tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591845362534707062024-03-05T09:28:40.117-05:00anthology of snippitsKevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-40193230522507731792013-04-25T19:17:00.000-04:002013-04-29T13:28:57.701-04:00her nameKyra.<br />
We chose her name after she was born, then 4 days later changed it. We changed it because in my heart her name was Kyra. That may sound strange- but I don't know a better way to say it. Kevin was so gracious with me as I struggled the first few days calling my baby a name that didn't seem like hers, and simultaneously feeling as though I lost a baby. Needless to say that first week was very emotion filled in ways we didn't expect.<br />
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Since then I have felt somewhat guilty that my baby girl's name was not chosen because of it's meaning, but just because my heart wrapped itself around that name. Naming our baby was one of the hardest things in the entire process of having a baby! For some reason we felt so much pressure about it.<br />
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But the other day a seminary student (who happened to be studying Greek) commented on her name saying it meant something about "time." Confused I later did a search online and what I found was astonishing-<br />
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The name "Kyra" comes from "Kairos"<br />
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<b>Kairos</b> (<span lang="grc">καιρός</span>) is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment). The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. While the former refers to chronological or sequential time,
the latter signifies a time between, a moment of indeterminate time in
which something special happens. What the special something is depends
on who is using the word. While chronos is quantitative, kairos has a
qualitative nature. In the New Testament kairos means "the appointed time in the purpose of God", the time when God acts. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Wikipedia </span><br />
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"The right or opportune moment"<br />
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"A time between"<br />
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"A moment of indeterminate time in which something special happens" <br />
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"The appointed time in the purpose of God"<br />
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"The time when God acts" <br />
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These statements of meaning speak to my heart in so many ways. Kyra came at just the right time, a time between two chapters of our lives, a time that felt very indeterminate. From the beginning I knew God gave her to us at the right and opportune moment, and I now see how through her God has and continues to act.<br />
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At the appointed time in the purpose of God Kyra arrived. God knew where we were and knew where we were going- He acts at the right time. And when he does, it is so special!<br />
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Praise be to God that he loves us so deeply and sweetly that he beautifully weaves into our lives these reminders that He is intimately involved and invested in our lives! <br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-73877785405960953882012-10-25T11:43:00.001-04:002013-04-29T13:29:23.943-04:00lately,...sorta Well I am now almost 4 months into this mom thing, and almost 2 months into this living in a new place starting over thing. I am really understanding all the strange things that both moms and displaced people do- for example, I have avoided this blog because I want the most recent post to remain being the birth story of my baby girl, because then maybe it will remain to be something that was "recent". Silly right? But if you are a mom you might have just read that and thought, or said aloud, "no!".<br />
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I know now, I get it.<br />
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So anyway- since that birth story my world has been turned upside down with both learning how to continue to function with a baby as well as moving somewhere that I know no-one when she was 7 weeks old. I am still sorting out my feelings about this move, about how God has provided in ways I don't like, and about the idea of being a mom in conjunction with every other role I have.<br />
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So I will probably take the next post to do some baby catch up via photos and snippits of Kyra's first few months, but for today I am going to actually post something I wrote right after we moved...<br />
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So I knew that the Lord was going to use my baby girl to teach me some things and to open my eyes and heart to understanding more about his love for me- his child. I don't think I expected it so soon though.<br />
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When our baby girl was first born it was pretty easy to figure out what she needed- she only ever cried to eat, if she was cold, or if she needed her diaper changed (she also would cry when her tummy hurt but that was a very different cry).<br />
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But now that she is a little over 2 months old, she is starting to express herself in more complex ways. She now cries because she is bored, or because she is sleepy, or sometimes it seems she cries just to cry. So now it is more difficult to figure out what she needs. Whenever she does cry- I am fully invested in figuring out what it is I need to do to make her happy and can't do anything else until she is calm because of how it hurts my heart to see her sad. <br />
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The hardest cry for me to handle (aside from if she was hurt) is when she cries out of hunger. It breaks my heart every time she turns her head and roots the air looking for me- I've seen babies do this before, but now its different. In my belly she never felt hunger- but now she does. The moment I see that I scoop her up and hurriedly try to get situated to feed her. But it usually takes a few minutes and sometimes she doesn't realize I have figured out why she is crying yet and so she continues to cry (the chin quiver is the absolute worst!)<br />
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Since she was born I have said the same thing to her in this situation- Once she starts nursing and calms down I will tell her "see, I knew what you needed. I'm going to take care of you sweet baby, you don't have to worry" <br />
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Of course the Holy Spirit totally checked me the other day as I was saying this to her. We were in the car and were on the way to a place where I could feed her. I was trying to explain to my crying baby that we were on our way and it would just be a couple more minutes, but of course she couldn't understand why there would be any delay. All she could see was I was sitting next to her doing nothing as she cried to me for milk.<br />
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While at the moment, I don't feel like I'm presently at a place where God comes through and there is relief from the crying. But there have been many times like that in the past that I should remember. Times where he has said to me "See? I knew what you needed. I'm going to take care of you my child, you don't have to worry"<br />
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About a month 1/2 after writing this I am a little discouraged that I feel like I am still in the same place as I was then. I have realized my life is a nomadic one, and not just for myself, but also for my family. I'm comforted, however, because I know my love for this baby girl is far far far surpassed by God's love for her and for me. And if my heart is torn to pieces when ever she is in any level of pain, and it sends me rushing to help- I am without doubt that God's love for me moves him into action as well.<br />
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But- just like Kyra was not understanding of why I couldn't just feed her while we were driving, I have no more capacity to understand why God responds to my need in the way or in the time that he does.<br />
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I simply have to trust him the way my baby girl trusts me. <br />
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Profound.<br />
Thank you Lord for speaking to me through my daughter.<br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-28789870898531162922012-07-30T23:57:00.000-04:002013-04-29T13:29:11.485-04:00birth storyIn this post I would like to share my amazing birth story. I wrote it for myself- so that I would not forget and so that I can share it with my daughter one day. But I'm sharing it with you for several reasons. When I was pregnant all I ever heard from anyone was birth horror stories and comments about how awful pregnancy and labor is. If I said anything positive about my pregnancy the return comment was "Oh, well you just wait!" and when I was nearing my due date the comment was "I'll bet you're ready to get that baby out of there!". It is as if women did not like to hear anything other than the miseries of childbearing. Now that I have had a birth experience as wonderful as my pregnancy was, I am getting comments such as "Oh, you were just really lucky". No. I was not lucky. Blessed- yes, lucky- no. And as you will read, my birth story did not just happen, but was the ending to a long road of intentional preparation of my mind and body. I knew if I didn't write this immediately, then my story would be attributed to after birth forgetfulness. So I wrote my birth story the very next day, and now I'd like to share it with you. <br />
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My baby girl's birth story is a story of a journey that began long before the first contractions. It is an amazing story that, like all births, cannot be limited to simply the physical act of giving birth, but must include the mental and emotional experience. <br />
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I cannot tell this story without telling of the role that Choice played in our journey. We decided to have a home birth when I was about 3 months pregnant. I very much liked my OB doctor, and she was supportive of that decision. The decision came after we started to do research on what pregnancy and having a baby looked like. I can't say that a home birth is the best choice for every woman- I can say that it was the best choice for me and now I can't imagine anything better. No matter what choice a woman makes, it is so important to be informed, to know what is going on in your body and to be educated about child birth. If for no other reason, learning about all of this makes this miraculous event all the more amazing! As we did research and asked my doctor questions about birth procedure, I found that there were many aspects of the birth that I was not permitted to decide on that I felt ought to be my choice. I also found little confidence in my body from the general medical perspective of my doctor, and began to notice that the majority of people we knew having hospital births were ending in C-sections many times after the same chain of events that seemed to result in some cases from this lack of confidence. Lastly, we began to discover many benefits to having our baby at home, especially since we were so committed to having our baby born naturally with no unnecessary intervention.<br />
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What resulted from this decision was a formative experience for me as a woman, gave my husband and I a wonderful and intimate birth experience and gave my baby girl what I believe to be the best possible birth. We were blessed by God with a healthy baby and were blessed to not have any serious complications or concerns. This miracle of childbirth makes me marvel how anyone could experience this and not believe in God- and certainly he is intimately involved in the entire process. I talk a lot about confidence throughout this story, but I want to be clear that my confidence is founded in God, and that we prayed for his help through this entire journey- and continue to. It is because of my faith that I found reason to not fear and my confidence grew out of knowing that God loves this baby more than I ever could.<br />
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Once we began meeting with our midwives, Nina and Kelley, we were quickly amazed at the difference in care provided. Instead of the 15 rushed minutes with my doctor, our appointments were an hour long! I was asked immeasurably more medical and family history questions relevant to the birth than I ever was by my doctor. I left every appointment feeling so empowered and so excited about the birth. The difference that made for my husband and I was huge. Our society has made childbirth out to be something to be feared and has so many women believing they couldn't ever do it without an epidural. Many women even believe that having a C-section is "taking the easy way out." Before our decision for a home birth, I found myself very much a product of these messages. This was changed when I began educating myself about childbirth and was empowered to have confidence in my body and my baby to tell me what was needed and if something was wrong.<br />
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Another aspect of our birth story that took place in preparation for the birth was the mental and emotional preparation. As I began to consider how child birth might be hindered or helped by my mind, I began a list of "replacement thoughts" for possible negative and defeating thoughts triggered by fear or pain. Many of those messages were even helpful through discomforts in pregnancy. The more I became aware of and changed my thoughts about pregnancy and birth to positive and uplifting messages, the more they actually changed my emotions and even physically how I felt. I cannot over emphasize how powerful our thoughts are and how our body (and even our babies!) respond to them.<br />
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All that being said- here is how the birth began...<br />
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Monday afternoon at 4:30pm I woke up and rolled over from a nap to feel a sort of "pop" and release of fluid. It was 6 days before my due date and being my first pregnancy I thought there was no way my baby would decide to come this early. It occurred to me that perhaps this could be my water breaking so I went to the bathroom. After a second and third release of fluid, and having tested the pH level to confirm it was not urine, I called my midwives to let them know my water had indeed broke. As I held the phone about to make the call, I felt a flutter in my stomach and a rush of nerves as I realized "it had begun". When I ended the call with Nina I reassessed myself and noticed the nerves were gone and my confidence had returned. After that moment I did not feel nervous or afraid again.<br />
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<b>Early labor</b><br />
I made a quick grocery list for Kevin (we hadn't quite finished preparations for our home birth...) and made a few more calls- including finding someone to transport and store our dinning room table so there would be room to set up the birthing tub. It was about 5:00pm (30 min. after my water broke) when I started feeling contractions. They were about 7 minutes apart and so faint that I was not sure at first if they were real contractions. By 6:00pm when our friends came to get the dinning room table, I had no doubt that what I felt was contractions and I was already having to be somewhat intentional about keeping my body relaxed through them. Each contraction was about 5-7 minutes apart and by 6:30pm I was needing to sit on the corner of my bed and gently rock through them. When rocking, I could still talk through them- but they were growing in intensity and frequency at a faster rate than I was expecting.<br />
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While the physical intensity was still moderate, I remained in tune with my thoughts and spent much of the time talking to my baby girl as Kevin scurried around trying to get the birthing tub set up. I repeated messages I had been telling myself for months- "My body knows exactly what to do", "I can do this", "I am amazed at my body", "God designed my body to handle this", "This will be over tomorrow", "I don't have to do this alone", "This is so amazing" and other variations and similar thoughts. As I talked with my baby girl through labor, I encouraged my baby that she too could do this, that she could come whenever she was ready, and many words of my love for her. In combination with my thoughts I continued to use progressive relaxation, guided imagery and mindfulness of my body through each contraction. Even though each contraction was growing in intensity- so was my confidence that I really could do this, and I was sure to focus my mind on that growing realization. <br />
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Kevin and I were keeping our midwives, Kelley and Nina, updated through texting and we were all expecting this to be the beginning of labor which would last perhaps till the early morning hours. Between 7:00 and 8:00pm Kevin was getting a bit frantic while trying to get the birthing tub assembled and filled and I was getting into contractions that I needed to breath through. As I verbally encouraged him that he was doing a great job and everything would be ok and that he could do this, he paused to laugh and comment that I was far more calm than he was. I imagine that is normal for soon to be dads in that moment, and it actually encouraged me to be all the more calm in order to balance his stress. But when he said that to me I realized that I was in fact calm- and the continued realization of my body's ability to respond positively to the intensity of the experience of birth was incredibly empowering. <br />
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<b>Active labor</b><br />
A little after 9:00 pm my friend Amy arrived. At this point my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and about a 7-8 in intensity. By now the birthing tub was up and being filled and Kevin was with me helping me through the contractions. I wanted to create a calm and soothing environment so I had some aromatherapy candles lit, low lighting and instrumental "relaxation" music playing. As I had a contraction, Kevin would visually scan my body and softly instruct me to relax the areas he could see were tense. Most of my tension was in my face, hands and toes. I used a lot of breathing techniques and guided imagery at this point in labor.<br />
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Nina and Kelley had been keeping posted on my contractions and decided to send Alison, the midwife apprentice, out to see how I was doing. Alison arrived between 9:30 and 10:00pm. After waiting through a few contractions we decided to check and see how dilated I was: 4 centimeters. She also found out that the baby was "sunny side up" and would need to be turned. To turn her I tried several different positions and ended up laying on my side. This was the most difficult point in the entire process. At the time, I rated those contractions at a 9-10 and was really struggling to keep my body relaxed and my mind focused. Kevin stayed close, was encouraging me verbally and kept a firm hold on my hand. On each break between contractions he would coach me to just do one more and kept my focus. Alison was not only encouraging, but maintained the calm in the room. After several contractions like this Alison noticed I was starting to push- she asked if I was trying to push in response to the pain or if my body was telling me to push. All I could say was that I couldn't keep from pushing. She checked me between my next two contractions and found that 45 minutes after her previous exam I was already fully dilated and was in fact ready to push (baby had successfully turned). Very calmly and reassuringly, Alison suggested I get in the tub and quickly called Nina and Kelley to let them know about the sudden progression. Nina and Kelley were on their way but about 20-30 minutes from our house, so Alison helped me breath differently through the contractions so that I could try to keep from pushing till everybody was there.<br />
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Around 11:00 pm Nina and Kelley arrived and I gave my body full permission to push. Everything had changed physically since I got into the tub. Almost immediately I felt relief in the warm water from the soreness in my abdominal muscles. My contractions, while probably still just as intense, were only uncomfortable at their peak as opposed to a sort of bell curve. I immediately knew that the tub was an incredibly good decision! The water was so warm and I felt so relaxed despite the events taking place. Shortly after really starting to push I switched over to a hands and knees position with Kevin facing me. I was surprised at how weightless I felt and what little pressure there was on any part of my body. Between contractions I would rest my head on Kevin's shoulder and for most of the time Nina held a fan so it blew on my face. At this point in the birth I could honestly say I was completely comfortable and relaxed were it not for the contractions. Even those, combined with the pushing, were not anything like I had expected after hearing the many horror stories of birth and being generally influenced by the ways media portrays birth. I was actually able to really soak in the experience and, yes- I'm going to say it, enjoy it. A miracle was taking place in my body and it was not scary, and it was not an emergency. I was surrounded by people that believed I could handle this and that my body was made to do this. I expected a lot of instruction from the midwives when it came to the birth- but when I asked what to do they responded by asking what my body was telling me to do, and each time I knew the answer.<br />
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Perhaps the most surprising thing about our baby's birth was that I never felt the "transition" phase. I knew about it and was ready for it, and at one point even asked while pushing if this was the point at which I should be feeling that "I can't do this" feeling. I asked that because I wasn't feeling that way, but it did seem like the pushing was taking forever and I was getting a little tired. I remembered reading that when you experience that transition of feeling you can't do it, that you are close to actually doing it...and I was hoping I was getting close to the end.<br />
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At 12:15am, after about 1hr. and 15 min. of pushing, our baby girl was born.
She had her cord wrapped once around her neck tight enough that Alison
and Kelley "somersaulted" her out. When they put her on my chest her
eyes were open and she was stretching her neck, but she hadn't cried
yet. After rubbing her back a little she finally let out one or two
little cries and we watched as she took her first breath! I have heard
people say that immediately they felt overwhelming love for their baby-
for me I felt overwhelmingly shocked at what had just happened. I
couldn't believe that she had just come out of my belly! <br />
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After moving
out of the tub and to our bed, I began to feel that intense rush of love
you see in the faces of parents as they look at their new baby. After a
little work to get my placenta out, Kevin and I were left with our baby
girl for about 45 minutes to bond with her. She never did cry very
much, but was alert as we studied each others faces. A little over an hour later Kevin cut her cord. I couldn't believe that in just under 8 hours our baby girl had arrived. While I was shocked at how quickly she came (as was everyone!) I feel blessed to have had only 45 minutes of active labor and just over an hour of pushing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ13n-D7NCKWlkcXVk6JXmoZhR_gkc3b_KzuTYgRW0ItlNxs-wDOJBLcq8TPtLKaNAOQw_YhUE51SVdLFVqqxI1LWRqU9ThRRMM84Om79sMfLnD2cmg55TTbX6QZ14ztiPMcn4f71ZhPAh/s1600/DSC_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ13n-D7NCKWlkcXVk6JXmoZhR_gkc3b_KzuTYgRW0ItlNxs-wDOJBLcq8TPtLKaNAOQw_YhUE51SVdLFVqqxI1LWRqU9ThRRMM84Om79sMfLnD2cmg55TTbX6QZ14ztiPMcn4f71ZhPAh/s320/DSC_0178.jpg" width="320" /></a> When Nina, Kelley and Alison returned they did their exam of the baby while we were still in the room so we could watch. I couldn't help but think even then at all the differences I was experiencing to being in a hospital. My baby was not washed of her vernix or wisked away from me. She wasn't placed on a hard metal tray to be weighed or strapped with ankle and arm bands. I watch as Alison very lovingly checked, measured and weighed her in a way that was soft and sweet and not at all just work routine. I also loved that we were there for all of it- there was no mystery to where my baby was and how she was being handled. I was in my home with people I loved and felt personally connected to, rather than strangers I had just met.<br />
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The rest kind of does become a blur- Amy made me eggs and turkey bacon- it will remain to be one of the best meals of my life! I felt great comfort knowing she was holding my baby as I went to shower. Amy's role in the birth extended beyond the beginning of labor. For months she had been encouraging me and with me on the journey of discovering the confidence that I believe in great part led to this birth story. She took photos and video that I will forever cherish and continued to be there for us and we began the rather terrifying journey of parenthood! <br />
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There aren't words to express how glad I am that we decided to have a home birth with Choice. I will forever consider this to be one of the best decisions we have made as a couple. The very personal care we have experienced from the midwives has just been unbelievable. I wish that every woman who has feared child birth could see birth through their eyes. <br />
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Our baby girl, named Kyra Aaron Reed, is a beautiful, calm baby girl. She was 7 lbs. 8 oz. and just under 20 inches long. We cannot count our blessings!<br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-22278186229579775782012-06-12T14:13:00.000-04:002012-06-12T14:13:42.418-04:00the endOne year ago I completed the 2 year co-hort of my masters program and proceeded on to the final year of advanced classes. I took this picture on the day I completed my cohort:<br />
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I thought it would be cool to take this same picture on the day I graduated one year later:<br />
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Funny how a year can mean so much more than you ever anticipated! For example, I was not expecting to be 8 months pregnant in this picture!<br />
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It is always a weird feeling to be at the end of anything. There is the strange emotional mix of excitement, disbelief, fear and even grief. We are very adaptable and resilient creatures of habit. Kevin has been reminding me of how at the beginning of this 3 year journey I was often in a state of tearful stress and would say to him that I didn't think I could do this program. Over time I adapted to the demands of school and now can't hardly imagine life without class and internship. What has become a familiar routine is now over and a new journey is beginning. Interestingly, I find myself with many of the same fears and hesitancies that I felt at the beginning of this previous journey, as well as many others throughout my life as they have started. <br />
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One of my favorite chapters in the bible is Isaiah 41. An insert I have read many times says:<br />
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<span class="text Isa-41-9" id="en-NIV-18461">I took you from the ends of the earth, </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-9">from its farthest corners I called you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-41-9">I said, ‘You are my servant’; </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-9">I have chosen you and have not rejected you.</span></span><span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-NIV-18462"></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-NIV-18462"><sup class="versenum"></sup>So do not fear, for I am with you; </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">do not be dismayed, for I am your God.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-41-10">I will strengthen you and help you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. </span></span></div>
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<b><span class="text Isa-41-13" id="en-NIV-18465" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">For I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13">who takes hold of your right hand </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;" /><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">and says to you, "Do not fear;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13">I will help you.</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">" </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">That last portion is especially powerful to me- perhaps I have said this here before, but when I read Isaiah 41:13 I am transfixed on the imagery of the God of the universe, who is all powerful and who created everything, looking deep into my eyes with an incomprehensible depth of love for me and with an empathetic gaze gently taking my weak hand into his strong protective hand and saying to <i>me</i> "Do not fear, I will help you." </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">Amazing. The God of the universe having an interaction like that with me?? Having that level of love and concern and compassion for me?? How could I then be afraid. And yet- I still am. This season of transition is certainly one which is challenging my faith in asking if I do in fact have faith in my God. Do I really believe he is going to help me? Do I really believe he is in control? Do I really believe he loves me? He has always always always provided all I have ever needed- His grace has always always always been more then enough for me- so why do I fear that this time will be different. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">I feel so much like Peter when he walked on water toward Jesus. When he took his eyes off Jesus and became increasingly aware of the storm around him, as you may know, he began to sink. This summer feels like I am stepping out of the boat in an effort to obediently follow Jesus. When I think about everything surrounding that decision, I feel so overwhelmed with an array of emotions that "sinking" is perhaps the most acute way to describe how I feel. But when I look to Jesus and remember his faithfulness and his love, I feel empowered by his grace and peace to take another step toward him and his direction. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">Someone once told me that a sacrifice is not a sacrifice unless it costs you something. In this step of faith and obedience, it seems as though the cost has never been higher and the sacrifice never more painful. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">Maybe I have been living comfortably and have forgotten what it means to have an active radical faith- one that keeps you out of your comfort zone and daily demands reliance on God. Maybe I have been too focused on what I want and desire, rather than living with my eyes and heart fixed on eternity rather than today. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">I think Satan's most effective tool is distraction. Eternally most of my fears are insignificant- they are only fears of this life and of this world. Perhaps if I were to be afraid my fear should be of complacency and the daily pursuit of comfort. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">So to climb out of the well of deep thought...</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;"> ...here are 2 more pictures from graduation- the first must be included because this journey required so much from my beloved husband (he was as relieved I was done as I was!) and without his support I am sure I would not have reached the end of this. I may never fully appreciate all he suffered through so that I could achieve this degree. And second is my beloved baby girl- she has given us so much joy and excitement over the last several months! I just love my little baby so much :) </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzbQ-w8cpnqjNiTCIZ41sd_6Tf03q8vv1FiEW9eexKsLCEBZrasxr7a0XsXIIWrE68gPcw9qjXgWD72472hNPgcyYo869RjDgrckkErQCzSZ-XL7G-AeRIrUfdkxdwJIc2V2MRIouxSue/s1600/DSC_0864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzbQ-w8cpnqjNiTCIZ41sd_6Tf03q8vv1FiEW9eexKsLCEBZrasxr7a0XsXIIWrE68gPcw9qjXgWD72472hNPgcyYo869RjDgrckkErQCzSZ-XL7G-AeRIrUfdkxdwJIc2V2MRIouxSue/s400/DSC_0864.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">35 weeks!</td></tr>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10"><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </span></span></span><br />
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I don't think this blog is viewed by many- but to anyone who has offered support and encouragement to me through the challenging moments of the last 3 years- thank you. thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart! I do not take for granted your role in helping me finish this race. <br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-39367636951464260932012-05-23T20:28:00.000-04:002012-05-23T20:28:56.023-04:00the other side of the cameraSo this past week the amazing and super talented Amy <a href="http://sugarpumkin.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(see blog here)</span></a> took maternity for me and Kevin and baby. I knew she would do great- but I could not be more happy with these pictures!! They are exactly what I was hoping for. I keep looking at these pictures again and again- it is so weird to be on the other side of the camera! So I will share a few of my favorites...<br />
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So thankful that the man I married has only grown in the things that made me fall in love with him- I hope I never take for granite having a very physically and emotionally affectionate husband. <br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-88939359396279789172012-05-15T23:48:00.001-04:002012-05-15T23:48:45.229-04:00all things babySince my last several posts have been heavy and pictureless- here is a lighter picture filled post :o)<br />
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Here is baby- <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG3YnHIk0896g5WBwa6ZhnGTZLWheSEwuQsvSU7BAW5G3iMu1QS7GgX6X_UyULa18j5rmwhaY4WNPkASR2m0i6tJ5Y7w3C9F_7WD-jwEtIs0nV8snLWxw7j2e4WLjYtYL_oMjwJ3SCdtD/s1600/21weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG3YnHIk0896g5WBwa6ZhnGTZLWheSEwuQsvSU7BAW5G3iMu1QS7GgX6X_UyULa18j5rmwhaY4WNPkASR2m0i6tJ5Y7w3C9F_7WD-jwEtIs0nV8snLWxw7j2e4WLjYtYL_oMjwJ3SCdtD/s200/21weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdomk0DzpOk0XcuR72F1rBG0KN2Frp8XAfmPVEhzcFhE_rGoaPPcGUFMZvylO8bTzRre7BiFdi3_WTKHDwo8rwRApBny_95aNDEmMn3wPLOsdxlLHCSn5vbFKLWOVFRY851eXi3lfyQ8-4/s1600/23weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdomk0DzpOk0XcuR72F1rBG0KN2Frp8XAfmPVEhzcFhE_rGoaPPcGUFMZvylO8bTzRre7BiFdi3_WTKHDwo8rwRApBny_95aNDEmMn3wPLOsdxlLHCSn5vbFKLWOVFRY851eXi3lfyQ8-4/s200/23weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNC7h-VUT8NSecaQ9saZh2Td0MZjx2G7YJF6kcZXPxMGDEtQjHnBpa-m4-SjZprpIQtjfNQN_3AntYOIpNdxCT3EX0hHmfgb4FXQheQOB0Y7hXgygJbu-Rp_sGJnXuvaPn1ydKi4nhev5/s1600/25weeks..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNC7h-VUT8NSecaQ9saZh2Td0MZjx2G7YJF6kcZXPxMGDEtQjHnBpa-m4-SjZprpIQtjfNQN_3AntYOIpNdxCT3EX0hHmfgb4FXQheQOB0Y7hXgygJbu-Rp_sGJnXuvaPn1ydKi4nhev5/s200/25weeks..jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ-HWhQLck54hCddNUtdjxFJ_jBWU9FP-dlPaZlcykznnnLqzus3vweCvTOnzwK7DoffyMD0jEs2_n_Ii-giytlpIhWTsKyWeSyNLCTsCB2j-UJbshHmmPQ70MqFvPRmyyhgFOS92ArMh/s1600/28+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ-HWhQLck54hCddNUtdjxFJ_jBWU9FP-dlPaZlcykznnnLqzus3vweCvTOnzwK7DoffyMD0jEs2_n_Ii-giytlpIhWTsKyWeSyNLCTsCB2j-UJbshHmmPQ70MqFvPRmyyhgFOS92ArMh/s200/28+weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVBaxZOkJKfy9stmA0ebgvKayJW8QoYoggy9VebKt5FMNJfa2-Jq7LLn0cq9hwUoZIwCFTM3SqyVYzhj0BN4toA2Xn8kUPtf8xLsQ2130i-DWqVlyQB22JCD04XJ-CRfkwgiE3TbQwBNR/s1600/30weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVBaxZOkJKfy9stmA0ebgvKayJW8QoYoggy9VebKt5FMNJfa2-Jq7LLn0cq9hwUoZIwCFTM3SqyVYzhj0BN4toA2Xn8kUPtf8xLsQ2130i-DWqVlyQB22JCD04XJ-CRfkwgiE3TbQwBNR/s200/30weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIGDahgKrQVap2fUfYxdZ3ojEaoUWGEYQ33vKlRkLj8bll_K22Ktk5snIGRfjQP3Z1oTP1uXu8UN7-wRw9kYnnXf-So1y8-ZRf6a8YQH_y6dfI7MNT82Xc8Sz4uZF5Y1T95d3k3zbQyya/s1600/32weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIGDahgKrQVap2fUfYxdZ3ojEaoUWGEYQ33vKlRkLj8bll_K22Ktk5snIGRfjQP3Z1oTP1uXu8UN7-wRw9kYnnXf-So1y8-ZRf6a8YQH_y6dfI7MNT82Xc8Sz4uZF5Y1T95d3k3zbQyya/s200/32weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">32 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUUrKKhwDXujH6aopOhGWjkgmImhfHkmMpd2fAEzlP7H7PWUt2PrP2n5iLf836be64xsi8Zb-GhtsoFRDX3lh41BgJMLX1olD8A9Ove-34sRejObZIAIp0jPAdLXj4BmxKAw-3EQiY3ay/s1600/13weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUUrKKhwDXujH6aopOhGWjkgmImhfHkmMpd2fAEzlP7H7PWUt2PrP2n5iLf836be64xsi8Zb-GhtsoFRDX3lh41BgJMLX1olD8A9Ove-34sRejObZIAIp0jPAdLXj4BmxKAw-3EQiY3ay/s200/13weeks.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The funny thing is I remember taking this picture and thinking I was SO big! (13 weeks)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So with about 8 or so weeks left till baby girl arrives and 2 weeks left till graduation- I have been compiling things I want to make for baby.<br />
I found this amazing wreath on pinterest- imagine adding "Its a Girl" across the middle (!)<br />
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I've also been thinking a lot about her newborn pictures (which there will be so many of!) and some hats that I'd like to get or make... <br />
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And headbands.... <br />
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<br />And lastly- like every other creative person I draw inspiration from the amazing work of others: newborn shots that I love and inspire me...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_KEI37EhGDFBHy99NhOUu2LQuf31ii_rDOEhfZvIMBtORL2t7DwHis93MjvFQaQcCAq2vLSFhyNv06Ud7skezj_R1IbtJDWjf8pujT7P3kuVXWYBY2LXJ5Ko7QeoeNt7A110_NDOZlC6/s1600/128774870565309124_nurhusR5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_KEI37EhGDFBHy99NhOUu2LQuf31ii_rDOEhfZvIMBtORL2t7DwHis93MjvFQaQcCAq2vLSFhyNv06Ud7skezj_R1IbtJDWjf8pujT7P3kuVXWYBY2LXJ5Ko7QeoeNt7A110_NDOZlC6/s400/128774870565309124_nurhusR5_c.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love the colors....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-lxqvfVXNeNxplwwj4ZVXfxG781L1F17cmvGm0_eSg1-iDO3-ttA5NLjxSRmUCf74b3HMYDc4gyBOUXQmShKpLO26Po4KEihiZmHh99ub5lVxk8XxhxM6GfK7BeK62na12lhYSS5QI_M/s1600/178455203954615470_dNQYxhVU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-lxqvfVXNeNxplwwj4ZVXfxG781L1F17cmvGm0_eSg1-iDO3-ttA5NLjxSRmUCf74b3HMYDc4gyBOUXQmShKpLO26Po4KEihiZmHh99ub5lVxk8XxhxM6GfK7BeK62na12lhYSS5QI_M/s400/178455203954615470_dNQYxhVU_c.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">everything about this picture is great...except maybe the hat...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrUHL1WHogApGD7aupXhX_os4fFdEGJSXvzjGMLF0NXcVa4C3lbjBrrJ2768W0cha59IAZAXXcVGKl9rqF7cbbg4ees94fJzAop7_W6TlVFqu8iRm8wGI-xexO8q4Tb1kxEbsnXeN3qRj/s1600/170433167118414064_LVmvaBZs_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrUHL1WHogApGD7aupXhX_os4fFdEGJSXvzjGMLF0NXcVa4C3lbjBrrJ2768W0cha59IAZAXXcVGKl9rqF7cbbg4ees94fJzAop7_W6TlVFqu8iRm8wGI-xexO8q4Tb1kxEbsnXeN3qRj/s320/170433167118414064_LVmvaBZs_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the lace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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All the pictures (with exception of the ones of myself of course) are found on www.pinterest.com.<br />
(I didn't site each one cause it would require re-finding them)<br />
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Next project is to search out a mobile to make, and perhaps make it (so much to make!!) Then I will be close to blogging baby's room (which is almost done!!)<br />
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What fun these next few weeks will be... :o) <br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-34908095264113922322012-05-15T23:12:00.000-04:002012-05-15T23:12:58.977-04:00journeySo posting in this blog only once every month or two really makes time feel like it has flown by! My student status officially ends in 2 weeks and I will hopefully pick up the pace with blog posts (for all who are interested and for my own enjoyment!)<br />
<br /><br />
Reflecting on this past year it seems as though many seasons are soon coming to an end and new chapters are about to be written. To name a few- baby girl will be here in about 8 weeks or so! And in just over 2 weeks I will complete my masters degree. Summer has always been a time of pause and restart for me- mostly because of my long standing "student status". Transitions are always an interesting time in life that it seems God really takes advantage of to teach us to rely more heavily on him.<br />
<br />
I can't say that this season of change hasn't presented some great challenges- but in the midst of struggle I heard a message preached that really shaped my thinking. Billy Huddleston <a href="http://billyhuddleston.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(website)</span></a> recently spoke at my church about the Psalm 37 highlighting verse 4. There is SO MUCH in this psalm that is just remarkable and life giving <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2037&version=NIV"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(read it here)</span></a>, but his message on verse 4 really spoke to where I was sitting that night.<br />
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<div style="color: purple;">
Psalm 37:4</div>
<span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NIV-14455" style="color: purple;">Take delight in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="indent-1" style="color: purple;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-37-4">and he will give you the desires of your heart. </span></span><br />
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I have heard and quoted this verse for years. My theological understanding was that God knows the desires of our hearts and either fulfills them or removes them. Of course scripture does not say that- but logically it made sense. So that is what I believed. But really what is being said is far from that.<br />
<br />
To summarize a more lengthy message that he preached, here is what he said: the two key words here are <b>delight</b> and <b>desire</b>. To understand the passage, we have to understand these two words.<br />
<br />
Billy used the ipad dictionary app as a simple definition resource. Here is how it defines delight and desire.<br />
<br />
<b>Delight</b><br />
1. A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment<br />
2. To take great pleasure<br />
3. To gain satisfaction from <br />
<br />
<b>Desire</b><br />
1. An expressed wish<br />
2. A longing or craving<br />
3. That which satisfies <br />
<br />
Replacing these two words with their definition is really eye opening, but the pairing that really challenged my original understanding of the passage was the last two definitions:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Gain satisfaction</b> from the LORD and he will give you <b>that which satisfies.</b></span><br />
<br />
In addition Billy said that to make "desire" plural is a poor translation. He suggests that in the original Hebrew text "desire" is not plural, but singular and could more specifically be translated as <b>that which you want most.</b><br />
<br />
So in my journey I realized that what I have desired most are things that do not satisfy and yet I have expected God to give me those desires because I have sought him and have followed him. But the message here is not "follow me and I'll grant your wishes", rather it is (to paraphrase) "Find your joy in me and I will be enough for you"<br />
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<br />Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-57231830035129110012012-03-31T12:57:00.000-04:002012-03-31T12:57:06.837-04:00hunger gamesRecently I was thinking that I, being a very negligent blogger, ought to get some sort of blog post together or else March will be completely without a post! Realizing it has been since my initial baby post that I have made any further update- I thought perhaps I would post on that. But then my husband and I went to see the movie "Hunger Games" and I have found the need for a forum in which to fully tell of my experience with this movie.<br />
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No, I have not read the books. Therefore I have nothing negative or positive to say about them. I actually was not planning to see the movie, but my husband really wanted to see it (he also has not read the books). Literally every person I have heard talk about the books have said they are great and impossible to put down, and those who saw the movie loved it and many have even gone to see it multiple times.<br />
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In its first week the movie grossed $189 Million dollars <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/box-office-the-hunger-games-grosses-a-staggering-189-million-in-one-week"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a> (A total of $152.3 Million of that was grossed over the <i>first weekend</i> of its release <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/box-office-hunger-games-dominate-again.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a>). This means that "Hunger Games" grossed more in its first week than did "Twilight Saga". Over this weekend, the movie is projected to collect yet another $60 Million, and project to hit $260 Million as its 10 day total <a href="http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/03/29/box-office-preview-hunger-games-wrath-of-the-titans-mirror-mirror/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a>. Since the movie *only* cost $85 Million to make, the profits have already been substantial to date. It should be noted: "Hunger Games" now holds the record of the 3rd best movie opening <b>of all time.</b> <a href="http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/03/29/box-office-preview-hunger-games-wrath-of-the-titans-mirror-mirror/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br />
<br />
Based on this information- as well as the high recommendations from others who had seen the movie (many of them multiple times already), we decided to see the film.<br />
<br />
Leaving the theater my husband and I both felt shocked and disturbed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>But I want to make a clear separation before continuing:</u> the message of "Hunger Games" is in fact disturbing- <i>and it should be. </i>It is a powerful message that provides a great opportunity to start relevant and needed conversations about the state of our own society/culture here in the US. I have read reviews of the actual books that indicate that they are equally as violent as the movie and I would even agree that in many ways describing such violence is necessary to communicate the absolute barbaric and violent nature of the games.<br />
<br />
I have read equally disturbing accounts of actual world events that shook me to the core- <i>violence like this actually happens in our world today and in some cases it is for the purpose of twisted entertainment.</i> And so again- I have nothing negative to say about the books, and the message is very relevant and powerful, <u>should we choose to do something with it. </u><br />
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OK: the movie.<br />
Here is the problem with the movie-<br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">We have gone so far with violence in our media to gain revenue, and while some may leave the movie appalled at what they saw, many more people will likely leave the movie feeling as though it was a great and entertaining film. It seems to me that it is portrayed by its rating as being a movie appropriate for a young audience- but if a young person walks out of the movie missing the message we have only continued in their numbing of violence and the sanctity of life- <b>and it is nothing more than entertaining.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I do very strongly believe that movies such as this one glorify violence and distort the reality of death and violence for not only children and adolescents, but also adults. I very strongly believe that as a culture we are suffering the outcomes of media (violent and otherwise) holding such a strong influence in our lives seen in ways such as domestic violence, human trafficking, bullying, crime, body image distortion, eating disorders, relationship dysfunction, compromised morals, suicide, self harm, feeling in a constant state of "need"/want, any imaginable form of disrespect shown to another human being, and many more. No, media is not the only contributor to all of these things. But we are blind to not see its overwhelming influence. <b>Media is the primary norm setter in our culture. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">The most ignorant thing I have ever heard a person say (and I have heard countless people say this) is that "media doesn't affect me". </span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">The reality is <b>it does. </b>The danger is when we don't recognize that. We are <i>constant</i> consumers of media every day. It is nearly unavoidable. Media, in fact, is such a strong and constant presence in our lives that we have to take a hard look at how media is shaping our culture and our beliefs. <i>Because it undoubtedly is. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><i>"</i>Hunger Games" received a rating of PG-13. This then suggests that our greater society believes this is an appropriate movie to be viewed by a 13 year old without adult supervision or involvement. Suppose the rating would have been R, it would <i>not</i> have restricted those under 17 to view the movie, but rather it would have required them to be with an adult. But even an "R" rating would not resolve the problem as we all know that teens often find young adults to help them with age restricted activities. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">But as it is, there are many young teens seeing this movie which contains a very mature message and very graphic violent images.</span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I personally was so disturbed I was quite shaken to the core, as was my husband. In my opinion, this is a good response to the movie. Why? Because the message is disturbing, so why wouldn't the visual depiction of it being equally if not more disturbing than the literature depiction? </span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I wish I hadn't seen it. But now that I have, I am responsible for what I do with it. Because if I do nothing- then what purpose other than entertainment does my seeing this movie have? </span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Ok here is the stretch- but please let this simmer and know I also see that these things are different, but also strikingly similar...</span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">In the movie "Hunger Games" the general premise of the story is that there is a group of people who live in a place of excess in every way (the capital)- the movie does well to depict their obsessions with self and their indulgences of luxary. Surrounding the capital are districts where people are in complete poverty. In these districts 2 people ages 12-18 are selected every year to compete in the "Hunger Games" where they must kill the other 23 people in order to survive. These games are made a huge entertainment event for those in the capital, and even those in the districts will watch the games (perhaps with a bit more vested interest) Kinda similar to the Olympics. The broadcasting of these games is done much like reality TV today- it is all about getting the best ratings and having the best story. The entertainment of the people in the capital is at the expense of young lives, and there is no remorse. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">With that in mind- are there ways that we in the US are doing a similar thing? The images portrayed in violent movies are a reality for many people in the world. What we are seeing on the screen is actually happening today. Are we so isolated in our comfort and excess that we have become numb to this reality much like those living in the capital? </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">We can be certain that we live in the same excess and self indulgence as those in the "capital", are we beginning to also loose sight of those in the "districts" around us? </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Does the pain and loss of others feel so far removed from ourselves that we have denied its existence? And how different is it for those in the capital to watch a screen of people killing one another for pleasure and entertainment, and us today watching a screen that while it is not the actual violence, it is representative of actual violence in our world. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">What if we asked ourselves this question: Which is more offensive- to watch people die for our pleasure, or to simulate people dying and dismiss it as fiction when it is not? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I'm not begging an answer of that question, but we need to think about just how different those two things are. </span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">You may ask, "Chelsie, why get all upset about watching a movie?". Well for one, the movie was upsetting. But what really is upsetting is that, based on the numbers, there will be millions of people going to see this movie and how many of them will leave upset and disturbed verses how many will leave believing this is "only a movie". </span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><b>What more do we have to do in our media to disturb and upset people if this doesn't do it? </b>Now tell me we are not numbing ourselves to the reality of violence. Its a scary road. </span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I know my opinion here will be among a great minority. And for whatever reason, people have very strong positive opinions about the movie and the books. I am glad so many people have read these books- I am scared to see what little lasting affect results from it. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">A question I have struggled with and will likely never have a satisfying answer to, is why people are defending violence in media? If there is even the possibility of the extreme negative consequences of exposing our children to these images and messages- <i>then what exactly is worth defending at that potential cost?? </i>Again we find ourselves far more concerned about our own pleasure and entertainment. <b>Just because something isn't wrong, doesn't mean it is wise. </b></span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Call it an overreaction. But please don't neglect to really consider the message of "Hunger Games" and the application. </span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-34483126767974023592012-02-11T09:45:00.000-05:002012-02-11T09:45:54.568-05:00shaken<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14287">My heart is overwhelmed. </sup><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14287">As a counselor I am often helping others deal with stress, anxiety, fear and anger...and yet as I feel these things so deeply I cannot do anything but sit in them. I have been shaken to the core and am grieving the many losses that result from my circumstance. And so all I know to do is to turn back to my Lord and ask "why". I am so glad is big and mighty and can handle my questions and my pain. </sup><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14287">I am certain everyone who has lived has experienced pain and my words are not falling on unknowing ears. I find myself desperately wanting to believe the words of Psalm 27. Lined with reassurance, pain, grief, fear, hope, peace and desperation; here are the words of David:</sup><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14287">Psalm 27 </sup></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14287">1</sup> The LORD is my light and my salvation— <br />
whom shall I fear? <br />
The LORD is the stronghold of my life— <br />
of whom shall I be afraid? </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14288">2</sup> When the wicked advance against me <br />
to devour me, <br />
it is my enemies and my foes <br />
who will stumble and fall. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14289">3</sup> Though an army besiege me, <br />
my heart will not fear; <br />
though war break out against me, <br />
even then I will be confident. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14290">4</sup> One thing I ask from the LORD, <br />
this only do I seek: <br />
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD <br />
all the days of my life, <br />
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD <br />
and to seek him in his temple. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14291">5</sup> For in the day of trouble <br />
he will keep me safe in his dwelling; <br />
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent <br />
and set me high upon a rock. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14292">6</sup> Then my head will be exalted <br />
above the enemies who surround me; <br />
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; <br />
I will sing and make music to the LORD. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14293">7</sup> Hear my voice when I call, LORD; <br />
be merciful to me and answer me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14294">8</sup> My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” <br />
Your face, LORD, I will seek. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14295">9</sup> Do not hide your face from me, <br />
do not turn your servant away in anger; <br />
you have been my helper. <br />
Do not reject me or forsake me, <br />
God my Savior. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14296">10</sup> Though my father and mother forsake me, <br />
the LORD will receive me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14297">11</sup> Teach me your way, LORD; <br />
lead me in a straight path <br />
because of my oppressors. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14298">12</sup> Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, <br />
for false witnesses rise up against me, <br />
spouting malicious accusations. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14299">13</sup> I remain confident of this: <br />
I will see the goodness of the LORD <br />
in the land of the living. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14300">14</sup> Wait for the LORD; <br />
be strong and take heart <br />
and wait for the LORD. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"> </div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-29466467907207323582012-02-09T12:49:00.000-05:002012-02-09T12:49:26.432-05:00the caveI feel encouraged that I am nearing the end of "The Great Organizational Challenge", but I am not quite there fully. So I will share some of my home decor and later detail the organizational solutions I have reached for our very small space. Also- the challenge has grown more challenging as we now make room for baby :o)<br />
Anyhow- this is a corner of our bedroom. My husband calls the little nook where our bed is "the cave". The name really fits since we have such low ceilings in the bedroom and the black armor extends the wall alcove to create this cave-like nook where we sleep. It is very cozy and I happen to love it :o) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nlibjbmPTdOGu9anDBXiapWCj6BM-z58hEIKasjEnE3ovCjyp8aGpkvkL7Ibg0S-ZnTwU5WybnGYxDgnxnanwP8DDtK8wTvBz_-6IgpyCtLtWzriyBgU01p9Z2xNm1s0-cY6UJoaDuJS/s1600/DSC_0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nlibjbmPTdOGu9anDBXiapWCj6BM-z58hEIKasjEnE3ovCjyp8aGpkvkL7Ibg0S-ZnTwU5WybnGYxDgnxnanwP8DDtK8wTvBz_-6IgpyCtLtWzriyBgU01p9Z2xNm1s0-cY6UJoaDuJS/s640/DSC_0580.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our "headboard" I traced the top of a large cup with a pencil then painted over the stencil. The wall art is a poster taped to the back of an old window and our night stands are some of my photography props :o) Both lamps and the comforter are from ikea and the pillows are from a variety of clearance racks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtVtYjYy36hyphenhyphenrajIFbZfXdGsgl7DURtCQyu801rrQykyE9sA2spNh0yH6prehOc9cZJHcVYQuvGKuQRguQoRLPYjC5n-D2CIreBqPMbkuL3kjbfxgQsAHVAPd0VGxLuYAFAhbI-N6879p/s1600/DSC_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtVtYjYy36hyphenhyphenrajIFbZfXdGsgl7DURtCQyu801rrQykyE9sA2spNh0yH6prehOc9cZJHcVYQuvGKuQRguQoRLPYjC5n-D2CIreBqPMbkuL3kjbfxgQsAHVAPd0VGxLuYAFAhbI-N6879p/s640/DSC_0586.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My jewelry window is one of my favorite completed projects. The window came from an antique store and was marked really low because it only had 2 glass panes remaining in it. The "S" hooks are from ikea along with the chair and little makeshift table (which is actually a part of our desk...) I love quilts and I have to point out this quilt was made by my great grandma Darbro. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ_oSqhnI49qJ3i1WBX77W9hFGtXFEk-9aKmLYVc2evNh3cYQai2zc8iEJHNT8qEEcixTXZIDYXj0Wbc465rfEEGq2h4-ZJp5PrdNtkKEDGBOvLaS6AMxr8I5UmKddYMVIpmr23z8HRcK/s1600/DSC_0596.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ_oSqhnI49qJ3i1WBX77W9hFGtXFEk-9aKmLYVc2evNh3cYQai2zc8iEJHNT8qEEcixTXZIDYXj0Wbc465rfEEGq2h4-ZJp5PrdNtkKEDGBOvLaS6AMxr8I5UmKddYMVIpmr23z8HRcK/s400/DSC_0596.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it. I am sure there will be small update here and there, but I suppose it is silly to keep waiting until it is "done". As all creative people know, there will always be new inspiration that bring about new projects! And that is one of the little joys in life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-7885729451939241112012-01-24T11:47:00.000-05:002012-01-24T11:47:56.710-05:00baby!Rumors have been flying around for years now, and finally they are true! We are having a baby!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwUftdq8TPhqQo4oxBUytx48gBQneSqJObC5wvg40kQSRKdXvSpGxXKrVPeVEluLS68r12ZIUBh7xa-lwvtccB-Nqoyk2BBU0m9Zdi4KL31x1J9552DiCQzJFZT5uc0BpsjCaNq39Kzup/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwUftdq8TPhqQo4oxBUytx48gBQneSqJObC5wvg40kQSRKdXvSpGxXKrVPeVEluLS68r12ZIUBh7xa-lwvtccB-Nqoyk2BBU0m9Zdi4KL31x1J9552DiCQzJFZT5uc0BpsjCaNq39Kzup/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We kept our secret for quite awhile, and even so I'm not sure it has totally hit me yet...but sometime around July 8 there will be a little baby in this little house :o)<br />
So now of course opens a whole new chapter in life- aside from this being one of the biggest life transitions a person faces, there are also so many new things to make decisions about! Before I wouldn't really pay attention to articles and news stories about babies, children and parenting,...now I think "oh wait! I may need to know this!" I am certain that parenting used to be much less complicated than it is now. Already I am so overwhelmed with research and opinions and an overabundance of information that at first seems helpful but quickly starts to complicate the few things you thought you had decided.<br />
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So hooray for a new journey! Like most parents I am convinced that I will be the laughing stock of all my people as they watch me raise this child :o) But hopefully with God's help it will turn out ok.<br />
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I am only waiting to get a rug for my living room before continuing the postings on the new house. My thought is that next time it would be smart to begin with a rug because it is very hard to find one now that it is the last thing to go in the room!Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-62537431680164359522012-01-11T12:48:00.000-05:002012-01-11T12:48:55.590-05:00adventSo I was aware it had been awhile since I posted...but November 19?? Thats pretty bad. Well perhaps not- life has been pretty intense the last few months and thankfully it is just now slowing down to a much more manageable pace. (this of course only happened through diligence, not luck!)<br />
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The holidays were wonderful- Advent this year took on a new meaning for me as I realized, perhaps for the first time, what advent is and means.<br />
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<div style="color: #f1c232;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">"Advent reminds us there is Joy in waiting...Advent is about Hope...Advent is about expecting, waiting, hoping and praying....rejoice; don't loose heart" </span></div><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">These phrases <span style="font-size: x-small;">(taken from an amazing video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S02KOlw7dlA&feature=share">click here!</a>)</span> for some reason blew the lid off of all I had previously thought about advent and presented a new and somehow refreshing challenge to relieve myself of the secular stresses of Christmas and instead celebrate Advent. Unintentionally we were so busy between the holidays that we did not put up a single Christmas decoration! This was rather depressing to me, and I can't be honest and say that I really embraced all those messages quoted above- but interesting how even without the decorations Christmas still came and was experienced. So for next year I am challenged to consider how we can celebrate Advent more than the American Christmas with which I am more familiar. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">No- I'm not going to forsake decorations or discontinue gift giving- but perhaps a new emphasis on hope, anticipation, praying, joy even in waiting and rejoicing - and maybe our hope won't be for the items on our Christmas list, and the anticipation won't be for Santa and the praying will be less for ourselves and more for others, and joyful waiting allow for a new work in our hearts to be possible and as we rejoice it will be not just for family and all we are blessed with- but rather we will rejoice that God is Emmanuel, that he is Lord and is present in our time of greatest blessing and in our greatest suffering! How amazing that the hope he gives and the joy he gives transcends all circumstances! Praise be to God!! </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Ok- two of my favorite moments from Christmas. The best was in two parts: 1. Hearing my grandmother read the Christmas story from the bible on Christmas morning. There is just something about the way she reads that makes me excited and reminds me of listening to her recite the 23 psalm when I was a kid. 2. Hearing my grandfather very tearfully read a poem he wrote about hope- seeing his heart as he read was something I will never forget. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Second favorite memory (among many great memories) was very simple, but it is these simple things I miss every day with my little sister because of the distance that separates me and my family. We made cupcakes :o) </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4mTwG4Phr4_bP9YkOu2G6yHRfW1mBE-cfP5fdybBh9c2xlfHrrbd_PLSUlq4P0ZWlQpAOevtwOtixKp6dwbOR10hC6n8qB6TsaaeLeFa-60paEP3W8eZR37eod79rCob8xjoTB8i3EEC/s1600/100_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4mTwG4Phr4_bP9YkOu2G6yHRfW1mBE-cfP5fdybBh9c2xlfHrrbd_PLSUlq4P0ZWlQpAOevtwOtixKp6dwbOR10hC6n8qB6TsaaeLeFa-60paEP3W8eZR37eod79rCob8xjoTB8i3EEC/s400/100_0058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br />
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</span>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-4696137022564298302011-11-19T13:22:00.000-05:002011-11-19T13:22:20.799-05:00GratitudeFor Thanksgiving most years my mom puts me in charge of the table decorations. 2 years ago I put a bunch of branches together and asked everyone to write on a card something they were thankful for and hang it on the tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cgADFGUlxLS5mQgfN76ZNp0M3j1Xlo7BqEW7J72co8awrt4JWJUu7kg1k7hpIj7VHURpeWbLy2iO6Gc0eDbp6fopRQWqiesv2m8icWtbucmS-cRKHCb9lGIWw-_SUlng39fZjs404K7h/s1600/DSC_0764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cgADFGUlxLS5mQgfN76ZNp0M3j1Xlo7BqEW7J72co8awrt4JWJUu7kg1k7hpIj7VHURpeWbLy2iO6Gc0eDbp6fopRQWqiesv2m8icWtbucmS-cRKHCb9lGIWw-_SUlng39fZjs404K7h/s320/DSC_0764.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> This year I have decided to change it up a bit and use quotes and scripture verses with mason jars and candles. I never really know how these things are going to turn out, but I thought for now I would share the quotes and verses I have picked and will be using:<br />
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"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" -2 Corinthians 9:15 <br />
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"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more." -Melody Beattie<br />
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"Give Thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God is Jesus Christ for you." -1 Thessalonians 5:18<br />
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"It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy." -unknown<br />
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"I thank him who has given me strength, Jesus Christ our Lord" -1 Timothy 1:12<br />
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"What if tomorrow you woke up with only the things you thanked God for today?" -unknown<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0dKXIKMCih2fOIIKrYNT9mtXrr9UtAGIV0jbAS70icahIKjxc_xHgkubDhV9DxL56aHoAKIE4Caew2Xyszoc6OHFISqnKJ1I0qIRjsErOwmKAP8UDEe1p-CZK3ONOmZRslU-S_UjTToT/s1600/DSC_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0dKXIKMCih2fOIIKrYNT9mtXrr9UtAGIV0jbAS70icahIKjxc_xHgkubDhV9DxL56aHoAKIE4Caew2Xyszoc6OHFISqnKJ1I0qIRjsErOwmKAP8UDEe1p-CZK3ONOmZRslU-S_UjTToT/s320/DSC_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>"Do not be anxious about anything bit in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6<br />
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"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John F. Kennedy<br />
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"I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers" -Philemon 1:4<br />
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"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." -Colossians 3:15<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE-MAMXjBOWhcmJ_dpUd41iM5kEvOOgk0FD10pqIeBYqlJDfvYcHfDuGzfhxAL2pBoy-nMPaCTGO1auYLT2u42RUAXlJlPMgmgv0zKSNL8FbsfaZQC26KvABeBbUmkSwyf2B3XhyxSYll/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE-MAMXjBOWhcmJ_dpUd41iM5kEvOOgk0FD10pqIeBYqlJDfvYcHfDuGzfhxAL2pBoy-nMPaCTGO1auYLT2u42RUAXlJlPMgmgv0zKSNL8FbsfaZQC26KvABeBbUmkSwyf2B3XhyxSYll/s320/DSC_0768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 6 year old sister at the time wrote this card- precious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57<br />
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"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." -2 Corinthians 9:11<br />
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"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him." - Colossians 3:17<br />
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While the dictionary.com seems to think thanksgiving is a noun, I have to disagree and say that it is a verb- it is an action. Notice how the various definitions below all require action...and how it is clear who we are thanking... <br />
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<div class="header"><h2 class="me">thanks·giv·ing</h2><span style="color: purple;"> </span><span class="pronset" style="color: purple;"><noscript><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/T01/T0195300" target="_blank"><img src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/speaker.gif" border="0" alt="thanksgiving pronunciation" /></noscript><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ˌθæŋksˈgɪv<img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" />ɪŋ</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for Spelled" class="pronlink" href="" title="Click to show spelled">Show Spel</a></span></span><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron">thangks-<span class="boldface">giv</span>-ing</span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;">noun</span></div><span class="pg" style="color: purple;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"></span> </span></span><div class="luna-Ent" style="color: purple;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">1.</span> </span></span><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">giving</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thanks;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">grateful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">acknowledgment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">benefits</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">favors,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God.</span> </span></div></div><div class="luna-Ent" style="color: purple;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </span></span><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> </span>expression<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thanks,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God.</span> </span></div></div><div class="luna-Ent" style="color: purple;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">public</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">celebration</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">acknowledgment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">divine</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">favor</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">kindness.</span> </span></div></div><div class="luna-Ent" style="color: purple;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">day</span> </span>set<span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">apart</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">giving</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thanks</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">God.</span> </span></div></div><br />
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I hope your Thanksgiving day is full of more than food, traditions, shopping and football- but that the greater part of the day will be spent in reflection of God's grace and giving thanks for the many things you are blessed with. Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-60080220012272471302011-11-12T21:40:00.000-05:002011-11-12T21:40:03.022-05:00mason jar peach cobber *sweet yummy goodness*I must be on a run with cooking cause here is another recipe I must share! We made the peach cobbler in mason jars as a fun end to dinner with friends (for extra fun make the dessert together! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thanks <a href="http://sugarpumkin.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>!)</span> This is the not only one of the simplest desserts I've ever made, but also one of the best ever! It is an instant family favorite! I found the recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/peach-cobbler-dump-cake-i/detail.aspx">HERE</a><br />
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Here is what you need to make 4-6 jars:<br />
1 large can of peaches in heavy syrup<br />
1 box yellow cake mix<br />
3 table spoons of butter per jar<br />
cinnamon to sprinkle on top<br />
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Fill the botton 1/4 of the jar with peaches, divide the dry cake mix between the jars and just pour over the peaches (thats right- do not mix together the cake mix with anything!) melt the butter you will need and pour the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and bake at 350 for approx. 45 min. (These instructions may not exactly match the link- but this is how we made it!)<br />
The results:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTllIeqQdmgjCSLTuKPR2I6BTJUZKdXT9F3jUhs4jnvvK0AAbNitPjbA-4uaasitZ_hXFSnk4C03MHg6B_x9iZCcJrMhGtgB5u3_wPQG8_Ug5KGYwlFwEu24BNMqjyNUP-XWZkwY6DCnoL/s1600/DSC_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTllIeqQdmgjCSLTuKPR2I6BTJUZKdXT9F3jUhs4jnvvK0AAbNitPjbA-4uaasitZ_hXFSnk4C03MHg6B_x9iZCcJrMhGtgB5u3_wPQG8_Ug5KGYwlFwEu24BNMqjyNUP-XWZkwY6DCnoL/s400/DSC_0112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjvlotkG6KR6kRmHhsD8AAhO6IQe3PY5aAi0IJVWKBjziKmzoEGcdEgcFy-QdPdDgnUYL3v_jeNkFOnQiVwKCA0tUvrhJPfEB1suz1wI5yjZt8aSkWnNfWVEgPWNLE6IhvHnfEApqpIYx/s1600/DSC_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjvlotkG6KR6kRmHhsD8AAhO6IQe3PY5aAi0IJVWKBjziKmzoEGcdEgcFy-QdPdDgnUYL3v_jeNkFOnQiVwKCA0tUvrhJPfEB1suz1wI5yjZt8aSkWnNfWVEgPWNLE6IhvHnfEApqpIYx/s400/DSC_0123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmInrQs1wiZ_n4f2O-akTBZN1qB_ZL7-53fHY5JIrpS4caLfzUZOnIVXofRAPibob-LjzrRmnu6tjitFJtK943df0HTzcDwx8AgBBiVpZkDgHuLLrcK-buPMTPef5oodRRuKnq0Lcrmf0/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmInrQs1wiZ_n4f2O-akTBZN1qB_ZL7-53fHY5JIrpS4caLfzUZOnIVXofRAPibob-LjzrRmnu6tjitFJtK943df0HTzcDwx8AgBBiVpZkDgHuLLrcK-buPMTPef5oodRRuKnq0Lcrmf0/s320/DSC_0131.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding icecream made it even more unbelievable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAspxS9EZkF3PlTV7pZK1uAhkKTFBGc7E1cZ_1V7nKB1fWUD3cmP_ZobT4Ry_TJdKB1Jxb0-5_nTlbBeNzp1-lDrmJ8fh9CsEK9ZJs3lYIX3i6PbuW9NUSgwM4Yr02vNw4CwFIRBwaHN_/s1600/DSC_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAspxS9EZkF3PlTV7pZK1uAhkKTFBGc7E1cZ_1V7nKB1fWUD3cmP_ZobT4Ry_TJdKB1Jxb0-5_nTlbBeNzp1-lDrmJ8fh9CsEK9ZJs3lYIX3i6PbuW9NUSgwM4Yr02vNw4CwFIRBwaHN_/s320/DSC_0132.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too amazing and too easy not to try!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-53428086358813470802011-11-11T13:16:00.000-05:002011-11-11T13:16:01.498-05:00pepperjam chicken bundlesSo today I went to Trader Joe's because I was feeling like cooking something for lunch but didn't want to take the time to look up a recipe...so we went for something very experimental! As I put these in the oven I told Kevin they would either be terrible or wonderful- he seemed pretty excited about the experimental cooking and concluded it was a winner. Since I NEVER cook I thought I should blog this as evidence that once in a far while I do actually cook :o)<br />
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<br />
So we need a better name for these...suggestions are encouraged!<br />
I don't really know how to format this into an actual recipe, so I will just tell you how I made it: 2 crescent roll triangles placed together to form a rectangle (one can of crescent rolls makes 4 of these) with precooked chicken placed in the middle, topped with a spoon full of creme cheese and then topped with a spoon full of pepper jam. I then pulled the edges of the dough up and closed it up then cooked about 15 minutes at 375.<br />
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Kevin said pairing these with the apples was perfect. It ended up with a sweet taste and almost unnoticeable spice taste which was awesome with the chicken and creme cheese. I must admit- they were pretty awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_yCicAU9kZaqSW46_Zi39eTlAYfBFAGqBQNQLZB7y_11aqZpIN6uN9hiiIaLS62Svbt7bD7W5rmfgsKPWZFPkKYW9j5B6MuuZS4ZJSgsBf6IhMK7ZEiaaghkeP4wWo1l1Hepx9eSbx_W/s1600/DSC_0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_yCicAU9kZaqSW46_Zi39eTlAYfBFAGqBQNQLZB7y_11aqZpIN6uN9hiiIaLS62Svbt7bD7W5rmfgsKPWZFPkKYW9j5B6MuuZS4ZJSgsBf6IhMK7ZEiaaghkeP4wWo1l1Hepx9eSbx_W/s400/DSC_0902.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-21647502855715653632011-11-09T01:39:00.000-05:002011-11-09T01:39:25.183-05:00anastasiaOk this is way out of order from other photo sessions I should be editing and or posting...but I had to just post a few of these because this tiny little baby is so precious! Last week my amazing assistant <a href="http://sugarpumkin.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> and I got to play with anastasia who was only 6 days old at the time! Her mom was incredible- so relaxed and calm! I hope one day to be as calm as her! So here are just a few shots....warning: if you suffer from "baby fever" proceed at your own risk! :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNo0toZGBbAKp0PKz9qGxIKjzub3nuyI5MOrgXYiTylZJkxl8LXrafYpAI2QB7hXujns7WlQJTYmrYJN61wNyChFTs_rDhNEAANzwCV1zDkQ5RtzdGQevmzrqr_saT3sVJKIEkvjMvgeP/s1600/anastasia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNo0toZGBbAKp0PKz9qGxIKjzub3nuyI5MOrgXYiTylZJkxl8LXrafYpAI2QB7hXujns7WlQJTYmrYJN61wNyChFTs_rDhNEAANzwCV1zDkQ5RtzdGQevmzrqr_saT3sVJKIEkvjMvgeP/s640/anastasia3.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOfi_y0C_qLTf-i3GwNX82YXTVE8wTVohaub4dw22Kf7ubRiMfHftVpYXFc-D0xmVOtPj5SkSbdypXB5y_PnL3jltxvQ08JOjBKPKKIkS6BWznfk4wQW0eVLdtEeOcfF3n3-UpmoGUGWa/s1600/anastasia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOfi_y0C_qLTf-i3GwNX82YXTVE8wTVohaub4dw22Kf7ubRiMfHftVpYXFc-D0xmVOtPj5SkSbdypXB5y_PnL3jltxvQ08JOjBKPKKIkS6BWznfk4wQW0eVLdtEeOcfF3n3-UpmoGUGWa/s400/anastasia2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gYo5kUD4BWQ-ajaDCgI4lipYuL9PHEnmsldhzwElfdmlftmPglzvjZJWH6vXZf8jHpR3ZhikZMQjuOAgsPZOr2HSRxa3Un20H8xXuVfisktPx_Y2epYCVJl6Cd59QbG_TLtlJmU_-RmL/s1600/anastasia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gYo5kUD4BWQ-ajaDCgI4lipYuL9PHEnmsldhzwElfdmlftmPglzvjZJWH6vXZf8jHpR3ZhikZMQjuOAgsPZOr2HSRxa3Un20H8xXuVfisktPx_Y2epYCVJl6Cd59QbG_TLtlJmU_-RmL/s400/anastasia1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-29300665703788448642011-10-30T22:47:00.000-04:002011-10-30T22:48:00.005-04:00slugSo I walk into my bathroom a couple days ago and find this on my sink:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY_WHlCUHUpSBlANeC5B2LscCvTg22kXunHaaLy-pPKfSGznPElUrWDd854VvEaWb2Mb9cqWeDYYfHjaYKEcLKjNAB5m3yDJDs3My3bEaSMVD6YB_yDz9pussnyLeUsdfI6ZQ5FvUEHrF/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY_WHlCUHUpSBlANeC5B2LscCvTg22kXunHaaLy-pPKfSGznPElUrWDd854VvEaWb2Mb9cqWeDYYfHjaYKEcLKjNAB5m3yDJDs3My3bEaSMVD6YB_yDz9pussnyLeUsdfI6ZQ5FvUEHrF/s320/DSC_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have no idea how this think got there...but I have never see a slug this big! I thought we were done with the random critters in our house now that we've moved! Guess not...hahaKevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-14273323850454892812011-10-25T12:22:00.000-04:002011-10-25T12:22:16.988-04:00...and 1/2We recently made a challenging downsize into our new little home. It has been a really good experience of having to take a serious look at everything we own and determine what it is that we actually use and what we actually need. But surprisingly there has been little to no stress with this challenge- it has been really good and unexpectedly liberating! Now when I look around my house I see the things I treasure and enjoy the most rather than just a bunch of stuff. Needless to say there was a very big yard sale and we have done several drop offs to goodwill since then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2fYsfcji5i8nlxTGET1OsWKAn-gb7gpweGNAnRj-YBHKHJQdHhbgmMBDc1SmU88E9D-KgaELUGqVRlSCNSh4Xjz-J8fuvzNNtKeuMA2qUoipZl4BZwa-b7C9LDvqW_JXxlTKf03Ll7i7/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2fYsfcji5i8nlxTGET1OsWKAn-gb7gpweGNAnRj-YBHKHJQdHhbgmMBDc1SmU88E9D-KgaELUGqVRlSCNSh4Xjz-J8fuvzNNtKeuMA2qUoipZl4BZwa-b7C9LDvqW_JXxlTKf03Ll7i7/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew yard sales could be so much work yet so much fun? We weren't alone- we were joined by several other friends and all together it was a grand sale!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n74pLsOrFrt2syZdEDx-I1iGMZ-aspo0JXZcwdMZjgR7zhafshP5AewBQbIFy6yfVrPkna3uYk9SZqXOfP7oLuB1WLQw4hjvjX_uga5FXDXTkkvFnBlhdVphx3NBuwE7gVcSeXqtBmEs/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n74pLsOrFrt2syZdEDx-I1iGMZ-aspo0JXZcwdMZjgR7zhafshP5AewBQbIFy6yfVrPkna3uYk9SZqXOfP7oLuB1WLQw4hjvjX_uga5FXDXTkkvFnBlhdVphx3NBuwE7gVcSeXqtBmEs/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_JW2hPbKxPm0eSSaUHxBqkiFgnY4bhC6qRR3izWJGMfV5O0yzngC1oXn3Q4YSZhL8S-2ebTtHBN0WKTHn951_c-sIKcJnxI0yYfgxpq-x8J5Bztx_oAJ7Kt0ba52fIyi-lNmqrmKJzN5/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_JW2hPbKxPm0eSSaUHxBqkiFgnY4bhC6qRR3izWJGMfV5O0yzngC1oXn3Q4YSZhL8S-2ebTtHBN0WKTHn951_c-sIKcJnxI0yYfgxpq-x8J5Bztx_oAJ7Kt0ba52fIyi-lNmqrmKJzN5/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Our load is about 1/4 what is was when this began and I feel great! So now begins the creative challenge- organization and decor. I have found lots of inspiration from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">pinterest.com</a> -but be warned: it is very very very addictive!! So I shall hereby commence the before and after shots of each room as they are completed hopefully with some success stories of organization feats! <br />
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Our new address happens to be 411 1/2. Everyone is totally perplexed the the "and 1/2" as I was. I thought it was hilarious! So here is the first before/after of our little 1/2 home :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqmGhiUUwLOR4Yt6xUy1GMunsdlX9oJwf3X-9wwA47j7IsomKUj2P2TAkQp60bMNjgoJqqCIRrzcX6O0bxzBMPbqJHZxNVGL7lIPJjSc1c14Q9q68kN9ePpoDkYOu9gNoITLtlk_0Iq0P/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqmGhiUUwLOR4Yt6xUy1GMunsdlX9oJwf3X-9wwA47j7IsomKUj2P2TAkQp60bMNjgoJqqCIRrzcX6O0bxzBMPbqJHZxNVGL7lIPJjSc1c14Q9q68kN9ePpoDkYOu9gNoITLtlk_0Iq0P/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Its amazing what a little paint will do! This front porch is my absolute favorite part of this house. Kevin and I have eaten several meals out there just enjoying the fall weather. It is so peaceful! There is a large tree ( not sure what kind...) right in front that has beautiful red and orange leaves. In fact, there are trees bursting with color all up and down the street- it is a wonderful time to be outside.<br />
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Coming soon: the living room! It is nearly completed and certainly the riskiest paint choice I've ever made!...Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-37330149323058576962011-09-24T12:42:00.000-04:002011-09-24T12:42:45.477-04:00summer photo fun<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">So here are some of my favorite photos from a few of my summer photo sessions. This will be my final "catch up" post and then we will resume to present day life! :o) But these were great times so I don't want to skip over them! I am currently editing pictures from one of my favorite senior picture shoots and also soon will document my finished crafting projects!<br />
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In an effort to make this blog helpful rather than just a photo posting zone here are some of my personal <b style="color: black;">photo taking tips:</b> (these are in no way like "official tips" just things I would personally suggest!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">1. When taking a photo outside put the sun behind the person (professional people call this back-lighting, I think) This keeps the person in the photo from having harsh shadows on their face from the direct sunlight. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">2. If you want to take your own outdoor portraits- avoid the mid day hours when the sun is high.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">3. Many people I talk with think taking pictures on a clear day is the best- but you actually want to look for a slightly overcast sky- or at least some cloud coverage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">4. Wear vibrant colors for pictures- avoid the black and khaki look!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">5. If you are wanting to slender yourself through your pose then always pull your arm away from your body, put shoulders back, pop the very top on your shoulder forward (this accentuates your choler bone) and lift your chin. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">6. You can totally change your picture by experimenting with angles- try tilting your camera to the left or right or try getting on the ground ( I do this a lot! haha)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">7. The most flattering photos are often taken from a higher position then the people in the photo (rather than lower) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">8. Try to have as much depth as possible in your photos- in other words look for layers of depth in the background of your photo. For example- in the photo below of Whitney with the blue panels behind her- this angle produces more depth than if the building was flat behind her. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">9. Lastly, if you can't afford a fancy editing software then get a membership to </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/"><span style="color: black;">www.picnik.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"> it is only $4.95 a month (or a better deal to sign up for a year...) and it has some great editing tools. Some of the best are: "curves" and "clone" and most of their "touch up" edits are great. The key with these editing tools is to notice you can use a brush with most of them rather than changing the whole picture.</span><br />
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I hope you don't feel short changed with only 9 tips...thats just all I got right now...So here are some photos from the summer : </span><br />
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</a></div><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-61998597152358601802011-09-21T09:00:00.001-04:002011-09-21T09:00:11.739-04:00summertime loveSo this summer has brought many photo opportunities beginning with my very first wedding shoot! Now let me just say that I could not have had a more wonderful and amazing bride- she was so easy going and just pleasant to be around! But photographing a wedding is still hugely stressful! It may be awhile before I venture to do another one! But here are some highlights:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ8aYrFbBl-DoiSHiZQglaZxy7pGxEswIdEe1KoL5Hpjc9v485oK7Fl4SF7E5RG3y5dWNYf_rc1c7UIgapwhOwK7_6mrIqUwpD8wCG69V7SK_y-6hY_J603Kh-icjTulpwpNU-KLsyNm3/s1600/BG25-CR+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ8aYrFbBl-DoiSHiZQglaZxy7pGxEswIdEe1KoL5Hpjc9v485oK7Fl4SF7E5RG3y5dWNYf_rc1c7UIgapwhOwK7_6mrIqUwpD8wCG69V7SK_y-6hY_J603Kh-icjTulpwpNU-KLsyNm3/s400/BG25-CR+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Gze0C4QmMByEQJ-o0U-caF4wGIY_XDimLxmCXpvRvpMWnJXp_UmkUWMFdAAClPn05A8JRaxIXVx3vFr0JNhkNsVP-EJ7OoSEiBtKJ09cpuKsKJwxlux-hBihmOBn-HS1mE_N9ZOxOKg/s1600/WP38-JM+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-44217415292807748622011-09-20T01:17:00.000-04:002011-09-20T01:17:21.215-04:00mr. turtleOk so I completely missed August...so here I am back and ready for the summer catch up! For those of you sitting on the edge of your seats wondering about the sad plant in our living room- it did in fact pass on into the plant after life. Sadly in our laziness we now have a pot of dirt in our living room rather than a plant or sprout as it was in the previous picture...<br />
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So we failed at the plant...but before having a child we really should succeed at nurturing something, right? And so might I introduce our new family addition: "mr. turtle"<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kevin has always wanted a turtle- in fact 3 years ago for his birthday I bought him this turtle tank with the promise of a turtle! Finally mr. turtle has arrived! He is a tiny baby turtle (a Red Eared Slider to be exact) at about 2 inches in diameter! SO cute! We are very proud. It is a new experience for sure- we find ourselves worrying about how much he is sleeping and if he is eating enough...he is our first pet and we really want to see him grow big over the years! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other big news in the Reed house is our upcoming move- we will be switching to a new rental home going from 1800 sq.ft to 600 sq. ft! It has been quite a challenge of simplifying, but a really good one! It is so freeing to get rid of the things you do not need or use! There is one room in our existing house that I will miss a lot- it is our laundry room/office. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_vepOPhn_JN0j96KQ2IAZPnaNVbUj8Nf2FkFyAWmKSA1I71Aj-4cYgBQk6geRPT1Al1rvPZyBNaZi-4cdqQ3RdZSLPCkBwGimfrxCsnR1nH9y-aXvu3_IKbVibi0lxN_l2jStR08lCS/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_vepOPhn_JN0j96KQ2IAZPnaNVbUj8Nf2FkFyAWmKSA1I71Aj-4cYgBQk6geRPT1Al1rvPZyBNaZi-4cdqQ3RdZSLPCkBwGimfrxCsnR1nH9y-aXvu3_IKbVibi0lxN_l2jStR08lCS/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNAQT13W2MzvxJllH7oXFcv9X7EZt5KRHl-aUCvsmL_vL1iOEUjqd_p3Hlbtw-e6mS5Qp8fVfJPGcNX1VRi5cB-L7sIhgJkupALKry_w9n1Ir_BzvfY_NTThq6eGnh3xK_3fwQELOsLbQ/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNAQT13W2MzvxJllH7oXFcv9X7EZt5KRHl-aUCvsmL_vL1iOEUjqd_p3Hlbtw-e6mS5Qp8fVfJPGcNX1VRi5cB-L7sIhgJkupALKry_w9n1Ir_BzvfY_NTThq6eGnh3xK_3fwQELOsLbQ/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is such a perfect space...however I am very thankful for the opportunity to be challenged in the way of simplifying. Already it has brought us a great blessing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-75836935599433629872011-07-14T00:04:00.000-04:002011-07-14T00:04:31.463-04:00hopeI just have to share this sad and pathetic little plant in our living room...<br />
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Seriously, doesn't this make you sad?? This plant was from Mannie's funeral (Kevin's grandma) and we just can't give up hope on it! But obviously things aren't going so well...Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-28592495548434652102011-06-26T14:03:00.002-04:002011-06-26T14:04:10.488-04:00simplicityI ran across this verse today in 2 Corinthians 1:12...<br />
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"...the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God" (ESV)<br />
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Simplicity and Godly Sincerity.<br />
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There is a lot I "need" to blog about- photography, craft projects, life experiences, books I'm reading ect. But even before all that I must add this to my snippits. Its a verse to mull over and ultimately (hopefully) live by.<br />
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As I continue in this journey of faith I am continually confronted with how simple God makes things and then how we complicate it. By the grace of God the testimony of our conscience is that we behaved with simplicity and Godly sincerity. Its amazing how many other things are covered by doing those two things.<br />
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This verse reminds me of Micah 6:7-9...<br />
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."<br />
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Its uncomplicated. Maybe its not simple in action- but it is simple in concept. And possible through God's grace.<br />
Another moment in scripture like this is when Jesus identifies the greatest commandment: <br />
<blockquote>"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” </blockquote><blockquote><span class="woj">“The most important one,”</span> answered Jesus, <span class="woj">“is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.<sup> </sup></span><span class="woj">Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’<sup> </sup></span><span class="woj">The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’<sup> </sup>There is no commandment greater than these.”</span></blockquote> Love God. Love Each Other. Live Simply. Have Godly Sincerity. Walk Humbly. Act Justly. Love Mercy. <br />
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Its simple in concept, but requires God's grace in action.Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-26343660939380908472011-06-11T10:24:00.000-04:002011-06-11T10:24:28.833-04:00still here...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAxnRRy52pgVSWaJAsc8qpxys2KzeW28x0D3UhK0pg-s_4adKAnAOwOZjjlVdFu4pXHfeIo6D2CxDBmVCKriHbtK-6eFRm7N7XzD5B_Ihy_uSYVeSmYp20n98ciyMvEVLS80V-9k_YAx4/s1600/DSC_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Well it has been awhile since I last posted! In fact since my last post the "bump" is no longer a bump but perhaps the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen! I had the awesome privilege of taking her newborn pics... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejnD7fshV11YCXg8WHULKabBfZE4yJAiOSPGo5e-g89jBXpAn19qIWvE83s6I82tdsOkt5IaDDuQLUsRNL165F-ZjGY_O7aROeXoreGLhwTVlreqOfZroS6uwdahoroaZsskdBTVVA8Tg/s1600/DSC_0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAxnRRy52pgVSWaJAsc8qpxys2KzeW28x0D3UhK0pg-s_4adKAnAOwOZjjlVdFu4pXHfeIo6D2CxDBmVCKriHbtK-6eFRm7N7XzD5B_Ihy_uSYVeSmYp20n98ciyMvEVLS80V-9k_YAx4/s1600/DSC_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAxnRRy52pgVSWaJAsc8qpxys2KzeW28x0D3UhK0pg-s_4adKAnAOwOZjjlVdFu4pXHfeIo6D2CxDBmVCKriHbtK-6eFRm7N7XzD5B_Ihy_uSYVeSmYp20n98ciyMvEVLS80V-9k_YAx4/s400/DSC_0360.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaVrKYtjchXAjNaSY0mSC-T2eegdghSTwTaJy7xuYukBDnpk7IfMHcAKW4lgU1-nztuVIcIxGeqifDMxpwi7WxlLoS0tM9Vs8WSBmwEF8vluc-YvOIT6QePXzNxlk7X-LEJQVhBW595Rq/s1600/DSC_0476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaVrKYtjchXAjNaSY0mSC-T2eegdghSTwTaJy7xuYukBDnpk7IfMHcAKW4lgU1-nztuVIcIxGeqifDMxpwi7WxlLoS0tM9Vs8WSBmwEF8vluc-YvOIT6QePXzNxlk7X-LEJQVhBW595Rq/s400/DSC_0476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Molly was only 4 days old when we took these pictures! And it was only a week and a half after her mommy's maternity pictures! It is just such an unfathomable miracle! This is one of those moments for me that I simply cannot deny the presence and existence of God. One of my favorite picture colleges is this before and after:<br />
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God is so good.<br />
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Since my last post I have also shot my first wedding (that will have to be a separate post soon...) handmade my first purse/bag (also will post later) and Kevin was ordained! Among other things we have begun yet another very busy summer.<br />
Presently I am wrapping up those wedding photos, and I can't wait to share my experience photographing this wedding! What an adventure :o)Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259184536253470706.post-44404118653734739792011-05-18T17:10:00.001-04:002011-05-18T17:11:23.126-04:00glass jars and a bumpSo here is what I've been up to lately... (other than tons of school work and studying which is no fun to talk about) For mother's day I decided to attempt painting jars with chalkboard paint- having now tried this I plan next time to A) not use a bristled brush and B) do a design instead of just a square.<br />
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In addition to this crafting venture I had my first ever maternity session with a remarkable friend who is one of the most beautiful people I know! It was such a fun day too- aside from the bugs I kept finding on me haha So here is just one shot and maybe I'll put up a could more later...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYP7NELtTUBZds7_WNR51lxeeMJB6VDa119rcHtH_TxV3DkKt8YKDTwg3T_zHIP0olXdRtlIkwulGBViBfMTV6AwbLVRTiXpItJIgf9BZ_8dMMamPbPw1LArDT04IVy-45uPM3Vho5z44/s1600/DSC_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYP7NELtTUBZds7_WNR51lxeeMJB6VDa119rcHtH_TxV3DkKt8YKDTwg3T_zHIP0olXdRtlIkwulGBViBfMTV6AwbLVRTiXpItJIgf9BZ_8dMMamPbPw1LArDT04IVy-45uPM3Vho5z44/s320/DSC_1025.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Kevin/Chelsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705982254022621595noreply@blogger.com0