as+baby_0005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDgrq4sC0I/AAAAAAAABYw/c9-RWdM4YIM/s400/david+as+baby_0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368537796676684610" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">2009:<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoAvXoPq4gI/AAAAAAAABUo/d83fxXKcKJc/s1600-h/DSC01202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoAvXoPq4gI/AAAAAAAABUo/d83fxXKcKJc/s400/DSC01202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368342838812271106" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Those sparkly blue eyes have seen a lot of adventuring in the between years.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Singing his way across Europe.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Biking the U.S. coast to coast.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Skiing the American Rockies.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Hiking the Canadian Rockies.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Scuba diving in Jamaica.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sailing the Atlantic coast.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Climbing Scottish Munros.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Eating bear in Bhutan.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Getting sick in India. Boating the Italian Veneto.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Camping in Romania. Twice he’s driven his laboring wife to the hospital.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Thrice he’s changed careers (bicycle mechanic to physicist to civil engineer to…pastor?)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I can’t wait to see what’s still to come. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">David, if I had to describe you in five words, this is you: Spirit-filled, genuine, peaceful, adventurous, faithful. 11 years ago you captured me with your smile and humor and kindness, and today I am ever so much more captivated by the extraordinary man you are.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Tonight you’re playing poker with the guys while your three girls are missing you 3,000 miles away.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m so sad I’m not by your side tonight, honey. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">But I can’t tell you how happy I am that I’m by your side for life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" >[David's birthday is the 9th, but I was having internet trouble last night so am only posting it this morning.]</span><br /></p><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-76529368867327297782009-07-30T21:03:00.001-07:002009-08-10T20:01:01.793-07:00Wedding WeekendKurt and Alesha's wedding was one of the best ever. It fit them perfectly by being totally chill and relaxed. The Agur estate is a dreamland for both children and adults, so all three of us enjoyed spending the day there all day Friday and Saturday, and waking up to leisurely morning with coffee on the dock on Sunday before the 5 hour drive home.<br /><br />Since Dave has been in, played the piano for, or officiated so many weddings, he knows exactly what needs to happen, so he ended up being put on wedding coordinator duty. With Hannah strapped to his chest, he ran the rehearsal and then gave everyone their cues for ceremony.<br /><br />Some scenes from Friday:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDSM6MTGOI/AAAAAAAABYg/BXXhrFCjs88/s1600-h/DSC02886.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDSM6MTGOI/AAAAAAAABYg/BXXhrFCjs88/s400/DSC02886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521875046734050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK-dAUmeI/AAAAAAAABV4/BpateFjQpss/s1600-h/DSC02653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK-dAUmeI/AAAAAAAABV4/BpateFjQpss/s400/DSC02653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368513930112309730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDIK6UbyoI/AAAAAAAABU4/kohegwEDGHE/s1600-h/DSC02530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDIK6UbyoI/AAAAAAAABU4/kohegwEDGHE/s400/DSC02530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368510845604842114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILYOp7mI/AAAAAAAABVI/FLGOpvDHDqE/s1600-h/DSC02543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILYOp7mI/AAAAAAAABVI/FLGOpvDHDqE/s400/DSC02543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368510853633666658" border="0" /></a>Trampoline with a view<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILKJ105I/AAAAAAAABVA/hXe7H9KDbmM/s1600-h/DSC02565.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILKJ105I/AAAAAAAABVA/hXe7H9KDbmM/s400/DSC02565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368510849855378322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDIKvUxDtI/AAAAAAAABUw/1rRbO6FeOz4/s1600-h/DSC02515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDIKvUxDtI/AAAAAAAABUw/1rRbO6FeOz4/s400/DSC02515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368510842653445842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK9jOfPHI/AAAAAAAABVo/BUB2nMdMSsA/s1600-h/DSC02633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK9jOfPHI/AAAAAAAABVo/BUB2nMdMSsA/s400/DSC02633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368513914602470514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILiry4rI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Yp3bznKBZpw/s1600-h/DSC02571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDILiry4rI/AAAAAAAABVQ/Yp3bznKBZpw/s400/DSC02571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368510856440242866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK81C6zOI/AAAAAAAABVY/vB4EAHH8Efk/s1600-h/DSC02606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK81C6zOI/AAAAAAAABVY/vB4EAHH8Efk/s400/DSC02606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368513902205914338" border="0" /></a>Hannah and her matching dinner companion, Alesha's sister Andrea</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK9AAwxzI/AAAAAAAABVg/nazkndDW2Bs/s1600-h/DSC02608.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK9AAwxzI/AAAAAAAABVg/nazkndDW2Bs/s400/DSC02608.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368513905149658930" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Here's a little video of the polypropylene oven mitts-turned-dancing boots. These things kept her busy for ages to the delight of the entire dinner party.<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwSPojvR07_s9TXPSe709bszbQxGpc5GJ-3SIOdpbKIFLRjYxpbeytw5RLOBjhyoUyO06ZxuUh-s6qmibmEaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK-KFf6DI/AAAAAAAABVw/OzAjzXiklmI/s1600-h/DSC02650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDK-KFf6DI/AAAAAAAABVw/OzAjzXiklmI/s400/DSC02650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368513925033748530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdTQq7MI/AAAAAAAABWA/SJhPwd0L--s/s1600-h/DSC02656.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdTQq7MI/AAAAAAAABWA/SJhPwd0L--s/s400/DSC02656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516659095727298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdxfe4wI/AAAAAAAABWQ/pk54EY_eCsc/s1600-h/DSC02670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdxfe4wI/AAAAAAAABWQ/pk54EY_eCsc/s400/DSC02670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516667210916610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdukEecI/AAAAAAAABWI/j_oPd0qT4sc/s1600-h/DSC02673.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNdukEecI/AAAAAAAABWI/j_oPd0qT4sc/s400/DSC02673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516666424850882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNeDLmz1I/AAAAAAAABWY/PjQ594l_8MM/s1600-h/DSC02711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNeDLmz1I/AAAAAAAABWY/PjQ594l_8MM/s400/DSC02711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516671959387986" border="0" /></a>An after dinner swim in the lake<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNeXqRJ8I/AAAAAAAABWg/3EYII9yoTKs/s1600-h/DSC02721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDNeXqRJ8I/AAAAAAAABWg/3EYII9yoTKs/s400/DSC02721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516677456701378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fun with the bridesmaids during pictures:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPdlaMJDI/AAAAAAAABWw/1kjE6VghRaE/s1600-h/DSC02735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPdlaMJDI/AAAAAAAABWw/1kjE6VghRaE/s400/DSC02735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368518862990746674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPd3lwpVI/AAAAAAAABW4/SWGznKhidfc/s1600-h/DSC02736.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPd3lwpVI/AAAAAAAABW4/SWGznKhidfc/s400/DSC02736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368518867871114578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Being a flower girl is SO MUCH FUN!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRm513s0I/AAAAAAAABYA/MykC6oBCaoQ/s1600-h/DSC02843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRm513s0I/AAAAAAAABYA/MykC6oBCaoQ/s400/DSC02843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521222117634882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRmvx-XcI/AAAAAAAABX4/I3OD7hVJkbM/s1600-h/DSC02830.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRmvx-XcI/AAAAAAAABX4/I3OD7hVJkbM/s400/DSC02830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521219416939970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQml65xyI/AAAAAAAABXw/lIPe7crsnh0/s1600-h/DSC02799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQml65xyI/AAAAAAAABXw/lIPe7crsnh0/s400/DSC02799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368520117258405666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQmeVB_LI/AAAAAAAABXo/3YtZBcgjuE0/s1600-h/DSC02779.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQmeVB_LI/AAAAAAAABXo/3YtZBcgjuE0/s400/DSC02779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368520115220511922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQmC_uvfI/AAAAAAAABXg/K9qSIFoSKIE/s1600-h/DSC02775.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQmC_uvfI/AAAAAAAABXg/K9qSIFoSKIE/s400/DSC02775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368520107883412978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQlnGkjtI/AAAAAAAABXY/Pcaws8asWzs/s1600-h/DSC02769.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQlnGkjtI/AAAAAAAABXY/Pcaws8asWzs/s400/DSC02769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368520100395912914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQlWu5I8I/AAAAAAAABXQ/fF0OBIIjRuw/s1600-h/DSC02755.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDQlWu5I8I/AAAAAAAABXQ/fF0OBIIjRuw/s400/DSC02755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368520096001631170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPebh_0nI/AAAAAAAABXI/BOz1fqWwz4k/s1600-h/DSC02750.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPebh_0nI/AAAAAAAABXI/BOz1fqWwz4k/s400/DSC02750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368518877519008370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPeK-vaeI/AAAAAAAABXA/CLAWVNE7KEY/s1600-h/DSC02745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPeK-vaeI/AAAAAAAABXA/CLAWVNE7KEY/s400/DSC02745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368518873076165090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPdYy0FBI/AAAAAAAABWo/wrv3Fc2ekuM/s1600-h/DSC02734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDPdYy0FBI/AAAAAAAABWo/wrv3Fc2ekuM/s400/DSC02734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368518859604366354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRntNf75I/AAAAAAAABYQ/sIKWsaHiVqM/s1600-h/DSC02866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRntNf75I/AAAAAAAABYQ/sIKWsaHiVqM/s400/DSC02866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521235906949010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRoGhuRgI/AAAAAAAABYY/uMLzHyIk0f8/s1600-h/DSC02874.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRoGhuRgI/AAAAAAAABYY/uMLzHyIk0f8/s400/DSC02874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521242702661122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRnaIQ2HI/AAAAAAAABYI/yhudlJipB1c/s1600-h/DSC02849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SoDRnaIQ2HI/AAAAAAAABYI/yhudlJipB1c/s400/DSC02849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368521230784714866" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-2670827360846145702009-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:002009-07-30T21:15:59.776-07:00Sneakpeak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SnJvTwiMfgI/AAAAAAAABUg/6WpeIJs5W5s/s1600-h/Cora+Flower+Girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7vKkv04sU8Y/SnJvTwiMfgI/AAAAAAAABUg/6WpeIJs5W5s/s400/Cora+Flower+Girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364472491388206594" border="0" /></a><br />Cora was only the cutest flower girl <span style="font-style: italic;">ever</span>! She did a fantastic job walking down the aisle, dropping petals, and charmingly smiling at all the guests.<br /><br />Here's one photo, but I have many more cute ones from the whole weekend to show soon (after I come up for air from this busy week).<br /><br />Check out a few more awesome wedding photos at the photographers blog: <a href="http://www.jenifersander.blogspot.com">http://www.jenifersander.blogspot.com/</a>.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-53388468205619050512009-07-16T10:47:00.001-07:002009-07-22T14:39:41.057-07:00Blazing SummerThe long silence is explainable. Really. We are having a wild ride of a summer, just trying to keep up with God who seems to be moving a hundred miles an hour in our lives. Here is a list of some of the events of our summer so far, and some still to come:<br /><ul><li>A series of 7 baby and wedding showers, 4 of which I hosted, within a <span style="font-style: italic;">single </span>month.</li><li>Meals and visits for all the above friends and their new babies.<br /></li><li>Saying goodbye to best friends moving home to England.</li><li>Visits from parents.<br /></li><li>A bizarre and unfortunate series of events involving a car-eating squirrel and a totally incompetent mechanic which led to the totaling of our beloved Mazda Tribute and the purchase of a cute little blue VW Golf, 2002, manual, which barely seats our family, but is really fun to drive around town.</li><li>An intensive Old Testament course for me (a semester's worth in less than a month.)<br /></li><li>An <span style="font-style: italic;">extremely </span>intensive course schedule for Dave: <span style="font-style: italic;">Reading Film Theologically, Spiritual Discernment</span>, and the mother of all beasts, two semesters of Hebrew crammed into 7 weeks. He memorizes about 30-50 Hebrew words a day and spends 9 hours a day in classes and studying. Fortunately, he's amazing at languages, so he's not as stressed as most of his classmates. He just finished the first semester's worth with an A+, despite all the distractions, particularly two little ones, that his single friends don't have.<br /></li><li>A whirlwind 4-day trip to London and Nottingham for me, attending a conference with my thesis supervisor on economics, ethics, and theology, as well as a quick visit to the above said friends. David and his mom kept the household running and the girls fed (which was quite a feat with Hannah, who detests bottles.)<br /></li><li>A 12-week Wednesday night Bible study meeting in our home going through the book <span style="font-style: italic;">Sacred Marriage</span>.</li><li>All interspersed with all your typical kid stuff: playing at the beach and pool and free water park, picking huckleberries and salmon berries in the cool woods, gardening and biking; and the <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>so typical: an MRI and lots of doctors appointments (all of which confirm God's abundant grace in Cora's life!!) <br /></li></ul>And still to come within the next two weeks:<br /><ul><li>A weekend trip to the Okanagan for a wedding, in which Cora and I get to be a flower girl and bridesmaid.</li><li>A move. Only a quarter mile away, but considering everything must still be packed and unpacked, it might as well be miles. We're moving from an apartment to a townhouse that backs up onto a large green space shared by Cora's two best friends, Charlotte and Clay. We're continuing our trend: this will be our <span style="font-style: italic;">8th </span>move in our 8 years of marriage.<br /></li><li>A two-week trip home to Atlanta for the girls and me while Dave finishes the last two weeks of Hebrew--and makes the actual move on Aug. 4th. I'm hoping to have things mostly packed and cleaned before leaving, and then Dave and his friends will move us on a Tuesday afternoon, between his 4-hour classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. <br /></li></ul>So, I am excused for the absence, yes?<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003266537214115121.post-65019517467371661782009-05-14T21:23:00.000-07:002009-05-14T21:38:04.165-07:00CoffeeWe are making sure we teach Cora how to do the most important things in life.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMNCPRNpPWlyAiEF7I2IE5mxxIdVbSgJYGkEAVi5JxXGWd9KQesyhLXMM8z7QHyOGGICt6CB-hXAjAgsfOZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Unfortunately we make our coffee in a French press every morning, and she's a little too young to be pouring boiling water. But grinding the beans for us is a start.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15616513460129361284noreply@blogger.com1