tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65276666259785224392024-03-05T16:11:16.154-06:00Four Girls & A DaddyA peek into the lives of the Miller Five...
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}Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-75096499243279933222013-08-14T11:57:00.003-05:002013-08-14T14:29:22.020-05:00Last Day of Summer & Apple Streusel Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LX2ylxrYDLxH4iY801zNX8lkh0vXIhq7ikqyHQ3iT1IcT2R20GUXqgWK9-aXZrklwA4ixb-9LsB_pzVjhrzt-uaj5WFs9aOrJnfmoj1jqmlupShA6m6QorD43zv_BZuGSjtCkgd2xO0/s1600/IMG_6709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LX2ylxrYDLxH4iY801zNX8lkh0vXIhq7ikqyHQ3iT1IcT2R20GUXqgWK9-aXZrklwA4ixb-9LsB_pzVjhrzt-uaj5WFs9aOrJnfmoj1jqmlupShA6m6QorD43zv_BZuGSjtCkgd2xO0/s640/IMG_6709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't believe the summer has come to an end for us! It has been unusually cool for Oklahoma, and we just had to spend our last day of summer outside this morning!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7q4iSZsFQ0fgXvK2fbZzs-Z8ejdkt86IWRM4BOmeyrqc1h154jnVwI-kUGjS1ChO2wvZXcC_vhu4m102vOUb9urcf60wrIC1AQs0nR-KQNiyLjDa-1uldTPVC9c4D6DdywDYUaoANyg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7q4iSZsFQ0fgXvK2fbZzs-Z8ejdkt86IWRM4BOmeyrqc1h154jnVwI-kUGjS1ChO2wvZXcC_vhu4m102vOUb9urcf60wrIC1AQs0nR-KQNiyLjDa-1uldTPVC9c4D6DdywDYUaoANyg/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love my happy and carefree girls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8agBwnByXS16IGzYSt7KQeVJK1jf2Rec-nsXaCxHEpqYxRfusc_4wVwIhyqYsZ4JNlJtuDjn9Lw_Sb9fT04M3JQgKVedDZOhXMehMmSGxEvcw8QPgb6g601__IBB2WaHZtNqazOwuXU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8agBwnByXS16IGzYSt7KQeVJK1jf2Rec-nsXaCxHEpqYxRfusc_4wVwIhyqYsZ4JNlJtuDjn9Lw_Sb9fT04M3JQgKVedDZOhXMehMmSGxEvcw8QPgb6g601__IBB2WaHZtNqazOwuXU/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although there can be a LOT of fighting, pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth in our house...these girls truly do love and care for one another! It's such a beautiful thing to watch them grow up together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye2YGzXzwnIPMXyBCLazk7ilvg5H2v5rHoZh4tc4L7rTE8AThaPudE5K7JgOQ_NkHj4vW1fcr5pWRij-64zqlUKksaOm49aKwHPK8GCd0nIiOAd4UEBHm99Wvjt-V2YIatjC4obPUlyM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-14+at+11.17.32+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye2YGzXzwnIPMXyBCLazk7ilvg5H2v5rHoZh4tc4L7rTE8AThaPudE5K7JgOQ_NkHj4vW1fcr5pWRij-64zqlUKksaOm49aKwHPK8GCd0nIiOAd4UEBHm99Wvjt-V2YIatjC4obPUlyM/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-14+at+11.17.32+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have to share this recipe. I have been craving apple pie, apple crisp and apple oatmeal lately. These are wonderful. They have a wonderful, flaky, pastry-like crust and a nice crumble topping. I did make a few changes to the recipe which I will post in italics! I hope y'all have a wonderful rest of your summer!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apple Streusel Bars</span></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/05/apple-streusel-bars/" target="_blank">Our Best Bites</a></i></div>
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<b>Sweet Pastry:</b></div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 cup butter, softened</div>
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1 egg, beaten</div>
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<b>Apple Filling:</b></div>
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1/2 cup sugar (<i>i used 1/4</i>)</div>
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1/4 cup flour</div>
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1 teaspoon cinnamon (<i>i used 2 teaspoons</i>)</div>
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4 cups sliced, peeled apples (<i>i used gala and fuji</i>)</div>
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<b>Glaze:</b> (<i>i cut the glaze recipe in half</i>)</div>
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2 cups powdered sugar</div>
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3 Tablespoons milk</div>
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1 teaspoon almond extract (<i>i used vanilla</i>)</div>
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Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 baking dish (<i>i used a 9x9 to have thicker bars...just increased baking time by about 10 minutes</i>).</div>
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For the crust mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives until you have pea-sized crumbles. Stir in the beaten egg. Gently press about 2/3 of the mixture onto the bottom of the dish. </div>
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To prepare the filling toss the apples with the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Spread over the crust.</div>
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Sprinkle the remaining pastry mixture over the apples and bake for 40 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.</div>
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Allow to cool completely and prepare the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk and extract until blended. Drizzle over the bars and allow the glaze to set. </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!!!</span></i></b></div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-13592162263370340652013-08-13T08:03:00.001-05:002013-08-13T08:09:46.292-05:00Baby Bump Update - 100 Days Left!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gnd9cm1NCx1_EWmp8fpbvQImlkH4MucUylx9RknhR11f9RDNubT90Tnc9LnMHkZdNUjjc695NM9h85ZsVrzHGSiKEJH2fF1s_tzZM3AtbbyeirUXFQh-il8Ye-qaQwJV7WT3wRDQGCQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-13+at+7.39.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gnd9cm1NCx1_EWmp8fpbvQImlkH4MucUylx9RknhR11f9RDNubT90Tnc9LnMHkZdNUjjc695NM9h85ZsVrzHGSiKEJH2fF1s_tzZM3AtbbyeirUXFQh-il8Ye-qaQwJV7WT3wRDQGCQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-08-13+at+7.39.23+AM.png" width="326" /></a></div>
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I can't believe we will meet our little guy in just 100 days (countdown set to my scheduled c-section)! I was shocked when I looked at my countdown app a couple nights ago! This little guy keeps me up at night. On average I have slept maybe 3-4 hours a night the last couple weeks. <i>I have to visit the bathroom at least once every hour. I have to ice my back throughout the day. I HAVE to eat cereal and look at Pinterest late at night. Usually at 12:30 on the dot. My allergies are so brutal right now, I can't breathe. </i>But the funny thing is, I enjoy it. It's quiet, and I get to spend time with just Beckham. It's the time he is most active, and I know that I won't be pregnant again so I'm really soaking it all in. </div>
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Beckham's due date is Thanksgiving Day. Of course, he will be here before that, but he's our little Thanksgiving Baby! I really enjoyed summer, especially since the heat has been so mild here in Oklahoma, but I am SO ready for fall. The weather, the activities, the FOOD, the multitude of pumpkin desserts, and the holidays with a sweet new baby boy. </div>
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The next couple months will FLY by I know, so I'm also trying to enjoy these moments with my girls. Brooke starts school on Thursday and turns FIVE in just a few weeks. The twins start school (one day a week) in September. <i>Tear.</i> They are all so excited....I can't believe how big they are getting to be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnJnGB1YvLBCSXqe_sz-6lAKmH2XDpJydPEQTRkWMZX_Sv97v1omMrYR7TTpZx69n0dxdfVCOpr_YK2zfEs24pu9hzDSMGt9qGuyonIbfvgcuKM2e4r_uFbkFvcazwvnCmKPokP5INlo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-13+at+7.40.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnJnGB1YvLBCSXqe_sz-6lAKmH2XDpJydPEQTRkWMZX_Sv97v1omMrYR7TTpZx69n0dxdfVCOpr_YK2zfEs24pu9hzDSMGt9qGuyonIbfvgcuKM2e4r_uFbkFvcazwvnCmKPokP5INlo/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-13+at+7.40.45+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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We got a LOT done this weekend in Beckham's Nursery. I wanted to add a few rustic elements to his room, so I found a branch that worked perfectly (and was free!) for the curtain rod. I finished making the bed skirt with stitch witchery, of course. <i>Total cost for the skirt was $5! </i>I love looking in there and seeing it all come together! </div>
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Here are a few funnies from the sisters lately....they are really cracking me up with all their questions.</div>
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"Did Beckham go poop? You need to change his diaper, he stinks" - Lauren (while going #2)</div>
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"Did Beckham take a nap when I did? Oh he's still sleeping - WAKE UP BECKHAM!!!" - also Lauren</div>
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"I need to give Kep-bam kisses and hugs" - Lily (sometimes she confuses his name, but she is always hugging and kissing my belly)</div>
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"Does Beckham want some of my cookie (as she smears a fudge round all over my shirt)?" - Lily</div>
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"Wow mom your belly is getting big, but not too big yet. You look so cute" - Brooke</div>
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<b>I love them.</b></div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-41013346081087761352013-08-08T15:05:00.002-05:002013-08-08T15:47:35.512-05:00Spiced Peach Muffins....and a few freezer recipe links!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmery2jQj6zNK77HoctC-iskGyHZPy1Uf-lFxX6DnWDJCnvmIzmIYRFsIfbweZHq2l_kmiO_E44TOYG2zdNJTq1TjrrwFsJX0uQIxqbDasCTrMW924FTnVQEBxAzKSTIH8P69wrw96-pQ/s1600/vsco_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmery2jQj6zNK77HoctC-iskGyHZPy1Uf-lFxX6DnWDJCnvmIzmIYRFsIfbweZHq2l_kmiO_E44TOYG2zdNJTq1TjrrwFsJX0uQIxqbDasCTrMW924FTnVQEBxAzKSTIH8P69wrw96-pQ/s640/vsco_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>TWO </i>recipes on the blog in one week?!? That's a record for me lately. Usually the only time I bake these days is when I am taking a meal to someone, or if I am getting paid to make cupcakes. :) I have really been trying to stock our freezer with meals, snacks and breakfast food the last couple weeks. Although I have had a better pregnancy than the last two, there are still some very rough days. I can't tell you how awesome it is to have home-cooked meals to throw in the oven so my family can eat well if I'm not up for cooking. When I first mentioned this freezer idea to Landon he thought I was crazy and that all the meals would be freezer burnt. Last night while eating his baked spaghetti, he said "wow honey, this freezer meal idea is fantastic". <i><b>Men. </b></i></div>
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Here's what's in our freezer right now and some links to a few recipes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9DyyJNLbJJ9arzGGTafDTwXC5KHUhimAOA5fbHunYjeq2y70WgqyFsZ-UrfgcOXlQMy13O6Ayjl7Pkeskrt0R4FcOl_m9-qGY-4MbXwUnIbNXyvDZesXaOS7byIk_IHH7p5CU4XpjsI/s1600/get-attachment+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9DyyJNLbJJ9arzGGTafDTwXC5KHUhimAOA5fbHunYjeq2y70WgqyFsZ-UrfgcOXlQMy13O6Ayjl7Pkeskrt0R4FcOl_m9-qGY-4MbXwUnIbNXyvDZesXaOS7byIk_IHH7p5CU4XpjsI/s640/get-attachment+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/sloppy-joes/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes</a> - I made these with turkey and froze in individual portions. I also froze some leftover hamburger/hotdog buns to pair with these! It's perfect to make Landon a hot sandwich when he gets home from work. It's one of our staple recipes.</div>
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Baked Spaghetti - Just penne noodles (cooked), homemade meat sauce, cheddar and parmesan cheese Bake at 350 until warmed through! This is always a kid favorite around here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/02/poppy-seed-chicken-casserole.html" target="_blank">Poppyseed Chicken Casserole</a> - love this recipe - I also layered white rice on the bottom of the dishes before layering the casserole. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/04/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos/" target="_blank">Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos</a> - Another staple - I usually leave the onions, cilantro and green salsa out for the kids. I made a double batch of these and we are tearing through them. <br />
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<i>Spiced Peach Muffins </i>- I'm a Georgia Girl at heart. I miss a lot of things about that place, but I really miss the peaches. My mother-in-law was so nice to pick all of us sisters up some peaches from <a href="http://www.thepeachbarn.com/" target="_blank">Porter</a>. They are amazing. About as close to Georgia peaches as you can get here in Oklahoma, so naturally I just had to make some peach muffins. These are spiced - which Landon wasn't a huge fan of, but you could omit the allspice and nutmeg to suit your taste. I really enjoyed these - they tasted like a peach pie/cobbler right out of the oven!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Spiced Peach Muffins</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/spiced-peach-muffins-recipe" target="_blank">King Arthur Flour</a></div>
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(makes 20-24 muffins)</div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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4 1/2 cups flour</div>
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1 teaspoon salt</div>
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4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
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2 cups brown sugar</div>
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1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)</div>
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1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)</div>
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1 teaspoon cinnamon (if you leave out the other spices, you may want to add extra cinnamon)</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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3/4 cup canola/vegetable oil</div>
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1 1/4 cups milk</div>
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4 peaches, diced</div>
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granulated sugar for toping ( i used raw turbinado sugar)</div>
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<i>Instructions:</i></div>
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Preheat oven to 375 Grease (or line) muffin pans.</div>
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Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar and spices into a large bowl. Stir in the eggs, oil and milk. Gently fold in the fruit. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until done. </div>
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<i><b>Enjoy!!!</b></i></div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-8236202186562432392013-08-07T08:33:00.000-05:002013-08-07T08:51:35.442-05:00Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts with Strawberry Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe my little Brooke will be turning FIVE in just a few weeks. Donuts are her most favorite breakfast treat. We decided on a breakfast donut bash to celebrate, so I whipped up these yummy donuts for a mini "photo-shoot"! They are super tasty - I'm not a huge donut fan, but these are very cake-like and the frosting is delicious. I posted a picture on instagram, and had a few requests for the recipe, so I thought I would share the recipe I used on the blog today! Next time, I think I will make these <a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/2011/10/chocolate-donuts-baked" target="_blank">chocolate cake donuts</a> using the same strawberry frosting. Yum....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjotFFG2wK9pEwaK4v0oQzVto6fChFQtFq4RLYWHoGWqVQQamx9WfJly6Mgcs5mZo0WvS9TtfOb_MevSVwMXkZ3ez3W-0P5QCW_GmB1q3bLUJ1l_GZ3aLKhgDvmR-ngk-lfMEdt6DxLo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+8.16.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjotFFG2wK9pEwaK4v0oQzVto6fChFQtFq4RLYWHoGWqVQQamx9WfJly6Mgcs5mZo0WvS9TtfOb_MevSVwMXkZ3ez3W-0P5QCW_GmB1q3bLUJ1l_GZ3aLKhgDvmR-ngk-lfMEdt6DxLo/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+8.16.49+AM.png" width="397" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts with Strawberry Frosting</span></b></div>
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{<a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/2013/02/vanilla-bean-baked-donuts-with-strawberry-frosting" target="_blank">shugary sweets</a>}</div>
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<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></div>
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<i>For the Donuts:</i></div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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1 tsp kosher salt</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 vanilla bean, scraped</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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3/4 cup milk</div>
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2 Tbsp melted butter</div>
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<i>For the Glaze:</i></div>
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1/4 cup milk</div>
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1/4 cup heavy cream</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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4 1/2 cup powdered sugar</div>
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1 Tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (or raspberry, cherry, etc.)</div>
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sprinkles</div>
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Preheat Oven to 325.</div>
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In a large mixing bowl combine all the ingredients until blended. Put all the batter in a large ziploc bag and cut the corner. Fill the donut pan 3/4 full with batter. Bake donuts for 10-12 minutes. I also used a mini donut pan, and I baked those for about 7-8 minutes. I always press lightly on the donut while it's baking, and if it springs back I call it done! :) Remove from the pan and allow the donuts to cool before glazing.</div>
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To prepare the glaze add the milk, cream and vanilla to a saucepan over low heat. Stir and heat until warm. Whisk in the gelatin mix and then slowly whisk in the powdered sugar. Remove from the heat. <i> ***I made 1/2 of this recipe for the glaze mix and it sufficiently covered all my little donuts!***</i><br />
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Dip the tops into glaze and immediately add the sprinkles. I did a few at a time, the glaze hardens quickly and I wanted my sprinkles to stick!<br />
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<b><i>Enjoy!!! </i></b>I kept mine in a ziploc container overnight, and I think they tasted better this morning! Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-84578338510735946312013-08-05T13:04:00.001-05:002013-08-05T13:06:59.077-05:00Thirty-One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week we celebrated my birthday and I turned thirty one. I feel like Landon and I just got married, yet at the same time I physically feel more like <i><b>40</b></i>. </div>
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<i>I always said Landon and I would enjoy married life before having kids....</i></div>
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<i> That I would never have kids after 30....</i></div>
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<i>That I would only have two kids....</i></div>
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<i>That I would never go "let myself go".....</i></div>
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Well God had other plans for our family, and I'm so thankful he did!</div>
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Brooke was our honeymoon baby (<i>on birth control</i>), and #2 and #3 turned out to be twins. I'm pregnant with Number FOUR! My belly is expanding by the day, and sometimes I struggle to keep up with my beautiful and energetic girls. </div>
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Yep, I'm that mom that wears workout clothes in public and forgets to put on makeup sometimes. My makeup routine consists of eyeliner and mascara....eyeshadow for "special" occasions. I have tried every foundation, BB Cream, and tinted moisturizer there is, but my skin is ultra sensitive and they don't work for me. So mascara and eyeliner it is - there are permanent bags and wrinkles that just can't be hidden. </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">BUT....</span></i></b></div>
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I wouldn't trade my life for anything, or wish to be in my twenties again. Each year has brought great blessings. Those bags under our eyes represent four special gifts that God has given us. Our children. We didn't get a chance to be "free"...but life with children has been amazing for us and has taught us SO much about ourselves and about how faithful our God is. I would give anything up for my kids...my time, my energy, my dreams. For Landon it represents how hard he works for our family. I'm so thankful for a husband that provides for our family, takes care of us and shows us his love. He is such an example to me and the kids of our heavenly Father.</div>
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These stretch marks represent God's handiwork - the opportunity to experience the miracle of life and feel a baby growing inside me. Those marks are not ugly, but beautiful and I have grown to appreciate and accept them.</div>
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I'm so thankful for another year....one that I am really looking forward to! Every day is a gift from God!</div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-2425200422987291632013-07-29T08:05:00.000-05:002013-07-29T08:09:21.925-05:00Baby Bump Update & a NAME!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIv2xTiruqBJSyMiGbHebRm7s4aKJSr7sJlArhDQg4Y6EZsduQ-EDEXY6LhdnFPXofZFAxRtDuf_joCBo95YwBeRRy-XlsW6XwWCvhp-QXCZEd1BxQx9mUXAxA1T6xHkPc24AXPjUe8A/s1600/IMG_6476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIv2xTiruqBJSyMiGbHebRm7s4aKJSr7sJlArhDQg4Y6EZsduQ-EDEXY6LhdnFPXofZFAxRtDuf_joCBo95YwBeRRy-XlsW6XwWCvhp-QXCZEd1BxQx9mUXAxA1T6xHkPc24AXPjUe8A/s640/IMG_6476.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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We finally came up with the perfect name for our little guy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwc6jEWl3Eceu9fLkr94Cd8Y8fCnsA6G18vF1sTgZmuAGbuIFEypqficF4PQUYOaDxdJF3iNPJ1qw26P_-ASyxkcdY8fSBMLVA57YSJZkN8HHoBgfiOFfof-zwxiOpM-Yyo7D2xqBJ1A/s1600/GIRLS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwc6jEWl3Eceu9fLkr94Cd8Y8fCnsA6G18vF1sTgZmuAGbuIFEypqficF4PQUYOaDxdJF3iNPJ1qw26P_-ASyxkcdY8fSBMLVA57YSJZkN8HHoBgfiOFfof-zwxiOpM-Yyo7D2xqBJ1A/s640/GIRLS2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Beckham Andrew</b></i>. His initials will spell "BAM" which wasn't intentional, but very fitting if any of you know Landon's personality. We love it and think it fits our family just right! I can't wait to see what he will look like! We had our major ultrasound at 22 weeks. We saw all his little fingers and toes. Everything looked great, and he is even measuring a week (his head <i>TWO</i>!) ahead of schedule. I'm thankful for a healthy baby and a very active companion. During the ultrasound we thought he looked just like Lily!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFU7dZiyfDX3SmlEtyF7zXYXJBFX3VinpVBgPJsm66Kysbr9ZeP9jChZGhX0ivBQmD_riF_F8CH0S8RJ0FBbTAtf7HJQ2Q25To-que160mJz6GAXzL1oQRtfk3GldT8FNA1d8iyEfRBo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFU7dZiyfDX3SmlEtyF7zXYXJBFX3VinpVBgPJsm66Kysbr9ZeP9jChZGhX0ivBQmD_riF_F8CH0S8RJ0FBbTAtf7HJQ2Q25To-que160mJz6GAXzL1oQRtfk3GldT8FNA1d8iyEfRBo/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's Lily on the left at 21 weeks. Beckham on the right at 22 weeks. I just love technology!</div>
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I've been really praying and researching VBAC options. I have a great doctor who is also a great surgeon, and I was able to recover from my C-Section fairly quickly than I expected (even without pain meds). With three girls and a baby, I really would love to avoid the surgery if possible and talked to my doctor about options at my appointment. We scheduled a C-Section for 39 weeks. If I happen to go into labor before then, we will try to pursue the VBAC. I am finally at peace with the decision, knowing that if God wants me to deliver VBAC He will allow everything to fall into place before the surgery date. I kept in mind the trauma with Brooke, and almost having to be taken to a C-Section. I want to do what is best for Beckham and I. I know God is going to take care of us either way and I am trusting Him completely!</div>
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I have been SO indecisive this pregnancy. <i>About everything.</i> I second guess almost every decision I make, and that's not like me! After returning two sets of bedding, I finally decided on something that I just LOVE! It's very neutral, clean and simple. I am currently working on a bedskirt out of the chevron fabric, and am almost done refinishing a dresser to use as a changing table. I can't wait to see the room come together in the next couple months! Of course, I will post some pictures when It's all done!</div>
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I'm so thankful for sweet girls that are so excited to meet their baby brother. There are times where I get overwhelmed and wonder how we will get along with 4 kids. Then I remember that God never gives us more than we can handle! I can trust Him to take care of us just as He always has!</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." </span> -Isaiah 26:3</i></span></span></div>
<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-57442084465167310172013-07-24T06:43:00.001-05:002013-07-24T07:03:47.460-05:00Meet Baby Beaux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't he so handsome? We were so excited to meet our sweet nephew Beaux this last weekend, and I was so honored to take a few photos of him in the hospital. I wanted to share a few of these special memories with you...</div>
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So tiny. So new. So sweet.</div>
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A mother's love. So amazing.<br />
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A sweet and beautiful new family.</div>
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Sweet baby feet and fuzz. It all goes by so quickly, you forget how little they were...</div>
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I enjoyed standing back and watching every moment....so much love and happiness. </div>
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We are so proud of you Derek & Molly! Congratulations!!!</div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-86121931815634428292013-07-18T07:03:00.000-05:002013-07-18T07:13:23.043-05:00Twins at Three <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>THREE</i> years old. I still can't believe it! I never got a chance to take their three year old photos, and these kind of came about as an accident. I was trying to take a sister pic with Brooke in the middle, but she wasn't in the picture taking mood. I did get a few of the twins that I absolutely LOVE and wanted to share them with y'all!</div>
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Silly. Only Lauren would pick her nose. This photo session lasted about five minutes - and all I did was click away while they did their own thing. I love how silly, playful, sweet and fun these two are with each other.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXkR5zmH_i5B4wtWDp_t1zKK4w96pPoyPcDrYkkZjSIyCDTW5c8HqCofXhc0LIQ7We04m0RkeREi0pZwV465bNDJW92mVSlJNgQ56iZILaKKxYjyc7ysn1MNjEqJupLVDXjHTrk979qg/s1600/IMG_6184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXkR5zmH_i5B4wtWDp_t1zKK4w96pPoyPcDrYkkZjSIyCDTW5c8HqCofXhc0LIQ7We04m0RkeREi0pZwV465bNDJW92mVSlJNgQ56iZILaKKxYjyc7ysn1MNjEqJupLVDXjHTrk979qg/s640/IMG_6184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sweet memories - each their own little person, yet so much alike. What a gift they have in each other as constant companions and friends!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYueO1FqpNI9HhQd0UOE88grGTfszcLSW-F3PvKZ8JqB7NdJB7WD-VhPXqMEQ0L4vF14QrCiNt0e5zg4iY3r4y6QpZqVzoTrycqdXFMws7wys4pyb2xGu8AdBXx6exH63Xaw3BVqjT7I/s1600/twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYueO1FqpNI9HhQd0UOE88grGTfszcLSW-F3PvKZ8JqB7NdJB7WD-VhPXqMEQ0L4vF14QrCiNt0e5zg4iY3r4y6QpZqVzoTrycqdXFMws7wys4pyb2xGu8AdBXx6exH63Xaw3BVqjT7I/s640/twins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-67390810572005119922013-07-12T15:21:00.001-05:002013-07-12T15:58:04.367-05:00"half-baked"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk91yTDK16bZYO6FlNoylvtt7xKjs8r_iIIG7pr1z5GxXcaDzwlRwLVJGxwdfvcbwqWAZaiRqIwDxeW4R1cYtaOdJA6qEnpVD2uoN6CI4L_8vIXDbGHIxTZxuF0qlF69aHz43OwJ_thM/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk91yTDK16bZYO6FlNoylvtt7xKjs8r_iIIG7pr1z5GxXcaDzwlRwLVJGxwdfvcbwqWAZaiRqIwDxeW4R1cYtaOdJA6qEnpVD2uoN6CI4L_8vIXDbGHIxTZxuF0qlF69aHz43OwJ_thM/s640/photo.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
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Well we made it to the <i>HALFWAY</i> mark! Every time I feel our sweet baby kick, I smile. Which is a great thing....the last couple weeks have been a little rocky around here for me physically. I have also really struggled with worry, fear and discouragement. God is good ALL the time, and I can definitely say that I have been worse. I'm really trying to enjoy this last pregnancy, soak in all the happy times, and trust in God to take care of my family. God has reminded me over and over again how blessed we are. How He always takes care of His children, and that HIS plans are best. Those little kicks are a constant reminder to me of how amazing He is. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." </span></b></div>
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Isaiah 26:3</div>
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I have my "big" ultrasound in two weeks....I can't wait to see our little guy in detail! Of course I will update with pictures!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2UzTwX1MWlqzRbcKvJ3NN5cnL6q4sUG7EDiMPqYiuepgZZtvaLn5cwsuxY2ofRPNxm5iP3RbX1pniEeCdrzck80F6QfJ_Pxb8LSSrHq80r_6iM_cODsUQJn24tLtCWi2QRP4EXjhHok/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2UzTwX1MWlqzRbcKvJ3NN5cnL6q4sUG7EDiMPqYiuepgZZtvaLn5cwsuxY2ofRPNxm5iP3RbX1pniEeCdrzck80F6QfJ_Pxb8LSSrHq80r_6iM_cODsUQJn24tLtCWi2QRP4EXjhHok/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are excited about preparing for our sweet little boy. Here is a little collage of a few of my favorite things....</div>
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<i>My Girls</i> // Summer is hard. It's hot, we are bored, and I can only do so much physically. Sometimes I feel guilty that I can't be "super mom" (or even normal mom) to them, but they know that I love them and that's what matters! I have watched them adapt, and learn to play together. Brooke is the Mommy, Lauren is the Daddy and Lily is the Baby. And it's a <i>HOOT</i>. Whenever the twins see me in pain or sick, they come and put their hand on my belly and tell me they love me. It just doesn't get any better than that. </div>
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<i>Ralph Lauren</i> // I love when my girls wear their clothes, but I have always gazed longingly into the baby boy section at the store. It's just my favorite...there was a GREAT sale at the outlet in Texas and I just couldn't resist this cute polo.</div>
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<i>Target</i> // I have some pretty sweet friends that are throwing me a little baby shower. I feel so honored and blessed. I know this is my <i>FOURTH</i> baby after all. :) I registered for a few things at target, and received a great goodie bag with free products and coupons!!!</div>
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<i>Boots</i> // Who knew the North Face made infant booties??? I just couldn't resist...</div>
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<i>Diapers</i> // I decided to order some diapers from <a href="https://www.honest.com/" target="_blank">The Honest Company</a>. They are plant based, non toxic disposable diapers AND they come in the cutest patterns! I used a 40% off coupon on my first "bundle" and then cancelled my subscription after I received my first shipment. I'm excited to try them out!</div>
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<i>Baby Steals</i> // I'm not sure if any of you sign up to receive alerts from <a href="http://baby.steals.com/" target="_blank">Baby Steals</a> or not, but I LOVE their deals! They have deals on great products like Aden + Anais, Petunia Pickle Bottom and Ergo!</div>
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<i>***name update - we are still debating - this baby will have a name, even if it's after he arrives!***</i></div>
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-88224262338562870932013-06-27T09:18:00.000-05:002013-06-27T15:29:48.054-05:00Learning through Motherhood....<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a little glimpse of our "crazy" week....<br />
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<i>While the twins were supposed to be napping, Lauren decides to climb up to Lily's bunk and BITE her in the back - clearly a round circle that was already starting to bruise. We have a biting problem.</i></div>
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<i>While Landon was at music practice last night, I sat on the couch from 6:30 - 7:30 disciplining kids for fighting, whining, biting and screaming. I decided that before I lost my sanity I should probably put them to bed early. Distraught after a long day I sat in my bed eating M&M's while sobbing. Thankfully Landon wasn't home for that one...he sees enough drama and tears.</i></div>
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<i>I set my alarm clock this morning for 5:30 and didn't even hear it until 5:42. Rascal Flatts sang to me for 12 minutes straight. Thankfully I wore my "workout outfit" to bed so I could go straight to Walmart with crazy hair and no makeup. I'm such a planner. Yes, I'm that desperate to go to the store before Landon goes to work so I can avoid taking the kids. </i></div>
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<i>I got home just in time to watch Landon leave our room for work. Half dressed. And then I remembered our load of clean laundry that has been sitting in the dryer for two days. And I smile (and cry a little bit) because I realize that I have an amazing husband that doesn't even care. He just digs out something (now wrinkled) from the dryer and heads to work. And then texts me later this morning and tells me I'm awesome (?!?!?). </i></div>
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When I think of adding a fourth lately, I get a little overwhelmed. Then I laugh at this line from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEbZrY0G9PI" target="_blank">Jim Gaffigan</a>:<br />
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<b>"Want to know what it's like to have a fourth? Just imagine you are drowning, and them someone hands you a baby...."</b></div>
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So funny, but seriously how I feel these days. If you need a laugh, you should click on his name...it will take you to a video clip. </div>
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This morning, I picked up "<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out-Spin-Cycle-Devotions-Lighten/dp/0800734483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372356617&sr=8-1&keywords=out+of+the+spin+cycle" target="_blank">Out of the Spin Cycle</a></b>" by Jen Hatmaker and started reading one of my favorite chapters (Chapter 7, in case you have the book)<br />
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<b>"Motherhood is like a pitcher with a whole in the bottom: a constant drain on our energy, patience, and tolerance. If nothing good is stored up, where are we possibly going to draw patience? Grace? Longsuffering? young motherhood is too demanding to attempt without a deep connection to Christ."</b></div>
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As I was praying this morning, I remembered the sweet couple that lost their baby girl yesterday. The family whose baby boy is struggling in the hospital and needs a heart transplant. Sweet Rosalie who is still sleeping. It really puts things into perspective for me. Regardless of how badly my days go, I still have three sweet babies to tuck into bed, to bathe, to laugh with, and to discipline. I can wake up to three, beautiful, sweet (sometimes naughty) girls. They need Jesus, but most of all they need to see a mommy who strives to be like Jesus. I need to put good in, and good will flow out. I become thankful....thankful for the great opportunity God has given me to be a mother. Thankful for these hard times, where He teaches me that He is enough. <br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."<br />II Corinthians 12:9</span></i></b></span></div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-87802184163215507182013-06-24T08:45:00.001-05:002013-06-24T08:54:17.648-05:00It's a BOY!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We found out Friday afternoon that baby #4 is a <b>BOY</b>! I'm still in a little bit of unbelief. I mean, we had plans for a girl. Her name would be Charlotte (we would call her Charlie), her hair would probably be red, and her room would be decorated in gold & coral. :) Everyone who knows me, knows I have always wanted boys. God gave us three girls, and that is now my comfort zone. I was sure #4 was a girl, but I am so elated that it's a boy! I know that a mother/son relationship is so special and I can't wait to experience it!</div>
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Here's my sweet baby boy sucking his thumb. He did this throughout the entire ultrasound. When they turned on the 4D, he looked like a miniature Landon. The twins were playing on the floor oblivious, but Brooke watched the entire time in awe of this little baby moving around the screen. I can't wait to see their faces when they meet their baby brother. </div>
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<i><b>A few ways this pregnancy has been completely different:</b></i></div>
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<i>*</i>The cravings in the first trimester. I didn't eat much, but when I did all I wanted to eat was meat, chips and biscuits and gravy. I had to stop myself from driving to McDonalds everyday to get sausage and gravy biscuits. I'm not a huge meat eater, so I'm thankful those cravings have ended! </div>
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*I am not nearly as sick as with the other two pregnancies. I'm so thankful as I have 3 girls to take care of! I found out that the extreme pain I was having is my gull bladder. If I am very careful what I eat, I can avoid the problems there. </div>
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*I felt the baby at 14 weeks. That is SO early for me! I love having the constant company though - it's always so reassuring to me to feel those little kicks and bumps!</div>
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Such a sweet little face! I'm so thankful for this blessing that God has given us. Every little milestone is still so exciting to me - I can actually enjoy them even more this time since I'm not in/out of the hospital and on bed rest! Our family is complete with two very handsome bookends! I know he will be just like his daddy!<br /><br /><i>I also want to thank everyone for all your emails, congrats, posts on facebook and especially your PRAYERS. They are very much appreciated!!!</i></div>
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-39334771713741096082013-06-18T13:50:00.002-05:002013-06-18T13:54:53.915-05:00Pregnancy Update (almost) 17 weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's the latest "bump" photo. The ruffles really help disguise my in-between belly. I may/may not have worn that shirt 3 times last week. Thursday will bring week 17 AND a Doctor's appointment. I'm excited/anxious to see if Dr. Baab will be able to tell us the gender! I'm hoping that baby will cooperate! Brooke has officially decided that she wants a baby brother. Of course, that could change tomorrow. Either way, the girls are going to be the sweetest big sisters to this little one!</div>
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<i>A few funny things....</i></div>
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Brooke keeps asking when my belly will get bigger. She told me... "Are you sure there is a baby in there? Because it doesn't look like it." Oh honey - it will get bigger soon enough....</div>
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Sunday at church I started getting cramps/stomach pains. I think a huge contributor was the fact that I stuffed myself into a pair of "normal" pants, and really should stop denying the fact that I need to wear maternity pants. Sigh.</div>
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Sweet Lily, when she sees me sick or in pain, she asks me "Is your baby hurting?". It's just the cutest thing.</div>
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<i>A few not so funny things...</i></div>
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The last week has been a rough one for my physically. Whenever I start to get discouraged, I try to remember that <i style="font-weight: bold;">I've been worse. </i> <i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>I started feeling a lot of pressure/sharp pains/chest pains over the last couple days. Monday was a very hard day for me, but I did NOT want to miss VBS. I called my doctor, and they wanted me to come in to do labs the next morning, so I just kept trucking along. The kids in our group at VBS have stolen my heart....so I forced myself to get to church. We went to the church dinner, and as soon as we got to our station to receive our group, I started having trouble breathing. I told Landon I had to go to the emergency room and make sure that everything was okay. Thankfully, the hospital is just a mile away....I drove myself there so Landon could stay and work. </div>
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They did an ultrasound first and thankfully baby was doing GREAT and bouncing around!!!</div>
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All the labs came back great as well, so I felt so silly thinking there was something seriously wrong. Slightly dehydrated, but other than that everything looked great. Better safe than sorry, right? I know I need to slow down a little and take it easy. </div>
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I have been so blessed this pregnancy. I don't feel great, but like I said I have been so much worse. In comparison, God has been so good to allow me to feel well enough to take care of my family!</div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-29193515152943099552013-06-12T12:22:00.004-05:002013-06-12T13:44:31.627-05:00Lily & Lauren turn THREE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGwJ81m17QKGjKUh2iuONNpvVcwWNb77XpLkHTJ2dmC-7TLSHoMdViADueviwoSg4Z8uvP6wlKvpSOiwA9l301u91yJy-bdzTTRYw4XgXoEmFoWZgKxkoQTPqXMBokSKS9mqIrIlW1v0/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGwJ81m17QKGjKUh2iuONNpvVcwWNb77XpLkHTJ2dmC-7TLSHoMdViADueviwoSg4Z8uvP6wlKvpSOiwA9l301u91yJy-bdzTTRYw4XgXoEmFoWZgKxkoQTPqXMBokSKS9mqIrIlW1v0/s640/IMG_2668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These two turned THREE Monday. I can still remember every detail the morning I met Lily and Lauren. They were each their own little person, yet so much alike....</div>
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Lily was born first. She was the smaller, more active twin. She is still exactly the same...she will most definitely be our sporty girl. She is shy, sensitive, soft spoken, sweet and loves to touch. </div>
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Lauren came out a minute later. She was always the twin I had to poke to get a response while she was in my belly. She is still that way...pretty laid back most of the time. She is a girly girl, and is Brooke's biggest fan. She is sweet, sassy, loud, sensitive, dramatic and loves to give hugs. </div>
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It's been such fun watching these two grow up together. They are no longer babies, but now growing into little ladies. I love to watch them interact with each other - there is such a special bond between them! </div>
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I'm so thankful God chose me to be there Mom. God has taught me so much through each one of my children. These two have taught me how to laugh and enjoy these little years. </div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-6310152284540743902013-06-10T07:22:00.001-05:002013-06-10T07:23:55.440-05:00Tiffany {Chloe's Story}<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I first of all want to thank Tammy for posting my story on her blog. I’ve been meaning to post this on my own blog for the past couple of months, but time has just gotten away from me. Imagine that?! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Nate (my husband) and I talked about getting pregnant with our second baby, we were hoping to have our children close in age because we were (and still are) hoping that they become fast friends! Our two babies are just about 18 months apart. Our oldest, Eliana, turned 2 in March and Chloe (the sweet little baby this story is about) is now 9 months old. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My pregnancy with Chloe went by fast and without a single hitch. I had more energy than I did with my first pregnancy, my belly didn’t get as big, I didn’t gain as much weight, and I was still able to stay super active and busy right up until the day before Chloe was born. I mean, I went to a college soccer game, Red Robin, and Starbucks two nights before Chloe made her way into this world. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0ArZmWTh0btzwzwAgpHXkZEclTuVR31SjI8Exwj_4XcKLECwmHuc-ZVyeopjC-zYMq0rGXKyPsS3BsJBrjVj0kjJnH1yifxSiR5PoEnLapuAvk66Y0q-aF2MmXLv0D7SZQ" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{our last picture as a family of 3}</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chloe ended up coming 10 days early…well, technically 3 days early since I was supposed to be getting induced a week before my due date. My actual due date was September 12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 9px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and Chloe was born on Sunday, September 2, 2013. Nate is a soccer coach and he had games before and after my due date and there was no way was I going to have this baby while he was away on a trip, so we planned my induction. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were actually at church when I started to feel contractions. They were no different from the other contractions that I had been feeling except I was having some back labor as well. Nate suggested that we stop by the hospital so I could get checked since we were already in town. I didn’t want to because I didn’t feel like staying the night in the hospital and then being sent home the next day, but we decided to go since we were in town. (We live about 40 minutes from the hospital.) We got to the hospital around noon and the nurse checked me as soon as we got there and I was dilated to 5 cm. She looked at me and said, “Honey, you’ve having this baby today.” I was completely shocked and caught off guard! I definitely didn’t think my contractions were actually putting me into labor, but they were! So long story short, my labor with Chloe was a walk in the park. I feel almost bad saying that, but it’s true! I was already dilated to 7 cm and I was still feeling no real pain. It wasn’t until right after the Doctor came and broke my water and I started to feel some “real” contractions. They were quite uncomfortable, but I received the epidural about 10 minutes later and I was feeling good…REALLY good… </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Chloe was born less than an hour later. It took 3 pushes to get her out, and total pushing time was 5 minutes. And I got to watch it…it was absolutely amazing. Nothing can compare to watching your precious baby enter the world. It was so surreal and beautiful. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><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/AVvXsEjv3vxnXZVi5T0f8hdPCExN15Agspe9q4guvK0cZP16bJsTri99sJB9r-hJ6LmbOek-38sC7SDfis7QlYw6zdg31ZGVRK2C4_gewGL_vPk5qaD6LiOzrXi82x40a-asjhzKr9fN-OF7PFc/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3vxnXZVi5T0f8hdPCExN15Agspe9q4guvK0cZP16bJsTri99sJB9r-hJ6LmbOek-38sC7SDfis7QlYw6zdg31ZGVRK2C4_gewGL_vPk5qaD6LiOzrXi82x40a-asjhzKr9fN-OF7PFc/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{My first picture with Chloe}</td></tr>
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</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Right off the bat, things with Chloe were a little scary. When it came time to nurse her for the first time, she did great and latched on right away, but then I noticed she stopped sucking. I looked down at her and noticed she was turning blue. Thankfully there was still a nurse in the room with us and she came right over, picked her up and started to suction out her mouth. Within a few seconds she was breathing again. This happened one more time about 20 minutes later, so the doctor decided to put her under the monitor to check and make sure there was nothing seriously wrong. It was from that moment that things with Chloe gradually went down hill. The pediatrician on call came back into our room about an hour later and told us that Chloe had picked up a virus in the birthing canal and that she needed to be on medication with an IV. This Doctor had told us that Chloe would be on meds for no more than 3 days and then we could go home. He then told us that she had to stay in the nursery, not in our room, but we could go in and see her/hold her anytime we wanted. They didn’t know why she had turned blue and started choking those two times, so they wanted to monitor that as well. Because of her being on the IV for the virus, and because they were unsure why she had started choking, they started giving her sugar water through her IV as well because they didn’t think she could handle my milk at that time. Those things were really hard for me to deal with. First, I couldn’t have my baby in the room with us, no one but Nate or I were able to hold her, and I couldn’t even nurse her. I wasn’t sure what God was teaching us, but I just kept praying that we would be able to go home soon! Well the next day, things definitely didn’t go as planned. There was a new pediatrician on call and right off the bat we were not set at ease when he walked in room, especially me. He came in and tried to explain to us (in not very clear English) that Chloe’s heart rate would drop to a low rate at times and that it could be a potential problem with her heart or it might not be. He wasn’t convincing either way. So now I’m thinking, “Ok, my baby picked up a virus, she’s on meds, I can’t nurse her, and now she might have a problem with her heart?? Lord, what’s going on?” Because Chloe was hooked up to the monitors to check her breathing (because of her turning blue) they also monitored her heart rate and that’s when they noticed that it would get really low at times and that caused some concern…but only with the doctor. My normal pediatrician with the girls came and checked on Chloe (even when it wasn’t her shift) and she assured me that we would be out in a couple of days because Chloe seemed well to her. Some babies are just born with a lower resting heartbeat, and once she’s done with the meds, she should be good to go. That was an encouragement. But those encouraging feelings didn’t last too long. The next morning (this is now Tuesday) The Doctor (I’ll just him Doctor T for our story) came back into the room and now informed us that Chloe was jaundiced and we’ll have to stay in the hospital to make sure her results from the blood test come back with a low enough number. And I was thinking, “Well that’s okay, because we’re already in the hospital and we have to stay here till at least tomorrow, so I’m glad they found it out now.” But that wasn’t all Doctor T had to tell us. He then informed us that when he was monitoring Chloe he was pretty sure he heard a murmur, so he told us that he would be running and EKG and an Echocardiogram to check on her heart. What a blow that was to me physically, mentally and spiritually. I didn’t know how much else I could handle. I didn’t want that Doctor coming into our room anymore, because it seemed like every time he came in he had more bad news to tell us. The one thing I was sort of holding on to was that she should be done with her meds by Wednesday, so hopefully we would be going home sometime that next day. Well Wednesday came and I was actually sitting in the nursery trying to nurse Chloe…that was one good thing that happened- I was actually able to start trying to nurse her because they had been giving her my breast milk by syringe since Tuesday and she had done really well with that….when Doctor T walked in and informed me that I wouldn’t be leaving till Thursday at the earliest because he upped the amount of time she needed to be on the meds, and he said we couldn’t leave until her heard the results from the EKG and Echocardiogram. Oh how I wanted to go home! It almost hurt thinking about having to stay in the hospital for another night, maybe two. Another thing that happened on Wednesday is that one of the nurses came in and told us that Chloe hadn’t passed her hearing test and that they would be trying again on Thursday. It was just one thing after another. I never questioned God’s goodness, but oh how I prayed that a miracle would happen, that Chloe would be found totally healthy and that we could leave the hospital and go home. Every time a doctor or nurse came into the room to talk to us, I felt almost emotionless because I was just waiting for the bad news to come, but as soon as they would leave I would break down crying. I felt so weak, so inadequate and I was so scared. I tried so hard not to cry because I didn’t want to let myself give in to that feeling of weakness in my mind, but there were times that I just absolutely couldn’t hold it in. A dear friend of mine, Jennifer Hotchkin texted me these verses and I clung to them. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” And Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><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/AVvXsEheYs6YiLjrSCRS_n7P37yVUKpSLUmb7POAAKbRla2s6Gc41X8P8syMk1lha7BnQYHLK6xBvI5gWN3j5FNp774cOLFCsbif9jjmyAYNBRy_Q0aXBdGvCPUa1VSmXsjFlXTCBOmG5cda6jQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYs6YiLjrSCRS_n7P37yVUKpSLUmb7POAAKbRla2s6Gc41X8P8syMk1lha7BnQYHLK6xBvI5gWN3j5FNp774cOLFCsbif9jjmyAYNBRy_Q0aXBdGvCPUa1VSmXsjFlXTCBOmG5cda6jQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Chloe with her leads on, and marks from the mask from being under the lights for jaundice}</td></tr>
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</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chloe’s EKG and Echocardiogram came back normal, her jaundice went down enough for us to go home, she was done with her meds, but her heart rate was still a little low, which only caused concern from Dr. T who made us come home with an apnea monitor. This monitor had to be attached to Chloe with 2 leads and it was programmed to beep an alarm anytime her heart rate went above a certain number or dropped below a certain number. The alarm seriously sounded like a fire alarm, it was that loud and scared me half to death anytime it went off. It caused more panic for me when the alarm went off then when she wasn’t even hooked up to it and I couldn’t monitor her heart rate. After Chloe being hooked up to it for 1 day we decided to take her off the monitor. Neither one of us really thought that there was anything wrong with her heart, I think the Doctor couldn’t explain everything that went wrong with Chloe so he had to prescribe something. God gave us this baby and He could easily take her away from us whether or not she was hooked up to a monitor. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe97qrB0j46Y7sOhdUPPHbrNCBMgE1SxC5DPgPM8kUGDc7HY13FCA_zxjU6cKIWPNj3gelJZW8UDYtxVhIMBD0azPT5oViTn71XVi-OlIRsZRPleel4Gln7nZhN25-7O0uecV5_DfR1M/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe97qrB0j46Y7sOhdUPPHbrNCBMgE1SxC5DPgPM8kUGDc7HY13FCA_zxjU6cKIWPNj3gelJZW8UDYtxVhIMBD0azPT5oViTn71XVi-OlIRsZRPleel4Gln7nZhN25-7O0uecV5_DfR1M/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Getting ready to go home!}</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chloe’s first week at home was great! And at her 2 week check up she was almost a pound over her birth weight! She was eating and gaining weight like a champ! But the day after she turned 2 weeks old things started to take a quick turn for the worst. She started crying. Chloe never really cried. She was the “good, quiet” baby in the nursery at the hospital. And it wasn’t just normal crying like she was hungry or had a dirty diaper. It was a non-stop crying. She started to not sleep either. I figured her nights and days were mixed up, but after a week of continual crying and not sleeping, I knew something was really wrong. Thankfully she had her 1 month appointment coming up and I explained everything to the doctor and she gave me the horrible news that Chloe had colic and most likely some form of acid reflux. My heart dropped, especially when she told me that colic usually peaks at 6 weeks and usually ends at 12 weeks. Chloe was only 4 weeks old! You mean to tell me that I have 8 more weeks of this?! I’m going to be honest. Those next 8 weeks were some of the hardest/darkest days I have EVER gone through. There were two weeks in particular...weeks 5 and 6…where Chloe was up most of the night screaming and there was nothing I could do. I tried to ignore it and sleep through it, which never worked, I tried to hold her and rock her- that didn’t work either. Nothing worked. She just cried and cried and cried. I can remember one specific night where I was standing next to our bed rocking a swaddled, screaming baby and I was bawling and pouring my heart out to God. I remember asking him why he even allowed me to be pregnant with her, why I had to go through such a hard first week with her in the hospital, while God would punish me with such an awful baby and the list goes on and on. The feelings I had towards Chloe were so selfish and almost un- Christian that it caused me to doubt my salvation, because how could a Christian really act like how I was acting. I was completely sleep-deprived, exhausted to a point where I was almost delusional at times and I felt like a completely failure as a mom and as a wife. I have never experienced a darker time in my life. I felt so alone and I truly believed that I was a failure at the one thing I believed God called me to be. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am SO thankful for the love and grace of God. He never abandoned me. I was never alone. He was and always is right there beside me. He was with me during my almost textbook delivery, to my emotional week in the hospital, to the night where I questioned everything about who I was. God never stopped loving me and he knew that I can handle whatever trial He sends my way because He is with me and will help to guide me through it. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am also beyond thankful for the love of my husband. He was a constant encouragement and rock during those hard times. I really don’t know what I would’ve done without him.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/weA5wV-paX7yy6_jyfDtFUQFIcXxHUBObahv0zOO3HgFlmuPjmtCOgAEoh7SQL83AZhP6Uu2L-3UNK_xKg71stn7bKg_sgdsRzpYd2wP8N9ASky_MOEfLRVzr_gyh0vWQA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="430" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Family Photo September 2013}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am also very thankful for the gift of music. I was on my way to one of Eliana’s appointments in town (Taylor Ollila babysat Chloe. It was huge for me to get a break from her every once and a while) and I was listening to the local Christian radio station on our way into town and a song came on that absolutely hit me right where I was. I have never had a song speak to me the way that song did. I felt like God was with me and was giving me that song when I needed it most. I broke down and cried almost the whole way into town. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to end my story with the lyrics of the song. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>Stronger: by Mandisa</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Hey, heard you were up all night</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Thinking about how your world ain't right</span></i></div>
<i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
</span></i>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">And you wonder if things will ever get better</span></i></div>
<i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
And you're asking why is it always raining on you</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
When all you want is just a little good news</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, don't hang your head</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
It's gonna end</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
God's right there</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Even if it's hard to see Him</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I promise you that He still cares</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
[Chorus:]</div>
</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
When the waves are taking you under</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Hold on just a little bit longer</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
The pain ain't gonna last forever</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
And things can only get better</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Believe me</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
This is gonna make you stronger</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Believe me, this is gonna make you Stronger</div>
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Try and do the best you can</div>
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Hold on and let Him hold your hand</div>
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And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus</div>
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Oh, lift your head it's gonna end</div>
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God's right there</div>
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Even when you just can't feel Him</div>
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I promise you that He still cares</div>
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[Chorus]</div>
</span></i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
'Cause if He started this work in your life</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
He will be faithful to complete it</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
If only you believe it</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
He knows how much it hurts</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
When the waves are taking you under</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Hold on just a little bit longer</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The pain ain't gonna last forever</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
In time it's gonna get better</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Believe me</div>
</span></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<i>This is gonna make you stronger</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chloe was officially out of her colic stage right after she turned 3 months. It was like she was a completely different baby! Such a blessing. Her jaundice completely went away and she has not any any problems with her heart even in the slightest. I am just so thankful to God for this sweet little baby he has given me to love and train. Life with Chloe has been far from perfect, I've definitely still had my ups and downs, but I'm thankful for a loving father who has blessed me with a loving, patient husband and two sweet little girls. I am blessed.</span></span></div>
</span></span>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-38212788603160241182013-06-05T07:16:00.000-05:002013-06-05T08:21:59.997-05:00What Really Matters<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274860383480687607/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>}</td></tr>
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I've been thinking a lot the last couple weeks about what <i>REALLY </i>matters. It's so easy to get caught up in the things of the world. It is so easy as a woman to get caught up in Pinterest, Blogs, Facebook and Instagram. Whether we realize it or not, these amazing technologies can have a negative effect on our thinking and our hearts. For me, I begin to compare myself to others, feel inadequate, question myself as a mother, and feel like I need to be doing "more". The last couple weeks the sermons at church have really had an impact on changing the way I think about these things. </div>
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I wrote a little bit about the sermon on <a href="http://daddyand4girls.blogspot.com/2013/05/tamara-importance-of-prayer-as-mother.html" target="_blank">prayer</a> a couple weeks ago. I decided that instead of checking my phone first thing in the morning for emails, facebook, instagram notifications....I would go to my closet every morning and start my day with prayer. It's amazing how it has already transformed my thought life and my relationships. </div>
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This week the pastor spoke on the church of Laodicea and their lukewarmness. With all the tornados that have occurred in our area, He brought up such an important question. If I lost everything, would I still have everything? How many things do I have that don't matter? Where is my identity found? My identity in Christ can never be taken away from me. It's amazing how I can get caught up in the things of this world. Why does it matter how many friends I have? MY dreams? How amazing my house looks? How many people follow me on _____? These are tough questions to answer, as they have held a huge importance in my life. These are all good things, but as I answer them I feel silly and selfish when I realize the importance they hold in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A few questions the pastor asked at the end of his sermon on being lukewarm. </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do you spend more time thinking about making money and managing it, than how you can be a blessing to others?</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>When I struggle, or am tempted, do I want to face it alone? Do I allow others to come beside me, do I search the word for counsel? Do I gather people around me who will tell me what Christ says, not what the world says?</i></div>
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<i>
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<i><i>When I have small sins that linger in my soul, do I find myself with the desire to repent of them, or do I find myself excusing them away?</i></i></div>
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When I look at what really matters, I realize how rich I am. I have Christ. He has forgiven me and continues to forgive me. I have an amazing family that God has given me. I have friends that point me to truth and encourage me spiritually. He has given me enough...maybe not everything I <i>want</i>, but most definitely everything I <b><i>need</i>.</b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. "</i></span></div>
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Revelation 3:20</div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-16858492819765048662013-06-04T06:41:00.003-05:002013-06-04T06:50:56.980-05:00Teal and Co. {and a great deal!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend I got to take a few photos for my friend Liz and her business <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tealandco?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">Teal and Co. </a> Liz and I have been friends since Nissi and Brooke were sweet little babies. We met in child birthing class, found each other in walmart soon after the girls were born, started Teal and Co. together, and now she runs the business on her own and is doing an AMAZING job with all her beautiful masterpieces.</div>
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I love all the patriotic colors - perfect for July 4th!!!</div>
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It's amazing to see how much these two have grown into beautiful young ladies over the last few years.. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9UzFSoTqHGz0YG6VZ1uvK2JJx_gGoTWsg36tRdSOcy9wc1A-Z2FS1qpjH3g0mJAD071ByQf6z1Zi8NdVhNQOKDVX0c8RW6OvTmXZGjxgDDRusvjoFL4AwI3T2vl-7i2LwzgetsofQuo/s1600/teal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9UzFSoTqHGz0YG6VZ1uvK2JJx_gGoTWsg36tRdSOcy9wc1A-Z2FS1qpjH3g0mJAD071ByQf6z1Zi8NdVhNQOKDVX0c8RW6OvTmXZGjxgDDRusvjoFL4AwI3T2vl-7i2LwzgetsofQuo/s640/teal3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://it%27s%20amazing%20to%20see%20how%20much%20these%20two%20have%20grown%20into%20beautiful%20young%20ladies%20over%20the%20last%20few%20years./" target="_blank">Teal and Co. </a> is featured on <a href="http://veryjane.com/" target="_blank">Very Jane</a> TODAY!!! Go <a href="http://veryjane.com/deal/5284/little-gentlemen-and-lady-bow-ties#" target="_blank">HERE</a> to get these fabulous bow ties at an amazing price! Snatch them up in every color!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1VVRTOUl_8rGh9g2fvLVtLiK4F5b1xPCT_7Z8SISLZPLrO-1aoX_L3FQLJj8KQuGifOXjaqw-A1d832nhRFmCiPJKFcUh5u5zdYDHYQegZ4srj6Vso2xS9u765YUkjtGJ6EyrbVBHto/s1600/Teal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1VVRTOUl_8rGh9g2fvLVtLiK4F5b1xPCT_7Z8SISLZPLrO-1aoX_L3FQLJj8KQuGifOXjaqw-A1d832nhRFmCiPJKFcUh5u5zdYDHYQegZ4srj6Vso2xS9u765YUkjtGJ6EyrbVBHto/s640/Teal2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure to like Teal on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tealandco?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook</a>!</div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-8831350787276206182013-06-03T07:22:00.001-05:002013-06-03T07:22:08.176-05:00Jill {letting go}<span id="docs-internal-guid-18d26869-09f5-1f84-687e-ca2636f0c7bb"></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">Letting Go… to Watch Them Grow</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last August marked a new life event. My baby girl got engaged to her dream guy! We all knew this was coming. Almost from day one, she was sure he was “the one.” No unrest or anxieties involved with this relationship. It was very assuring to see God work in their lives and in the details of their relationship to confirm that He was orchestrating it all. We were all on board. It was and is a very happy and wonderful time. What follows is an ordinary mom’s perspective and the transition involved.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Engagement is such a joyful event. You really are thrilled in every way that your daughter is going to spend the rest of her life with the guy whom you’ve prayed for - for years. It’s a very special time for a mother to be a part of her daughter’s biggest dreams and plans. What a sweeter blessing could there be! Yet, in the midst of all the happiness, I sensed a change coming. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I felt like we had done our best (not perfectly mind you) to raise this child with all the morals, values and beliefs we’ve held near and dear. We attended every school function, every game, every violin recital, every church activity, and every kind of banquet. We took her to church, sent her to a private school, had family devotions, and tried to make as many special family memories as we could through the years. Yes, we’ve poured our life into this child. No reason to feel anything but sheer joy, right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For some reason, this event later brought some feelings I was unprepared for. The transition is subtle, but it moves right deep into your heart, undeniably so. This daughter is going from a place where you had all the say - to a place outside of that. Yes, slowly, but surely. You watch up close, yet feel at a distance as you see her growing up and moving on to a new life. She is starting to live out the “cleaving” process. And, this is right and good in every respect, especially biblically. As you watch, you realize this new life status means she’s moved into adulthood. So now you are faced with a choice in the way you parent and relate. Is this easy? No way. You’ve cared for and nurtured this child since day one. Now parenting will take on a whole new twist. It becomes more about their choices and decisions, not yours. Ouch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is easy to feel a little “left behind” while this transition takes place. Pity-party you ask? I guess I was feeling maybe the reality of the fact that I wasn’t “all that” any longer. Humbling is a good way to describe it. However, in the midst of reconciling all that, it is comforting to know that God is really at work, in your very own heart. He is my Father, ready and waiting to give His sweet grace to me. Let’s be honest, it’s not about me (or you). What I started to see more starkly than ever was that in order for her to grow and become what God intends for her in life, I must step back. I must let her join her heart with his. I must not try to cling to what was. (Hear me preaching to myself?) </span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Holding on or looking back stunts. Growth can only come through letting go and embracing the new. There will be new life for her and also new life in our home and hearts as well. God is doing a beautiful work and I must join Him. He has plans that are good that include a bright future. He IS orchestrating what we have prayed for and trusted Him for to do in her. I must now look to what He wants to accomplish in the present and the future, not stay in the past. I must not wallow in any regret. I certainly have made many mistakes. We were/are far from perfect. Would those mistakes adversely affect her - the rest of her life? These kinds of questions now came to my mind. “Did I do enough?” “Did I raise her to be what God wanted from us?” “Did I properly equip her to be a godly wife and responsible adult?” “Did I really say all that I’ve wanted to say and do to teach her as a beautiful young woman going out into the world?” Definitely no easy answers here. Only a twinge of indescribable thoughts came to mind through those questions. All of this put a heightened sense of awareness of the days left before us. So there is a choice, stay in the past and pretend like it’s not going to change, or move on and embrace what is before you. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrBGtIfyo24rnTLJ2UYK2Mwpf7WTBcxtJvAGjpp12EOZo3VM3YRwrHbUxoKf5DUmMGac14YmTuGXOwNOdXDxefIonDK0ebAqw8w2wC_hJ5MELE883-Aw2zIpuAr6dIV-l_nVdsv6toSQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-03+at+7.12.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrBGtIfyo24rnTLJ2UYK2Mwpf7WTBcxtJvAGjpp12EOZo3VM3YRwrHbUxoKf5DUmMGac14YmTuGXOwNOdXDxefIonDK0ebAqw8w2wC_hJ5MELE883-Aw2zIpuAr6dIV-l_nVdsv6toSQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-06-03+at+7.12.44+AM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One very important statement I was told early on that was tucked away in the corner of my mind was “Guard your heart.” This means protecting your heart and mind with truth. Put on the truth of God’s Word daily and pray. Major transitions are not easy, but God is in the midst of them - if you step back and see. He teaches us so many valuable lessons that may not come any other way. Don’t let the enemy wreak havoc in your relationship through emotions that go unchecked. I had plenty of emotions and didn’t handle them all in the best way, all of the time. But there are apologies and forgiveness. There is a relinquishing involved, and we can’t fight it. Tell God all about your feelings. He understands them, even if no one else does. And lastly, enjoy the new relationship - both with your daughter and also your son-in-law to be. It is truly a precious, God-given gift to gain another family member that also deeply loves your child and has their best interest at heart. </span></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: 'AvantGarde Bk BT'; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'AvantGarde Bk BT'; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-46169100186273430992013-05-29T15:38:00.000-05:002013-05-29T15:38:21.701-05:00Baby Talk - 14 Week Update<div style="text-align: center;">
I still laugh out loud when I think about <a href="http://daddyand4girls.blogspot.com/2013/05/his-plans.html" target="_blank">April 1, 2013</a>. What an epic day. We found out we were pregnant with Baby #4. Between a trip to Destin, baby appointments, Brooke graduating from preschool, and keeping up with three cuties, the last couple months have just flown by! </div>
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I'm so glad I took this picture. Don't mistake Landon's expression as anger - more like utter shock. Kind of like when I called the Dr's office and asked if three pregnancy tests could be a false positive. And checked the directions on each test to make sure I read the results right. TOO. FUNNY.</div>
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Here is a progression of our little baby. It's amazing to see how much he/she grows every couple weeks. I cry every time. It's always a reminder of how amazing God is to create this life within me! </div>
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<br />Here are a few questions I get asked a lot...<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Was this planned???"</span></i></div>
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Well, it was not in OUR plan, but most definitely in God's plan. There were many fears that still linger in my mind, but I have to trust that God is going to take care of our family and our sweet baby!<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">"How are you feeling???"</span></i></div>
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I'm also thankful for the encouragement and support system I have from family and friends. My last two pregnancies were pretty hard. For those who witnessed my pregnancy with twins were especially concerned when they found out I was pregnant. I have to stay on top of taking my medication around the clock, and watch the foods that I eat. Thankfully, this pregnancy is better so far!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"So are you hoping for a boy???" </span></i></div>
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We are hoping for a healthy baby. I don't have a strong"feeling" about the baby's gender, but I lean more towards a girl when people ask. I know we will be equally excited when we find out (hopefully soon!) though! So far, we have a girl name that we love, and I already have the nursery planned for a girl. We can't agree on a boy name, and I just don't have any boy design ideas in mind. lol. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Are the girls excited???"</i></span></div>
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They sure are! The girls are always talking about the baby. We have gotten just a few baby essentials, and wrapped them up for the baby. We plan to let the girls open all the gifts when we get closer to time...they are so excited. They already have the seating arrangement perfected in the car, Lauren likes to kiss my belly and I just know all three of them will be the best big sisters. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"When are you due???"</i></span></div>
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November 29th is my official due date. My doctor will schedule the C-Section for 39 weeks, and we will be home to enjoy Thanksgiving as a family. I'm so excited about having a fall/winter baby! I know it will be extra special this year around Thanksgiving and Christmas as we enjoy our tiny blessing. </div>
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I'm so thankful for all of your prayers for our family! It is so much appreciated! </div>
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-23210323653588098272013-05-27T07:48:00.001-05:002013-05-27T07:48:18.542-05:00Tamara {the importance of prayer as a mother}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmQxxbrPxS2M_lrHS6tD_5hjPY74hLjudEb-hDJWC8ze6Sz7sLueUFK201Opy2JsQfSAPgpE7nZXtWiD2rCDl3aZxzKRSKs2gChy_WwyfLrVs3vbHPEsMAmKUqUtM3jNN_rlP8LDxkMY/s1600/IMG_2357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmQxxbrPxS2M_lrHS6tD_5hjPY74hLjudEb-hDJWC8ze6Sz7sLueUFK201Opy2JsQfSAPgpE7nZXtWiD2rCDl3aZxzKRSKs2gChy_WwyfLrVs3vbHPEsMAmKUqUtM3jNN_rlP8LDxkMY/s640/IMG_2357.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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One of the fondest memories I have of my mother is her fervent prayer life. I knew if I woke up, and she wasn't in the kitchen, she was in her prayer closet. Praying for hours...many of those hours for me. I can't imagine where I would be without the prayer of my mother. I know Landon can say the same about his mother. I'm so thankful for the example both of our mothers have been in that area to us. </div>
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The last couple months have been discouraging for me. I have been very tired and out of my normal routine. I find myself waking up late, feeling awful and laying in bed waiting for the girls to wake up. Sure, I pray....but it's in the shower, in the car, and when I'm falling asleep at night. I pray when something doesn't go my way, when I go through a trial, when I see a request on facebook, and that my kids will behave. Basically I pray that everything will change to make MY life easier. </div>
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This Sunday morning, we wanted to try the early service out at our "new" church. I was having some physical issues, but for some reason I felt God prompting me to get everyone up and ready to get to the 9:00 service. I almost threw in the towel, but we showed up just in time for the service. There were guest pastors speaking in each of the services. Pastor Kevin Harper stood up to preach, and from the beginning of his message I KNEW there was a reason we came to the early service. He spoke on prayer. The importance of setting aside time each day to remember WHO you are praying to and for God to change ME. So many times, we pray for God to change circumstances when that may not be in his will. We hold on to what we think is good for our lives, instead of letting it go and allowing Him to decide and work for His good. By the end of the service, I was so convicted about my prayer life. The last couple months I have been begging God to change my kids, my circumstances and my trials. I haven't asked Him to change ME first....to make me more like Him. I know that when I focus on praying for HIS will, not mine, He will give me such a peace. This prayer will dramatically change my relationship with Landon, with my girls, and with others. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO35tTlULE3YNXVI5ZWudKpHxsVWVC3Gg46lnEuYvk2UcUwYhsMr9JgYsU_jrMFL6EeRQGpcS-WwXLUxuTeqUllG1f8b-wHVPRjHVs1MohzbeoOcdWjwwBL3wm5ZmuyAxqSRedLdzuSe4/s1600/IMG_2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO35tTlULE3YNXVI5ZWudKpHxsVWVC3Gg46lnEuYvk2UcUwYhsMr9JgYsU_jrMFL6EeRQGpcS-WwXLUxuTeqUllG1f8b-wHVPRjHVs1MohzbeoOcdWjwwBL3wm5ZmuyAxqSRedLdzuSe4/s640/IMG_2413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I want to <i>fervently</i> pray for my children. I cleaned out a corner of our closet, and have been challenged to make this a priority first thing in the morning, no matter how I feel or what we have going on. To pray for them in every aspect of their life...to become who God wants them to be, not who I think they should be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMwTZt-v16UWQzX6zY7KX-zm2iCIVpzm0spoTdf9qosuI0xzfUZQLMCcsLcG2Mcc3WcaObzWsVcMlcC0CAhSv6V3iUxEB2PICATy6NFtWt53BsFBxO0ZS13e6E_c_SrfAkalEfOq9tbo/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMwTZt-v16UWQzX6zY7KX-zm2iCIVpzm0spoTdf9qosuI0xzfUZQLMCcsLcG2Mcc3WcaObzWsVcMlcC0CAhSv6V3iUxEB2PICATy6NFtWt53BsFBxO0ZS13e6E_c_SrfAkalEfOq9tbo/s640/IMG_2429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Here are a few sources on guiding you along as you pray for your husband and children!</i></div>
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<br />http://wellnurturedplantsandpillars.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/prayer-guide-for-family-and-self-printables/</div>
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http://familymatters.net/blog/2012/02/01/31-days-of-prayers-for-your-children-diy-prayer-book/</div>
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http://www.amazon.com/Praying-Scriptures-Children-Jodie-Berndt/dp/0310232163/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369658380&sr=8-1&keywords=praying+for+your+children</div>
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http://www.amazon.com/Praying-Gods-Word-Your-Husband/dp/0800720768/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369658342&sr=8-2&keywords=praying+for+your+husband</div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-5343190752867756942013-05-21T15:18:00.000-05:002013-05-21T16:22:42.369-05:00Destin Vacation 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some photos of our Destin Vacation. We went with most of Landon's family...the one's that weren't able to go were missed. The ocean is one of my favorite places to be. We tried to soak in every minute, but of course the week flew by as all vacations do...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxViJFSe0lSZuyalfPi7_zy4uFMJlIUYXV-OlDqcH_qYsbVN2wE4yMwRsdejv1stYRE2de6PqDNaUR9mDvFoh1ELU7EOLioCezJEPsy6OWyjj0b5-ydaneNO9FOjuXdpoVN_9BgFEW1g/s1600/destin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxViJFSe0lSZuyalfPi7_zy4uFMJlIUYXV-OlDqcH_qYsbVN2wE4yMwRsdejv1stYRE2de6PqDNaUR9mDvFoh1ELU7EOLioCezJEPsy6OWyjj0b5-ydaneNO9FOjuXdpoVN_9BgFEW1g/s640/destin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After 2 days of traveling, we unloaded the cars and headed down to the beach! The twins were super insecure about the sand, but ended up doing 100% better than last year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKK30VEBzbZUDIwvDNBm2PvIWhyphenhyphen5Qkz2fdpgxWVe9bgzf1hgMCAi4v7f9axyRMpRUgQncC8iTtALZ_POvOVOoA6xuQcNj5IbE5Sr-gVN4RbmF7RcfT4lJ4QRBnhpHbN14lmUUTbGB-KE/s1600/destin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKK30VEBzbZUDIwvDNBm2PvIWhyphenhyphen5Qkz2fdpgxWVe9bgzf1hgMCAi4v7f9axyRMpRUgQncC8iTtALZ_POvOVOoA6xuQcNj5IbE5Sr-gVN4RbmF7RcfT4lJ4QRBnhpHbN14lmUUTbGB-KE/s640/destin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brooke is our little fish. She was completely soaked, and even apologized for getting her clothes all dirty. It was so fun watching her be so free, and enjoying the ocean like she had been there just yesterday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK8ZVkxIA-FUVzCT4xh5X5xpcvRfkXoDQfL2eQSLcUPVbzah9QCEip5Bwhyphenhyphen2xHGiGt0iHlBJ_Iz4HzSC1V_yDW1bsSL65v3izem98UIkSBxSIGUTjRV5N6R-jnaWLPXdnU0uYKIFxHtk/s1600/destin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK8ZVkxIA-FUVzCT4xh5X5xpcvRfkXoDQfL2eQSLcUPVbzah9QCEip5Bwhyphenhyphen2xHGiGt0iHlBJ_Iz4HzSC1V_yDW1bsSL65v3izem98UIkSBxSIGUTjRV5N6R-jnaWLPXdnU0uYKIFxHtk/s640/destin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took some family pictures by the beach Thursday night. I'm still REALLY learning how to take photos, but I love capturing special memories shared with loved ones.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy2y6rMGR1FaFreTCfQMPASz3Ac9kYtkXpDPBcmNw-9oXdveCT_0dQvPdfBVr3ynfxx7j5BccUD5RElIIP0J0I7RYb8ieKAFyDwUx37wd3p3vY6LuDIqLLPfzMH3C8-OSMJZXligdziw/s1600/Destin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixy2y6rMGR1FaFreTCfQMPASz3Ac9kYtkXpDPBcmNw-9oXdveCT_0dQvPdfBVr3ynfxx7j5BccUD5RElIIP0J0I7RYb8ieKAFyDwUx37wd3p3vY6LuDIqLLPfzMH3C8-OSMJZXligdziw/s640/Destin4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTQgTaXTggHG_IY13t4ckqrZEoEVViLnqAEyFUrs7AwD9oyWZn3a8LrtzmO-91Hzylo_LrkA1PNnGj7CP-4wLLMh_2_2nU6J8UEua32CWwErmfMGa4r6djmjY8psm4Q1fRM_Un1qqrVw/s1600/Destin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTQgTaXTggHG_IY13t4ckqrZEoEVViLnqAEyFUrs7AwD9oyWZn3a8LrtzmO-91Hzylo_LrkA1PNnGj7CP-4wLLMh_2_2nU6J8UEua32CWwErmfMGa4r6djmjY8psm4Q1fRM_Un1qqrVw/s640/Destin5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are Poppy and GiGi with some of the grandkids. There are three beautiful blondes missing!</div>
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Such a fun, relaxing week. Looking forward to the next time we will get to visit...with one more kid in tow!</div>
<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-41358044370952445592013-05-20T06:51:00.000-05:002013-05-20T13:19:22.569-05:00Jennifer {In business, one must focus}<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>I'm so excited for Jennifer to share her story on the blog today. Our friendship goes WAY back - we met almost 13 years ago the day we joined the same society at Bob Jones. I'm so thankful for the way that God has led in both of our lives...He took us on different (sometimes very difficult) paths that led us both to the most amazing job we have ever had - being mothers. I know that you will be encouraged by her sweet story to motherhood....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NZqsB66nthaFug-VleE4ltQjkmGJM27WVMhj-GC_dAK0alTLO-_ALSrQe0-GhT4mTLmqwg1jGclUNiQ9IUI_4txpmz7_FUPi7ABqeAZr7weCfePk1dK4zs3XVquGOA4Nasqp8jQ3y4M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-20+at+6.49.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NZqsB66nthaFug-VleE4ltQjkmGJM27WVMhj-GC_dAK0alTLO-_ALSrQe0-GhT4mTLmqwg1jGclUNiQ9IUI_4txpmz7_FUPi7ABqeAZr7weCfePk1dK4zs3XVquGOA4Nasqp8jQ3y4M/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-05-20+at+6.49.49+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love being a mom! Anyone who knew me growing up or in college
probably are in total shock that I am a mother and that I really love it. I have always been known as the very
independent, driven, outgoing, business-minded type, but NEVER as a “kid
type.” My mom owned a daycare for the
majority of my life, and I grew up around babies and toddlers. I always knew how to do basic baby care, but
never had that ooey gooey feeling about babies and kids. Let’s put it like this – I never once
volunteered for the nursery! I have
learned that God has a funny way of changing our desires – who’s with me on
that one?</div>
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In college, I studied International Business and French and
had a very strong desire to go into business and work for a French
multinational organization. Well, that
was not God’s desire. I had the desire
to travel all over Europe and Asia. That
also was not God’s desire. Instead,
God’s desire was to send me to teach French in a 3<sup>rd</sup> world Caribbean
country to live on a $300 a month stipend.
Awesome. Not. I was pretty sure that I wasn’t cut out for
the provincial life. Little did I know
that those couple of years would change my life and my mindset forever! Even though we had lots of inconveniences –
no hot water, sporadic electricity, crazy bugs and lizards, no cars, 2-3 month rainy
seasons, burglars – I never really struggled with culture shock because I fell
in love with the children from day one!
I don’t know why I all of a sudden developed a very strong affection for
children, but I have to say that I loved them so much that I couldn’t bear the
thought of leaving them to come back to the United States. So many long-term relationships developed
through my time being there and I saw several of my students saved that
year! One of my students was even a
bridesmaid in my wedding! I remember
telling my mom that I couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to love my own
children because I loved my Dominican students so much!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8F9o_1PzimLuV7eN_3avfXCSPKj1T-BhLsTfN6YeUZhFv3XgBHBwe4tGZ1QNk2gWs4W_sxmGrv0KoV3oJ0eNCfIw4Df_hYQ1ahPmqdhKt2COaRDIJnH53viDSFUSJ8d1_I3blHKRwWw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8F9o_1PzimLuV7eN_3avfXCSPKj1T-BhLsTfN6YeUZhFv3XgBHBwe4tGZ1QNk2gWs4W_sxmGrv0KoV3oJ0eNCfIw4Df_hYQ1ahPmqdhKt2COaRDIJnH53viDSFUSJ8d1_I3blHKRwWw/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I moved back to the United States I started dating my
husband and high school sweetheart, Jim.
I had a very successful life insurance agency and was working 40-60
hours a week. My goal was to give it all
I had and work very hard for several years to build up my residual income
(small commissions received annually after you sell a policy and it continues
to stay active) and become fully vested by the time I was 35. Sounds like a marvelous plan, huh? On paper.
There were many discouraging things in the cut-throat world of business
to have to deal with. I had to testify
against sexual harassment, was expected to say and do whatever needed to be
done to close a deal (even if it wasn’t true), and was expected to do other “below
bar” things. I realize that not all of Corporate
America is like this, but as for me, I couldn’t sleep at night. I really struggled with contentment, trust,
and bitterness and I started to believe that I wasn’t meant to be successful or
happy. What I really realized was that I
did not have to compromise anything to achieve and be successful. Success rested in following God’s leading for
my life, wherever that took me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nFIh0RBHof7Un_FJksNj1OiEBd28Y-eHwVADuwSD4DXiSG8hOQh9uXISq_X64iVtsdkSX68rimjpsix4o1FapfwoPQSZai1AL0g-tmWJDKZ2Hnha5OF_lZIuA4GrH7kvZPd2XHDIzk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-19+at+9.20.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nFIh0RBHof7Un_FJksNj1OiEBd28Y-eHwVADuwSD4DXiSG8hOQh9uXISq_X64iVtsdkSX68rimjpsix4o1FapfwoPQSZai1AL0g-tmWJDKZ2Hnha5OF_lZIuA4GrH7kvZPd2XHDIzk/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-05-19+at+9.20.56+PM.png" width="422" /></a></div>
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Jim and I were married in June 2011 and in October of that
year, I became pregnant. I was so
upset! This was a very big “mistake” in
my mind! I was scared and selfish and a
control freak! We had even planned a
trip to Paris for April of this year, but I was 6.5 months pregnant at that
time and so it was cancelled. I was so self-centered
and thought that it was just the worst timing for us and for all of the plans
that we had. It took me about halfway
through my pregnancy to become really excited.
My husband is a head football coach and had just taken a new job that
required a 2 hour daily round trip, not to mention the very late nights during
the football season, right when I would have a newborn. Great.
When I was 20 weeks pregnant I finally felt the baby move for the first
time and I instantly fell in love. It
wasn’t until after Beau was born that I held him in my arms while feeding him
in the quiet of the night, and my tears fell on his face and I sobbed, “I’m so
sorry that I didn’t want you!” From that
moment on I knew that I was created by the Creator to do this job of
motherhood. I know that this sounds utopian,
but I really love motherhood! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Where does this lead my business career? Who knows?
I gave up my life insurance agency in January after many tearful
conversations with my husband about what I should do. I sought the advice of some very trusted
friends, and decided that even though I have no idea what the future holds for
me, God does, and He was leading me to dissolve my business. So where did that leave me? I have always wanted to pursue my Masters in
Business Administration and had a couple of friends who encouraged me to just
jump in and do it. I thought, how
crazy? I am working (I substitute teach
and still personally produce with life insurance sales), a wife, a mother, and
now a graduate student? I thought (and
I’m sure I said it to God at some point in my quiet time) this is crazy! What else?
Little did I know that God had one more thing for me to add to my
plate. I have just recently starting
singing with my church’s choir and praise team.
So many people ask me how I do it all.
I really start thinking that I have too much going on and that it’s not
possible, and then I read all of the wonderful stories of so many other moms
who have more kids, more demanding jobs, more stressful situations than I
do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The “mom experts” on tv shows say that life is all about
finding a balance. Yeah, sure. Tell that to the mother of a disabled
child. Tell that to the mother of
multiples. Tell that to the mother who
has to work 40 hours a week. Tell that
to the single mother who never gets a break.
Tell that to the missionary mother who does not have her mom around the
corner or any other conveniences of home.
I know better. I know that God is
on His throne and that every one of my days are numbered and ordered and that
there’s nothing beyond His scope of knowledge.
When I flip out (I feel like I do this a lot), I have to tell myself to
take a step back and realize that I have it pretty good. I consider all of the wonderful blessings
that I have in my life and realize that this small window of “crunch time” with
a small child, job, and school, is just that – a small window. My life is worth so much more than the
anxiety that I have. My baby, my husband
and my God deserve my devotion, not my stress. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-9590061722123448652013-05-13T07:18:00.000-05:002013-06-05T07:19:50.388-05:00Molly {a letter from a "mom to be"}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcoWKSHSb46HeFdezsReZ7PLsYZ7GC3Poi82bGEnM7mGNWGdnKi7OAcRwpb1hbXG-9uOhdq-Je90_CHolQ7FMlgMPKJLY_dJVIFf1mI13xWaXfS1DglKqEeJaIkIpuDFTX8OIYlLkzgc/s1600/get-attachment+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcoWKSHSb46HeFdezsReZ7PLsYZ7GC3Poi82bGEnM7mGNWGdnKi7OAcRwpb1hbXG-9uOhdq-Je90_CHolQ7FMlgMPKJLY_dJVIFf1mI13xWaXfS1DglKqEeJaIkIpuDFTX8OIYlLkzgc/s640/get-attachment+(3).jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Meet Derek & Molly :: They are expecting their first little boy, Beaux in July! Aren't they adorable?!? I asked Molly to write a "Mom Series" post for me as an expecting mother. These two....they LOVE kids and are so great with them. My girls adore their Uncle D and Aunt MoMo. The love that they have for their nieces and nephews is so amazing, I know that the love that they will have for their little boy will be far beyond measure. Here's the letter that Molly wrote to her precious Beaux....</div>
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<i>Dear Beaux,</i></div>
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<i><br />Right now as I write this you are kicking me, which isn't saying much since this happens ALL the time with you. Since I have been able to feel you kick on Valentines Day, you do it all day long. Such a reassuring feeling that I will miss!!!</i></div>
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<i>People are all about giving you advice when you are pregnant! Which can be great and also tiring...</i></div>
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<i>The greatest advice I have received is to cherish the moments that you are in. I want to make sure to put this into action. I do not want to wish away stages of your life. As I sit here and look at my very round and growing belly, I'm reminded of this advice. I've already found myself wishing away pregnancy so I can see you, but I need to enjoy the moments I have you all to myself while I can! The last few months of this are not comfortable I will have to say...but I wouldn't trade it for anything! The kicks and rolling make everything completely worth it. I am so blessed that God decided to make me your mommy and I don't want to wish this part away! </i><i>The only time it's just me and you all the time. :)</i></div>
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<i><br />I honestly didn't think I could get pregnant, we weren't trying but God knew what was best for us, and knew this time was perfect. We are going to have to grow up and raise a baby! I can't say I am ready, because I'm definitely not!!! But God said I am, and gave me one of the greatest gifts...YOU! My whole life I dreamed about being pregnant and being a mommy, it's really what I've always wanted to do. I love children, and I can't believe I finally will have one of my own that I will love even more than I can ever imagine. I am so incredibly grateful for what God has given me and I don't want to take a single minute for granted!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i><i>I can't wait until you are out and I can see your precious face, but until then I'm going to take this time to appreciate your precious kicks, hiccups, hitting and rolling that you like to do so well! I know that I'm going to miss being pregnant and feeling you inside of me, and I don't want to wish that away. I can't wait until you can crawl, walk, talk to me, and until you play a sport I can take you to. So many memories, I want to treasure each stage you are in and remember everything I can, which means I must pretty much write everything down!</i><i><br /><br />Love,<br />Mommy</i></div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-67281785113428008332013-05-06T08:05:00.000-05:002013-05-06T13:34:14.508-05:00Marcy {her story as a stepmom}<br />
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<i>SURRENDER ALL</i></div>
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<i>VERSE 1</i></div>
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<i>Take all I am, Lord, and all that I cling to</i></div>
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<i>You are my Savior I owe everything to</i></div>
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<i>Take all the treasures that lie in my storehouse</i></div>
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<i>They cannot follow when I enter Your house</i></div>
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<i>CHORUS</i></div>
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<i>So I surrender all to You</i></div>
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<i>I surrender all</i></div>
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<i>VERSE 2</i></div>
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<i>Take all my cravings for vain recognition</i></div>
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<i>Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition</i></div>
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<i>I want so much Lord to make You the focus</i></div>
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<i>To serve You in secret and never be noticed</i></div>
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<i>VERSE 3</i></div>
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<i>Take all my hunger for all that’s forbidden</i></div>
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<i>Every desire and sin I keep hidden</i></div>
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<i>Search me and know me I want to bring to You</i></div>
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<i>A life that is holy and sanctified through You</i></div>
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<i>Credits:</i></div>
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<i>Words and music by Rich Dalmas</i></div>
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<i>© 2004 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)</i></div>
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Hi! My name is Marcy Wright. Tamara and I went to college together although we didn't know each other. Somehow I stumbled across her blog through a mutual friend, and I have so enjoyed her Mom Series! It was emotional and encouraging to have this opportunity to share my story of motherhood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBeRLpe9RDtM8OvQlF7UoD-xxGmN78W-hkTPn37H8eS6OV2k8FxyD-RSz93hnL6BzGjJuNnZf4EcDxUQPTN-4ON7G_EqqRfgOa2Q9dQ8hW_jGLaWnIaYcBgx4vQzyvZdtqm0NoCWc3g/s1600/24089_741592630430_7767269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBeRLpe9RDtM8OvQlF7UoD-xxGmN78W-hkTPn37H8eS6OV2k8FxyD-RSz93hnL6BzGjJuNnZf4EcDxUQPTN-4ON7G_EqqRfgOa2Q9dQ8hW_jGLaWnIaYcBgx4vQzyvZdtqm0NoCWc3g/s640/24089_741592630430_7767269_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had always dreamed of becoming a wife and mom. God answered both of those prayers on March 27, 2010. I married the love of my life and became a stepmom to two beautiful girls, K (age 6) and A (age 4). </div>
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My husband and I had similar Christian upbringings in different parts of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, but after we each finished high school we went down two totally different paths. I went to a Christian college to find a husband and a degree, and he went off to have fun. The Lord did not allow me to meet my husband at college, and the Lord allowed my husband to become a father to two girls (from two different relationships). I am so thankful that God is sovereign and only down what is best for us ---Even when we don't understand why He allows some things to happen. I am blessed He chose to bring my husband to the church I attended, and we were introduced by mutual friends. God had been doing a miraculous work in my husband to be And I knew that we needed each other to sanctify each other and to glorify Himself more. (that is a whole other story in itself!) :) But God also wanted these two little girls to have me for a stepmom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdGBI-_hnL2JEZHI7u0fOTZTjgAqMe2ay7DoH6COkDIIcA7pFnSy72gbg4oqaC1N56rqvOyKyTon-uEUTL3eEpHFc9Xxr5sPc_zEWgUxUN9h6d97_yAmOcNey1qLZmSEeyR79HUamniI/s1600/2013-03-09+15.56.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdGBI-_hnL2JEZHI7u0fOTZTjgAqMe2ay7DoH6COkDIIcA7pFnSy72gbg4oqaC1N56rqvOyKyTon-uEUTL3eEpHFc9Xxr5sPc_zEWgUxUN9h6d97_yAmOcNey1qLZmSEeyR79HUamniI/s640/2013-03-09+15.56.14.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We have a lot of fun together! The girls are so sweet and gifted in their own ways. K is gifted musically like my husband, and A is gifted academically like my husband We live life as normal as possible whether it be going to church or the library, making our own family traditions, and celebrating a multitude of holidays (whether it be on the actual day or a few days before or after). I love having them with us when they are able (we have legal joint custody of one of the girls, but nothing is legally set up for the other). But sharing is hard. And sometimes I have wanted all or nothing! Sharing your children that you love is VERY hard at times (on both sides) in may ways. We've gone through times of not being able to see our girls because their moms have been unhappy with us. We are only in control of things that go on in our home. We have no control over what they are taught or what they see, or do, or hear when they are in their other home, and that can be concerning. But God knows and is in control of all of that, and how much time we have with our girls. We have had some good gospel opportunities with them, but neither understands their need of a Savior, yet. I pray God opens their hearts and minds soon!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_ZWe4VEHPPLxM-9OaYB8KWf9lA9OAI5fdfG1T1zl26i6nbxxUrRWlvP9RGX7YV_uhDS5QTV68LphXZil3CfT_2ygN6PVkUbUNE4lfbEatMk4B-R3yLlJg8oGP2XCxkT9zlM8PkIg3w4/s1600/2010-06-18+21.05.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_ZWe4VEHPPLxM-9OaYB8KWf9lA9OAI5fdfG1T1zl26i6nbxxUrRWlvP9RGX7YV_uhDS5QTV68LphXZil3CfT_2ygN6PVkUbUNE4lfbEatMk4B-R3yLlJg8oGP2XCxkT9zlM8PkIg3w4/s640/2010-06-18+21.05.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the biggest struggles I have faced is the jealousy I and the other moms have had. Being a mom and being called "mom" is a very special gift. The Lord is growing me, but I have struggled for a long time with what my role actually is. The don't call me mom, except for very random times, or when they are writing me a note (which I love). And their mothers have voiced jealousy over the place I have in their daughter's lives. We all love these girls so much, and we want to be their special "mom". I have cried and prayed, screamed and received counsel. And I have come to realize that I am not their mom. But God has me in their lives for a very special reason. First and foremost to show them Christ and the Gospel. And I am also in the lives of their moms for that same reason. The Lord has really grown my relationships with their moms over the last several months. It has been difficult and hurtful, but God is changing me and He's changing them (whether they realize He is or not). I can honestly say that I love their moms, I want them saved, and I want to be used to bring them the gospel in word and deed. That's only of God! If you would have asked me last year at this time if I felt that way, I would have said "No, but I am praying for God to change my heart." And He has! It's amazing!</div>
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So when I am tempted to lose heart in this role as a stepmom, when I miss the girls because they are at their other homes, when I wish we could be involved in their overall development, when I wish they would just call me "mom",</div>
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I surrender. And I pray...</div>
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I want so much Lord to make You the focus</div>
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To serve You in secret and never be noticed.</div>
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If I could encourage any of you, please let me know. I would love to hear your stories. (mrs.wright327@yahoo.com)</div>
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-6787894513077013772013-05-01T17:35:00.000-05:002013-05-01T17:35:51.562-05:00His Plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I look at these photographs, tears come to my eyes. Being a mom of three can be a struggle at times, but the blessings definitely outweigh those hard times. I am also reminded of how great His plan is for each of us is. When Landon and I got married, we "planned" to wait a couple years to start trying to get pregnant. Well, God had something greater for us and her name was Brooke. Even on birth control, I became pregnant with her soon after our wedding. That day wasn't full of excitement for Landon and I. We sat on our couch crying, wondering how we were going to be parents. It took a few days for us, but we started to get excited about our little "bean". We also weren't prepared for the horrible pregnancy I was about to encounter. During my pregnancies I suffer from <a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/pregnancy/hic_hyperemesis_gravidarum_severe_nausea_and_vomiting_during_pregnancy.aspx" target="_blank">hyperemesis gravidarum</a>. I spent several times in the emergency room, and a couple overnight stays in the hospital getting fluids during this pregnancy. God was so good to us and kept Brooke perfectly healthy. She is such a blessing to us with her sweet spirit and loving heart. </div>
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We knew we didn't want Brooke to be an only child, but our plan was to have only two children close together. We tried for almost 8 months, which I know isn't that long compared to many of you, but it seemed like an eternity to us! We were overjoyed when we found out we were expecting again. Those next couple weeks were a trial for us as I was extremely sick, and was in the emergency room for a LOT of bleeding. I went to Tulsa for HCG tests every other day, since there was no other way to tell if the pregnancy was still viable. At 8 weeks, we waited in the ultrasound room just praying that the baby was alive. Not only did we see one babies heartbeat, we saw TWO. God had blessed us greatly, and again we saw that our plans are not always HIS plans. Our family was about to go from three to five! Countless emergency room visits, hospital stays, trips to the cancer treatment center for nutrients, many precious prayers and twenty weeks of bed rest later we met our beautiful twin girls Lily & Lauren. They were born at 36 1/2 weeks and never saw the NICU. Wow, His goodness, love and strength are so amazing.</div>
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Brooke is almost five, and the twins will be three in June! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I sometimes questioned if we would have another baby in the future. Over the last six months, I had a peace in my heart that we would not be having any more children. I was a little sad, but after potty training the girls and selling every baby item we had in our home I knew that I was ready to focus on the girls and our future together. </div>
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<i>Did I mention that our plans are not always HIS plans???</i></div>
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Rewind to April Fools Day. I have been having some problems physically (to spare the details) since the twins were born. Even though I didn't think it was possible, I had an overwhelming feeling to take a pregnancy test. I packed the kids up in the car and headed to wal-mart. Yep. You guessed it. It was positive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHSbfupFfzXDmI1ytAS7nB2UIBBL3w-YIyMZLlKEhu9uYjT0RDBrfmUIa1pPUpLiIz9SPCF3GII-z7041Ol1F3EGcAe3cpj4Zd9vWsLcEreI8LJQFBtVm0mBOqUG7G42btAG-OuCnS3Q/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHSbfupFfzXDmI1ytAS7nB2UIBBL3w-YIyMZLlKEhu9uYjT0RDBrfmUIa1pPUpLiIz9SPCF3GII-z7041Ol1F3EGcAe3cpj4Zd9vWsLcEreI8LJQFBtVm0mBOqUG7G42btAG-OuCnS3Q/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Is my husband going to believe me, it's April Fools???</i></div>
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<i>What are we going to do?</i></div>
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<i>We just sold EVERYTHING baby!</i></div>
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<i>What is everyone going to think about us???</i></div>
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Sigh. Sadly, those were the first thoughts that came to mind. I called Landon (i wish i had that conversation recorded) and he brought home more tests. Yep, no false positives. It took a few hours to get over the shock. It was a comfort to know that God wouldn't give us anything we couldn't handle, and this was no surprise to Him! Children are blessings, and I know He is going to give us everything we need to take care of this little one. We saw the doctor a few days later and our little baby was 6 weeks old! He or she will be here right before Thanksgiving! Believe it or not, Landon is hoping for another girl! We will be equally excited either way, although I would love to experience that mother/son relationship!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWgmDJcvo5OaCipo11I6XuT9yrBPjae5RfSNu_NwqrhjozxRu39bKpEhLXJ960LdjPkn9qfFRAYSAVxz_TqEP4DRF_z_RzKc_s49TKyWCkbzsuaFFnaZaq8erX1Rpe-RaAjjMTmwuIEs/s1600/IMG_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWgmDJcvo5OaCipo11I6XuT9yrBPjae5RfSNu_NwqrhjozxRu39bKpEhLXJ960LdjPkn9qfFRAYSAVxz_TqEP4DRF_z_RzKc_s49TKyWCkbzsuaFFnaZaq8erX1Rpe-RaAjjMTmwuIEs/s640/IMG_2012.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls are all of course, expecting a little sister and love talking about the baby!</td></tr>
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Thanks to medication, I am feeling a lot better than my other pregnancies. I have gotten to see our little baby 3 times already, and it never gets old. Seeing his/her little heart beating is the most amazing miracle. We have had amazing family and friends encourage us along the way. I'm so thankful for His blessings, and that His plan that is greater than anything I could ever imagine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mk0zILuhr76irm9M8Nncv2AdHzXOqF_oHRxijez6oEY4XVD_boP6SgDZv86F-baaJ8o00pX55JwJqD-wKNqwaBnc-RVGbQqriY5ZeOx6oexRTTCmOTMnBcN9_v5u-uXO0gECjCMpWrc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-01+at+2.56.47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mk0zILuhr76irm9M8Nncv2AdHzXOqF_oHRxijez6oEY4XVD_boP6SgDZv86F-baaJ8o00pX55JwJqD-wKNqwaBnc-RVGbQqriY5ZeOx6oexRTTCmOTMnBcN9_v5u-uXO0gECjCMpWrc/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-05-01+at+2.56.47+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet baby at 10 weeks - may be a soccer player - look at that kick!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE."</i></span></div>
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-Jeremiah 29:11-</div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527666625978522439.post-75681858321537419912013-04-23T18:20:00.002-05:002013-04-23T19:52:12.638-05:00Our God is Able!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEI87DVj7xceu-7B25HB-DSAv3oz166bQlTi-tMq1lfXbp3NrxoN5VWaYW-L0k0XRvV6jKBRc9Ay8M5ZoXGKIq7OS42Eqpsq_7IxpQp3FWQ4vzglILUXaa4Ln6ApcqelOg-xzs32OMo4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-23+at+6.21.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEI87DVj7xceu-7B25HB-DSAv3oz166bQlTi-tMq1lfXbp3NrxoN5VWaYW-L0k0XRvV6jKBRc9Ay8M5ZoXGKIq7OS42Eqpsq_7IxpQp3FWQ4vzglILUXaa4Ln6ApcqelOg-xzs32OMo4/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-04-23+at+6.21.37+PM.png" width="538" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/191684527860090051/" target="_blank">{photo from pinterest}</a></td></tr>
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<i><b>Fail. Fail. Fail. </b></i></div>
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That's what the devil wants me to believe about myself...that I'm a failure as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter, or as a friend. I have to tell you the last few days have been very discouraging for me. Through the trenches of motherhood, I have been frustrated, discouraged, easily irritated and exhausted. I keep thinking when I lay my head down at night that the next day will be better. I sleep in..."forget" read my bible, "forget" to pray, and get stuck in the pit of self-pity all over again. And finally, after the third day, I remember WHO to turn to. </div>
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<b><i>I love you. I accept you. I FORGIVE you. </i></b></div>
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That's the gift that God has given me. Why do I so easily forget that when trouble comes??? I'm so thankful that He picks us up when we are struggling, comforts us in His arms, forgives us of our sins and gives us the strength to get through any trial. As much as I hate to face my failures, my insecurities, and my shortcomings...I am also thankful for them because it teaches me that I can't do anything in my own strength. It reminds me who to look to for strength love, patience, wisdom, security and comfort.</div>
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I'm so thankful He goes before us and will never forsake us!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">" Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Deuteronomy 31.6</span></i></div>
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The lyrics to this song have been such a blessing to me today...</div>
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<b><a href="http://youtu.be/IxRQahH0cqA" target="_blank">God Is Able - Hillsong</a></b></div>
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<i>God is Able</i></div>
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<i>He will never fail</i></div>
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<i>He is almighty God</i></div>
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<i>Greater than all we seek</i></div>
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<i>Greater than all we ask</i></div>
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<i>He has done great things</i></div>
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<i>Lifted up, He defeated the grave</i></div>
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<i>Raised to life, our God is able</i></div>
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<i>In His name, we overcome</i></div>
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<i>For the Lord, our God is able</i></div>
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<i>God is with us</i></div>
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<i>God is on our side</i></div>
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<i>He will make a way</i></div>
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<i>Far above all we know</i></div>
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<i>Far above all we hope</i></div>
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<i>He has done great things </i></div>
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<i><b>He will go before</b></i></div>
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<i><b>He will never leave us</b></i></div>
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<i><b>God is for us</b></i></div>
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<i><b>He has open arms</b></i></div>
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<i><b>He will never fail us</b></i></div>
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673421899517208860noreply@blogger.com2