tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543697223450584332024-03-13T09:35:05.436-07:00joy of 9momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-70092530097040944892012-09-21T14:31:00.001-07:002012-09-21T14:31:19.876-07:00hello friends<p align="center">hello friends there is so much to say…but I don’t have time…see you soon <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile" alt="Surprised smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ECd-FAa2pzE/UFzcou1IOPI/AAAAAAAAC40/FKwOvr3gvwA/wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ozK-mTVIjHA/UFzco-r5P1I/AAAAAAAAC48/vrHKfLWx88s/s1600-h/chickens%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chickens" border="0" alt="chickens" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SjxmKa9Zusw/UFzcpq6ToGI/AAAAAAAAC5E/sGaYfgSTzeo/chickens_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="372"></a></p> momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-34190929039767683422012-05-08T09:46:00.002-07:002012-09-21T14:24:18.012-07:00Joy in a Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some days ago I received a package in the mail. One I was eagerly awaiting!! I think packages in the mail are super exciting (even if you already know what's in them hahaha)</div>
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Well, this package finally came...</div>
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And look what was inside!!! Gorgeous - don't you think?!! I was super pleased! I ordered this pretty stuff from Knit Picks - trying out their new acrylic yarn since my temperamental skin does not appreciate the loveliness of wool - boo!<br />
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And I am so happy - this is working up so nicely - a soft and cozy throw to snuggle up under on my couch,. worked up with the bright colors of Spring and Summer. <br />
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I am loving this project - I think it will take most of the summer - what with the garden and outdoors calling - but in those spare moments when I can grab my hook and work at it - pure joy!!!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Christine</div>
momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-69606742784297852052012-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:002012-04-26T10:28:07.597-07:00Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My, did we have a grand time on our adventure!! Exploring new places is always the first part of business on an adventure and that's just what we did.</div>
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We found an old, working grist mill (that was not only super cool but amazingly beautiful)<br />
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The people who run it give visitors fresh ground wheat or corn to try<br />
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This old covered bridge was part of the romance of this stop on our trip.<br />
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And of course - when on an adventure taking note of the animal life in the area is important!<br />
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As well as the plant life.<br />
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Observing the weather conditions is always necessary!<br />
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And...visiting an active volcano is always, always included in any good adventure!!!<br />
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Don't they look like good adventurers?<br />
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We visited Mt St Helens - a place that truly shows off the powerful hand of God!!! Stunning in it's beauty and power! We also hung out in a tiny town that we just fell in love with - they were having a tulip festival and Lilac Days at the same time - such fun. The surrounding farmland was lovely and inspired us to think about where we want to raise the rest of our family - something we are praying about! :) All in all a successful Adventure!!!!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Christine</div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-38806489629798587742012-04-21T09:36:00.001-07:002012-04-26T10:23:31.709-07:00Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had weeks of illness and then after that just general malaise this Spring (you can tell from the lack of blogging going on here :)!!) </div>
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Soooo - we have decided that the best cure is ADVENTURE. We are headed out to explore the Southern part of our state for a few days and it looks like the weather is going to be FABULOUS (a miracle around here!!!) Can you tell I am excited?!!!</div>
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I will have lots of picture, stories and memories to record!!</div>
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See you in a few days!!!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Christine</div>
<br />momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-53742095818370829102012-04-03T18:01:00.002-07:002012-04-03T18:08:13.779-07:00Headed OutPacking to leave - getting things in order - taking care of details has been the main focus of our second born the last few days. And as a result - the focus of the Dad and Mom of the the house too. Although with many of the little ones still sick - a lot of my focus has been on on helping the poor little ones feel better, too. (But praise God - they woke up this morning just fine!!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZOHpme67Q/T3uXYizo0JI/AAAAAAAAC1g/_SLPWLGeQeQ/s1600/DSC06327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZOHpme67Q/T3uXYizo0JI/AAAAAAAAC1g/_SLPWLGeQeQ/s320/DSC06327.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>The big day finally arrived and this morning Daniel put his stuff in the back of the van.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GQ1qlW_7sY/T3uXaHFyxwI/AAAAAAAAC1o/lzINhRzlHxc/s1600/DSC06329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GQ1qlW_7sY/T3uXaHFyxwI/AAAAAAAAC1o/lzINhRzlHxc/s320/DSC06329.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And off we went to the airport.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f8iPTR7vKs/T3uXcdIzwEI/AAAAAAAAC1w/jzljV4JAKno/s1600/DSC06331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f8iPTR7vKs/T3uXcdIzwEI/AAAAAAAAC1w/jzljV4JAKno/s320/DSC06331.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>There we waited with him - until that difficult moment of saying goodbye.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqk5nxJgVk8/T3uXe78usfI/AAAAAAAAC14/iQQyi7uUhjA/s1600/DSC06336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqk5nxJgVk8/T3uXe78usfI/AAAAAAAAC14/iQQyi7uUhjA/s320/DSC06336.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>We watched him go through security - and disappear into the depths of the airport that non-travelers are not allowed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY7jLuV2Lqo/T3uXggVz40I/AAAAAAAAC2A/w-mNzF7PDMU/s1600/DSC06339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY7jLuV2Lqo/T3uXggVz40I/AAAAAAAAC2A/w-mNzF7PDMU/s320/DSC06339.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And off to Thailand he goes. <br />
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My heart aches right now - which is something not uncommon to moms of older children, I'm sure!! Goodbyes just are not fun. But I know Daniel is seeking to follow God. And while I am apprehensive because my Mama's heart is having a hard time letting go, I am excited for him. Two days ago he turned 20 years old!! I just don't know where the time went!!! Somehow, here we are - just having sent him off to be a missionary to a foreign land - to work for God in a distant place. My head and heart are having a hard time getting around the idea that he could possibly be old enough for this - and yet - he is. And now - I am sooo looking forward to our next trip to the airport to pick him up - sometime - in 6 months or a year - only God knows that answer to that!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-61602055594527124102012-03-29T17:20:00.002-07:002012-04-03T18:11:57.089-07:00The Chocolate Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you do when you've got an armful of feverish, sickly baby?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aumFKUYUIic/T3T5Y5Q_jMI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/UyRcair0Bm8/s1600/DSC06320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aumFKUYUIic/T3T5Y5Q_jMI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/UyRcair0Bm8/s320/DSC06320.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And a couchful of feverish, sickly kids (4 down - 2 to go in this house), and nothing but grey, deary rain outside?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-si1BJ26TbKE/T3T5a3MV1gI/AAAAAAAAC0g/cUNrnMjoEEk/s1600/DSC06315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-si1BJ26TbKE/T3T5a3MV1gI/AAAAAAAAC0g/cUNrnMjoEEk/s320/DSC06315.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>You go in the kitchen - make a big mess - stirring up a concoction in a mug - put it in the microwave for a minute.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqco1JYTvx0/T3T5ds0tnvI/AAAAAAAAC0o/EH8aLEY4jRE/s1600/DSC06324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqco1JYTvx0/T3T5ds0tnvI/AAAAAAAAC0o/EH8aLEY4jRE/s320/DSC06324.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And take the <strong>Chocolate Cure!!!</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABYluV6qerQ/T3T5fxNP-FI/AAAAAAAAC0w/8qHlEzaG5BA/s1600/DSC06321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABYluV6qerQ/T3T5fxNP-FI/AAAAAAAAC0w/8qHlEzaG5BA/s320/DSC06321.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>Don't forget the glass of milk!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4r5XjIHotFc/T3T5he0CpUI/AAAAAAAAC04/hrH5aS8utvI/s1600/DSC06325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4r5XjIHotFc/T3T5he0CpUI/AAAAAAAAC04/hrH5aS8utvI/s320/DSC06325.JPG" width="189px" /></a></div>Beware - this definitely is NOT diet friendly, gluten free, fat free or something to count on Weight Watcher points. But it IS yummy, satisfying and makes a dreary, sick kid filled day very doable :)!! I almost wish I had not discovered these mug cakes on the Internet - it's oh sooo tempting.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Christine<br />
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Okay - this may be silly but I am editing this to quickly add - I did make chicken soup and tea for my poor sick kiddies - hahaha - I didn't want anyone to think I didn't take of the sad, sickly little onesmomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-28308497746438075872012-03-26T22:12:00.003-07:002012-03-27T12:27:18.550-07:00Go and I Will Be Your Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My second oldest went on an amazing adventure during my blogging absence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He has always had a heart for missions <em>and </em>adventure. And he received his heart's desire. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he's on an <strong>ELEPHANT!!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table> He joined up with Youth With a Mission and spent 6 months away from us. He went to Montana to study for 4 months and then Thailand for 6 weeks to serve and spread the Good News. YWAM fulfilled his quest for both those things<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAlMkGO_nnI/T3ERAqbWZNI/AAAAAAAACzA/6AAA5gMieTo/s1600/427086_10150525408521046_710776045_9292733_1294201405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAlMkGO_nnI/T3ERAqbWZNI/AAAAAAAACzA/6AAA5gMieTo/s320/427086_10150525408521046_710776045_9292733_1294201405_n.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with some Thai Children on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thailand captured his heart and broke it at the same time. The terrible practice of human trafficking tore him up - as well as the many, many idols the people worship. But the warm welcome and friendliness the Thai people extended the YWAM team charmed him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBBTmiBz8zM/T3ERQjTx2CI/AAAAAAAACzI/octoUETRKR0/s1600/DSC06279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBBTmiBz8zM/T3ERQjTx2CI/AAAAAAAACzI/octoUETRKR0/s320/DSC06279.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing his story with his grandpa's church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So...in 9 short (oh sooo short!!) days Daniel will be returning to Thailand - on his own this time - to work with a ministry there that reaches out to college age people. (That age is the most receptive to things of Jesus - unlike our own country)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWMUFEL0pKQ/T3ERShBgWaI/AAAAAAAACzQ/zaJro_4eF3k/s1600/DSC06280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWMUFEL0pKQ/T3ERShBgWaI/AAAAAAAACzQ/zaJro_4eF3k/s320/DSC06280.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading "his" verse: Isaiah 61:1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He has only been home for 6 weeks and we are readying our hearts to say goodbye again. It doesn't seem like "A Small World After All" when your child is on the other side. But there is an amazing peace that comes with knowing that even though my son will be zooming around Thailand on a motorcycle, he is in God's will for his life, he is listening to His Spirit and his whole desire is to please his Creator!! There is nothing more than this mama wants, than to know that her children are walking with God (except for the occasional skype date with boy on the other side of the world :)!!)<br />
<br />
Since I believe in prayer so much - I am asking that maybe Daniel could be added to your prayer list?! Yes, I am at peace, but that motorcycle does make me nervous :)!! And while of course safety is a huge thing - mostly my prayer is that God's Word would be spread and that Dan stays encouraged and effective for God!! <br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christine<br />
<br />
P.S. And yes Daniel rode an elephant, saw amazing creatures, and ate a great many strange things (curdled chicken blood, grasshoppers and beetle larva as well a burning hot curry) which is why he's the missionary and I'm the stay at home mommy heehee!! And he can't wait to do it all again - a true adventurer!!momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-4878120843314383462012-03-22T22:38:00.003-07:002012-03-26T22:24:12.456-07:00It was too Wet to Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On that cold, cold wet day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMGM9XknrHo/T2wIheDpPaI/AAAAAAAACyY/SHiLZciHag4/s1600/DSC06247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMGM9XknrHo/T2wIheDpPaI/AAAAAAAACyY/SHiLZciHag4/s320/DSC06247.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> And no the Cat in the Hat did not come to play - but I did have to get creative. The weather has been terrible wet and grey - with snow mixed in, to boot. Signs of Spring have been hard to find.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSWwnu7_wvw/T2wIkH01G2I/AAAAAAAACyg/YDAmEneWRPg/s1600/DSC06249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSWwnu7_wvw/T2wIkH01G2I/AAAAAAAACyg/YDAmEneWRPg/s320/DSC06249.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>So I got some paper and ribbon and borrowed my daughter's paper cutter and got busy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miY6f2fH5q0/T2wIpbcdxuI/AAAAAAAACyo/Bg80jWXLyx4/s1600/DSC06255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miY6f2fH5q0/T2wIpbcdxuI/AAAAAAAACyo/Bg80jWXLyx4/s320/DSC06255.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And made a Spring decoration. All in my favorite colors. And boy, did it spruce up the place!! (And believe it or not, that picture was taken in the middle of the day - see how dark it is in the window - grey, grey, grey!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Xm71AVE1w/T2wItb56hZI/AAAAAAAACyw/buJuA-RxAwQ/s1600/DSC06245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Xm71AVE1w/T2wItb56hZI/AAAAAAAACyw/buJuA-RxAwQ/s320/DSC06245.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>I like these pennants so much I think I want to make some with fabric next - but for now - my pretty paper decorations are bringing a bit of Spring to my home. And guess what? The weatherman says we may have sunshine this weekend!! Yay!! Time to dig out my garden gloves!! Whoo-who!! Can you tell we're excited - <em><strong>sunshine</strong></em> - I can hardly wait!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-34578425529546490022012-03-19T20:25:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:33:31.519-07:00Time for Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A birthday was celebrated this weekend for our newest nine year old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And so it was time for a tea party.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zLMuol-Tlo/T2f1pSqmPII/AAAAAAAACvg/gAbHMaMZ5g8/s1600/DSC06268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zLMuol-Tlo/T2f1pSqmPII/AAAAAAAACvg/gAbHMaMZ5g8/s320/DSC06268.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tea party table</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hyNoRjaaHI/T2f1rBFmpfI/AAAAAAAACvo/Rqguy0TfVBY/s1600/DSC06259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hyNoRjaaHI/T2f1rBFmpfI/AAAAAAAACvo/Rqguy0TfVBY/s320/DSC06259.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treats made by Mama</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbU94YaValY/T2f1sRl_rHI/AAAAAAAACvw/Sd9lk9NdNUk/s1600/DSC06260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbU94YaValY/T2f1sRl_rHI/AAAAAAAACvw/Sd9lk9NdNUk/s320/DSC06260.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treats made by big sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn3frkTKW7E/T2f1wN7RLoI/AAAAAAAACv4/iZoeK8sLCmc/s1600/DSC06273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn3frkTKW7E/T2f1wN7RLoI/AAAAAAAACv4/iZoeK8sLCmc/s320/DSC06273.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies enjoying their tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We made finger sandwiches (3 kinds), cut up fruit, and served raspberry tea. It was such fun to put on my fancy apron and serve the ladies (they giggled when I called them Ma'am :)!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibv8yXH4bmw/T2f11a1YEAI/AAAAAAAACwA/NT_8BbRC8Co/s1600/DSC06271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibv8yXH4bmw/T2f11a1YEAI/AAAAAAAACwA/NT_8BbRC8Co/s320/DSC06271.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy birthday - Abbie girl! We are so proud of you - you are so full of ideas and ready to help me with anything. We know God has big plans for you!!</div><br />
Blessings,<br />
~Christine<br />
<br />
I wanted to write this in the style of an old fashioned society newspaper column but kinda chickened out - maybe I should have - hahaha!!momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-86489207100766163242012-03-15T20:34:00.002-07:002012-03-26T22:34:00.354-07:00Starting AgainOh dear has it been a LONG time since I posted!! So long, in fact, I have questioned whether or not to shut the whole thing down. Life just got so busy - computer time ended up last. A new baby, a boy with a broken arm and house guests began my long break - then some postpartum depression, computer issues, and just life kept me away. Time just flew by and here we are months and months later. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zCZM0Ct_mI/T2Kz2CObd9I/AAAAAAAACvY/rr_O3YEe1K0/s1600/DSC06248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zCZM0Ct_mI/T2Kz2CObd9I/AAAAAAAACvY/rr_O3YEe1K0/s320/DSC06248.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I struggled with getting back on here. Some mommy blogs I'd been reading left me with a yucky taste in my mouth, I felt guilty not staying in touch with my bloggy friends and I felt I just didn't have much to share. So I contemplated saying good-bye for real.</div><br />
But after a while I realized I missed my blog. I have not taken pictures like I once did. I missed looking for the beauty in my days. I missed checking in with my friends. And most of all I missed the joy writing about my blessings brought me. Life has not been the easiest in the last few months and I think it would be good to begin again to look for those precious nuggets in my days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT5mpNfolg4/T2KzptMeLcI/AAAAAAAACvQ/vsyh2Du-YCc/s1600/DSC06252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT5mpNfolg4/T2KzptMeLcI/AAAAAAAACvQ/vsyh2Du-YCc/s320/DSC06252.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>So here I am - back again to updating this journal of mine. My little ones have grown, bones have healed, birthdays have been celebrated, a season or two (or three) has past and I am glad to be back!momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-57657848219924954342011-06-28T09:05:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:34:21.472-07:00Whoops<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This tire swing has been hanging from our tree for 17 years - one of the best, ever play things!! The rope to hang that old tire was one of the best investments we made. That old tire has provided hour upon hour of fun for all the kids - regardless of age - I've even seen, in the not to distant past, my 21 year old hitch a ride on the old thing!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And the amazing thing - we've NEVER had an injury...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1u3Kez1psM/Tgn2mEozyvI/AAAAAAAACvM/ypCLmOiKgUo/s1600/DSC02033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1u3Kez1psM/Tgn2mEozyvI/AAAAAAAACvM/ypCLmOiKgUo/s320/DSC02033.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Until last Friday night...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-humGmRIQ0Uw/Tgn0zP5cbFI/AAAAAAAACvA/ElVJYLw7VkQ/s1600/DSC05566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-humGmRIQ0Uw/Tgn0zP5cbFI/AAAAAAAACvA/ElVJYLw7VkQ/s320/DSC05566.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>When Sam took a tumble and his wrist could just not handle the whole weight of his fall...<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNliX0hgF5k/Tgn09_mHjlI/AAAAAAAACvI/iuSe1d0z8nY/s1600/DSC05571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNliX0hgF5k/Tgn09_mHjlI/AAAAAAAACvI/iuSe1d0z8nY/s320/DSC05571.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And now the poor guy's summer is now looking vastly different than what he was thinking it was going to be... And to make things just a bit more complicated the wrist he broke was his right one - I guess his left handed little brother will have to teach him how to get things done!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hu-jm4Lw9J8/Tgn014BYHKI/AAAAAAAACvE/kyDGrscgR3Y/s1600/DSC05562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hu-jm4Lw9J8/Tgn014BYHKI/AAAAAAAACvE/kyDGrscgR3Y/s320/DSC05562.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The blessing for me in the stressful time of injury is that my parents were in town - meeting their newest grand baby - having them here really helped me to keep calm (I don't do very well when ER visits are part of the day!!). Thank you Mom and Dad!!! (I knew there had to be a way to sneak a picture of baby into this post!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We still love our old tire swing and I'm very sure it will see lots more days of wild and crazy fun (Sam will probably be back on it himself in a day or two!!). Although, the mama in me wants to remind them to hang on tight when when going for a ride!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christine</div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-7607671731013521482011-06-21T09:57:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:34:37.807-07:00Babymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been so enjoying our babymoon!! Time has gone so fast and now sweet baby is two weeks old!! Hubby is going back to work tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQo1aUJb7bI/TgDHSU_jEsI/AAAAAAAACus/LuXVPjvqdGw/s1600/DSC05514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQo1aUJb7bI/TgDHSU_jEsI/AAAAAAAACus/LuXVPjvqdGw/s320/DSC05514.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> I feel like I'm recovering slowly and feeling a tad frustrated over it. Headaches and sore hips warn me when I overdo. Hubby reminds me that I'm not getting back to "normal" as our family has changed (again) and we are finding a new normal (again) - and we don't need to be in a hurry! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQngEsRkGhs/TgDHd7Q6CCI/AAAAAAAACu0/k3sBU1shKrM/s1600/DSC05544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQngEsRkGhs/TgDHd7Q6CCI/AAAAAAAACu0/k3sBU1shKrM/s320/DSC05544.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7ay8DQVv-k/TgDHjR7LoUI/AAAAAAAACu4/SH86TOCSTJQ/s1600/DSC05548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7ay8DQVv-k/TgDHjR7LoUI/AAAAAAAACu4/SH86TOCSTJQ/s320/DSC05548.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm soooo sleepy, Mama!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifinCjFhI_M/TgDHl6mZ9jI/AAAAAAAACu8/gvOBBGtHTJU/s1600/DSC05556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifinCjFhI_M/TgDHl6mZ9jI/AAAAAAAACu8/gvOBBGtHTJU/s320/DSC05556.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He just loves his new baby sister!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CSGHenaHJA/TgDHau3rJjI/AAAAAAAACuw/C7zFFMXGr84/s1600/DSC05542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CSGHenaHJA/TgDHau3rJjI/AAAAAAAACuw/C7zFFMXGr84/s320/DSC05542.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few minutes of snuggling before bedtime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So we're not - in a hurry - that is. I want to savor every moment. To sit in the summer sunshine (rare as it is here :0)!!) and watch the kids play and enjoy the tiny one in my arms!! To wrap wee one in my Moby and pull weeds in my garden with her next to my heart. To take walks with the kids looking for treasures and having adventures while feeling Naomi's tiny breath on my neck. To listen to the rain on the roof (and I'm sure there will be plenty here!!) and smell bread baking while I nurse sweet babe and the kids play Lego's on the floor!! These are my hopes for the summer - to spend time soaking in the time with my family - to not feel hurried or stressed but the remember to enjoy these long, sweet days and not to wish them away in my rush to "get back to normal"!!!<br />
<br />
Happy First Day of Summer,<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-28491074764973623032011-06-14T08:55:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:34:58.237-07:00Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's here!!! Our newest addition has finally made her appearance and changed our family forever!!! Naomi Martha arrived a week ago today. I had planned on posting her picture right away but somehow snuggling and healing took over and I ended up being away from the computer far longer than I anticipated!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdxU0-BDXNg/TfeCfvXeyLI/AAAAAAAACuo/no2NJvKZkWU/s1600/DSC05508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdxU0-BDXNg/TfeCfvXeyLI/AAAAAAAACuo/no2NJvKZkWU/s320/DSC05508.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>She is a joy and a delight and we are incredibly blessed!! I will write more about her arrival soon but for now my life is filled with warm puddles of curled up babies, two year olds who fall apart super easily, eager visitors and pure joy!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christine<br />
<br />
P.S. Did you notice I changed my blog name to Joy of 9? I have been so excited to make that change!!! :0)momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-61470296365975506322011-05-26T12:07:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:35:14.791-07:00Maybe...Maybe Not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In an effort to distract myself from the world of Maybe?!!!! ...maybe not</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(by that I mean - the constant - or almost constant contractions that make me wonder every day if It's Time for Baby)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to make up a cake recipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orUw2MN61oo/Td6feP9inII/AAAAAAAACt4/-s8OBYOayIk/s1600/DSC05445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orUw2MN61oo/Td6feP9inII/AAAAAAAACt4/-s8OBYOayIk/s320/DSC05445.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div> I used some leftover homemade yogurt, blueberries, and steusel topping (well there were other things too but these items were my inspiration).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbrMnlqLT5I/Td6fgykIYJI/AAAAAAAACt8/Wh-TGrSmsL0/s1600/DSC05447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbrMnlqLT5I/Td6fgykIYJI/AAAAAAAACt8/Wh-TGrSmsL0/s320/DSC05447.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And yes - those are little feet on my counter - probably not very clean either - and there were probably little fingers in the batter when my back was turned :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bc0sipjtwW8/Td6heiRmKFI/AAAAAAAACuY/Eg74o_H9TiE/s1600/DSC05446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bc0sipjtwW8/Td6heiRmKFI/AAAAAAAACuY/Eg74o_H9TiE/s320/DSC05446.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But I could not leave my baker's helper out of this cake baking party!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuaCZDm0vlM/Td6fjQM-R7I/AAAAAAAACuA/DBnzKA4hxyM/s1600/DSC05448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuaCZDm0vlM/Td6fjQM-R7I/AAAAAAAACuA/DBnzKA4hxyM/s320/DSC05448.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>I layered blueberries and streusel in the middle of the cake...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ulPEGrI3TQ/Td6fkzV5rFI/AAAAAAAACuE/EMOhGcOmq_A/s1600/DSC05449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ulPEGrI3TQ/Td6fkzV5rFI/AAAAAAAACuE/EMOhGcOmq_A/s320/DSC05449.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>Ans put more sweet streusel on the top...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1E7saMAwxm0/Td6foAaILEI/AAAAAAAACuI/cvmxrMBXMCM/s1600/DSC05450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1E7saMAwxm0/Td6foAaILEI/AAAAAAAACuI/cvmxrMBXMCM/s320/DSC05450.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>Put it in the oven and waited to see what would happen...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA5en0zGzkg/Td6fqLU2TJI/AAAAAAAACuM/QS8oGSWosKs/s1600/DSC05451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA5en0zGzkg/Td6fqLU2TJI/AAAAAAAACuM/QS8oGSWosKs/s320/DSC05451.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div> And ta-dum!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InFYzFibRi8/Td6frl9mOMI/AAAAAAAACuQ/EO3JkKHW4mw/s1600/DSC05452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InFYzFibRi8/Td6frl9mOMI/AAAAAAAACuQ/EO3JkKHW4mw/s320/DSC05452.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div> I made up a cake recipe that was a success!!! I was advised by the hungry hordes in my house that this recipe was a definite do-again!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRM-OP1T2vM/Td6ftzCWJLI/AAAAAAAACuU/NzUbqtrWZP8/s1600/DSC05453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRM-OP1T2vM/Td6ftzCWJLI/AAAAAAAACuU/NzUbqtrWZP8/s320/DSC05453.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>Off to find some more distractions....and eat some cake with a cup of tea :0)!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-89392675930781922392011-05-18T12:10:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:35:34.297-07:00Herb GardenWe are starting to get a few more days of sunshine and dry weather and I am finding I just have to go outside - the housework just has to wait!!!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clntRWT3p_0/TdQXrTCK07I/AAAAAAAACtw/MDK0-loBRk0/s1600/DSC05428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clntRWT3p_0/TdQXrTCK07I/AAAAAAAACtw/MDK0-loBRk0/s400/DSC05428.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
I planted a new herb garden the other day and I am so excited!! I can't wait until these little starts are big enough for us to run outside and pick a bunch to season my breads, soups and all kinds of yummy things!!!<br />
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I planted oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, chamomile, marjoram, chives and sage. Mmmmm - all gonna be so good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYvBoVzaGsg/TdQXuWidA4I/AAAAAAAACt0/xLQCLyg1_u8/s1600/DSC05429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYvBoVzaGsg/TdQXuWidA4I/AAAAAAAACt0/xLQCLyg1_u8/s400/DSC05429.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div>It's been lovely to see our shadows again after so long without having them around - for sure this shadow is going to be looking slimmer in the next couple of weeks :0)!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-23234490650346017562011-05-10T16:14:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:36:08.453-07:00Spring is Springing!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a much colder and wetter than normal Spring things seem growing much slower than usual. We've only had a very few days of sunshine. I've found it hard to not complain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning after waking up to clouds once again - after hearing a prediction for sunshine that didn't show, I decided to take a walk around the yard and try and find Spring. And she was here - I just had to look!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoCpFlKwatg/TcnETqwyukI/AAAAAAAACtc/HfFgqpq-4Os/s1600/DSC05416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoCpFlKwatg/TcnETqwyukI/AAAAAAAACtc/HfFgqpq-4Os/s320/DSC05416.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little clump of violets - so sweet!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojL4sX4DWus/TcnEVTBwKzI/AAAAAAAACtg/TJ6sHU4XYnA/s1600/DSC05418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojL4sX4DWus/TcnEVTBwKzI/AAAAAAAACtg/TJ6sHU4XYnA/s320/DSC05418.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Daisies - hoping they will spread around my garden!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxWfDw0ODYI/TcnEWrnN50I/AAAAAAAACtk/RKWIRMgfGhU/s1600/DSC05419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxWfDw0ODYI/TcnEWrnN50I/AAAAAAAACtk/RKWIRMgfGhU/s320/DSC05419.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My faithful old Pie Cherry</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpn6pX-l1XU/TcnEYNi3hOI/AAAAAAAACto/lKwRGWxQL3w/s1600/DSC05420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpn6pX-l1XU/TcnEYNi3hOI/AAAAAAAACto/lKwRGWxQL3w/s320/DSC05420.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a lone Welsh Poppy - another one I hope spreads around my garden!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcacXyeboYU/TcnEZ-APa4I/AAAAAAAACts/ind-u2O7YU0/s1600/DSC05421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcacXyeboYU/TcnEZ-APa4I/AAAAAAAACts/ind-u2O7YU0/s320/DSC05421.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to call them Bluebells - now I know they are Wood Hyacinths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm hoping for more sunshine but seeing a few cheerful blooms did lift my spirits and remind me that God's plans for the seasons continue - in spite of rain and chill!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-79239736857029601922011-05-03T15:44:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:36:57.822-07:00After a BreakWell, after a much longer than intended break I'm back, I think :0)!! With a pregnant mush brain and the chronic icky weather this last month here, I have to confess to simply having nothing to say!!! Silly as it may be, that's really only reason for my blogging break. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Life has been happening- birthdays, anniversaries, garden plans, children's activities have all gone on and I've enjoyed every bit - but - I just haven't felt inclined to write it down. Maybe it's been the extra cold and rainy weather or the sweet babe growing within has sucked my brains dry - I don't know!! But I am trying to be back and to record my days once again :0)!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PItu3zmCHw0/TcCD6mjaWWI/AAAAAAAACtY/xAe0SYpMiS4/s1600/DSC05409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PItu3zmCHw0/TcCD6mjaWWI/AAAAAAAACtY/xAe0SYpMiS4/s400/DSC05409.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought I ought to include a picture of myself (minus the tired face hahaha)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the main project I've been working on lately!! It's getting quite close and the midwife says I've got to get ready NOW as she thinks the wee one will be arriving sooner than later. So in a few short days I think it's off to the store to get those last few tiny necessities. We're getting excited!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christine</div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-2983614720753908822011-04-01T16:21:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:39:10.752-07:00Baby News!!!!So I had a baby on April Fool's Day!!!!! A Sweet Baby Boy - 7 lbs and 8 oz. !!!<br />
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(okay - the birth was 19 years ago!!! A good April Fool's trick don'tcha think?)<br />
<br />
When I called my family to let them know Daniel Scott had arrived it took all my powers of persuasion to get anyone to come to the hospital to visit!!<br />
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Dan is such a Godly young man and we are sooo proud of him!! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3hmwxxe2YQ/TZZdZ8Qem9I/AAAAAAAACtU/IKNw7dZ2Uxc/s1600/DSC01188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3hmwxxe2YQ/TZZdZ8Qem9I/AAAAAAAACtU/IKNw7dZ2Uxc/s320/DSC01188.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and his brother talking with other youth on his missions trip to Hawaii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Happy Birthday Daniel!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-64291404376665573532011-03-28T11:54:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:40:07.138-07:00Spring in the Hen House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My chickens are truly excited about the idea of Spring arriving. While they do stay dry and warm in their lovely home my hubby built for them - we can't do much about the lack of sunshine around here in the winter. They are thrilled about the lengthening days!!! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3umXT2Au6Q/TZDS3Er5r2I/AAAAAAAACss/oJgVnBrLt_A/s320/DSC05260.JPG" width="320px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hens are doing a great job of eating up the weed seeds and bugs in my yet-to-be planted garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DemXkRfWRAE/TZDS5QmbnEI/AAAAAAAACsw/nFXCbkDp1x4/s1600/DSC05261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DemXkRfWRAE/TZDS5QmbnEI/AAAAAAAACsw/nFXCbkDp1x4/s320/DSC05261.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> This young hen in particular is especially excited about Spring. She has it in her head that she is going to hatch a few eggs!! She isn't, as there is no Daddy around (roosters would be most unwelcome to my neighbors!) But that fact does not stop her from her broody ways. She has plucked all the feathers off her chest to make the eggs she is sitting on even warmer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AevK_0Wihr4/TZDS7x8FB-I/AAAAAAAACs0/fFvF2tq1QbQ/s1600/DSC05262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AevK_0Wihr4/TZDS7x8FB-I/AAAAAAAACs0/fFvF2tq1QbQ/s320/DSC05262.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>We have to kick her off the nesting box to get to our eggs and to make her eat and drink - silly girl. I am contemplating getting a chick from the feed store and stuffing it under her wings so she has a baby to care for.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj42vyAR6H4/TZDS--_r_vI/AAAAAAAACs4/bkQXBv8m0IY/s1600/DSC05266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj42vyAR6H4/TZDS--_r_vI/AAAAAAAACs4/bkQXBv8m0IY/s320/DSC05266.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>This never fails to give me a thrill - a wonderful source of healthy food for my family!!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRDr4PsLGw/TZDTDVlx1mI/AAAAAAAACs8/aVmXazetZpY/s1600/DSC05267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRDr4PsLGw/TZDTDVlx1mI/AAAAAAAACs8/aVmXazetZpY/s320/DSC05267.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm mmmm good!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jchY7RHft3g/TZDTGRNmAyI/AAAAAAAACtA/3dkIjvcEyvI/s1600/DSC05263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jchY7RHft3g/TZDTGRNmAyI/AAAAAAAACtA/3dkIjvcEyvI/s320/DSC05263.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqicM9IHY9Q/TZDTH8eg-II/AAAAAAAACtE/QHyeE2r8Kyg/s1600/DSC05265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqicM9IHY9Q/TZDTH8eg-II/AAAAAAAACtE/QHyeE2r8Kyg/s320/DSC05265.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>During the brief day of sunshine we had I got out and cleaned the food and water dispensers for my ladies - see, nice and clean - do you think they will appreciate it?!! Next stop at the feed store will give them new straw to scratch in too!! Spring in the Hen House is always good!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-52543511450171576692011-03-25T08:00:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:40:45.500-07:00A Sunny Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a sunny day this week - a truly sunny day with warm, yellow sunlight streaming in the windows beckoning me outside. It was amazing!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jstB6V7NQdw/TYvHd3Lfc1I/AAAAAAAACsY/-AbA1WfLN2Q/s1600/DSC05253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jstB6V7NQdw/TYvHd3Lfc1I/AAAAAAAACsY/-AbA1WfLN2Q/s320/DSC05253.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>So out I went with one of my big boys at my side to man the shovel (big belly syndrome, again :0)!!) My blueberry bush has been lonely all winter so we got busy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8xmCKGMHEPU/TYvHfsOz73I/AAAAAAAACsc/zJAwLCDLero/s1600/DSC05255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8xmCKGMHEPU/TYvHfsOz73I/AAAAAAAACsc/zJAwLCDLero/s320/DSC05255.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And dug a few holes....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aM6I73-McMY/TYvHg8kIrwI/AAAAAAAACsg/RhnuMYNvaEY/s1600/DSC05256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aM6I73-McMY/TYvHg8kIrwI/AAAAAAAACsg/RhnuMYNvaEY/s320/DSC05256.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>And planted a couple of baby blueberry bushes...someday we will have an abundance of those luscious purple berries right out of our own yard!!! I can't wait!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbKM_Ep5_20/TYvHiDWnrlI/AAAAAAAACsk/oGkPGemfnSc/s1600/DSC05257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbKM_Ep5_20/TYvHiDWnrlI/AAAAAAAACsk/oGkPGemfnSc/s320/DSC05257.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also planted a rhubarb crown - oh such a yummy thing to grow - pies, cakes and sauces oh my!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What lovely things to do on the rare, sunny, spring day in my neck of the woods!! Happy Spring!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christine </div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-64644977916628072042011-03-24T14:46:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:46:02.153-07:00Birthday!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a birthday!! Young Miss Abbie turned eight!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JBAgD9ds44g/TYu6J_EHqzI/AAAAAAAACsQ/bTTeEqIL1HQ/s1600/DSC05240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JBAgD9ds44g/TYu6J_EHqzI/AAAAAAAACsQ/bTTeEqIL1HQ/s320/DSC05240.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> She has officially has moved from the "littles" to the "mediums" in our home :0).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kxcUc900HAA/TYu6L75tD6I/AAAAAAAACsU/kFnS1VDI8Tw/s1600/DSC05243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kxcUc900HAA/TYu6L75tD6I/AAAAAAAACsU/kFnS1VDI8Tw/s320/DSC05243.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>(Her cake was supposed to look like a slice of watermelon - my baking abilities were severely limited due to the lack of full sized oven so it turned out lopsided and not at all what my vision was - but the kiddies liked it so that's all that mattered hahaha).<br />
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Abbie is such a source of joy in our home - something I could see in her from the time she was born. She surely fulfills her middle name of Joy!! Happy Birthday sweet Miss Abbie - Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-42821529970794668152011-03-22T12:23:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:47:10.170-07:00New Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After several weeks of having a non-working oven and me nearly going crazy not being able to bake much for my family we finally found what we were looking for - a new-to-us oven in good working order!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X_3gOzmQV_s/TYjx0_1aaBI/AAAAAAAACr4/cYEdUIV2z-w/s1600/DSC05247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X_3gOzmQV_s/TYjx0_1aaBI/AAAAAAAACr4/cYEdUIV2z-w/s320/DSC05247.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Yahoo!!! I am able to bake again - and I sure have been enjoying my new friend in the kitchen!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3qxOUnUGpiM/TYjx2txzdiI/AAAAAAAACr8/gPRWLz3HjBw/s1600/DSC05245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3qxOUnUGpiM/TYjx2txzdiI/AAAAAAAACr8/gPRWLz3HjBw/s320/DSC05245.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm and the kids sure have been happy too!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-95BEJGSb8qY/TYjx4sZXIII/AAAAAAAACsA/5GBLjytorxM/s1600/DSC05246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-95BEJGSb8qY/TYjx4sZXIII/AAAAAAAACsA/5GBLjytorxM/s320/DSC05246.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> The first bread made for my family in the new oven - yummy good!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liLxndwmPu0/TYjx7H8RL-I/AAAAAAAACsE/8WLCrbTfBDg/s1600/DSC05249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liLxndwmPu0/TYjx7H8RL-I/AAAAAAAACsE/8WLCrbTfBDg/s320/DSC05249.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> The other new friend is this lovely new-to-us refrigerator we found at a scratch and dent store. And there certainly are some scratches and dents but it is so nice to have a fridge that fits what we need in it and to have our other old, <em>far too small</em> fridge in the garage to store extra milk and stuff!!! What a delight!! We've never had a fridge that makes ice and give us lovely filtered water - oh my - such fun!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g7tgNIwOgDE/TYjx9kg8R5I/AAAAAAAACsI/IF10sI27Rtc/s1600/DSC05250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g7tgNIwOgDE/TYjx9kg8R5I/AAAAAAAACsI/IF10sI27Rtc/s320/DSC05250.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weekly menu posted for all to see</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rJN0LJUFBCk/TYjx_ByBWrI/AAAAAAAACsM/HNFo_73tnb8/s1600/DSC05251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rJN0LJUFBCk/TYjx_ByBWrI/AAAAAAAACsM/HNFo_73tnb8/s320/DSC05251.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Isn't this just the cutest cup ever?!!!! I found it for a dollar at the local grocery store and fell in love with it's pretty spring cheer. Since I have had trouble drinking enough water and my puffing ankles are telling me to get going on the fluid intake I decided that this sweet cup would be mine - to cheer me on in the water drinking endeavor. And it's working - along with the lovely cold water and ice from my new friend I am doing tons better getting that water down!!! Yahoo for new kitchen friends!! We are so blessed to have found both of them at very inexpensive prices - love shopping used!!!! Happy Spring!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-1724934910463138722011-03-21T10:01:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:47:29.535-07:00Yay for Digging!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After many, many, many days of dreary rain in which we more than doubled our rain average for the entire month of March we have a break!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In spite of the mud I just could not resist the lure of the dirt!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6r0Ybs3FxOo/TYeCVN1IS2I/AAAAAAAACrg/afUlvCu6vds/s1600/DSC05204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6r0Ybs3FxOo/TYeCVN1IS2I/AAAAAAAACrg/afUlvCu6vds/s320/DSC05204.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div> Out came my pitch fork and grubby shoes and into the garden I went. Oh, how good the earth smelled!! How wonderful the crumbly soil felt under my fingers!! Bliss!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-syw5_K8m7w0/TYeCXEImLgI/AAAAAAAACrk/_KZ7Bl7uvZw/s1600/DSC05202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-syw5_K8m7w0/TYeCXEImLgI/AAAAAAAACrk/_KZ7Bl7uvZw/s320/DSC05202.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>I got most of my veggie garden turned over until big belly syndrome took over and I just could not do any more - then I made my big boys go out and finish for me while I tried to soak away the aches and pains of digging while pregnant :0)!! But truly, all the achiness was worth it!!!<br />
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So now that the turning part is over we will add some compost and hopefully get some early spring veggies planted very soon!! I can hardly wait - my mouth is watering for my own homegrown veggies!!! Happy Spring!!!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Christinemomoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-10990071811471130602011-03-10T11:54:00.001-08:002012-03-26T22:48:12.717-07:00Mischief MakerSometimes even the littlest ones get into mischief!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KL3keSqC-hw/TXkqVaykPwI/AAAAAAAACrU/JIcIy8aVPCU/s1600/DSC05185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KL3keSqC-hw/TXkqVaykPwI/AAAAAAAACrU/JIcIy8aVPCU/s400/DSC05185.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few minutes in the corner is just the ticket to remember why it's important to obey mommy!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to confess, I thought she looked stinkin' cute sitting there so seriously - thinking about her naughty behavior. An "I'm sorry, Mommy" and a hug and she was back on her merry way! Hopefully with a lesson learned (I kinda think not though - she is one busy, busy two year old!!! She keeps me hoppin').</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. Thank you all for your encouraging comments about being over 40 and pregnant!! They all were soooo encouraging!! I really felt uplifted when I read them all!!!</div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454369722345058433.post-19782595794748073802011-03-08T09:29:00.001-08:002012-03-26T22:48:32.870-07:00A Tidy CornerSomehow with the snow and other fun weather we've had around here I lost control of the entryway in our home (well, I wish it was <em>only </em>the entryway - but we'll talk about that later, lol!!) But the entry was getting to be a terrible disaster - then the shoe rack broke - and with 10 people leaving their shoes there...well, you get the idea. <br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjvjRCsoWck/TXZiOgd-GbI/AAAAAAAACqc/pG75GEGUCqY/s1600/DSC05196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjvjRCsoWck/TXZiOgd-GbI/AAAAAAAACqc/pG75GEGUCqY/s400/DSC05196.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ugh...not a good impression when you walk in the house!!!!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So after looking at this mess for a while I put my thinking cap on and came up with a solution:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AXLEnPNRZg/TXZit0bBJEI/AAAAAAAACqk/ZbBkPCcKI9k/s1600/DSC05197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AXLEnPNRZg/TXZit0bBJEI/AAAAAAAACqk/ZbBkPCcKI9k/s400/DSC05197.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Better - don't ya think?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVTKI97VqDE/TXZi_hfCCHI/AAAAAAAACqs/oQzMOCaF5gA/s1600/DSC05198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVTKI97VqDE/TXZi_hfCCHI/AAAAAAAACqs/oQzMOCaF5gA/s400/DSC05198.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I have four baskets - one for hats, mittens and scarves, one for Sunday School shoes, one for Tennis shoes, and one for Boots. I am hoping the winter gear and boots basket won't be needed for too much longer - I will turn the boots basket around and the tag will say flip flops and sandals (I can't hardly wait!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so nice to come out to the living room this morning and see that nice tidy area!! I do want to come up with some other ways to make that place look pretty but for now the tidiness makes me very happy!!! Tidy corners and non-mussed places in my home bring me peace!! Sorta like when my heart is not mussed with ungodly thoughts there is calm in my life!! You know what I mean?!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We are into our fourth week of germs making their presence known in our house!! Yuck!! We are kinda going in slow motion - every week another person or two comes down with a fever and a bad cold. Funny bug that only wants to infect one or two at a time instead of the whole clan at once!! Oh well, if we have to do this slow motion thing - now is the best time - while the weather is still grey and before wee one has arrived!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christine</div>momoflotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09091905861302799860noreply@blogger.com4