tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9309774134103719522023-11-16T07:34:44.168-05:00joyful strengthLinneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-5055653963699581532015-02-23T19:35:00.004-05:002015-02-23T19:35:44.508-05:00on body imageI've been hard on myself lately. At first, I celebrated because my physical recovery from labor and birth was easier than with my firstborn. I assumed that since it was easier, all the other things would also come quickly - like fitting back into regular pants.<br />
<br />
And I've been disappointed and frustrated. I gained weight on my hips and thighs during this pregnancy, whereas I had not when I carried my son. It will be a longer process of exercise and healthy eating to get this weight off, and for now, it's not very possible for me to get much extra exercise in! And I'm sleep deprived and fighting a cold, so I'm resting as much as I can. Not a very helpful situation that way!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, my husband has continued to praise me and say he loves the way I look. He likes the yoga pants. It's okay that I'm not the same shape. He loves me.<br />
<br />
I know that I am loved and that my body did a beautiful thing in giving life to this little girl, and that it continues to do an amazing thing in nourishing her and providing the comfort she and her big brother need. The loads of laundry, hugs, diaper changes, clothing changes, swaddles, tossing footballs, coloring with crayons, cooking meals, wiping faces and dozens of messes are my gift to my children and my husband. Their clean faces and content smiles are the evidence of the work my body has done for them. Why should I be so hard on myself that it's not the shape I had hoped so soon?<br />
<br />
I need patience and grace to wait and work through this time. I need to focus on the little things, the beautiful, good, wonderful things. The pounds gained by my chubby little cherub. The smiles and silly laughs of my toddler. The hugs and reassurance of my husband. The love and support of friends. The beauty of redemption and self sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Breathing and trusting that things will be well. That all things are beautiful in their time, and that I will again reach my personal goals. All will be well. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-35089081031098856042015-02-12T11:41:00.004-05:002015-02-12T11:41:53.049-05:00Mara's birth storyWe're so happy to welcome our sweet daughter to our family! Little Mara Grace has been with us for almost four weeks now - unbelievable.<br />
<br />
I have rather prompt children, I guess! Both my son and my daughter were born on their due dates, an experience that I'm told is rather rare.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDczpPt_uFzS1h_xUzPTxXF6QvoqkgSlvy8n_VKRwO2QHuox9_GJ9UXImaPM4ne2zpsAuZgrgoLB3Q5YVC6VSecwS9qddjQAizlWANvtXUmY7M-cEfWDjrQZVgRvRHpzBUTQpEr_2stM/s1600/IMG_5204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDczpPt_uFzS1h_xUzPTxXF6QvoqkgSlvy8n_VKRwO2QHuox9_GJ9UXImaPM4ne2zpsAuZgrgoLB3Q5YVC6VSecwS9qddjQAizlWANvtXUmY7M-cEfWDjrQZVgRvRHpzBUTQpEr_2stM/s1600/IMG_5204.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day old!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Friday the 16th, I had my 40 week obgyn appointment. My due date was Saturday, January 17th, and my doctor said she would sweep my membranes to try to get things moving. It was painless for me, which was great! I had a few contractions after that and throughout the evening, but they were inconsistent. My mom had come into town, as she had planned, and we had a nice time together. It was good for her to follow Joshua's regular schedule with me, as she would be caring for him when we left for the hospital. <br />
<br />
I awoke at about 5:30 the following morning to <i>real</i> contractions. Time-able. Had to breathe through them. I woke Brad and had him pass me his phone so I could download and use a contraction timer app. As I breathed through the pain, the first words that came to mind were these from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41:10&version=NIV">Isaiah 41:10</a>: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Over and over. I focused on those words of truth and felt peace settle over me through the pain. God is my strength. He is my help. He holds me. Do not fear.<br />
<br />
I timed for about an hour before I realized that the contractions were already between three and five minutes apart - time to get to the hospital! <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Joshie and Nana had already gotten up and started breakfast. The smell of coffee was familiar and comforting, reminding me of my childhood. I don't drink coffee, but it was calming. So good to have my mom here.<br />
<br />
I dressed myself between contractions and got downstairs to the armchair to wait for the on-call doctor to return my call and to tell me to come to the hospital. I waited and breathed and centered myself on the scripture. Joshua looked over at me from the breakfast table and wondered if Mommy was okay. Mommy's belly hurts, I said. But everything is okay. The baby will come out today, and the doctor will help. Mommy and Daddy will go to the doctor, and baby sister will come out.<br />
<br />
The ride to the hospital was a mere 20 minutes, but felt so long with contractions every three minutes or so. And oh, was it cold! But it was a clear, sunny day, with passable roads. Just what I had prayed for. And I remained peaceful.<br />
<br />
The triage experience was less than fun. They require a urine sample as soon as I set foot in the door. That was difficult to manage during my frequent contractions! Then the belly monitors were put on me for a fetal non-stress test and to time my contractions. As I waited for that, they also tried to insert an IV. And failed. It took three attempts and two different locations and two different nurses to get my IV started! So frustrating. It became difficult to focus and center myself with the bright lights, people talking to me through contractions, and the extra pain from the needle pricks. And I was already at 4.5cm dilated - all on my own, with no drugs. I felt proud of that, but was already beginning to feel less than strong. It was probably about 45 minutes there in triage before we were taken to a birthing/recovery room and I was given a steroid to take the edge off my pain.<br />
<br />
Since things were seeming to progress quickly, my epidural was started by about 8:30am. Instant relief. The anesthesiologist who gave the epidural was calming, confident, and quick. I felt so much better and slept a bit. I was able to <i>read a book</i> and text and laugh - and didn't feel a single contraction - until the insertion point got bumped and started to come out. I ended up needing a second epidural.<br />
<br />
My water did not break for hours and hours; the baby was sitting so high, and hadn't descended into my pelvis to cause the water to break. The doctors didn't want to rupture it for me, as it could've caused the umbilical cord to get stuck in the birth canal and cause a dangerous situation for the baby. So we waited. And waited. The nurses were wonderful about helping me. <br />
<br />
I was fully dilated by early afternoon, but was not allowed to push because of the baby's position. I was getting frustrated and tired, and felt emotional. I asked to sit upright, and had my feet lowered. A couple hours later, my water finally broke on its own, and things began to move quickly.<br />
<br />
By 8pm, it was time. Nurses brought in the delivery items, spread out instruments on the tables, and laid out smocks for the doctor and nurse practitioner. The baby's isolette was brought in, as was the scale and other items to clean her up when she was born.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNXpVcQbZpG466VAa-BkJjQZod8Y_ZRRdGa9c7hYZn1zyS-VRYU45TSrV0_MwHlvk6H9t1srVEGPuBKOxrfMVBeloKxwXLIHaY0ndV7SOzPLVNUml0wpwgp25-dK4mhsIdbnVor5tIY4/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNXpVcQbZpG466VAa-BkJjQZod8Y_ZRRdGa9c7hYZn1zyS-VRYU45TSrV0_MwHlvk6H9t1srVEGPuBKOxrfMVBeloKxwXLIHaY0ndV7SOzPLVNUml0wpwgp25-dK4mhsIdbnVor5tIY4/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
At 8:15pm, I began to push. Not more than eight pushes and four contractions later, little Mara Grace was born at 8:31pm! The cord was around her neck, so it had to be cut early. I'm glad for the doctor's quick attention to her and to keeping me safe, too. I didn't tear at all, and didn't have to have any stitches this time. So thankful.<br />
<br />
Mara was whisked to the table and dried vigorously, and then
she began to cry. What a strong cry! She was adamant about wanting to
nurse. She weighed in at 7lbs, 12oz, and was 20.5" long. As soon as she
was ready, I started to nurse her. And she nursed for an hour and a
half! Poor Daddy didn't get to hold her for that long. He made many
phone calls, though, and was elated when he finally got to hold his
little princess. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMc_5eWuIInZohzDwvgGrngVY04C3IyVQfUO9tVY_21QA0jAAkg2fPvtgtGQx094AARB5a7EX10N7yiJ8rBh8OSs9oa4VHPXbPM6S6hczVZU5hBtgLpfG7KWFetwL9b54SX5wfjzvA1CY/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho9i1OT1duZGTD1-zVbOEVBEJm0LD_IF-2eKxmnzfQH4XH21akXHsLGsfzHyOE7L1J3R01bPZxZCftySDhLhuodSi3wNvAvuuG5TAesgJx2mRFUk9LN5KPocCvz4zbQXDPRJFzbXXv9o/s1600/IMG_5215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho9i1OT1duZGTD1-zVbOEVBEJm0LD_IF-2eKxmnzfQH4XH21akXHsLGsfzHyOE7L1J3R01bPZxZCftySDhLhuodSi3wNvAvuuG5TAesgJx2mRFUk9LN5KPocCvz4zbQXDPRJFzbXXv9o/s1600/IMG_5215.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKbtuQH7gj2jkL1oxhHY9TElcZCCixn7dcUra0y7DrzVb5IhlanJpW-6FbgP6NdHB0T7WtW56bjvY0KdWH1q45hv3BASlhqWTdKXwSxnVc3yGE51LopbCCny72QYG5pifcaxdoTeOQ8/s1600/IMG_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKbtuQH7gj2jkL1oxhHY9TElcZCCixn7dcUra0y7DrzVb5IhlanJpW-6FbgP6NdHB0T7WtW56bjvY0KdWH1q45hv3BASlhqWTdKXwSxnVc3yGE51LopbCCny72QYG5pifcaxdoTeOQ8/s1600/IMG_5218.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMc_5eWuIInZohzDwvgGrngVY04C3IyVQfUO9tVY_21QA0jAAkg2fPvtgtGQx094AARB5a7EX10N7yiJ8rBh8OSs9oa4VHPXbPM6S6hczVZU5hBtgLpfG7KWFetwL9b54SX5wfjzvA1CY/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMc_5eWuIInZohzDwvgGrngVY04C3IyVQfUO9tVY_21QA0jAAkg2fPvtgtGQx094AARB5a7EX10N7yiJ8rBh8OSs9oa4VHPXbPM6S6hczVZU5hBtgLpfG7KWFetwL9b54SX5wfjzvA1CY/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbt0LxEbrqUTzpt9uKtweGN5Yhxc37osb77YqRbTrg8FkgKlYXoShwZ7R7p6UcTp2gytus8hnKeqMxHZgoD5pF7TIcMkWbWasJakN6vSXnPfMvB4rgF5glSxicDEUblVlND564nBkAGE/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbt0LxEbrqUTzpt9uKtweGN5Yhxc37osb77YqRbTrg8FkgKlYXoShwZ7R7p6UcTp2gytus8hnKeqMxHZgoD5pF7TIcMkWbWasJakN6vSXnPfMvB4rgF5glSxicDEUblVlND564nBkAGE/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-42608063619094538072015-01-13T20:07:00.001-05:002015-01-13T20:07:02.400-05:00warm heartsI've been doing some small projects as I wait for our baby girl to be born! It's helpful to distract myself with something creative when I'm feeling so ready to greet this sweet little one.<br />
<br />
For a long time now, I've wavered between giving away and keeping a certain pink wool zip-up hoodie I've had at least since my freshman year of college. It's cute, cozy, and the perfect fit...and I've worn the elbows to death. I darned them multiple times, and it just was not working anymore. I'm not really into elbow patches, so that option was out. So I kept the sweater. And tossed it between the "mend" and "give away" piles. Until a couple evenings ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zRG4GEHN85yQ3tFf6YvvaotFW42GHI68DienGOP6TwuGGd1UIwS0NNbvOyueC9tkH5QTzkUZ5UyXcz47dGb64uFpR1mMXuWzJHRUHisbaYV_9fMZjWPNRDwG6lipuLhDV8XMyJpnuzY/s1600/image(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zRG4GEHN85yQ3tFf6YvvaotFW42GHI68DienGOP6TwuGGd1UIwS0NNbvOyueC9tkH5QTzkUZ5UyXcz47dGb64uFpR1mMXuWzJHRUHisbaYV_9fMZjWPNRDwG6lipuLhDV8XMyJpnuzY/s1600/image(1).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Joshie and I came in from a very cold day in the snow last Monday, and I heated up my big rice pack for him to warm his hands and to keep him snuggled on the couch for a few minutes. It was hard for him to hold the large hot pack, but he was soon warm enough to be happy. That sparked my thoughts...maybe he needs his own hot pack!<br />
<br />
I also recently saw that a friend (and relative) of mine made a small hot pack for her preemie's belly; it has helped his tummy troubles to subside and allowed him to sleep! <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_colic-how-to-cope_1369745.bc">Baby Center also recommends</a> a warm pack like that for soothing colic in newborns, and I thought I should make one. <br />
<br />
The final push to get this little project done came when I saw someone's adorable heart-shaped rice packs, and I had to give it a go! I honestly don't remember where I saw it, so if it was you, please know that you inspired me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0jFW_1E8dDAeSs60Gjckb1We4TQI3_cbLc_hsjSsx2TS6fFVqAJnMem-Z28OoLLyXMubwcBqhxVXTJNcNSEBly8-ol76XscYet4iSOLvePRQTjcnP_dzgC96J-m3t1BCUnQemFvbVfo/s1600/image(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0jFW_1E8dDAeSs60Gjckb1We4TQI3_cbLc_hsjSsx2TS6fFVqAJnMem-Z28OoLLyXMubwcBqhxVXTJNcNSEBly8-ol76XscYet4iSOLvePRQTjcnP_dzgC96J-m3t1BCUnQemFvbVfo/s1600/image(2).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Would you like to make some, too? They're quick and easy, and you can make them in any shape you'd like!<br />
<br />
You'll need:<br />
<br />
Paper for creating a pattern<br />
Dry rice (not quick rice)<br />
Funnel<br />
Spoon <br />
Sewing machine<br />
Scissors <br />
Essential oil or dried lavender, if desired<br />
A natural fiber fabric (cotton, wool, etc.)<br />
Note: I used two fabrics, a wool sweater for the outside, and a 100% cotton tee shirt fabric (jersey) for the inside. You really only need one, but my wool sweater was worn <i>very</i> thin and needed some more structure.<br />
<br />
Use your paper to create a simple shape for your pattern. I chose a heart shape, but it would be just as functional to cut a square, triangle, circle...or you could get fancy and do something else!<br />
<br />
Cut two fabric pieces for each hot pack, and stack them with wrong sides (inside of fabric) together.<br />
<br />
Using a zig-zag stitch, sew almost all the way around your fabric sandwich, leaving about 1" of the perimeter unsewn.<br />
<br />
Using your funnel, spoon rice into your hot pack. My 4" hearts needed about 4T of rice each to feel full enough. You should have enough room to be able to shift the rice around a bit; don't stuff too firmly. At this point, you could also include dried lavender or a few drops of essential oil, if you'd like a scent other than warm rice. <br />
<br />
Remove the funnel and sew up the opening of the hot pack. Be sure to start on top of the existing stitching so that there's less chance of the stitches unraveling.<br />
<br />
Trim your edges close to the stitching so that they look neat. <br />
<br />
Microwave for about 30 seconds on high and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajMj80frvxNpKimDgYi0wd40enQ8SA-n-hw2uHYxEjzoMoO8xGQ7YZSdsFnkmQ0LW7ReWkx6TZYKlZ1MGAh9eSC9va_qYhl16u8sJ11ZtqvXMIx-lZYCg7Y_B5VHS4AmlZSYuR3PYxo4/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajMj80frvxNpKimDgYi0wd40enQ8SA-n-hw2uHYxEjzoMoO8xGQ7YZSdsFnkmQ0LW7ReWkx6TZYKlZ1MGAh9eSC9va_qYhl16u8sJ11ZtqvXMIx-lZYCg7Y_B5VHS4AmlZSYuR3PYxo4/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-87966176002281262252015-01-07T22:21:00.001-05:002015-01-07T22:21:44.239-05:00thriftingYet again! This is how I roll. Welcoming the new year, looking for deals, and thrifting. I have to bring my boy up right, you know? He got a little birthday money from his great grandpa, and so we went off to the thrift store.<br />
<br />
When I go to the thrift stores, it's super dangerous (read: expensive) for me if I don't have a goal in mind, a specific item or two that I'm looking for. Sometimes it's jeans for Brad, a fresh new skirt for me, a certain size picture frame, or some clothes for this toddler that grows so quickly.<br />
<br />
This time around, I figured I better start the size 3T stash of clothes for Joshie. My slim little guy needs adjustable waist pants, so that was on the top of the list. I figured that "Great Grandpa Ed" would probably want him to have some sort of toy, too.<br />
<br />
Toddler shopping strategy is to ask for what you want immediately before or immediately upon entering the store. This time, it was a football. No football in sight, but a basketball sufficed. On to the toy section so that he could hold and play with whatever toy we were going to end up going home with.<br />
<br />
Joshie spotted the vacuums. He wanted them.<br />
<br />
And then the Little Tikes construction vehicles. The big, bulky, hard-to-hold kind. And he wanted that instead.<br />
<br />
And then the vacuum again.<br />
<br />
Then a transformer.<br />
<br />
And then?<br />
<br />
I saw two <a href="http://www.littletikes.com/foot-to-floor/cozy-coupe-30th-anniversary-edition/invt/612060">Little Tikes cozy coupe</a> cars. They retail for between $45 and $55 new. And both were marked $4.99. Oh, okay, then. So out of the cart went the Josh, and into a car, and around the store. We parked one up front so that we could reserve it as ours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIApGdEBlgLSq0o54-wO3huDm-r4Nu_HLPlU68xu-q3kWtlSZL0KEhE3XIv3X-lWaHEhFil3AGXxS6fpFt5HlIZ6ApXyoLMDvYvAmibKwQn3NCWRwRk5sOLJ-fNnXQm8WjETQ1mqHn6hY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIApGdEBlgLSq0o54-wO3huDm-r4Nu_HLPlU68xu-q3kWtlSZL0KEhE3XIv3X-lWaHEhFil3AGXxS6fpFt5HlIZ6ApXyoLMDvYvAmibKwQn3NCWRwRk5sOLJ-fNnXQm8WjETQ1mqHn6hY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, there was a $0.99 construction helmet that he fell in love with. Fine by me. I managed to find him a pair of almost-new Children's Place jeans, <a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/usstore/p/baby-boy-clothes/baby-boy-pants/baby-boy-pants-denim/loose-jeans---medium-classic-2026052-758">like these</a>, for $3.99. Then a set of Carter's cotton pajamas, <a href="http://www.carters.com/carters-toddler-boy-pajamas-new-arrivals/V_340-566.html?dwvar_V__340-566_size=2T&dwvar_V__340-566_color=Color#navID=header&start=15&cgid=carters-toddler-boy-pajamas">like these</a>, for $2.99. And the icing on the cake? A J. Crew half-zip rugby-style heavyweight pullover, not quite a sweatshirt, but a thick tee with a cute little leather pull on the metal zipper...for $0.99. Hooray!<br />
<br />
Then we were back to the toys again for another diversion so that I could continue to shop. I spotted a set of five wooden puzzles, marked $4.99, and added that to our pile. Heading toward the checkout, I saw a poor, lonely <a href="http://store.nalgene.com/Nalgene-16-ounce-Wide-Mouth-Water-Bottle-p/16%20ounce%20wide%20mouth.htm">Nalgene, </a>for just $1.99.<br />
<br />
And then I remembered that I had a coupon for $3 off a purchase of $10 or more. Woohoo!<br />
<br />
So our entire pile:<br />
<br />
Cozy Coupe Car - $4.99 (retails between $45 and $55)<br />
Construction Hat - $0.99 (similar $5)<br />
Carter's pajamas - $2.99 ($15 on sale right now, regularly $20)<br />
Children's Place jeans - $3.99 ($10 on sale right now, regularly $16.50)<br />
Crewcuts pullover - $0.99!! (similar $40)<br />
Cute wooden puzzles - $4.99 (original price tag $23.95)<br />
Nalgene water bottle - $1.99 ($9)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstK6iyp_zRIAaM0ok6jJN_u2LJNzh9jmU2zyD3XvEIg7cyswarPesN-15m73uOpHO1q3ZJp1cBxVv5UCTcGzQ_qRlQN_OrnlTSZHq8ujAFVhMtRvfKfk8j9yeqxaxr1fLUB8Fq7-WsR4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstK6iyp_zRIAaM0ok6jJN_u2LJNzh9jmU2zyD3XvEIg7cyswarPesN-15m73uOpHO1q3ZJp1cBxVv5UCTcGzQ_qRlQN_OrnlTSZHq8ujAFVhMtRvfKfk8j9yeqxaxr1fLUB8Fq7-WsR4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Minus the $3 coupon...<br />
<br />
Just $20.17. Full price would have been $159.45. I paid about 13% of the full price value of these items. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JbwIzK-BeZZu0nTCLMnJ8cUtH5iEZH4SKbteHsOKEP6iahjJCa5PfLO4kK861xmw8xM6eLnx11j2W2QiJnQL1Hpd2gQdXSCwZKO2eDYTCedlfS43zjK2ex6062L9-AKBsjQNms699WI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JbwIzK-BeZZu0nTCLMnJ8cUtH5iEZH4SKbteHsOKEP6iahjJCa5PfLO4kK861xmw8xM6eLnx11j2W2QiJnQL1Hpd2gQdXSCwZKO2eDYTCedlfS43zjK2ex6062L9-AKBsjQNms699WI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feeling very blessed!</div>
Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-73442535607208175822014-12-12T19:50:00.000-05:002014-12-12T19:50:09.141-05:00TwoJoshua is two!<br />
<br />
It's unbelievable, really. My tiny baby is now a 35.5" tall, 25lb, talking and toilet trained toddler. What?!<br />
<br />
The morning of his birthday, he had birthday pancakes. We sang the "Happy Birthday" song to him, and he got to blow out candles for the first time! He has been saying "Happy birthday Joshua, I blow fire," ever since. Too cute! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWuni6usimNLt9SIq_3AYVFY4q89bkOJKKnY4IzQjmSx0s3b0NInm_x35gLvE-xQstedVQrzr0fI9gt4hyyajteo53tQGmUsq-AVhkcNNtO_6XW9LVr7F-mmrKqXqgliMFdBGjgLNCAM/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWuni6usimNLt9SIq_3AYVFY4q89bkOJKKnY4IzQjmSx0s3b0NInm_x35gLvE-xQstedVQrzr0fI9gt4hyyajteo53tQGmUsq-AVhkcNNtO_6XW9LVr7F-mmrKqXqgliMFdBGjgLNCAM/s1600/IMG_5482.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHEhXvJlfi6EEZ8auNmo3MfoL06QQbpdLmrZid55LJMfzrFEtx2ljUmvxIVGSlZJavQMWDPz2uGphrRLjkNGUT0QQ5RO4sR5lymDERB4OsovYhr0KSlz9c1d5FrF-I0o1XfAK8CTDgs0/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHEhXvJlfi6EEZ8auNmo3MfoL06QQbpdLmrZid55LJMfzrFEtx2ljUmvxIVGSlZJavQMWDPz2uGphrRLjkNGUT0QQ5RO4sR5lymDERB4OsovYhr0KSlz9c1d5FrF-I0o1XfAK8CTDgs0/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Later in the morning on his birthday, some of our neighborhood friends stopped by with a gift for Joshua: a new dump truck! They also stayed and played for a little while, and enjoyed reading a book together with "Grandma Sue."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZrL0aAoFOQrklQCpKopviyzvTRaEn4n1m-5mIq7kRhCHWoVdet4tWwRiaL33C8o5RxChB11-9ONawEAb2ZtF_QVYzsNtYLS-xqlzhM12wi5BVVSwSBoeuzLxrraiUO0z0C8JmO6vbK0/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZrL0aAoFOQrklQCpKopviyzvTRaEn4n1m-5mIq7kRhCHWoVdet4tWwRiaL33C8o5RxChB11-9ONawEAb2ZtF_QVYzsNtYLS-xqlzhM12wi5BVVSwSBoeuzLxrraiUO0z0C8JmO6vbK0/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
On Saturday, Nana and Grandpa were here all day! There was much playing, reading, jumping, and even a trip to Trader Joe's and Five Guys for lunch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Q-TqPDQgSjpvwv_bOaMBg5iU7ryVJoKeZiYlOzJa8sbikOwLi5rqIBW8HfwiUcwkuU5MouG42Jgi5VJ62qw8o-5lqSG_AODcenJpRDWq0_nZcDP4BNmGiWOGM8ylXrDFo25ptRgD7k/s1600/IMG_5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Q-TqPDQgSjpvwv_bOaMBg5iU7ryVJoKeZiYlOzJa8sbikOwLi5rqIBW8HfwiUcwkuU5MouG42Jgi5VJ62qw8o-5lqSG_AODcenJpRDWq0_nZcDP4BNmGiWOGM8ylXrDFo25ptRgD7k/s1600/IMG_5495.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
He loves tractors and construction vehicles lately, so his party had
to be full of tractors. I made cupcakes and a pan of brownies to stand
in for a cake. Yes, I did buy the wrong boxed mix at the store. Hazard
of shopping with said toddler.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1VfRm_ffcAuaLRdPIbpVqaJd8sjK9zl-XntpV4sWFuoZjXVmGCCQapcxjq06nAhesNEBTnUuqyuWLU_UCLVxQo20btZrchCTWjk73LXjEU-HjPOCSHy-M-50nLhr-BtD3WMI7eXQ0No/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1VfRm_ffcAuaLRdPIbpVqaJd8sjK9zl-XntpV4sWFuoZjXVmGCCQapcxjq06nAhesNEBTnUuqyuWLU_UCLVxQo20btZrchCTWjk73LXjEU-HjPOCSHy-M-50nLhr-BtD3WMI7eXQ0No/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
"Digger" tractors like
backhoes are his favorite, so I mixed up some yellow frosting and piped
that onto the brownies. I crumbled some Wegman's brand "oreo" cookies
into the front loader to stand in for rocks and dirt. Dirt was one of
Joshie's clearest first words. A sign, perhaps?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKE-v2WtTQRRuiv0AaAQWsRhljWbKJkC0u3ckQkD6LqsQjsFBccwcQ4yhNy7oR57qjTUTl0-ezffb3EPGuzKAcI57YFwY2wmtXR8rpd6emCDJHm9b3tMRPGDtjBiHAGvSAP1qyCUobWY/s1600/IMG_5497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKE-v2WtTQRRuiv0AaAQWsRhljWbKJkC0u3ckQkD6LqsQjsFBccwcQ4yhNy7oR57qjTUTl0-ezffb3EPGuzKAcI57YFwY2wmtXR8rpd6emCDJHm9b3tMRPGDtjBiHAGvSAP1qyCUobWY/s1600/IMG_5497.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04XxCX-qlKnc8Q3W8_nuBOS8F_tsmLqHsSXc1ei7eNYLQNUp4zmt3qxNdQZH67hWZDR3Qo4WjmdCwL_VNXNBdiZc9-XNN7z9t8jdiRpdycvaPVQ4emtZXlVMlUe6wy3s61jKUyC1lxYA/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04XxCX-qlKnc8Q3W8_nuBOS8F_tsmLqHsSXc1ei7eNYLQNUp4zmt3qxNdQZH67hWZDR3Qo4WjmdCwL_VNXNBdiZc9-XNN7z9t8jdiRpdycvaPVQ4emtZXlVMlUe6wy3s61jKUyC1lxYA/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Joshua again enjoyed having people sing to him, and the opportunity to "blow fire" with Daddy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwwE1h-EwwgqTyzag4f7bP8bN3kTUOE16WneAw4Xr1LRmkGr4cn0dA-g31n6EaQ3R06n7SnUcdWs5Y5Cdq4Pk9GO_dLxq0JbOdyLUivFSuiz27pFoy6UD63F_9aKNlaVox_TwE3H7Flk/s1600/IMG_5525.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwwE1h-EwwgqTyzag4f7bP8bN3kTUOE16WneAw4Xr1LRmkGr4cn0dA-g31n6EaQ3R06n7SnUcdWs5Y5Cdq4Pk9GO_dLxq0JbOdyLUivFSuiz27pFoy6UD63F_9aKNlaVox_TwE3H7Flk/s1600/IMG_5525.JPG" height="320" width="213" /> </a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWuPF-VW_QnultZ7x5zdhfvqFNs1h_5Fhyphenhyphen3RylrVWwL50pHv0WViYmwY6Cdv2kdxIE65MYRJ1BWAfUDIZhCn4S7smNfLo_8xJUgzoGSzumjDLuCCAIiaUe_knk-dd7BKAoWMqpd0lmhE/s1600/IMG_5526.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWuPF-VW_QnultZ7x5zdhfvqFNs1h_5Fhyphenhyphen3RylrVWwL50pHv0WViYmwY6Cdv2kdxIE65MYRJ1BWAfUDIZhCn4S7smNfLo_8xJUgzoGSzumjDLuCCAIiaUe_knk-dd7BKAoWMqpd0lmhE/s1600/IMG_5526.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqG8OYhwpuI2aBqP6eUOjERODP1G4Y0YxBdyQM25OmVXfz3RlqzbE-KbSZdGJzqwC_X2BN1CeDXAD9Nc6O4rXJhAmNp7U1CbPmNs9l5f7p1l0idkSRpNXvDXOn51B6EJ8Vof9kCIqpTI/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqG8OYhwpuI2aBqP6eUOjERODP1G4Y0YxBdyQM25OmVXfz3RlqzbE-KbSZdGJzqwC_X2BN1CeDXAD9Nc6O4rXJhAmNp7U1CbPmNs9l5f7p1l0idkSRpNXvDXOn51B6EJ8Vof9kCIqpTI/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwWJLuJagMeJ-HdMasSf_oUFVDshMuCZvA3KMfNJgGmtO1rienoRubovTH1VtXMTwkvFmjMfBTLJ4vQI2x0p6cVYr8fWmL-xDnIBPXCmeQiLwZ_jEvIkzK0bVtKkNu8foQND676Et9so/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwWJLuJagMeJ-HdMasSf_oUFVDshMuCZvA3KMfNJgGmtO1rienoRubovTH1VtXMTwkvFmjMfBTLJ4vQI2x0p6cVYr8fWmL-xDnIBPXCmeQiLwZ_jEvIkzK0bVtKkNu8foQND676Et9so/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
Joshie was excited about the paint he got from Brad and me, and asked to paint right away. That was a no-go, but he did get to play with the set of construction vehicles that Aunt Elizabeth sent! He didn't let go of the "digger" tractor for about four days straight, even taking it to bed and naps with him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvxCSXiOQAMwnZrPxmVMQwdtJ-woWe1fD3BQQ9rndZH3a7UJ7he8wd7VXhx_CzWCeNHWAzlfn-h4cy8WM0NmkDCbql_vDLEiiEBJ9CJwnE8ez5mX6aniXelG_GeDnMxlphjgNE8oHAsE/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvxCSXiOQAMwnZrPxmVMQwdtJ-woWe1fD3BQQ9rndZH3a7UJ7he8wd7VXhx_CzWCeNHWAzlfn-h4cy8WM0NmkDCbql_vDLEiiEBJ9CJwnE8ez5mX6aniXelG_GeDnMxlphjgNE8oHAsE/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
We had
Joshua's good friend, Jo (and his parents and sister, of course), over for the party, and all of Joshua's grandparents
were all able to be there this year. Much fun was had by all!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb4IHJdLieadIDh5t4fSDzQUt8u8IEo_t6mI4OIuoqgvwvbbjI0TZCBtJiegMKIF0mXD3i8ZHduDvBdL-8h3pOEZkoJ6oykle3iU8KphHi2uhVbNMxwI4NUr4dp6YhqAwSIvtYC09jKM/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb4IHJdLieadIDh5t4fSDzQUt8u8IEo_t6mI4OIuoqgvwvbbjI0TZCBtJiegMKIF0mXD3i8ZHduDvBdL-8h3pOEZkoJ6oykle3iU8KphHi2uhVbNMxwI4NUr4dp6YhqAwSIvtYC09jKM/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">please note that Joshua and the tractors are inseparable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwwE1h-EwwgqTyzag4f7bP8bN3kTUOE16WneAw4Xr1LRmkGr4cn0dA-g31n6EaQ3R06n7SnUcdWs5Y5Cdq4Pk9GO_dLxq0JbOdyLUivFSuiz27pFoy6UD63F_9aKNlaVox_TwE3H7Flk/s1600/IMG_5525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Still can't believe we've been parents for two years, and that our second sweet blessing is coming so soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AkPROPoGNqBEKXMjQTKm5VjAKFEPb4PHQVS2cH0k3mxbb68YpNCwl2CFksF-ae7V48bwMnMnqVUmKRSQszZxHLs1oVlKtqhHxEtHoQgLs33_Xl7jz8Rdqi0SQNu1vSbuI7a9QhXbiVs/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AkPROPoGNqBEKXMjQTKm5VjAKFEPb4PHQVS2cH0k3mxbb68YpNCwl2CFksF-ae7V48bwMnMnqVUmKRSQszZxHLs1oVlKtqhHxEtHoQgLs33_Xl7jz8Rdqi0SQNu1vSbuI7a9QhXbiVs/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-65198045058167480782014-11-06T13:51:00.001-05:002014-11-06T13:51:19.598-05:00mini Captain AmericaThis is probably the last Halloween that I can officially choose Joshie's costume without any input from him, so I made it a good one: Captain America!<br />
<br />
The forecast for October looked chilly this year, and the trick-or-treating night proved cool and damp, indeed. I planned his costume to be cozy, using his snow boots and warm fleece pants. I put him in a thermal shirt and cozy socks, and used his navy blue fleece zip-up hoodie to complete the cozy. He absolutely loved holding "Daddy's" hand and running up to each door with his best buddy, JoJo. He quickly learned how to say "Trick-or-treat" and "Happy Halloween" and did a great job. <br />
<br />
I ransacked our drawers for the right t-shirt material colors to make the stripey portions and the essential Captain America shield. Luckily, one of Brad's old undershirts, one of my red tank tops, and a royal blue onesie from the too-small, too-old-to-wear pile were just the right colors to use for the project. <br />
<br />
I made a "pinny" of sorts out of the undershirt, first, so that I could pull it on over Joshie's coat. I then used strips of red to make the stripes, sewing right onto the pinny.<br />
<br />
The star was made of more undershirt material, but I first attached interfacing to make it stiffer. I then sewed around the shape of the star, cut it out, and cut it in half. I attached it to either side of the zipper on the fleece hoodie, using large stitches to make it easy to remove later. The letter "A" on the hood was made using the same process.<br />
<br />
For the shield, I used a frisbee and traced a circle onto the red tank top fabric that was about 3" larger all around. I then made a channel to thread elastic through, and set that circle aside. I added two white circles and a blue one, with a final star in the center to complete the look. I threaded the elastic through the red fabric and stretched it over the frisbee. Hooray, a shield! I added two pieces of elastic to the back of the shield so that Joshie could wear it on his arm or his back.<br />
<br />
Here's the whole look:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippBAK56PYv33_x73YcrBYLoTNQdf82yzV9oOMa6iFnoU-UWml7Vg-KRGOTHeQAkfeJ0DNE9Fm6Pq9XPmc7EvUMR0LjLBc_gP8mDKnEwqG52B8Tt6CR16PqMQb5v3MBDJP6lx3O_84E2c/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippBAK56PYv33_x73YcrBYLoTNQdf82yzV9oOMa6iFnoU-UWml7Vg-KRGOTHeQAkfeJ0DNE9Fm6Pq9XPmc7EvUMR0LjLBc_gP8mDKnEwqG52B8Tt6CR16PqMQb5v3MBDJP6lx3O_84E2c/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red snow plow is an essential part of getting out the door. We always bring a tractor, truck, or ball when we go out! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBYjNlY5Ypitxu1EeQYUaURCp57CbXyYSbMHZbieYDP-PrkdBmsnq8UqYJjoQalbiP3_B7aT_F7gAQcGEYdd7UehEB2ifRvY291aqyKEY9IGig6Z3cGCPj1bUiO-wSGAyMzFYmqgK4k0/s1600/IMG_5246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBYjNlY5Ypitxu1EeQYUaURCp57CbXyYSbMHZbieYDP-PrkdBmsnq8UqYJjoQalbiP3_B7aT_F7gAQcGEYdd7UehEB2ifRvY291aqyKEY9IGig6Z3cGCPj1bUiO-wSGAyMzFYmqgK4k0/s1600/IMG_5246.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKjlBDIZHD1f3sWtKI_2dN-Df8ElVXCyE4ygVfjYhdmhZPn-JukuHt2q4mCp5V9IW2eezWZjIxB8upqRB4BFmcHb6W4zmh9vKgl3jvvOZOOXCZ7QUjXkMzT8Rk0LQS1eUJ2KG5PZjpOE/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKjlBDIZHD1f3sWtKI_2dN-Df8ElVXCyE4ygVfjYhdmhZPn-JukuHt2q4mCp5V9IW2eezWZjIxB8upqRB4BFmcHb6W4zmh9vKgl3jvvOZOOXCZ7QUjXkMzT8Rk0LQS1eUJ2KG5PZjpOE/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMhuZ1mrm-pRlsPECVOPW8J2eqoco9c3aDz2djd4lcveBLQ7tY5uwj1xJkyKh2_y1wrv9aKcZwy_4Iw-tupWf1EdLgnysscuZJkjffO81yeGhvNVLizqie3XZ9n3fcfwAn5Bpvupdj80/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMhuZ1mrm-pRlsPECVOPW8J2eqoco9c3aDz2djd4lcveBLQ7tY5uwj1xJkyKh2_y1wrv9aKcZwy_4Iw-tupWf1EdLgnysscuZJkjffO81yeGhvNVLizqie3XZ9n3fcfwAn5Bpvupdj80/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhHzyRl_kM_htiOpbyY8-ZCKulyKHBoMGZ9UFLYfyI9DxYwSD3LdK8dEr9lBYJ-b5oRxYIJXypNNppEbGQk5ePo0_ck-dDNKRquF9OGGkTEhRqTMqujsNKa0HsS-whvDlHllaotkYifk/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhHzyRl_kM_htiOpbyY8-ZCKulyKHBoMGZ9UFLYfyI9DxYwSD3LdK8dEr9lBYJ-b5oRxYIJXypNNppEbGQk5ePo0_ck-dDNKRquF9OGGkTEhRqTMqujsNKa0HsS-whvDlHllaotkYifk/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"app-eee ah-ween!" "tick uh teet!!" says Joshua. :)Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-79775935516088922572014-11-03T19:33:00.002-05:002014-11-03T19:33:41.957-05:00baby girl frillsI've been dreaming of putting flowers and bows and sparkly accessories on my baby girl since the first moment I found out about her!<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I picked up some fold-over elastic at Jo-Ann Fabrics and tucked it into my sewing box. It really has taken this long for me to make it to the actual crafting stage. Life with a toddler, friends! It's beautiful, messy, full, crazy, hard, wonderful, and too busy most days for crafting.<br />
<br />
But, today, I did a little bit.<br />
<br />
Behold, the polka dot and floral cuteness:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJrjH-iPC2KgazY50WmnSv11aujD76oliR3lyx1Njda9Zgibx3zcaDTFELmMKxdr3CjDRExJhH_QO9V5gtHXCCH4NyRGXfuv9ZuQ0YR7xZRplpvbGhNe1f6r8tHuKB_AQBzSbnXrLCAk/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJrjH-iPC2KgazY50WmnSv11aujD76oliR3lyx1Njda9Zgibx3zcaDTFELmMKxdr3CjDRExJhH_QO9V5gtHXCCH4NyRGXfuv9ZuQ0YR7xZRplpvbGhNe1f6r8tHuKB_AQBzSbnXrLCAk/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Also, ignore the poor quality phone photo. This is life, currently - can't always pick up my nice camera!<br />
<br />
What do you think? I can't wait to put it on my sweet baby girl!Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-86941093678997904942014-10-10T19:06:00.000-04:002014-10-10T19:06:20.178-04:006546:54pm is one of my very favorite times of day. I'm usually snuggling my sweet little boy, smelling his clean, wet hair, and giving him gentle kisses as I repeat these words to him: God is always with you. I quote Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:5b-6 to him, and hope he internalizes it. We rock. I pat his back. Sometimes he lifts his head from my shoulder and gives me little baby boy kisses. He is precious.<br />
<br />
By that time, we have already prayed and thanked God for all the important things in his day. At the forefront these days are friends, dirt, and tractors. And ROCKS! and Daddy. And Daddy's guitar, mandolin, and bass. And any other relatives he can remember to list. I have sung him a bedtime hymn, and he has had a wonderfully fun bathtime.<br />
<br />
Most of the stress has begun to melt by 6:54. I remember how much I love my son, how thankful I am to be his mommy, and how blessed we are. I feel tired, and sometimes I still have yet to cry the tears I held back all day. There's still dinner to make for when my husband gets home, and I have just a few minutes to tidy the house and do something for me. Like blogging. Or reading a magazine. Or eating a chocolate chip cookie without sharing.<br />
<br />
But 6:54? That's a moment of peace. A moment of all-is-well. An embodiment of my love for my family and for the God who allowed it to be like this, today. And yesterday. And so many bed times before. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-59110111469894859322014-09-23T20:07:00.000-04:002014-09-23T20:07:04.026-04:00little thingsCultivating a spirit of gratefulness:<br />
<br />
1. Zestar apples. So delicious. I love the tastes of fall in this area of the country.<br />
2. A sunny, highs in the 70's day to play outside with my little boy<br />
3. The delight on said little boy's face when he realized the tractors were outside our house (they're fixing the city gas lines)<br />
4. Having a few neighborhood boys my son's age that enjoy playing and sharing with him, and their sweet grandmother who is so generous and kind to me<br />
5. The rhythmic, soothing normal-ness of knitting<br />
6. Snuggling with my husband<br />
7. A cozy meal in the oven<br />
8. Feeling my active baby girl kick me and make my belly bounce<br />
9. Friends who love the "me" I already am<br />
10. The promise of a visit from family this weekend.<br />
<br />
What are you thankful for?Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-65539064474509261042014-09-18T19:58:00.000-04:002014-09-18T19:58:33.669-04:00little boy wall artI have been meaning to do this for a very long time. Thank you to an artistic and musical acquaintance at church whose <a href="http://andreaglevendusky.com/">word art and writing</a> have been so inspirational! This woman does some amazing chalkboard art, not to mention crafting some incredibly moving and transparent blog posts. Her book is going to be a must-read. My attempt at word art is far from as polished and professional as hers, but, alas, here it is. <br />
<br />
When Joshua was born, I wanted to be sure that I chose some meaningful scriptures for him to internalize as he grew. Some that stood out were <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua+1%3A9&version=NIV">Joshua 1:9</a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+13%3A5-6&version=NIV">Hebrews 13:5-6</a>. I have been repeating parts of the Hebrews verse to him each night as I put him down to sleep; it seems soothing to him to hear again and again that God is always with him, that we can trust Him, that we don't need to be afraid.<br />
<br />
Ever since I knew I was pregnant with Joshua, I had been praying that my baby might be a leader, a difference-maker in this world, someone who would bring glory to God and do it with humility. The name "Joshua" is perfect for my little guy - someone that God will certainly use to lead others. And boy, is that leadership potential apparent in toddlerhood. AmIright, parents? I have a little Director on my hands who is learning and being <i>disciplined</i> each day to become a self-sufficient, example-setting, people-loving leader. This is a messy process, friends.<br />
<br />
His room is loosely decorated in a nautical theme, with a <a href="http://www.nonprints.com/painting/The_Red_Boats_Argenteuil_558.html">pretty Monet poster</a>, navy grommet top curtains, a vintage U. S. navy towel in light blue and white, a blue and silver banner that I made, and some Nautica kids bedding - all with white walls and a wood floor - so that I can change his room theme easily, later. This word art completes the theme, I think, adding just the right amount of red. Someday soon, I hope to make him an oversized letter "J" pillow to toss on his soon-to-be-a-toddler-bed.<br />
<br />
Without further ado:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRkcQ6JzxwZwF8_BdMsGCwf70G8zje5cHb74qOzr6bWeon9p1QCEoIgWYBfiqq6lqff4d1LDz1dgQOOC6K8nKlSWXexd8NBwxA_iOHDz6naF6zYhSXh4AHKV9XYp_RIGMPAYoe2NetRY/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRkcQ6JzxwZwF8_BdMsGCwf70G8zje5cHb74qOzr6bWeon9p1QCEoIgWYBfiqq6lqff4d1LDz1dgQOOC6K8nKlSWXexd8NBwxA_iOHDz6naF6zYhSXh4AHKV9XYp_RIGMPAYoe2NetRY/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-F88XIn7LzkTVGsVbBSSn0f74bnRi-bX4oW2z0TAJkm_2yZnSR0NzrFhGGRo5pMnVmPq-uUT1SW8iInBeUyn1V2pWNFthk0rJaIN2-u6BFUDkYaK1lz2HlLP_Hw7l2fIqCoH8H_of0I/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-F88XIn7LzkTVGsVbBSSn0f74bnRi-bX4oW2z0TAJkm_2yZnSR0NzrFhGGRo5pMnVmPq-uUT1SW8iInBeUyn1V2pWNFthk0rJaIN2-u6BFUDkYaK1lz2HlLP_Hw7l2fIqCoH8H_of0I/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssB1N_IQ_jUfw89pAo3lOD_haqJZNgOpNvUvj71er6C53aUraumuUtrUY75daUUH6VBhBgNXX_LEPbG_ByzYm50zr1pfiwxilMaazLpqU4chDydlmupUiJoa8i4tA2-1enc3kMAJgYkE/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssB1N_IQ_jUfw89pAo3lOD_haqJZNgOpNvUvj71er6C53aUraumuUtrUY75daUUH6VBhBgNXX_LEPbG_ByzYm50zr1pfiwxilMaazLpqU4chDydlmupUiJoa8i4tA2-1enc3kMAJgYkE/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-79055859693005954932014-09-03T19:26:00.000-04:002014-09-03T19:26:14.290-04:00our life right nowOur life is changing, along with the seasons. Joshua can say more words clearly, my belly grows larger, and my husband continues to excel at his job, too. We found, or rather, a car fell into our laps, and we were able to purchase it. We somehow, suddenly, have a second vehicle, a second car seat, and I can take Joshua out for the day. The little guy started showing an interest in toilet training, so he's doing that, too. And to top it all off? Our little tiny baby is not a second son, but a daughter. A girl!<br />
<br />
Talk about a change! Bring on the glitter, flowers, frills, tea parties, and dollies. This momma is so excited.<br />
<br />
And I am embracing every solo moment with my sweet, kind little boy. Exploring outside, learning about dirt, rocks, and tractors, playing with his little friends. Even when he has an accident on the floor or an untimely tantrum. No, those are not fun moments, but they pass so quickly. And he needs me to be invested in him, not in what he does. I am trying. I wake each day and pray for strength and wisdom to meet the challenges of the day. This song comes to mind, and sometimes I sing it to Joshie at bedtime for his lullaby:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hymnary.org/text/day_by_day_and_with_each_passing_moment">Day by day, and with each passing moment, </a><br />
Strength I find to meet my trials here. <br />Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,<br />
I've no cause for worry or for fear.<br />
<br />
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure<br />
Gives unto each day what He deems best.<br />
Lovingly, it's part of pain and pleasure,<br />
Mingling toil with peace and rest.<br />
<br />
Every day, the Lord himself is near me,<br />
With a special mercy for each hour.<br />
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,<br />
He whose name is Counselor and Power.<br />
<br />
The protection of His child and treasure<br />
Is a charge that on himself He laid.<br />
As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure -<br />
This the pledge to me He made.<br />
<br />
Help me, then, in every tribulation,<br />
So to trust thy promises, O Lord.<br />
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation<br />
Offered me within thy holy word.<br />
<br />
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,<br />
E'er to take, as from a Father's hand.<br />
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,<br />
'Till I reach the promised land. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-31719984364091633572014-07-15T19:47:00.000-04:002014-07-15T19:47:04.578-04:00little things: a long time comingThe last time I published was in May. There are many excuses. But here I am, anyway, with good news!<br />
<br />
There will be another little one added to our family in mid-January! We got to see our tiny baby just last week via ultrasound, and six weeks earlier saw his or her strong, beating heart. What a blessing and an answer to our prayers. God is good to us!<br />
<br />
The baby will be about 25 months younger than Joshua, which I think sounds just about perfect. They'll get to grow up together, play together, and have each other to lean on as they go through life.<br />
<br />
I'm praying for strength, peace, and grace to be a good mommy to the two little blessings that we've been given!<br />
<br />
I do think I could now do a list of the little things, don't you? <br />
<br />
1. Our tiny baby with wiggly hands and feet, and a strong heartbeat<br />
2. My Joshua giving me kisses and picking flowers for me when we're outside<br />
3. Having the opportunity this past June to teach at summer music school again<br />
4. Being able to be there for a friend as she adjusts to her newest little one<br />
5. Sharing maternity clothes with friends<br />
6. Already being past the nausea and food aversions, and feeling more energetic<br />
7. The blessing of peace in place of my fear for this pregnancy<br />
8. The conversations Brad and I have already had about possible names for our littlest<br />
9. Quiet evenings and nights of unbroken sleep, thanks to a certain newly sleeping-through-the-night toddler <br />
10. Being blessed in so many ways because God is good. He is holy, sovereign, and in control. That he has his glory and his purpose in mind, even in the most difficult of times. That he hears our hearts' cries and holds us in every moment.<br />
<br />
I may someday share about the depth of pain and struggle that we've been through, but for now, it's enough to know that God is faithful, that he is present, and that we are held in his hands no matter the circumstance.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful!Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-24816196511999949572014-05-06T21:27:00.001-04:002014-05-06T21:27:11.075-04:00A children's songI sing to my son all day long. Sometimes they're songs I know from my childhood, sometimes hymns, sometimes songs I make up. We listen to so much music. Classical plays in his bedroom. Anything on Daddy's iPod in the living room. Pandora everywhere else. I like to think that he's constantly in his own personal music education classroom.<br />
<br />
That said, some of these songs I learned in my childhood have lyrics that I'm not sure I want my son to internalize.<br />
<br />
One little, two little, three little...Indians? Um... I replace that with "children" or something similar, but it doesn't quite work at the end of the song. Sing it through. You'll know what I mean. "Ten little happy boys" might work as the last line.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the song that stands out in my mind is a classic - "Jesus Loves the Little Children."All the children of the world. So far, so good. It's the third line that bugs me. "Red and yellow, black and white" just doesn't work anymore, if it ever did. People take offense to being labeled with a color. Besides, I'm not white. My skin is light peach. Or tan. With freckles. And blue veins and red-flushed cheeks.<br />
<br />
So I changed the words. <a href="http://www.hymnary.org/text/jesus_loves_the_little_children_all_the">Here's the original</a> if you want to reference it. The first verse here is not entirely mine - I'm pretty sure it shows up in the blue Covenant Hymnal, but <a href="http://www.hymnary.org/">Hymnary</a> doesn't have that information. However, I did make up a second verse. <br />
<br />
Jesus loves the little children<br />
All the children of the world<br />
Every color, every race<br />
They are covered by his grace<br />
Jesus loves the little children of the world. <br />
<br />
Jesus loves the little children<br />
All the children of the world<br />
Every country, everywhere<br />
Jesus hears their every prayer<br />
Jesus loves the little children of the world.<br />
<br />
I'm working on coming up with a third verse, but it might be a while before I get it just right. I'll just keep singing to my baby. He doesn't mind.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Any songs you know from childhood that should be revamped for today's kids? Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-88156362261389069442014-05-02T17:32:00.000-04:002014-05-02T17:36:03.166-04:00short sleeves for springMy mother-in-law loves to dote on her grandson. This makes me a happy momma, indeed!<br />
<br />
Last week, we stopped in at a local children's resale shop, and she picked up a haul of great deals for Joshua to enjoy this spring and summer! A couple pairs of shorts, a Fisher Price bubble mower, and their everyday 10 onesies for $10 deal.<br />
<br />
Four of the onesies happened to be long sleeved, and that's not so suitable for spring, right? But I had an idea...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD_0SpErPFqr03CCEzFAp9gJg787m6zzM2iJRyrSjerjuvoD27LtF7ysJ_R13sdPpffYPQ2rkhrxiuLMhgcq71APLTm5p47xieXeCIcxvPJpVz6MejrDtNwhfNcWNyO4N73KxoMhZYd4/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD_0SpErPFqr03CCEzFAp9gJg787m6zzM2iJRyrSjerjuvoD27LtF7ysJ_R13sdPpffYPQ2rkhrxiuLMhgcq71APLTm5p47xieXeCIcxvPJpVz6MejrDtNwhfNcWNyO4N73KxoMhZYd4/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
...and I made them into short sleeved onesies!<br />
<br />
You may remember that I wrote a silly little <a href="http://linnea-joyfulstrength.blogspot.com/2011/08/lament-for-sewing-machine-c-1980-2011.html">lament for my sewing machine</a>. The machine is still out of commission, but a good friend of mine let me borrow her (new in the box!) machine for my little project. So generous! It was a dream to sew on such an easy-to-use, smooth machine. Everything went so perfectly. Thank you, Dena!<br />
<br />
I cut off the sleeve at the length I wanted the finished sleeve to be. I used an existing short sleeved shirt of Joshua's to be sure it was a good length.<br />
<br />
Then, I cut off the original shirt sleeve cuffs, turned them inside out, and fitted them over the newly-shortened sleeve so that the raw edges lined up.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I stretched the fabric out and sewed straight-line stitches to reattach the "new" sleeve cuffs. Turned them back to the right side, trimmed threads, and there we go!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5TkMOybbsgR5877hdYkyG996r2EWCT8Nhx33bX6NJasgOZ_91TvmFmO8LYgeufk-E6Rld9hryYRSaHzN1g7BiKRhD1lJY3bbyDItxMQNcZ1BT_Yypc0Q7BFerApea3ZftP9yxABxuJ4/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5TkMOybbsgR5877hdYkyG996r2EWCT8Nhx33bX6NJasgOZ_91TvmFmO8LYgeufk-E6Rld9hryYRSaHzN1g7BiKRhD1lJY3bbyDItxMQNcZ1BT_Yypc0Q7BFerApea3ZftP9yxABxuJ4/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Cute? I think so! I'm pleased and happy to have some "new" play clothes for my little boy! Thanks, "Grandma!"Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-42422930943597003172014-04-30T19:48:00.000-04:002014-04-30T19:48:36.958-04:00peanut butter chocolate chip cookiesOh, yes.<br />
<br />
If you know me, you know that for dessert to be dessert, it must have one key ingredient:<br />
<br />
CHOCOLATE.<br />
<br />
Pie is great. I like cake, for sure. Cookies are delicious. But if given a choice (unless it's Grandma Landin's pie with sugar on top), I will choose the one with chocolate. Every time. Except for when it's Grandma's pie.<br />
<br />
That said, these peanut butter cookies have just been elevated from breakfasty-kind-of-cookie to Dessert-Cookie.<br />
<br />
The hubby loves oatmeal cookies.<br />
<br />
The son loves peanut butter.<br />
<br />
I love chocolate.<br />
<br />
These cookies are a win.<br />
<br />
And? I didn't even tweak the recipe. Not one bit. And I let Joshie stand next to me on chair the whole time and "help" me. The recipe was that easy. It was our rainy day activity. The blah-day remedy. The "fill up a half hour so my son doesn't fall apart because of teething pain" diversion.<br />
<br />
What recipe, you ask?<br />
<a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2012/12/oatmeal-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2012/12/oatmeal-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip.html">This one.</a> Half brown sugar, half granulated. Butter. Peanut butter. (or "buttah-buttah," as my son calls it) Vanilla. Flour. Baking soda. Salt. Quick oats. CHOCOLATE CHIPS.<br />
<br />
I love when a recipe has all simple, everyday ingredients but turns out so deliciously. Mmmm. Nobody ruin my bliss by telling me about empty calories, processed sugar, blah blah blah. I'll go running tomorrow. No, for real. I will. After I eat another cookie.<br />
<br />
Go make <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2012/12/oatmeal-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip.html">these!</a> Now. Go. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-76493116916745931652014-04-08T09:13:00.000-04:002014-04-08T09:13:09.116-04:00play dough, for realYesterday, I felt like super mom. Made dinner in the crock pot, swept floors, played with baby, made homemade play dough. Today? Let's just roll with it and let it be what it is!<br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://www.livecrafteat.com/live/the-best-homemade-playdough-recipe/">this recipe</a> for play dough, and found it to be good. I didn't have quite enough cream of tartar, but it still turned out well! Smooth, soft, squishy, and almost exactly like the brand name stuff. It does have a bit of a salty, grainy texture, but that didn't bother me. Also, if it gets wet, the food coloring starts to bleed onto hands. But I can live with that! It also made A LOT of play dough - I split it into fourths and put away 3/4 of the dough in separate containers for another day.<br />
<br />
Joshua loved it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv8OBUpxsyW-Isd3hPfGXFpKH6YGuCBIDVU6siQY0M0jqj_nfVmUyMEyoaE7xomVZi-tVHrYZXABGgLA25-76DzIagmf2uy0mWidIoc_ojITbur7u5d6_a6IohdSwTbhYt3jD5dluCTU/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv8OBUpxsyW-Isd3hPfGXFpKH6YGuCBIDVU6siQY0M0jqj_nfVmUyMEyoaE7xomVZi-tVHrYZXABGgLA25-76DzIagmf2uy0mWidIoc_ojITbur7u5d6_a6IohdSwTbhYt3jD5dluCTU/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33I0Fp_eIYEVOMjjZtX6dwEaDI_7EV3RtzgX2WjeIPPf-3OkS8e0TLb67LfgQ395Jk67MxQzTgMJoAipiz8GLl1VFFEvknRTvj7KywJHj8I8VAPXgpC0bxHjttJ3Vu-_Hn1wpo-pSu3E/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33I0Fp_eIYEVOMjjZtX6dwEaDI_7EV3RtzgX2WjeIPPf-3OkS8e0TLb67LfgQ395Jk67MxQzTgMJoAipiz8GLl1VFFEvknRTvj7KywJHj8I8VAPXgpC0bxHjttJ3Vu-_Hn1wpo-pSu3E/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMr_nnxQ9YAg99c5zkWKwZTU014tTwvKHhH0Mrcz7qDFTvOnN32WNeL9sKOdcRcDUJWjsRl2mKgK6gJNR5bRnzJdhqZvhJBUlejbEQkwNc8sf7mkD_9SRNW3plXmlv7HPx6p7NbKgI4s/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMr_nnxQ9YAg99c5zkWKwZTU014tTwvKHhH0Mrcz7qDFTvOnN32WNeL9sKOdcRcDUJWjsRl2mKgK6gJNR5bRnzJdhqZvhJBUlejbEQkwNc8sf7mkD_9SRNW3plXmlv7HPx6p7NbKgI4s/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhnFhafUBQL9KeqoLp7O7SepHznDR-FATepSmLqafnt7UkcacisGHPHvvoOpwD6H5UbZCvFyV1cAuZjxbcguzpGg3PD0X9MnF520cL3z7rKt4eVTF66wrfL_oM3eLTm885FPEV9bOXD8/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhnFhafUBQL9KeqoLp7O7SepHznDR-FATepSmLqafnt7UkcacisGHPHvvoOpwD6H5UbZCvFyV1cAuZjxbcguzpGg3PD0X9MnF520cL3z7rKt4eVTF66wrfL_oM3eLTm885FPEV9bOXD8/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-78958033320544132982014-03-06T17:19:00.000-05:002014-03-06T17:19:23.104-05:00thrifty ThursdayI love thrifting. It's thrilling to me to find something I've been needing for so much less that it would cost from its original store.<br />
<br />
Lately, Brad has been needing jeans to wear to work. His office recently switched over to more casual dress, and he hasn't worn a pair of khakis to work in ages! His jeans collection was starting to be a bit threadbare, and one of his last good pairs ripped all the way up the leg. Dire situation, indeed.<br />
<br />
My mission upon entering thrift stores, then, has been first, to find jeans for Brad, second, to find clothes for my ever-growing toddler, and third, to find a couple nice pieces for myself, since my post-pregnancy shape is so different.<br />
<br />
Today was a triple win. Hooray!<br />
<br />
Not one, but THREE pairs of pants for Brad:<br />
One pair of Levi's (about $58 new), one pair of brand new, with tags, Old Navy jeans ($29.50), and a pair of Banana Republic jeans ($89!?!) for a grand total of $35.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n9y2XtciCVro5QrrmYfNNdXrnrSZXnqTlRT_T4JYsWsWKd-yNscoXwLMQ4-MQBsggu4IeWbs5CWzA0YxG5s0AR1tnQRGOeQdSbuWHQHM13sh387U77PVlMVVRoHPXy9kxQdcV28LtJ0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n9y2XtciCVro5QrrmYfNNdXrnrSZXnqTlRT_T4JYsWsWKd-yNscoXwLMQ4-MQBsggu4IeWbs5CWzA0YxG5s0AR1tnQRGOeQdSbuWHQHM13sh387U77PVlMVVRoHPXy9kxQdcV28LtJ0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
A likely brand new baby Gap thermal (white with navy stripes) for my sweet little boy:<br />
(Similar one $19.95) for $0.75. Boom, baby.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6ttyVT1wNp7yMXPIj9_srLotCP9kn-CbguE8wp_EWYZdTV6ZyXUdT2rwcVJX_eaqOTWY5yD5Rd8nwKF45weF8f6sY_Zl7nA8NZ4lJhIFsMsiLwDe7E6V0SXa50uwcxdmn1UWhuUpspc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6ttyVT1wNp7yMXPIj9_srLotCP9kn-CbguE8wp_EWYZdTV6ZyXUdT2rwcVJX_eaqOTWY5yD5Rd8nwKF45weF8f6sY_Zl7nA8NZ4lJhIFsMsiLwDe7E6V0SXa50uwcxdmn1UWhuUpspc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
And a cute sweater and skirt for me! The skirt is old, from Old Navy. Probably about 2006? Let's imagine that it was probably about $15. The sweater doesn't have a tag, but it looks like it could be Old Navy, as well. I'll imagine that it was likely $20 new. Both items came to $6.50 total.<br />
<br />
So the grand total is about $42. It would have been about $222 new. I paid about 19% of the original price of these items.<br />
<br />
I. Love. Thrifting.<br />
<br />
Happy Thursday!Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-71008731594611673912014-03-05T21:43:00.000-05:002014-09-24T19:18:26.153-04:00Like play-dohIt's said that the sense of smell is one of our greatest memory triggers. I remember Nanny when I smell her laundry detergent on a vintage sheet that has been tucked away for years. Lavender hand soap reminds me of the first time I visited Brad's parents' home as his brand-new girlfriend. I hear the laughs of my dorm-mates when I encounter the same scent that lingered in those halls. Crackling wood fires bring to mind memories of childhood campfires in the woods behind my parents' home, and cookouts at the church in the fall. Even the smell of dead flies (ha!) reminds me of the fly-strewn practice room that houses my favorite piano at college.<br />
<br />
Touch and texture remind me of things, too. Play-doh, that smooth to crumbly feeling that smells just like...play-doh? You know! And the plastic tub. The dough that's molded over and over and shaped and stretched and cut and extruded and smooshed back into the container with three different colors mixed in for another day. (Happy run-on sentence to you. You're welcome.)<br />
<br />
Lately, I feel like play-doh. Familiar, soft, playful. Sometimes a little crumbly. Not perfect. Molded again and again and definitely not what I used to be. Still good, but not what I used to be. And my heart is so much softer than the first day I let God use me, the first time I let him have control of my life.<br />
<br />
Life is full of beautiful blessings. Days that turn out perfectly, a loving family, a comfortable home, a beautiful, boisterous baby boy. But there is so much pain, too. I can't share all my pain here, yet, maybe never, but know that if you're hurting, I will cry with you.<br />
<br />
There is a family in Buffalo, NY whose preschooler, <a href="http://bensauer.blogspot.com/p/bens-story.html">Ben, has been diagnosed with a tumor</a>, a cancer that has given him mere weeks to live. Ben is a twin. And the middle child in a perfect little family. They love God. They believe, they trust. But the end of Ben's life appears to be imminent. I know that God can redeem this situation somehow, but it seems that there will be tears. And mourning. And grief. And many whys with no answers that satisfy. His mother keeps saying "but God." But God could intervene.<br />
<br />
He has, and He will. God is sovereign. He gives generously, and takes away. We may never know why on this side of eternity, but we can trust Him because He loves us.<br />
<br />
Even so, I'm crying for little Ben and his family tonight. I'm crying because my heart resonates with the pain of loss, and of aching for ones I've loved. Because I know the peace that passes understanding, and his name is Jesus. He is the only hope for our hurting souls, and the only answer to the death, destruction, and pain in this world. He is the only one, who by his own strength overcame the grave, and who gives us a future and a hope in heaven. He has made the way for us to become children of God, and to live with Him through eternity.<br />
<br />
I'm taking comfort in that tonight. Even though I feel like I'm crumbling. Bits of me smashed up with other bits that I didn't think belonged. But I'll be rolled out and shaped and formed each day of my life and one day, become exactly what my Father planned for me all along. The pain, the sorrow, the joys, the blessings, the longings, the dreams fulfilled - they will all be worth it. They will come together as part of His glorious plan and I will be perfectly content, rejoicing in Him.<br />
<br />
Come, Lord Jesus, come! Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-64831544796293339022014-03-03T19:44:00.000-05:002014-03-03T19:44:12.064-05:00little thingsLittle, tiny fingers, curling up and reaching toward me, just begging for tickles - love this.<br />
The sweet birdie foot prints in the freshly fallen snow around the porch<br />
A kiss from my sweet little boy<br />
A warm house where we make our home<br />
Cookies from my mom<br />
Internet radio on my phone<br />
Giggles from that ticklish toddler boy<br />
Pretty love-themed decorations packed away for next February<br />
March/Easter - themed decorations ready to be lovingly placed<br />
Reminders of how much I am loved - handwritten notes, calls, thoughtful gestures<br />
<br />
There is so much to be thankful for! Why is it so easy to miss this in the long, long days, while we count down the hours to bedtime and wonder what we might try to accomplish while the little one plays? <br />
<br />
Trying to be conscious of the many blessings, and to be thankful. And to teach my son to do the same.<br />
<br />
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-35639881334206482482014-02-03T20:55:00.001-05:002014-02-03T20:55:47.524-05:00little thingsIt was a long, silent January, wasn't it? We experienced some of the coldest, snowiest days I've ever seen, and spent many cozy times cuddled up over "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and piles of colorful blocks, not to mention stepping over piles of kitchen "toys" - pots, pans, recycling, spoons, canned goods...<br />
<br />
So to begin February on a thankful note, here we go!<br />
<br />
1. Warm, cozy days with my sweet little boy, who is growing and changing and learning so much each day<br />
2. Cuddling on the couch with Brad after the sweet little boy is asleep in bed<br />
3. Enough food, enough blankets, <i>enough. </i>We have everything we need, and so much more.<br />
4. Putting away the last of the Christmas decorations, and looking forward to next year's decorating. Now that I know all the best places to put things out of Joshie's reach, I can better prepare for next time!<br />
5. Visits with family and dear friends<br />
6. The privilege of attending a truth-speaking church<br />
7. Beautiful, bountiful, blessed snow. Sparkly, shimmery, swiftly blowing snow. Wind-blown dunes of crisp, crunchy, sand-like snow. Icy puddles that preserve fallen leaves, sticks, berries, pine cones.<br />
8. The sound of birdsong today! Don't they know it's still winter here for another four months or so? God meets all their needs too, of course.<br />
9. The blessing of many toys for my son, who insists he must climb on top of them all.<br />
10. Safety for our family and friends, and the blessing of a Savior who knows us better than we know ourselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2_OtUhi8KY2kKXvXVsavERwzRAfsYvambmqaxdb0qqqKTb5y2_MaZ5AtiKJI9954YuYANNlUU9EKfEcPcIYVyrK4TUSUD1oEE8U0i_bx3Gct60xAzYvU1BAUtK1pkMAmkKdflzrUy6M/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2_OtUhi8KY2kKXvXVsavERwzRAfsYvambmqaxdb0qqqKTb5y2_MaZ5AtiKJI9954YuYANNlUU9EKfEcPcIYVyrK4TUSUD1oEE8U0i_bx3Gct60xAzYvU1BAUtK1pkMAmkKdflzrUy6M/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-90256940594471661122013-12-18T12:55:00.000-05:002013-12-18T13:13:32.700-05:00Joshua's first birthdayWhew, a year has come and gone! Joshua is ONE!<br />
<br />
I started party planning back in August, I think, with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/joyfulstrength/first-birthday-party/">this Pinterest board</a>. I hope you can see that...let me know if you have trouble with the link.<br />
<br />
First, a theme: rockets! How fun for a little guy, right? I thought so. And hey, I get to pick, since he's not telling me what he wants just yet ;)<br />
<br />
I figured I'd make a rocket cake, stick with red and blue as theme colors, and maybe go with some galactic symbols here and there: stars, planets, aliens? Big brainstorm time.<br />
<br />
In my planning, I also wrote a poem for his birthday invitation, which looked like this, thanks to some conveniently free clip art included in Publisher:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hlDDnSYmwUZQWgG_jAKlwhsaifJ2Oix9iphHk0_misHM8ofm2gF2RkbFqDLG8HMH5kdhBVC2fnR5_Y8NHK4gxZIp3vzWPPot9uupAJNuVXI65r4ZVhyphenhyphenn3os3j87NwJ8dkjkxyyB0ym8/s1600/Joshua+first+birthday+inviteedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hlDDnSYmwUZQWgG_jAKlwhsaifJ2Oix9iphHk0_misHM8ofm2gF2RkbFqDLG8HMH5kdhBVC2fnR5_Y8NHK4gxZIp3vzWPPot9uupAJNuVXI65r4ZVhyphenhyphenn3os3j87NwJ8dkjkxyyB0ym8/s320/Joshua+first+birthday+inviteedit.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ta-da! Now we're rolling.<br />
So, now for some pictures of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1J5Et4a4GM1GZTQNc7KOhXRZlY5ZY6PadYCCjFtYfIPy_Hm19Kh9Bvpbxssvbt2wO-lH0br9Fs26GDLYTLdLkEdfY7n2T9y_UlI7IiF67xX6YG9V_70KVzMuT84Hotymo_0CcbC-5Ok/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1J5Et4a4GM1GZTQNc7KOhXRZlY5ZY6PadYCCjFtYfIPy_Hm19Kh9Bvpbxssvbt2wO-lH0br9Fs26GDLYTLdLkEdfY7n2T9y_UlI7IiF67xX6YG9V_70KVzMuT84Hotymo_0CcbC-5Ok/s320/IMG_4232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We gave Joshua his first-ever balloons to play with. Closely supervised, of course. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtiz2At0ja7faYi4gpq07POClOybv6BQeGyCZygzUkYC_l7ws3LWVdWFJdYu3gl2VkN9a7sTJZDTxrROKE_O5Oc9hisxBFm65E7lQjzujSGCOPt5YIdCHcQZDyqzSoiL6Vs3r2-oyXAc/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtiz2At0ja7faYi4gpq07POClOybv6BQeGyCZygzUkYC_l7ws3LWVdWFJdYu3gl2VkN9a7sTJZDTxrROKE_O5Oc9hisxBFm65E7lQjzujSGCOPt5YIdCHcQZDyqzSoiL6Vs3r2-oyXAc/s320/IMG_4277.JPG" width="213" /></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3L-DqZdb9m82HfeJWrp4fwaBbItEE4ojE7he20rVJ16Kx0pqW_s6teLXsd0c2Nxls8f5cMU8agwnQRScJTsCu42Dl57DBX_c_Z8vjH97CIAco9BSV6GqVAlcMhC7dAxK-_Wpe8Eyc_g/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3L-DqZdb9m82HfeJWrp4fwaBbItEE4ojE7he20rVJ16Kx0pqW_s6teLXsd0c2Nxls8f5cMU8agwnQRScJTsCu42Dl57DBX_c_Z8vjH97CIAco9BSV6GqVAlcMhC7dAxK-_Wpe8Eyc_g/s320/IMG_4311.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made star-shaped sugar cookie cutouts for the take-home gift for our guests.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgIpohdglAYryM4Icj8XLFp68b3yBLFtHFAavdDoKM7lFclQ-YY46B_9XwHHH0XPFZAu8bc8etxKct05z1-Tbm3fG9sJbh-H-VZacAkJHXDEMcdHxLDK2IhS0eniCBDvmjkh-hl72HgY/s1600/IMG_4314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgIpohdglAYryM4Icj8XLFp68b3yBLFtHFAavdDoKM7lFclQ-YY46B_9XwHHH0XPFZAu8bc8etxKct05z1-Tbm3fG9sJbh-H-VZacAkJHXDEMcdHxLDK2IhS0eniCBDvmjkh-hl72HgY/s320/IMG_4314.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
The rocket cake was made out of a 9"x11" sheet cake (funfetti, of course). I trimmed the cake into the body of the rocket, and then used the scraps to form the wings on the sides of the rocket. The jets were yellow cake cupcakes in foil cups, frosted with red and orange frosting to look fiery. I used a regular vanilla buttercream recipe for the frosting, tinting it with Wilton's gel paste food coloring as needed. Please note that it matches the rocket on the invitation; I was so happy with how it turned out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLL82lJ_igd-9Rnebleq2eBXYXMNFIbpj2BMKxVcOrncIp0xBeq_SCO-K4HxZ6UiVpJzeewXTnENHJOcY4-xwi81_JbF1qbBCP3awftbp-fbmrf3p9K1VqCPlQWGJpiqqaADn52bbYqg/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLL82lJ_igd-9Rnebleq2eBXYXMNFIbpj2BMKxVcOrncIp0xBeq_SCO-K4HxZ6UiVpJzeewXTnENHJOcY4-xwi81_JbF1qbBCP3awftbp-fbmrf3p9K1VqCPlQWGJpiqqaADn52bbYqg/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The rest of the yellow cake cupcakes, one of which was reserved for the birthday boy, were frosted in the same white vanilla buttercream, and sprinkled with blue sugar. Those are Hershey's kisses in the background, and one of our blue table runners from our wedding reception underneath. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tsvvJEVmxf84kwsFFGdA055xJBzot1y5uOnuNOVntdtQETAxcRSXh9nS7rNyC9xg4DhAKtwOgykykpNDYIfePsFe2NDKXFcHWb3aelOqS-GJLI4sFgIApLMsmJ46eDmVi8fQOBu-vx8/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tsvvJEVmxf84kwsFFGdA055xJBzot1y5uOnuNOVntdtQETAxcRSXh9nS7rNyC9xg4DhAKtwOgykykpNDYIfePsFe2NDKXFcHWb3aelOqS-GJLI4sFgIApLMsmJ46eDmVi8fQOBu-vx8/s320/IMG_4316.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Joshua holds onto a willing hand to walk around the house and visit guests. So sweet. Also, he was pretty much permanently attached to that balloon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINVRl36zK9NKE4w_SbwPwyDTPRYkZu0f9P0A2VCvmhsnVcIbPKTRWonXlN_FZrJ7d28TeVwIBwKPTRS1oAImGPSQ1NCfVwu3sPYGBenuba9qNQ1QqVp22fKRyWWBJ-PzgA91CC9oa6Y/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINVRl36zK9NKE4w_SbwPwyDTPRYkZu0f9P0A2VCvmhsnVcIbPKTRWonXlN_FZrJ7d28TeVwIBwKPTRS1oAImGPSQ1NCfVwu3sPYGBenuba9qNQ1QqVp22fKRyWWBJ-PzgA91CC9oa6Y/s400/IMG_4322.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First cake ever. Clearly, a big hit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFzGlTv3GGgbpqe_oAQzAnowiloFO32IPdLk9UjBy9BotXvR3I1v2mev7VE190BxyPEcz5P3FbjbBfT2pTjBdbyCBVq7GbM3uIHOo3rxwjzPgvwf9U2dX_o3Zo46vLwjWZo12VKXmFcY/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFzGlTv3GGgbpqe_oAQzAnowiloFO32IPdLk9UjBy9BotXvR3I1v2mev7VE190BxyPEcz5P3FbjbBfT2pTjBdbyCBVq7GbM3uIHOo3rxwjzPgvwf9U2dX_o3Zo46vLwjWZo12VKXmFcY/s320/IMG_4323.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBVuEabpugxPz5AO6uwF-jzO92Hj9H9_EQHOVk_C-EF8ir_SJjsc0OFjTyeWwjb_DUfFTwToxaC5rwwfVUGvYF62gc2X5XMdkVUj9G7nNlYRSesFGL_e136_X1eaMO3SpCQdenApi770/s1600/IMG_4337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBVuEabpugxPz5AO6uwF-jzO92Hj9H9_EQHOVk_C-EF8ir_SJjsc0OFjTyeWwjb_DUfFTwToxaC5rwwfVUGvYF62gc2X5XMdkVUj9G7nNlYRSesFGL_e136_X1eaMO3SpCQdenApi770/s320/IMG_4337.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwI0DAJSTDAaTvHkz-IUrEsKtB5WCHdcYEbEXI3VLusAldrD1i8SQ3V_HQmax1FsKJ5qW_N8Pq79oPxf3bNbjsupS3Ib3knJzs4C9cJCAEcRfjxbJlgeEz3sBZ7jeASChsuQOmuKH_fk/s1600/IMG_4341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwI0DAJSTDAaTvHkz-IUrEsKtB5WCHdcYEbEXI3VLusAldrD1i8SQ3V_HQmax1FsKJ5qW_N8Pq79oPxf3bNbjsupS3Ib3knJzs4C9cJCAEcRfjxbJlgeEz3sBZ7jeASChsuQOmuKH_fk/s320/IMG_4341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I kept the menu simple, with fresh fruit (thank you, Grandma Burr), a little veggie tray, crackers and cheese, and the desserts, of course. In the corner of the photo, you can see my star banner that I made! I wish I had a better photo of that, but forgot to take a good picture. We also decorated with pictures of Joshua from each month of his life, hung on a white cotton string with clothespins. There was also a banner of blue and silvery-blue triangles that we used at my baby shower for Joshua just over a year ago. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8vLmSbf9Z0YI0HnTYi4OxiKdojk5qfLk-28iP-c52GyAH5Qki61a4_Wqy6aiItUPmjVRmSaEVw3L8bh0Do_9a141S18CcTffcneI1f646usXuP5S5d9xUfeztpHny2RB1YF5FAPmSrg/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8vLmSbf9Z0YI0HnTYi4OxiKdojk5qfLk-28iP-c52GyAH5Qki61a4_Wqy6aiItUPmjVRmSaEVw3L8bh0Do_9a141S18CcTffcneI1f646usXuP5S5d9xUfeztpHny2RB1YF5FAPmSrg/s320/IMG_4344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes. The cake was satisfactory.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUmWBLWsdHOaCp0G9PuoMWpTWjrW4yC1rq_vV_2qEnWYfvQJQ7wjGedL1U01dKND2uuPwf9_MGTYkuVosiwTk8MU6Ea6UKBpGVYADYiIgJxQ7iGODfHx0ckolSNa-6k_APq_ePUNIKhU/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUmWBLWsdHOaCp0G9PuoMWpTWjrW4yC1rq_vV_2qEnWYfvQJQ7wjGedL1U01dKND2uuPwf9_MGTYkuVosiwTk8MU6Ea6UKBpGVYADYiIgJxQ7iGODfHx0ckolSNa-6k_APq_ePUNIKhU/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A worn out birthday boy and two happy parents, celebrating one whole year! Also, more of that star banner I mentioned. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtphqSMu-t5rdevy9vi-tX-0UPEhKusJxWucoJAEajGkb6foToPROVioXKjig-vEerZhGJiSHDQCSY_pS4dhnHoOo3Te_gW8zHMFWGZS2yTR2awfwSjkSATX11hULPaiImii97bhtC-fw/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtphqSMu-t5rdevy9vi-tX-0UPEhKusJxWucoJAEajGkb6foToPROVioXKjig-vEerZhGJiSHDQCSY_pS4dhnHoOo3Te_gW8zHMFWGZS2yTR2awfwSjkSATX11hULPaiImii97bhtC-fw/s320/IMG_4356.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Happy birthday, big guy! We love you so much.Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-50353198548321748342013-11-30T21:45:00.002-05:002013-11-30T21:45:38.730-05:00firstsOur first year as parents is almost over! Our sweet little guy will be one year old in just a few days, and it's so hard to believe. We have so much to be thankful for. Mercy upon mercy. Grace upon grace. So many blessings, achings, joys, sorrows, exhilarations, fears.<br />
<br />
Joshua's first Thanksgiving was a cozy family gathering with his paternal grandparents. I completely forgot to take any pictures, and the camera stayed in the car the whole time! I'm pretty disappointed about that. We enjoyed a warm, play-filled couple of days by the fireplace, with snow falling outside and delicious dinners inside. There was a trip to a local tree nursery to see their decorated Christmas trees, and a brisk excursion to a small-town parade with Santa at the end. There were lots of stories and jokes told, a few rounds of Skip-Bo, and quite a few sweets.<br />
<br />
We are blessed. Home, family, friends, safety, health, warmth, love.<br />
<br />
Remembering the little things, and thanking the beyond-comprehension God who orchestrates it all and loves us more than we could possibly imagine. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-91285496845098412572013-11-15T14:38:00.000-05:002013-11-15T14:38:24.874-05:00Goodness and graceMore times than I can count, Brad and I have come to the end of our ability and the bottom of our savings and have found <i>blessings</i> instead.<br />
<br />
Each other.<br />
<br />
A home.<br />
<br />
Food on the table.<br />
<br />
Our loving family and friends.<br />
<br />
Our church.<br />
<br />
The clothing on our backs.<br />
<br />
And so much more.<br />
<br />
<br />This time, we also found freedom from our medical debts and a large financial gift from our church family, who knew how hard it had become for us to make ends meet.<br />
<br />
I hesitated to write about this, because I felt a little guilty enjoying these undeserved, unearned blessings! <a href="http://mymcmlife.com/2013/11/14/guilt-free-waiting/">This post</a> reminded me that God delights in giving good gifts to His children, and that it's alright, it's encouraged, that we enjoy them!<br />
<br />
So with a thankful, beyond grateful, joyful heart, I ask you to celebrate with me, friends!<br />
<br />
One of our small group leaders approached us a couple weeks ago with a financial gift from our church. A large gift. Because they knew how hard it was for us to make ends meet lately. The size that will allow us to replace the broken windshield on our car, put food on our table, buy a few gifts for our family, fill an <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/">Operation Christmas Child box</a>, and put something in our savings account. We are so grateful and floored with the generosity of our church family to us. <br />
<br />
I recently humbled myself and applied for charity care for our medical bills. Paying pennies on thousands owed each month was squeezing our already tight budget, and I found myself deciding between a $2 box of cereal and a box of Kleenex. Deciding whether or not to buy cheese, or a bag of apples. Telling myself that I could make sandwich bread instead of buying a $1.50 loaf. Feeding our child from our plates instead of buying pureed and pouch-packaged baby food. Cutting every corner I thriftily could. <br />
<br />
And then, all four of our medical bills were either reduced or forgiven, and we were able to pay the remaining balance this month.<br />
<br />
Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
So, we bought some meat for our freezer. Fresh veggies and fruits for the fridge. Sandwich bread and Kleenex. (Because the baby has a cold, and the hubby needs sandwiches when he packs his lunch for work). We feel abundantly blessed, and look forward to this new freedom to bless others. And to save! And to share our joy with you. Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-68171167135343707382013-11-05T10:57:00.004-05:002013-11-05T10:57:39.787-05:00Living through accidentsNote: The blog entry below was written before I began writing this blog, and was once posted on Facebook. Brad and I have been through so many car-related troubles, and this is just one way that God has chosen to bless us through awful circumstances. Please note that this took place while Brad was in grad school, and I had recently begun a position as a secretary at a realty company. Money was tight, though the recession had not hit us hard just yet. It was barely 2009, just six months into our marriage.<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
For the living to tell about it part, I am incredibly thankful. <br />
<br />
So,
last week, Brad got rear-ended when he was driving my cute little black
Nissan. (You can read more about <a href="http://linnea-joyfulstrength.blogspot.com/2011/02/deer-dominos.html">that car's destiny here.</a> And about how God blessed us through it, <a href="http://linnea-joyfulstrength.blogspot.com/2012/05/two-years-in-review.html">here</a>.) Minor, just needed to be taken to a repair shop to get an
estimate. Insurance will cover it. No big deal. <br />
<br />
On Friday, as in the 30th of January, Brad came down to my office to pick
up my car and take it to the dealership to get an estimate. he was
driving our new red Chevy (2001 Cavalier), and left it in the parking
lot for me while he took my car to get the estimate. the dealership
evidently doesn't do that kind of estimate at the location Brad went to,
so Brad called me for directions to the other dealership. easy, since I
have a computer in front of me all day. <br />
<br />
About 15
minutes later, he called, lost, needing help to find the dealership. he
had just gone too far, and needed to turn around. (which he did while
talking to me on the phone...) as he was pulling his u-turn on a
relatively quiet country road, he just didn't look to see the semi
coming down the road, and pulled out - an absolutely terrifying
experience of glass breaking, metal crunching, and then silence on my
end. <br />
<br />
I was shocked, and so grateful to hear his voice
when he called back 5 minutes later to tell me that he was okay, he had
been hit, the car was wrecked, and he had called 911. He was sobbing -
way more than disconcerting! <br />
<br />
I hopped in the car with
my manager, and she drove me all the way to where he was. On the way, I
called my pastor (who started praying immediately and put us on the
prayer chain), my parents, and the other branch of the office where I
worked to let them know what was going on.<br />
<br />
When I got there, he seemed okay.I am so grateful for his life. <br />
<br />
So grateful. I can't even explain how thankful I am for him. (tears - just a second - I'll be back.)<br />
<br />
I'm back. Evidently the damage is fixable (post script: it was fixable, and the insurance money provided groceries for us for a few months. Just one way God chose to bless us through pain). We shall see. at this point, I'm thankful for insurance. <br />
<br />
There
are so many reasons for me to live a grateful life, and this is
hopefully the only attention-arresting moment we'll ever have to endure. It has been a tough two months - with Brad's Saturn dying, having to
buy another car, getting rear-ended, and now this. We're not sure how
we'll make it, but we know that God will provide for all our needs. He
has kept us safe, and we are incredibly thankful to Him - for life, for
each other, for safety, and for our family and friends. We love you!Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930977413410371952.post-79834252950071677432013-11-05T10:44:00.002-05:002013-11-05T10:44:55.407-05:00elevenEleven months feels like a momentous occasion. The penultimate to one year, the end of infancy, the beginning of many more adventures.<br />
<br />
My little one is on the brink of walking, has six teeth, loves to clap, eats anything we're eating (mostly), and still has yet to sleep through the night, but we're trying!<br />
<br />
Oh, how he has won our hearts. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT1grz808KYgWasFqyGwr1W6s9Gn-IKBsaTfOWngkWePvSaXK3V5pTwP__XMr_bHvYISoYilAGZUcx-0UEDjVvMDavMd3oWIyAashimTr-KqZojYYYINPfMYIEU623kCxQHRs-3RzAaI/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT1grz808KYgWasFqyGwr1W6s9Gn-IKBsaTfOWngkWePvSaXK3V5pTwP__XMr_bHvYISoYilAGZUcx-0UEDjVvMDavMd3oWIyAashimTr-KqZojYYYINPfMYIEU623kCxQHRs-3RzAaI/s320/IMG_4087.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhRRS-_1FQPl_bJ1i2TX0ib0NMdD2E4vo3pQDXRg7wFXSxl1R2qTydhT__4KPxFqJ8D4MuRK9cd2mJA_2vHQ1ngCWL9lHoBPTO8nObCfbntz2C5_zd_2KxE7Uvs3Oiif7zFP0WoZRTok/s1600/IMG_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhRRS-_1FQPl_bJ1i2TX0ib0NMdD2E4vo3pQDXRg7wFXSxl1R2qTydhT__4KPxFqJ8D4MuRK9cd2mJA_2vHQ1ngCWL9lHoBPTO8nObCfbntz2C5_zd_2KxE7Uvs3Oiif7zFP0WoZRTok/s320/IMG_4102.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPP6XBZPSNi1bS00c5Rp8LSVpn3hSD_VbSUfmwGzqGaNqDtdAvmDb_fPOVKiiZIjtkCuJvIUkoKhZvIpWwD8Uy8EdxmoRFHgYN6d9WcJS12Unv2WU4hCdnxWqHCr3Xmd_OFWqKqWztHU/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPP6XBZPSNi1bS00c5Rp8LSVpn3hSD_VbSUfmwGzqGaNqDtdAvmDb_fPOVKiiZIjtkCuJvIUkoKhZvIpWwD8Uy8EdxmoRFHgYN6d9WcJS12Unv2WU4hCdnxWqHCr3Xmd_OFWqKqWztHU/s320/IMG_4122.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_aygRiE9D0Zb90bUcii7zbQ4KFxjRUx42u_qlImg0NpDje2XNax6ACmHwBjcyrIgXGLYp9By3Wd6NQ26WZq7JbJLT9BmmIN0_ism2QCA3rjn4FWy4bJYFuFN9YULy0azp-JcIdTNiQE/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_aygRiE9D0Zb90bUcii7zbQ4KFxjRUx42u_qlImg0NpDje2XNax6ACmHwBjcyrIgXGLYp9By3Wd6NQ26WZq7JbJLT9BmmIN0_ism2QCA3rjn4FWy4bJYFuFN9YULy0azp-JcIdTNiQE/s320/IMG_4137.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbR7HJCs20yhDd5phmureYxO1Es_v1NiZLOb_lusvaimbFecyPQqt7R2DL1_E2UVOVPnK1JSq_CSKZy76Ks4JjTvV1XnCptVxZCpljGr1QWf3ie3h8GxgllJNjRP89wZK9Fgw43sr5uc/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbR7HJCs20yhDd5phmureYxO1Es_v1NiZLOb_lusvaimbFecyPQqt7R2DL1_E2UVOVPnK1JSq_CSKZy76Ks4JjTvV1XnCptVxZCpljGr1QWf3ie3h8GxgllJNjRP89wZK9Fgw43sr5uc/s320/IMG_4141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0sEXWlJ4URYgdD7GT9WoHr5jLfwi37rKATCGlq109ykDaKVvejLwa6l6YGm_PUtpbzugsZXkmLYRgKdzxZ4VbiJSyYuOQJx5SaTyrrtES4nrgXI1DJEMv3OkNXfGlcjXdhkyDOx0l0U/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0sEXWlJ4URYgdD7GT9WoHr5jLfwi37rKATCGlq109ykDaKVvejLwa6l6YGm_PUtpbzugsZXkmLYRgKdzxZ4VbiJSyYuOQJx5SaTyrrtES4nrgXI1DJEMv3OkNXfGlcjXdhkyDOx0l0U/s320/IMG_4145.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Linneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540201929669250460noreply@blogger.com1