tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10249262046596449872024-03-14T03:13:13.346-05:00Anna's BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-17385300475080761762012-11-14T10:34:00.001-06:002012-11-14T10:34:27.838-06:00Summer......is now gone.<br />
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But I just loved this picture too much not to share it with you.<br />
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<a href="http://s1268.beta.photobucket.com/user/sillypippi1/library/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj579/sillypippi1/IMG_4057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>"In repentance and rest is your salvation, </i></div>
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<i>in </i><b>quietness</b> <i>and </i><b>trust</b><i> is your strength..." </i></div>
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<i>Isaiah 30:?</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-70530318057787617422012-10-03T09:22:00.002-05:002012-10-03T09:22:20.934-05:00Asking the Audience...<div style="text-align: center;">
Things to do. Places to be. People to enjoy.</div>
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How do you make it all happen?</div>
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Life is busy, right? But things still need to get done. How does one juggle everything? And yes, this is out for debate. I want you to comment and share your tips. I have decided I do far too much talking around here. So here is the question; </div>
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What are some ways that help you not get distracted, but stay focused on what needs to be done?</div>
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<i><b>or</b></i></div>
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How do you get a lot accomplished in a day?</div>
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maybe you're the type that doesn't get distracted. And if that's the truth...HOW?</div>
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I'm still workin' on it. </div>
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Sooo...I want to hear from YOU!</div>
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But on a random and encouraging note...here's a verse that should stop you in your tracks and have you praising God <i>all the day</i> long...</div>
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<i>"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, </i></div>
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<i>that we should be called the <b>children of God</b>." 1 John 3:1</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-15107201733806222422012-09-20T22:16:00.002-05:002012-09-20T22:16:37.541-05:00Me and the Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...that's my life around here these days. :)</div>
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My brothers continually make me laugh. All the time.</div>
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Even when I really don't want to.</div>
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My sister also makes me laugh. But she's gone.</div>
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Sad, I know. But she will be coming back. :)</div>
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But I'm so crazy excited with all that she is learning, and what God is going to do through her surrendered life. God writes beautiful stories. And I get to have a front seat in this one.</div>
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<i>{I would say "more on this later", but I don't want to make promises that I might not keep, nor get your hopes up of hearing the wonderful path that God is leading my sister...so I won't say anything.}</i></div>
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And in other completely off-the-wall news, my little brother's gerbil had babies. Two hairless little things the size of a two-year olds pinky. They are diligently learning how to be cute, but they aren't quite there yet. </div>
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<i>"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, </i></div>
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<i>that we should be called the children of God!"</i></div>
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<i>1 John 3:1</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-7367116232752799182012-09-04T10:56:00.003-05:002012-09-04T16:55:07.995-05:00Beach!!!How about you transport yourself back several months. Like about four months. It was in May. A chilly, cloudy day in May when we found ourselves at the beach. On our way home the vote was unanimous--yes to the beach! So we backtracked 4 hours out of our way to camp on Assateague Islands.<br />
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Best. decision. ever.<br />
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Family all together. Waves crashing into the soft sand. Zipped up in a warm sleeping--I didn't think life could get better. But than again, I'm a sucker for the ocean/beach/water.</div>
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Granted it wasn't perfect beachy-swim weather. (I don't think we saw the sun once and it remained breezy and cloudy.) But when you live in the midwest...it doesn't really matter, ya take what you can get. And we did. We pulled up a couple hours before dark, quickly set up our tents in the sand, slapped our swimsuit on and ran into the water.<br />
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Cold.cold.fun. it literally whipped the breath right out of you. But it was the perfect thing to do after riding in the car most of the day. We soon retreated back to our campsite (yards from the water itself), once mom couldn't see good enough to count heads. Our only issue was the sand. The air was a mix between rain and mist and the result was that it made everything sticky.<br />
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These are the guys that push me to do more than I ever thought possible. Strength, determination and discipline. Can't wait to see what God does with those qualities. Not to mention the splash of humor that keeps me laughing.</div>
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The morning started with a walk along the water with my hoodie on. With the waves crashing in I marveled at my God. The sheer creativity and strength and power. Indescribable. </div>
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The next several hours after breakfast were spent riding the waves. Mom bought two boogie-like boards at a little shop nearby. Way fun. It took a bit, but we finally got the hang of paddling out and than riding the wave all the way back to shore. Ahhh...good times. Nobody wanted to leave. However we could only be in the water for about 30 min before we had to come back to shore and warm up. So pushups and burpees came into effect here and soon it was back to the waves.</div>
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God is good.</div>
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There. Now you can return to September. Thanks for going back in time with me!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-42575694204401215142012-08-10T15:24:00.003-05:002012-08-16T13:52:08.509-05:00Reason #3,794...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...why I absolutely love being surrounded by brothers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRvUPEItBwjgyxIpEheVNkArzdIauYcoPm0fLLi7BYaNOGm1dcUvBoZsZgs0FLbg6qus6y3s6Zg4InfqeP-s9Tbm3P46bOn__P-Wg8nPWS7vaBJmY_cFremEyYMIcYkPi3HXm4SUIHqw/s1600/Propelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRvUPEItBwjgyxIpEheVNkArzdIauYcoPm0fLLi7BYaNOGm1dcUvBoZsZgs0FLbg6qus6y3s6Zg4InfqeP-s9Tbm3P46bOn__P-Wg8nPWS7vaBJmY_cFremEyYMIcYkPi3HXm4SUIHqw/s320/Propelling.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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A random wednesday afternoon I was in my room <strike>sitting</strike> cleaning and in walks a tall brother. He states very simply "Anna, I'm going repelling with the little boys, wanna come?" My face displays my response, to which he smiles and says "Good. We're leaving soon so get ready fast."<br />
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Who cares if it's 100˚ outside. Who cares if my to-do list still has oodles of un-checked boxes. Who cares if I have to stop right in the middle of a project. Family/brothers are important. Memories are <i>worth</i> making.<br />
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So the next time your brother pops a random idea...do it. You won't regret it. I didn't.<br />
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<i>{and I'm going to stop right now and give you an excuse for my lack of posting. Blogger. It's being dumb. Or maybe I should say that I'm being dumb and can't figure it out. But I've got plenty to share as soon as I can wrap my mind around the little issue!}</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-6717842378111447482012-07-20T15:51:00.000-05:002012-07-21T15:42:45.197-05:00Gettysburg, PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyI_EQ7yUnl3Ee5jKlLXHw8372rKEjEGhETWU9cpFmIUKBMwsM9rC2Tk7sOSCS48at6xjrArr_iIP0qRgyB5_1DtrCnM3ItXbRehRWpBhl-f3gFW5sEYnsdtSxdjEyG2xV5OB4ZFkAvg/s1600/DSC_4719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyI_EQ7yUnl3Ee5jKlLXHw8372rKEjEGhETWU9cpFmIUKBMwsM9rC2Tk7sOSCS48at6xjrArr_iIP0qRgyB5_1DtrCnM3ItXbRehRWpBhl-f3gFW5sEYnsdtSxdjEyG2xV5OB4ZFkAvg/s320/DSC_4719.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Gettysburg. A place where thousands died. And once again as we stepped out of the van onto that ground. the very same ground that fathers, brothers, uncles, sons were killed. I was overwhelmed by the sacrifice. Men died for what they believed in. And being a girl I put myself in the shoes of a southern girl...what it would have been like to send my brothers off knowing that the chances of them return were slim at best?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5Bo-gSbrEFTdhskuVNc6SpAstL2gTkA9UoAya6j-e0NH8zNkrRa42l5GK0lhd1IZV_MVhYIZXwqDDkrJNGzRKzXeKmT2Ht19bembwDgCrhBybeh7d6auod0Z65-wRh75UhgYomJ_Psw/s1600/DSC_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5Bo-gSbrEFTdhskuVNc6SpAstL2gTkA9UoAya6j-e0NH8zNkrRa42l5GK0lhd1IZV_MVhYIZXwqDDkrJNGzRKzXeKmT2Ht19bembwDgCrhBybeh7d6auod0Z65-wRh75UhgYomJ_Psw/s320/DSC_4681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We meandered through the museum, some spending more time than others reading the plaques. I do like history, but I can only read and look at so much...and some of our group took their dear sweet time reading. haha. but it was good. However, there was one section that especially caught my attention. Off by itself in a corner were glass cases containing hand written notes; it was entitled "Letters Home."</div>
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I poured over the letters. Some were so worn that they couldn't be deciphered. Others were written with such a beautiful script that I couldn't make it out. Thankfully, beside the original copy there were printed copies. Notes from fathers to their little boys, asking them to be strong and carry on. Men writing home to their sweethearts, urging them not to worry. Women keeping their husbands updated on the status of their homes. It was so real and so unhistory-bookish. Forbidden tears slipped down my cheeks as I read a letter written by girl to her special man; her hero, who she would never see again. </div>
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The subject of a tour guide was debated and after a quick discussion, my mother's vote won out. He was hired. And a better decision was never made. We picked him up and he hopped into the drivers seat and proceeded to give us a 2 1/2 hour tour all over the grounds and battlefields. He would point out the different regiment monuments by name all along the way--we were highly impressed.</div>
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Frequent stops were made to get a closer view of a monument or particular field. And he would always point out where exactly we were to get us re-oriented. History came alive from this man as he recounted tales and stories from both the North and South. He knew the little details about the general/soldiers lives that made them seem like real men, not just statues and people you read about.</div>
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<i>Monument for the 20th Maine--lead by Laurence Chamberlain</i></div>
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We strode along the same path that Chamberlain and his men stood and took their stand. We walked up Pickett's charge. The very route that such brave men ran across. And our tour guide <i>{and I can't remember his name} </i>continued to give us details that made it so real. The amount of food, horses, gunsmoke, ammunition...etc.</div>
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Each of the three days that were fought at Gettysburg were carefully laid out in detail for us to hear, see and remember. By the end of the day my head was swimming with so much information. And I felt fully versed in the intricacies of that battle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Alg-g2B33a_cJBAn2iqgs71F7vh-q5kpBQxLMZMa3gHta3IgjitYu4vGLilmLc_natLjCGriy7hPNItXJUcJyXGTSKsNsZnq5flbEjhEGxKQjTsFjS5QDu3-EK8FjWQ-b07XIt_1cM/s1600/DSC_4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Alg-g2B33a_cJBAn2iqgs71F7vh-q5kpBQxLMZMa3gHta3IgjitYu4vGLilmLc_natLjCGriy7hPNItXJUcJyXGTSKsNsZnq5flbEjhEGxKQjTsFjS5QDu3-EK8FjWQ-b07XIt_1cM/s400/DSC_4701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My father has always been passionate about the Civil War, and Gettysburg in particular and so to finally come here with the family fulfilled a long-time dream of his.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyqLY0wCpA102r-Ma15Tsq4SVg4L2pEnHz2L0ygfXcKrT3x8Sghqy6ZdpmHnVa3W4p1pKbYBKqEkR6qhRI2YoLID9i7Y_QKx2KxlhzPsiboaMUN08Rv7A-N8f2MSnSSxlOJMVqPTPM0w/s1600/DSC_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyqLY0wCpA102r-Ma15Tsq4SVg4L2pEnHz2L0ygfXcKrT3x8Sghqy6ZdpmHnVa3W4p1pKbYBKqEkR6qhRI2YoLID9i7Y_QKx2KxlhzPsiboaMUN08Rv7A-N8f2MSnSSxlOJMVqPTPM0w/s320/DSC_4707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The boys!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fty234SUIlGCDvhwagAvJsRil-jDVl0vNDrIaEAknlQVAYWMMw2UvahGX5-OWmD4dpHyj1B7zIXe3KrWAsVILoO0Jd9ypsIJeDWP0I9VPCHd83zIalGErqJZ_Dp_PzKHMtm1aIW0pyE/s1600/DSC_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fty234SUIlGCDvhwagAvJsRil-jDVl0vNDrIaEAknlQVAYWMMw2UvahGX5-OWmD4dpHyj1B7zIXe3KrWAsVILoO0Jd9ypsIJeDWP0I9VPCHd83zIalGErqJZ_Dp_PzKHMtm1aIW0pyE/s320/DSC_4716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were in the fields/museum from when they opened at 9am to when they closed at 10pm. So torwards the end some of us got a little goofy...lol </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZitlUDGFvyBrFPnnMS45B0Xk7p_4-QDEY8hbcbFhIdMjXDuzGGPEkJFf2WIgmPFXbVv4XNroIYH-2cbcRVtQKX-3v-QH-T93mZOnLgJ50R8wQ7Vp0R2jYnwe-xwi__rAeq2VsppNUaQ/s1600/DSC_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZitlUDGFvyBrFPnnMS45B0Xk7p_4-QDEY8hbcbFhIdMjXDuzGGPEkJFf2WIgmPFXbVv4XNroIYH-2cbcRVtQKX-3v-QH-T93mZOnLgJ50R8wQ7Vp0R2jYnwe-xwi__rAeq2VsppNUaQ/s320/DSC_4722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"The LORD is my light and my salvation-- </i></div>
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<i>whom shall I fear? </i></div>
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<i>The LORD is the stronghold of my life--</i></div>
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<i> of whom shall I be afraid?"</i></div>
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<i>Psalm 27:1</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-51451351548462027132012-07-18T10:04:00.001-05:002012-07-18T10:04:28.238-05:00Bloom Bunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hamburgers. Fresh lettuce from the garden. A beautiful summer evening. Volleyball.</div>
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What else could you want/need?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNkk8b9dealgNPf2h8T8RgXyWs9sNCiZTW_R5z4ke5PrnMG-waR4_06Sl9_s6OSyzqGcQy9aDTK3jWPqCE5r5HuiZ0pRIx6kgqNM5kaKK75JyO9AAi7uhNWtYf4oqGYksOo-J7JwX60s/s1600/DSC_4658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNkk8b9dealgNPf2h8T8RgXyWs9sNCiZTW_R5z4ke5PrnMG-waR4_06Sl9_s6OSyzqGcQy9aDTK3jWPqCE5r5HuiZ0pRIx6kgqNM5kaKK75JyO9AAi7uhNWtYf4oqGYksOo-J7JwX60s/s320/DSC_4658.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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I've been trying to get these people <i>{The Bloom's} </i>to move to NE. It would be so much easier to stay connected and in touch if they weren't half the nation away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw0dguRoN-8_vXXxVo8UF1fnyi5GO3R8Y_18L9NIAA-2_yilrfdKrpNvZzuM-wpn8yjutWb722d-3YhQW2z6aqqp5HJwXFBOHqNqB87iNdP8IvA3okORExhCby8pLH4hOCrZnduV4Jqg/s1600/DSC_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw0dguRoN-8_vXXxVo8UF1fnyi5GO3R8Y_18L9NIAA-2_yilrfdKrpNvZzuM-wpn8yjutWb722d-3YhQW2z6aqqp5HJwXFBOHqNqB87iNdP8IvA3okORExhCby8pLH4hOCrZnduV4Jqg/s320/DSC_4659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gotta love the facial expressions in volleyball.</div>
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::Friends::</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCrZoqjGT1pc-v0tfkm7kDDtyfQ5dsKXezp1fP6eWHVycStcTkKSMmpsWTW3KQ1giwsuddvK0FdfzpCS9mMTEvf-sw5W8WU0QiUdROzCmZSkAVsnxJCsC1WT2TWYw0moin2afdzwuQiA/s1600/DSC_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCrZoqjGT1pc-v0tfkm7kDDtyfQ5dsKXezp1fP6eWHVycStcTkKSMmpsWTW3KQ1giwsuddvK0FdfzpCS9mMTEvf-sw5W8WU0QiUdROzCmZSkAVsnxJCsC1WT2TWYw0moin2afdzwuQiA/s320/DSC_4666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes when you meet a person there is an instant connection and you just know that you'll become good friends...right away. That's what happened with Kristina and I. We worked one day together and found that we had so much in common. I was anxious to have her meet my sister and hoped that they would get along well too...bingo!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgKb0IimMkuD5x_tFo09wT0fiAClmpNZ2OhXQep3cIwPcPJWok05K-6SfejtQiRZYKx0xJtVCfrvSgfLDgRtoTDRDRQhxWpxyx45HJds08gCl2H-fFVNLl0e2GN-UoL47HdbcATv0dWQ/s1600/DSC_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgKb0IimMkuD5x_tFo09wT0fiAClmpNZ2OhXQep3cIwPcPJWok05K-6SfejtQiRZYKx0xJtVCfrvSgfLDgRtoTDRDRQhxWpxyx45HJds08gCl2H-fFVNLl0e2GN-UoL47HdbcATv0dWQ/s320/DSC_4668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was living out in VA I spent some time with her family. Her little brothers made me laugh and reminded me so much of my own. And I'm not sure if they helped or made missing my family worse. :)</div>
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But we had a fabulous evening of fellowship...and would love to return the favor here in NE *hint, hint*</div>
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<i>Thank you so much, Blooms, for the wonderful evening!</i></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-39681979115848515792012-07-17T08:16:00.001-05:002012-07-17T08:16:17.512-05:00Warrior Dash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was hot. It was tough. It was muddy. It was fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd7EiTe2j3XTvU0WYSYF6gIrzmnfsyv4t_vjCe8PMi4RSLL3D_1oIcafgOzntWnE-yG54ClHpKkCk2pk3MPK0alTLXYE9cEhE1VebkwV6AXa82HCxIvEX3SeyJvV-YBnENWyoO1bEJ6A/s1600/DSCN2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd7EiTe2j3XTvU0WYSYF6gIrzmnfsyv4t_vjCe8PMi4RSLL3D_1oIcafgOzntWnE-yG54ClHpKkCk2pk3MPK0alTLXYE9cEhE1VebkwV6AXa82HCxIvEX3SeyJvV-YBnENWyoO1bEJ6A/s320/DSCN2660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This picture was taken <i>before</i> the race...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmjQSuruWjqHPlPM4X3MuDRukX2vylRWEhPCiNHpF39JPp0E79zLGQmmAqi-3zr1jaiLPChav6VUfP4UgrsMuCqyIl7vkcwhY1W-srZ-a9RwjESkQfL21xyj4mA4wdqxGiNUzWNZbldI/s1600/DSCN2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmjQSuruWjqHPlPM4X3MuDRukX2vylRWEhPCiNHpF39JPp0E79zLGQmmAqi-3zr1jaiLPChav6VUfP4UgrsMuCqyIl7vkcwhY1W-srZ-a9RwjESkQfL21xyj4mA4wdqxGiNUzWNZbldI/s320/DSCN2661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...this was taken <i>after</i> the race.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL71sXCOMsF0sFe3Wrj5GPOZabIWTxDYDywKgxYVb62-8eAcFO4sXBShkDknDjS5PjRW99yWJNrqIC3nM_-aCPVM2hAcsaOLHOpOG6PBBLWBBTrlsqsb7AKwJDIcve8Xy8Q4GVBUgD2aI/s1600/DSCN2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL71sXCOMsF0sFe3Wrj5GPOZabIWTxDYDywKgxYVb62-8eAcFO4sXBShkDknDjS5PjRW99yWJNrqIC3nM_-aCPVM2hAcsaOLHOpOG6PBBLWBBTrlsqsb7AKwJDIcve8Xy8Q4GVBUgD2aI/s320/DSCN2663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, I do realize that my bro here looks "clean" compared to me. But you do have to understand that he came through the finish line a substantial time before me...and he dumped water on himself <i>{l'il stinker}.</i></div>
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Emile and I were running partners! Doing something with a friend makes the fun that much better:) She stuck with me, even though I think I slowed her down a bit.</div>
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The Warrior Dash is a mud/obsticle run. So in addition to running a 5k you also climb over old cars, step/run your way through tires, climb ropes/rope ladders, crawl under barbed wire...and my personal favorite...jump over fire and swim through a mud pit. :P It was crazy and fun. The only thing was that our wave was at 3:30 in the afternoon, right in the the dead heat. But instead of making excuses I'll just leave you to imagine what it would have been like.</div>
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And just to brag on my brothers real quick I will add that they placed 1st and 2nd in our wave of 500 people. And Phillip got 5th <i>overall</i>, and 3rd in his age group, there were 7,700 people that participated. Yeah, my bros are amazing that way! </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-86448027179330926662012-07-15T19:13:00.001-05:002012-07-17T12:42:28.410-05:00Sunday Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Texting. Hmm. Interesting technology. It has it's ups and downs. But here's a definate up...</div>
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sending random messages to unsuspecting friends:)</div>
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<i>{granted most my friends are probably not "unsuspecting" anymore ;)}</i></div>
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So right now I thought I'd let ya'll in on some good 'ole Sunday afternoon randomness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJD_i2U0NR0cZpS5xmhiHyzFRCGhwfyGMDywUXS5Hs8tfIr6thyphenhyphenYNE16xKvmSqFzYf3SL0NBJKY-ouq2urqBiwdGW1ue4Hexjx320DJKSFEVuHtXrPxuRR2AaErba1RfpSfKwAfmv6qs/s1600/DSC_4545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJD_i2U0NR0cZpS5xmhiHyzFRCGhwfyGMDywUXS5Hs8tfIr6thyphenhyphenYNE16xKvmSqFzYf3SL0NBJKY-ouq2urqBiwdGW1ue4Hexjx320DJKSFEVuHtXrPxuRR2AaErba1RfpSfKwAfmv6qs/s320/DSC_4545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are two things that I want to learn how to do;</div>
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a handspring.</div>
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raise one eyebrow.</div>
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Why does getting covered in mud sometimes seem just the perfect thing to do?</div>
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New favorite quote of the month;</div>
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"Wow! That guy in those skinny jeans looks super manly." says no one ever</div>
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If only there was something that could squish and widden the hips at any given moment...depending on the skirt that I wish to fit into...just sayin'</div>
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I think faster than my phone. It's another reason why my want for an iPhone has now become a need.</div>
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Sometimes I wish I was a fish. Sometimes I wish I was a bird. But in the end I'm so glad I'm human!</div>
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Have a lovely rest of your Sunday!</div>
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Oh, the picture up there? With my brother. It's just one that makes me smile. For no given reason. </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-35619844445661720042012-07-10T16:38:00.001-05:002012-07-11T21:47:23.799-05:00Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...is a beautiful thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1lfsd-L5_9zp4M17ZHdHyR9q-D2go-UkvCj8seOzti2DDcrDb3Cx6sJ1qMXhtsyi_YCP8ueb2MWWAsdgsEWmX-EsYU-jGiNykTzF9PareTsLIjD8g0_1yQXAAjXmVqJGPPokVU9_djY/s1600/535028_10151011200984812_15826316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1lfsd-L5_9zp4M17ZHdHyR9q-D2go-UkvCj8seOzti2DDcrDb3Cx6sJ1qMXhtsyi_YCP8ueb2MWWAsdgsEWmX-EsYU-jGiNykTzF9PareTsLIjD8g0_1yQXAAjXmVqJGPPokVU9_djY/s400/535028_10151011200984812_15826316_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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It was a beautiful day.</div>
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Two became one.</div>
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It was a memorable day.</div>
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Lots of pictures were taken.</div>
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It was a happy day.</div>
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I have a new sister.</div>
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It was a day to cherish and remember. forever.</div>
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<i><a href="http://abbynoelle.com/?p=184">{SNEAK PEAK}</a></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-42250072842399263762012-07-10T16:31:00.001-05:002012-07-10T16:31:06.220-05:00Arlington Cemetary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A place of valor. A place of honor. A place of rememberance.</div>
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Words can't describe what went on in my heart as I stepped through the entrance to these sacred hills, where thousands of hero's rest. And this wouldn't be the last time I experienced emotion like this. Some of the very reasons we planned this trip were to visit Arlington, Gettysburg and other historical grounds. It was sobering, but very good.</div>
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We also just "happened" to be in the cemetary on it's 150th birthday. To honor that special day they had 100 buglers stationed admidst the grounds, and when the clock struck twelve the hills sang with the mornful call of Taps. It was a reflective moment.</div>
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::Family::</div>
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::Brothers::</div>
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With no time commitments, places to be or schedules to follow it was quite refreshing to wander throughout the grounds and enjoy each others company. This was our first stop in DC and we spent the majority of our morning here. And let me tell ya folks, nothing can replace time/talks spent with family.</div>
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::Siblings::</div>
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<i>{Joe was not able to make this trip east...and his presence was sorely missed. And in lieu of the busy schedule that we planned for the weekend Bethany [and of course Arianna] opted to sit out on DC so she could enjoy other sites not so frequently visited.}</i></div>
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::Sisters::</div>
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To those who gave...thank you!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-17285411204554018342012-06-26T13:16:00.004-05:002012-06-26T16:46:13.752-05:00Spontaneous Trip to VA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love spontaneity! There is just something about doing the unexpected. Packing up for an adventure. Not really knowing what the next few days are going to hold. Loading a van full of stuff and kids for a 22 hour drive straight through.Trying to form plan, yet keeping a loose schedule. Yes, folks, that's my kinda life.</div>
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Dad and Mom have been wanting to take a family trip to visit the much loved and missed Dan and Bethany {and of course l'il Arianna just hyped up the anticipation} for quite some time. But the time slot to make said visit was getting smaller. D&B weren't going to be in VA for much longer and the calendar was rapidly filling with graduations and weddings...not to mention the other "things" that take up our time. It had been life-long dream of my father to visit Gettysburg with his sons. Most of us kids had never been that far east or been to DC. So the calendar was scoured, schedules rearranged and dates were set. Only one lonnnggg weekend was even open to make such a trip work and so we booked it. </div>
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Once the date was set {and it wasn't that long before-hand} things kicked into full gear. Excitement reached an all-time high. Chatter and talk about the expected time was the topic of conversation at every dinner. Bags were pulled out, <strike>the house was in utter chaos</strike> packing began, and the debate of whether or not to tack on the 4-hour trip further east to see the ocean insued.</div>
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::Grandpa and Grandma get their first look at Arianna::</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim466Fcc0r_5TufnNk1ZWe8XvlsBep7fmDRm91T-5r17BjegejPf-FDwQxjX4ctFgk4m3DpgQu4eb8YuH99npAtiBpLZeFqUizaMTeM6yoHME0M2Vi-fuQjvA_QxVMFAFel3cvuA-JwHE/s1600/DSC_4496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim466Fcc0r_5TufnNk1ZWe8XvlsBep7fmDRm91T-5r17BjegejPf-FDwQxjX4ctFgk4m3DpgQu4eb8YuH99npAtiBpLZeFqUizaMTeM6yoHME0M2Vi-fuQjvA_QxVMFAFel3cvuA-JwHE/s320/DSC_4496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Words can't describe how exactly we made it safely without any <strike>broken bones</strike> mishap to VA. </div>
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Just imagine;</div>
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One van, 8 people, 22 hours through the night, 5 boys, luggage enough for a week, cramped legs...etc. </div>
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"Others First" was our trip motto. During the wee hours of the morning it would tend to back-fire into manipulation of some sort. </div>
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It was not uncommon to hear this exchange:</div>
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boy: "please, may I have the bench to sleep in?"</div>
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other boy: "I am already sleeping."</div>
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boy: "'others first'. you should be more than willing to get up and give me your bench."</div>
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other boy: "you should be practicing what you preach."</div>
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boy: "I am simply giving you the opportunity to get a reward in heaven and honor your parents. so I am actually being quite sacrificial."</div>
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...and that is where I'll end this little dialouge. *smile*</div>
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A short hike up to Raven's Rock was <strike>needed</strike> enjoyed to work off some cramped legs.</div>
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It was just so wonderful to have the family be together! We got in Friday evening and Caleb was due to arrive via plane the next morning. Joe was the only one who couldn't make it. </div>
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This was our 2nd hike of the day. We had stopped enroute at Haper's Ferry to climb Maryland Heights--a gorgeous overlook where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet. Josh, Phillip and I headed off to a steeper trail that lead up to a stone wall that was built by the Union soldiers. As we sweated up the steep trail we talked and read the signs on what it would have been like to be a soldier. They lugged 100lb cannon balls up the edge of the hill, not to mention water and supplies. Our cotton t-shirts that once seemed so sticky and warm suddenly didn't seem so bad afterall. We looped around and walked along the same ground that those brave men fought and died on. So much sacrifice. This whole trip made me so grateful. After tromping around a bit up top we ran back down the trail to catch up with the family at the overlook.</div>
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God is good. And I was continually reminded of this!</div>
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This little baby stole my heart. I love her so much!</div>
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This is just one of many posts of out trip to VA. It is a little long time in coming, but hopefully I'll get the rest up before too long.</div>
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<i>"I remain confident of this; </i></div>
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<i>I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. </i></div>
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<i>Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart </i></div>
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<i>and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:13-14</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-55494372420539711552012-06-22T01:38:00.000-05:002012-06-22T01:38:08.169-05:00The Latest News<div style="text-align: center;">
...these adorable people are getting married. soon. like Saturday soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtyFAqhOxN5NJVEFBbAuyMiGlruEc27c13zdWzbwHzVelCCFJPyeBzWNIaCIt5MfDwFguqv-YstwlD0k_ogwABEi2Mxa5tJxs9G3LwS1hx8GL45R22_FVY5qoZ7aD2tSkgOrXJV7mhsQ/s1600/536624_10150881751349812_1218360338_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtyFAqhOxN5NJVEFBbAuyMiGlruEc27c13zdWzbwHzVelCCFJPyeBzWNIaCIt5MfDwFguqv-YstwlD0k_ogwABEi2Mxa5tJxs9G3LwS1hx8GL45R22_FVY5qoZ7aD2tSkgOrXJV7mhsQ/s400/536624_10150881751349812_1218360338_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It has been so special to watch the Lord draw Joe and Rachel together. And as the excitement builds for the special day it makes me look forward to what God has for them in the future. Thier personalities are so fun-loving and genuine. To watch them interact makes me smile. Rachel has truly been a joy to get to know and I can't wait to make our friendship even deeper! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRbNyoGbFrLBdnusNHJoVg6SH2Ao6o49u1cOnV5ZlGqzoYlnXdS8W_ljC4tSJ-KZxjFIleOHgf-Vuf9lFlAMRFCLgkFde-WNIWlu3JMa-mFiuODxdkjLNyax-NvO5-4leuElMPa7Wlow/s1600/525648_10150881751264812_1451016579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRbNyoGbFrLBdnusNHJoVg6SH2Ao6o49u1cOnV5ZlGqzoYlnXdS8W_ljC4tSJ-KZxjFIleOHgf-Vuf9lFlAMRFCLgkFde-WNIWlu3JMa-mFiuODxdkjLNyax-NvO5-4leuElMPa7Wlow/s320/525648_10150881751264812_1451016579_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This whole week Joe has just been all grins...oh the joys of having a brother in love ;)</div>
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May the Lord be magnified on this special day!</div>
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--Photos by <a href="http://abbynoelle.com/">Abby Martin</a>--</div>
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{head over to her blog<a href="http://abbynoelle.com/?p=114"> -AbbyNoelle-</a> to see more. I absolutely love her style.</div>
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She is photographing the wedding also...so watch her blog for pictures} </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-10272633684399138182012-06-05T09:55:00.000-05:002012-06-05T09:55:06.235-05:00Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life is busy. </div>
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Life is crazy.</div>
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Life never seems to stop. </div>
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June is so jam-packed full.</div>
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<i>{and for the sake of time I won't give you my new-found speal about relishing each busy moment, and enjoying every crammed-full day} </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1iAQ2PaO76KP1qli5aB4Jtm626CV1LXzE8oEB-M3K0FmYCeFGu-GzyQgn-nr2LnSZK_vsi1D0e68U8ZeOEmXYObPAxRYLl96p3kfcs8K2L92jSn896l4xwEuK7c5rrWwoUVyTanAmUc/s1600/DSC_4632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1iAQ2PaO76KP1qli5aB4Jtm626CV1LXzE8oEB-M3K0FmYCeFGu-GzyQgn-nr2LnSZK_vsi1D0e68U8ZeOEmXYObPAxRYLl96p3kfcs8K2L92jSn896l4xwEuK7c5rrWwoUVyTanAmUc/s320/DSC_4632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But yet in the midst of a full and hectic life the command remains the same;</div>
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"Seek ye <b>first</b> the kingdom of God..."</div>
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Chew on that for a couple minutes. hours. days.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-17686742839798552012012-05-28T13:40:00.001-05:002012-05-28T13:40:24.297-05:00Happy...for like ever.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello little blogging world! I know my posts have not been super frequent, but sometimes I'm too busy <strike>keeping up on</strike> enjoying life to stop over to share some of it with you. BUT if you were at my house on May 8th here is what you'd have seen...</div>
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White pennents hung from our tall ceilings. Balloons in the colors of white, blue, apricot and yellow floated in the air. A pennent banner stating "happy for like ever" livened up the plain white wall. Excitement permeated the room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrc9JeTKY4cvV0ACmkfKDFUGpZjclfPRcLMAVAUw6h1k3Pqks95kYJ7Pgjvp5DCepa_NCgdXcJZKUFlv8b9Wxe6fjNvk2C-KnzSxwx1fMgjRS9CImLL1eaH-Kw36M91SXJT9H7sB36Cs/s1600/DSC_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrc9JeTKY4cvV0ACmkfKDFUGpZjclfPRcLMAVAUw6h1k3Pqks95kYJ7Pgjvp5DCepa_NCgdXcJZKUFlv8b9Wxe6fjNvk2C-KnzSxwx1fMgjRS9CImLL1eaH-Kw36M91SXJT9H7sB36Cs/s320/DSC_5922.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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...a pretty jar of pre-measured ribbons would have attracted your eye with their vibrant colors. Guessing the length would prove to be challenging to most of the guests...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeltxiuO32YfVrCZktYTltmu5H5ygtVo4qcgPoB3gCcJSDnWVLfR3Ac7VzHhoTK_LQ4X3pZZzOForsFWR1Rz2uO4doPO0Dvkcr_3Nr4VG4Q4f6vffPaNh0w-Ev3If3fjezCxmhUe41OI/s1600/DSC_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeltxiuO32YfVrCZktYTltmu5H5ygtVo4qcgPoB3gCcJSDnWVLfR3Ac7VzHhoTK_LQ4X3pZZzOForsFWR1Rz2uO4doPO0Dvkcr_3Nr4VG4Q4f6vffPaNh0w-Ev3If3fjezCxmhUe41OI/s320/DSC_5965.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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...but this lovely lady showed the crowd that she'd spent many a day in the craft room. The correct length was 1,083. Amanda guessed 1,027. </div>
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<i>{three cheers for Amanda...the average guess was aroud 500}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9imKWq5m8nrbg3UcXO2ZShv1Y79nq0hKrlyZV0185Ob_NKpcKemCbBkEvsRzRPYZzUxj9TSskAaC33yL74srD7SJR7SlSkO3s3_pv2AgCOUfuRM_B-3400Aoyb66M_Dr6MP-IVKJ9sY4/s1600/DSC_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9imKWq5m8nrbg3UcXO2ZShv1Y79nq0hKrlyZV0185Ob_NKpcKemCbBkEvsRzRPYZzUxj9TSskAaC33yL74srD7SJR7SlSkO3s3_pv2AgCOUfuRM_B-3400Aoyb66M_Dr6MP-IVKJ9sY4/s320/DSC_5928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...a wide-spread aray of yummy and delicious fruits and sweets lined the table. Cheesecake squares, brownie/strawberry trifle, fruit trifle, sugar cookies, brownie bites, lemon bars, oranges, pineapples and every kind of berry... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17hc55V8Kp_Gp1O1ge_zCQWFuefkm87-_yLjbVQOfWcUaqFpX75VebKOC9UqnHsGYQmQp1mHFKs-YmMzf6WcAOdgZxHSXaeIcw73uyGYW7K5qEC37GpFCQWmE2-KjFw1CKGlZajolHE/s1600/DSC_5924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17hc55V8Kp_Gp1O1ge_zCQWFuefkm87-_yLjbVQOfWcUaqFpX75VebKOC9UqnHsGYQmQp1mHFKs-YmMzf6WcAOdgZxHSXaeIcw73uyGYW7K5qEC37GpFCQWmE2-KjFw1CKGlZajolHE/s320/DSC_5924.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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...He Says...She Says <i>{aka. how well do you think you know Joe and Rachel} </i>turned out to be a pretty fun game. The challenge was to guess who said which 'quote' and circle the appropriate silhouette.</div>
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Here's a sample of some of the quotes;</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{the bolded he/she reveals the speaker}</span></i></div>
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"I think <b>he</b>/she would be pretty easy to live with." </div>
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"He/<b>she</b> looks so cute on the court."</div>
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"One of the first things that really impressed me was in New Testament class.</div>
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We had to do posts online and <b>his</b>/her knowlege of the Bible really impressed me.</div>
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I loved reading his posts."</div>
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"<b>Her</b>/his competetive nature is very appealing."</div>
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"My favorite date was when <b>he</b>/she took me to to Central Park and grilled out in the rain."</div>
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"<b>He</b>/she hates chocolate."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujpSfFh2lFuwPkcuhvZYk33_cxmWTKB_WvmRP8S0knGZTlTRplxxBmw5ZlEoERLosXzkLqOpQMpktaJzl8YgwaNLkJt8c5X1yWUrcx9FuUOLiKisAFj2UHT34l0nPNOimDMYl8gf-LKg/s1600/DSC_5932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujpSfFh2lFuwPkcuhvZYk33_cxmWTKB_WvmRP8S0knGZTlTRplxxBmw5ZlEoERLosXzkLqOpQMpktaJzl8YgwaNLkJt8c5X1yWUrcx9FuUOLiKisAFj2UHT34l0nPNOimDMYl8gf-LKg/s320/DSC_5932.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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...you would have had a choice between three different drinks. Very Berry, Lemon Lime or Grapefruit. <i>{I think Grapefruit was the favorite}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp_HJthGALeySIbnNAOgTARUQhs0UqNcljEhMs3nE_hqlXYLEbrp7IaCtqS48uliITPMzSEMoM91HaZ3FUYyQc10o5w9DS77K78qtw55iLvvdPQf2A_lXMoX3ui3pRtMtBKS_vDlQFXg/s1600/DSC_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp_HJthGALeySIbnNAOgTARUQhs0UqNcljEhMs3nE_hqlXYLEbrp7IaCtqS48uliITPMzSEMoM91HaZ3FUYyQc10o5w9DS77K78qtw55iLvvdPQf2A_lXMoX3ui3pRtMtBKS_vDlQFXg/s320/DSC_5953.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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...A gorgeous blond with the bride-to-be glow, by the name of Rachel Schnell, was the special girl of the night...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ySKUL8YK9ZiZLStCd7-J3s4v-NJipYlYBedZSHpKFUvNdvOxcJnJYZuDR80NymU84zou9dcqoQ1QIFPK-Tu8cWtBX7kBPAZXy-x1pIQ_ri6RvhsFFsDhyphenhyphenFdK09Aw-fS_C25YDUKMi4/s1600/DSC_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ySKUL8YK9ZiZLStCd7-J3s4v-NJipYlYBedZSHpKFUvNdvOxcJnJYZuDR80NymU84zou9dcqoQ1QIFPK-Tu8cWtBX7kBPAZXy-x1pIQ_ri6RvhsFFsDhyphenhyphenFdK09Aw-fS_C25YDUKMi4/s320/DSC_5934.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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...Rows and rows of amazing supportive friends lined the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4ZvcIpweQztuudRjjcEy2F0gM7-oGCLWTyxS6O_q_ezLKdnWjls_T020Bsq-Ome-Qclvjvfn8h_YQNUUN3XgkyzVoBeTCJUAdjs4YozEOiTwu7xZZ5LVvTyyH6A1vbKoagIpiykhr_E/s1600/DSC_5972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4ZvcIpweQztuudRjjcEy2F0gM7-oGCLWTyxS6O_q_ezLKdnWjls_T020Bsq-Ome-Qclvjvfn8h_YQNUUN3XgkyzVoBeTCJUAdjs4YozEOiTwu7xZZ5LVvTyyH6A1vbKoagIpiykhr_E/s320/DSC_5972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...random drawings would decide who got to share a "helpful tip" or "pick-a-prize". When we finally opened up the floor for marriage advice the ladies were quick to jump in. I think a best-seller could have been written with all the wonderful marriage hints that were given. </div>
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A sample of some of the tips;</div>
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"Marriage defined is...two sinners living together trying to teach younger sinners not to sin." -Amanda</div>
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"I will forgive you/will you forgive me are the most important words." -Abi</div>
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"Always give your husband the best. Don't let your helpfulness/busyness to others take away from giving him 100%." -Marge</div>
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"Feed him well." -Leah</div>
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"Your husband is vastly <i>{at least most likely is}</i> different than your dad. Keep that in mind."-Dianne</div>
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<i> </i>"Have fun. There are times to be serious, yes, but learn to laugh...it'll get you through a lot."-Amanda</div>
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"Years down the road...remember the little things that made you fall in love with him." - ?!? </div>
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...a sizeable table boasted presents large and small. People are so generous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeonwfpBHpoOVxDxaOcxNGxxLZkAOohBE-joWjtyO3L3f7-Pw2SzQThbn3R7j7HcdTl5XDbnBlC-PSt2MwzxXe3RDr50n2aOa9VCb2m_fpnR1YaveQP1yy4fNI2B6JnCtbnhHjfcNepQ/s1600/Ra's+Shower+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeonwfpBHpoOVxDxaOcxNGxxLZkAOohBE-joWjtyO3L3f7-Pw2SzQThbn3R7j7HcdTl5XDbnBlC-PSt2MwzxXe3RDr50n2aOa9VCb2m_fpnR1YaveQP1yy4fNI2B6JnCtbnhHjfcNepQ/s320/Ra's+Shower+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...did I mention yummy food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiognrpT0Wz6PIlDMF1yu7aO52sP2xm5GuVYURMdunJWM36ll9kDT4WaF2VGF9TPMizvf-AE_7abDQoEexgLvHOrIMB5JCYcUA00yodY1FdKXGQrDqKV6y8JFCs4yxm-HtGUx3YS4m4uko/s1600/DSC_5956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiognrpT0Wz6PIlDMF1yu7aO52sP2xm5GuVYURMdunJWM36ll9kDT4WaF2VGF9TPMizvf-AE_7abDQoEexgLvHOrIMB5JCYcUA00yodY1FdKXGQrDqKV6y8JFCs4yxm-HtGUx3YS4m4uko/s320/DSC_5956.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Don't ya wish you could have come?!? </div>
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<i>{And in case you're still wondering Rachel S. is going to be my new sister...in a very short amount of time. Like June 23rd to be exact. And I get to be a bridesmaid...yes, that was beside the point...but way too exciting not to mention.}</i></div>
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<i>{photo credits; Anna Rehm}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz26UsZCRonB9qcHd5ia2Kq6ovd-WimPAwr0gbmfPyOSJQBDDooomru_aXeJExEOZSByrCq39hY-yOcT9NMQgtu7_A3m3ji8xS44MXnVI1bIlcULsGFWIH4fBlLzIkbXLy12axFzn8Muo/s1600/DSC_4551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz26UsZCRonB9qcHd5ia2Kq6ovd-WimPAwr0gbmfPyOSJQBDDooomru_aXeJExEOZSByrCq39hY-yOcT9NMQgtu7_A3m3ji8xS44MXnVI1bIlcULsGFWIH4fBlLzIkbXLy12axFzn8Muo/s1600/DSC_4551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz26UsZCRonB9qcHd5ia2Kq6ovd-WimPAwr0gbmfPyOSJQBDDooomru_aXeJExEOZSByrCq39hY-yOcT9NMQgtu7_A3m3ji8xS44MXnVI1bIlcULsGFWIH4fBlLzIkbXLy12axFzn8Muo/s400/DSC_4551.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Sacrifice.</div>
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To give up everything. To kiss your soldier and send him off...for unknowingly the last time. To be unable to listen to a sweet patriotic song...because in your life it's not just a song, it's reality. To have a handsome brother in uniform that you love to brag about...but never get to see because he's fighting for freedom. To have to face each day knowing that your loved ones back home are living life without you...and words over the phone just don't cut it. To visit the grave of a loved one...wondering what he/she would have been like if you'd have known them.</div>
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This is the sacrifice that countless have made. </div>
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If you are one of them...</div>
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Thank you.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-64743392695698516602012-05-11T14:28:00.004-05:002012-05-11T14:28:40.472-05:00Psalm 18:1-3, 49 Esther and Phillip had the privilege of teaching the memory verses for this years <a href="http://wissmanns.blogspot.com/2012/05/nchea-2012.html">NCHEA Kids Conference</a> {hopefully more pictures and details on that to come later}. They did a fantastic job using object lessons and illustrations to help the kids learn...not to mention fun review games. Esther kept me {and the kids} laughing as she donned her "geeky glasses" and apron.<br />
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Watching my sister in front of kids is so fun! She has such a passion for the little ones, and her future plans also lay in that direction. She graduates this year and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord leads her in His specific plans {more on that topic later as well}.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhuIAzJAHeQxAmqUV1orACSUy9046Bdp55xkwgP0F_a0qMr8cTobtq8DaIOLDtLyXImaOGBbv3_BtTq4Evy2ax5Gi4x2jSupgJd8YMkKc7Vbo-1QvfGJg5pkmd2zGt3DV6lU0LAd-elA/s1600/DSC03704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhuIAzJAHeQxAmqUV1orACSUy9046Bdp55xkwgP0F_a0qMr8cTobtq8DaIOLDtLyXImaOGBbv3_BtTq4Evy2ax5Gi4x2jSupgJd8YMkKc7Vbo-1QvfGJg5pkmd2zGt3DV6lU0LAd-elA/s320/DSC03704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I love you, O Jehovah, my strength.</div>
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Jehovah is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird6hW0uAj48Usyv6RYyMu1frdYc-EAAN0y1uSKxjxWgHM0LunqqX4AbYCZZwFNdo1JQ6NtUqM-NMVNWcXchHs2jEtlFn2VPxiyNrDw4jIc4cSMr0GQD4wCH9ToNef5tdegdyVmTtnSW4/s1600/NCHEA+verses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird6hW0uAj48Usyv6RYyMu1frdYc-EAAN0y1uSKxjxWgHM0LunqqX4AbYCZZwFNdo1JQ6NtUqM-NMVNWcXchHs2jEtlFn2VPxiyNrDw4jIc4cSMr0GQD4wCH9ToNef5tdegdyVmTtnSW4/s320/NCHEA+verses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My God is my rock in whom I take refuge,</div>
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my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.</div>
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I will upon the Jehovah who is worthy to be praised,</div>
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and I am saved from my enemies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj4qQzuj-NSVOY2myXDMBAojyVjhyphenhyphenN8BWADLtTSS36u8VmksrLKD_Zt6RVJKUWW335Yf168ao9VhZSqblh8_Tvpv-epz_l67N-wkQVw6rIbWGVYYC7I7kaPoPbc_KneToUDBWp1y4ZQo/s1600/DSC03703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj4qQzuj-NSVOY2myXDMBAojyVjhyphenhyphenN8BWADLtTSS36u8VmksrLKD_Zt6RVJKUWW335Yf168ao9VhZSqblh8_Tvpv-epz_l67N-wkQVw6rIbWGVYYC7I7kaPoPbc_KneToUDBWp1y4ZQo/s320/DSC03703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Therefore, I will praise You, Jehovah among the nations.</div>
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I will sing praises to Your name."</div>
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<i>{Photo credits: Kori Wissmann and Charity Udd}</i></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-14952656844508176122012-04-30T21:42:00.001-05:002012-04-30T21:48:17.573-05:00Sweet bundle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Arianna Mae </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPSEVueeD_O0ZaJ1iw90H_IKkEDrFSOjsxsCP9RiQ4_Cyvd43cLvSQV2rW-etE8Vtffoyo9OJtH8P_G3ayBRyd0RXjQxqUYYXHnDt7vbw-4xMx5-nb04O-aM8p6vXLBoATJqjAHsmCJI/s1600/305632_10150796982897505_779277504_9568705_393831440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPSEVueeD_O0ZaJ1iw90H_IKkEDrFSOjsxsCP9RiQ4_Cyvd43cLvSQV2rW-etE8Vtffoyo9OJtH8P_G3ayBRyd0RXjQxqUYYXHnDt7vbw-4xMx5-nb04O-aM8p6vXLBoATJqjAHsmCJI/s320/305632_10150796982897505_779277504_9568705_393831440_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dan and <a href="http://bloggingbeth.blogspot.com/">Bethany</a> have been blessed with this precious little baby girl!!!</div>
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She was born April 25th, 2012.</div>
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Virginia has never seemed so far away...I mean look at those cheeks just begging to be kissed!</div>
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Thank you, God, for the miracle of life!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-72132579325328450852012-04-17T20:45:00.000-05:002012-04-17T20:45:24.819-05:00Spring Soiree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My friend is getting MARRIED! This totally calls for a special party! </div>
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<i>{Soiree is french for Party in the Evening. If you want to know how to pronounce...google it}</i></div>
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I cajoled Nicole {can't believe we didn't take a picture of ourselves together} into helping me, and we set off to plan a memorable evening; not only for the bride, but for all the special family and friends in her life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQsQdX44PxYb4YZM_uMScaiV4Hh08RLXDt430oxNyq5uaDK5Y6PMS6uE6O9J_oTXgkVkKiewW4TympUO-1n9x6sbV5go2b1bD_8RNsVAwcnoDCZhGQePCOlDjbRRuUI_sCP9Eh_icEdU/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQsQdX44PxYb4YZM_uMScaiV4Hh08RLXDt430oxNyq5uaDK5Y6PMS6uE6O9J_oTXgkVkKiewW4TympUO-1n9x6sbV5go2b1bD_8RNsVAwcnoDCZhGQePCOlDjbRRuUI_sCP9Eh_icEdU/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>{I can't imagine how people planned parties parties without Pinterest *smile*}</i></div>
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Pink was the color. </div>
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Yummy was the food. </div>
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And fun was the planning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEvEevoKXddXdmrwo9gYcIDHjUKfPD8MnWqQG8YP1_Qssu0JW_1vB0Awl8mx0wBpd8H0DUSh5hIFV1vvB_zj3j0uDJUVVjJgGFyUAo_PLRbhKBJbOyHz8ReMZ1M0Dr5lPObaXVUJIx5M/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEvEevoKXddXdmrwo9gYcIDHjUKfPD8MnWqQG8YP1_Qssu0JW_1vB0Awl8mx0wBpd8H0DUSh5hIFV1vvB_zj3j0uDJUVVjJgGFyUAo_PLRbhKBJbOyHz8ReMZ1M0Dr5lPObaXVUJIx5M/s320/DSC_0027.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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I have officially decided that parties are way too much fun to plan...but then actually experiencing them...that's even better!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliWNyPi0Dkl6naPtFBjYmvQo_N9rXvyIDbqmQWIs42ggh7e8UfBIztb6v_o5-dmHI4djMAIDhqQktkoF1njx2d5TwnrB72J4MHZjUZ2n9pg4oAAGo_kaWPP-PaWvlEQh7_o-nWYIxDP4/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliWNyPi0Dkl6naPtFBjYmvQo_N9rXvyIDbqmQWIs42ggh7e8UfBIztb6v_o5-dmHI4djMAIDhqQktkoF1njx2d5TwnrB72J4MHZjUZ2n9pg4oAAGo_kaWPP-PaWvlEQh7_o-nWYIxDP4/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nicole brought/arranged the flowers. </div>
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<i>love.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJpX-bFJoxjWDOHzqQpzcW9ZR33lVquoNc9RrwpeihNz-H6EU1XsEoisYYqzApTnvlgRJWRgUdcD6-W1EOiuQ2_qLrYJsXPZ5CO8loEufJq3NhRsNuQxuCf_Sbv2hJmtqbawC37quZ2w/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJpX-bFJoxjWDOHzqQpzcW9ZR33lVquoNc9RrwpeihNz-H6EU1XsEoisYYqzApTnvlgRJWRgUdcD6-W1EOiuQ2_qLrYJsXPZ5CO8loEufJq3NhRsNuQxuCf_Sbv2hJmtqbawC37quZ2w/s320/DSC_0025.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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These wonderful people showed up a little early to help!!</div>
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<i>{friends, parties, pink, love, sweets</i></div>
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<i>it's all just so happy!}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fkrVT1v6YFZVgUniMBbgyGAE52ynTDiWzVpxgnTH6oURrovNGSP1yMdy7becf00kyYZg_2nmT_NhyClMg8ih0ayLnPoibxPX2wF1Xk6s6HJMVTIPV8ylSp6sJaDoKosll4pqY9p2yM0/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fkrVT1v6YFZVgUniMBbgyGAE52ynTDiWzVpxgnTH6oURrovNGSP1yMdy7becf00kyYZg_2nmT_NhyClMg8ih0ayLnPoibxPX2wF1Xk6s6HJMVTIPV8ylSp6sJaDoKosll4pqY9p2yM0/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flavored lemonade served in cute li'l jars</div>
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The Bride and her Mother.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioui2YSQC8KggPROlJbKxWu3wNwtGe3EPUq4oCx4GC_u_mlTJYIhBb4mwnbAmwIXPM4UhuAaw3RMLiUp7Ov5UqS90qNybq47bE5NaqB2o1VzcCqEwceHZ3JaLNe1AF5Hk1yvon1NRvl7s/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioui2YSQC8KggPROlJbKxWu3wNwtGe3EPUq4oCx4GC_u_mlTJYIhBb4mwnbAmwIXPM4UhuAaw3RMLiUp7Ov5UqS90qNybq47bE5NaqB2o1VzcCqEwceHZ3JaLNe1AF5Hk1yvon1NRvl7s/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Games.</div>
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Bridal shower games can tend toward the repetitious side of things.</div>
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So if you happen to find yourself sleepless at night, start brainstorming.</div>
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You just might come up with a winner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq6g5-k14lRmcAPZcMVF18IHjxUsqeweGH9NV_1tF8zzUNOk63Um2H4-ccl8-OcM0Qaz3Y2kJo8j4xjk_M0lpAKK0xLYWMb0VX3lYWh5furUl5LbYihxlcOH0tN7-sAPfWj3tdMv3SLc/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq6g5-k14lRmcAPZcMVF18IHjxUsqeweGH9NV_1tF8zzUNOk63Um2H4-ccl8-OcM0Qaz3Y2kJo8j4xjk_M0lpAKK0xLYWMb0VX3lYWh5furUl5LbYihxlcOH0tN7-sAPfWj3tdMv3SLc/s320/DSC_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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How dull life would be without laughter...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzO8hCSBUnaTkTGKGXNX46NRNMRkLVEe3NwsPOHswXQm0KJ8YB3m4X0PaPxwAZlFtbmH0MjGbypws9QXBqTOdeJ-MkuTcr-QqblkGmuBCHv96vmhjpp0iTS2tud2UflcBRcaPY_1uYrU/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzO8hCSBUnaTkTGKGXNX46NRNMRkLVEe3NwsPOHswXQm0KJ8YB3m4X0PaPxwAZlFtbmH0MjGbypws9QXBqTOdeJ-MkuTcr-QqblkGmuBCHv96vmhjpp0iTS2tud2UflcBRcaPY_1uYrU/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In case you were wondering, the TV that has the lovely Mac screen on it...that was to show a fun video of Alan {Rachel's Boy}. I sent Alan a list of questions and his brother and sister-in-law took video of it. A friend put the clips together in a fun video...and the ladies loved it! None of us really knew Alan all that well and so it was fun to see a little bit of his personality!</div>
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It was a special treat to have Rachel's grandma from east IA up for the weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua-i-Pr79UiNgdOZnhSIyddXY7YwsNp0AlEZkMCSMfuAgK7w0Iuvzy-lgHOtnNtz3qYCFBUzjwz73HRqi_SxtcCgARDlkQoGpVSiPujZsaMaQRPseXI-cpCjI-1QWEb1BwGTDl2wwnEo/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua-i-Pr79UiNgdOZnhSIyddXY7YwsNp0AlEZkMCSMfuAgK7w0Iuvzy-lgHOtnNtz3qYCFBUzjwz73HRqi_SxtcCgARDlkQoGpVSiPujZsaMaQRPseXI-cpCjI-1QWEb1BwGTDl2wwnEo/s320/DSC_0160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love candid smiles</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieQjNlQAvYhsB6DitTrpq3mWPSkDKjp1tw8IQvuYV8dgG0zgp993MVP3qohdO5zL-qOV19hqN1RKxDeBAMS433qwI3576hEceMjjdxvLKxC-sIPntwwJQvUiFOgddhxVJcYwRDGSfCyI/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieQjNlQAvYhsB6DitTrpq3mWPSkDKjp1tw8IQvuYV8dgG0zgp993MVP3qohdO5zL-qOV19hqN1RKxDeBAMS433qwI3576hEceMjjdxvLKxC-sIPntwwJQvUiFOgddhxVJcYwRDGSfCyI/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gifts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHlIGOrL_S8ICTHlal1XGaFD35JZZA28-sDVH1wWakuP44JvXPY5r97KWqgahCag5P9F5lsYx6OXciVYfQ45ETPypNAEdP0APEvSBZRKK-Z6b6mP_AnV__-Bcm8HhZs0YIEyH_qUzhrM/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHlIGOrL_S8ICTHlal1XGaFD35JZZA28-sDVH1wWakuP44JvXPY5r97KWqgahCag5P9F5lsYx6OXciVYfQ45ETPypNAEdP0APEvSBZRKK-Z6b6mP_AnV__-Bcm8HhZs0YIEyH_qUzhrM/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rachel has been such a great blessing and encouragement to me over the years! </div>
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<i>{and I'm sure to most of you as well}</i></div>
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Her joyful spirit as she served God with her family, the constant encouraging words that she would share with me, her radiant smile, the fun teasing and laughter...</div>
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Rachel, God blessed me abundantly when he gave me you as a friend.</div>
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I love you!</div>
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Pictures courtesy of Kori Wissmann</div>
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<i>{Thank you oodles, Kori!!!}</i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-61209847431158170042012-04-17T10:05:00.000-05:002012-04-17T10:05:13.863-05:00Tuesday's AdviceVery simple.<br />
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<i>"Be joyful always..."</i></div>
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<i>2 Thes. 5:16</i></div>
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Have a happy Tuesday.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-63991490746054476682012-04-09T09:19:00.001-05:002012-04-09T09:19:59.357-05:00Monday's Advice<div style="text-align: center;">
"The prettiest makeup a girl can wear is a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">smile</span></b>."</div>
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What is giving you a reason to smile this wonderful Monday morning?</div>
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<i>"...God made you alive with Christ. </i></div>
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<i>He forgave us all our sins...nailing [them] to the cross."</i></div>
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<i>Colossians 2:13,14</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-86662719426120803032012-04-06T09:39:00.000-05:002012-04-06T09:39:06.289-05:00IheartVA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just in case you haven't heard enough about Virginia and how much I love to visit that place...here's another taste of my visit;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kr7htlycevd1-7gcDY1WnWhtbmdQKlv1tKugSdGnAyFJlRuCgkOXGvmJRyB3yJGROJz-kSJJ1rn7dwDvrApyWNZTWMb7ChSFpDratL9jYvsLtNiw73kkz5LzMkkSmZSyFuWT6ZgqI1o/s1600/DSC_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kr7htlycevd1-7gcDY1WnWhtbmdQKlv1tKugSdGnAyFJlRuCgkOXGvmJRyB3yJGROJz-kSJJ1rn7dwDvrApyWNZTWMb7ChSFpDratL9jYvsLtNiw73kkz5LzMkkSmZSyFuWT6ZgqI1o/s320/DSC_3041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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baking</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9NZgAX6BFMkp5uIY9bGuQyBa8Lp5A6P1G2lFA1FE4Tm-E9gpKcbOwZi-3UDkvOJKvHFC7aFwWECALMBJXcpt5jK7bryffZ5M10FPb1nDYV2AMi_xxDfL6AG4qvb6IqX8OkU9gdwlGv4/s1600/DSC_3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9NZgAX6BFMkp5uIY9bGuQyBa8Lp5A6P1G2lFA1FE4Tm-E9gpKcbOwZi-3UDkvOJKvHFC7aFwWECALMBJXcpt5jK7bryffZ5M10FPb1nDYV2AMi_xxDfL6AG4qvb6IqX8OkU9gdwlGv4/s320/DSC_3045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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puzzles</div>
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<i>{note: we completed three of these during my time. They are the perfect thing to keep your hands busy while your mouth is talking.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-Up2mrU1Wfz34lm7nK84o8NJ96mERjcY4J6YfqlTkW6GidPWO7NduaqSjvrZeWdFoPWTrYv7FWxoLz8HKgWO2mf530TCHSIdY0CCEzXlzclY9-IF4woRj-1Q2U_CnwYylLY0c_C8-Ns/s1600/DSC_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-Up2mrU1Wfz34lm7nK84o8NJ96mERjcY4J6YfqlTkW6GidPWO7NduaqSjvrZeWdFoPWTrYv7FWxoLz8HKgWO2mf530TCHSIdY0CCEzXlzclY9-IF4woRj-1Q2U_CnwYylLY0c_C8-Ns/s320/DSC_3048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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more cooking</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBGKDNl3sFtBJ3v__N4i4nZ-o6PkXyXosVjv41Y9uSYcg2K_R3K8bsj11mCi2EfiJLjE6XFbXb-TUPyBf2opbSsPdtHQJvP6jn8BLXFbfaWZB6va2hLvDNKxI-r4hESWjvd9UzHhc8Uo/s1600/DSC_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBGKDNl3sFtBJ3v__N4i4nZ-o6PkXyXosVjv41Y9uSYcg2K_R3K8bsj11mCi2EfiJLjE6XFbXb-TUPyBf2opbSsPdtHQJvP6jn8BLXFbfaWZB6va2hLvDNKxI-r4hESWjvd9UzHhc8Uo/s320/DSC_3080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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sewing</div>
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<i>{note: we fell in love with these fabrics. I mean admit it, you wish this could be yours...oh, and I'll let Bethany post pictures of the finished baby quilt. haha}</i></div>
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<i> </i><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRZOALC-kkpdUf1JMgoF5gSRV9vcTWwqCS3XWfUVq2LHKKjKKBOqFpGrSZu3vHAgt12qf9vEESpeDCejLAEvlGBqitqbj8loWHi4R0YcClNSI1SzQ3amZHo7dxSBro4WB967NFm0P7yc/s1600/DSC_3049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRZOALC-kkpdUf1JMgoF5gSRV9vcTWwqCS3XWfUVq2LHKKjKKBOqFpGrSZu3vHAgt12qf9vEESpeDCejLAEvlGBqitqbj8loWHi4R0YcClNSI1SzQ3amZHo7dxSBro4WB967NFm0P7yc/s320/DSC_3049.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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more baking</div>
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<i>{note: yeah, so we're kinda into food. but we have pinterest, so you can't blame us. and I know that you are secretly wishing that you could have been there too to taste some of our delectable dishes! Oh, and the cookies? Grandma Hager's molasses cookies. bestever. meltinyourmouth. perfectwithamugofmilk. those kind of cookies. **yummmy**}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qb1L4JWaMHzJcSGcPjYcaFE2jS1KQ1aYH7w5xLiSrCvuQR3ldsl2fLxjSw4GPxBJfp-a2q7uqLAb56BQUD-puwK_l6cpUY-1Qx6Z0h-yH1A4NUaoOnu_f5ImXvyDOvaKArLR6CoM9Xo/s1600/DSC_3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qb1L4JWaMHzJcSGcPjYcaFE2jS1KQ1aYH7w5xLiSrCvuQR3ldsl2fLxjSw4GPxBJfp-a2q7uqLAb56BQUD-puwK_l6cpUY-1Qx6Z0h-yH1A4NUaoOnu_f5ImXvyDOvaKArLR6CoM9Xo/s320/DSC_3116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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friends</div>
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<i>{note: and of course we got in some rousing games of volleyball!}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOt-PcdFoDyFtVdt0NvExHj-RFLr7kGWPvPSRHjyiNsDKQlGuDR1-iRwKEYae0EaDQ2isinwxBTJrFNLIvYxOQtiaubLImn0K1DgqqOiER2E3QHo65Mu94A6qatw1PFcueQVNNDU-vXo/s1600/DSC_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOt-PcdFoDyFtVdt0NvExHj-RFLr7kGWPvPSRHjyiNsDKQlGuDR1-iRwKEYae0EaDQ2isinwxBTJrFNLIvYxOQtiaubLImn0K1DgqqOiER2E3QHo65Mu94A6qatw1PFcueQVNNDU-vXo/s320/DSC_3133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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togetherness</div>
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<i>{note: putting this post together has made me miss this girl even more! We spent hours and hours talking and talking. But then again silence was fine too--just enjoying being together.</i></div>
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<i>*heart*}</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-75600170807975595182012-04-02T22:52:00.003-05:002012-04-02T22:55:29.808-05:003 Details...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love to go to Virginia.<i> {Like a lot.}</i></div>
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I got wind that my sis{-in-law} was going to be husband-less for almost <a href="http://bloggingbeth.blogspot.com/2012/02/california-bar-exam.html">2 weeks</a>.</div>
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I planned a trip to rescue her.</div>
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Thank goodness that the above mentioned sister is flexible, because my plans kept changing. But thanks to stand-by tickets, delayed babies <i>{just don't ask} </i>and a sheer 'want to go', I ended up on a plane headed east.</div>
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We had oodles of fun projects/recipes/ideas to fill up my time. </div>
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One of those ideas was road tripping a couple hours to visit a dear friend!</div>
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Alicia used to live in NE, but fell in love with a Virginia Boy...and the rest of the story is all too familiar. *smile*</div>
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Her cozy home, hot chai tea, joyful spirit, heart-felt questions and adorable daughter made the time pass all to quickly. Chats with her are very few and far between and so we tried to make the most of it.</div>
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<i>{adorable. this li'l Joanna loved looking and feeling all the beads...}</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSJ9BbekiLULESEwQnqwYYzY8gBwW4BsWkHUEg_FWDo44bJFLjQdb6G8ip8gyzG-_E50M86jKxGw34strvON70KemLbtUea9NQ2ixUDRZovRkA2KzRaggcZSq1wqST8K1Ay4_RRjHedc/s1600/DSC_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSJ9BbekiLULESEwQnqwYYzY8gBwW4BsWkHUEg_FWDo44bJFLjQdb6G8ip8gyzG-_E50M86jKxGw34strvON70KemLbtUea9NQ2ixUDRZovRkA2KzRaggcZSq1wqST8K1Ay4_RRjHedc/s320/DSC_3024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And hello? Who wouldn't want to start a project with these fabrics?</div>
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A trip isn't complete without a little shopping...so we did a little bit with Alicia.</div>
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You know you like something when every time you walk past it you exclaim over it's cuteness/wonderfulness/brightness/happiness. <i>{and that is exactly what we did...lots}</i></div>
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<i>Bethany, have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love having you as my sister?!? *heart*</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-4673037925829846162012-03-28T22:43:00.002-05:002012-03-30T09:27:40.983-05:00Colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoRYagE_QIw_Ip8v7PmPvs7cA6lBxjGl1_Dg5ESwL5WQOw3wGbTMYseyQp46Sa0bvBIoDKBwoZB1Je7GdPQCSvF7vw-0dioIpXQCp670SJkPtIqVHgGOCZN5CQyx4WtZxKUtAlFqd5uE/s1600/DSC00130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoRYagE_QIw_Ip8v7PmPvs7cA6lBxjGl1_Dg5ESwL5WQOw3wGbTMYseyQp46Sa0bvBIoDKBwoZB1Je7GdPQCSvF7vw-0dioIpXQCp670SJkPtIqVHgGOCZN5CQyx4WtZxKUtAlFqd5uE/s400/DSC00130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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How does one use words and this small space to sum up such an experience?</div>
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If we could get together for a chat I'd rattle your ear off with stories and memories.</div>
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But instead of writing a small book I'll just stick with the highlights/memories/experiences.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMXZHggrDXJo1csn3s5l8N849Ho6AI3Wx-Vr4fMR8FPD6chI6mhZJkdeTCzdOPuaPNTEaFtzXikQdqoF_62nvvN884y9YRTFFSUJS3S-nzKh2w44jx1PbxRMU2dXjjJPdGQCOMME56X0/s1600/DSC00054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMXZHggrDXJo1csn3s5l8N849Ho6AI3Wx-Vr4fMR8FPD6chI6mhZJkdeTCzdOPuaPNTEaFtzXikQdqoF_62nvvN884y9YRTFFSUJS3S-nzKh2w44jx1PbxRMU2dXjjJPdGQCOMME56X0/s320/DSC00054.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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- this boy makes me laugh</div>
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- God's creation is spectacular</div>
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- if you ever have the opportunity to camp in the mountains--DO IT</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6_0BA0UOV3IKqp9F7AhbA09PrAongmjZ1kjuOziz3ghu7S5UUbSRxNm834u0cUfZWfxlcjSLVib5xM8HGOLQl6SY1lp8d34ROEToMJaxvXqrNqaV-MaJ_n38Q4KNM4C7jhMxle1UGRc/s1600/DSC00069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6_0BA0UOV3IKqp9F7AhbA09PrAongmjZ1kjuOziz3ghu7S5UUbSRxNm834u0cUfZWfxlcjSLVib5xM8HGOLQl6SY1lp8d34ROEToMJaxvXqrNqaV-MaJ_n38Q4KNM4C7jhMxle1UGRc/s320/DSC00069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Sleeping out under the CO stars framed by the tall trees and mountains = fantastic memory </div>
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<i>{note: the weather could not have been better. </i></div>
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<i>It was absolutely perfect.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKStrGcC4zAHP7Y2EdJz4UduBVpL5D_L9pIm0BVM_iwQLM9Vq76cKT8jkd6SMKb5tZ7Nc7XNR_QklBtLvLds126rJTtQsjcCfOAl18cps84hjCSBrPZSZaPIlVonv0HFQguopxqgX6rU/s1600/DSC00081.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKStrGcC4zAHP7Y2EdJz4UduBVpL5D_L9pIm0BVM_iwQLM9Vq76cKT8jkd6SMKb5tZ7Nc7XNR_QklBtLvLds126rJTtQsjcCfOAl18cps84hjCSBrPZSZaPIlVonv0HFQguopxqgX6rU/s1600/DSC00081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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-Breakfast was the only 'real' meal we ate all day</div>
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<i>{note: the altitude didn't do much for the appetite, but we did stuff down quite a few bars and nuts...etc.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTGosHHt4PDrdabadC_erZOfHMNGQZhl6GxQqnAAVJmyPB5n9HREQOKzbST75gy_yOSihFouxe8zzaokmQ8_Mz8qJJhUDKZkUsEDhZTSQGp_TeNiHTY_V2z9rDOM3jhx0-vYVon1CtgA/s1600/DSC00096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTGosHHt4PDrdabadC_erZOfHMNGQZhl6GxQqnAAVJmyPB5n9HREQOKzbST75gy_yOSihFouxe8zzaokmQ8_Mz8qJJhUDKZkUsEDhZTSQGp_TeNiHTY_V2z9rDOM3jhx0-vYVon1CtgA/s320/DSC00096.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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-This kid was tough to keep up with.</div>
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<i>{note: Phillip surprised me constantly with his drive}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENgfSXc2fDSsjbqdnuyaaa8EqGEtduCiiV5W4rC2_UF1PgARFyk9ZFkQ3soIIzOjjovirTxztfR3vKHT_1uz5ScFGmfGKor11vNO-2GHRqUHl-HbimQIumw9hJEnWAsOnDxqcOH-VBEg/s1600/DSC00098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENgfSXc2fDSsjbqdnuyaaa8EqGEtduCiiV5W4rC2_UF1PgARFyk9ZFkQ3soIIzOjjovirTxztfR3vKHT_1uz5ScFGmfGKor11vNO-2GHRqUHl-HbimQIumw9hJEnWAsOnDxqcOH-VBEg/s320/DSC00098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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-This guy...best.leader.ever.</div>
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<i>{note: he has been on lots of excursions of this nature, and he showed us how it goes!}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBJ7K10XAYj3jL2JXzHliXOLnkAaSppG3s21d7cSdbYza7aKRuN3qbsNrYmEczTdNkI2DRq2XbB-Ha-2R016N5waDFkJdgkx14KgCIkJmSmGFpVUouk_gCRXahllSyK6aOZ6J1GwgUUc/s1600/DSC00114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBJ7K10XAYj3jL2JXzHliXOLnkAaSppG3s21d7cSdbYza7aKRuN3qbsNrYmEczTdNkI2DRq2XbB-Ha-2R016N5waDFkJdgkx14KgCIkJmSmGFpVUouk_gCRXahllSyK6aOZ6J1GwgUUc/s320/DSC00114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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-Ilovethemountains</div>
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- this trip was <strike>slightly</strike> harder than I anticipated</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Fl7iEWLrIJqO9vKvm4Y9rLGeKTPU4wqApejS3Xcn2nGpLjDQC0tSm-hnRtfXyXKQRy52Ei_NAMEmKbbZ2685M-bUgp1P4GO-TAlA94By4A3fEzHCeR2Cv3LrqRppPsInSCkbDHhhOuA/s1600/DSC00118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Fl7iEWLrIJqO9vKvm4Y9rLGeKTPU4wqApejS3Xcn2nGpLjDQC0tSm-hnRtfXyXKQRy52Ei_NAMEmKbbZ2685M-bUgp1P4GO-TAlA94By4A3fEzHCeR2Cv3LrqRppPsInSCkbDHhhOuA/s320/DSC00118.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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- post-holing was a challenge</div>
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<i>{note: post-holing is pictured above. Your foot sinks into the snow. You scramble out. Your next foot sinks into the snow...etc. Oh yeah, and the snow was over waist deep in some places.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cmvX4Emv4s_SDpZlebWYER_Zdbnw7gjfb94lCtHLutIBIW_4bCW7sqs4HicdybrJJGCKu-MsfJSBt9dE_-KzdYCuZOfY8E_G4mgf8D8_gtnKXvolbPfr1aDWI8iYVbHXbR51TLqDyjs/s1600/DSC00120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cmvX4Emv4s_SDpZlebWYER_Zdbnw7gjfb94lCtHLutIBIW_4bCW7sqs4HicdybrJJGCKu-MsfJSBt9dE_-KzdYCuZOfY8E_G4mgf8D8_gtnKXvolbPfr1aDWI8iYVbHXbR51TLqDyjs/s320/DSC00120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- nothing really prepares you for the altitude change</div>
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-nothing really prepares you for the sheer wonderfulness of hiking either</div>
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- pomegranate infused crasins are to die for</div>
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<i>{note: if you have not tried them before. Do it. Like right now.}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHit73R6qr-sKDaU5JNsZxqBVVYZUv1WxGr5_njvA4lHqNRIZOkSUrDb4sDLel9OKm_pWn4CRhlJctEAFZztR184JDDfvx8ULBI_Ow-Hn8Uff2iLDpifc3elhSlpYckzj71DYj7cvmMfo/s1600/DSC00150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHit73R6qr-sKDaU5JNsZxqBVVYZUv1WxGr5_njvA4lHqNRIZOkSUrDb4sDLel9OKm_pWn4CRhlJctEAFZztR184JDDfvx8ULBI_Ow-Hn8Uff2iLDpifc3elhSlpYckzj71DYj7cvmMfo/s320/DSC00150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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-Long-horned sheep/Ram/whatever-this-thing-is-called are amazing</div>
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- I may or may not have wished that I was a Ram</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnG2yqaKNGPF8VFynzNe2j1Wh1D5eV0wIVg3Q5vxWERWNQjtGB8DlYwT-FZ4rbbj2jhwhoh_5LjT2uMAAm6Xw4nDuBEMl5VwTIrq2eXE-OSx0RS1O2MK3oJ7Lhjc7J_r1r0ET_Mp_V6U/s1600/DSC00156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnG2yqaKNGPF8VFynzNe2j1Wh1D5eV0wIVg3Q5vxWERWNQjtGB8DlYwT-FZ4rbbj2jhwhoh_5LjT2uMAAm6Xw4nDuBEMl5VwTIrq2eXE-OSx0RS1O2MK3oJ7Lhjc7J_r1r0ET_Mp_V6U/s320/DSC00156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- I was constantly in awe of <i>my </i>God</div>
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- hiking for 16 hours is fun, but a tad exhausting</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusw7qKdbsDzdieoTp7GDitwcg5qfnSJEYoW5VVV5TB9HdFFkbjxhbe817ck6NOw-W3PxG4ipyT49r8ds5L3XMfpdysrmRhtsR4ec4PHLdf8RyRaFF11t0esA8wLhQrcBCB4SlRO9Ud8M/s1600/DSC00169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusw7qKdbsDzdieoTp7GDitwcg5qfnSJEYoW5VVV5TB9HdFFkbjxhbe817ck6NOw-W3PxG4ipyT49r8ds5L3XMfpdysrmRhtsR4ec4PHLdf8RyRaFF11t0esA8wLhQrcBCB4SlRO9Ud8M/s320/DSC00169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>{note: This rocky part was our last stretch towards the summit}</i></div>
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- I may <strike>or may no</strike>t have felt like giving up </div>
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- climbing is mental. at least some of it is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPEXVA5O4YtqgaQVbhCmuk-luMASR_oKQI3V_69gAZFwzTmzLDn48GAYItEJxcAJT0jsDorcT3OzjCuZR4Yq24dkc-2BvAzGPRGIQWteLv-6q_d3QyUYrkTt4K82bcd8vq2XXvURmcXA/s1600/DSC00186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPEXVA5O4YtqgaQVbhCmuk-luMASR_oKQI3V_69gAZFwzTmzLDn48GAYItEJxcAJT0jsDorcT3OzjCuZR4Yq24dkc-2BvAzGPRGIQWteLv-6q_d3QyUYrkTt4K82bcd8vq2XXvURmcXA/s320/DSC00186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- the summit is rockin' awesome</div>
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- being on top of the world <i>{or at least feeling like you are} </i>can make you want to scream, cry and dance...all at the same time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKnDoMvDG_Loa74-x7wIoL2-wGoIKsOfygOLlNXoSJUihqCvBmYc6r-Cjm9CD2yFZ_ZCsQRCL_D-mKtRRKi586bnfn7kd47TKDUN0yZY9Ox3flqy60tQEFuE2x2oynSbXArGgRgGI7Bw/s1600/DSC00208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKnDoMvDG_Loa74-x7wIoL2-wGoIKsOfygOLlNXoSJUihqCvBmYc6r-Cjm9CD2yFZ_ZCsQRCL_D-mKtRRKi586bnfn7kd47TKDUN0yZY9Ox3flqy60tQEFuE2x2oynSbXArGgRgGI7Bw/s320/DSC00208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- I will never forget this ^ moment</div>
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-Mt. Alice stood 13,310 ft.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4d-XD-IdkqiUGb4kE_2DdRmrStkhdMVJREAfyvK6cgfFC560z4hDbRLSbeaLUWIPQIX8cZ65BdD3H4JUEMQ2oA1ewaR55KBDU2n217h6b7l6CJzlerTzaE_391MjMFA6bJpxYTDHjgY/s1600/DSC00222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4d-XD-IdkqiUGb4kE_2DdRmrStkhdMVJREAfyvK6cgfFC560z4hDbRLSbeaLUWIPQIX8cZ65BdD3H4JUEMQ2oA1ewaR55KBDU2n217h6b7l6CJzlerTzaE_391MjMFA6bJpxYTDHjgY/s320/DSC00222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Making it to the top is optional. Making it back down is mandatory"</div>
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- hiking over 20 miles in one day really makes ya "dig down deep" :P</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb9tddqo2HBL14400zTE4cLIMvSf89_nwwKWVC2jXStDOzqTkn2NOKiyE6dmJNZbvqR_nSdos7R_PRQ3V7R0sApQ5xptj8gWn3Pbu0zo8UBzvmvE_-X9lr5mjpRcBpdTdHIZMRcqz3_k/s1600/DSC00233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb9tddqo2HBL14400zTE4cLIMvSf89_nwwKWVC2jXStDOzqTkn2NOKiyE6dmJNZbvqR_nSdos7R_PRQ3V7R0sApQ5xptj8gWn3Pbu0zo8UBzvmvE_-X9lr5mjpRcBpdTdHIZMRcqz3_k/s320/DSC00233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- oh how I wished I could be a long-horned sheep for the descent </div>
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<i>{note: and of course I thought the same for the ascent}</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ufWVtAYaKVzNztguIFF9jOR_Bw_zlbFKAtn7UMdW-jLDnyvLqM0VSVvRCCKet6qvudnHHlPG1qNQlPQpuMMVyIfHLUT9Dt-cbDOr8dZRGgQ64vxoVokAsv5ZTJEYcZnX3pvVG4i58-Q/s1600/DSC00264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ufWVtAYaKVzNztguIFF9jOR_Bw_zlbFKAtn7UMdW-jLDnyvLqM0VSVvRCCKet6qvudnHHlPG1qNQlPQpuMMVyIfHLUT9Dt-cbDOr8dZRGgQ64vxoVokAsv5ZTJEYcZnX3pvVG4i58-Q/s320/DSC00264.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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- making it back to the car was bittersweet</div>
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- the question was brought up several times "why do we live in NE?"</div>
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- to accompany my bros on this trip...best.decision.ever</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBVZb5O25ioetNZrvTOfO8mcsTecPIz9m2qrXKHaRAPjW5QvukUpdoi4tEuXrQPGrw1n55zW5V-c5Ym74lP7GZJpSHAmy8Wrx6i899v8leQlyKpVdpLShQrFIAWDc4xXX_7I5V_SBOjM/s1600/DSC00271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBVZb5O25ioetNZrvTOfO8mcsTecPIz9m2qrXKHaRAPjW5QvukUpdoi4tEuXrQPGrw1n55zW5V-c5Ym74lP7GZJpSHAmy8Wrx6i899v8leQlyKpVdpLShQrFIAWDc4xXX_7I5V_SBOjM/s320/DSC00271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"You answer us with awesome deeds </i></div>
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<i>of righteousness O God our Savior,</i></div>
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<i> the hope of all the ends of the earth </i></div>
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<i>and of the farthest seas, </i></div>
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<i><b>who formed the mountains by your power</b>, </i></div>
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<i>having armed yourself with strength..."</i></div>
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<i>Psalm 65:6</i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024926204659644987.post-59143946953205733192012-03-27T11:44:00.001-05:002012-03-27T11:45:36.803-05:00We made it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FBvhHZe1nqwGjwIJUn5phwdFEezSxWuu982hWsr7mzdolOe71gjSUBV6zZPTvW62bJGaynGSeoCUo6-pvjD173ufUTMpc-IBAl8nRR3mNAqCW00vskDP_xXUxl9Nz61_oNZfPKNqaV0/s1600/DSC00155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FBvhHZe1nqwGjwIJUn5phwdFEezSxWuu982hWsr7mzdolOe71gjSUBV6zZPTvW62bJGaynGSeoCUo6-pvjD173ufUTMpc-IBAl8nRR3mNAqCW00vskDP_xXUxl9Nz61_oNZfPKNqaV0/s400/DSC00155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We are back from the shortest, 'funnest', hardest, most exciting trip ever.</div>
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Can't wait to share the highlights and memories!</div>
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<i>{note: we took LOTS of pictures! *happy thought*}</i></div>
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But the mountains in that picture.</div>
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<i>My</i> God spoke those into being. </div>
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Yeah, I was pretty overwhelmed by that thought too.</div>
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<i>"The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, </i></div>
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<i>the world, and all who live in it; </i></div>
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<i>for He founded it upon the seas </i></div>
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<i>and established it upon the waters."</i></div>
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<i>Psalm 24:1-2</i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2