tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27276773243748713112024-03-18T21:33:09.392-07:00A Million ThingsJessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-84796513893860069972015-10-13T10:53:00.001-07:002015-10-14T07:59:41.432-07:00A Home for Hope.<div style="text-align: center;">
Change makes me want to write.<br />
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So what I'm also saying is 2015 has been a steady year.<br />
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And it's a miracle I remembered my blog password.</div>
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A quiet blog usually indicates a quiet life season.</div>
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Although our life is far from quiet.</div>
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A loud "status quo" might be more accurate.</div>
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A new chapter is upon us.</div>
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Bringing changes I am so very excited about.</div>
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In May of this year,<br />
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after the retirement announcement of their senior pastor,<br />
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Dave was approached to consider a merge with another local church,<br />
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First Baptist Church of San Carlos.<br />
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Our summer was full of meetings and dinners and interviews.</div>
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And so much prayer.</div>
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And lots of communication with our Hope church family.</div>
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And our faithful Hope leadership.<br />
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And more recently, an official decision to move forward with the merging of two churches.<br />
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So much excitement.</div>
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Lots of "too good to be true" feelings.</div>
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But sometimes,<br />
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oftentimes actually,<br />
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I've been reminded that God is in the business of goodness.</div>
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And this is what He's doing here.</div>
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He's given our faithful church a permanent home. </div>
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A warm welcome by a dear group of faithful saints in San Carlos.</div>
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I can't wait to see all that we're going to accomplish together.</div>
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Hope Church began in my grandmother's living room over six years ago.<br />
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Sometimes in her backyard if it was warm.<br />
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It was a faith jump.</div>
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A big, crazy leap.<br />
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We'd left the only church we'd ever known with no real plan.<br />
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Which, if you know us, is unlike us.<br />
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We were slow, comfortable and boring.<br />
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My part-time job allowed me to go full-time.<br />
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Dave became a stay at home dad for a short season.<br />
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Then he worked as a homeless shelter coordinator.<br />
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Then a barista.<br />
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All the while shepherding this faithful flock of believers.<br />
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The best he knew how.<br />
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In unconventional ways and places.<br />
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At weird times.<br />
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At all times.<br />
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With little sleep.<br />
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And God honored it.<br />
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I'm thrilled to see our history continue just a few miles down the road.</div>
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I'm thankful for our humble, hard beginnings.<br />
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The stacking and unstacking of chairs approximately 260 times.<br />
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The constant reminder that church is not a place, it's a group gathered.<br />
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I don't ever want to forget that.</div>
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I look back on our journey with great joy.</div>
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The Lord taught us so much.</div>
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Even (and especially) when we thought we knew it all.<br />
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I am thankful for those that were there with us when we jumped.</div>
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Those that stayed from the very beginning.<br />
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When it was hard and inconvenient.<br />
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I recognize and value your sacrifice.<br />
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I'll never forget it.</div>
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And those that joined us along the way.</div>
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The love and loyalty they showed us.</div>
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The patience they extended as they got used to something different and new.</div>
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The lessons learned and mistakes made.<br />
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There were many times where it felt like we were wandering in the wilderness.</div>
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Unsure of what God was doing.<br />
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Unfit for this calling.</div>
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I see that He has been preparing us for this all along.</div>
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What a privilege it is to serve Him.</div>
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What a gift.</div>
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What a reminder of His faithfulness.<br />
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Dave is able to quit making lattes at 4:30 am.</div>
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He'll have an office that is not our playroom.<br />
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He'll have a place to store his 5 million books.</div>
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He'll have an admin (can I get an AMEN?).</div>
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And the help of a kind and friendly associate pastor.<br />
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We are home.</div>
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In a place where Jesus will be preached and people will be loved.<br />
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A group gathered just five miles down the road.</div>
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And there is no other place I'd rather be.<br />
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Local friends, here is a schedule of events.</div>
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Please feel free to join us.</div>
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<br />Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-64238253859866996502015-01-03T13:49:00.002-08:002015-01-03T13:57:19.055-08:00Prayers for Ashlyn.<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi.</div>
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I've taken a bit of a writing break.</div>
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We've been busy.</div>
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And I'll just be honest.</div>
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I've learned that controversial posts are not for me.</div>
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My people pleasing heart took a bit of a hit.</div>
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And I think I'm still recovering.</div>
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While I'm a little sad I can't share my heart 100% here,</div>
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I don't ever want to hurt anyone with my words.</div>
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I'm reminded that heart sharing is most fruitful in person.<br />
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Face to face.</div>
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The internet makes it all too easy to toss words out into the universe.</div>
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Words that are easily misunderstood.</div>
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And require clarification and real conversation.</div>
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Cookie recipes and dumb stories are safer.</div>
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And more of what I think Jesus wants for me.</div>
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Jesus likes cookies.</div>
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I'll save the drama for Matt Walsh.</div>
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Honestly, I don't know how he does it.</div>
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Anyhow.</div>
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Popping in real quick to ask for prayers for our middle girl.</div>
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She's having cochlear implant surgery on Monday up at UCSF.</div>
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Her hearing in her left ear declined a few months ago and she became a quick candidate for a second implant.</div>
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We are so grateful for her first implant and all it has given her.</div>
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We're very excited that she'll now be able to benefit from having two.</div>
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We're thankful we know what to expect and that brings some peace.</div>
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But it's still scary to hand your little girl over outside the operating room doors.</div>
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Please pray for wisdom and a steady hand for the doctors.</div>
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Please pray for peace for her.<br />
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And minimal pain.</div>
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Please pray for peace for those in the waiting room.</div>
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It's a scary few hours.</div>
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Please pray for a speedy recovery.</div>
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Please pray that should would sit still for 48 hours.</div>
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I can already tell this will be our biggest challenge.</div>
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We are so grateful to be able to ask for such a precious favor.</div>
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Thank you.</div>
<br />Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-83147433798685866082014-11-05T10:53:00.001-08:002014-11-05T13:31:02.387-08:00Always October<div style="text-align: center;">
So I forgot I had a blog last month.</div>
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I mean.</div>
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We were a little busy here in the Bay.</div>
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I had "World Series house" for a few weeks.</div>
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Piles of laundry.</div>
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The only clean stuff was orange and black.</div>
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Unpaid bills.</div>
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Except for cable.</div>
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So many leftover casseroles.<br />
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And desserts.</div>
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Life just kind of stopped for a while.</div>
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But it was full speed ahead at the same time.</div>
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Watching games with friends.<br />
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And Giants cupcakes.<br />
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And swimming in the pool in October.<br />
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And cheering like crazy as they came from behind.<br />
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Learning to accept loss when they didn't.</div>
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Going to the games with family.</div>
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Garlic fries.</div>
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And sundaes.</div>
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And running into old friends at the ballpark.</div>
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An amazingly torturous Game 7.<br />
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My head still hurts.</div>
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Cheering with our neighbors.</div>
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And driving around downtown afterwards.</div>
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An extra happy husband.</div>
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Life around our city when our beloved team makes the playoffs is a little slice of heaven on earth.</div>
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Truly.</div>
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But other stuff happened, too.</div>
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I turned 38.</div>
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And spent the morning taste testing donuts for church.</div>
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Which, you guys, is a pretty great birthday.</div>
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A So Cal friend came to celebrate.</div>
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And we made her wear orange and black.</div>
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Dinner project is going well.<br />
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Holland loves spaghetti night.</div>
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Dave ate peas.</div>
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Ashlyn is eating carrots like nobody's business.</div>
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All we do is win, win, win.</div>
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Kayla's gone cellular.</div>
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It's Grandma Cee Cee's old one, not activated and wi-fi only for a little responsibility-proving trial run.</div>
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Basically she can play Candy Crush and text me, her dad and her grandparents.</div>
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And use SO. many. emojis.</div>
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She also has a private Instagram account.</div>
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It's cute.</div>
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I started a new bible study about wisdom.</div>
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And oh it's good.</div>
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And it's making me realize how not wise I am.</div>
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Speaking of.</div>
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I'm using hairties for third kid childproofing.</div>
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She is all over the place and into everything.</div>
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She says Mama, Dada and has just started calling Kayla "Yaya."</div>
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She is so very close to walking.</div>
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But I've been saying that all month.</div>
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So I'm just not sure anymore.</div>
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Personally, I think she's just a little lazy.</div>
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And would rather sit on Pop Pop's pinball machine.</div>
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Obviously safety is a primary concern around these parts.</div>
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Halloween was interesting.</div>
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Ashlyn insisted on Ironman.</div>
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And pretty much wore the costume out before the 31st.</div>
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Kayla was Princess Leia.</div>
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And Holland was a pumpkin that I couldn't find until 30 mins before we went trick or treating.</div>
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So she almost went as a baby.<br />
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I'm still eating their candy.</div>
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I blame World Series house for all of it.</div>
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We love our San Francisco Giants.</div>
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Thanks for making October so fun.</div>
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<br />Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-78824752124037230492014-09-29T10:43:00.000-07:002014-11-05T12:08:59.967-08:00The Dinner Project<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have a confession.</div>
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Our family has disastrous meal habits.</div>
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I'm sure it's probably a sin somewhere in the Old Testament.</div>
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Dave could very well be disqualified as a pastor.</div>
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And things have gotten progressively worse since the baby arrived.</div>
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I won't go into detail but let's just say there has been an unGodly amount of Chipotle involved.</div>
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And eating of separate non-Chipotle frozen items in the playroom.</div>
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It's piece and quiet and burrito bowls for Dave and I.</div>
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But it's not good for our family.</div>
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We're a culinary tragedy.</div>
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My sweet friend Laurie posted a meal plan on Facebook last week and tagged my <a href="http://www.amillionthingsblog.com/2011/07/kids-club-my-fat-thumbs-and-recipe.html">Baked Ziti Recipe</a> in her rotation.</div>
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A Baked Ziti I only make for friends with new babies.</div>
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Or when we have company over.</div>
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Because my kids look at it like it's laced with formaldehyde.</div>
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So I laughed.</div>
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And made a promise to myself to set this dinnertime ship straight.</div>
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I want my kids to remember meals around our table.</div>
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Conversations where we look at each other's faces.</div>
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I want them to have memories of favorite foods that are not store-bought, take-out and/or frozen.</div>
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My last post was a good reminder that we need to make the most of the afternoons that they are home with us.</div>
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This growing up time is short and goes by so very fast.</div>
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I want that extra hour.</div>
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And although there will be complaining and resistance and hidden vegetables behind the china hutch at first.</div>
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I know it will pay off in the end.</div>
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I know it's important.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JDNEPQNNLXZLDw1KwVh257wLY-jINRasYyIbh1r6tBXn5qg0N8g3XaoGSCc12241wNMaam5XWClQ_tysTx338dvY31XUBBMJX_McJ4LU_fEDdOBYYdYnK6kvkPIdGv_KiwWr_UJbpi8/s1600/Kayla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JDNEPQNNLXZLDw1KwVh257wLY-jINRasYyIbh1r6tBXn5qg0N8g3XaoGSCc12241wNMaam5XWClQ_tysTx338dvY31XUBBMJX_McJ4LU_fEDdOBYYdYnK6kvkPIdGv_KiwWr_UJbpi8/s1600/Kayla.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm starting simple.</div>
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And I'm starting tonight.</div>
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Make your own pizzas.</div>
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And salad.</div>
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I'm having the girls choose a few more new recipes from my Kraft magazines and cookbooks.</div>
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I also have a few standard classics that I'm going to force them to eat.</div>
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Baked Formaldehyde, for example. </div>
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I'm committed to cooking a FULL meal every weeknight even if no one eats more than one bite.</div>
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And everyone needs to try one bite.</div>
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And after I see what sticks,</div>
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I'm implementing Laurie's rotation.</div>
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She has 5 weeks worth of set meals.</div>
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I'm thinking we'll probably start with two weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/07/post-it-notes-grids/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0r4N4-BK_xhQDw87N9-qMtjadWNAUzWYhvvLd1KTLZbITEwwkN_3fNe4Zxr9fyXXtg60aN79FZSicd4oLqxR-gdNQHtF78IIJHojm3l9bkWYue0gAON-SHXRrPRDp44takYYzO0z7MQ/s1600/mique.png" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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I found this cute <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/07/post-it-notes-grids/">Post-It printable</a> made by my friend Mique.<br />
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That will go on the fridge.<br />
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My kids do better when they know what to expect.</div>
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I'm also bringing back dessert as an incentive.</div>
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Fun, easy desserts.</div>
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And kitchen will be closed after dinner.</div>
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I don't want dinnertime to be a fight.</div>
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And I don't want brussel sprouts hidden in my walls.</div>
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But I don't want there not to be dinnertime.</div>
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So I will do my best to find things we all like.</div>
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I want this to be fun.</div>
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Also, I find that when I confess, others do, too.</div>
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Any other dinner slackers out there?</div>
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It's safe here.</div>
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Promise.</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-28997028366733805762014-09-22T10:40:00.003-07:002014-09-23T12:13:43.716-07:00Galatians 3:28 and the Elephant in the Classroom. <div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes on Sunday mornings Dave turns his back to the congregation and faces the stage, mid-sermon.</div>
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He preaches to himself.</div>
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He even says that.</div>
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"I'm preaching to myself here, guys."</div>
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And I type with that sentiment.</div>
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I'm mostly blogging to myself here.</div>
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But I'm only half the equation.</div>
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So I realize it kind of falls short.</div>
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I guess I just want you to feel like we're in this together.<br />
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Because we are.</div>
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And anything otherwise would contradict the heart behind my words.</div>
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But I think we need a reminder, Christian moms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKL0wWZnkia1G5krVhTLqhlCfbIaLhyphenhyphenO533gcDTjMqsxW7zn0maN0pYWO1VpOzMd0KXkb1pmpZFxwIRsjND_O7Rc-dTvw0SPXP8lM4AL8Ct3cYCC5r2Djg-DCoyRDfwE0e7gldGWOg20/s1600/Kayla_locker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKL0wWZnkia1G5krVhTLqhlCfbIaLhyphenhyphenO533gcDTjMqsxW7zn0maN0pYWO1VpOzMd0KXkb1pmpZFxwIRsjND_O7Rc-dTvw0SPXP8lM4AL8Ct3cYCC5r2Djg-DCoyRDfwE0e7gldGWOg20/s1600/Kayla_locker.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Enough is enough with the judgment over schooling choices.</div>
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The conversations we have with like-minded friends under the guise of "encouragement" or "fellowship" that quickly turn south.<br />
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And we start them knowing they will turn south.</div>
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The screen shots and snarky texts we send.</div>
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The comments we make under our breath and the thoughts in our heads.<br />
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The finger pointing and misguided passion.<br />
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The delighting in weaknesses and short-comings to prove our stance is correct.<br />
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The public school mom who scoffs at the homeschool family learning in their PJs.</div>
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Or having a math lesson at a convenience store.</div>
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The homeschool mom who, although she may not say it, carries herself with arrogance and believes in her heart she loves her children more.</div>
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The public school mom who ignorantly assumes homeschool moms are overprotective, overwhelmed and raising children ill-equipped for real life.</div>
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The homeschool mom who shares news articles about our failing public school system every chance she gets.<br />
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Even though she's never stepped foot on a public school campus.</div>
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The public school mom who arrogantly comments on posted news articles, proudly proving she's not sending her children off to the wolves.<br />
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Even though she doesn't know for sure.</div>
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The homeschool mom who judges the public school mom for having her head in the sand and being lazy.</div>
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Or even worse?</div>
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The implication that she can't possibly love her children if she is willing to expose them to the "evils" of the public school system.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuEl1jhrJ6ATAvEg2hGR9H3yVd4hn-nVhS4vjtPsH1io_rrjGBQ7sxLN3yqFzOcmaFyVqPK7a3IMbvyRgusCy1NBYD2ptRK4bJHM_l9F2FNb5TlOgJJGG-kqGnyHeSnNGUDzU3HJIPKQ/s1600/ashlyn_2ndgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuEl1jhrJ6ATAvEg2hGR9H3yVd4hn-nVhS4vjtPsH1io_rrjGBQ7sxLN3yqFzOcmaFyVqPK7a3IMbvyRgusCy1NBYD2ptRK4bJHM_l9F2FNb5TlOgJJGG-kqGnyHeSnNGUDzU3HJIPKQ/s1600/ashlyn_2ndgrade.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
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The public school mom jealous of the greater influence a homeschool mom may have on her children.</div>
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The homeschool mom jealous of a public school mom's late morning pedicure.</div>
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The public school mom who doesn't "like" a picture on Instagram because it has a home education hashtag.</div>
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The homeschool mom who doesn't post a comment on a picture on Facebook because it has a public school location geotag.</div>
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None of this is good, you guys.</div>
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Or healthy.</div>
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Or edifying.</div>
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Let's stop.<br />
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Because here's the deal.</div>
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Homeschool mom is doing her best.</div>
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She loves her children.</div>
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She takes seriously her role as parent.</div>
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She messes up.</div>
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She is tired and weary and scared.</div>
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Public school mom is doing her best.</div>
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She loves her children.</div>
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She takes seriously her role as parent.</div>
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She messes up.</div>
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She is tired and weary and scared.</div>
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We need to trust that we're each doing what's right and best for our family.</div>
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We need to love each other.</div>
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And support each other.</div>
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And not let feelings of inadequacy, insecurity or envy cloud our emotions.</div>
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Or worse?</div>
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Fracture our friendships. </div>
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Because there is a wedge.<br />
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And as the American Christian homeschool movement gains momentum, it's getting worse.</div>
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I see it.</div>
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Online.</div>
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In churches.</div>
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I see friend circles based on schooling choices.</div>
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I even see divide within the homeschool community over curriculum.</div>
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I see popular Christian preachers calling for a mass exodus out of the public school system.<br />
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I hear it in our tone when we talk about it.</div>
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It's getting kind of crazy, you guys.</div>
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It makes me sad.</div>
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And honestly.</div>
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I think Paul would be angry.<br />
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He might even swear.<br />
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Because it's rubbish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_AYksPoB3SL5jUBqi0hVSccWcWJTgwDVUDKTe98tZswYDjdZ5iW5cG4GxIbxD4UOxJ_fEWWCweVpCMWmzxXuO_4hLSa1YDWoenhyB5TU_A_i7fmmiBTKssx6Ylx96v9bDU-BXAJ6CJo/s1600/GAL328_noborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_AYksPoB3SL5jUBqi0hVSccWcWJTgwDVUDKTe98tZswYDjdZ5iW5cG4GxIbxD4UOxJ_fEWWCweVpCMWmzxXuO_4hLSa1YDWoenhyB5TU_A_i7fmmiBTKssx6Ylx96v9bDU-BXAJ6CJo/s1600/GAL328_noborder.jpg" height="196" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's imperative that we abandon the mindset that there is only one way to educate our children.</div>
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That homeschooling produces anti-social, uneducated and narrow-minded individuals.</div>
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<a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/homeschool-domination/">Because it doesn't.</a></div>
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Or that homeschooling is biblically mandated.</div>
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And that Satan himself is running the American pubic school system.</div>
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<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/does-deuteronomy-6-mandate-homeschooling/">Because it isn't.</a></div>
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And he isn't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGM2-dFrEYVcgUkoMDHWFRDqWCD_TxUsn_02aCZXhmMRgIDlc0lhhTbYtESkrmkVgB9itLtIRsi7VPzNhw8w-51HAOAEgE1VC7AzWROZdYl8r9HImi8AySK_ktcfzCSRlf0jaRdwWWPg/s1600/Kayla_5thgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGM2-dFrEYVcgUkoMDHWFRDqWCD_TxUsn_02aCZXhmMRgIDlc0lhhTbYtESkrmkVgB9itLtIRsi7VPzNhw8w-51HAOAEgE1VC7AzWROZdYl8r9HImi8AySK_ktcfzCSRlf0jaRdwWWPg/s1600/Kayla_5thgrade.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
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Here's the reality.</div>
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The public school system has deep flaws.</div>
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It also has great triumphs.</div>
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The home education system has deep flaws.</div>
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It also has great triumphs.</div>
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Through all of it, God is still in control.</div>
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And without relinquishing our own control and relying on Him,</div>
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we don't stand a chance.</div>
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If I, public school mom, want zero judgment.</div>
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I need to judge zero myself.</div>
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If you, homeschool mom, want me to respect you and your choices.</div>
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You need to respect and trust mine.<br />
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We all want our kids to be decent humans and know and follow Jesus.</div>
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But that happens through prayer.</div>
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And study of Scripture.</div>
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And implementing the things of God into your family time.</div>
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At 10:30 am.</div>
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Or 3:30 pm.</div>
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Ultimately, it happens through God's sovereign work in our children's hearts.</div>
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It's not contingent on any specific learning environment or curriculum.</div>
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Likewise, it can't be thwarted by any specific learning environment or curriculum.</div>
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Press on in confidence, mamas.</div>
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Be praying.</div>
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Be learning.</div>
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Be loving and unified.</div>
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We miss out when we're not.</div>
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We're all doing our best.</div>
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Be quicker to give each other the benefit of the doubt than to say I told you so.<br />
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Public school moms, let's be praying for our friends that homeschool.<br />
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For patience and wisdom and endurance.<br />
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Homeschool moms, let's be praying for our friends that choose public school.<br />
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For encouragement and assurance and that their families would make a difference on campus.</div>
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Our children learn the most from watching us.<br />
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All day long in a homeschool setting.<br />
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Or after they are done with a full day of public school.<br />
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Our influence is the same.<br />
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And we want them to see Jesus.</div>
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So let's be sure we're showing them what He looks like.</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-76704809929610135332014-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:002014-09-16T22:29:59.468-07:00One.<div style="text-align: center;">
Our little girl turned one last week.</div>
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She's such a sweet addition to our family.</div>
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This past year has changed us.</div>
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It's hard to imagine life before her.<br />
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She's a petite little thing.</div>
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Her hair is growing in a bit and I predict Kayla's curls.</div>
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She's scooting around the furniture.</div>
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And constantly on the move.</div>
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She is quick.</div>
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The lure of our cable box has been replaced with the dog crate.</div>
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Which is more convenient for my productivity.</div>
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She has a mouthful of teeth and says "mama" 237 times each day.</div>
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But I don't think she realizes who's she talking about yet.</div>
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She only sleeps through the night when someone else puts her down.</div>
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So basically I'm trying to get Dave on board with hiring a night nanny.</div>
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She is sweet and even tempered.</div>
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Unless you take away something she shouldn't have.</div>
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Like dog bones.</div>
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Or pennies.</div>
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Or Spray and Wash.<br />
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We celebrated her milestone last weekend.</div>
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With pinwheels.</div>
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And cotton candy.</div>
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And lots of little friends.<br />
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And not so little friends.<br />
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The weather was beautiful and the party guests spent much of the day in the pool.<br />
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Ashlyn and Kayla rigged a inner tube jump that kept everyone very busy.<br />
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Nan hired a "lifeguard" that most likely didn't know CPR but he could yell really loud if someone was in trouble. Which is kind of the same thing?<br />
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I made pistachio cupcakes with cream cheese frosting that the birthday girl rejected in disgust.<br />
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I think she even kicked it at one point.</div>
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My baby hates cake.</div>
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We sang to her and she got scared.</div>
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So we stopped before she cried.<br />
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Daddy barbecued hot dogs and sliders.<br />
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While chatting with the non-lifeguard.<br />
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Candy-filled pinwheels made perfect and easy favors.<br />
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Ashlyn opened up all of Holland's gifts.</div>
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While the guest of honor played with a single piece of orange tissue paper for 45 minutes.</div>
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You know.</div>
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I don't agree with Hillary on much.<br />
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But she is absolutely right when she says it takes a village.<br />
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A kind, loving village.</div>
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Our girl's first year of life has been so greatly supplemented by so many wonderful people.<br />
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It's made our year richer.<br />
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It makes her life better.</div>
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I've seen the impact our village has had on our older two.<br />
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And it makes me more confident in parenting.<br />
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We are not alone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNNrowgtl196ud9PgGCz96Y5siqLqTbtCKo37P2eeB2Tp5DjWN42YikCGsALBfK6Kk_wc-9_0EEM5fBdHcxxkXO-AEFqGz0vxcvhRu1sL8sZrqDKy4Qh42MLCTuMN5JV7B9-QU7fa-oo/s1600/photo+4+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNNrowgtl196ud9PgGCz96Y5siqLqTbtCKo37P2eeB2Tp5DjWN42YikCGsALBfK6Kk_wc-9_0EEM5fBdHcxxkXO-AEFqGz0vxcvhRu1sL8sZrqDKy4Qh42MLCTuMN5JV7B9-QU7fa-oo/s1600/photo+4+copy.JPG" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
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And I'm so thankful they've stuck around for our littlest.<br />
<br />
Their love and investment makes a difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57UzZTlahDrSn_zz_0zkQo9tOV7wzB3f-bBG0SiOqpvBPt2l2cUQQwEGpOx0OsySLak6IiOTPM0MBZgbAEE6EKZAoLZccV87zyaT9dtAAzP3DV7MeP7QoaEgrpzwgUiaLEChu592HhN4/s1600/photo+4+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57UzZTlahDrSn_zz_0zkQo9tOV7wzB3f-bBG0SiOqpvBPt2l2cUQQwEGpOx0OsySLak6IiOTPM0MBZgbAEE6EKZAoLZccV87zyaT9dtAAzP3DV7MeP7QoaEgrpzwgUiaLEChu592HhN4/s1600/photo+4+copy+3.JPG" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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She is blessed because of it.</div>
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We are blessed because of it.<br />
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Happy first birthday, Holland girl.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you so.</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-33996489786201440032014-08-26T11:14:00.002-07:002014-08-27T10:13:06.787-07:00The Canned Goods of Summer.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/">Kelle Hampton</a> posted the following as a caption on Instagram last week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Under a picture of her husband reading a bedtime story to their daughter:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
"One for the parenting canned good cellar --</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
jars of good, happy, peaceful moments</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
that we stash away to pull out during the droughts and harsh winters of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Our [social media] feeds are full of them --</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
summer sleepovers, family hugs, cartwheel silhouettes against beach sunsets,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
babies sleeping on chests, bedtime stories and smiles for days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Every moment of every day hardly looks like this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
But maybe we accept that these little feeds are our cellars,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
and it feels good to stockpile the best stuff when it comes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
To hold us over during the messy and hard and confusing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
For all the jars I've robbed during the hard times (I took one today!)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
I restocked one tonight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Stock your cellars."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
I love these words.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />And here are the canned goods of our summertime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
All the best moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
And a reminder that all moments are not best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
And that's ok.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Everyone has their sad stories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their bad days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
We just like to show the world our happy ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
And that's ok, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Camping with <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/">kindreds</a> at Bass Lake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpB2hpopuvdEvqcimGCgUbv3WCzt3v2iymhzl1fR2J-aQS524DmAsOcVaW-WK52AZrQZFNW_bVRvqciOG4TVzD8TQN4_vKTJwGBZnmBC4dTmI5dbAi-WHX1l3VrEgidB8qBfrAh8mLpE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpB2hpopuvdEvqcimGCgUbv3WCzt3v2iymhzl1fR2J-aQS524DmAsOcVaW-WK52AZrQZFNW_bVRvqciOG4TVzD8TQN4_vKTJwGBZnmBC4dTmI5dbAi-WHX1l3VrEgidB8qBfrAh8mLpE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="592" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do need to pause and talk about camping for a second.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Process, if you will.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were in tents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In dirt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With spiders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was hard, you guys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we're already planning next year's trip.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's kind of like childbirth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You forget quickly because the memories are so rich.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xZ_6CMKJSQjiDrisCX1NJj1nisDGjP-PcTE8fnJYTTAA8vsMMfYIdjFDGkVhp3KAVidpfhpPf643-8x3ZVOplaRBx1CINRuYF-7w_ZjtmKRfh9s4ZcG4oQ_hOQX-XgcuVWwKHZd-t8c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xZ_6CMKJSQjiDrisCX1NJj1nisDGjP-PcTE8fnJYTTAA8vsMMfYIdjFDGkVhp3KAVidpfhpPf643-8x3ZVOplaRBx1CINRuYF-7w_ZjtmKRfh9s4ZcG4oQ_hOQX-XgcuVWwKHZd-t8c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="592" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Cove swimming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Late night campfire laughter after the kids are asleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Hot dog quesadillas and Pop Tarts for breakfast, lunch and dinner.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-L0GqlY21f-3djm4V1Z8kA6P1sJl5WCA7PdgJigLVXwsBK9OXZnrGLIi3vteNIo7QlKUUjSRf76uTs8wx4ASQvDJ5KWkQ7kQ3OjuQLSxe5C8LTEhB-MNW4g0MDV4yl2Ao9rBtbYyHlw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-L0GqlY21f-3djm4V1Z8kA6P1sJl5WCA7PdgJigLVXwsBK9OXZnrGLIi3vteNIo7QlKUUjSRf76uTs8wx4ASQvDJ5KWkQ7kQ3OjuQLSxe5C8LTEhB-MNW4g0MDV4yl2Ao9rBtbYyHlw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="582" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Ice cream in Yosemite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But then I remember the spiders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might need an epidural next year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also crashed my parent's time share for a week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDt0rhRiyXQlM-lLpFYgnRJbiG5GdHCJxc6eeVSyysAvpqFAEngqVloJUaZjlSWlou79Arf7u4B35BXiK44aKkZKRUCYQOmjXD_VTN5ZTc-4Ds-jxxgroInitD0tj3iWkhgyA4ov624c/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDt0rhRiyXQlM-lLpFYgnRJbiG5GdHCJxc6eeVSyysAvpqFAEngqVloJUaZjlSWlou79Arf7u4B35BXiK44aKkZKRUCYQOmjXD_VTN5ZTc-4Ds-jxxgroInitD0tj3iWkhgyA4ov624c/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Newport is our favorite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Nor Cal beaches are beautiful and all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
But it's nice to actually get in the water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbF-4H2AG4yE_Kyaa0SZp2PZUN1wrgUwQXxO5FJbxE10Xr9OchMBvZzmx81mfMLgQdVoWuVmpg1z_Y1jX21IDr06oPJRr7HlXOMRcI9KKtSTzDeSfl4uKsy-CjZRdN-bS5IWbDuDaE6o/s1600/holland.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbF-4H2AG4yE_Kyaa0SZp2PZUN1wrgUwQXxO5FJbxE10Xr9OchMBvZzmx81mfMLgQdVoWuVmpg1z_Y1jX21IDr06oPJRr7HlXOMRcI9KKtSTzDeSfl4uKsy-CjZRdN-bS5IWbDuDaE6o/s1600/holland.jpeg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks, mom and dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are so kind to share with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixsvObIfIHIQ0taB-fOS_gqr-R3efX-nEZNnL7R2geSQVMXoXUJMFEuOAdEXhwRZR3QfAtEIOOGBBgFDuUsBCTYjb4_ekgDstm0jlFR4o1XEXR8l7ckdYRlxAJeOVRtRg9k88Zg2mfh0/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixsvObIfIHIQ0taB-fOS_gqr-R3efX-nEZNnL7R2geSQVMXoXUJMFEuOAdEXhwRZR3QfAtEIOOGBBgFDuUsBCTYjb4_ekgDstm0jlFR4o1XEXR8l7ckdYRlxAJeOVRtRg9k88Zg2mfh0/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="618" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If it wasn't for you all of our vacations would involve spiders and Pop Tarts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWpP_TrvHc4N1fsWKbSHUHA6YIRWOw9xDnvuYkMw5o2Ps53AFyhiwOq1hEzxkCqjwiq8D5oxDB7hRYwtUeA1UwxFhLcDHZ48QycEK5dVv_HXaKsJU-gB5gza-T9eg9M_H8GJNmsThwhQ/s1600/photo+1+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWpP_TrvHc4N1fsWKbSHUHA6YIRWOw9xDnvuYkMw5o2Ps53AFyhiwOq1hEzxkCqjwiq8D5oxDB7hRYwtUeA1UwxFhLcDHZ48QycEK5dVv_HXaKsJU-gB5gza-T9eg9M_H8GJNmsThwhQ/s1600/photo+1+copy+2.JPG" height="640" width="624" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We attended many weddings this summer.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Young adults near and dear to our hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
It was a joy to celebrate what God has brought together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuXd_42YZ5twV5HT4Ny1qw0dJ_X_tsb9OeX7_ZjlC0g9PgbfWl8wIniCV1zchkwNPvL951wz8f3uYCek0-lLEJDR6OhhO5veWi4G6-Cdw8ZRm6r6h1RJak64SrTIGqBI4aY7LFeTPQZ0/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuXd_42YZ5twV5HT4Ny1qw0dJ_X_tsb9OeX7_ZjlC0g9PgbfWl8wIniCV1zchkwNPvL951wz8f3uYCek0-lLEJDR6OhhO5veWi4G6-Cdw8ZRm6r6h1RJak64SrTIGqBI4aY7LFeTPQZ0/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Different celebrations, unique to each couple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Love is the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQvGbQl1f4vaudA_VdUSE1zBvPq4Q5XK-TVjlfGwJWiskpkoHxzJ3LxhIDuCiqXi_UGIPK5VgVYRmRgiykkSkYjazWXEMREVMrKIQsO75b0tgOHBRmsqx2LQ_-pK-WmChzAql01CekoI/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQvGbQl1f4vaudA_VdUSE1zBvPq4Q5XK-TVjlfGwJWiskpkoHxzJ3LxhIDuCiqXi_UGIPK5VgVYRmRgiykkSkYjazWXEMREVMrKIQsO75b0tgOHBRmsqx2LQ_-pK-WmChzAql01CekoI/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="640" width="522" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Praying over the miracle of new life in our church family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCR1mRgZIWRW-hNt1GfRn59wzoJfACEK2fYadiqkCEVKlUSiRD13hw-NQISD6TbA53nNWjPG1TIZlIGJ32m-Aw_HRhpbIMwDuO9h3-uC9MrN042oO5o1Jjh3t1Wg8216yaZsXq4xSE_I/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCR1mRgZIWRW-hNt1GfRn59wzoJfACEK2fYadiqkCEVKlUSiRD13hw-NQISD6TbA53nNWjPG1TIZlIGJ32m-Aw_HRhpbIMwDuO9h3-uC9MrN042oO5o1Jjh3t1Wg8216yaZsXq4xSE_I/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="640" width="468" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
That happened 100% naturally, two weeks after a failed infertility treatment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still can't believe it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Come to Hope, ask for Jen and talk to her for three hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Her story is my favorite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Praying for our pastor on his 39th birthday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Hearing dear, wise saints thank him for showing them love and grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjhzn4ap9zys6Ft_yVyW4vJZSur8eRZVp8gzKbNl5i5cIdTwuzI09YwisyrEVQr14eohf_duUMKmkRqSgKSUCkwHH8S5edxpaf3gbygC649ABn9z6SY6A7oz6p7_47PGp6Ui71KzvXtI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjhzn4ap9zys6Ft_yVyW4vJZSur8eRZVp8gzKbNl5i5cIdTwuzI09YwisyrEVQr14eohf_duUMKmkRqSgKSUCkwHH8S5edxpaf3gbygC649ABn9z6SY6A7oz6p7_47PGp6Ui71KzvXtI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
For preaching forgiveness and truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
For causing them the read the bible with fresh eyes.</span><br />
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For caring for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
The canned goods of pastoring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
There were the simple days, too.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zcdlpNRS8rc3ra_m8IwDQp0QKra0dbBJkiIML2JwQmmgedZYP8GoTTJJWDN1tNOtiy6oiAw3xldO_0NqljZ2qSyMrFv7eDN19F0NwtRVdfYmH3do8B1lXQb_8IgoLCAFVU3GiNEVsIw/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zcdlpNRS8rc3ra_m8IwDQp0QKra0dbBJkiIML2JwQmmgedZYP8GoTTJJWDN1tNOtiy6oiAw3xldO_0NqljZ2qSyMrFv7eDN19F0NwtRVdfYmH3do8B1lXQb_8IgoLCAFVU3GiNEVsIw/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Visiting a nearby stable.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpGcAxKRORZY8-pQW7vq3ailBvUf2MQv_CbMzmILnSTjAL2EPYgwe6JgZAzYSIJmlRmIluJg2LBXcGHs1WiL1pjqBuWioLrgQKkVEOs-vL79Qw_Ojp9DrzXni2chbjSggwbIAo2IkSkw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpGcAxKRORZY8-pQW7vq3ailBvUf2MQv_CbMzmILnSTjAL2EPYgwe6JgZAzYSIJmlRmIluJg2LBXcGHs1WiL1pjqBuWioLrgQKkVEOs-vL79Qw_Ojp9DrzXni2chbjSggwbIAo2IkSkw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Turning 10 months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Although I don't know how that is even possible.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbD6W4hAXf8cvkbA7cZ3g89rw6c4IbmEung8g0ykwBe3Jw2qcrMWEnJW669AdEhFrDi9KSYl_q0LXA7QC9a-ekuCBPizVNg0VQ0S8fIJ_pU_QBkxhzIcto1V9xdAGXMacqiGaCs2LB4Q/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbD6W4hAXf8cvkbA7cZ3g89rw6c4IbmEung8g0ykwBe3Jw2qcrMWEnJW669AdEhFrDi9KSYl_q0LXA7QC9a-ekuCBPizVNg0VQ0S8fIJ_pU_QBkxhzIcto1V9xdAGXMacqiGaCs2LB4Q/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Naps at church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
She takes them wherever she can get them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Third child.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6Roy0Pt7qMd_9pE9GHRe12tHp2QrUN599kLSjxvsWKNXGXsa2vHAP0P0TB76O3gjC3mVoMH3ZQkEN0GzBXoFFrLjMaxFvY_urK2Z57nBSD_wKvp6px0sAWI04rf6ofWnN7CF0YLXOTk/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6Roy0Pt7qMd_9pE9GHRe12tHp2QrUN599kLSjxvsWKNXGXsa2vHAP0P0TB76O3gjC3mVoMH3ZQkEN0GzBXoFFrLjMaxFvY_urK2Z57nBSD_wKvp6px0sAWI04rf6ofWnN7CF0YLXOTk/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Golf camp with dad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdFaS1p_6MwGZTKr6dmwjSsek4tmk126kaLcDbSeBmhVOlgWGCGcjTKb2o7q-d-KLrXw1PdPP79pyibLIuYRCMdTJ59wbFLiTuIbHRGfZ90Z1zOf4SQ1Ob0vtMhSFx_2m5xOf1qOwHzk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdFaS1p_6MwGZTKr6dmwjSsek4tmk126kaLcDbSeBmhVOlgWGCGcjTKb2o7q-d-KLrXw1PdPP79pyibLIuYRCMdTJ59wbFLiTuIbHRGfZ90Z1zOf4SQ1Ob0vtMhSFx_2m5xOf1qOwHzk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="548" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Sand for lunch at the beach we can't swim in.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEt7PzskJvUnW-feO4a6nX-2m0Q6e8b85LWue_B771pBm3g0dQIS_U9aNxQF-dcnw5UXbOP4PXS6ESZdYxJhJLscJVg0u5yz5bfvostWWsrtmQdcZRHDpwJ6CHOa-ODk5-W1oOdIxDpE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEt7PzskJvUnW-feO4a6nX-2m0Q6e8b85LWue_B771pBm3g0dQIS_U9aNxQF-dcnw5UXbOP4PXS6ESZdYxJhJLscJVg0u5yz5bfvostWWsrtmQdcZRHDpwJ6CHOa-ODk5-W1oOdIxDpE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />And so many drum parties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Really loud drum parties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
We're about to enter a busy fall season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
All exciting stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
But I'm already overwhelmed at my schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
The ease of summer is now tucked away on a shelf.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
And I know I'll be visiting that mental pantry often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Adios, summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
You've been real.</span></div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-90509809590613104482014-08-05T12:22:00.000-07:002014-08-27T10:48:10.005-07:00Mildred Knows Jesus. And Lemon Bars.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Kayla embarked on the awkward adventure that is junior high last week.</div>
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And you know what?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhrXMMkqS6ZCp-k7vnaXcvwwm3InXj6z9SzxA17IXVD-DocQ58Bz8d-0m-ndhBxoxiQXNH-hU98RTHugDrE0VyycXY7xE_Omm8MrF8nVf95rDTDFRgZRg6pMMxlRey_GiPumzPyxrboU/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhrXMMkqS6ZCp-k7vnaXcvwwm3InXj6z9SzxA17IXVD-DocQ58Bz8d-0m-ndhBxoxiQXNH-hU98RTHugDrE0VyycXY7xE_Omm8MrF8nVf95rDTDFRgZRg6pMMxlRey_GiPumzPyxrboU/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She is ready to conquer the world.</div>
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I am more excited than terrified.</div>
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I know she will encounter joys and hurts.</div>
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Highs and lows.</div>
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My nature as a mother is to want to protect her from all the hurts and lows.</div>
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But I can't.</div>
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And I shouldn't.</div>
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Because I know this is how she grows.</div>
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This is how she learns to be a friend.</div>
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This is how she learns to function in the world.</div>
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So I pray for more joys and highs.</div>
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I pray for a good circle of friends.</div>
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I pray for her school.</div>
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And her teachers.</div>
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I pray we have raised her with a moral compass to make good choices.</div>
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And if and when bad choices happen, I pray for a spirit of grace and forgiveness.</div>
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A chance to point her towards Jesus.</div>
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To remind her that we love her no matter what.</div>
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To tell her she is beautiful.</div>
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And smart.</div>
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And kind.</div>
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And a good friend.</div>
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Every day.</div>
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Because sometimes life makes you forget those things.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And junior high is real life.</div>
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I'm so excited to see her live it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ9xT9cOfxmc7ZQrCl2QcR_uTo2HNXWrwlMbcvUd5_yANArt1Zwvhc7m_esxSS6z2hh2podhnbd3A2NDyl9vdSXOem73JngEbq4ARJxb9V7DN2ZiU6arwe-Gmac7NFg85vclBKlfSYJ8/s1600/lemon_bars.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ9xT9cOfxmc7ZQrCl2QcR_uTo2HNXWrwlMbcvUd5_yANArt1Zwvhc7m_esxSS6z2hh2podhnbd3A2NDyl9vdSXOem73JngEbq4ARJxb9V7DN2ZiU6arwe-Gmac7NFg85vclBKlfSYJ8/s1600/lemon_bars.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></div>
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It's been a while since I've posted a recipe.</div>
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It hasn't been a while since I ate 5 of these for breakfast.</div>
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To cope with all my excitement.</div>
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<a href="http://cindysteiger.blogspot.com/">Cindy</a> made these for a Hope Church BBQ last month.<br />
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And they were gone in 28.7 seconds.<br />
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I begged for the recipe and she obliged.<br />
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And gave proper credit to Mildred and an old Baptist cookbook.<br />
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I feel like I would really like Mildred.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWOZHYeXHiGG8XbHijV0xu1ftIV-vX4kFS4B-97Ud_Zavgxd5nhlJc9EdzZIVkGE1_HqHcDdCRDWoS4vQm9270tuvVXtzN3NlGVSsNbmFbYsBvd_r3eQ7sxaPWGZ5XvXfi82mbgWPMnM/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWOZHYeXHiGG8XbHijV0xu1ftIV-vX4kFS4B-97Ud_Zavgxd5nhlJc9EdzZIVkGE1_HqHcDdCRDWoS4vQm9270tuvVXtzN3NlGVSsNbmFbYsBvd_r3eQ7sxaPWGZ5XvXfi82mbgWPMnM/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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I make a few small revisions.</div>
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Real butter instead of margarine.</div>
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Fresh squeezed lemon juice for the topping.</div>
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I'm into whole foods, you know.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And add a little lemon zest.</div>
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Good can be a sin if zest is left out.</div>
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Thank you, Jesus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And Mildred.</div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-60739981724571102032014-07-15T13:05:00.000-07:002014-07-15T15:19:46.120-07:00Why Facebook Isn't Enough.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My 20th high school reunion festivities took place this past weekend.</div>
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And I think social media made it awkward at first.</div>
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Lots of obligatory chit chat about general things we already knew about each other.</div>
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Kids.</div>
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Spouses.</div>
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Jobs.<br />
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Current cities of residence.</div>
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Faces I quickly scroll past on a regular basis.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Standing in front of me, in living color.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Moving.</div>
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Real.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Talking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_K5m-mtSroAbo7o5MEx_BOsY0VjeaX6kYoS_gRMoPzh1gXa7BG1tW0keb3XqxC61Hkzt55ZtDpyybFuGurNoTglSnjQq39eXIiyKjW9N4VWgB_I5kZ3LCtWPy0FOW2s_khdzcFOgrWDw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_K5m-mtSroAbo7o5MEx_BOsY0VjeaX6kYoS_gRMoPzh1gXa7BG1tW0keb3XqxC61Hkzt55ZtDpyybFuGurNoTglSnjQq39eXIiyKjW9N4VWgB_I5kZ3LCtWPy0FOW2s_khdzcFOgrWDw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the night went on and spilled over to a family gathering the next day, </div>
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I noticed the awkward small talk turn to laughter.</div>
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And deep care.</div>
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And love for these people that I shared such an important part of my life with.</div>
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I think social media is amazing.<br />
<br />
I love it for information sharing.<br />
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It made so much of our reunion possible.<br />
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But I am reminded again of it's downfall.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A quick swipe of my index finger makes me feel caught up.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A comment here and there.<br />
<br />
An occasional like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like a good friend.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But it's a false feeling.</div>
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It's not enough.<br />
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And requires balance.</div>
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It can make us lazy.<br />
<br />
And lonely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0BDrIGngLjjX-Qc_5ZNoTQMck89kJxFVR7hodS8LE50FF92eL2R5rEcg2hyphenhyphenknjuqXP-Dw2Ukd06Q93e2Hs1W_ZGtZXIsOtZCuQNl4gkDaxkRd0n0F5ANnXOyX_KFq8vf6YHX__tnMcE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0BDrIGngLjjX-Qc_5ZNoTQMck89kJxFVR7hodS8LE50FF92eL2R5rEcg2hyphenhyphenknjuqXP-Dw2Ukd06Q93e2Hs1W_ZGtZXIsOtZCuQNl4gkDaxkRd0n0F5ANnXOyX_KFq8vf6YHX__tnMcE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were made for more.<br />
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Genuine face to face connections.</div>
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Deep conversations.</div>
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Real laughing.</div>
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Sneaking peeks of the former lineman as he gently tends to his sweet little son.<br />
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Talking to a beautiful friend about caring for her aging mother-in-law.</div>
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Listening to our super talented class president talk about her perfect job curating an art gallery.<br />
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Ugly cry laughing with girlfriends on a couch.</div>
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Doing life, even for a short time, with my high school besties as we mother together.</div>
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On a blanket in a park.</div>
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A park we used to play at when we were children ourselves.</div>
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Sharing parenthood war stories.<br />
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Wondering why we don't get together more.<br />
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Promising to get together more.</div>
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Nothing beats it.</div>
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So sweet and so rich.</div>
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And I feel like we barely had enough time to scratch the surface.</div>
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BBQ at my house in two weeks.</div>
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I'm serious, you guys.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-15031413517464948982014-06-28T14:05:00.000-07:002014-06-28T14:05:35.274-07:00But Carol.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here's the deal.</div>
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Starting a church from the ground up is hard.</div>
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I knew it would be.</div>
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But most of the time I go into preservation mode and pretend it's not.</div>
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I don't write about it much because I don't want to sound like I'm complaining.</div>
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Because I love our church.</div>
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I really do.</div>
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I would never want anyone to think otherwise.</div>
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But there is not a day that goes by that I do not feel inadequate, weary or fearful.</div>
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I'm not doing enough.</div>
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I'm doing too much.</div>
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I'm exhausted.</div>
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I'm not focusing on the right things.</div>
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I'm not pointing people to Jesus enough.</div>
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I'm not praying enough.</div>
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Jesus can't fix them.</div>
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Jesus can't fix me.</div>
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We will burn out before we have a building.</div>
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I married a paramedic.</div>
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What are we doing??</div>
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This season has been challenging.</div>
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Three families left over the course of two months.</div>
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One moved out of the area.</div>
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Two did not.</div>
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The two that did not were part of our core plant team.</div>
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And it was hard.</div>
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And sad.</div>
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And it still stings.</div>
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But I am reminded to hold people loosely.</div>
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I am reminded that church is not a party and I am not the hostess.</div>
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It's not my job to keep everyone happy.</div>
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Certain people thrive in different seasons at different places.</div>
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And that's ok.</div>
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We send them off well and do our best to maintain relationships.</div>
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But when people leave those feelings of doubt, inadequacy and discouragement are amplified.</div>
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My skin gets thicker.</div>
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And I learn.</div>
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And while learning hurts.</div>
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It is essential for growth.</div>
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Dave and I have many late night conversations.</div>
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Ministry pep talks, if you will.</div>
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I cherish them.</div>
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And God is so good.</div>
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When I am doubting, Dave is not.</div>
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When Dave is doubting, I am not.</div>
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Or I pretend I am not.</div>
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I'm sure he probably pretends sometimes, too.</div>
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We share our fears.</div>
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Our dreams.</div>
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Our insecurities.</div>
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And at that time it's as if God whispers in my ear.</div>
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"But Carol."</div>
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We first met Carol in a wheelchair and on hospice care.</div>
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She was very sick.</div>
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Her daughter, Pam and family attend Hope.</div>
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Last year, Pam flew across country to remove Carol from an unhealthy living situation in Tennessee.</div>
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And brought her home to stay.</div>
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And brought her to church.</div>
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I remember seeing her wheeled through the door the first time and thinking Dave would have to use more paramedic skills than preaching skills that Sunday.</div>
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She was incoherent, in pain and so very frail.</div>
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I was worried for her.</div>
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But she came every Sunday.</div>
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And over the course of months, Carol changed.</div>
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She started making eye contact.</div>
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Then conversation.</div>
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God was healing her.</div>
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And saving her.</div>
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She is now off hospice and thriving.</div>
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And she has been introduced to Jesus.</div>
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And two weeks ago she was baptized.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItid2dFPjlao-Rb-tXpPfTLOOqVZxf8dAJlU58-KYkdZOaxS5Nt3DBlWuULI8MTLC5D-Mthq5sXwR_z9uEeVrZ8u0OzdVZG4uoZCtrdADrPn3F9shyphenhyphen5-t2s1qeUp9UY6nHSQlT9_NVA4/s1600/Carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItid2dFPjlao-Rb-tXpPfTLOOqVZxf8dAJlU58-KYkdZOaxS5Nt3DBlWuULI8MTLC5D-Mthq5sXwR_z9uEeVrZ8u0OzdVZG4uoZCtrdADrPn3F9shyphenhyphen5-t2s1qeUp9UY6nHSQlT9_NVA4/s1600/Carol.jpg" height="640" width="544" /></a></div>
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And I am reminded why we do church.</div>
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To introduce people to the Man who split time.</div>
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To teach His words.</div>
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Not to please everyone so they won't leave.</div>
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Not to preach politics or advocate family choices or theological positions.</div>
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We do church to share Christ.</div>
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And to equip others to live in such a way that they can do the same.</div>
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We pray, serve and care for people like they will stay forever.</div>
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But live in the reality that they could leave tomorrow.</div>
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And all the pain and hurt and struggle is so very worth it.</div>
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When God removes a heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh.</div>
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When a woman once on the brink of death now smiles and calls Jesus her Savior.</div>
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So when those doubts creep in and I'm overwhelmed.</div>
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I stop talking.</div>
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And listen as God whispers.</div>
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"But Carol."</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-19873854604189279822014-06-17T15:10:00.002-07:002014-06-17T15:53:25.551-07:00A Birthday at the Races<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few months ago Dave and the girls were at Golden Gate Fields watching the Kentucky Derby.</div>
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He texted letting me know that he had just put a deposit down for Kayla's 11th Birthday party.</div>
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I scoffed.</div>
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"Just trust me," he said.</div>
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But I don't trust people at the track.</div>
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And I felt like it was an odd choice for an 11-year-old girl's birthday party.</div>
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But Dave was excited.</div>
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Kayla was more excited.</div>
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So I ran with it.</div>
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In all it's seedy glory.</div>
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The girls arrived around 10 am to fluorescent lanyards.</div>
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To lessen kidnapping probability.</div>
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And donuts and decorations courtesy of Ashlyn.</div>
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Kayla opened her gifts.</div>
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So many horse figurines.</div>
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So much fun for her.</div>
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We carpooled over the bridge.</div>
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More adults than kids.</div>
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On purpose.</div>
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I needed a 3:1 ratio to feel comfortable that we'd all return.</div>
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The girls loved riding down the escalators to the paddock before each race to check out the horses up close.</div>
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We all filled out race tickets and placed "bets" on which horse would win each of the seven races we saw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxN8MWgDGwwu4y3HbF-UtaimKIpGue0XRg-QyNlVksRmmYPyVdtV4pImxaXqv3Kzj9oQbeSZ8d4LAIt95fQwKyXUXT8IVrh2nc4JQEEeCf7EovgKg4jMI2vdPbOXnkM8Oi84SK-GQdvI/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxN8MWgDGwwu4y3HbF-UtaimKIpGue0XRg-QyNlVksRmmYPyVdtV4pImxaXqv3Kzj9oQbeSZ8d4LAIt95fQwKyXUXT8IVrh2nc4JQEEeCf7EovgKg4jMI2vdPbOXnkM8Oi84SK-GQdvI/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Kid winner received a Breyer horse model.</div>
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Adult winner received a Starbucks gift card.</div>
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This made the grandmas very excited.</div>
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That's my mom leaping and fist pumping.</div>
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In between horse races were dachshund races that I think they found more interesing.</div>
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There were also questionable wiener shirts.</div>
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And questions about wiener shirts.</div>
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"Just look at the puppies, girls."</div>
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There was an awesome all-you-can-eat buffet.</div>
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Hot dogs, hamburgers, fried chicken.</div>
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Macaroni salad, cole slaw, baked beans.</div>
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The track knows how to do food.</div>
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It was about this time that I was taking one of the girls to the restroom, waiting outside alone.</div>
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"Jess, is that you?"</div>
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A high school friend.</div>
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"Yes. I'm here for my daughter's birthday party."</div>
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"No... Really??"</div>
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"Yes, really."</div>
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I had grandiose cupcake plans but was quickly reminded that fondant is seedier than the track.</div>
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Diddam's plastic horses to the rescue.</div>
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Box chocolate cake and canned chocolate frosting.</div>
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Her favorite.</div>
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The seventh race was Kayla's special birthday race.</div>
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We got to stand at the rail near the starting gate during the race and go into the winners circle and take a picture with the winning jockey afterwards.</div>
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Amazing.</div>
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And so very exciting.</div>
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Worth all the seediness and anxiety.</div>
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Track, you really know how to party.</div>
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Our horse loving birthday girl had the day of her life. </div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-58947088030754655412014-06-04T12:57:00.000-07:002014-06-04T15:39:49.204-07:00Hey June.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Summer is upon us and I'm frantically trying to fill our schedule.</div>
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And I'm 99.9% sure I'll regret the week we have golf camp in the morning and VBS at night.</div>
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But I always err on the side of a packed summer schedule.</div>
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To replace school.</div>
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Because I really like school.</div>
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Ashlyn woke up last month and decided everything is a race.</div>
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Brushing teeth in the morning.</div>
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Getting to the car.</div>
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Getting from the car to the house.</div>
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She is the second fastest person in all of first grade.</div>
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"I take the inside lane like Secretariat, mom."</div>
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And I just have to say.</div>
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It's SUPER annoying.</div>
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Her pointer finger is up all the time.</div>
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Yes, Ashlyn.</div>
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You win.</div>
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#1.</div>
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No one cares.</div>
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Except for Dave.</div>
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He bought her new running shoes.</div>
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Kayla is preparing to graduate fifth grade.</div>
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And there are just SO many events.</div>
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And I have been terrible at keeping track.</div>
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I was about to bring treats for Field Day today.</div>
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But that's next Monday.</div>
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Today is set-up for tomorrow's pool party.</div>
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I also drug my family, empty promises of a swim party and two refrigerated dips to Millbrae for a BBQ on Sunday.</div>
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That's really next Saturday.</div>
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So basically, I'm not to be trusted until I sleep through the night for more than two days in a row.</div>
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Also, I made the mistake of downloading the game 2048 on my phone.</div>
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So the hours I should be sleeping are spent mindlessly swiping numerical tiles.</div>
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Pretend you never read this.</div>
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And don't download it.</div>
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Or your calendar will be all screwed up like mine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZB5vaj01JnYcbOLl3r1gfTXMfbYqjlw29GCVLOfQ_VaBPqpl75PsMLlvTwclHrsyjM6UOqYBTN6wkGg0V5atyUR_I4hGVTV26Aw9tulIESSJ_C5dYD8bgz4a8am_S_zQ15nmiZ04iCw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZB5vaj01JnYcbOLl3r1gfTXMfbYqjlw29GCVLOfQ_VaBPqpl75PsMLlvTwclHrsyjM6UOqYBTN6wkGg0V5atyUR_I4hGVTV26Aw9tulIESSJ_C5dYD8bgz4a8am_S_zQ15nmiZ04iCw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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When she's not eating pizza, the baby spends her days trying to rip out our cable box.</div>
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She has 6 teeth and we just had to lower her crib because she's standing.</div>
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And by we I mean me.</div>
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It's a blue job but I took one for the team.</div>
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Her personality is starting to emerge and she is sweet and spunky.</div>
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Friendly but sometimes shy.</div>
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She's crawling like a professional.</div>
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And never stops moving.</div>
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She woke up early from her nap and I'm stuffing her face with Yogurt Melts to be able to finish this post.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2LJldZ2Go4xSa_SCTiIBjo1IS39AO8IK6g3Fwbdv8vWTkaR4ctJoIrgptKXziKiCjSyC5wRX643A-e-Kv_fGmmvSb7Tx-mWAkicBXVRC3ZiUm9fRmwL4_CDSjfb0dSQd7VpGGa8pQeU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2LJldZ2Go4xSa_SCTiIBjo1IS39AO8IK6g3Fwbdv8vWTkaR4ctJoIrgptKXziKiCjSyC5wRX643A-e-Kv_fGmmvSb7Tx-mWAkicBXVRC3ZiUm9fRmwL4_CDSjfb0dSQd7VpGGa8pQeU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Life right now is full and fun and busy and sometimes hard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But good.</div>
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So, so good.</div>
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I am thankful.</div>
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I'm a calendar committee's worst nightmare.</div>
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But I'm still thankful.</div>
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</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-47779498344629113972014-05-09T08:22:00.002-07:002014-05-09T10:26:57.882-07:00Phoned-In Frozen Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're a pastor's kid and your birthday falls on Good Friday,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry but your celebration suffers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She can add it to her therapy manifesto.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb_jzeFoT9hkPtQVrGLcbTPAbD3X8FDSBMiyM1hIPLRWOT-uxTrE_MeA_3Q1NS1d7NYUoZGi6cqjkial62z49hQ7UCdkaXIV5JONiy0JUq0BpEAvrZwyvlwwZaMdDAjCZgUHexPuE0Kc/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb_jzeFoT9hkPtQVrGLcbTPAbD3X8FDSBMiyM1hIPLRWOT-uxTrE_MeA_3Q1NS1d7NYUoZGi6cqjkial62z49hQ7UCdkaXIV5JONiy0JUq0BpEAvrZwyvlwwZaMdDAjCZgUHexPuE0Kc/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ashlyn turned 7 a few weeks ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She had two requests.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A trampoline park and Elsa plates.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ask and ye shall receive.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTbWuBXCpDYo0QdXvG7IhPL7XvuP_ygL2FcJvP7pfFvgZpnuxsYMhXlqcynQN1lZsDaFRGUQ6qMgXc3pMsSCVFaj5XCzzqo6OdkieR1oZ9K98wOZ_doolNQ0O6GtNKnBD1dXtB9058vs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTbWuBXCpDYo0QdXvG7IhPL7XvuP_ygL2FcJvP7pfFvgZpnuxsYMhXlqcynQN1lZsDaFRGUQ6qMgXc3pMsSCVFaj5XCzzqo6OdkieR1oZ9K98wOZ_doolNQ0O6GtNKnBD1dXtB9058vs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we get into the party I planned in five minutes,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">let's talk Ashlyn at 7.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QoW_DvP-15RcFjFrCirpW0Mtadrl15lBlb3s7qQ0O4qFoRDaSYrfvrQT0ekEkrpVsCZiSAgQt7rMcU0w8denaD6d7H0vLdNmJ72XZ7cXgWLSLrBhbZ94XSwawouDUzzDHeE1E6N0Y6c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QoW_DvP-15RcFjFrCirpW0Mtadrl15lBlb3s7qQ0O4qFoRDaSYrfvrQT0ekEkrpVsCZiSAgQt7rMcU0w8denaD6d7H0vLdNmJ72XZ7cXgWLSLrBhbZ94XSwawouDUzzDHeE1E6N0Y6c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's smart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Determined.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's missing most of her front teeth.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp39iVCLy5J9yJV51s03RM1LXQ2cQq6VBGnxdEgHzcK4i5DvzAjMpD1QheVeVBUg_zGubkff5DD6l8uQk68TjS3yElice-Q_Gq156HbWBIXOsN6MZ-VUbsB3c33oI7HT8uBGb_R0Ji00Y/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp39iVCLy5J9yJV51s03RM1LXQ2cQq6VBGnxdEgHzcK4i5DvzAjMpD1QheVeVBUg_zGubkff5DD6l8uQk68TjS3yElice-Q_Gq156HbWBIXOsN6MZ-VUbsB3c33oI7HT8uBGb_R0Ji00Y/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She talks non-stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves first grade.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At her annual IEP meeting with the school district I learned of a group of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> boys she orders around.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A special needs posse, if you will.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Edwin, please get my FM."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Joey, please tell me when Mrs. Savory (her speech therapist) comes to the door."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"George, I need my lunch, please."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her teacher made sure to let me know she always says please.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like that makes it OK.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYk1hNS3LEIG_MljMHovS2rZqecPcE6xCTorM45TTuLcqa4WL-1QK3MIqom_dIb7jzPSfMYQvjaFo2VGZMF3o1iuyHYKvlmmDr0bgoXqHjxZfXGKC7Kz1kzN4CeGe8d6QS0T_2sjhIq8/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYk1hNS3LEIG_MljMHovS2rZqecPcE6xCTorM45TTuLcqa4WL-1QK3MIqom_dIb7jzPSfMYQvjaFo2VGZMF3o1iuyHYKvlmmDr0bgoXqHjxZfXGKC7Kz1kzN4CeGe8d6QS0T_2sjhIq8/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is one strong (and bossy) cookie.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We love her so much.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also love the <a href="http://www.amillionthingsblog.com/2014/02/bringing-back-rainbow-chart-and-are.html">rainbow discipline chart</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And bedtime.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More for the manifesto.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEPjtV-6g92BzEQqlEhyLdyz_pKuN7Xt37_Q7AjEYM5LDKwNoNLjDy6Rf2dmlLvuRBLBSAX8xDtsVH0LRPDOCHsOJ0BoJT5WRL3s-fcpoupdslEyuvuBkKTRYq3SRuBN22FZfF0EsBJQ/s1600/photo+4+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEPjtV-6g92BzEQqlEhyLdyz_pKuN7Xt37_Q7AjEYM5LDKwNoNLjDy6Rf2dmlLvuRBLBSAX8xDtsVH0LRPDOCHsOJ0BoJT5WRL3s-fcpoupdslEyuvuBkKTRYq3SRuBN22FZfF0EsBJQ/s1600/photo+4+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">our party of the century.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I booked the place online.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ordered a cake and balloons from Safeway.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6FjrlLBG1R4aCfJRi7qde3ihzvcaNU7oJ_eiFd9bHtyAjSExo3K8UprEsNJJ2Q2re083CBO6CoADjtvWARGr8nxXQjL3y43uv6VzOAhAhb5ZysM_FGB_BoogPWrAekOsoLxliRNWCpA/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6FjrlLBG1R4aCfJRi7qde3ihzvcaNU7oJ_eiFd9bHtyAjSExo3K8UprEsNJJ2Q2re083CBO6CoADjtvWARGr8nxXQjL3y43uv6VzOAhAhb5ZysM_FGB_BoogPWrAekOsoLxliRNWCpA/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hijacked a favor idea from a friend who hosted a Frozen party a few weekends before.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And her leftover, two-week-old cotton candy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That she drove 400 miles up Highway 5.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So. MUCH. therapy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conceal don't feel.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you know?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't think anyone noticed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I was reminded once again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not about the details.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's about the company.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kids love old cotton candy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, Ashy girl.</span></div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-81808970459718477342014-05-07T12:14:00.003-07:002014-08-27T10:48:26.342-07:00Banana Slugs, Marie Antoinette and the World's Best Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A pretty new blog makes me actually want to blog.</div>
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Take that, Soviets.</div>
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Last night, we attended Kayla's JUNIOR HIGH orientation.</div>
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I can't hardly believe it.</div>
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But I am really excited for her, too.</div>
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I survived my awkward years.</div>
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I loved them, actually.</div>
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Mostly because I didn't realize I was awkward until later.</div>
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She went to Outdoor Ed last month.</div>
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I asked her to write a post about it and this is what she came up with:</div>
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"Outdoor Education was awesome. But the fact that the beds were hard and had waxy, plastic coverings made it feel like you were sleeping on melting candles. I saw two varieties of deer, bats, millipedes, pigs, a scorpion, a junco, a stellar's jay, nine banana slugs (including the one I put on my nose) and a lot of moths."</div>
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And I think I'm just going to leave it.</div>
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It's camp in a nutshell.</div>
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Waxy beds and banana slugs.</div>
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She is my favorite writer.</div>
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End of fifth grade calls for lots of fun activities.</div>
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Marie Antoinette took names during a class History presentation.</div>
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"Why so serious, Kayla?"</div>
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"You'd be serious, too if your head was chopped off, mom."</div>
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She looked like a tore up Dolly Parton by the end of the day.</div>
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I didn't realize wigs need hair spray.</div>
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And the two-sizes too big dollar store bridesmaid dress didn't help.</div>
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It's milestone central around here.</div>
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She has two teeth.</div>
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She crawled for the first time on Easter Sunday.</div>
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And she slept through the night.</div>
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Once.</div>
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She's babbling a TON.</div>
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Good news.<br />
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Ashlyn's not blind.</div>
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Bad news.</div>
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She lied to the school nurse during her routine eye exam.</div>
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And again during a second follow up.</div>
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"I WANT glasses, mama."</div>
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"They're cool."</div>
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No.</div>
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Hope ditched Wednesday service for an impromptu church BBQ.</div>
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My favorite.</div>
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It was 87 degrees in April.</div>
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Also, my favorite.</div>
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This is me doing my child's homeschool homework while they are at public school.</div>
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I'm sure there is so much wrong with all of this but I can't really put it in words.</div>
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I do know that peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on the planet.</div>
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And my girls rock the public speaking triangle.</div>
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One last thing.</div>
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I need you to make <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2014/04/best-snickerdoodle-cookies-ive-ever/">these cookies</a>.</div>
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I'm on my 17th batch in as many days.</div>
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Really. </div>
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You won't be sorry.</div>
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Well, you might be a little sorry.</div>
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Blame the Russians.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-507210328054042562014-05-05T07:19:00.004-07:002014-05-07T09:45:36.395-07:00Behind the {New} Name.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few years ago I wrote <a href="http://liferearranged.com/2011/08/a-million-things-jess-johnson-special-needs/">a guest post on a friend's blog about Ashlyn</a>.</div>
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It sparked a little idea in my head to change my blog name.</div>
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And then life happened.</div>
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And I was overwhelmed at all that would be required to make the switch.</div>
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So it remained on the back burner.</div>
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And then Russians hacked my blog with questionable ads.</div>
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So I took it as a sign from the heavens that it was time.</div>
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My grandmother told me it was time, too.</div>
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"Honey, thank you for such a sweet story about Holland's birth. But why are you selling Viagra?"</div>
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I'm blaming Putin.</div>
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Anyhow.</div>
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I'm so excited about this change.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WCovUyXQDVmXjJJiZ7wwoc5sneoZbplnY1_s7rL8K7dOfz1d00ICo-vhzOHZOUtyMWqHPqQPC-LndVjl74473DesIkuP-qwm4DIp_A6-zEBl5xGftxVsrxAjWR_vmZXG3qkbtHWwOkU/s1600/holland_puffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WCovUyXQDVmXjJJiZ7wwoc5sneoZbplnY1_s7rL8K7dOfz1d00ICo-vhzOHZOUtyMWqHPqQPC-LndVjl74473DesIkuP-qwm4DIp_A6-zEBl5xGftxVsrxAjWR_vmZXG3qkbtHWwOkU/s1600/holland_puffs.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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More excited than she is about sweet potato puffs.</div>
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And thankful to my friend <a href="http://katygirldesigns.etsy.com/">Katy</a> for understanding my little vision.</div>
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And creating this most beautiful new design.</div>
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Without me even having to say much.</div>
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She is brilliant.</div>
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If you subscribed to my old blog and want to continue receiving posts, you'll have to resubscribe.</div>
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I'm sorry.</div>
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Take it up with Vladamir.</div>
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You can click on the "behind the name" tab below the header to read more.</div>
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When God is doing one thing, He's doing a million.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-13850954563547889562014-03-25T06:07:00.000-07:002014-09-16T12:39:25.332-07:00My Baby Girl and I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had lunch with <a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/">a new friend</a> last week.</div>
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Who happens to be a photographer.</div>
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She snapped these pictures of Holland and I.</div>
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And they are such treasures to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xkWPWxVzC7cbIezqYFo8hS-ihM1g7FZ8CJ67XzSjHt9yMGtudINEMdQuABklW3_Z3cJLub6wPv4FsfGDrmaroK3oYqQ5KkTK7tkKjsW_7WqBTCwz7IW7v8KCPTXyFHh4KN_1b1odbGo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xkWPWxVzC7cbIezqYFo8hS-ihM1g7FZ8CJ67XzSjHt9yMGtudINEMdQuABklW3_Z3cJLub6wPv4FsfGDrmaroK3oYqQ5KkTK7tkKjsW_7WqBTCwz7IW7v8KCPTXyFHh4KN_1b1odbGo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Had I known she was going to share her skills, I probably would have brushed my hair a little more.</div>
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Or at all.</div>
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Worn earrings.</div>
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And not dressed my baby like a boy.</div>
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But such is life right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93wFUUXnLyxmw1sSOGVohEOn5_Oe6Mfmtk-u0L3_LrhagJIJtuwdpP7Vqp5Bj2pRLNVeagGtUZ-0InabwgV1slk8tKeViwp_2gGWlxVspEopOk3c6sDjjBjdJD34beT4O0auxtbR7cv4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93wFUUXnLyxmw1sSOGVohEOn5_Oe6Mfmtk-u0L3_LrhagJIJtuwdpP7Vqp5Bj2pRLNVeagGtUZ-0InabwgV1slk8tKeViwp_2gGWlxVspEopOk3c6sDjjBjdJD34beT4O0auxtbR7cv4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not much time to primp.</div>
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Or worry about what my kids are wearing.</div>
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I'm lucky they are dressed.</div>
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But, really?</div>
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All that doesn't matter.</div>
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I just want to remember being with her.</div>
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In God's glorious creation.</div>
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The way she makes me smile.</div>
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A few frozen minutes that seem to float in time.</div>
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A tiny part of a season that passes all too quickly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoqMlMEiW9zjf7jczKXrkw2cv9_caK1QMHwPH5nS_JmgNICsBlTDmgJ-GC_lndUgNPhWg8BoFEPZwWsDF8TjxdhiHRBjDrubJGUkpRaJWvd-fN0qFFN3Ecqo3-YHHKe8XHXke4nq8XSw/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoqMlMEiW9zjf7jczKXrkw2cv9_caK1QMHwPH5nS_JmgNICsBlTDmgJ-GC_lndUgNPhWg8BoFEPZwWsDF8TjxdhiHRBjDrubJGUkpRaJWvd-fN0qFFN3Ecqo3-YHHKe8XHXke4nq8XSw/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am so thankful for these moments captured.</div>
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And for friends that take the time to capture them.</div>
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Our babies are our best gifts.</div>
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Photographs with our babies are a close second.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-24884824575307174002014-03-11T07:04:00.000-07:002014-09-16T15:48:45.404-07:006 Months.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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She laughs when I yawn.</div>
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So she's laughing lots lately.</div>
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Our baby has decided she's a night owl.</div>
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I know it passes fast.</div>
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And she nurses and falls right back to sleep.</div>
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So I cherish it.</div>
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And yawn a lot.</div>
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A funny, little personality is starting to emerge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bsPyupp4myGmwYX0JZ6lbe1eibgx6CwHDwMtJXcF9Y8GyoEFnYfQPu-i7Dr9_eGYMef3RFkVKjbcQHVXnTSggbapYg3HQeAxjE-BMhAQFyzK-h5O3Y95LxRv2HOb2LBrW-12Qi1Mdo4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bsPyupp4myGmwYX0JZ6lbe1eibgx6CwHDwMtJXcF9Y8GyoEFnYfQPu-i7Dr9_eGYMef3RFkVKjbcQHVXnTSggbapYg3HQeAxjE-BMhAQFyzK-h5O3Y95LxRv2HOb2LBrW-12Qi1Mdo4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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She makes this silly grin quite often.</div>
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Dave says Kayla used to do the same but I don't remember.</div>
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Because I'm up at 10 PM, 12 AM, 2 AM and 4 AM.</div>
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She is rolling much more quickly now.</div>
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And just starting the pre-crawl booty rock.</div>
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I think she's going to be fast once she takes off.</div>
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I'm hoping that skill takes a few months to perfect.</div>
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Because I'm too busy yawning to chase after a baby that moves.</div>
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She had her 6 month check up yesterday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrQkHWldMNHC81DCLvQAePzFbG6ojKMVCexQBeAGr4gvZZ99FhzAU5D74Cp4UHHRipu8ZJctdiOzIyx13ZBlELBx_tZTmEABLeH2HcKkStOCqwD2Z1JGIAWajsCk4WbQq8b319FxhnY8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrQkHWldMNHC81DCLvQAePzFbG6ojKMVCexQBeAGr4gvZZ99FhzAU5D74Cp4UHHRipu8ZJctdiOzIyx13ZBlELBx_tZTmEABLeH2HcKkStOCqwD2Z1JGIAWajsCk4WbQq8b319FxhnY8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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50% in weight and 85% in height.</div>
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Tall and lean.</div>
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All that power rolling has thinned her out a bit.</div>
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And this is my favorite picture of her so far.</div>
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I love her smile.</div>
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She's such a happy, easy baby.</div>
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She's social and friendly and a big, giant flirt.</div>
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Taking her new world in.</div>
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All day and all night.</div>
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Happy 6 months, little girl.</div>
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I love you.</div>
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Yawn.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-47683899132588751782014-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:002014-09-16T16:10:45.972-07:00Bringing Back the Rainbow Chart. And Are Terrible 6's a Thing?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know my girls will read this one day.</div>
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So I want to be gentle.</div>
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But, Ashlyn Grace.</div>
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2014 has been a sassy year for you so far.</div>
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And it's time to regulate.</div>
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Discipline is a tricky thing.</div>
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Personal to each family.</div>
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No one has all the answers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPF67DLcR0qNBEmphoshMiPpWj0cq6w3XAwvzBqWrCZsn1YDFuMJI0NWtKsZP4cG-WAI_fTJU6yDHL-omWpRt9zuDa_QsTcOdSdWExwK_wJi0QBWZ5M-s1q4qXAgsvCCl6x9NEtWBsW4/s1600/photo+1+copy+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPF67DLcR0qNBEmphoshMiPpWj0cq6w3XAwvzBqWrCZsn1YDFuMJI0NWtKsZP4cG-WAI_fTJU6yDHL-omWpRt9zuDa_QsTcOdSdWExwK_wJi0QBWZ5M-s1q4qXAgsvCCl6x9NEtWBsW4/s1600/photo+1+copy+25.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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But this system worked well for Kayla years ago.</div>
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And we started back up again today.</div>
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And we've had the smoothest morning in months.</div>
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I will speak for my children.</div>
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They like structure and organization.</div>
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They like goals.</div>
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They like clear rules and consequences.</div>
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They like reasonable rewards for doing good.</div>
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This discipline system incorporates all of these things.</div>
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And makes me sane.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">So I thought I'd share it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippN7_eLcpRostoZwfOA9UXtMn7qsE3Yc_gRXbUk0jFv4mP55LDYjj0uRg8zhbULgiDbn9glZoFPzaxBIN6kwIpMSVOakUPphyMGArh2_KdxwGo8GoeYmBvzrixlT_R09XeLzYo3aJeRM/s1600/behavior_chart.jpg+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippN7_eLcpRostoZwfOA9UXtMn7qsE3Yc_gRXbUk0jFv4mP55LDYjj0uRg8zhbULgiDbn9glZoFPzaxBIN6kwIpMSVOakUPphyMGArh2_KdxwGo8GoeYmBvzrixlT_R09XeLzYo3aJeRM/s1600/behavior_chart.jpg+(1).jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Right click above image, save as, print and have at it.</span></div>
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It's pretty simple, really.</div>
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Kids start on green each morning.</div>
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Each child has their name written on a separate magnet.</div>
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Break a family rule?</div>
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Have child move their magnet to yellow.</div>
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Break another family rule?</div>
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Move to red.</div>
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Choose from consequence jar.</div>
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Consequences are written on large popsicle sticks that we keep in a mason jar.</div>
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Obviously, these will be different for each family and each child even.</div>
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No iPad time for that day.</div>
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Early bedtime.</div>
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Time out in room for 30 minutes.</div>
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Your choice.</div>
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The thought of no iPad for a day sends Ashlyn into a frantic tizzy.</div>
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So that's her button.</div>
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So her jar has about 10 of those.</div>
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That's another great thing.</div>
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You can choose the amount something appears which will increase the probability it is picked.</div>
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Same goes with rewards.</div>
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Catch them being kind and nice?</div>
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Have them move their button to blue.</div>
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Catch them again in the same day?</div>
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Move to purple.</div>
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Chose a reward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0B_VsVFJ9LJ9OnO_TWmUeIZOgozqtdKcwmnxtchb96uDaOdM19pKJOSeM4Fuxcn2Wp-vnCG7BzcmNtt8posY6458JSOBRVD1ZlJeMuVfV9W88Hu72qtWizFZvcE7-CDM_H_mVS0fMco/s1600/photo+2+copy+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0B_VsVFJ9LJ9OnO_TWmUeIZOgozqtdKcwmnxtchb96uDaOdM19pKJOSeM4Fuxcn2Wp-vnCG7BzcmNtt8posY6458JSOBRVD1ZlJeMuVfV9W88Hu72qtWizFZvcE7-CDM_H_mVS0fMco/s1600/photo+2+copy+11.JPG" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are also written on popsicle sticks and kept in a separate mason jar.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure not to mix them up.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because that's future therapy for sure.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You don't have to go crazy.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Extra book at bedtime.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Extended bedtime.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A movie on Netflix.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Special dessert or treat.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know what your kids love.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And hear me out.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The goal is not to create greedy, performance-based robots.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The goal is that my girls grow to understand and live out the verse at the top.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want our home to be one of love.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joy.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Patience.</div>
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Kindness.</div>
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Goodness.</div>
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Gentleness.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Self-control.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when it's not, I want to take action to fix it.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I recognize that they are little humans.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And have bad days just like adults.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So grace abounds.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much grace.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For them and for me.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every day is a fresh start.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this little bugger was up all night.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So she's on red today.</div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-75570808638834738742014-02-06T03:30:00.000-08:002016-01-21T09:58:42.039-08:00Thursday.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's raining.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pouring.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our dog is snoring.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like he can rest a little easier now that his fur has grown back a bit.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's no longer pink.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And doesn't need sunscreen during walks.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dave is speaking to me again.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is all good news.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHb5fPh8a1fBPjahuK7nDO3vUWpCJiqYg9nnTYEKZyD6lLhTqDNMI4FFjTFp6Q7Ys4pHzdZUNjuHGLXRoym46s90O0RXUNfHFFcS7w3mGm6i5MhL8Mlo-XTIbRd3DhyrueBwgyzBdx4w/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHb5fPh8a1fBPjahuK7nDO3vUWpCJiqYg9nnTYEKZyD6lLhTqDNMI4FFjTFp6Q7Ys4pHzdZUNjuHGLXRoym46s90O0RXUNfHFFcS7w3mGm6i5MhL8Mlo-XTIbRd3DhyrueBwgyzBdx4w/s640/IMG_8048.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kayla is kind of serious about this violin business.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that we might have a band geek.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray for a band geek.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Band geeks stay out of trouble.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unrelated.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm just wondering if the Superbowl could have been any more boring?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the last minute Dave put together a friendly survey.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a variety of predictions to make.<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over little details of the game.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've NEVER heard a group of people cheer so loudly over a coin toss.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or gasp in disgust when the national anthem presenter didn't wear gloves.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or be so concerned over the Red Hot Chili Peppers attire.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"YES THEY HAVE NO SHIRTS!!!!!!!!!!!"</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jumping up and down and screaming like we were in Sochi or something.</div>
<br />
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Anyhow.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday was a marathon of hectic.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Minimum day.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speech and debate class for the girls.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We crashed a homeschool class.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cochlear mapping for Ashlyn up at UCSF.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
During commute hour.</div>
<br />
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With my baby on the floor of the sound booth during testing.</div>
<br />
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Evening service.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I'm choosing to be less crazy.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls are off to school.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
After Ashlyn's Missing Lion King Umbrella Crisis of 2014.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She settled for a Dry Bar one.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She doesn't know that one day she will love the Dry Bar way more than Mufasa.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm getting a haircut this afternoon.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my mom is cooking dinner for us.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks, mom.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thursday night family dinners are pretty much the best.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm Fitness Palling again.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which makes me want to murder everyone.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I went bathing suit shopping yesterday.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that also made me want to murder everyone.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To prevent deaths.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Egg white breakfast sandwiches and iced green tea for days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdhRt0oKI2G8V05M0hP7pDCFnc4ju1zK4pAiir6479KCvKjAv22uYryklDWTFJgmuX0bO7xy1vCV7grEVdiGzj5RBcA5pVA1KZAJ1xQfz1dm9omsAWzCg_wNOFAgfkHljGXl6-mUXsww/s1600/IMG_8071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdhRt0oKI2G8V05M0hP7pDCFnc4ju1zK4pAiir6479KCvKjAv22uYryklDWTFJgmuX0bO7xy1vCV7grEVdiGzj5RBcA5pVA1KZAJ1xQfz1dm9omsAWzCg_wNOFAgfkHljGXl6-mUXsww/s640/IMG_8071.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And just in case you were wondering?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's not interested in making any Fitness Pals.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And don't touch her chips.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay dry, folks.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I missed these puddles.</div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-88942392336440097342014-01-28T02:57:00.000-08:002016-01-21T10:20:51.042-08:00Things I Want to Remember About a January That Felt Like September.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our winter has been more of a summer.</div>
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And I love summer.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So no complaints here.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope started a junior high Sunday school class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDealDWEkEoyD8btYPXGwy385wvQfFOhFb3fy_AcyJlB0oshhGmdfeku-kK9dkVujOGqtcAXSdwCuBKP-5R92f_zGaSZ86LeretBhqbTH9Dgkn_L70gfeGwMrXk3CXwL85YzWtYSxaDU/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDealDWEkEoyD8btYPXGwy385wvQfFOhFb3fy_AcyJlB0oshhGmdfeku-kK9dkVujOGqtcAXSdwCuBKP-5R92f_zGaSZ86LeretBhqbTH9Dgkn_L70gfeGwMrXk3CXwL85YzWtYSxaDU/s640/IMG_7732.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it has my heart.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dave and I met in junior high youth group.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
After he hit me in the face with a dodgeball.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is good at bringing us full circle.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We watched the Niners win some.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lose some.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we're officially Denver fans next week.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kayla's just happy to root for horses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu81MthPmwHncWBFqWSeVurPetgFXNNFLclBf4qtH59Q6GrodiSh-sIWjgc3-769MrX6-csm6mbYQaasja7VkAQQPn9ZsHiDEFozt1Pd5gPDBp343mqzX3PAY_XwNDxEtRWxOLvr-bPo/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu81MthPmwHncWBFqWSeVurPetgFXNNFLclBf4qtH59Q6GrodiSh-sIWjgc3-769MrX6-csm6mbYQaasja7VkAQQPn9ZsHiDEFozt1Pd5gPDBp343mqzX3PAY_XwNDxEtRWxOLvr-bPo/s640/IMG_7263.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We tried pear/mango/papaya.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She agrees with me that papaya tastes like the smell of feet.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We like sweet potatoes with cinnamon better.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we feed ourselves, I guess?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What four month old does that?<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We spent Saturday mornings watching America's Funniest Home Videos.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, I felt the need to throw in a "before" pic.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because we also got an accidental summer cut.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still getting the hang of the goldendoodle fur.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And waited too long to call the groomer.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He had legit dreads.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
One Love, Linc.<br />
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We've been up to our ears in schoolwork.</div>
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Researching.</div>
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Writing.</div>
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Memorizing.</div>
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Ashlyn had a presentation on snow last week.</div>
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She was able to read the whole thing.</div>
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After we practiced the word "temperature" a few times.</div>
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And was upset the snowflake I helped her make did not have six sides.</div>
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"But that's fiction, mom! We said right here it has six sides and this only has four sides."</div>
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"It's not supposed to be FICTIONNNNN!"</div>
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I'm so proud of her.</div>
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And want to run and hide from her all at the same time.<br />
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Kayla has a presentation next month on a topic of her choice.</div>
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She went to the SPCA with her dad yesterday.</div>
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I was a little worried they'd come home with a friend for Rastafari.</div>
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But they stayed on task.</div>
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Research only.</div>
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I'm proud of them, too.<br />
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We spent time swimming in Nan and Pop's pool.<br />
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Often.<br />
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We had play dates in the park. And know how to take selfies, apparently.<br />
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We've been practicing our jumping.</div>
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Well, or just drooling on our seat.<br />
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We found our toes.</div>
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And clothing has been pretty optional.</div>
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For the baby, obviously.</div>
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I still can't believe she's nakie in the middle of winter.<br />
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We've spent time on the coast.</div>
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Adventures on the Pacifica pier.</div>
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We saw a sea lion.<br />
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We've witnessed some glorious sunsets.</div>
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January, you've been full and fun and different this year.</div>
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Thanks for the sunshine.</div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-74641319673402402442014-01-16T07:06:00.000-08:002016-01-21T10:33:14.339-08:00Four Months.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our baby girl turned four months on the 9th.</div>
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I get that time flies extra fast in motherhood land.</div>
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But this is kind of ridiculous.</div>
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She's still a peach.</div>
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A giant peach.<br />
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At her recent check up we learned that she's doubled her birth weight.</div>
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16 pounds of chunky monkey.</div>
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That's what we call her.</div>
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Which will probably have to change before junior high.</div>
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Ho Jo is another nickname that's likely to stick.</div>
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That's a little cuter, I think.</div>
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She's still sleeping in our room but is close to outgrowing her bassinet.</div>
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And I don't really have a plan for that yet.</div>
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So I'm hoping she takes a little growth break.</div>
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Is that such a thing?</div>
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We just started solids on Tuesday.</div>
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Which probably won't help with the break.</div>
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Brown rice cereal?</div>
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Not a fan.</div>
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We added apples and strawberries.</div>
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And a feeding assistant.</div>
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Fan.<br />
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She spends her days being rotated around various locations in the house.</div>
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The activity mat station.</div>
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She likes to look at herself in the mirror.</div>
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The Rock and Play station.</div>
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Where Lincoln steals her toys.</div>
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And the Bumbo station.</div>
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Although her ever growing thighs are about to make that last one obsolete.<br />
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She's just starting to roll.</div>
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But gets stuck on her tummy so she doesn't travel very far.</div>
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She loves her big sisters and her puppy.</div>
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She is smiley and drooly and cooing like crazy.</div>
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They are the sweetest sounds in the world.</div>
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She's also a Niner fan.</div>
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I think it's just the bright colors and fast motion.</div>
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But her dad is pretending it's more.</div>
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Kayla has zero interest in the old pigskin.</div>
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Ashlyn minimal.</div>
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She's mainly concerned with the opponent.</div>
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And says that Satan likes them.</div>
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I'm not making that up.</div>
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Anyhow.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Littlest sister may be his golden ticket.</div>
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Or we can just pretend.</div>
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Also, of note.</div>
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It's 72 degrees here today.</div>
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Crystal clear, bright shiny skies.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
In January.</div>
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Happy first third of your first year, Holland Joy.</div>
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You bring us sunshine.</div>
</div>
Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-75199115183934995272013-12-11T02:58:00.000-08:002016-01-21T10:42:26.402-08:0010 on 10. December.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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10 photos on the 10th day of the month.<br />
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Or maybe 5 because I forgot to take 10.<br />
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-72793461190950146462013-12-04T13:34:00.000-08:002014-05-03T16:34:44.483-07:00Pintertest Kitchen 27: Sweet and Sour Chicken<p style="text-align: center;">This will be short and sweet.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">And sour.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://keepupwiththejohnsons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/chicken.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-13097" alt="chicken" src="http://keepupwiththejohnsons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/chicken.jpg" width="529" height="705" /></a></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">We love sweet and sour chicken.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Well.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">I won't lie.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Dave and I do.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">My children have questionable eating habits.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Kayla will not touch chicken unless it is pink slime and breaded.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">But eats her weight in raw oysters and vegetables.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">And Ashlyn survives off apples and rice only burritos from Chipotle.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">It's just a long and complicated story.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">And I don't care enough to fight them about it.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">All that being said.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">When I saw this pinned I had to try.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm glad I did.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Make this chicken.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Adults and normal children will love it.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Pinterest win.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Original recipe <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/11/another-family-favorite-sweet-sour-chicken/">here</a>.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://keepupwiththejohnsons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-03-at-9.24.26-PM.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12100" alt="Screen Shot 2013-04-03 at 9.24.26 PM" src="http://keepupwiththejohnsons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-03-at-9.24.26-PM.png" width="180" height="177" /></a></p><br/><!-- start LinkyTools script --><br/><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=219795"></script><br/><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-37933285269971565212013-11-21T23:52:00.001-08:002014-05-04T16:50:40.690-07:00Our Perfect Baby. And Winner Announced.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sweet little miss has reversed her nocturnal tendencies.</div>
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So I am officially declaring her best baby ever.</div>
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Although I did say the same thing about her brother puppy.</div>
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And he promptly ditched his kibble for a steady diet of My Little Ponies, toilet paper and underwear.</div>
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So I'm not holding my breath.</div>
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She is mellow.</div>
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Relaxed.</div>
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Flexible.</div>
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Praise Jesus because she pretty much lives in the car.</div>
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She has started smiling.</div>
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And cooing.</div>
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And it's the sweetest sound ever.</div>
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She's living up to her middle name quite nicely.</div>
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She's a joy.</div>
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And we really love her around here.</div>
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She also likes give-a-ways.</div>
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And her <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2013/11/fishtails-samoas-and-feelings.html">Auntie Julie</a> who is the big winner this month.</div>
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Jules, Starbucks and Pen and Paint happy mail are en route, my friend.</div>
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Thanks to everyone who linked up this month.</div>
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That was fun.</div>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727677324374871311.post-14553192507271650472013-11-10T12:09:00.001-08:002014-05-04T16:51:13.538-07:00November 10 on 10: Any Given Sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.rebekahgough.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ten on ten button" border="0" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k578/rebagough/Screenshot2010-10-11at110042AM.png" /></a></center>
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Jessica Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817358938592619407noreply@blogger.com6