tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32220450103192660652024-03-14T07:58:41.361-05:00Good StewartsI am a Christ-follower, wife and mom. I plan to record my thoughts, and our lives on this blog.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-16269315720077514252019-02-06T14:06:00.001-06:002019-02-06T14:06:29.610-06:00So, When are You Moving?As weird as it may sound....we have no idea when we are moving....or if we are moving any time soon. We may launch this marriage retreat while we live in Houston. We might have to move to Bartlesville to get all of it started, but that might be 10 years away. My last post was not meant to be an announcement of a move. It is just a heart call. For us, moving is just another part of life, but it is still not something we take lightly. We are staying put until God tells otherwise. <div>
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Right now, Dave and I are working on a business plan. We are meeting with couples and people to give us advice. We are dreaming about how we can use the land we found, even as that may be slipping out of our hands. We are talking logistics in one conversation, and avoiding them in the next. We hope to get certified with the Smalley Institute and take Symbis + Marriage Assessment by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. We ask for your prayers as we live in a state of limbo, asking God to be our daily bread, our joy, our teacher and our everything. We'll keep you updated!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-68888467857553092402019-01-30T15:01:00.003-06:002019-01-30T18:42:44.199-06:00What are we waiting for? This last weekend we attended a Power and Love conference in Fort Worth Texas. But even before we attended this conference, Dave and I have hearts that have begun to burn with the moving of the Holy Spirit. We feel the Lord talking to us about new adventures and dreams that have always been, but that has yet been realized until very recently. Here is some of the back story:<br />
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When Dave and I were dating, He would often tell me he wanted to do marriage ministry. Not having a lot of experience in the matter, we waited.<br />
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We enjoyed learning from other couples and books what to do and what not to do in marriage. Then we got married and things were super less than perfect in a few areas of our marriage. We still longed to teach others about what a gift God has for them in marriage, but God allowed Dave to get laid off, and we moved to the state of Texas from Bartlesville, OK. So, in the matter of ministry, we waited.<br />
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After moving to Houston, I was super frustrated, hurt and angry with the Lord. Dave was gone for 13-14 hours a day with his commute. Houston was the one place I prayed not to move to. I didn't feel like a big city kind of a girl, and I wanted my two adorable and toddling girls to know and have thriving relationships with their grandparents. I fell into a depression for a few months. Coming out of that time was a journey in itself. God showed His LOVE to me again, and I slowly emerged from the cocoon of anger and tried to spread my wings again. How on earth would God use this hurt I'd experienced? How can he use this move for our good? For these answers, I waited.<br />
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We lived in Houston for five years, loved and attended Houston's First Baptist church, had many moves within Houston, had many job changes, had another baby girl, continued to hear the promise God gave us for a son, and still desired to teach. After 4 years at Houston's First, Dave and I got the opportunity to teach a Newlywed or Close class. We were so excited, and taught with all we had. However, with my new career as a real estate agent, our new daughter still an infant, and spiritual warfare, our relationship suffered during that time. And then God made it abundantly clear that we were supposed to move to ND. After a year of teaching, and feeling beat up by the enemy, we had to let the directors of our class know that we were moving on. Moving to North Dakota, a new church, and learning the customs of a new state had us reeling. It was a blessed opportunity for sure! We met wonderful people, but knew that we were too new to come and start a class about marriage right away. We got the huge blessing, though, of planning and delivering a marriage retreat for the town of Dickinson, ND. We had a wonderful committee of people backing us, and the retreat was inspiring to us. Another sweet baby girl entered our family in ND. And then, while visiting Houston for Dave's job one cold January, we heard God's call on our lives to be back in Houston. Plans of having another retreat slipped away, and again, we waited.<br />
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Having a sense of familiarity in returning to Houston was refreshing. We came back to Houston's first looking for a spot to land. We had the blessing of reuniting with friends from before. We had the blessing of seeing family members more often than we had the opportunity of in North Dakota. We had promises fulfilled, we had a son. We felt the father's love like never before. Dave decided to press in to Jesus in a new way. He fasted, he prayed. And God revealed to us that his will for us is to work towards opening a (marriage) retreat center in Bartlesville OK. What does that look like? We aren't entirely sure. We are taking steps in obedience. But, what we do know is it's exactly what all of this journey has been pointing to. God igniting our hearts in thinking, dreaming, envisioning and praying for this (marriage) retreat is what we've been waiting for.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-86289127530611165102018-10-25T14:22:00.002-05:002018-10-25T14:22:43.764-05:00Praising the KingPsalms 145:16<br />
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The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you and in you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.<br />
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Bravo Psalmist. Bravo! You captured the longings of my heart and the way God responds with distinct acuteness.<br />
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I need these words like I need breath. God is working in our sweet family. He is fulfilling desires and working a new, great work in us. He is speaking to Dave, and in the process, he is lifting both of us up. Time spent in God's word, and with the Holy Spirit will not return to any of us void. For that, I am all praise today.<br />
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This blog has been quiet for some time. I was feeling at a loss for words after someone wrote crude, crude comments about my lovely little ladies in the comments. But with God's help, I hope to come on here from time to time and fire up the old computer and kill my writer's block.<br />
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Our life has so many blessings. Julia, Lydia, Saige and I are apart of Houston's First Baptist Christmas performance called Celebration. This means that Christmas has fallen upon us even in October. I LOVE this. Yesterday, Evie sat at the breakfast table singing, "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" I took a video and sent it to our cast coordinator. I couldn't help it. I've already started thinking and planning Christmas gifts, and we are practicing dances regularly.<br />
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We continue to homeschool and be a part of an amazing community of Classical Conversations peeps. I am loving learning and my daughters are too. We are studying Ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt. I am helping Julia learn Latin. Dave is teaching math, and Evie colors on everything.<br />
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I'd like to introduce a very important member of our family to this blog. He is a beautiful blessing, a gift from on high. He changed our world. His name is Malachi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiJX3KzYA3JLWFkbHG1q1ULKWXqNAC32i8VikhQJKFsnqZMU9WCbe4nOjgPqV6JbEOlyUpeqtEzIJ_t82Ld1YVAJXv_Ckr3T6sUn2s7NRteeQ1GWV3yfMZMpyeQse2IOFgseeIJ91V8D7/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiJX3KzYA3JLWFkbHG1q1ULKWXqNAC32i8VikhQJKFsnqZMU9WCbe4nOjgPqV6JbEOlyUpeqtEzIJ_t82Ld1YVAJXv_Ckr3T6sUn2s7NRteeQ1GWV3yfMZMpyeQse2IOFgseeIJ91V8D7/s320/IMG_6273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 4 Beautiful Girls and a Handsome Boy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVn7d0_90hrJobCcX48uPKzKoedcBqszc9gqjudjdOqnJHCWvwzFPZvuiTLmnDWvrweiSZFWznximfTNG4Rsef4nU1HT4bAq9pC-veb1CPE8ucfjLtyo-mRaFDHFxH092GGHZWRrAxJBn/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVn7d0_90hrJobCcX48uPKzKoedcBqszc9gqjudjdOqnJHCWvwzFPZvuiTLmnDWvrweiSZFWznximfTNG4Rsef4nU1HT4bAq9pC-veb1CPE8ucfjLtyo-mRaFDHFxH092GGHZWRrAxJBn/s320/IMG_6278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#StewartSeven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaERd2eJ7WgD44YbT0miNd9LKe3XABl4gql77cQO5dIe4u-C44LWSUQ5PK92Oyo4-4F86J0HoBe0QPC4Belsov_T7HP7N7NQpNH6PCgFMG6pEFh-zKkTwB-eGnuyqNDFhRpok39x47brGh/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaERd2eJ7WgD44YbT0miNd9LKe3XABl4gql77cQO5dIe4u-C44LWSUQ5PK92Oyo4-4F86J0HoBe0QPC4Belsov_T7HP7N7NQpNH6PCgFMG6pEFh-zKkTwB-eGnuyqNDFhRpok39x47brGh/s320/IMG_6297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malachi Davidson Stewart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcGCYgzv_YC89tfCuYs_m6krNE2Bqf-_znUAVLbmDhEFiDgoQ4FopDpOoiBQ0j6eHwo7Y50BBKLbxQ9AWNwovV9ErZ9khVMniyFrVjk-K4PE3nErLNc6-7vsJz4RHysEnvRT3WyFiEQL7/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcGCYgzv_YC89tfCuYs_m6krNE2Bqf-_znUAVLbmDhEFiDgoQ4FopDpOoiBQ0j6eHwo7Y50BBKLbxQ9AWNwovV9ErZ9khVMniyFrVjk-K4PE3nErLNc6-7vsJz4RHysEnvRT3WyFiEQL7/s320/IMG_6330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was a little scared of Evie at first. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-pzkcOgNbJhQ_7aDGITmLOBsqcoQ1GqOo8-iyqMQ6jJ634u8kOav_oj8rA6S0fzf0W2gnmHkqzVy0cHTrRl2P8i6IHnuFb__QmyCDVpzEcv7sx3mBTsZL8AV-EP2-SGn9eYTSMLvbuz-/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-pzkcOgNbJhQ_7aDGITmLOBsqcoQ1GqOo8-iyqMQ6jJ634u8kOav_oj8rA6S0fzf0W2gnmHkqzVy0cHTrRl2P8i6IHnuFb__QmyCDVpzEcv7sx3mBTsZL8AV-EP2-SGn9eYTSMLvbuz-/s320/IMG_6332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige and Chi</td></tr>
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Malachi is a little over 8 months old now. He is precious and smiley. He has had a rough bout of congestion lately as he works on getting his first tooth to break through. He loves his sisters, and is happiest when people are talking to him. He is a good sleeper and can't wait to start solid foods. He loves to watch people eat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkCD5OeW4os8vSj6fnvOmgQwEXD6on0MarAeWnOpCauW6YzNqwXGxTkMH2Jhl8eC3DpMPxP-TK4OyH4f32H7mZUBvOC8Kxp9rzGB73SvNtHNIaih1ojDnGjNxWyrdteUpcUfLb_Aq_ckc/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkCD5OeW4os8vSj6fnvOmgQwEXD6on0MarAeWnOpCauW6YzNqwXGxTkMH2Jhl8eC3DpMPxP-TK4OyH4f32H7mZUBvOC8Kxp9rzGB73SvNtHNIaih1ojDnGjNxWyrdteUpcUfLb_Aq_ckc/s320/IMG_0855.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwGK0fOGGrWt8V8y9HlMJT2-NW_T97X9rRQwhysvnziSojncbkM_SuYv7wnaEw_jG1TOREPRXgnBEdWM1t8ZqVgQTO0MUxQk2JM6b9dudve572sYZ8R3DYO1FhUHgSOrJHEWxca1-ebl8/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwGK0fOGGrWt8V8y9HlMJT2-NW_T97X9rRQwhysvnziSojncbkM_SuYv7wnaEw_jG1TOREPRXgnBEdWM1t8ZqVgQTO0MUxQk2JM6b9dudve572sYZ8R3DYO1FhUHgSOrJHEWxca1-ebl8/s320/IMG_1103.JPG" width="240" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwqJkCCGrPIg8NC0pfKAy-GC7Yor8jdwU7fKM_q7PHkmWlWW1sRjeAPw3ytCdafqReNA01jqtiNrGQDGpUZTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Evie thinks his name is literally, "Boy". We mostly call him Chi (Pronounced Ky) or Chi Guy, but she doesn't seem to know the difference. Julia, Lydia and Saige help take care of Chi a lot and love on him everyday. He will never know a life with out sisters falling all over him. He is mightily blessed. </div>
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The Lord healed us from a stomach bug that attacked our home last week, and we are all on the mend. Everyone took a turn of not feeling good, but some felt it more than others. </div>
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We are reuniting friendships with Houston friends and making new ones. We are not ready to move away, but still don't feel at home here in H-town. But through it all, God is mysteriously weaving the beautiful tapestry of our lives and we are so very richly blessed. For all of this, we praise our King!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-63882110877458259592016-07-06T18:48:00.002-05:002016-07-06T18:48:35.279-05:00Our Fourth of July WeekendSo, I will start out by saying that one this particular weekend that none of us were hurt. We took our new-old RV out for a camping trip and we come back unscathed....at least physically. Some of us were hurting emotionally by the end, (probably only me) but we survived and I am living to tell you that none of us were hit when:<br />
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1.We hit a deer within an hour of beginning our drive<br />
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Because we traveling in such a huge beast, the death wishing deer only left us with a few small exterior cracks and some blood on our RV. Dave was hoping a souvenir antler would be stuck in the grill...but no such luck.<br />
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2. We were stalled on the side of a mountain no less than three times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked for a While</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viewing Mount Rushmore While the RV was Stalled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy and Sweating</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin24BxOYEcElhB5GziHS6IJVR9C_jsiOMg89H_kl1mzd-m6RYEsGyqqbBOyV44QGvuRI8AEh54HXZNx0kDgf2YfR60zDwh6B8nFGDltkewCPtGG10GaKTxnsJs3_jvmR23bDqtU6Y1AC_D/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin24BxOYEcElhB5GziHS6IJVR9C_jsiOMg89H_kl1mzd-m6RYEsGyqqbBOyV44QGvuRI8AEh54HXZNx0kDgf2YfR60zDwh6B8nFGDltkewCPtGG10GaKTxnsJs3_jvmR23bDqtU6Y1AC_D/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn and Saige with "Her Fishing Hat"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HuQCsQGd3V7aheOTwFcfWsvlZmknnmDhfGqxbN9eLsCWMAlXEoAcIJpLC6eX2APfyh-USftYbq4s3nmkgFjUBg5R06Xip4ZJqZuWRSbyfV8yvIHEyn24fMIBBXoE798ittfIuXu3hgfA/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HuQCsQGd3V7aheOTwFcfWsvlZmknnmDhfGqxbN9eLsCWMAlXEoAcIJpLC6eX2APfyh-USftYbq4s3nmkgFjUBg5R06Xip4ZJqZuWRSbyfV8yvIHEyn24fMIBBXoE798ittfIuXu3hgfA/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, the first time the RV stalled, it was uncomfortable. It was hot outside and the overheated engine took about 2 hours to cool off. But, we were safe and very near a Mount Rushmore viewing site. After the RV was rolled out of traffic, and parked on the side of the road, the girls and I went and got some pictures of George Washington and then we had lunch in the RV. When the dang thing still wouldn't start, we tried to make the best of our delay and hiked around the side of the mountain we were parked by. Thankfully the RV started again, and we were headed to our previously decided on fishing destination.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtLj-aySy4eGGccI0L-1Bu2JUpkBDi0jejpPn6QyR7Rq3TNMMZY1LOUHmXu_03Waa5BF-Ax6VM3gtCHaXZmXNmlfLniVEMKeTM5o95odWC4JToTPhu0Ama9r7_u0-kib3hk7XzV4XdakR/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtLj-aySy4eGGccI0L-1Bu2JUpkBDi0jejpPn6QyR7Rq3TNMMZY1LOUHmXu_03Waa5BF-Ax6VM3gtCHaXZmXNmlfLniVEMKeTM5o95odWC4JToTPhu0Ama9r7_u0-kib3hk7XzV4XdakR/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Hiking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhble5mOqVaJ-tVV6_a1NQlSar5gWJaJxZF6y3SmR8Z-lfZXEgrCp7Pd6peZAk4Nw6rT69A_DAzgtBnZnp8fsvmI71QFTTB_0WL00VT3meMWumdmrFF75Vl34QbWrglc3uGutF2y7MnSsGM/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhble5mOqVaJ-tVV6_a1NQlSar5gWJaJxZF6y3SmR8Z-lfZXEgrCp7Pd6peZAk4Nw6rT69A_DAzgtBnZnp8fsvmI71QFTTB_0WL00VT3meMWumdmrFF75Vl34QbWrglc3uGutF2y7MnSsGM/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating When the RV Started</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MAQOjGeWKWAssFdHikKIM2b0_d3_UL4GvoP6Ckt0STnBrvavOrHXsgHVVh9ArC5p1bwPQ5fexMNMpT22EPELK8GNPk6H3sQlY_50p-WiQTmZlc0h940ZjnMbL1YTqM4CCcN4Yeb1XZ5p/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MAQOjGeWKWAssFdHikKIM2b0_d3_UL4GvoP6Ckt0STnBrvavOrHXsgHVVh9ArC5p1bwPQ5fexMNMpT22EPELK8GNPk6H3sQlY_50p-WiQTmZlc0h940ZjnMbL1YTqM4CCcN4Yeb1XZ5p/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Dance/Over Celebration</td></tr>
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That is until the RV stalled again. This time it was much scarier. We were on the side of a mountain in Custer State Park. A very narrow, steep mountain with a lot of traffic. Jesus was with us. I was ready for him to come back.<br />
<br />
We found out later, that we shouldn't even have gone the way we did when we went to Sylvan lake. We had gone on the recommendation of a person who worked at the campground. They said this way was the best for our RV and that it had no small tunnels like if we took Needles highway. They were wrong. It was a horrible way to go, it was scary to climb tiny mountain roads in the beast and there was mountain chiseled out tunnel that we barely passed through. When we got back to the campground, we told them that we took a different much safer in our RV way back. They said it was couple minutes shorter to go the way they recommended....um...no.<br />
<br />
The last stall of the day was at the parking lot of Sylvan lake. Praise the Lord we had reached our destination! (Several hours late, but still!) Dave had the task of getting the RV into a spot while the girls and I got out and walked around to stretch our legs. We couldn't just leave the RV in the middle of the steep parking lot (no matter how we were tempted to.) Once Dave got the RV parked, the girls and I headed back to help him unload fishing gear. Only one more hiccup though. It started sprinkling. That was fine though. I could see the other side of the cloud. It would be over soon, and fish usually bite well when it's sprinkling. Except the sprinkling turned into thunder and lightening. And then hail. So, we ate pistachios and waited out the storm in our RV. When the storm passed, we hopped out of the RV, grabbed our gear and got to start fishing around 4:00 that day. The heat of the day had been whisked away with storm, but we grabbed our jackets, poles and tackle box and headed to the lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMFKJwKhlO_q6gxQePbt4KlDbOMnf-ZR8Cnt_iVLMHZ3PtCt8xiCyAaJ6j3TF_lEeAMSsnu6_YvFvD4RQKm7m0Bfif2p21qBStbX6TMFKa85uUDeJnCvwaf1ebyPYyAosjIssvX_BBeeG/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMFKJwKhlO_q6gxQePbt4KlDbOMnf-ZR8Cnt_iVLMHZ3PtCt8xiCyAaJ6j3TF_lEeAMSsnu6_YvFvD4RQKm7m0Bfif2p21qBStbX6TMFKa85uUDeJnCvwaf1ebyPYyAosjIssvX_BBeeG/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to Fish at Sylvan Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSuqnXkvKxJageP-OMTWBkozpduMeIUJ-8Tz2PJ4QV8Jwc-QSKL8r_1xA7Wn2tBVIyAjuDn2NErc4f-xDfjAB2LGOJY53NXAXNo9f2EoauTLRmR0gHuuc3VuiHREUXTVX7wmzh4xGAlL7/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSuqnXkvKxJageP-OMTWBkozpduMeIUJ-8Tz2PJ4QV8Jwc-QSKL8r_1xA7Wn2tBVIyAjuDn2NErc4f-xDfjAB2LGOJY53NXAXNo9f2EoauTLRmR0gHuuc3VuiHREUXTVX7wmzh4xGAlL7/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zYuI_9TXDOOf9rfBqvxl-loVhrnT5fAIuSzTzQBEIzQYFHw5lKDim8Lf3sV00cY9Y3ArYOMNgggySyTEaXQxWo13ju_jQYNiBs3CMhXOm4uCYb6MXWTFcz0xITsJuuuIof0e6NeYTWxv/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zYuI_9TXDOOf9rfBqvxl-loVhrnT5fAIuSzTzQBEIzQYFHw5lKDim8Lf3sV00cY9Y3ArYOMNgggySyTEaXQxWo13ju_jQYNiBs3CMhXOm4uCYb6MXWTFcz0xITsJuuuIof0e6NeYTWxv/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail From the RV Window</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvxRIdXlGe6_hbQHhyT3TEeFspBr6WKjCYfIVCw4UFvCiP1DSVHtynZud8sapXPTxoi8kJN6u303Jn5RnaWSV528Jbf98U-L0_nyjRKnqApb6niPFyAJ5tU7Cc08G84Y2Lbr7ObKFf-vU/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvxRIdXlGe6_hbQHhyT3TEeFspBr6WKjCYfIVCw4UFvCiP1DSVHtynZud8sapXPTxoi8kJN6u303Jn5RnaWSV528Jbf98U-L0_nyjRKnqApb6niPFyAJ5tU7Cc08G84Y2Lbr7ObKFf-vU/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the Pea-sized Hail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
3. We went fishing and caught zero fish<br />
<br />
Fishing was not all the girls, Dave and I hoped it would be. We didn't catch anything for several hours. The people next to us were catching trout, so we changed it up. We were using what the guy in Cabela's recommended: spin bait. But they were using live worms with bobbers. So we used live worms with bobbers. Then they were catching fish on pieces of marshmallow. So we ran to the RV and tried using pieces of marshmallow. None of us reeled in a single fish.<br />
<br />
4. The A/C didn't work while driving<br />
<br />
The funny thing about RVs is that they have different systems for different times. The plug it in A/C doesn't work the same as the propane A/C which doesn't work when we are driving A/C. Does any of this stuff make sense to me? No. I just want a cool (in temperature) and cute (in appearance) RV.<br />
<br />
5. It took us 10 hours to drive back home on the Fourth of July. It should only take 4.5 hours.<br />
<br />
We had to miss a small group function because of this. Dave, Julia, Lydia, Saige and I are all extroverts. And we were very saddened by this.<br />
<br />
6. A tire blew while we were driving<br />
<br />
So the tires were in good condition, but they were old. When Dave hit the deer, he probably ran over something like a piece of bone that weakened the tire. It was a back tire, the one closest to the interior of our RV. So, when it blew, we all heard and saw some pieces of our RV wall go flying. That was scary for all of us except Evelyn.<br />
<br />
We waited 45 minutes for the repair man to come switch out our blown tire for our spare tire. Then, we waited in some tall grass while he jacked our RV up and repaired it. It was a hot day, and with all the warmth, the waiting and grass itching my daughters legs and feet, I was surrounded by a bunch of whiners! Even my dog whined. Evelyn slept in her car seat and Dave was helping the tire guy. But everyone else whined.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH-9SALvcLQaP3eSXkz_t63d9nqn5deyEcewcU3TVOz3uMq2xJnitw7V9t6ffr5Jns9thsOm2ukxpKAvehdhtWJCdLUqPXyW3KWFeQFskTK4tS-ljLixpUOEJK8yXWLYOgxOAW919qbE8/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH-9SALvcLQaP3eSXkz_t63d9nqn5deyEcewcU3TVOz3uMq2xJnitw7V9t6ffr5Jns9thsOm2ukxpKAvehdhtWJCdLUqPXyW3KWFeQFskTK4tS-ljLixpUOEJK8yXWLYOgxOAW919qbE8/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Countryside Where Our Tire was Fixed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have already spent a very pretty penny having all 7 tires (this includes the spare) on the RV replaced. It's still at the tire shop now.<br />
<br />
The overheating engine and tire blowing was what slowed us down. Thankfully we know now why the engine was overheating. We get to fix that next.<br />
<br />
7. The driver's side mirror fell off<br />
<br />
This was probably partly because of the deer. (Dave saw his antler fly by his window after he hit it) and partly because the screws on the mirror of our 1988 RV were already stripped. Either way...it really stunk.<br />
<br />
You can't switch lanes safely in an RV with out a side mirror. I had to be Dave's eyes every time he switched lanes. This means I had to run to the back of the RV and check for oncoming traffic. But like I said above, no one was hurt. Not physically.<br />
<br />
We have already purchased a replacement mirror at a salvaged RV shop in Rapid City. We just get to get that thing put on before we go out in the beast again. (We should have asked the shop if they'd buy the RV from us too.)<br />
<br />
8. We got mouse poop all over our RV carpet.<br />
<br />
When Dave was fixing the engine the first time, her pulled off part of the inside of the RV to get to the engine. (This is normal RV procedure.) When he did so, he found out that there was once a family or two of mice that lived in that engine place. So, the nest fell out and spread mouse droppings all over our RV carpet. The shabby blue carpet will be ripped out as early as possible.<br />
<br />
9. We got pulled over for our tail lights being out.<br />
<br />
Add it to the list of repairs. No ticket. Just a warning.<br />
<br />
10, The latch that held our microwave in place kept flying open and threatening to drop a microwave on our heads.<br />
<br />
Dave fixed this issue one of the times were stalled out.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Is there anything else not fun that happened on our two and half day weekend. I think so. Can I mentally handle writing about it right now? No.<br />
<br />
On the way home, I was ready to throw in the towel and cut our losses. I wanted to put a for sale sign in the RV's window and cancel our future DC trip. But, Dave is convinced that all of the RV issues can be fixed. And that this sort of thing won't happen again. So, I guess my coral, turquoise and gray color scheme with a Happy Campers decal put on the back spare tire cover will still be done. But, not today. I think I'll put it off til I've forgiven the RV and can look it in the eyes again. Maybe I'll start back at it in a few days.<br />
<br />
I know what you are thinking...that's what you get for buying such an old RV. Well, yes and no. A lot of these things were just freak occurrences. We had several RV specialists, an electrician, a mechanic and friends look at our RV and tell us we made a wise purchase. We also prayed about and over the beast a lot. For some reason, we were meant to experience adversity with this stinkin' thing. And God will be glorified in it all. We got back to our North Dakota home just in time to run out and see our town's fireworks. Which. were. amazing. And for this year, they were best part of our Fourth of July.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading this post. It's a long story that I will enjoy reading someday. And by the way there were happy moments...like when we saw my sis and her family for a minute and ate lunch with them on Saturday. And s'mores. I hope your Fourth was supremely blessed. Ours was because we were together as a family.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSvNWXhLrV5Wv6ZNwG_HsNHvrzWhEhQAJAFmGhOd2VViEjlbtTnXvo4rPD4MDbEU5hrdRCmLUoZy2GnjNdt0CqJT-cKWV6uTw7ZOljRxya67N_3BI3TRUC1wXA2NAUWWyEXHaAQhJTmKn/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSvNWXhLrV5Wv6ZNwG_HsNHvrzWhEhQAJAFmGhOd2VViEjlbtTnXvo4rPD4MDbEU5hrdRCmLUoZy2GnjNdt0CqJT-cKWV6uTw7ZOljRxya67N_3BI3TRUC1wXA2NAUWWyEXHaAQhJTmKn/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finger-lickin', Plate-lickin' Good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu1KL9E8_fiHbSU92nb6mjekNfGOoeUQ9CyVAzh0iQNn4ti6U3coB3gZEP1_o6tpLwM9LkfYDhCxiJHbUorgBK136kyIS-U69ouh6bLK9Y_Hbyf2z0Din0R0WYqyMpl2dxh4SuNsTiVXU/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu1KL9E8_fiHbSU92nb6mjekNfGOoeUQ9CyVAzh0iQNn4ti6U3coB3gZEP1_o6tpLwM9LkfYDhCxiJHbUorgBK136kyIS-U69ouh6bLK9Y_Hbyf2z0Din0R0WYqyMpl2dxh4SuNsTiVXU/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave teaching the Girls to Toast the Mallows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl_oijZobsiCnNvVP4IYSaWbalQN6gcCL-CdcS3XaTtB97zB5uNsQbNCzrmRrqFDO6c20CP4h1OqDYzPzCxIcrn7irn-vwUV5iFbIRFj2l6Ddao-jCpBOZLPdvqC7y02JbZypGCZ9eyP9/s1600/Fourth+of+July+2016+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl_oijZobsiCnNvVP4IYSaWbalQN6gcCL-CdcS3XaTtB97zB5uNsQbNCzrmRrqFDO6c20CP4h1OqDYzPzCxIcrn7irn-vwUV5iFbIRFj2l6Ddao-jCpBOZLPdvqC7y02JbZypGCZ9eyP9/s320/Fourth+of+July+2016+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Thanks so much, Amber<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-51460187831836247222016-06-06T11:48:00.002-05:002016-06-06T11:48:43.040-05:00Our Big WeekendMy parents were here last weekend. We had a great time hanging out while they got to meet Evelyn! While they were here, Dave and I did some research on RV's and by the end of the week, in a whirlwind type fashion, Dave and I bought an old 1988 Sunview RV. My Dad was very helpful in getting our RV looked over and checked out for the best quality old RV we could find. We've had this 28 foot monstrosity for only a few days, and Dave has already spent hours tinkering on it! The engine is sound, the upholstery is old, and the ideas in my head for updating it are swarming.<br />
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Part of the reason we purchased this RV is for summer fun, but we are also looking forward to taking it on a long, awesome, home school type road trip in the fall. We plan to travel North Dakota, to Minneapolis, to Chicago, to Cleveland, through Pennsylvania, to D.C., up to New York, and back through the great lakes, stopping at Niagara Falls on the way back. While we travel plan to follow the map of our trip, do school, play games, and NOT stop for bathroom and snack breaks on the way! We also plan to try Chicago style pizza, see the Great Lakes, learn more about the Amish communities in Pennsylvania, see the National Monument, White House and other D.C. sights, eat a philly steak and cheese sandwich in Philadelphia, and visit Lady Liberty. I am so excited for this adventure!<br />
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Getting the RV now has turned out to be a good idea. (Thank you, Lord.) Dave needs time to get used to driving it, and it takes a while to figure out how all the parts and pieces of how one of these things works. Plus, we plan to camp one or a few times in it before we leave so that we can see just what we will need when we take it on a two-week extravaganza!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those Curtains are Already Down</td></tr>
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Please excuse my jacket, baby blanket pile that looks like a cat perching on the couch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pull-Down Bed over Cabin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Living Space</td></tr>
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Here are few inside pics of this slightly stinky, class A motor home. I kinda love it! My RV Pinterest board is growing by the minute!!!!!<br />
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Thanks for reading! Love, AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-79361599022280417482016-06-04T16:11:00.001-05:002016-06-04T16:11:57.999-05:00Evelyn Claire Stewart----I started this blog a week and a half ago, but after I was almost done, I lost most of my work. I couldn't get back to it with family in town for a week. So, I am finally finishing.----<br />
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In case you haven't heard, we had our 4th sweet daughter on May 5, 2016. And now that I have my computer back from the repair shop, I can write about it on my blog.<br />
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Evelyn is a sweet and beautiful blessing. She is well-loved, and very much fought over by her sisters. She is 2.5 weeks old, and the honeymoon has totally not worn off for any of us yet. But, her umbilical cord piece has! Yay!<br />
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Evelyn loves to look at lights, look at me, her dad and her sisters. She is going between 3 and 4 hours to eat, and loves to be held. She will take a pacifier sometimes, but doesn't always need one to sleep. We are hoping she doesn't get as attached to her pacifier as Julia and Lydia did, and didn't want her sucking her thumb like Saige does.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia meeting and holding Evelyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia holding and meeting Evelyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7MwvCpxCyIRXDfZPHu8NmUJGShBhW5L-8Kn14HaeUEeaYtO6XlcJxdy3BlTN6lEa3LpleswaItksJqH2NlUPbrOrqladHCoFYsH9I6ARO_gpsyCG3sls7_dPiRE40cq3rSR_B5Mg5paz/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7MwvCpxCyIRXDfZPHu8NmUJGShBhW5L-8Kn14HaeUEeaYtO6XlcJxdy3BlTN6lEa3LpleswaItksJqH2NlUPbrOrqladHCoFYsH9I6ARO_gpsyCG3sls7_dPiRE40cq3rSR_B5Mg5paz/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Sisters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxi85QL4LJ6NjUEQigwU5IgDCbgWJIY8pbmgftBd2iokBHwFVaJmsJ8yk9JXvIhxISx4gOFTE8k8_GITjc748kyW2XBwaAE4OjDX9CyUulo2hMnihmNoavbaPpFf4IX095VQC4UcWxixy/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxi85QL4LJ6NjUEQigwU5IgDCbgWJIY8pbmgftBd2iokBHwFVaJmsJ8yk9JXvIhxISx4gOFTE8k8_GITjc748kyW2XBwaAE4OjDX9CyUulo2hMnihmNoavbaPpFf4IX095VQC4UcWxixy/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige and Her Baby Sister</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn - May 5, 2016</td></tr>
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Evelyn weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz when she was born. She ended up being much bigger at birth than my other three girls. The nurses in Labor and Delivery told me that Evelyn was 21.5 inches long. However, at her first doctor's appointment, the nurse told us that Evelyn was 20.25 inches long. There is no way that Evelyn shrank over an inch in a week! Plus, even at 20 inches, Evelyn is in the 88% for height--which is especially tall for our family. So, I think the measurement of her height at the hospital may have been a bit off. Either way, she will more than likely end up being our tallest girl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5YHkOujEx3NhV3gqYcNJA3P4NSnFA6LHQrAWBimnpu8HvCzHcZLawXbZd0nWpbMys_yHPGHgiZ20uhqHmKbEFq41yyCaiOni2X37Uf6jWzYDi6EAf5zHnMq-yRa7307wN_9ZdU6OusMl/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5YHkOujEx3NhV3gqYcNJA3P4NSnFA6LHQrAWBimnpu8HvCzHcZLawXbZd0nWpbMys_yHPGHgiZ20uhqHmKbEFq41yyCaiOni2X37Uf6jWzYDi6EAf5zHnMq-yRa7307wN_9ZdU6OusMl/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swaddled and Cute</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdJOa37fDoucyDqAiQQiH_pnOVii2OlTEDmEJk-aqJd3AifDzcLJ7uORxU0EQzD8i1TvYo80YsSEzi-5-rNp_ABuoeODWMCThwZ9CKkGvEzukCXMvRm_ugVlXp_60hQqhdUUMq-vuEhXc/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdJOa37fDoucyDqAiQQiH_pnOVii2OlTEDmEJk-aqJd3AifDzcLJ7uORxU0EQzD8i1TvYo80YsSEzi-5-rNp_ABuoeODWMCThwZ9CKkGvEzukCXMvRm_ugVlXp_60hQqhdUUMq-vuEhXc/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Babe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEw4e3FYqs7oj6_UPoyROkEC1UWR-Sr77XAePLkhHSoNZAIS_trRR_XHeXA6jyYaEvbx9kQj-8tbUNIKfczUD_Lng-wt6CqL8jCMecMCuMZ6bBekTxtpDZtHvQeGNOwhgHQm4qHWVRQww/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEw4e3FYqs7oj6_UPoyROkEC1UWR-Sr77XAePLkhHSoNZAIS_trRR_XHeXA6jyYaEvbx9kQj-8tbUNIKfczUD_Lng-wt6CqL8jCMecMCuMZ6bBekTxtpDZtHvQeGNOwhgHQm4qHWVRQww/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Christie and Our Girls</td></tr>
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Christie came and spent a few days with us before Evelyn was born, and got to stay until a couple of days afterward. She was an amazing blessing to us. She took great care of the girls while I was in Labor and Delivery and did a ton of cooking, cleaning and even grocery shopping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGcvTNHtDK9XxZIXRCbR4TLFDRAfuhOvLl07mTMYWU5qy-FbDYpuAkmbO8NAhr4_YxJGy3Lh_2OeLnRWA85LpRY6wX0fau-pH6m0InFrAxTWel9-IA_9OVxOITRnkRGBn5uzNu9paJxbb/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGcvTNHtDK9XxZIXRCbR4TLFDRAfuhOvLl07mTMYWU5qy-FbDYpuAkmbO8NAhr4_YxJGy3Lh_2OeLnRWA85LpRY6wX0fau-pH6m0InFrAxTWel9-IA_9OVxOITRnkRGBn5uzNu9paJxbb/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awake at the Hospital</td></tr>
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Evelyn was about 7 lbs 4 oz when we left the hospital. But she doesn't look teeny tiny in the hospital pics. Even though she was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSd35UmBpJQasMTC-4biQiId9Kpd2fx1JQsux25CPn0a-VOqNQF4QdlW_ZcRmjFiVANqGTyUO8KL_Kw7sYe-TqrWSjMOm5TyTlftpzh1_rWy8iCQ90n5uufuZ3CfNchZb0vrmRuwgbPby/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSd35UmBpJQasMTC-4biQiId9Kpd2fx1JQsux25CPn0a-VOqNQF4QdlW_ZcRmjFiVANqGTyUO8KL_Kw7sYe-TqrWSjMOm5TyTlftpzh1_rWy8iCQ90n5uufuZ3CfNchZb0vrmRuwgbPby/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being Discharged</td></tr>
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Evelyn already looks so different since leaving the hospital.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmQLj3cTQsNnNf6aMStXwdLjdGwDPcBBPUbj-BBI_L2LETn2UguQ8S8VENBTiAo03qS5CYabMztDBYpjz1QYw09aQs1rubVGThZQO8rhud77Zoi90Av6Ze5qUmmtC-Hlaqwcd8PDz6rb1/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmQLj3cTQsNnNf6aMStXwdLjdGwDPcBBPUbj-BBI_L2LETn2UguQ8S8VENBTiAo03qS5CYabMztDBYpjz1QYw09aQs1rubVGThZQO8rhud77Zoi90Av6Ze5qUmmtC-Hlaqwcd8PDz6rb1/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Girl</td></tr>
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Evelyn didn't want to take pictures. She just wanted to go home and be done with all the fluffy stuff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGeUlAb1lXH_6J5LOP3AI_o1B5h4U3hTwF-0kgNuADqDwwVWN7D9GyhpL3N3G6yrPVUhLHITy1rA1gZsbBbC463OwQP9YU2-zkI2gU9HfHQt9hRnWbE9ojJ3Wd43epwH0-OdZdVhdkNUO/s1600/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGeUlAb1lXH_6J5LOP3AI_o1B5h4U3hTwF-0kgNuADqDwwVWN7D9GyhpL3N3G6yrPVUhLHITy1rA1gZsbBbC463OwQP9YU2-zkI2gU9HfHQt9hRnWbE9ojJ3Wd43epwH0-OdZdVhdkNUO/s320/Baby+Evelyn%2527s+Arrival+090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Evelyn is a very strong baby. She lifted her head regularly in the hospital and has been smiling at us from the very beginning. She had a small heart murmur when she was born, but at her 2nd follow-up appointment, our amazing pediatrician told us that she no longer has one. Yay!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2.5 Weeks Old</td></tr>
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Evelyn is a super sweet baby. I feel like the two pictures above show just how much this little one changed in just 2.5 weeks. --And now she's 4.5 weeks old, and has grown up all over again. She is getting closer to sleeping through the night, and even rolled over from front to back on Sunday, May 29th. <div>
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A couple days after Christie left, my sister was able to come and take care of us for almost a week. Aubrey was another huge blessing to us. She also cooked, cleaned, went to the grocery and took care of our big girls. Dave and I even snuck out for a date night while she was here. We brought Evelyn with us, but we enjoyed celebrating her birth, our 14th anniversary and Mother's Day all at once. :)</div>
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We are loving having our beautiful 6th member of our family with us. She has 10 beautiful and long fingers, and 10 super long toes. She is growing as she should. She is as perfect as they come and she is well-loved! We are thankful!<br /><div>
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Thanks for reading about my Evelyn today. I appreciate you stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-92016399539651061482016-02-17T22:26:00.001-06:002016-02-17T22:26:34.539-06:00Still PregnantSo, sometimes it shocks me, but I'm still pregnant. With Baby # 4. And Dave and I still have no girl name chosen in case the Lord blesses us with another walking drama mama.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKuWGUP-MVxuUxRNl4feste-uYX3WMWLqu4crRi7jPsryQ-NqBS1OrAqcDCU6RUSHZxEdsKU1eeqBaQsNQ2MhMwJvsCOUes9FyU7GoNZgrLXdpf8no69MOoASHJjKFGixqZYL3xe3JFMR/s1600/iPhone+pics+February+2016+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKuWGUP-MVxuUxRNl4feste-uYX3WMWLqu4crRi7jPsryQ-NqBS1OrAqcDCU6RUSHZxEdsKU1eeqBaQsNQ2MhMwJvsCOUes9FyU7GoNZgrLXdpf8no69MOoASHJjKFGixqZYL3xe3JFMR/s320/iPhone+pics+February+2016+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week- 28 weeks pregnant</td></tr>
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I honestly hate sharing pics of myself, but I guess this blog is more about documenting a time in the life of my family than it is about hiding some vain insecurity issues I deal with. I can almost hear people thinking, "how does she still have 10-11 week left? She looks ready to pop." And I know that before long I won't have to know people are thinking it because they'll go right ahead and say it out loud. At least one person already has, and they did with my other three pregnancies. :/<div>
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People keep asking me if this pregnancy seems different than my last three. The answer is a resounding yes. But, then, Saige's pregnancy felt very very different than my first two pregnancies. We still have almost 3 months until this baby arrives and announces their gender, and I will be here....waiting very impatiently.<br /><div>
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Since I haven't written in months, I'd like to catch you all up on what's going on with us. Life in the Bakkan has been so different than any life Dave and I ever could have imagined for ourselves. Jobs and real estate and the oil economy are more unpredictable than ever. We find ourselves helping friends move, mourning with friends who are laid-off, missing family, and enjoying close and quickly found relationships with friends who know exactly how we are feeling and what we are going through. It's an unstable time.</div>
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This winter has not been "bad" as North Dakota winters go, and we barely have any snow left on the ground. We expect highs in the 50's tomorrow, and our North Dakotan friends are excited and gearing up for an early Spring.</div>
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Our girls are still loving homeschool. It's been a little harder for me to be motivated to teach as my belly has grown and I've become increasingly tired, but I am so thankful for the joy the girls and I get out of it as we work through history, geography, language, reading, Spanish, handwriting and gym class together. </div>
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Julia is having a hard time allowing us to convince her that she is NOT a third parent. She is very mature and sweet, and understands a lot for her age. Lydia is still super spunky, witty and interested in having a good time (all the time), and Saige is a sneaky, strong-willed little sweetie pie. We tease her that she loves sugar because she was born in Sugar Land, TX. For a while there though, I think she tried to use this as an excuse for her lack of discipline when it came to sneaking in a corner and eating candy. What's a parent to do?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gcD9olof1Lr999pze8gNH1jMVou1XDDFwp_cdlvAxTlryJYWqbb0rPSdIFZnxesEEmmBH8ivjAlRcn6OvmV40W4ojMPB83JWnEGXhtA1wIXrsagyXR01Nj5gJHXeDTcDOCiyayh0A0Pt/s1600/iPhone+pics+February+2016+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gcD9olof1Lr999pze8gNH1jMVou1XDDFwp_cdlvAxTlryJYWqbb0rPSdIFZnxesEEmmBH8ivjAlRcn6OvmV40W4ojMPB83JWnEGXhtA1wIXrsagyXR01Nj5gJHXeDTcDOCiyayh0A0Pt/s320/iPhone+pics+February+2016+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Valentine Cards</td></tr>
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I have been working with some real estate clients lately, and am generally just trying to help people make the best of such a crazy Bakken situation. This market is night and day different than Houston's, and learning the ropes is tedious but rewarding.</div>
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We have no idea what God has in store for our Stewart family next. Dave and I often try to put in our two cents, but we mostly just know that nothing is up to us. We try and live by the verse found in Matthew 10:39. <i>Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. </i></div>
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Hope to get back on here soon. Blessings! -Amber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-67888648250163297362015-12-11T18:35:00.000-06:002015-12-11T18:35:54.128-06:00Our (Almost) Winter Day!Today was a great, (almost) winter day! We started out with the 5 (+ baby) of us at co-op. There were only 3 co-op families, so we had a smaller group which made making gingerbread houses relatively easy! We made the easy houses out of crackers, icing and candy, and the kids had a blast!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7aar-zXshN_Dz-NOU1rB5FkukobRrKqMXoldbTC80zGmYdoVH9lSh10zUqvdhiCCU1NgEM0QXN5aJQu-ZzQxbfqnuWzVEyQSQdpc2p0czw_GYEaX4IxNxf83O6eLyU4yhjnpfjMhcGK/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7aar-zXshN_Dz-NOU1rB5FkukobRrKqMXoldbTC80zGmYdoVH9lSh10zUqvdhiCCU1NgEM0QXN5aJQu-ZzQxbfqnuWzVEyQSQdpc2p0czw_GYEaX4IxNxf83O6eLyU4yhjnpfjMhcGK/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+728.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia and her house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx24a2KyEA55WS5Mm-rpf-8x1w7_DP9PfhdVTyPoKWHDiOliBVTIgVRcw2rJHFC21Qq0DCr_j_5SqV0lEWwmcL8jmJije2Fs64mv8tPQDJfGx8HiB5nZqlS7qU3aYs-qcPMNLVBbkYzwN/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx24a2KyEA55WS5Mm-rpf-8x1w7_DP9PfhdVTyPoKWHDiOliBVTIgVRcw2rJHFC21Qq0DCr_j_5SqV0lEWwmcL8jmJije2Fs64mv8tPQDJfGx8HiB5nZqlS7qU3aYs-qcPMNLVBbkYzwN/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+730.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia and her house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62NZJJejjsMboy5dPIXNUUnK9x-bgsITkyVbc4gmdcEMPZnKAToGRCsqaFl46mQ-whOBNht9PX6rEpXYlSwbWmSVncbc2QIvzhgwumx-3CIc7e6f9cxus2aS0q8qeejgehn7u7XGkJZYh/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62NZJJejjsMboy5dPIXNUUnK9x-bgsITkyVbc4gmdcEMPZnKAToGRCsqaFl46mQ-whOBNht9PX6rEpXYlSwbWmSVncbc2QIvzhgwumx-3CIc7e6f9cxus2aS0q8qeejgehn7u7XGkJZYh/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+732.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saigie and her house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJXqE_4O4QMGIXyzdlW89niHfFkxFko4J6i__qgxTNPyLeQ55aey9KDBI7FSYh88boctmdQmy_QTla7Fgy6IiwPLyFeJrgVFBuy_4iaynsZKUS9RMpnosM0Nq8gmCMCs6kdcm-qqdh38p/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJXqE_4O4QMGIXyzdlW89niHfFkxFko4J6i__qgxTNPyLeQ55aey9KDBI7FSYh88boctmdQmy_QTla7Fgy6IiwPLyFeJrgVFBuy_4iaynsZKUS9RMpnosM0Nq8gmCMCs6kdcm-qqdh38p/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three gorgeous girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJqE5XspiAcosrssLKNUeYMGYSS9ImaUnm3RgkzmVZzPnBghKGGEqKejaRczEQjo_WJaqVu_TZeT_qHXLNyGdlstXvoL1xw0VAsSmeYztg2RX1xYc1x0yew7h45ci6cklliD-DnK5kMqT/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJqE5XspiAcosrssLKNUeYMGYSS9ImaUnm3RgkzmVZzPnBghKGGEqKejaRczEQjo_WJaqVu_TZeT_qHXLNyGdlstXvoL1xw0VAsSmeYztg2RX1xYc1x0yew7h45ci6cklliD-DnK5kMqT/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+740.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the houses from co-op</td></tr>
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All the kids at co-op did such a great job on their houses. One little boy made a mail box and a trampoline with a bench. One little boy made a garden out of kit kats. One little girl had a bathroom in the roof. Our girls made cute doors and chimneys. So fun! My favorite part was Saige telling me how much fun it was to build her house.<br />
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After lunch and co-op, I finished some outdoor Christmas decorations, and Dave and the girls started building a snowman.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkivVMQijNw7S4ZkfuclwlVSHOKDMxEalvi8b0Cd3Zs-LajOo1firGgbqR2rhrElJS1jVps1pEMk5Nv1lEYFEvIi0h4qXmrPVDnyrtRZOel7_1WuU77WJ-ckPQ_mbMEC6UQQTZwd1he1V/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkivVMQijNw7S4ZkfuclwlVSHOKDMxEalvi8b0Cd3Zs-LajOo1firGgbqR2rhrElJS1jVps1pEMk5Nv1lEYFEvIi0h4qXmrPVDnyrtRZOel7_1WuU77WJ-ckPQ_mbMEC6UQQTZwd1he1V/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+744.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My late Grandpa made the Rudolf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D-3F1xHCTMvsB8zNnlZpyrgEqGumTwVfYgWbvM90md_z_HC1MRtNkTp-8vL8gWiJYF6rEbuOBc-pc0YEaFDTofMDeiMO6U7gPuMnLdRFTBaPN-I__d_i9Hs0c23yhF9dFT69jJnDCkXc/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D-3F1xHCTMvsB8zNnlZpyrgEqGumTwVfYgWbvM90md_z_HC1MRtNkTp-8vL8gWiJYF6rEbuOBc-pc0YEaFDTofMDeiMO6U7gPuMnLdRFTBaPN-I__d_i9Hs0c23yhF9dFT69jJnDCkXc/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+755.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My front door decorations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI2VPYsU20o0gRe75Q9IDeLpCgNO4Z_0QaxmEGc-w_DY8tCMajXg1tHrOJan3HdeKHnehQkURYlrETF5GOkGpUT3Bz0GQn4ZPZcbQC7KpvulEBpOJKStkxyUCN63730HcYC7uMHPlXCcP/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI2VPYsU20o0gRe75Q9IDeLpCgNO4Z_0QaxmEGc-w_DY8tCMajXg1tHrOJan3HdeKHnehQkURYlrETF5GOkGpUT3Bz0GQn4ZPZcbQC7KpvulEBpOJKStkxyUCN63730HcYC7uMHPlXCcP/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+747.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and our girls building the snowman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETqOln7v2BEL1xCa0hSvDMzTM_fVN7708Qc0xuH3TYSuPZ8jsO9MtSovfxVhuSf4zfBGWcn0MPNFEo2oyjqRBLbz9Y0KEVi0NAcfKA3vlBLlj4JSf5xEBzy8r12fyIE4mcw2fNaUKM0hV/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETqOln7v2BEL1xCa0hSvDMzTM_fVN7708Qc0xuH3TYSuPZ8jsO9MtSovfxVhuSf4zfBGWcn0MPNFEo2oyjqRBLbz9Y0KEVi0NAcfKA3vlBLlj4JSf5xEBzy8r12fyIE4mcw2fNaUKM0hV/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+749.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More snowman building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgMOq7qHvDqjVwcB5i093lX6pxhtChN2Q3TTyrOygJXNrh_4pK3OiO6a8kHx80w1bHxQh1MdfRIuh1X39F4xe8WP96Sm0RO3QS64wSvtm3hjc_200sIsNxvgrMyxXDgTrw_2_43ac06KD/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgMOq7qHvDqjVwcB5i093lX6pxhtChN2Q3TTyrOygJXNrh_4pK3OiO6a8kHx80w1bHxQh1MdfRIuh1X39F4xe8WP96Sm0RO3QS64wSvtm3hjc_200sIsNxvgrMyxXDgTrw_2_43ac06KD/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+757.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our finished snowman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vkoDRlr-lRRGU9goWsb55GOZfxXLleWETEjDeOQBvIoA5B84QDxjVO-KKhyphenhyphenC6cXRKy2O4jC3a9-I_WHpb8Z65gF3FarIabnZipVkqp3G_XyV_ffDBYxI6pNBp19Hlmq799-4GDqNbB6x/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vkoDRlr-lRRGU9goWsb55GOZfxXLleWETEjDeOQBvIoA5B84QDxjVO-KKhyphenhyphenC6cXRKy2O4jC3a9-I_WHpb8Z65gF3FarIabnZipVkqp3G_XyV_ffDBYxI6pNBp19Hlmq799-4GDqNbB6x/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+758.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cuties with their man:</td></tr>
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The girls each posed behind the snowman with their arms up, just like their snow friend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ33k6bLOCWxMg7T-ctUA8LfB6erDGNgP2r3zLzwAkVrxVJaUMLyPZlPBi05gdj3t4S3Y8rg3Sknnh8dmgbrkjNoybVlYvtQfWE9ge41NYxUVXJpZWkRquvDj0X-6YtAKsdzMXC84Bnd39/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ33k6bLOCWxMg7T-ctUA8LfB6erDGNgP2r3zLzwAkVrxVJaUMLyPZlPBi05gdj3t4S3Y8rg3Sknnh8dmgbrkjNoybVlYvtQfWE9ge41NYxUVXJpZWkRquvDj0X-6YtAKsdzMXC84Bnd39/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+764.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia and Snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8dFWIhO5gHZC3HoeqY6kYgffdwz4au3503DhVlefOk85c3m5QoSATdAaxKc7S6xSQ4gV4jawRwduFmDkv-7VBx2IAqygC9nL7SuRmFd7N_SPLVS-5CIcztH_SP9pzBiKuroy7bYAO-Ms/s1600/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8dFWIhO5gHZC3HoeqY6kYgffdwz4au3503DhVlefOk85c3m5QoSATdAaxKc7S6xSQ4gV4jawRwduFmDkv-7VBx2IAqygC9nL7SuRmFd7N_SPLVS-5CIcztH_SP9pzBiKuroy7bYAO-Ms/s320/iPhone+Fall-Christmas+768.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige and Snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After snowman building, we came in and had some hot chocolate. I have borscht on the stove, and my stomach is growling. We plan on watching a Christmas movie later. Days like these are few and far between. They are also days made in heaven! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I loved today. I hope you loved your Friday too! Happy (almost) winter and Merry Christmas!</div>
<div>
Sincerely, Amber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-28598529812695959952015-10-06T20:26:00.001-05:002015-10-06T20:26:10.098-05:00Pregnancy Number FourI haven't written on my blog in so long that I almost forgot the address to it. But, for some reason I feel inspired to let you all know that I feel horrible. I only ever feel like sleeping. I don't feel like wearing clothes because their too uncomfortable. I don't want to eat anything at all, and I definitely don't feel like thinking.<br />
<br />
I guess that's what your fourth pregnancy will do to you.<br />
<br />
The weird thing is that my other pregnancies went so smoothly that it surprised even me. Sure I was tired and hungry with Julia, Lydia and Saige, but once I slept or ate, I mostly felt better. These days when I eat, I usually feel worse. Yuck.<br />
<br />
I must be too old to be pregnant. Pregnancies in your 20's and pregnancies in your 30's are night and day.<br />
<br />
When I was pregnant with Julia and Lydia, I loved eating soup and salad, and enjoyed ice cream sometimes in the evenings. This pregnancy, eggs sound kinda gross even though I used to eat them every morning. Meat sounds gross, except for chicken, depending on how it's cooked. Sweets make my stomach roll. I think I'm pregnancy-lactose-intolerant...if that's even a thing, and salads sound wilty. Lettuce tastes like dirt.<br />
<br />
We have small group at our house on Monday nights. Cleaning is so much more difficult when you feel constantly motion sick. I mention that we have small group because one of our very kind group members decided to share moose meat with us tonight as a special treat. He went hunting in AK a few weeks ago. Normally this would be a huge treat to me because I grew up eating and loving moose meat steaks. But this time around, the moose roast cooking in my kitchen (which smells just like beef roast) smells like disgustingness. Maybe the moose hamburgers and moose sausages will be more palatable. Maybe not. But my stomach is currently growling while my gag instincts are reflexing.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, despite my inability to think clearly, God granted me the blessing of passing my North Dakota real estate exam on Saturday. My saltines and I were very excited. And my family was oh so sweet and proud. With the way I've been feeling, I know God had a huge part in it. (I seriously thought I was going to have to be sick during the test, but I made it out of the test just in time. And my saltines and I were happily reunited.) I am so thankful I don't have to study this week because even Lydia told me I was acting a little spacey during home school the other day. Lydia is adorable and is also my most spacey child. (Takes one to know one.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am so excited about this pregnancy (if you couldn't tell) but really looking forward to my second trimester where nesting and energy abound, right? Right.<br />
<br />
I need to text Dave. I just realized I might be able to stomach some cottage cheese (despite the lactose intolerance). But we don't have any. I hope he can grab me some on the way home before my food aversion kicks in, and I change my mind and realize it sounds oh so disgusting.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! Love ya! -AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-25995240808622966442015-07-27T16:14:00.001-05:002015-07-27T16:14:51.857-05:00Mt. Rushmore (Back-up Blogging)LyWell, this summer has been awesome. And we are just half way through. I can't keep up with all the places we've been and the people we've seen. I've never taken so many mini-vacations in my life! Here's one short vacation we took last month:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqipwaVDYsbPFaFiVTR593ngRKe64vK_LH_-CE8ZTvGlmFctxvo2TjeRJVNhAIGGHNkxDYnlQpxaIpmIctxjjD0lZaeLPDa1EDlgGAJp2OLRQIecuUIsfU_fRzjTOE4tHUa3Np8eQcz9Sd/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqipwaVDYsbPFaFiVTR593ngRKe64vK_LH_-CE8ZTvGlmFctxvo2TjeRJVNhAIGGHNkxDYnlQpxaIpmIctxjjD0lZaeLPDa1EDlgGAJp2OLRQIecuUIsfU_fRzjTOE4tHUa3Np8eQcz9Sd/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Car tunnels near Custer State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Camping in Custer State Park with a stop to see Mt. Rushmore first is a great way to spend a weekend! Especially when your sister and her family comes to enjoy the weekend with you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzd146hRX9iZgR2B7oCJ5Y6IBolzI32ndChZ9a8Wh2MhCHicjy3DUOp6Ala_cphD8Ki6mYhFjfChXQgyjEWuwa1OgUVKrAs2Py7_09I9gbPEACjBZcTSkK6OApf_Pg_RJesZuZJoItRmG/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzd146hRX9iZgR2B7oCJ5Y6IBolzI32ndChZ9a8Wh2MhCHicjy3DUOp6Ala_cphD8Ki6mYhFjfChXQgyjEWuwa1OgUVKrAs2Py7_09I9gbPEACjBZcTSkK6OApf_Pg_RJesZuZJoItRmG/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewarts with the Presidents</td></tr>
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Oh, did I forget to tell you we adopted a little boy? Just kidding, my nephew is pictured with my girls below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheek_uQiwob9l8PHqh3JzgozeBZmnlAycElNqL5WRMwpAg5kWbsLILycxzdvMvCudtq28WL-HCrJF-2BLiAtSAZ1H6MOon3tMOiZzClXAyZ0UjuE0g_K04tqHDxDbufMo9Si0HuXr0MKV4/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheek_uQiwob9l8PHqh3JzgozeBZmnlAycElNqL5WRMwpAg5kWbsLILycxzdvMvCudtq28WL-HCrJF-2BLiAtSAZ1H6MOon3tMOiZzClXAyZ0UjuE0g_K04tqHDxDbufMo9Si0HuXr0MKV4/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkIcTv6YwrKahJnuRn5RUNYpsXht7PSZpMrb3eXHbwVJIxWsKlOuqxd7hik1o6-P2SMyTm19VVWEOh8FVcqCsB-9SoO8kKvHJZVDmSYsfojiNSSEn6rFCE_mH_CAB_LKhK6IQObl6p4ns/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkIcTv6YwrKahJnuRn5RUNYpsXht7PSZpMrb3eXHbwVJIxWsKlOuqxd7hik1o6-P2SMyTm19VVWEOh8FVcqCsB-9SoO8kKvHJZVDmSYsfojiNSSEn6rFCE_mH_CAB_LKhK6IQObl6p4ns/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the little chipmunk? Cute.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX46R32X0mCIEl3shcnCGhDvEX_jEknTLa3R0KxkThSNsGXWnt2kgPJ7gbXB6sqJKZ44zF3b06mJjZ94SZ7Ryxe-KWmegieybDe45fJyT1E9r3SO89gfEWsgMXpjxtxV7pn7fZd55vRl_L/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX46R32X0mCIEl3shcnCGhDvEX_jEknTLa3R0KxkThSNsGXWnt2kgPJ7gbXB6sqJKZ44zF3b06mJjZ94SZ7Ryxe-KWmegieybDe45fJyT1E9r3SO89gfEWsgMXpjxtxV7pn7fZd55vRl_L/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in Case You've Never Seen a Picture of Mt. Rushmore</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS0gdClF_1RoqzRqiYD1RaNRDJjl7_Z7UfOyclDfzQmBG8fmAuyYovmAdKG9zCcP9R4wDFdFrPxmMf3YRhGFipTIKry9ianFE1gcYf5Thp46zlUHn5dkuXMOROqUAu_V9cFuHVrswnXqx/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS0gdClF_1RoqzRqiYD1RaNRDJjl7_Z7UfOyclDfzQmBG8fmAuyYovmAdKG9zCcP9R4wDFdFrPxmMf3YRhGFipTIKry9ianFE1gcYf5Thp46zlUHn5dkuXMOROqUAu_V9cFuHVrswnXqx/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewarts and Presidents From a Different Angle. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYArDx25wmanqsTiNFa7lsPkl1nvtKUljkZQHejWkBYVOtttIbXtDIxEscpA1lo9vr2efaBXB2C9bDUxdUMpcyztMDz7BTMjs7BtoU37gnIsl0EM5oh1c6k0eVY_xiqh_61WmA-LYv2BIr/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYArDx25wmanqsTiNFa7lsPkl1nvtKUljkZQHejWkBYVOtttIbXtDIxEscpA1lo9vr2efaBXB2C9bDUxdUMpcyztMDz7BTMjs7BtoU37gnIsl0EM5oh1c6k0eVY_xiqh_61WmA-LYv2BIr/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige, her Sass, Dave, Cousin Josiah, My Sis Aubrey, My Bro-in Law Andy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8EZ7OFFkw9mOq1C0xPiDyd2OsHJul77lEGedVMSoV1SfrXE71GEURysom-vxVJ1Pnf0MX39e67ySVf0TOcJwXH9Chk6HaSj9VfskcNlFvpmA351KLrhrTccm29qx0pCOtPvwEmd4o1_h/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8EZ7OFFkw9mOq1C0xPiDyd2OsHJul77lEGedVMSoV1SfrXE71GEURysom-vxVJ1Pnf0MX39e67ySVf0TOcJwXH9Chk6HaSj9VfskcNlFvpmA351KLrhrTccm29qx0pCOtPvwEmd4o1_h/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custer Campground with a View</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNDiAynK1Z011sg7tIw606WGelMEOe2D-0UGzJGEecnjtGX8ngmcZRYitiZRlr1gQhpuEoksP8WiqzjlLkx1HFbMBK6CJmsl0QoyyOoOnhiTf2DmOGOwmdEhEap531iHsndJ-mbOUwRDL/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNDiAynK1Z011sg7tIw606WGelMEOe2D-0UGzJGEecnjtGX8ngmcZRYitiZRlr1gQhpuEoksP8WiqzjlLkx1HFbMBK6CJmsl0QoyyOoOnhiTf2DmOGOwmdEhEap531iHsndJ-mbOUwRDL/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins Frolicking on the SD Grasslands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwqZSIpOXz3hokfQyPVSIMRZPIqsQ0dTZqGlBVHpRKMiLIziagFp6rziHK0YSOsO3XSbMHwP6SM5qyWJeHjocYD9cfe0Md_BMCprmwfb96K-IUOJAKxPJdYZfzxH1VsSy27vdyx__rhfq/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwqZSIpOXz3hokfQyPVSIMRZPIqsQ0dTZqGlBVHpRKMiLIziagFp6rziHK0YSOsO3XSbMHwP6SM5qyWJeHjocYD9cfe0Md_BMCprmwfb96K-IUOJAKxPJdYZfzxH1VsSy27vdyx__rhfq/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half of Josiah, Julia, Saige and Cousin Madelyn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the Saturday of our trip, we got to drive around Custer State Park. We visited and fed the donkeys in the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD82fDlE7stXXzD6DmL81jUUjGKqJnvBKud1Kl9lmAA5SIp2U3c3zaB0JLBONTlMZsrx8c6B0y_Q5yXV6hS8h_tu0I9n9spm0JKqaettH7U6Tqxg7bdnWxJTujEV5Mn3ud7JZEvzLQIj7/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD82fDlE7stXXzD6DmL81jUUjGKqJnvBKud1Kl9lmAA5SIp2U3c3zaB0JLBONTlMZsrx8c6B0y_Q5yXV6hS8h_tu0I9n9spm0JKqaettH7U6Tqxg7bdnWxJTujEV5Mn3ud7JZEvzLQIj7/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia, Saige and Donkey</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZsJ3Yo2OY57liMdgwIeQis2jmcqzSzKHYnnVqIysO-hibLbKvT_cTuD0SjPoDMyBEge-SRz2Wl4OrP-nL1PCunTITeXvGQ1QDumIDlVZ3WcZmq_42vb5DtbkHk66akVbFssfIlRlyrxr/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZsJ3Yo2OY57liMdgwIeQis2jmcqzSzKHYnnVqIysO-hibLbKvT_cTuD0SjPoDMyBEge-SRz2Wl4OrP-nL1PCunTITeXvGQ1QDumIDlVZ3WcZmq_42vb5DtbkHk66akVbFssfIlRlyrxr/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey and Julia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was fun, and the girls loved feeding the donkeys. But to be honest...babies feeding donkeys (that are huge in comparison to babies) makes a momma stressed. (Not me. Just some momma. Somewhere.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVqsNdul_b3-c21YP1EbP1udb099Fmm0ZC_wfaayKQxmRP1jURXWnN8SEXw5Azeur2ycDRw0Otx8GJyggS1iGI84s3DIol3WrYq8kPpI_8XJbmVNH3fJ6kW-mLr1vt7krtJOI_lGtyEQg/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVqsNdul_b3-c21YP1EbP1udb099Fmm0ZC_wfaayKQxmRP1jURXWnN8SEXw5Azeur2ycDRw0Otx8GJyggS1iGI84s3DIol3WrYq8kPpI_8XJbmVNH3fJ6kW-mLr1vt7krtJOI_lGtyEQg/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuties Hiking Around a Beautiful Lake in Custer State Park Near the Custer State Park Needles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaF9FslE-JLqD3X5KkZCLclra6AK_aoaoWbZtDOKFFlrcOS8vngTTOfY4Mkp79Ay7eAQwUW6m-bKcZ4ujkzcT-0EvmGzXh1dXNvT7rgIHH0ZlFfdfEJJpZsSSsGnFsP0xSIVPBfGAmJf0/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaF9FslE-JLqD3X5KkZCLclra6AK_aoaoWbZtDOKFFlrcOS8vngTTOfY4Mkp79Ay7eAQwUW6m-bKcZ4ujkzcT-0EvmGzXh1dXNvT7rgIHH0ZlFfdfEJJpZsSSsGnFsP0xSIVPBfGAmJf0/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige Loves to Wear Sunglasses. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiU6a35MXw1etDJDhE1hA3O-GuCNAUaL3dgcN8Les8Gdw-_sd7Qyp6BaBrPV7qdBuhtRsTRss_jgcPxDGe1c4v9w_uN31otF6gVU_jorSPGFtFGSFETLnmUNGRMSJqugHepS1bfR8vmgg/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiU6a35MXw1etDJDhE1hA3O-GuCNAUaL3dgcN8Les8Gdw-_sd7Qyp6BaBrPV7qdBuhtRsTRss_jgcPxDGe1c4v9w_uN31otF6gVU_jorSPGFtFGSFETLnmUNGRMSJqugHepS1bfR8vmgg/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewarts With Our Adopted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Sunday of our trip, we visited Bear Country. The following pics of animals are super close. But we were in our car the whole time. Bear Country is a drive through, animal viewing attraction.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84TkjXCpCJ3lTr8FxOjadCCgh02-R7Q6dXfQZTSgD-hwn1glZwHEA-XP5zRfpqkV3VIpdRaewxOD9cYei0kW4Tm3_3F1AnEOP2AeJpxj8BExG7rHjk9sw0bYwgg8MrYCoXHKHcEYVICpt/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84TkjXCpCJ3lTr8FxOjadCCgh02-R7Q6dXfQZTSgD-hwn1glZwHEA-XP5zRfpqkV3VIpdRaewxOD9cYei0kW4Tm3_3F1AnEOP2AeJpxj8BExG7rHjk9sw0bYwgg8MrYCoXHKHcEYVICpt/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Male Buck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYJd6zuqUDAUQyBkLAHgBKrhvw4gUaVHLC980wtv1sR-IFB4mZsUxewg_TdLcqPafSYSoaRCvtghndFPwRBR-20q2YI3fHjQcxeM_Xo8nsImb6gHRurPW1N3jAexo1qpCkmo090Os7uRv/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYJd6zuqUDAUQyBkLAHgBKrhvw4gUaVHLC980wtv1sR-IFB4mZsUxewg_TdLcqPafSYSoaRCvtghndFPwRBR-20q2YI3fHjQcxeM_Xo8nsImb6gHRurPW1N3jAexo1qpCkmo090Os7uRv/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Wolf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RjiQxgUwxaie7ZGylAbM1x9B5MfhzUth0vH7yphBImiSMLXqd04gdf22UYT9GtjFzY4Qx7OY35-dwASyWebL-vUb-5FPQbyw0xjiIzTo5GCorU-ZnO14pIPuwPmFJBr7DeSGvRuNb5Zy/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RjiQxgUwxaie7ZGylAbM1x9B5MfhzUth0vH7yphBImiSMLXqd04gdf22UYT9GtjFzY4Qx7OY35-dwASyWebL-vUb-5FPQbyw0xjiIzTo5GCorU-ZnO14pIPuwPmFJBr7DeSGvRuNb5Zy/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-SwtSRgqmUqEwqMFJWxV7utXfv8uHjC2MMTMUx8uRQ2VBu5Omayk31PDZvTfwP0VpC8uDDN5lj3Ds-2qmjZseB45SwO5nh7mfCvXGPtMvMpPj3VE1D-IJMQxPTctIydxI2NxtcY8l3hk/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-SwtSRgqmUqEwqMFJWxV7utXfv8uHjC2MMTMUx8uRQ2VBu5Omayk31PDZvTfwP0VpC8uDDN5lj3Ds-2qmjZseB45SwO5nh7mfCvXGPtMvMpPj3VE1D-IJMQxPTctIydxI2NxtcY8l3hk/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bigger Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3XXIZY5Ef6KZWzX-49XDMEd12hunfgtQFAsIlK1Sj5Zi0kaKmwKdZvuR9cBcdLEf5h75m4TcZ-EjgOnJi3P9iWNvqOV0nbxnet8mgwkXuoCMSj7fDCTdSOYfVpXpIoSUylkQc7HdoK5p/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3XXIZY5Ef6KZWzX-49XDMEd12hunfgtQFAsIlK1Sj5Zi0kaKmwKdZvuR9cBcdLEf5h75m4TcZ-EjgOnJi3P9iWNvqOV0nbxnet8mgwkXuoCMSj7fDCTdSOYfVpXpIoSUylkQc7HdoK5p/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+251.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Little Cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNNk2Rznkr3B1d6vxnSSdbITZuJXix572yHofGzXGbirN54N7iLdcOtJQgB0izpyaf_Wlxa3Wpe-Lh3hFLOBDsDGn7kzuQHwzha9jUH_pzoZKjVh7YCbbvX-50M8bG646JNu2F_033RMm/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNNk2Rznkr3B1d6vxnSSdbITZuJXix572yHofGzXGbirN54N7iLdcOtJQgB0izpyaf_Wlxa3Wpe-Lh3hFLOBDsDGn7kzuQHwzha9jUH_pzoZKjVh7YCbbvX-50M8bG646JNu2F_033RMm/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and a Very Hot Bear (He Was Metal)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO2Hwli7zesTYWcLbgUdHoredYDj7wETsjCMtbMyVPyouBLst7AVXM9LP7OHNQzfqUayMjp3wN3vDwW4qayNifbirGqD1JOAGPzoUYgKI10hGEhH73W7PFjBmB0vbQT1NbLrmKdcwYnW1/s1600/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO2Hwli7zesTYWcLbgUdHoredYDj7wETsjCMtbMyVPyouBLst7AVXM9LP7OHNQzfqUayMjp3wN3vDwW4qayNifbirGqD1JOAGPzoUYgKI10hGEhH73W7PFjBmB0vbQT1NbLrmKdcwYnW1/s320/Stewart+Family+Pictures+from+Canon+Camera+256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewarts at Bear Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Memories are everywhere! And I thank the Lord for them all! I can't wait to do this trip again. Thanks for the good times, Hazelets!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love to all, Amber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-43962500216814736922015-06-17T16:44:00.000-05:002015-06-17T16:44:00.352-05:00In Summer! (Olaf Voice Intended)<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/AVvXsEi0_0MZCRd7uT1y2ela5Jy6nPMGLIGEmTOqTp3uGLu-2r_-dDgsbEqnbHXnxiI2FY1qHFe_w3qG1TNQcnmlv3HH45_wpob8hBpdozeCBw5v-kyZLDiGXcvjWjI5oJZf1oLpKRBa9gLMm1jS/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_0MZCRd7uT1y2ela5Jy6nPMGLIGEmTOqTp3uGLu-2r_-dDgsbEqnbHXnxiI2FY1qHFe_w3qG1TNQcnmlv3HH45_wpob8hBpdozeCBw5v-kyZLDiGXcvjWjI5oJZf1oLpKRBa9gLMm1jS/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia and My Grandma picking Iris' with my Dad and Grandpa in the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our summer is off and running away from us! I've decided the best way
to catch my blog up is to write the traditional "Christmas letter" to
you all in the middle of June! So here's what we are up to:<br />
<br />
<br />
We've
been on a week long trip (a 17 hour drive) to Highland IL for my
cousin's wedding, went to a funeral (that was 13 hours from home) due to
the passing of my Grandpa Mitchell, been to the local pool, worked on
our yard, started a pitiful garden, had a garage sale, traveled to
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and are currently hosting Dave's mom,
Ruth. We have had a fantastic and ever so exhausting last couple of
months! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3w-0S1Ohe7av0d_FK1sMM6_Voe13TzxBTxQN0xVifumUY51Pnzk6iWoW00T-9IyNLPcIIM8A2j93EVGkMcO4VKi2M2K6YGE5vLmp4W4vRQ7ROGRPM-Ui1wl2D68-KCvwLkmW1UPrBnHx/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3w-0S1Ohe7av0d_FK1sMM6_Voe13TzxBTxQN0xVifumUY51Pnzk6iWoW00T-9IyNLPcIIM8A2j93EVGkMcO4VKi2M2K6YGE5vLmp4W4vRQ7ROGRPM-Ui1wl2D68-KCvwLkmW1UPrBnHx/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma Daiber (My Grandma) and Julia and Lyd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE5FNoZf4JaeR8yjbfbGnyhdn-sQXYOB2JRAAMuXH6g4cp7N1RZwcm6IJ-gAfSHpKiMbaI8bdz6noKqLBJ7l0-AXRTqMz9um3hTrSUZIvQGIJHishe-Jz3p_t7omN6TLILbsEbVqokIYG/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE5FNoZf4JaeR8yjbfbGnyhdn-sQXYOB2JRAAMuXH6g4cp7N1RZwcm6IJ-gAfSHpKiMbaI8bdz6noKqLBJ7l0-AXRTqMz9um3hTrSUZIvQGIJHishe-Jz3p_t7omN6TLILbsEbVqokIYG/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom, My Grandma, Me and my three sweeties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhbOMaLs3gvu0LoRX0Ocxyx2uUXlrIMXI9h-xSSn8g6PV0zadW72Q0lHY8WPq44L33KeJsYFI15XK3JUfA02qF_MSgdYVfgKLNGFU27zsig9fipuk7IOU5TkXsx9KFaf9LD7E9a6oj3nc/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhbOMaLs3gvu0LoRX0Ocxyx2uUXlrIMXI9h-xSSn8g6PV0zadW72Q0lHY8WPq44L33KeJsYFI15XK3JUfA02qF_MSgdYVfgKLNGFU27zsig9fipuk7IOU5TkXsx9KFaf9LD7E9a6oj3nc/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom, Lydia, Saige, Julia and My Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
We still plan to go camping for two weekends, take our older girls to Kanakuk Kamp in Branson MO, and take a trip to Houston to see friends and family. (Of course we have more pool time, park time and popsicle time also scribbled in....) We are so blessed and so crazy! We've noticed that packing-in the trips in the summer is very common in North Dakota because the winters are so long and cold. And I guess we are following suit! <br />
<br />
<br />
I'm still working on getting my real estate license in ND, but the red tape is long and the snail mail is slower than ever. Hopefully I will have it by the end of summer if not before!<br />
<br />
<br />
Dave is still loving his job! Deadlines, deadlines, and more deadlines. He always has them, but the challenge is exciting for him, and he just keeps on keeping on. He gets to do a sleep study soon to see if he is one of the lucky ones who gets to wear a mask when he sleeps...boo bah buh do.<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia and Lydia are still loving and excelling in gymnastics. I can't even tell you what all they can do now. Cartwheels, bridge kick-overs, and acrobatics off the furniture are all normal parts of life. <br />
<br />
<br />
Saige is still trying to adjust to being the youngest sister. Her and Julia stay in a tug-of-war about who is "top dog". While my three beautiful daughters fight like cats and dogs at home, they are also all very defensive to the outside world should anyone try to cross their sister. They are three wonderful little messes. <br />
<br />
<br />
We are very thankful to have seen a lot of family already this summer. It's a difficult thing to do because we live so. far. away. from all of our family, but we are thankful for the time we have had and will have all the same!<br />
<br />
<br />
After summer, more adventures will begin for our family. Namely, homeschooling. I am excited and scared and overwhelmed and claustrophobic (I know this word isn't really an adjective, but to me it fits) about it all at the same time. But, hopefully hitting the books together will prove to be awesome and will continue to bind us together as Team Stewart. We shall see. <br />
<br />
<br />
Our new-to-us dog Lulu has been adjusting well, and the girls are loving her. She has attended some of our trips with us and stayed with friends on others. The girls wake up calling for her, and go to bed wanting one more puppy snuggles. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0OKrOrmYtIIdyFaUz4FM03arCMSWCQJA4raEZsCAJgJOWYuJOniQsr_0kQVZnOUjo-NabIz7mTnexmbzXv7JHw_1GPPFxXuW4ZsmIi87MoodNnKy0aUuloEvaU3GuyOHTG4_VQC2-uB1/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0OKrOrmYtIIdyFaUz4FM03arCMSWCQJA4raEZsCAJgJOWYuJOniQsr_0kQVZnOUjo-NabIz7mTnexmbzXv7JHw_1GPPFxXuW4ZsmIi87MoodNnKy0aUuloEvaU3GuyOHTG4_VQC2-uB1/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Stewart at my Cousin's Wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd64PgRMN7z4HhzMAdBgHNN88mrmX13ewIYIVDHfmvQimsW9rS0LCi2es0liodcMWoBx-tsSMYXByJcUgpf3O6VsvJE5AFuT58MlDlukWzC-i_vZu24YOJizhb-4N1AuHRsv5ECDaDIyZ/s1600/Erin%2527s+Wedding+316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd64PgRMN7z4HhzMAdBgHNN88mrmX13ewIYIVDHfmvQimsW9rS0LCi2es0liodcMWoBx-tsSMYXByJcUgpf3O6VsvJE5AFuT58MlDlukWzC-i_vZu24YOJizhb-4N1AuHRsv5ECDaDIyZ/s320/Erin%2527s+Wedding+316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Parents, Siblings, Niece, Nephews, Kiddos and Hubby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I guess these are our main (In Summer!) highlights so far. I know there's more...but these are the main goodies. <br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! <br />
More Stewart fun to come!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-25841401612654019942015-04-23T14:03:00.001-05:002015-04-23T17:39:25.768-05:00Online Thrift StoresHave you ever heard of online thrift store shopping? I hadn't until a
few weeks ago when my good friend, Amy Roberts, decided to do an
experiment of sorts, and was kind enough to let me in on it!<br />
<br />
So,
Amy shopped and shopped on three online clothing sites (2 thrift store,
and 1 personal shopping website). And here are some of the results we
found:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYeNQ7Z93ru_-2x7YHYTVycmbwgpC7Rb4QfZGsd-e61lWw-LcA0KsAPsy5XeEFwFvRToAzia4pZyaIPybakqMDBA2S7Bugz9jsZmPNO9aDCvbjVgdY6lgEoFxjtuOHiJIBxp7EkHOmeVz/s1600/Easter+2015+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYeNQ7Z93ru_-2x7YHYTVycmbwgpC7Rb4QfZGsd-e61lWw-LcA0KsAPsy5XeEFwFvRToAzia4pZyaIPybakqMDBA2S7Bugz9jsZmPNO9aDCvbjVgdY6lgEoFxjtuOHiJIBxp7EkHOmeVz/s1600/Easter+2015+002.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lot of Clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first site I'd like to introduce is one
called Stitch Fix. (It's the line of clothes on the far left. To access their website, go to: www.stitchfix.com.) This site is not a thrift site,
but a personal shopper site. You get on the site, and answer questions
about yourself, and then the site somehow chooses "your style" and sends
the clothes to you. The initial fee for submitting your style is $20. If you don't like any of the clothes, you can send them all back, but you lose the $20. But, if you buy all 5 items they send, a discount is applied. According to Amy's receipt, she would have gotten a 33% discount, but I do not know if this is standard or not.<br />
<br />
So, the total for all five tops: $292.00<br />
subtract the $20.00 initial set up fee<br />
And if you buy all 5 items: -$68.00<br />
And the total comes to: $204.00<br />
<br />
Some Pics of the items sent by Stitch Fix. Prices are located in the captions.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77zBG2DQKeQVQ4P_xgflSBLyIOvFEhtdPDdADMv1lHW6p6fmttlqyUQGrT6aMkQ59AXNmre6OWRtyOXU3dPj96QJlDSgRg-W318o3E1VbW7XDfcW3cZ2xpr9YVsgSexGFfBmN39loFzGH/s1600/Easter+2015+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77zBG2DQKeQVQ4P_xgflSBLyIOvFEhtdPDdADMv1lHW6p6fmttlqyUQGrT6aMkQ59AXNmre6OWRtyOXU3dPj96QJlDSgRg-W318o3E1VbW7XDfcW3cZ2xpr9YVsgSexGFfBmN39loFzGH/s1600/Easter+2015+027.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Jacket by Market & Spruce - $68.00 (unzipped)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v-c0L8Hhb8nvUcPl-hH5PEZhlD-KMs1AVDRur2ICWueiWtCV-DI9SXdh75SFSLf6kZbWFKNOWcrA-4GTkmFEnDhsNWH0m4A52F9sOeAcJaxeepZ51AcQcr9_vS2wm2V7CIysnRRhG6q7/s1600/Easter+2015+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v-c0L8Hhb8nvUcPl-hH5PEZhlD-KMs1AVDRur2ICWueiWtCV-DI9SXdh75SFSLf6kZbWFKNOWcrA-4GTkmFEnDhsNWH0m4A52F9sOeAcJaxeepZ51AcQcr9_vS2wm2V7CIysnRRhG6q7/s1600/Easter+2015+029.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same Jacket, But Zipped</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER4rRiToeo8_Q-DmXEu2ZrlXTNyYp_r7B5zKA_AKFWvHG35IAHj9f3OY7LInpbMlzb0nEa350LNs5RgeEycYIi-qfzxIEOi9WvA9K4wdHqytQMmOi1TnQA8We322m3cIQqo0XpXRiIwA-/s1600/Easter+2015+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER4rRiToeo8_Q-DmXEu2ZrlXTNyYp_r7B5zKA_AKFWvHG35IAHj9f3OY7LInpbMlzb0nEa350LNs5RgeEycYIi-qfzxIEOi9WvA9K4wdHqytQMmOi1TnQA8We322m3cIQqo0XpXRiIwA-/s1600/Easter+2015+030.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Green Market and Spruce Knit Top - $58.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC7GGh2_BsbO0L9_8C5LNViyZx-rTP_6dAPxgYITsqEOfrICxzGL3EbJENfnyYEv1mwMHey8U-AmGnzIimhLGGuiIteoiW89Zog8XvyCU6ZDeQPRyh2-YWM3HpFozE4uFZwBmSUPtp4_7/s1600/Easter+2015+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC7GGh2_BsbO0L9_8C5LNViyZx-rTP_6dAPxgYITsqEOfrICxzGL3EbJENfnyYEv1mwMHey8U-AmGnzIimhLGGuiIteoiW89Zog8XvyCU6ZDeQPRyh2-YWM3HpFozE4uFZwBmSUPtp4_7/s1600/Easter+2015+031.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teal Green Market and Spruce Tee - $44.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f-Cqy-2FeuLQtd5b4zXADPqgeHA5rOzmh3xC2yhAk837CGvMVBJK_A3wLxasohW-qGdamjw9QI57y5YEFM_6vJFEEWa7wepDSDK8JrzeKVJCweU_Bpair_iXZGexdma9yArQfzdwMAN4/s1600/Easter+2015+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f-Cqy-2FeuLQtd5b4zXADPqgeHA5rOzmh3xC2yhAk837CGvMVBJK_A3wLxasohW-qGdamjw9QI57y5YEFM_6vJFEEWa7wepDSDK8JrzeKVJCweU_Bpair_iXZGexdma9yArQfzdwMAN4/s1600/Easter+2015+033.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Staccato Draped Front Cardigan - $48.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amy, and I (And our other committee member, Kayla) decided that the gray cardigan in the pic above was super cute. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w2RMTPjwLa8zr1GhxMnaYiN9CTlU_Ajv9wRnANq_SZ69ce0pMNfm3BXlConSkuGXhbWn5UM86kuAl0_pjIzFOtFhoeMxtq9TiDcIRvzGCKT8NBbwxTYgzezbkBQ0c_1rHT340Y9ofmSR/s1600/Easter+2015+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w2RMTPjwLa8zr1GhxMnaYiN9CTlU_Ajv9wRnANq_SZ69ce0pMNfm3BXlConSkuGXhbWn5UM86kuAl0_pjIzFOtFhoeMxtq9TiDcIRvzGCKT8NBbwxTYgzezbkBQ0c_1rHT340Y9ofmSR/s1600/Easter+2015+035.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Grey Market and Spruce Terry Moto Jacket - $74.00 (Zipped)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our committee also loved the look and feel of this jacket, but in the end, Amy decided not to purchase it. $74.00 is a little steep. We decided to keep our eyes open for a similar jacket elsewhere (like at an outlet store on online thrift shop.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt5ZYOHsitV3-4OgBxT0QKpRwFt0AlnIJfv9aFVYAypMmSobo_06loIoVVEmWsbSx1CJ1YEqhOwzzoLiPiMXBvAKHwqn-e_sOcFFEaq_Eabv7SB6YY1I0gBDV5s1rB8tWu-u1S7JcsQc0/s1600/Easter+2015+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt5ZYOHsitV3-4OgBxT0QKpRwFt0AlnIJfv9aFVYAypMmSobo_06loIoVVEmWsbSx1CJ1YEqhOwzzoLiPiMXBvAKHwqn-e_sOcFFEaq_Eabv7SB6YY1I0gBDV5s1rB8tWu-u1S7JcsQc0/s1600/Easter+2015+036.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same Jacket, Unzipped</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, Amy decided to buy only one item from stitch fix. She purchased the gray and white Staccato Draped Front Cardigan. It was super flattering, and by spending just $28, she didn't have to lose the initial $20 she originally invested. She sent the other 4 items back. Stitch Fix was a good experience for her, but I don't think she will reinvest in the "styling fee" again. (But never say never, right?)<br />
<br />
Now to the middle block of clothes. This block was purchased from an online thrift store called ThredUP. To access their website, go to www.thredup.com. (Or to get $10 off while adding $10 to my shopping cart, shop by clicking <a href="https://www.thredup.com/shop/kids/girls?shortcut=2796&filters[category]=96&shortcut=2796&utm_medium=invites&utm_source=email&utm_content=shortcut_page&utm_campaign=invites_email_shortcut_page&referral_code=2624896">here</a>.) You can also download a free app for your shopping convenience. Here is what a lot of scrolling time on the ThredUP website earned Amy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK-1pMSauK5C8Ny4j6WOVnv15_nPwXfAExiM9uxYlQmR85hCvn53kK4N9ktJectm2aTr-9Al9GqxkGu84gqO4BM9m8CZH_vJLn2xgfbHNbWHJ3nsnRr-KfQIG61R_T0_p3WRwvKMaIoj6/s1600/Easter+2015+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK-1pMSauK5C8Ny4j6WOVnv15_nPwXfAExiM9uxYlQmR85hCvn53kK4N9ktJectm2aTr-9Al9GqxkGu84gqO4BM9m8CZH_vJLn2xgfbHNbWHJ3nsnRr-KfQIG61R_T0_p3WRwvKMaIoj6/s1600/Easter+2015+018.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Gap Sleeveless Silk Top - $14.49</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7qYLGff-yGAISZ4_xt3DQp6CFtHzWA03LOSvVAcxl5DESH2p95l5Cdf4P4APANlcfnQ7uByyKg5WdAg23kqk2DXv4a3XuFryGGczGPj-WYst4MYs4WkuBMPDcVYfmaAjPRgbSm-TgNan/s1600/Easter+2015+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7qYLGff-yGAISZ4_xt3DQp6CFtHzWA03LOSvVAcxl5DESH2p95l5Cdf4P4APANlcfnQ7uByyKg5WdAg23kqk2DXv4a3XuFryGGczGPj-WYst4MYs4WkuBMPDcVYfmaAjPRgbSm-TgNan/s1600/Easter+2015+020.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lida Baday Jacket - $20.49</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mDTsufMn1BOn0tQxpdz6-k__zAFVVkRNgQc1K7WFhJSxdHOFWrI6wiGsysZpiMyO2rCBYt0iE3Bwy328i3NdiRn_ACehqhqJUNaZQ59XAzulejnAhYKRKj5Ma7KQuBDBZuPVdPLySNta/s1600/Easter+2015+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mDTsufMn1BOn0tQxpdz6-k__zAFVVkRNgQc1K7WFhJSxdHOFWrI6wiGsysZpiMyO2rCBYt0iE3Bwy328i3NdiRn_ACehqhqJUNaZQ59XAzulejnAhYKRKj5Ma7KQuBDBZuPVdPLySNta/s1600/Easter+2015+021.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Sleeveless Top - $12.99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amy bought this top.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9GrvaAKFXnM7TzBAhIZMXyRTOHnwD56s2YIyUrR5zDjCn8nhZQ6SCq_3U5XmLkIjUUzZW6ULs09cabFvcmUUzY50aa8L7ddAQYKxNzfiePaXqHXepM3UgNtRi97-F074l7OvmjKD6HRl/s1600/Easter+2015+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9GrvaAKFXnM7TzBAhIZMXyRTOHnwD56s2YIyUrR5zDjCn8nhZQ6SCq_3U5XmLkIjUUzZW6ULs09cabFvcmUUzY50aa8L7ddAQYKxNzfiePaXqHXepM3UgNtRi97-F074l7OvmjKD6HRl/s1600/Easter+2015+022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navy J. Crew Cardigan - $29.49</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmd3BcwtmZx5mBqVABV9iqAcKLYqIV76Bpcjas1V0kNUlLEctJWT4XtKAyC8UGwDd2uBXgiMrsQ7sok56qmyZcYje2NVXlnKSs9iNf_LzQGmtTWwb1pr31gHB1FkFyKWx5XLbzuwhm9Qx/s1600/Easter+2015+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmd3BcwtmZx5mBqVABV9iqAcKLYqIV76Bpcjas1V0kNUlLEctJWT4XtKAyC8UGwDd2uBXgiMrsQ7sok56qmyZcYje2NVXlnKSs9iNf_LzQGmtTWwb1pr31gHB1FkFyKWx5XLbzuwhm9Qx/s1600/Easter+2015+015.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral J. Crew Cardigan - $14.99 (Not the dress)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amy bought this sweater. It's a beautiful color!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtIizY0dZbZ5SlCZ4uPIj5hF25KyqL9gyBQikqA2HRq5ETRu6S_friDf2SR_Mk5NZYLKj0xw9GZcGa8Esb4lfqwEsi4OzgEgd4jlbkztcK7Trl4M7hxVmEsfL7_TZzWcbC8S0SjoBtovK/s1600/Easter+2015+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtIizY0dZbZ5SlCZ4uPIj5hF25KyqL9gyBQikqA2HRq5ETRu6S_friDf2SR_Mk5NZYLKj0xw9GZcGa8Esb4lfqwEsi4OzgEgd4jlbkztcK7Trl4M7hxVmEsfL7_TZzWcbC8S0SjoBtovK/s1600/Easter+2015+024.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juicy Couture Wool Blazer - $31.49</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest of the items from the ThredUP lot were sent back. Either they didn't fit right, or they just weren't Amy's style. The neat thing about ThredUP is that you can share their site with others, and if the people you send the site to order using the link you sent, you both get $10 off. (That's why I shared the link above). Neat huh? I like them.<br />
<br />
The last online thrift store Amy checked out was Twice. It is the block of clothes on the far right in the very first picture. You can access their account by going to www.liketwice.com. They have an App too. You can also find online coupons on Twice. For Amy's order, she applied a 40% coupon to her entire order. Awesome!<br />
<br />
Here is what she ordered from their store: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLRgJI7ylJlbyKGtha21aREEpEkCCxsMRprIuWEUDEgAdT14zYTnwARg7Q9374YAjrANj8-Jbq9NuUwuWoyUaxC5duDH0qBXwq6XKXUrIQvLtZy0NmPqFwGmQ-IE4ux6UJ8e87lU-txZ3/s1600/Easter+2015+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLRgJI7ylJlbyKGtha21aREEpEkCCxsMRprIuWEUDEgAdT14zYTnwARg7Q9374YAjrANj8-Jbq9NuUwuWoyUaxC5duDH0qBXwq6XKXUrIQvLtZy0NmPqFwGmQ-IE4ux6UJ8e87lU-txZ3/s1600/Easter+2015+005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Sweater by New York and Company - $12.95 (plus a 40% off coupon.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGaj0LndyGbh4aB_ljtpAp2SrifK4bz8cyRamt5l1-nVIaHgrOOQiOBthTn-1ruH56bNeEojOP36uNis4aTnloOoT7g2-_4PmeN_UHImh_Ki3ViTHL-WKneS3IzmAT-hFEpeopDe2hTH1/s1600/Easter+2015+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGaj0LndyGbh4aB_ljtpAp2SrifK4bz8cyRamt5l1-nVIaHgrOOQiOBthTn-1ruH56bNeEojOP36uNis4aTnloOoT7g2-_4PmeN_UHImh_Ki3ViTHL-WKneS3IzmAT-hFEpeopDe2hTH1/s1600/Easter+2015+006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Sweater by Ann Taylor - $14.95 (plus a 40% off coupon.)</td></tr>
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Amy kept this darker pink sweater and sent the coral one above back. She liked both, but the committee voted the coral sweater from ThredUP was more flattering. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsK6whaa3zcjgVt8GB8Qp7ZY3Kdm8HuMjpZ5sZSaODepda5MinsapHgxUKN-xS7EB3X3Dsqvx4jWrReh-qc1s8G4crKVH8FyerszK_fxMhrEedy7c6KRjS5qDMiaL_pu9EJrhrjw3GW3V/s1600/Easter+2015+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsK6whaa3zcjgVt8GB8Qp7ZY3Kdm8HuMjpZ5sZSaODepda5MinsapHgxUKN-xS7EB3X3Dsqvx4jWrReh-qc1s8G4crKVH8FyerszK_fxMhrEedy7c6KRjS5qDMiaL_pu9EJrhrjw3GW3V/s1600/Easter+2015+008.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Gray Long Sleeve Sweater by Ann Taylor Loft - $15.95 (plus a 40% discount.)</td></tr>
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Amy didn't feel that this sweater was her style, but I felt like it was mine! She didn't send it back, and I bought it from her. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOyWDWMLXh0c8e5sed9dei1l8_u0L3IOqSEafhD_TZt11jpPpw1L3xHFM4gbKh29MmQiWdaIxCvS-VOcBubvLTlOPj2Y_Yw5xKfjQR1NZKU3gpTywt5fpxEPVHfWO-qhVjkL41fdqexy/s1600/Easter+2015+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOyWDWMLXh0c8e5sed9dei1l8_u0L3IOqSEafhD_TZt11jpPpw1L3xHFM4gbKh29MmQiWdaIxCvS-VOcBubvLTlOPj2Y_Yw5xKfjQR1NZKU3gpTywt5fpxEPVHfWO-qhVjkL41fdqexy/s1600/Easter+2015+012.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Sleeve Blue Jacket by Ann Taylor Loft - $16.95 (plus a 40% discount.)</td></tr>
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The same scenario applies to this jacket. I bought this from Amy. Love it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa6s9nY6bwWbCAUPSDOLJRFwlRbUeNSwkKDgKd7AgEZCw_sil0bFNwhrMajkpx2CsIWN1qdzaipK_YKfFVoJl6OB7dNR9ehtkiAoR44zPS3BoOCbTGHt4oa6PAHpkIcCy9mQNcNYbs7Vv/s1600/Easter+2015+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa6s9nY6bwWbCAUPSDOLJRFwlRbUeNSwkKDgKd7AgEZCw_sil0bFNwhrMajkpx2CsIWN1qdzaipK_YKfFVoJl6OB7dNR9ehtkiAoR44zPS3BoOCbTGHt4oa6PAHpkIcCy9mQNcNYbs7Vv/s1600/Easter+2015+014.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Striped Sheath Dress by Ann Taylor Loft Outlet - $18.95 (plus a 40% discount)</td></tr>
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Amy looks so cute in this little dress. She kept it! Yay!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau2Waspmg1cXNTtHwRokMC0VFUt8D7AzTIBQWnzOi4xli-2ki_Uz0J_lBgRT16AeBzlP_S6mN4oa-DG262WhIzyVKsz9viaGJ4jA3s9yNOBYrwxPU3nbYpDWoCFWCtbUJoc4-zIubvfRf/s1600/Easter+2015+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau2Waspmg1cXNTtHwRokMC0VFUt8D7AzTIBQWnzOi4xli-2ki_Uz0J_lBgRT16AeBzlP_S6mN4oa-DG262WhIzyVKsz9viaGJ4jA3s9yNOBYrwxPU3nbYpDWoCFWCtbUJoc4-zIubvfRf/s1600/Easter+2015+016.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple T-shirt by Under Armour - $14.95 (plus a 40% discount)</td></tr>
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Amy didn't keep this one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1-b1Wb6gXYxI80IpuhIDUYKKcdrrlBohC6ihY_LGmmZp9t0hi2-VENM5Yg2AIA837CCTw4cAW3JqIfEBDAeFD4Ci56oi9K6iW5DCVQ-9XuSpHLldexLJlNstEW3LaW-VuAUXH9O_JtE-/s1600/Easter+2015+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1-b1Wb6gXYxI80IpuhIDUYKKcdrrlBohC6ihY_LGmmZp9t0hi2-VENM5Yg2AIA837CCTw4cAW3JqIfEBDAeFD4Ci56oi9K6iW5DCVQ-9XuSpHLldexLJlNstEW3LaW-VuAUXH9O_JtE-/s1600/Easter+2015+018.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pay no attention to the greenish top...this pic is for the blank tank underneath. Black Tank Top by Coldwater Creek - $7.95 (plus a 40% discount.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I forgot to get a picture of just the black tank! Amy wore it under all the other clothes she tried on. She did not send the black tank back. It's just too cute and practical!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXSFE90g0wXSv6sxmNJaC-Piaz6CJTK5aSfcDIQvwRb4ODw3tVkAOoBp9y6OzchbO9YmIErGuIW2_ffpuSRl-iuJy2DXNo7nfvqYoPn9sXBmC8p31BOzz-gRl3uAfISxX-1PAIuiD82Pa/s1600/Easter+2015+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXSFE90g0wXSv6sxmNJaC-Piaz6CJTK5aSfcDIQvwRb4ODw3tVkAOoBp9y6OzchbO9YmIErGuIW2_ffpuSRl-iuJy2DXNo7nfvqYoPn9sXBmC8p31BOzz-gRl3uAfISxX-1PAIuiD82Pa/s1600/Easter+2015+009.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Striped Cardigan by American Eagle Outfitters - $12.95 (plus a 40% discount)</td></tr>
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Amy liked this sweater, but felt like it was too short on her midriff. So it went back.<br />
<br />
All in all, the experiment was a lot of fun! We enjoyed taking pictures and I'm thankful Amy let me buy some of the sweaters from her, because as I'm sure you know, thrift store shopping can be time consuming! And, it can also save a lot of money! I asked Amy which store she liked best overall, and she had to go with ThredUP. They seemed to have the best deals without needing to find an online coupon. (I'm also thankful I wasn't the one sending merchandise back. Amy said it wasn't too difficult though.)<br />
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Please let me know if you've tried any of these stores, and if you have, how did you feel your experience went? Have you consigned to either of the thrift stores? I am by no means advocating or advertising any of these stores, but I just wanted to share our findings and hope you got something out of it. We had fun. I would love any tips or other good online stores that you've come across.<br />
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Thanks Shopper, Amy! Thanks Committee member, Kayla! Thanks readers! Love, Amber
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Julia and Lydia got to go with their dad, and Saige got to go on a date with me. Saige and I went and had froyo, and then picked up friends to come over and watch a movie with us. It was a good time. :)<br />
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Although, from the pictures and videos Dave took on his phone, the big girls and he had an even better time than we had. They really boogied down!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial_Edb6Cl82McGPUUyOg7yQvgwybA0y4KwqdKw0xsUxS9dqr7KtXtteGE1JqsEvV4rD-_Tj0ON54WXmfiNbA0gnMkL9XAEWdvHOhf85GmvoGsPpNQxoE1SAiFMT4UBhVZsWUBGl6B9_4K/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial_Edb6Cl82McGPUUyOg7yQvgwybA0y4KwqdKw0xsUxS9dqr7KtXtteGE1JqsEvV4rD-_Tj0ON54WXmfiNbA0gnMkL9XAEWdvHOhf85GmvoGsPpNQxoE1SAiFMT4UBhVZsWUBGl6B9_4K/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+008.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Girl Julia</td></tr>
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Just look at these precious pics: <br />
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I took these pics on our neighbor's porch because the lighting was better. Don't they look gorgeous?!?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mq0IeOt54jkXC7x4WKTAOh__ft8AA0TUEcwE4yRI-5piI5nZ9GNVQgHnJ-zNyZIxDeN8O0wQXptd4eamoWvkmH7QSVjO5dAARFBvXHd4RT773mnE8aaCg3N1jMQ1mpHD1eS1yMGigkQJ/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mq0IeOt54jkXC7x4WKTAOh__ft8AA0TUEcwE4yRI-5piI5nZ9GNVQgHnJ-zNyZIxDeN8O0wQXptd4eamoWvkmH7QSVjO5dAARFBvXHd4RT773mnE8aaCg3N1jMQ1mpHD1eS1yMGigkQJ/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bun with Curls</td></tr>
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This was as close to the requested hairdo as I could get!<br />
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The girls danced so hard that the flower in Julia's hair fell right off the clip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyd wanted her hair down</td></tr>
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She looked so gorgeous!<br />
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How are my girls so big?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtOg86F9BnSHmtU37sYZpAKhhoCTfWMdXsVWv3B594W5WPOI2hc9CzwGjb6VXgKjYsj246_1urCP_0oq3WwLjq0tp1jBdbUUTkerX7uxZyTvkR2lt-Cv_UlXJJFRONDRAXt_eg7Q6hCE3/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtOg86F9BnSHmtU37sYZpAKhhoCTfWMdXsVWv3B594W5WPOI2hc9CzwGjb6VXgKjYsj246_1urCP_0oq3WwLjq0tp1jBdbUUTkerX7uxZyTvkR2lt-Cv_UlXJJFRONDRAXt_eg7Q6hCE3/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+029.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters!</td></tr>
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Oh course Saige had to get in on the action! I wished I would have dressed her up a little more to take these pictures, but she's adorable anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cl67MCYyplaytJL_bsRNZNcH4IPEse57OUNlyxGEtjEwXDvCU2AKbdRLDiAv323pIYGIEcCefK-Ht41YB6rcPMFUZYZPlPxMeCGT6GT6Qf1nio0kqN85e1edYQzVxvU6zqFHlGjbf8ei/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cl67MCYyplaytJL_bsRNZNcH4IPEse57OUNlyxGEtjEwXDvCU2AKbdRLDiAv323pIYGIEcCefK-Ht41YB6rcPMFUZYZPlPxMeCGT6GT6Qf1nio0kqN85e1edYQzVxvU6zqFHlGjbf8ei/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+038.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige and her baby blues</td></tr>
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Saige is my kid who always recognizes other people's eye colors. She comments on the colors of people eyes all the time. (I always notice people's lips.) I know that what you notice about others features is supposed to say something about your personality....noticing people's eyes must = mischievousness!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ymPe8hLgzFbCWzylpxnlDS8-XjtKqUt8rhyJeKVbXf1_1bJaSCPl7gqvpi4yWYoOYH5OoEk6TY0ntws_JZka_H6IIHwx9SZOFhJtqWHrYDjWSi0dm_JpAlLdLuvj0dvuJDX7aC91hMF/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ymPe8hLgzFbCWzylpxnlDS8-XjtKqUt8rhyJeKVbXf1_1bJaSCPl7gqvpi4yWYoOYH5OoEk6TY0ntws_JZka_H6IIHwx9SZOFhJtqWHrYDjWSi0dm_JpAlLdLuvj0dvuJDX7aC91hMF/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+043.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and his Dates</td></tr>
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The big girls were so excited about their date. They counted down the days for weeks. When they got to the dance, they got to sit by friends for their chicken with all the fixins dinner. They came home with glow sticks and flowery head bands. Everything was fancy and fun. The father-daughter dance is no small event here in Dickinson! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXUzzS3lrFZM1OiqCxjHjqEvOJqJKUcohXDuwTsAxt7VVfvV0X7mPEbdxUMgvOBdXvdo0HwXrYKGOK2PUgFYw5nc-Iz_T8IxMtGH7kQ47HbZRlL-zyCEFHLrkpOr4EkN5rHgPd_XNieYz/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXUzzS3lrFZM1OiqCxjHjqEvOJqJKUcohXDuwTsAxt7VVfvV0X7mPEbdxUMgvOBdXvdo0HwXrYKGOK2PUgFYw5nc-Iz_T8IxMtGH7kQ47HbZRlL-zyCEFHLrkpOr4EkN5rHgPd_XNieYz/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+047.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sweet and Beautiful Fam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7jsoJp-cGyc9P3_5GbcZh_CkK64i9_uncRampvQL2rBRbe1sCtBECi-kI5Rz2XOiIuTAq72re3BxnVGzKlDOU8cO7etPo5M4ge3S82Yx9qzScelvxHBex9U8eienZvRdYGNXjNDjTZ1s/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7jsoJp-cGyc9P3_5GbcZh_CkK64i9_uncRampvQL2rBRbe1sCtBECi-kI5Rz2XOiIuTAq72re3BxnVGzKlDOU8cO7etPo5M4ge3S82Yx9qzScelvxHBex9U8eienZvRdYGNXjNDjTZ1s/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Dance+2015+056.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to Prove I Was There Too!</td></tr>
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What a sweet way to spend a Friday evening!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by! I hope Monday is heavenly!<br />
<br />
Love, AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-52315988328892007272015-04-08T22:31:00.002-05:002015-04-08T22:31:18.299-05:00Easter 2015I'm sorry I've stayed away from blogging lately. Leaving for a little over a month wasn't my intention! But, I'm here now and ready to share a little bit about our Easter weekend! Because we way up North, we didn't get to see Dave's or my parents or siblings. But, we still had a great time with our little family of five! On Friday we shared the Easter story and went to a Good Friday service at church. Saturday was filled with Easter egg dyeing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDD4u8BQ86GZUSVC2LpZyzeGsIQMNrV2G7X08vxcRtLzsLddHVV1bB024C74OyH6_NxP_iRDcJpBxGtYSJILEhtDOCbvNw82HpjraWR7eafXd0512zQ8f-m-eJfwhor9TrASF4itkKuVl/s1600/Easter+Eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDD4u8BQ86GZUSVC2LpZyzeGsIQMNrV2G7X08vxcRtLzsLddHVV1bB024C74OyH6_NxP_iRDcJpBxGtYSJILEhtDOCbvNw82HpjraWR7eafXd0512zQ8f-m-eJfwhor9TrASF4itkKuVl/s1600/Easter+Eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of the ones we dyed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cZ0tCM7siZHqbgh8GzUSHydVG07Lkwo4o8GAoIrxLMD7twj43bf6XxanXKuLy0FmVSl6BH8NX3loncOAfsMVlGw4aG54EiLSVYOyu2G5cDV6IFtXYbPWBCtTdZg9n2qNcBuYiWySwPIv/s1600/Easter+Fam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cZ0tCM7siZHqbgh8GzUSHydVG07Lkwo4o8GAoIrxLMD7twj43bf6XxanXKuLy0FmVSl6BH8NX3loncOAfsMVlGw4aG54EiLSVYOyu2G5cDV6IFtXYbPWBCtTdZg9n2qNcBuYiWySwPIv/s1600/Easter+Fam.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to Fit in the Five of Us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tfUXr_r0nieLv-xJG1Cyjr07h8YMBnCH8ltei5CRP3areUXN_juPfkwp_5jdY5oFrVTRlI9FRqRLMaZuVfkWfTLgYiG0LWXKbkdGn45DuNHALdW257Fxa3OrydzWjvmv8g1bXl3DlzHs/s1600/Julia+coloring+Easter+eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tfUXr_r0nieLv-xJG1Cyjr07h8YMBnCH8ltei5CRP3areUXN_juPfkwp_5jdY5oFrVTRlI9FRqRLMaZuVfkWfTLgYiG0LWXKbkdGn45DuNHALdW257Fxa3OrydzWjvmv8g1bXl3DlzHs/s1600/Julia+coloring+Easter+eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia Coloring Her Egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr-lPfA2t_jETJ1ayY70eFTqpmF712Pfy_I6A507JvEwu3iws3_rV7CJ7ZEqEQhtdkFwZtb0_RLLbvr5O1Msz60caUpnpunzCHTDXfVTNnAUZcKqjyJkJdJKwAmh46_Swn4LmWI93s015/s1600/Lydia+coloring+eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr-lPfA2t_jETJ1ayY70eFTqpmF712Pfy_I6A507JvEwu3iws3_rV7CJ7ZEqEQhtdkFwZtb0_RLLbvr5O1Msz60caUpnpunzCHTDXfVTNnAUZcKqjyJkJdJKwAmh46_Swn4LmWI93s015/s1600/Lydia+coloring+eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia Coloring Her Egg</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4OHeK23o9qsVWuGMIqdXIpc1jcBaWJ2OQwRXEJPRnTwRsldk41vs3N4Xd21u310iVkgWThjudJivXfsgIqAe69M_bG6bxjHQhs8eRmHUVkHex5HrKOCajoTyMRkZ1wuu3QzNknMSblTF/s1600/Easter+2015+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPsRtAodS1j7wJIIAno6b0ibRnhJcs3Uxlf4Gmc81I1h2MTN7d6Z05TNSZ4Gec2wYYRYT3g75SwQgQlkWHvtkPUpooxtawcdLyI5tnnDbMSZwjUfvsgHIPhW0Yy2DwnZr-CyDc51oqK6l/s1600/Saige+coloring+eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPsRtAodS1j7wJIIAno6b0ibRnhJcs3Uxlf4Gmc81I1h2MTN7d6Z05TNSZ4Gec2wYYRYT3g75SwQgQlkWHvtkPUpooxtawcdLyI5tnnDbMSZwjUfvsgHIPhW0Yy2DwnZr-CyDc51oqK6l/s1600/Saige+coloring+eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige Colored Her Eggs Extremely Fast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHAzq6PDhUUtLzFdPf5ALD8jKVH43a5WUcUQGKxOnuTj9cxxxSIuxlQExXBFAQydq5z2LHodgHPbtFNAlAqmJabilfx_2yresluA0-LbsOMQLFRrdtQnfiLuq2cj1ZbhKhAYJkN15-084/s1600/Easter+egg+dyeing.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHAzq6PDhUUtLzFdPf5ALD8jKVH43a5WUcUQGKxOnuTj9cxxxSIuxlQExXBFAQydq5z2LHodgHPbtFNAlAqmJabilfx_2yresluA0-LbsOMQLFRrdtQnfiLuq2cj1ZbhKhAYJkN15-084/s1600/Easter+egg+dyeing.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Saige's Eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYAvRwg07C8wIQg3ZWeU9FHT96Yq4Vipa6LTiUEHGnJKGhDyazfcgjDstwDZIAB_B4jqAo0eE6ieaZcT8sZjqDFmu4PvWrlxx0wEQRAkgxQO1EcYzNBoiRnFtaycIwaBdiD91iB9DiFGm/s1600/Coloring+Easter+Eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYAvRwg07C8wIQg3ZWeU9FHT96Yq4Vipa6LTiUEHGnJKGhDyazfcgjDstwDZIAB_B4jqAo0eE6ieaZcT8sZjqDFmu4PvWrlxx0wEQRAkgxQO1EcYzNBoiRnFtaycIwaBdiD91iB9DiFGm/s1600/Coloring+Easter+Eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Family Shot</td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ld2k37-kCYYyJyfQWb8XqYvfbA2k9GwuepGFQQD_LyP96anqfCV41EeHp82SwPxp2n99205JrLrLJWTXF7eI5Nh9yY8CM_Kw_iERH-mlL25rWB8L_BX4kS_LPO3tuzMTG6I1yT630bYG/s1600/Easter+baskets.JPG" height="320" width="240" /><br />
The Easter Bunny magically appeared and brought goodies for our girls. :) They loved everything they got, and then promptly forgot everything that was given. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAqdicT2Go9MafxkiTXl_XNstq4yaxy6fxCxYoi-qTdE9DzVfQx76fdy19QapYv_kYzEZHNq4a8pLTFOh6iSQvQB9ET4XcLSkp_5tud37Z3pc9Bo5RQDia93dgaq4VT58VyUKjd3YnOuQ/s1600/Easter+2015+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAqdicT2Go9MafxkiTXl_XNstq4yaxy6fxCxYoi-qTdE9DzVfQx76fdy19QapYv_kYzEZHNq4a8pLTFOh6iSQvQB9ET4XcLSkp_5tud37Z3pc9Bo5RQDia93dgaq4VT58VyUKjd3YnOuQ/s1600/Easter+2015+048.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia Showing Dave her new Judy Bloom Book</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLkYvQmpAoGXZJPJgkfgOrdceoR1ZndozRMkk8lCgsqp1nQqaQNwFOwLkERxIyfc-Xn4m0G8gvdcOqFgzNZ0ItsrAktt5d7D9KvbpF_ql9YoTWNlUwBsn0dECw255i0rJa92c19cNUZjy/s1600/Easter+2015+049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLkYvQmpAoGXZJPJgkfgOrdceoR1ZndozRMkk8lCgsqp1nQqaQNwFOwLkERxIyfc-Xn4m0G8gvdcOqFgzNZ0ItsrAktt5d7D9KvbpF_ql9YoTWNlUwBsn0dECw255i0rJa92c19cNUZjy/s1600/Easter+2015+049.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The weird things in the girls hair are rags. I put them in their hair to hopefully curl it over night. It sort of worked. Sort of didn't. Julia's worked better because I put the blow dryer on her curls. But Lydia took her rags out before I could put the dryer on it. I curled the hair that the rags didn't.<br />
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Here are the girls all gussied up for Easter Sunday:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo91eXrivmdpH73IsVGWMrsKB7akmVW0QWNjdNy2iYeErSQJqMFJpKTn3O8dycAHemLxY4HrJI9DsepM6CLW_d5MYPcpz269AIOoXJAnP7s03fNHvXZ89nNNcJop2kYbzjkVpgV8lhyphenhyphenAj/s1600/Easter+2015+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo91eXrivmdpH73IsVGWMrsKB7akmVW0QWNjdNy2iYeErSQJqMFJpKTn3O8dycAHemLxY4HrJI9DsepM6CLW_d5MYPcpz269AIOoXJAnP7s03fNHvXZ89nNNcJop2kYbzjkVpgV8lhyphenhyphenAj/s1600/Easter+2015+052.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love Coral for Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxxoIUow_k5g5fuJ1RvhDIrl8fAKxqFHUdHjor8V1EWVs6D1QBL0eS6TWNv-jgJ-owh8h4tI_IR1VuNou_VyqDDpYluQLTpqx2yBiDXFYN3lj5hmKB2OnoFiCGIom8IPyrZoCDSqXViMg/s1600/Easter+2015+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxxoIUow_k5g5fuJ1RvhDIrl8fAKxqFHUdHjor8V1EWVs6D1QBL0eS6TWNv-jgJ-owh8h4tI_IR1VuNou_VyqDDpYluQLTpqx2yBiDXFYN3lj5hmKB2OnoFiCGIom8IPyrZoCDSqXViMg/s1600/Easter+2015+058.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Attempt at Getting Everyone Looking at Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC7mxl-8VM9ckhd_lu24eGy4VGiy3C8_-fv4NMEWq1e_t8HrZ1rwWrb3zO6rVNG9-PhnlQeLQR0Q0vQqs8Uzcvk8_REEv40d-dLX83IyzuVVFJhOzah-beCOG8iqphDftqyURmwCbCR90/s1600/Easter+2015+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC7mxl-8VM9ckhd_lu24eGy4VGiy3C8_-fv4NMEWq1e_t8HrZ1rwWrb3zO6rVNG9-PhnlQeLQR0Q0vQqs8Uzcvk8_REEv40d-dLX83IyzuVVFJhOzah-beCOG8iqphDftqyURmwCbCR90/s1600/Easter+2015+064.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lydia at Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4OHeK23o9qsVWuGMIqdXIpc1jcBaWJ2OQwRXEJPRnTwRsldk41vs3N4Xd21u310iVkgWThjudJivXfsgIqAe69M_bG6bxjHQhs8eRmHUVkHex5HrKOCajoTyMRkZ1wuu3QzNknMSblTF/s1600/Easter+2015+063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4OHeK23o9qsVWuGMIqdXIpc1jcBaWJ2OQwRXEJPRnTwRsldk41vs3N4Xd21u310iVkgWThjudJivXfsgIqAe69M_bG6bxjHQhs8eRmHUVkHex5HrKOCajoTyMRkZ1wuu3QzNknMSblTF/s1600/Easter+2015+063.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Julia at Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I meant to get a family picture on Easter, but I didn't get to. :( We had our traditional Easter lunch of grilled pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, salad, and roasted asparagus after church and it was late but wonderful. Before lunch, the girls had a small Easter egg hunt. Saige couldn't hang through lunch, and had to go down for a nap before we had the lemon poppy seed pound cake. </div>
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We had a fabulous Easter! The only thing that could have made it better would have been to have spent it with family. Maybe that will be a possibility in 2016!</div>
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Thanks for coming by! I hope your Easter was fabulous as you celebrated the Risen King! -Amber</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-13977868435455336522015-03-04T15:39:00.004-06:002015-03-04T15:39:34.587-06:00Cheer CampI've tried to upload the videos from the girls' cheer camp upteenth times, and the videos just refuse to sync with my blog. So, for now, I've decided that it is time to skip the videos, that I should tell you a blurb about the cheer camp, and that blog life should move on. I'm going to do that now.<br />
<br />
The girls loved cheer camp last month. They got to practice with real high school cheerleaders, and then got to perform at a real high school basketball game. They looked so cute mimicking their high school heroes, and I loved watching them. My favorite part of the whole cheer camp was at the end of every cheer when they are supposed to yell, and kick like a cheer leader. Watching a first grader (Lydia) and second grader (Julia) uncoordinatedly kick and yell like mini cheerleaders makes said first and second graders look like babies again. So cute. Because the girls were on opposite sides of the gym, and too far away for a good picture, Just got a bunch of weird pictures looking like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwHDQsC3lXUXN7e0ipq_e4uOt6sBDj3PXOPmruVKwuQtwm_96JwagufWsCjUcfZTugN8RbTMenYqYP_L5_ENnS4MKIzPKOIXXxXQX1z7Aqfoaqf5U4XMDIyRSX0-RAJf6blnGAnvwVUbm/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwHDQsC3lXUXN7e0ipq_e4uOt6sBDj3PXOPmruVKwuQtwm_96JwagufWsCjUcfZTugN8RbTMenYqYP_L5_ENnS4MKIzPKOIXXxXQX1z7Aqfoaqf5U4XMDIyRSX0-RAJf6blnGAnvwVUbm/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+265.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I don't have any pictures of Lydia like this one of Julia. I just have a great up close video. I wish I could show it to you. Maybe sometime.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I wish I could say we were less busy these days, but I guess that's not the way our Stewart family chooses to live. We jump from one event to the next. Last week, Dave and I spent the week in Houston, while my girls stayed with my sister at her house in Wyoming. Dave had a training, and I decided to help plan an event for the brokerage I used to work at. Driving to and from Wyoming, flying out of the Denver airport, visiting family and as many friends as possible, and working while in Houston made for a whirlwind of a week. <br />
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Saige was potty trained before our trip, but decided while we were gone that going to the bathroom in her diaper is much more convenient. So, re-training my toddler this week has been exciting to say the least. It's a battle of the wills at times.<br />
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Julia and Lydia are looking forward to summer, and with today's temperatures, so am I! They are ready to be out of school, and I am ready for my face not to hurt when my skin collides with North Dakota wind.<br />
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Dave is planning to hold down our fort this weekend while I go on a women's retreat with the ladies from our church. I believe he has a video game night with friends tentatively planned. (This reminds me of a movie I watched recently: "A Mom's Night Out". I'm sure it won't turn out like the movie did though.) And, I hope he has a good time with our girlies and his friends. <br />
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Anyway, I plan to get blogs posted more regularly, so please come back. Thanks for reading! -AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-14799068833320820842015-02-07T01:12:00.006-06:002015-02-08T23:24:11.010-06:00YesterdayYesterday was one of the craziest days we've had in a while. The girls had a field trip in Bismarck at a little ski hill there. My friend, Amy, and I followed the bus of kids from Dickinson to Bismarck, and enjoyed visiting while our kids watched a movie. I wouldn't have made it to Bismarck without her. (Thank you Jesus for friends.)<br />
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Once we got to the ski lodge, I paid for the girls to ski, rented some skis for them, got them to the bunny hill, helped them get on the bunny hill lift, and watched and helped them get down the hill a few times. My friend, Amy, watched her little kids and Saige while I helped Julia and Lydia, and her older boys get comfortable skiing for the first time. One of the other moms at the girls' school let me know that a ski instructor would be coming shortly to help our kids learn more about skiing. (And I kept thinking...MAN! Field trips are in North Dakota are really different than the field trips my girls went on in Houston. Really different.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqtXWMDv_Jyhb9gTOq9Wx4NquLjkvSVcl6H4a7RPHfah9EIj6hoEZliYkBU08jzoWOpZhzdoJRu1IPjGT1ULNALgYrVnSrODQ_MkT-GBeI6czeg383YTY6HNvwrmNHapzAryVmyWSFm5A/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqtXWMDv_Jyhb9gTOq9Wx4NquLjkvSVcl6H4a7RPHfah9EIj6hoEZliYkBU08jzoWOpZhzdoJRu1IPjGT1ULNALgYrVnSrODQ_MkT-GBeI6czeg383YTY6HNvwrmNHapzAryVmyWSFm5A/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+223.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski Julia</td></tr>
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I didn't see the teen behind Julia until now. Photo bombed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2BbrirFUMEWm0stCcWq25vcNlM_ANEyyizCdjGBn5HDDxIV65fSS2c_bajHB5DbdD-5FVTSCw2OKJ3658lMRn-kziZUPxPQgmpwnSN4AEXxuyyu-wwyFxq5aCzskAJWTE-nkecOilpK_/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2BbrirFUMEWm0stCcWq25vcNlM_ANEyyizCdjGBn5HDDxIV65fSS2c_bajHB5DbdD-5FVTSCw2OKJ3658lMRn-kziZUPxPQgmpwnSN4AEXxuyyu-wwyFxq5aCzskAJWTE-nkecOilpK_/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+233.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Lydia Skier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmdjcmFwFdif4adODW7N8EGUrnrWhYcMi6dlwMBTkLcPNNWBsVOFsZX34Qz57b3iu4X6EolH-0WnhwvJ1F3stc5zYqw1RjjRzIqJIW9smGAA51xOuveoDa8btsSoomzfx1SnlKj-Zinui/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmdjcmFwFdif4adODW7N8EGUrnrWhYcMi6dlwMBTkLcPNNWBsVOFsZX34Qz57b3iu4X6EolH-0WnhwvJ1F3stc5zYqw1RjjRzIqJIW9smGAA51xOuveoDa8btsSoomzfx1SnlKj-Zinui/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+235.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick your booty out and GO! Yay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKJTvwGNOjTkj2Fe-nYSBlKvyYWlJvHvxe3yhaoaaCSNnZ8nN5kp-Wc7dlENya4fz2GwCkbafDLYIcMyGDizK1HfvnYkjCyVsxA6M5iz4nMtD0UBvCDamnlH7EQPNY0SLnJD2t4pdjEz/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKJTvwGNOjTkj2Fe-nYSBlKvyYWlJvHvxe3yhaoaaCSNnZ8nN5kp-Wc7dlENya4fz2GwCkbafDLYIcMyGDizK1HfvnYkjCyVsxA6M5iz4nMtD0UBvCDamnlH7EQPNY0SLnJD2t4pdjEz/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+241.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the Bunny Hill</td></tr>
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After the bigger kids were well situated, Amy and I went back to the lodge and started to give our littles some lunch. After a short while, I went to check on my girls. And as I was finishing up with checking on my bigger girls, I saw Amy coming towards me with the smaller kids. Saige was crying, and I assumed she was just missing her mama. But, then Amy told me that the dog that was running around at the lodge had nipped my poor Saige on the nose.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqP6DUGNBc7ZF7NnQGZMjjz4RyTVz5qQ7ODzqc4iPEIpP3UkC3ywHQQEP4yGRJTQ3T72fFSVqwu3p3PwvQmboVUGXCphWY5g3m1-QPh6OTGh2Yw2dAskiSBijn4YBstB0sv6EfC1XFgfW/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqP6DUGNBc7ZF7NnQGZMjjz4RyTVz5qQ7ODzqc4iPEIpP3UkC3ywHQQEP4yGRJTQ3T72fFSVqwu3p3PwvQmboVUGXCphWY5g3m1-QPh6OTGh2Yw2dAskiSBijn4YBstB0sv6EfC1XFgfW/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+243.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Poor Sad Saige</td></tr>
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(Did you notice she's still wearing pajamas? Yes, I was still getting around to getting her dressed.)<br />
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So, after drying Saige's tears, and asking the ladies at the lodge to put the dog up, Amy and I sat with our kids and visited. Then, we lost Saige. While we were doing our thing, she decided to wander off and lay on her blankets in the snack bar of the floor. She often lays on her blankets on the floor at home, but she also usually answers me when I call her name. I was looking everywhere for her, inside the lodge and out, calling for her and trying to remain calm. God answered my prayers, and I found that girl. Whew. Another bullet dodged.<br />
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Unfortunately, there were a few more bullets to go for the day. After Julia and Lydia ate a little bit of lunch, they were ready to take
on the big hill. (There are only two hills to ski on at this little
slope.) So, Amy's son, Connor, and Lydia headed to the top of the hill.
We waited for quite a long time, and then saw Connor come down the
slope. But still no Lydia. Julia went up soon after, and then Connor
went up again. After another long wait, Connor came back down the hill.
We still had no Julia or Lydia. I asked several people about where Julia
and Lydia were, and everyone continued to tell me that Julia and Lydia
were fine, that they weren't crying and they should be down the
mountain/hill soon. Finally, finally, finally, I saw Julia come down,
and I was relieved. But then I remembered Lydia was still up there. Were
was she? What was she doing? About two minutes later, just as I was
about to alert ski patrol, one of the older boys in our group came
snowboarding down the hill holding Lydia in his arms. I was so
excited!!!! Thank you!!! (I made this guy cookies today to be delivered
tomorrow as a thank you. He really saved us.) Evidently, Lydia was up at
the top of the hill. And everyone who told me they saw Lydia (including
Julia), failed to mention that she hadn't started skiing down the hill
yet. She was just standing at the top looking down for probably a good 30 minutes. Don't kids know that moms worry?<br />
<br />
Lydia was sent back to the bunny hill to ski. Julia was too, but she didn't end up staying there for long. She decided to take on the big hill again, and went up and down several times. She did great! And Lydia did great on the bunny hill. I checked on them periodically while trying to keep track of our ever-defiant toddler. I was really ready for a nap. And a burger.<br />
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Just about the time we were wrapping up to go home for the day, one of the teachers at our school told me that Lydia had been hurt. So, I asked Amy to watch Saige and I dashed out to check on my Lyd. She was cold and shaking and her leg hurt. And the ski medic was assisting her and telling me they needed to check her leg for a hairline fracture right above her ski boot. Good grief. That wasn't fun to hear. I could tell that Lydia was being really brave. But I could also sense that she was going to be alright. God gave me some great peace. I think I may have come unglued otherwise.<br />
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As I sat on the snow, allowing a cold wet to seep into my jeans, I stroked Lydia and talked to her about how she got hurt until the other ski medics came and carried her off the bunny hill. (She hurt herself on the lift. As she was being pulled up, one foot went one way, and the other leg went the other way. Her little injury occurred when her right leg twisted and her ski pulled her right root in the wrong direction.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNTWVqH4DUS5DFaEwqPdPzGLjL3mY2iYJSI7-vZ3ujgQiI2E-oTDfwKyVFs5tJHRycpxBm6nNDHYpdV7PRvgU3g1b79Dx4z4OIJ8J5LdcgX3KfIgaar9DGZ0r73vTamBZn460Me4Z_eeS/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNTWVqH4DUS5DFaEwqPdPzGLjL3mY2iYJSI7-vZ3ujgQiI2E-oTDfwKyVFs5tJHRycpxBm6nNDHYpdV7PRvgU3g1b79Dx4z4OIJ8J5LdcgX3KfIgaar9DGZ0r73vTamBZn460Me4Z_eeS/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+247.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckled Up and Ready to Ride</td></tr>
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Doesn't this picture make everything look so serious? Like her leg is really busted up? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQVFQcF8KDZNwlcJeB7qxv73hjgm_GDU1E7RVZ_E-fTv5qAweI5Egt_0QIV0DlLrwwyv80Euiuywb0-_WSkuPUNXSg5ZK7FuSegOvrvGxmHzYBepDvgGeJdnzGUDHtoUD-5Jg71vGjv6d/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQVFQcF8KDZNwlcJeB7qxv73hjgm_GDU1E7RVZ_E-fTv5qAweI5Egt_0QIV0DlLrwwyv80Euiuywb0-_WSkuPUNXSg5ZK7FuSegOvrvGxmHzYBepDvgGeJdnzGUDHtoUD-5Jg71vGjv6d/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+250.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp3VznSXpCaOs4MJ9rtp24k_Y745nOyg9qYmqV7nsRLf68tuFAUCTPvbyap5oKw42ICJaDmoiS-phh4opXNwkYl7VzlkHQpGLlRUfOFyW4-GmXaaw45KHnaVMDjMTDpPJmAd7yXbA5Iin/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp3VznSXpCaOs4MJ9rtp24k_Y745nOyg9qYmqV7nsRLf68tuFAUCTPvbyap5oKw42ICJaDmoiS-phh4opXNwkYl7VzlkHQpGLlRUfOFyW4-GmXaaw45KHnaVMDjMTDpPJmAd7yXbA5Iin/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+251.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' in the Medics Office</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEz_o6mkE1RU3zYK4cUCEA_9Tzm40QCvvtHvHL2E-2HFgXhqzLd1WyHVmEjQJBLLssDR_uA1hOPfpZNto-vDvX8oJxub8FjxJlnH5PfBLYZTrJkXfaBplZ2ViEH9It8-kPE8Pgw87bay_/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEz_o6mkE1RU3zYK4cUCEA_9Tzm40QCvvtHvHL2E-2HFgXhqzLd1WyHVmEjQJBLLssDR_uA1hOPfpZNto-vDvX8oJxub8FjxJlnH5PfBLYZTrJkXfaBplZ2ViEH9It8-kPE8Pgw87bay_/s1600/Cheer+Camp,+Ski+day,+Jan,+February+2015+253.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her Temporary Cast</td></tr>
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The ski medics got a lot of information from me and instructed me to take Lydia right to the E.R. But, it was already 5 pm and I knew that trying to find the E.R. in Bismarck, and then waiting to be seen would leave us in Bismarck over night. I could tell that if she was really hurt, that she would be crying and showing a lot more signs of pain. Sure her leg was little hurt, but I didn't think it was rush to the E.R. hurt. I could tell.<br />
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So, I left Lydia with the medics for a bit, and Amy and I rounded up our kids and their gear and got in the van. We planned to pull around to pick Lydia up at the back of the medics office. And we did. But first, we got stuck on the side of the mountain. Thankfully Amy was with me to help me navigate the icy/slushy roads. And thankfully I didn't panic. And thankfully we didn't slide down the hill. And thankfully we got unstuck, and got back to where Lydia was. We loaded her up, started a DVD in the mini and drove straight to a drive thru. Thankfully, Saige and Amy's younger kids instantly fell asleep as we drove. Thankfully, they all three slept through the drive thru experience, and thru me filling up my gas tank. (I have a lot to be thankful for.)<br />
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But, I was most thankful that we got back to Dickinson in one peice. We had a few bumps and bruises, but we survived. And I was...thankful. I realized after we got out of the van that Saige peed herself and her car seat while sleeping in the car, but oh well. We lived. <br />
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Lydia's leg is totally fine. We carried her around last night and she had to miss gymnastics practice, but she was up and walking around this morning. She has no lingering pain. Her leg isn't swollen, and she even went to cheer camp this evening. (More on cheer camp, more back-up blogging and new re-purposing tips are to come.) Please stay tuned and thanks for coming by!!! -Amber<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-3034333399868541892015-01-20T14:35:00.001-06:002015-01-20T14:35:20.230-06:00The Nutcracker (Back-up Blogging)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dave found some inexpensive Nutcracker tickets last month, and we decided that driving to Bismarck and seeing the performance was the right thing to do! And it ended up being a lot of fun. We kept the whole thing a secret from our girls so that we could surprise them. Unfortunately the performance was a little long for Saige because it was during her nap time. When Dave took her to the back, though, she twirled and danced and tried to be just like the ballerinas on stage. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPhkgxe-9t4C9iUFBVpQBPEC1BcRC9hyphenhyphenFmbaG66Ro57ts1bMpwRHS_rSZWrnq5HbB7tw9_GB4gz0wOFGWJhLJg0eBpYniz1Wgt-K97Xqupv6_L4DjG4ri4zyhSWbk0gUaLVjP7fMJ2jwf/s1600/December+Pics+2014+065.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Brought this Nutcracker Home</td></tr>
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I remember going to see "The Nutcracker" as a high school student. But, I really didn't understand what it was about and I think I even fell asleep during the performance. (I was a sleep-deprived teenager. It's easier staying awake during a performance as a sleep-deprived mom because you have children crawling all over you.) However, at this performance, each act was explained in the handbook, so before the acts, Julia and Lydia and I read about what was coming up. It helped me understand the whole story which was a good thing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YwMid3PGE-yaEQ3cQKfBGXZTUnnzmUw0EsoErsY7hmRiXVOUnzT9dMMp7hrzgGboef9i8UMmC2fmH8WuRGpFLhjNKqQYkRf95VfzmjeglC_PVf6tCVU8by9n19tPDPt36MM6nPG-EgsX/s1600/December+Pics+2014+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YwMid3PGE-yaEQ3cQKfBGXZTUnnzmUw0EsoErsY7hmRiXVOUnzT9dMMp7hrzgGboef9i8UMmC2fmH8WuRGpFLhjNKqQYkRf95VfzmjeglC_PVf6tCVU8by9n19tPDPt36MM6nPG-EgsX/s1600/December+Pics+2014+068.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful Performance Hall</td></tr>
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The majority of the dancers in the performance we attended seemed to be high school age or younger. So, it kind of seemed like we were watching the equivalent of a high school play, but I think it helped the girls identify with the characters even more than if we had watched adults perform. The kids that played sheep and other small rolls were adorable. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAZbQjKlMyZIqqVYR9QShoyU3kqTpm9Ub3jqU85Pi8rioOTCZ4vIBqIJpJwUrtCAvY7hhqdMdIlY0ke8TrUqPIjsivcIfiQGZ8YOBNbc7Krap93mgS38poJVsQOKx9JpQjhyCHA3ZB-vj/s1600/December+Pics+2014+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAZbQjKlMyZIqqVYR9QShoyU3kqTpm9Ub3jqU85Pi8rioOTCZ4vIBqIJpJwUrtCAvY7hhqdMdIlY0ke8TrUqPIjsivcIfiQGZ8YOBNbc7Krap93mgS38poJVsQOKx9JpQjhyCHA3ZB-vj/s1600/December+Pics+2014+074.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Daddy and His Girl</td></tr>
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Of course, after the performance, all three girls exclaimed their desires to grow up to be ballerinas...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6b-bqnTVNMqzK_smj_I5uI1CBz-SGxdi1m1B-eZpEirIz_TTQLX-lqHU_b_Y7OquUfIUDKsqmXOpNDZXr566obkhYRr8GTva3IJgsmwBn5kqEB7poYhECEdN92nCmma7JXOnAcEJz-FK/s1600/December+Pics+2014+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6b-bqnTVNMqzK_smj_I5uI1CBz-SGxdi1m1B-eZpEirIz_TTQLX-lqHU_b_Y7OquUfIUDKsqmXOpNDZXr566obkhYRr8GTva3IJgsmwBn5kqEB7poYhECEdN92nCmma7JXOnAcEJz-FK/s1600/December+Pics+2014+078.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intermission</td></tr>
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The girls loved getting dressed up in Christmas clothes, and so did I. I am hoping we can go again. Maybe every other year. :)<br />
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Blessings, and thanks for baring with me as I try to catch up! -AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-59211377475923209922015-01-07T22:59:00.000-06:002015-01-07T23:01:57.983-06:00Julia's Birthday (Back-up Blogging)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Julia had a wonderful 8th birthday. We celebrated on the day of her birthday (that
takes place the beginning of December), and then we celebrated with a
little pajama party over the weekend. On her actual birthday, we opened
presents had a Julia requested dinner of mac n cheese with hot dogs and
salad, and then she opened presents from grandparents and her loving and
devoted parents (me and her dad). We also allowed her to have breakfast in bed. </div>
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Here is a video of her and her "big" gift:<br />
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Lulu has already been living with us for a few days now. She loves our girls, and the girls love her. I think I am really liking this "family gift" thing we started with Lydia's birthday last summer. I wonder what the family can get for Saige's birthday? Fabulous pots and pans....a new knife set, a macbook....<br />
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Any way, back to Julia's birthday....her party was a lot of fun. She had
some friends over, and we had a pajama party. (Not a slumber party
though...thank goodness.) The kiddos came, watched a movie in their
sleeping bags and pajamas in our basement, then they had popcorn,
snacks, cake and ice cream, and then they all went and slept in their
own beds! I got to visit with the moms upstairs while drinking decaf,
and the kids were sufficiently preoccupied in front of <u>Rio</u>. As far as kids parties go, this worked out pretty spectacularly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7llCUNSgAqd5fo-5nBIClDVD5W58AgoaJoPm-qHU1VotxwaYKfw8OyLvxkHhB-Ck_21hXw8yHbx04OkkZb4TL9-b1ue100ZMGy8A-PgRBlU36xBsPwOS3jzVH3Gyw6eZzJSvCZ1tH11n/s1600/dec+2014+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7llCUNSgAqd5fo-5nBIClDVD5W58AgoaJoPm-qHU1VotxwaYKfw8OyLvxkHhB-Ck_21hXw8yHbx04OkkZb4TL9-b1ue100ZMGy8A-PgRBlU36xBsPwOS3jzVH3Gyw6eZzJSvCZ1tH11n/s1600/dec+2014+001.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia and her cake</td></tr>
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I can NOT even believe my girl is 8.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HXX4-YccAWlO8KTeSQ8KKFQuZJDYIFtb2t-4woRegUuJI5Kg4vf5rrEYv3kNcXu5nRBrr41z4hkPkuGrCVLFlhYS6KXgghaDg3E3_GewjLR5t7bPMyHa1yTwXwhZNgodFXryZky1hyphenhyphenyw/s1600/dec+2014+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HXX4-YccAWlO8KTeSQ8KKFQuZJDYIFtb2t-4woRegUuJI5Kg4vf5rrEYv3kNcXu5nRBrr41z4hkPkuGrCVLFlhYS6KXgghaDg3E3_GewjLR5t7bPMyHa1yTwXwhZNgodFXryZky1hyphenhyphenyw/s1600/dec+2014+003.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always A Funny Face Shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDSt6TK6Ej0OIpeBpgn6c4tC-jno5KU9pmnqJZUt14dyS9GNQ6LCV6WZ9FK0n1u15yPs3iILowIJl7d6m7s4w7dc7J1FNCm3Up4Ym3aZrtiknZcDd40UQriPXhs0H__hDpp8kxROR-_Y2/s1600/dec+2014+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDSt6TK6Ej0OIpeBpgn6c4tC-jno5KU9pmnqJZUt14dyS9GNQ6LCV6WZ9FK0n1u15yPs3iILowIJl7d6m7s4w7dc7J1FNCm3Up4Ym3aZrtiknZcDd40UQriPXhs0H__hDpp8kxROR-_Y2/s1600/dec+2014+007.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodies...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ3RZ1T1U9QNvICsuoEoDwF2HKDRkYwcSBGc7c9LMb3VW7zsWEX8RJPOat-lc6b-qac7rz6ETRNFE1RMWttYyF-jkCc-FyvUydXkjX9_2eM52xugQioRuw4JpWh2Cp7M85vTt2KOoEt6j/s1600/dec+2014+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ3RZ1T1U9QNvICsuoEoDwF2HKDRkYwcSBGc7c9LMb3VW7zsWEX8RJPOat-lc6b-qac7rz6ETRNFE1RMWttYyF-jkCc-FyvUydXkjX9_2eM52xugQioRuw4JpWh2Cp7M85vTt2KOoEt6j/s1600/dec+2014+010.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Kid Covered Basement</td></tr>
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We had tons of fun celebrating my eldest last month. I love her so much...<br />
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---Julia, if you ever happen to come upon this blog years from now, please know that I love you more every single day, and I always will. You amaze me. I am so thankful God gave you to me. Love you to the moon and back a thousand times, Mom.---<br />
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Thanks for coming by, AmberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-9231168140233730542015-01-05T15:25:00.000-06:002015-01-05T15:25:03.508-06:00Love My Lyd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dave took an unprompted video of Lydia last month. I love it! </div>
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Thanks for stopping in. -Amber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-50997141075766056162015-01-05T15:19:00.001-06:002015-01-05T15:19:36.069-06:00Post Christmas Back-up BloggingWell, the dust from traveling and celebrating the wonderful Christmas holidays, has barely settled, but I am all too aware that I have fallen embarrassingly behind on my blogging. Please stay tuned for some awesome back-up blogging of Stewart events including: Julia's 8th birthday and her birthday celebration, Christmas fun, Christmas Day, Our new pet Lulu, and many other riveting December 2014 past times. Thanks for coming by...there will actually be some stories coming soon....but for now, I will leave you with some fun Christmas pictures. Please enjoy:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-78054479440624447892014-11-30T23:28:00.000-06:002014-11-30T23:29:49.505-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Throughout the years, we have had many different circumstances and events around the holidays. We've spent some holidays with parents, some with siblings, some with friends, and some all by ourselves. This Thanksgiving, we had some wonderful friends come and eat with us, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We played games, ate a delicious meal, enjoyed different traditions, watched the parade and the football games, and enjoyed the fellowship. It was awesome. And, I can't wait until my girls are old enough to be responsible for making some of the yummy traditional dishes right along side me. <br />
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This year, I also prepped a lot! It made the actual day go by so much more smoothly. I don't think I hardly sat down before we served lunch, but that's better than being frantic and worrying that not everything will get done. Right? Right. I pray that in the years to come, I will have the same opportunity.<br />
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Here are some pics of our turkey and ham filled festivites.<br />
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Yummy pre-turkey snacking...<br />
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I did NOT brine the turkey. It turned out pretty well in the turkey bag. Maybe next year I will have the wherewithal to order a fresh bird a few days before Thanksgiving. We shall see.<br />
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So, even though eating is a big part of Thanksgiving, an even bigger part is actually giving thanks. I have so much to be thankful for! And, I want my children to begin to realize how much they have to be thankful for as well. So, one of my favorite things we did on Thursday was to make these wreaths...<br />
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I just took a small styrofoam wreath, wrapped it with fabric and added the top leaf with some straight pins. <br />
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Then, we wrote what we are thankful for on leaves, and added them one by one to the wreath. It was a such a blessing of a time.<br />
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A lot of the things the girls said surprised me.<br />
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I got the idea for the wreaths on some morning talk show, and I hope it's a tradition that carries on in some form or fashion for years to come. Of course, it's yet another thing I'm not sure I'll ever be able to toss. Such sweet memories...<br />
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Now, we are on to planning a fun little birthday party for our oldest girl, Julia. She's turning 8 this year. I seriously do not understand how I've been a mom for that long, but I'm so glad I get to be a mom to her. Amazing.<br />
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Happy leftovers eating! -Amber<br />
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P.S. Thank you for celebrating with us Bacas! And thank you for bringing all the wonderful foods, treats and games! You are a blessing to us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-10304617328802690532014-11-22T17:09:00.000-06:002014-11-22T17:09:58.572-06:00Dining Room Tables in the Living RoomCan you believe Thanksgiving is so close? I barely can! I have the pumpkin pie in the freezer. It is living right beside the 20 pound turkey. I also have the pumpkin cookies in batter form in the fridge, and have been meal planning and prepping for the big day for about a week. (The excellent recipe I use for Pumpkin cookies is a Martha Stewart recipe that you can find <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/print/318741">here</a>.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whipped Cream to Come</td></tr>
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We are super excited to host friends for a our Thanksgiving lunch this year, and I was concerned about seating for everyone. But, one afternoon, I was looking on a local furniture fb page, and I found a great table! It looked so nice, and would be great for extra seating. I planned to ask Dave to carry up and down stairs when we needed it, but after pick up, we realized the table is much to heavy to haul around. This ended up being the solution:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKq1YexxejsEt_iS46QqmPF4YQD0CNi0LyR8k3x1aXqKWITtRJ8G9kYqtd2n7QMH9WJl-uZqH7vixrdLQyBit7141SaCjJPNO1lnXCdwuTjbqc4M28aBXxIdJGyzPfSgEjlODR5QNHV9y/s1600/November+2014+007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKq1YexxejsEt_iS46QqmPF4YQD0CNi0LyR8k3x1aXqKWITtRJ8G9kYqtd2n7QMH9WJl-uZqH7vixrdLQyBit7141SaCjJPNO1lnXCdwuTjbqc4M28aBXxIdJGyzPfSgEjlODR5QNHV9y/s1600/November+2014+007.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove the Clutter and You Have Extra Seating</td></tr>
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The table lives in our upstairs living room now. And, it is working perfectly. Since we've been home from our last trip, we have rearranged half the rooms in our house. The girls bunk beds have been separated, Saige's room finally got some attention to furniture placement, and both our living rooms have been changed up. But, I think that I like the new upstairs arrangement the best. The table doubles as a workstation for your laptop, or for studying cookbooks or any other books. It also works wonderfully for Monday Night small group at our house. We have more spots to stick drinks and goodies and/or for Bibles to be laid open on. I just love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmpGyi44fkJshdfqF56a06UTWlyjRo9TwdsEp5JHsqDkKYRgZbronqpbDbgC8M4OVPVF2uSMzV2VmIISLF32uEKy0jE8vRatHrL5ykSgWVVIiKMkOMyZ69-LBcuNMuclj4xh8dlQInw5f/s1600/November+2014+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmpGyi44fkJshdfqF56a06UTWlyjRo9TwdsEp5JHsqDkKYRgZbronqpbDbgC8M4OVPVF2uSMzV2VmIISLF32uEKy0jE8vRatHrL5ykSgWVVIiKMkOMyZ69-LBcuNMuclj4xh8dlQInw5f/s1600/November+2014+006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />What do you think about having a small table in a living room? And, don't forget to give me advise about my turkey. To brine, or not to brine. That is the question!<br />
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Turkey, turkey!! -Amber<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-64729211054886819842014-11-12T16:06:00.000-06:002014-11-12T16:06:28.314-06:00The Never Ending Blog PostI'm sorry it's been a while. We have been to visit family in Oklahoma and came back to a wonderful and full schedule, so my blogging has been falling behind....but here is a look at some of the fun we had OK:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQipZ6bKJOFxEXiKm5ati5V3gWU418k-uuTP85v0bVfk0oTsA12wM_IDZnl8N68AeeHr9OsQgEtmXDq_XtdhOIiqr0_9ZsTVusDiMu7dVvBOT7mYHJaRaqX972YrmcQcxlFBO55F9NDNlo/s1600/Fall+2014+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQipZ6bKJOFxEXiKm5ati5V3gWU418k-uuTP85v0bVfk0oTsA12wM_IDZnl8N68AeeHr9OsQgEtmXDq_XtdhOIiqr0_9ZsTVusDiMu7dVvBOT7mYHJaRaqX972YrmcQcxlFBO55F9NDNlo/s320/Fall+2014+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebra, Tiger and Lion at Granny's House</td></tr>
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The girls dressed up on Halloween and got to go to the carnival at the church we used to attend in Bartlesville. Fun, fun!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrnlEJsLHa7fsOjgItOAnldETomD9pyh5ehdKTio5OiqE0LbZqFUFKwgKQonnffa7KJ-r1vrX1vvAcMKxArftMQc4RfVwH-G7ZyssAwmdpK4ZMF3uU63mi1FAL_p-IOw9ctskvHiWcq-o/s1600/Fall+2014+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrnlEJsLHa7fsOjgItOAnldETomD9pyh5ehdKTio5OiqE0LbZqFUFKwgKQonnffa7KJ-r1vrX1vvAcMKxArftMQc4RfVwH-G7ZyssAwmdpK4ZMF3uU63mi1FAL_p-IOw9ctskvHiWcq-o/s320/Fall+2014+061.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi and Papa Joined in the Fun</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTUSiYVrBYBKD0bfWJSjRfL6uO-93Bo6S17NvRRLdjUFKR64HH6XIUsurwgQ4NmjJjlr3W_SbUJ5Mo875V5F2mi8IavexV5xGWdNacHuvVEHT1X_WTg3sZdwUNBoEqvFHOkWThavkWVt4/s1600/Fall+2014+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTUSiYVrBYBKD0bfWJSjRfL6uO-93Bo6S17NvRRLdjUFKR64HH6XIUsurwgQ4NmjJjlr3W_SbUJ5Mo875V5F2mi8IavexV5xGWdNacHuvVEHT1X_WTg3sZdwUNBoEqvFHOkWThavkWVt4/s320/Fall+2014+052.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Christie (Daisy Duck), Cousin Charlie, and My Girls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08GUVowBVU6CF_nbD2Uj8Ooq7K6eYqYc6fUIt2NNjxfXays4LcQSWQAnHoY8FVi9T7k9HxseaP8AzqVBmZ37esOaX27Tgq68_Pqd68s6rCWzOsMPhPE-A_0j9c-kxCuvbLZxbgdD9tLEy/s1600/Fall+2014+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08GUVowBVU6CF_nbD2Uj8Ooq7K6eYqYc6fUIt2NNjxfXays4LcQSWQAnHoY8FVi9T7k9HxseaP8AzqVBmZ37esOaX27Tgq68_Pqd68s6rCWzOsMPhPE-A_0j9c-kxCuvbLZxbgdD9tLEy/s320/Fall+2014+117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Birthday for Julia at Granny's</td></tr>
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We got to see a lot of friends on family the week that we were in OK. It was so nice, and such a blessing to us all. I also got to visit a place I used to work at called McCoy's Jewelers. They checked my jewelry and verified that the prongs that are supposed to hold my diamond in place is doing just that. Yay!I am free to clean my jewelry with a toothbrush, knowing that my diamonds are secure! Check out this tip and one more in the picture below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WkipD-9aThMzfWvjJJH75CMofkFtOt8fBWr1TgAANij3zBLKQJGghsaKYKsR3UymuS7KPw9S6F37IJOG1ar4hTY8eoEs4dv1aMkVqqYGTWnguEXKn_QbqGuOHb0iQC4JV5erzlU3podb/s1600/Fall+2014+009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WkipD-9aThMzfWvjJJH75CMofkFtOt8fBWr1TgAANij3zBLKQJGghsaKYKsR3UymuS7KPw9S6F37IJOG1ar4hTY8eoEs4dv1aMkVqqYGTWnguEXKn_QbqGuOHb0iQC4JV5erzlU3podb/s320/Fall+2014+009.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Do you see the bottom one about baby powder on chains? I love this one! I have a necklace from when I graduated high school that has been tangled almost the whole *gulp* 14 years I've had it. Here it is after about thirty minutes, and a couple tablespoons of baby powder.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nV3pH_4pHnKHr0Jzkw7Q7rANlQYMHL8nZqx_PIW-huejEq9wrp0k6JDbB3TMdkNjCm51dsGjON7fc_tSeZBrJJG_MCRdnydwJ22qEWQpYPlTogHTLGON4Lq-rnI7jkpXV9roCWw2FGRK/s1600/fixed+necklace+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nV3pH_4pHnKHr0Jzkw7Q7rANlQYMHL8nZqx_PIW-huejEq9wrp0k6JDbB3TMdkNjCm51dsGjON7fc_tSeZBrJJG_MCRdnydwJ22qEWQpYPlTogHTLGON4Lq-rnI7jkpXV9roCWw2FGRK/s320/fixed+necklace+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Was Once a Matted Mess.</td></tr>
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This thing was so matted, that it was actually stuck to another piece of jewelry I owned. I'd worked for hours trying to un-knot this thing, and I thought I'd never have the two pieces separate again. I almost threw away both pieces of jewelry when we moved here, but now I'm so grateful I didn't. And, I plan to let my McCoy Jewelers people know how well this works! Untangling chains is definitely something we worked on!<br />
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--And, now that you know my chain untangling secret, and now that we are back in ND, I want to share what's been happening the last few days.You can call this the never ending blog post if you'd like.---<br />
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It's finally happened, the cold has snapped here in ND! We are loving the snow, and bundling against the cold. I have a lot of coffee and hot tea everyday, and wish there was a way to convince my daughters to eat soup every night with out complaint. Snow pictures are here:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwtopDDSi27CJlgpEynDkM8s3bEXQADLGrNwne7X5lEUsyp4OHlioMW_IFxP98wzCaYb8nb9lyThgRSz4UnRO4M5u5j_6gMGLLNYcC2V27TlRLpncUpQWtaP72mAd_p2_sIz3YnUE7_rW/s1600/Fall+2014+145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwtopDDSi27CJlgpEynDkM8s3bEXQADLGrNwne7X5lEUsyp4OHlioMW_IFxP98wzCaYb8nb9lyThgRSz4UnRO4M5u5j_6gMGLLNYcC2V27TlRLpncUpQWtaP72mAd_p2_sIz3YnUE7_rW/s320/Fall+2014+145.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a Stop Sign. Beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6tcolzd51FAogn9YGa_igYa2WMdiltPsZ0MLmSRwuPOvYVFGbA9rzHkziFWmVRTdlGfE7baSsD7pxRjXVoa0S8-VD8f2KeDaYap76_nVXofcAlx6g5HsBkPLExjupUHrpCdKokPC4gDz/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6tcolzd51FAogn9YGa_igYa2WMdiltPsZ0MLmSRwuPOvYVFGbA9rzHkziFWmVRTdlGfE7baSsD7pxRjXVoa0S8-VD8f2KeDaYap76_nVXofcAlx6g5HsBkPLExjupUHrpCdKokPC4gDz/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled for a Snowball Fight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPPyMHBwxw7WHiWtKiJCN0bgeSxLL4x1dqokBlr5kuUNURSablAOrvPCv35z9bCrZ7m_5uVvTK7u13tqxAPh3oHX6chDJr_spnHzHC-q_yjmRB8EIMtQCyFL6jw9_4dyKk61cKFzrtWe-/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPPyMHBwxw7WHiWtKiJCN0bgeSxLL4x1dqokBlr5kuUNURSablAOrvPCv35z9bCrZ7m_5uVvTK7u13tqxAPh3oHX6chDJr_spnHzHC-q_yjmRB8EIMtQCyFL6jw9_4dyKk61cKFzrtWe-/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Action</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcc4rElwIKHWQSG57YXLKmcqMaGsap-GfQYKeNh2jggQMZh49gIxo7opPuXo6YmDvRUF7nnjVIccEEaQ4_uEWEw7sfn7s4lNpmy_3Kmo9Y2Nt4vlNhPDxW8liFn57R-AUH34uZ06XQToN/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcc4rElwIKHWQSG57YXLKmcqMaGsap-GfQYKeNh2jggQMZh49gIxo7opPuXo6YmDvRUF7nnjVIccEEaQ4_uEWEw7sfn7s4lNpmy_3Kmo9Y2Nt4vlNhPDxW8liFn57R-AUH34uZ06XQToN/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+033.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Action Shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Snow Angels:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclAJfA58K3qmamepBDPw4JdCpWjst9Q0n7IMR0KrCStP_kiXGtyrx0oMwKcxH9kCBQnLrwOBykd1qoPukC2HGkJzAYkhpIpUco4fRkkkuDkB5E1T9W7gc5nM0V4kaqXBgRytbav_dKAlN/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclAJfA58K3qmamepBDPw4JdCpWjst9Q0n7IMR0KrCStP_kiXGtyrx0oMwKcxH9kCBQnLrwOBykd1qoPukC2HGkJzAYkhpIpUco4fRkkkuDkB5E1T9W7gc5nM0V4kaqXBgRytbav_dKAlN/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+040.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuZ8l2zoH13ykSetuVeIJ_R59bghsRip64_gWKzG58UAMBHhxf2SfeMEImYHN61yYZtxiI3fScDBJdu0r_nG1sgHh3s6UdxldPy5HQCB1w2DkexkgbypJ8qlhvwff-yt94uxbj0jWrEI/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuZ8l2zoH13ykSetuVeIJ_R59bghsRip64_gWKzG58UAMBHhxf2SfeMEImYHN61yYZtxiI3fScDBJdu0r_nG1sgHh3s6UdxldPy5HQCB1w2DkexkgbypJ8qlhvwff-yt94uxbj0jWrEI/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJmh7RGHUmG1Y63XxTI_eJfv3rzGTpjDuy9tukTtXMBmTsZLF3sCB7Wbrj-ofGVbEO9JJ0btcNxkZFN_U3y76OgNju4fsZX80O6eIRqz6X2Onio6rdfPJNPUpEUYGRoD4ZQV5Y0al2Lci/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJmh7RGHUmG1Y63XxTI_eJfv3rzGTpjDuy9tukTtXMBmTsZLF3sCB7Wbrj-ofGVbEO9JJ0btcNxkZFN_U3y76OgNju4fsZX80O6eIRqz6X2Onio6rdfPJNPUpEUYGRoD4ZQV5Y0al2Lci/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkANp4xM0mit_67Q2uL5Q5wQ2fRdTpCMr6wVs2jxHTMnRP6P1cpqUmICtTPJMmpKLHs1nXCUYOZ6VQybafcf_wdiQAqJUX31o6PNxb5L2W_YzHWY3x2cGwOK_EwJmpsZRX62j732m-4X9/s1600/Fall+2014+146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkANp4xM0mit_67Q2uL5Q5wQ2fRdTpCMr6wVs2jxHTMnRP6P1cpqUmICtTPJMmpKLHs1nXCUYOZ6VQybafcf_wdiQAqJUX31o6PNxb5L2W_YzHWY3x2cGwOK_EwJmpsZRX62j732m-4X9/s320/Fall+2014+146.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sampling Snow at the Library</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NhuNg9cIdj93Xb1APXELxG5W7_Vj74muwUqJuKqlG2w_UxxE97N8sEnJjIt4P03zH3kbnXAV2DhFtJkaAHty_IviaynfpmJ2kAKECZLcI0Zwnf3zNK92s19KFS-FvN3p75wEE7P7jwgh/s1600/Fall+2014+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NhuNg9cIdj93Xb1APXELxG5W7_Vj74muwUqJuKqlG2w_UxxE97N8sEnJjIt4P03zH3kbnXAV2DhFtJkaAHty_IviaynfpmJ2kAKECZLcI0Zwnf3zNK92s19KFS-FvN3p75wEE7P7jwgh/s320/Fall+2014+148.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Came in From Playing Cold and Frowny</td></tr>
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We've been having so much fun! We haven't made any Olafs yet, but I'm sure we will have a small herd of them soon. <i am="" and="" appreciated.="" are="" build="" cold="" definitely="" feet.="" for="" gear="" girls.="" going="" help="" herd.="" hunt="" i="" if="" items="" keeping="" m="" mittens="" my="" myself="" need="" not="" of="" off="" on="" pants="" really="" shoes="" snow="" some="" tennis="" that="" the="" these="" though="" to="" too="" uggestions="" welcomed=""> </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMjVC6OJvq5r_PRDk2u20qIE_-G-OZd-qd6ujMmQeK-1NwYx3Wz0WOIB1QJo7xhk5F_zhl_nKoJFLnpleVnsVviPUbftLD8zr589lMajAdcSFSV8I2qQ433CUKtz0MH22OGc2lCx95tDn/s1600/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMjVC6OJvq5r_PRDk2u20qIE_-G-OZd-qd6ujMmQeK-1NwYx3Wz0WOIB1QJo7xhk5F_zhl_nKoJFLnpleVnsVviPUbftLD8zr589lMajAdcSFSV8I2qQ433CUKtz0MH22OGc2lCx95tDn/s320/Fall+and+SNOW+2014+048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our New Favorite Evening Activity</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading! Stay warm!!!!<br />
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-Amber<br />
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P.S. If there are any typos in this post, it's because my hands were too cold to type.<br />
P.S.S. I love the people who read my blog!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-6843738419741123572014-10-26T17:21:00.000-05:002014-10-26T17:21:08.484-05:00How NOT to Re-purpose!My sweet little Saige has entered into the stage that I lovingly refer to as; the tiny toddler terror stage. Most toddlers go through it, and most moms live until it's over, but there's no guarantee that a mom will. Maybe you'll understand a little better if I tell you a story...<br />
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Last night, Dave was getting the girls situated for bed, and had given me the task of looking on an excel spreadsheet over our family's financials. The big girls almost always have a 10 minute Bible reading time before bed, and Saige usually gets to read books or baby Bibles during that time. After they had started their reading, Dave ran upstairs to mention a few things to me about the spreadsheet before he went back downstairs. But, before we could get a full sentence out, Julia was yelling about an emergency downstairs.<br />
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In the short time Dave was up here, Saige had gotten nail polish all over herself, all over Lydia's pillow, and all over face. She started applying it as mascara as well, and was now crying because she got nail polish in her eye. I ran downstairs when I heard what was going on and we flushed that baby's eye for the next several minutes with water.<br />
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The man from poison control told us flushing the eye with water for about 15 minutes was best, and that we should not use eye drops as it might make the issue worse. (Thank goodness we called! I was about to give her some drops.) He also told us what to look for in case of infection, but thankfully the eye looked clear and happy when Saige woke up. Praise the Lord!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QNlk-Qm14Md801xx5p4Mxxe_oRgvNngUD7gyD3M5LZaMeFG8R6FWtXZJIkXedAnY8e0cEFrkJF_9iezSkU14UOM69sr1sm8JwGzYp-YlVODl-1g0FarRA1luRRC5-4bLWzeQO3mjodvb/s1600/life+in+Sept.+2014+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QNlk-Qm14Md801xx5p4Mxxe_oRgvNngUD7gyD3M5LZaMeFG8R6FWtXZJIkXedAnY8e0cEFrkJF_9iezSkU14UOM69sr1sm8JwGzYp-YlVODl-1g0FarRA1luRRC5-4bLWzeQO3mjodvb/s1600/life+in+Sept.+2014+017.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saige Eating a Smoothie </td></tr>
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So my re-purposing tip for today is: nail polish is not a good substitute for mascara. FYI.<br />
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Thanks, Amber<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222045010319266065.post-76036443958154199362014-10-22T21:41:00.001-05:002014-10-22T21:41:31.467-05:00Lengthening JeansLydia is currently a string bean and often grows too tall for clothes, not out of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKSasSdgmwba8rCpJlEg9BiMDi7EWkiqZ4zSlgkrdX539X6Qqr98vrWno6oUrpx1G6OP6nuC7vI2-ByVn7gWSpObALE7JXWWkWpz50UfVmNwEdP96YIU_1Tufy3Bk8inI3vybn7Tuxeiu/s1600/fall+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKSasSdgmwba8rCpJlEg9BiMDi7EWkiqZ4zSlgkrdX539X6Qqr98vrWno6oUrpx1G6OP6nuC7vI2-ByVn7gWSpObALE7JXWWkWpz50UfVmNwEdP96YIU_1Tufy3Bk8inI3vybn7Tuxeiu/s1600/fall+2013+020.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2013</td></tr>
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The above picture is Lydia at our church last year. I had been at the church all day as Julia had practice because she was in our church's Christmas play; Celebration. Dave had Saige and Lydia at home until evening when they were going to meet us at church. I'm not sure how it happened, but Lydia showed up in these daisy dukes. I thought it odd, but didn't say anything. It wasnt until she was sitting in my lap that I realized where I recognized those shorts from. They seemed a little out of place to me as I was remembering that they were usually over a diaper. Lydia was 5 years old in the above picture. Would you like to guess the size of the shorts she has on? They are 12-18 months. Yes, she was wearing Saige's shorts. I have no idea how they slid on to her frame, although petite. But they did. <div>
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(This happened again just the other day. I told her to put on the jeans on the loveseat. She came to my room wearing capris...except they weren't capris. They were Saige's pants again. Size 18-24 months. They are too short for Saige. And way too short for Lydia.)</div>
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So, this brings me to today's story. When Dave's parents were here, Lydia wore a pair of size 5 jeans that fit a bit baggy on Lydia, but that are getting too short. (She's 6 years old now.) It was then that a very smart lady, Christie Stewart, suggested I add some ribbon or lace to the bottom of her jeans to give them some extra length. Brilliant!!!!!</div>
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I went to our local sewing store, (Dakota Sew and So) and got some really pretty stuff that I've started sewing onto her little jeans. Here are some pics to show what I've done:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoZM6Z6JT1iUDfMkMEgwUrvQIRdAGwyk21NHsbT1Se2eOC0xnOUKlbX2OaoppykjaCS4aLBpdJWnnyaXfqMYcPe2ZLnva0PlaLkCLGLlfc76EC_77cmsu-iIn2zSzm5244y6J_5DATzoU/s1600/October+2014+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoZM6Z6JT1iUDfMkMEgwUrvQIRdAGwyk21NHsbT1Se2eOC0xnOUKlbX2OaoppykjaCS4aLBpdJWnnyaXfqMYcPe2ZLnva0PlaLkCLGLlfc76EC_77cmsu-iIn2zSzm5244y6J_5DATzoU/s1600/October+2014+025.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A: Size 5 Jeans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L41Q3-w91ccD_vYglVu54-3aXmFEOvlj5mAlzsxowzsBfscbbZMf5QT5nDdniTQ6yB_OiQRTtHhfP17xUB4w54cC4nG8Cru_Cy_GWMkngFpkrECNeq1kAZKOd8eg4HTy53fXPPwLR8Nz/s1600/October+2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L41Q3-w91ccD_vYglVu54-3aXmFEOvlj5mAlzsxowzsBfscbbZMf5QT5nDdniTQ6yB_OiQRTtHhfP17xUB4w54cC4nG8Cru_Cy_GWMkngFpkrECNeq1kAZKOd8eg4HTy53fXPPwLR8Nz/s1600/October+2014+026.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon to be Attached Jeans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejeKcuK86zscOglZ8AfH29UdY6ufQSX14FleHc0ZmKbvOwnRJzXUtFZxdnoPA0VExoeAkpRqYaDqOpQtIED62t_xKqY-nBa9x-V-7zEjHfeOnHoCP4HJ8wfFBn3SFq73tsLu8-ohywj3I/s1600/October+2014+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejeKcuK86zscOglZ8AfH29UdY6ufQSX14FleHc0ZmKbvOwnRJzXUtFZxdnoPA0VExoeAkpRqYaDqOpQtIED62t_xKqY-nBa9x-V-7zEjHfeOnHoCP4HJ8wfFBn3SFq73tsLu8-ohywj3I/s1600/October+2014+027.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Few Tools I Used</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMVqOEITcf239honDAXA1nxMIRYNKftH4QWNMNtrqBR-haWssscYJm-d8yzK0Ry_hkdYgJSgmvGNbnZjSVEdMSdTsp9qpxJ6cnG3we-31_dunN503LSM3fK1sU7ozWj6tSrlPzacTbESH/s1600/October+2014+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMVqOEITcf239honDAXA1nxMIRYNKftH4QWNMNtrqBR-haWssscYJm-d8yzK0Ry_hkdYgJSgmvGNbnZjSVEdMSdTsp9qpxJ6cnG3we-31_dunN503LSM3fK1sU7ozWj6tSrlPzacTbESH/s1600/October+2014+028.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ribbon I Bought (Close Up)</td></tr>
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Because I bought ribbon, I decided I should seal the edges of the ribbon with a lighter so that that the ends don't fray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i8Xjdqca8_5NBJJYgQ8tuDTV87EGZyr85IxkZ0aFDtzoe3WV58DpffWNSZl3VQFsCKAx_mBeIYhg1JT49_V51vdiTOsFqECMox5EzRDtsAOhOqm456rXCNfqWd_TKVypw10YcQSZssRU/s1600/October+2014+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i8Xjdqca8_5NBJJYgQ8tuDTV87EGZyr85IxkZ0aFDtzoe3WV58DpffWNSZl3VQFsCKAx_mBeIYhg1JT49_V51vdiTOsFqECMox5EzRDtsAOhOqm456rXCNfqWd_TKVypw10YcQSZssRU/s1600/October+2014+029.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the Fraying?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv0XmOJyQl3iJmpTdHt5E59M-IalXwJ0l3LJ5hU1z6mPlyJmhf3CQVqe2m6oI3lu8haL4ioz7c18eGBqrTaJAscNOw4_Ip9UDQRXmf4ec_rsu3RUhhK5IE2pmqsX4_ZSI9d3WdvGy5KI5/s1600/October+2014+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv0XmOJyQl3iJmpTdHt5E59M-IalXwJ0l3LJ5hU1z6mPlyJmhf3CQVqe2m6oI3lu8haL4ioz7c18eGBqrTaJAscNOw4_Ip9UDQRXmf4ec_rsu3RUhhK5IE2pmqsX4_ZSI9d3WdvGy5KI5/s1600/October+2014+030.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Fray. No Way.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9BOxu9xXrMmvNtNCp0Z0psXA75bORg6x6nl1vX22oyrPZy7YaNB8c8HXwDaN5_w2UtSvD9vk8-YX_oZ03420Xrry2Tpl90IiUD1V3THZB1YM6RQmz5ynXwiCiAQ6bXv1JwgDY47SmlPz/s1600/October+2014+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9BOxu9xXrMmvNtNCp0Z0psXA75bORg6x6nl1vX22oyrPZy7YaNB8c8HXwDaN5_w2UtSvD9vk8-YX_oZ03420Xrry2Tpl90IiUD1V3THZB1YM6RQmz5ynXwiCiAQ6bXv1JwgDY47SmlPz/s1600/October+2014+032.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Side With Added Ribbon...Back</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmPc6piCzToydbYRKXYE-SulUCaB7Umpv_n1ZK7UtFk2emlCL-zghJ5yIeYDC8sDQT1cl33mmqARmnjq08FGtvVAQErohRnqmKP2kODVcP4y4tFVtte8NmYXIjvat-EHJqSNTxkFyHSL-/s1600/October+2014+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmPc6piCzToydbYRKXYE-SulUCaB7Umpv_n1ZK7UtFk2emlCL-zghJ5yIeYDC8sDQT1cl33mmqARmnjq08FGtvVAQErohRnqmKP2kODVcP4y4tFVtte8NmYXIjvat-EHJqSNTxkFyHSL-/s1600/October+2014+033.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon Added...Front</td></tr>
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I'd say this adds a good 2 inches to these jeans. Which will last a few months at least. Plus, I think it's really cute. What do you think?</div>
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Thanks for reading! I appreciate you stopping by!</div>
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Your friend, Amber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400427028201975373noreply@blogger.com2