tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28052345058795180042024-03-12T23:19:05.373-04:00the art of being sillyLive life to the fullest. Give all your heart. Dare to bare.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.comBlogger737125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-67751496565681034252016-01-01T10:11:00.002-05:002016-01-01T10:11:19.560-05:00Books 2015<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv0tmtlBuE1r4om5qo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv0tmtlBuE1r4om5qo1_500.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv0tmtlBuE1r4om5qo1_500.jpg">via </a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>This Is Where I Leave You </b>by Jonathan Tropper<br />
<b>Vicious </b>by Sara Shepard (16th and final PLL book)<br />
<b>The Best Yes </b>by Lysa TerKeurst (recommend)<br />
<b>The Perfectionists </b>by Sara Shepard<br />
<b>The Silent Sister </b>by Diane Chamberlain (Recommend, although I quickly forgot the details)<br />
<b>Made to Crave </b>by Lysa Terkeurst<br />
<b>The Hurricane Sisters </b>by Dorothea Benton Frank (fun chic lit)<br />
<strong>All the Bright Places </strong>by Jennifer Niven (good but sad)<br />
<b>Deep Blue </b>by Jennifer Donnelly (it's mermaids :) )<br />
<b>Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe </b>by Max Lucado (Recommend)<br />
<b>Rogue Wave </b>by Jennifer Donnelly<br />
<b>Anna and the French Kiss </b>by Stephanie Perkins (Okay these are fun)<br />
<b>Lola and the Boy Next Door </b>by Stephanie Perkins<br />
<b>Isla and the Happily Ever After </b>by Stephanie Perkins<br />
<b>Vanishing Girls </b>by Lauren Oliver (Not her best, but I still liked)<br />
<strong>A Touch of Stardust </strong>by Kate Alcott (I learned a lot about Gone With the Wind)<br />
<strong>The First Frost </strong>by Sarah Addison Allen (just ok)<br />
<strong>The Wicked Will Rise </strong>by Danielle Paige (still fun, but clearly a middle of a series book)<br />
<strong>Girl on the Train </strong>by Paula Hawkins (Intense, but recommend)<br />
<strong>The Good Girl </strong>by Mary Kubica (It's ok, but I liked reading from different perspectives)<br />
<b>The Fringe Hours </b>by Jessica N. Turner (good although it took me a long time to finish)<b> </b><br />
<strong>The Gold Finch </strong>by Donna Tartt (don't recommend)<br />
<b>Where'd You Go Bernadette </b>by Maria Semple (Quirky, recommend)<br />
<b>Luckiest Girl Alive </b>by Jessica Knoll (Twisted, enjoyed but not sure I would recommend?)<br />
<b>Paper Towns </b>by John Green<br />
<b>The Vacationers </b>by Emma Straub (It was easy enough to read, I just didn't get much out of it)<br />
<b>You </b>by Caroline Kepnes (Creepy and crude, but couldn't put it down)<br />
<b>Serafina and the Black Cloak </b>by Robert Beatty (Kinda weird and more middle school, but read aloud to Joey :) )<br />
<b>Austenland </b>by Shannon Hale (guilty pleasure type of read)<br />
<b>A Window Opens </b>by Elisabeth Egan (recommend)<br />
<b>Unbecoming </b>by Rebecca Scherm (pass)<br />
<b>Rebel Belle </b>by Rachel Hawkins (superhero Hart of Dixie)<br />
<b>What Alice Forgot </b>by Liane Moriatry (recommend)<br />
<b>The Silk Worm </b>by Robert Galbraith (Grown up and crime drama JK Rowling)<br />
<b>Career of Evil </b>by Robert Galbraith (see above)<br />
<b>For the Love </b>by Jen Hatmaker (recommend)<br />
<b>Miss Mayhem </b>by Rachel Hawkins (2nd book of superhero Hart of Dixie)<br />
<b>Matchless </b>by Gregory Maguire (slightly less sad than the Match Girl)<br />
<b>The Clasp </b>by Sloane Crosley (pass)<br />
<b>Life and Death </b>by Stephenie Meyer (reverse roles of Twilight)<br />
<b>Dark Tide </b>by Jennifer Donnelly (mermaids)<br />
<b>Summer on East End: Triple Moon </b>by Melissa de la Cruz (very easy read)<br />
<b>Atlantia </b>by Ally Condie (slow start, otherwise pretty good)<br />
<b>After Alice </b>by Gregory Maguire (very true to the original style)<br />
<b>Seeker </b>by Arwen Elys Dayton (first of a trilogy)<br />
<br />
44 booksKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-26323713384532907372015-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:002015-12-07T13:49:00.401-05:00Letter to my kids (December 2015 version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJbEB2pBGS3331QBkB4qUEGihvi-YiHttkec_LrDrXT6VirsXfpWicoSOX4yoZb4F6P7WMHWqBCmUkFNqU8XP9hrwbVmxYrHUnAYcdK4QG_k0n-kClPlf-w19uwu-NTzqe1tO5cd5WI/s1600/IMG_4000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJbEB2pBGS3331QBkB4qUEGihvi-YiHttkec_LrDrXT6VirsXfpWicoSOX4yoZb4F6P7WMHWqBCmUkFNqU8XP9hrwbVmxYrHUnAYcdK4QG_k0n-kClPlf-w19uwu-NTzqe1tO5cd5WI/s640/IMG_4000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear kids,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not sure I can really explain how much you've stretched me over the last year. Sure, I've had to really work on my patience and energy and voice volume, etc., but I really mean I didn't know I could care so much. I feel like the Grinch, who's heart suddenly grew 3 sizes. There's no one I spend more time with, no one else I want to just take a nap so badly, and no one else I miss so much the moment they aren't there. (Okay, I often miss your Daddy too ).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I want so much to remember the little things that we experience each day, that we think we'll never forget, but that I know will someday turn into "oh yeah, remember when Sam would keep his fingers in his mouth all the time?" That's not necessarily one of the things I'm talking about though.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam, I love the way that your "I Love You" started out as just "I You". It was like a secret code. One of your go to face these days is this silly scrunch face that kinda looks like disgust, but I think you're trying to show that you're happy (your sister has a scrunch face too, but hers actually looks happy). I love watching you start to try to lead Blake. You love to save her from going down the stairs, or doing something you know she's not supposed to do, like eat dog food. You make her laugh so easily, when you walk silly or splash in the bathtub, or really if you just laugh, she'll join in. Blake, similarly, you start crying anytime Sam starts crying. Our house is so loud sometimes, but I try to think of it as empathy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam, you have a sensitive spirit. You want kisses for anything bumped, your tears come quickly, and sometimes unexpected things scare you. But you've also got a daring streak. I often trust you climbing or exploring because your cautious side keeps you safer. You've recently showed an ocd side. You hate having your hands dirty or sticky. You actually don't like Blake's hands dirty either. I've never heard the word napkin so much. I kinda love that you want your socks off as soon as your shoes are off. I don't blame you, we hardly put socks on your for a good year or so. (oops). I love your sweet voice trying new words, and some recent favorites have been: I'm no stinky! and Where's (whatever)? Right there! I love that you say Amen at the end of books, and you say Bye Bye at the end of a show or if we are leaving something (bye bye playground). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam, you love social play, but you also really like to do your own thing. You're often the kid on the side playing with a toy on your own. You also LOVE to play chase. Nothing makes you giggle more. You love books and you often share your bedtime reading with your sister, who just climbs all over us. You love the bath and shower, it seems to be your happy place. You've mastered the iPad. You might be made of chicken nuggets, but you're still mostly willing to try things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I still love seeing you and your sister together so very much. Sam, you're not much of a baby kid. It wasn't until Blake started crawling that you really realized she could be a playmate. You guys rough house, make each other laugh, and you get upset over a shared toy. Sam, when you wake up before Blake, you often ask for her and like to find her in her crib. A few times you didn't realize I had already put her in the car, or gotten her out, and you threw a fit thinking we were leaving her behind. Blake, you love watching your brother, and I love your eager hand pushing his door open when we check on him during naptime.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blake, you're going to be sassy. You've got the sweetest smile with a nose crinkle. Your whole face lights up. You like high fives and silly noises, and you're so close to giving and blowing kisses. You are so interested in people. You watch with staring eyes. You're our Princess, our Little Bit, our Honey Bee, my Koala Bear. You still prefer Mommy, and you've got a touch of social anxiety, but you really do love people. Your Gma and Mimi and Aunt Jenn are favs, I think. You say a few words. Lately you say Bobby all the time. Except to Tricia's boyfriend Bobby. You're a little shy to show off. You like to sing to yourself, often with the word Ragu, and you seem to be good a mimicking words. Your voice is much girlier than Sam's (I realize it should be, but it's still fun). You get a bit possessive, and you already collapse to the floor if you don't get what you want, be it a toy or getting picked up. You love fruit and meat, you've already said no to beans everytime, and you feed the dogs when we aren't looking. You look so much like your Daddy, but in a girlie way. Your Pops loves that you look like a Connelly. I can't walk away from you without you protesting or trilling your R's. You love being jumped with, but not always thrown in the air. Blake, you're so close to walking. You've been able to stand on your own for a while. You kinda refuse to cruise much, but you love walking assisted. It kills me a little. I can't get anything else done when I help you, but I know this stage won't be too long. Rather than taking steps, you'll dive towards us. You started that way with the stairs, but it didn't take much prompting for you to learn how to safely get down the stairs and off sofas. You're an independent little thing. You don't like to be helped if you think you can do sometime on your own. This is starting much earlier than I remember with Sam. You likes better than Sam did at this age, and you still love things with strings. Your two favorite loveys have strings that you get a deathgrip on. You love dolls and stuffed animals, which I am so excited about (Sam could care less). Oh, by the way, you've got to stop having 3AM parties with your Daddy. We'll figure out another date time, I promise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys, I want you to know that I'm doing my best. I know sometimes I might seem mean when I carry you bodily to the car or to your room. I know that those clothespins looked so good to chew on. There will be sometimes that I don't do what you want, and it'll be good for you. There will be other times that I'm wrong, and I'm sorry already. I hope I help you teach you about admitting when you're wrong and forgiveness by example. There will be times when I don't look when you wanted me to, and I'm sorry, your mom gets distracted really early. I compare myself to other moms even when I know that doesn't help. You might compare me too someday. What I want to remember now, for me, and for you, is that God made me your mom, and He made you my kids. We can handle each other. We can help each other grow. My craftiness, or lack there of, is what is just right for you guys. My love, my patience, my wisdom (all God given), is just right. You guys, I know you'll mess up, you'll fall off your path, and I hope and pray my reactions leave you knowing that you're so loved. Always. Every moment. And I pray that I point you to Christ. I pray for you guys every day, sometimes with words, and sometimes with emotion, and I will continue to. I love you more than I can find words for. I feel like I should add in that Daddy feels this way too. I see it in his eyes when he looks at you. You guys are shaping him too. He's becoming more of a leader. He's firm, but loving and gentle with you guys. He's goofy and love playing with you. Sam, he reads to you even more than I do, and he loves that time with you. I hope you keep cuddling for a long time. It makes me fall even more in love with him to see him as your Dad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know you'll grow, and I so excited for it. I want to remember this point that we are in. Muppets Christmas Carol because Sam is sick. Blake is chasing the dogs under the table and has managed to take her shirt off. Sam, Blake, I love getting to be your mom.</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-77429521790420624852014-12-28T14:07:00.000-05:002014-12-28T14:10:49.746-05:00Books 2014 Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8d96d46c8cab29430e643b97fc5f81c8/tumblr_mxtpt3aPNE1s1b1elo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8d96d46c8cab29430e643b97fc5f81c8/tumblr_mxtpt3aPNE1s1b1elo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/8d96d46c8cab29430e643b97fc5f81c8/tumblr_mxtpt3aPNE1s1b1elo1_500.jpg">via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/3437a5bb617fa2dde7bb50e174fa3f19/tumblr_n13rcvzlUf1qcirk4o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/3437a5bb617fa2dde7bb50e174fa3f19/tumblr_n13rcvzlUf1qcirk4o1_500.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://notesondesign.tumblr.com/#6">via</a><br />
<b>The Dressmaker </b>by Kate Alcott (I would recommend, dramatic era read, although slow at parts)<br />
<b>The Lost Hero </b>by Rick Riordan<br />
<b>Toxic </b>by Sara Shepard<br />
<b>Prince Caspian </b>by C.S. Lewis (Read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The Voyage of the Dawn Treader </b>by C.S. Lewis (Read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The House at Riverton </b>by Kate Morton (very Downton Abby feel to it) <br />
<b>The Silver Chair </b>by C.S. Lewis (Read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The Horse and His Boy </b>by C.S. Lewis (Read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The Son of Neptune </b>by Rick Riordan<br />
<b>The Magician's Nephew </b>by C.S. Lewis (Read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>The Revenge of Seven </b>by Pittacus Lore<br />
<b>Humility: True Greatness </b>by C.J. Mahaney<br />
<b>Organizing You </b>by Shannon Upton (Fun planner tips, I would recommend)<br />
<b>The Bone Clocks </b>by David Mitchell (if you liked his Cloud Atlas, I think you'd like this one too)<br />
<b>The Last Battle </b>by C.S. Lewis (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Unbroken </b>by Laura Hillenbrand (recommend)<br />
<b>Station Eleven </b>by Emily St. John Mandel (post apocalyptic, very readable, a little fluffy)<br />
<b>The Mark of Athena </b>by Rick Riordan<br />
<b>The Heiresses </b>by Sara Shepard<br />
<b>Touching Wonder </b>by John Blase<br />
<b>The House of Hades </b>by Rick Riordan<br />
<b>The Blood of Olympus </b>by Rick Riordan<br />
<br />
23 books<br />
<br />
So 26 from before and these 23 make 49, 3 short of my goal of 52, but I'm still happy with all that I read this year!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-7459961607748594672014-11-17T12:31:00.001-05:002014-11-17T12:31:01.757-05:00She's here :)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9abb25a38369f5d307906efcbdd87de4/tumblr_muooal9OoA1scbc70o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9abb25a38369f5d307906efcbdd87de4/tumblr_muooal9OoA1scbc70o1_400.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma17zgGjw81romcafo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma17zgGjw81romcafo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/post/52302768398">via</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our baby girl, Blake Noelle, was born 4 days early on Tuesday, 11 November. Self admittedly, I had a poor attitude leading up to that day. I thought she was going to be earlier, and when she hadn't come by the 7th, I was convinced she'd be late like her brother, like almost induced late. And if she had, it would have been okay and I should have been grateful, but well, I chose to grumble. I'd like to blame hormones, but I wish I had been a bit more mature. Fortunately, my husband is very patient and I learned a lesson or two myself. God is so good and I'm thankful he's sovereign. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I woke up to contractions at 1:30AM, my parents came to stay with Sam in the middle of the night and I was in a labor and delivery room by 3:25AM. A few hours later, Blake came at 6:02AM weighing 7lb and 10oz and 20.5 inches. I'm so thankful for our story and for our little girl! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was so weird to realize I'm not pregnant, that I can bend again, and we've been pinching ourselves that we have "childREN" and "kidS". She's a good sleeper and eater so far (such a different experience than our first week with Sam) and that really has helped with the transition. Now to refresh on newborn care and re-read some of the great parenting books :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-27214291680531836152014-11-01T17:08:00.002-04:002014-11-01T17:19:28.403-04:00Baby watch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9e6d43f6d7679c9f47e2bf483fcd8ce6/tumblr_mm9vwfpzXN1qiza1co1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9e6d43f6d7679c9f47e2bf483fcd8ce6/tumblr_mm9vwfpzXN1qiza1co1_500.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We are on the watch for baby girl now. I just reached 38 weeks, and as she's measuring about a week ahead, I'm definitely hoping that she won't be late. I had a friend at MOPS mention that she loved this unknown time, but I find it stressful. I want to have things ready to go any time, but I'm also a doer and I struggle if I don't have some "project" going on. But I also don't want to stress about not having a project finished, so I try not to start too much. Then I'm not sure how far to look ahead. Do I grocery shop for a few days or just take it day to day? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I've had a more anxiety this pregnancy in general and find my thoughts and emotions snowballing and I have to ask myself "what's the worst that can happen?" and "what's the rush?" etc, and keep trying to cast those cares to our wonderful Lord. I'm so so thankful how healthy we've been and there's not much longer! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Until then, we'll be here, taking it day by day :) </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-42003344620964458732014-07-07T18:29:00.000-04:002014-07-07T18:29:13.748-04:00Books 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m67dv5dVYt1qmzy90o1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m67dv5dVYt1qmzy90o1_500.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://classy-inthecity.com/#5">via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/a5cde2f4652c4a4fc5ede3b8584dc3d7/tumblr_mh7piai6JI1s40k5uo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/a5cde2f4652c4a4fc5ede3b8584dc3d7/tumblr_mh7piai6JI1s40k5uo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/24">via</a><br />
<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Don't Make Me Count to Three </b>by Ginger Plowman (recommend)<br />
<b>Shepherding a Child's Heart </b>by Tedd Tripp (recommend)<br />
<b>Belong to Me </b>by Marisa de los Santos (a re-read)<br />
<b>No One Else Can Have You </b>by Kathleen Hale (Weird and creepy, but I kinda liked it)<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Every Day </b>by David Levithan (An interesting idea that I think I enjoyed)<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Black Moon </b>by Kenneth Calhoun<br />
<b>The House Girl </b>by Tara Conklin (I think I liked it)<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam) <br />
<b>The Golem and the Jinni </b>by Helene Wecker (too me a really long time to read, but pretty good)<br />
<b>A Feast for Crows </b>by George R.R. Martin<br />
<b>Reconstructing Amelia </b>by Kimberley McCreight (thriller, different to read as a parent)<br />
<b>Winter's Tale </b>by Mark Helprin (I saw the movie trailer and decided to read it. Really long read and totally not worth it. Don't recommend)<br />
<b>Grimm's Fairy Tales </b>by Wilheim Grimm and Jacob Grimm (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>In Paradise </b>by Peter Matthiessen (felt like a very grownup book, I wouldn't necessarily recommend)<br />
<b>The Great Gatsby </b>by Francis Scott Fitzgerald (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Darkly Dreaming Dexter </b>by Jeff Lindsay (read aloud to Sam, which was an odd choice) <br />
<b>Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 </b>by Francine Prose (don't recommend)<br />
<b>Dorthy Must Die </b>by Danielle Paige (Fun start to a series, easy to read)<br />
<b>The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe </b>by C.S. Lewis (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry </b>by Gabrielle Zevin (I didn't like as much as her more young adult books, but still easy to read)<br />
<b>We Were Liars </b>by E. Lockhart (kept me hooked to find out what happened)<br />
<b>The Fault in Our Stars </b>by John Green (good read although a little depressing)<br />
<b>Frog Music </b>by Emma Donoghue (I wouldn't recommend, but I struggled with Room too) <br />
<br />
26 books so far. I'd kinda like to get in 52 this year, but we'll see what happens :) Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-28390236546587186182014-03-11T12:03:00.004-04:002014-03-11T12:03:42.117-04:00Bright Sadness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/09e0f17969b3e454f96601a8c44240a5/tumblr_n1brezSFFa1qkww7to1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/09e0f17969b3e454f96601a8c44240a5/tumblr_n1brezSFFa1qkww7to1_1280.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/529de0bac363a9c71c958229b83c4ef3/tumblr_n1b81xYWqM1qhurxzo5_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/529de0bac363a9c71c958229b83c4ef3/tumblr_n1b81xYWqM1qhurxzo5_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/14">via</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's sunny and beautiful and we are doing a day trip to Greensboro to celebrate a birthday. During this Lent time, our church is doing a Bright Sadness blog with devotionals and I've seen lots of "things to give up" blogs as well. Back in college, my friend Annie and I used to always give up chocolate or sugar. It was really hard for us, but it was nice to have accountability. This time around, I love the idea of giving up being envious, comparing ourselves to others, being a people pleaser, etc. What good ways to focus on being more like Christ. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-14290146882413201472014-02-03T10:17:00.000-05:002014-02-04T21:30:24.532-05:00One year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw7wti1Gzz1qdxoqyo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw7wti1Gzz1qdxoqyo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/a2a581df351c15308edc3d4e8656a472/tumblr_mw6e1klnrd1qahp7po1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/a2a581df351c15308edc3d4e8656a472/tumblr_mw6e1klnrd1qahp7po1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had Sam's first birthday party this past weekend (with family and Bible Study and Life Group friends), and his real birthday is in a few days. It's been both a long and a short year. Part of me feels like it flew by, while another part has seen all the changes he's gone through, and totally believe that he's nearly a toddler. We really intended to track his developments month by month, and while I've written little notes throughout the year, we haven't really gotten anything much on the blog. It's been an amazing, challenging, blessed year, and we've laughed so much. I understand mommy guilt now, appreciate our marriage more and more, and still feel like a child myself sometimes. It's both exciting and scary to realize what a big role I get to be in Sam's life. I've been reading a few parenting books that a good friend recommended and so glad I did. It's really inspired me to remember pointing Sam to Christ, to be a good example, to know that hard times are worth it, and keep giving the glory to God. The future looks bright :) </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-80164296701357438922014-01-16T17:51:00.000-05:002014-01-16T17:54:27.269-05:00Change needed, again<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/2725d4bffd4cfd4fc72c2da4e591dc88/tumblr_mukgjjJFe91qazha9o1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/2725d4bffd4cfd4fc72c2da4e591dc88/tumblr_mukgjjJFe91qazha9o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0e2438592d05e85798f96b59d6dd6231/tumblr_mjg7t6D6Zt1r8mmrfo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0e2438592d05e85798f96b59d6dd6231/tumblr_mjg7t6D6Zt1r8mmrfo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com/">via</a></div>
<br />
Today was a bit of a tough day. (And this right here, it's going to be a rant. Take that as fair warning. If you're not feeling it, you can skip the other paragraph, it's more uplifting.) I felt like I just kept missing. Sam's first nap was an hour later than I was expecting (based on how long he had been up and his behavior). After lunch, I knew I needed to leave the house, so Sam and I headed to Target, but we left before I got everything on my list because Sam was crabby, although he normally likes errands. I saw an old roommate and was weird with her. Sam doesn't fall asleep for his second nap until 2 hours later. I spent a lot of time listening to him cry over the monitor, cramming chocolate truffles, pretzels, and other things I found lying around the kitchen (somehow missed the apples) into my mouth. After several trips of lying him back down, trying to read or rock to him, and continuing to try to keep those little hips from turning so he could get on his knees, he finally fell asleep. And I'm left feeling a little empty. I've been blessed to be able stay at home, and I love it, but sometimes it's hard realizing most days are going to look similar. The things I check off (taking care of the dogs, feeding Sam, laundry, keeping parts of the house clean, picking up toys, errands, etc.) are things that will be repeated the next day and the next day. There's not a lot of evidence that I'm doing things, much less whether I'm doing anything well. Sometimes I really struggle to not find my identity here, in being a stay at home mom. Sometimes it's really busy and sometimes it's a little boring and sometimes timing is just off. I meant to do some work on the laptop, but I missed my window and Sam is fixated on pressing the buttons or slamming it open and shut. I was going to blow dry my hair, but Sam's up and he's currently afraid of loud noises, and you just can't hold a baby while you blow dry your hair (if you can, I'm impressed). On a more serious level, I've let my head be busy and noisy. I keep music on, and think about the now and the future a lot. Basically, I've really started sucking at praying and it makes me really sad. There's sometimes where I realize, just pray about it, and I almost don't know how. I don't really know how to explain it. So that's where I'm at. Pity party over, I have an amazing, hard-working, supportive husband who listens to me better than I could have hoped for. I have a beautiful little boy who makes me smile every day. There are these two fluffy dogs who follow us around and trust us. And I want to work hard for my little family. I want to point them to Christ, to be the heart of the family, and bring the peace that can only be from God. I want to be a part of my extended family, our community, and an authentic friend. I desire to get past my funk, this day, and to move upward and onward. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And God's mercies are new every morning. He can transform us by the renewal of our minds. We don't need a new year or a new week to get started. We don't need to detox, we just give it all to him. Thank the Lord that He will forgive us, that He is waiting and that He is so good. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/52a8b21a6c91049767e3eace26a216d6/tumblr_mtrdv1KNTQ1s1oegho1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/52a8b21a6c91049767e3eace26a216d6/tumblr_mtrdv1KNTQ1s1oegho1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://myrevelment.com/">via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxef1jnnzW1qeeqaho1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxef1jnnzW1qeeqaho1_500.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com/#32">via</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-64566159701236571482014-01-01T09:59:00.002-05:002014-01-01T09:59:23.637-05:00Books: Final of 2013<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc9ic366Oq1rrldqbo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc9ic366Oq1rrldqbo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/4"> via</a></div>
<b>The Longest Ride </b>by Nicholas Sparks (a happy ending!)<br />
<b>Allegiant </b>by Veronica Roth (acceptable ending to a trilogy, but not perfect)<br />
<b>The Fall of Five </b>by Pittacus Lore <br />
<b>Champion </b>by Marie Lu<br />
<b>The Cuckoo's Calling </b>by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) Still cruder than HPs, but a good read<br />
<b>Winds of Salem </b>by Melissa de la Cruz<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam)<br />
<b>Deadly </b>by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars book...)<br />
<b>Parenting by the Book </b>by John Rosemond (I really struggled with the first few chapters, it was really hard to get past the generalizations and bitter diatribes against "today's parenting" and "1960s psychologists", and advice of "What would Grandma do". But after that there was some good advice, about discipline, keeping a long term goal in mind, and keeping marriage first. I would recommend.)<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam) <br />
<br />
53 from before, 10 now, 63 for the year. Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-52040954832164252132013-12-16T10:53:00.003-05:002013-12-16T11:04:36.371-05:00Waking moments<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me4phaWR6D1rsqyo5o1_500.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me4phaWR6D1rsqyo5o1_500.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/">via </a></div>
<br />
Today, my friend started a cool thing. She started a facebook group of women whose goal it is to give God the first fruits of our morning and to keep each other accountable about it. This Christmas season, I'm seeing through things with new mother eyes. Sam doesn't really understand things yet. He likes pulling the ornaments off of our Christmas tree, but he doesn't know why it's there. We light more candles, we have special songs, we have more things on surfaces, but he doesn't know why. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love the Christmas season. I love that it's Jesus' birthday, and I tear up at so many songs now that I didn't before, but I also love the general cheer of the season. I want to make sure that I don't get caught up in sharing that with Sam and miss any opportunity to share with him the real reason of the season (in the future). Thanks to Sam's grandmothers, we have some awesome books to read to him next year and a nativity to play with. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This season, I tried to plan gifts a little early, to get safe decorations up, to play the music when we could, etc. to make the most of each day. Of course, I would also be determined to be nice and caring and next thing I know, I gave a snotty tone to my husband, got stressed over something small, or some other thing. I can't do all this on my own, but I try too often. Even knowing and accepting things don't have to be perfect, too often I can't help by try. Most of the time I don't know what I'm doing, and I wish I would stop and pray and ask for help, but no, I jump in impulsively. And I think I need a change. A reminder on how to focus and where to focus. Thinking about making the first 15 minutes of my day all for God is encouraging. And challenging. But mostly exciting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So this year, from the One who gave the best gift, I'm going to try to give back my waking moments. :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-36531476915988191482013-11-12T09:44:00.001-05:002013-11-12T09:44:05.756-05:00Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2a8213f4867bb3a65bad8118fe4e7c17/tumblr_mpwdnj7Oxu1s6beoyo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2a8213f4867bb3a65bad8118fe4e7c17/tumblr_mpwdnj7Oxu1s6beoyo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, another family reunion at the lake trip and a girls trip behind me, I've been so thankful for the people we've seen and the friendships that we have. Sam got to spend time with his great grandparents through J's mom's side. I got some refreshing time with two other beautiful women. The trips have been so different that it's hasn't been too overwhelming, but it is making time fly by faster. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last night we talked about encouraging in Bible Study. Just a few positive words can change a mood, change a day. It was mentioned that it's important to take the opportunity to encourage other if you become aware of words that would do it. And our author noted that the most important encouragement is that which encourages our Faith :) </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-31735298104686172752013-10-30T21:17:00.000-04:002013-10-30T21:17:14.557-04:00Back <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6n4zHQEu1qbya53o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6n4zHQEu1qbya53o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://classy-inthecity.com/">via</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We got back from a trip to Denver, CO to visit my aunt and uncle in addition to the sights. Sam did better than we expected on the flights, often taking naps. We had a great time, and it was fun to see Sam interacting in different settings and with more family. The sky is so big out there, and the mountain views were beautiful. It was amazing to think about all that God has created. We came back to changed leaves and fall temperatures. I so love traveling with my little family :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-43191596065186736292013-10-22T20:25:00.002-04:002013-10-22T20:25:57.504-04:002013 Books: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PkncJe5QpEHfsuqklU9s5ETZV7Bw26hkLJs_u14D4UhPjxH1FvpL17qyyoFBgs8rmw_ns1MO6HdxnYHvMRJ-1MyNxWZ7lLucbTCyH8VedZnqobsY4eMtmsj6CuuhKJoOaikb3R1EAiA/s1600/books+via+the+decorista.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PkncJe5QpEHfsuqklU9s5ETZV7Bw26hkLJs_u14D4UhPjxH1FvpL17qyyoFBgs8rmw_ns1MO6HdxnYHvMRJ-1MyNxWZ7lLucbTCyH8VedZnqobsY4eMtmsj6CuuhKJoOaikb3R1EAiA/s1600/books+via+the+decorista.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://apartment34.blogspot.com/"> via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/510e372513d5703190fd006e722dec6c/tumblr_mse6k6Wqy41qhyo6ho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/510e372513d5703190fd006e722dec6c/tumblr_mse6k6Wqy41qhyo6ho1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/3">via</a><br />
<b>Divergent </b>by Veronica Roth (Easy to read, recommend)<br />
<b>Katherine </b>by Anya Seton<br />
<b>The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>I Capture the Castle </b>by Dodie Smith<br />
<b>And The Mountains Echoed </b>by Khaled Hosseini (Recommend)<br />
<b>The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>A Storm of Swords </b>by George R. R. Martin<br />
<b>Far Far Away </b>by Tom McNeal (slow parts but good ending)<br />
<b>When Will There Be Good News? </b>by Kate Atkinson (some confusing parts, but a good read overall)<br />
<b>Unremembered </b>by Jessica Brody (at times seemed to be trying too hard, but I still got sucked in)<br />
<b>The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>Visitation Street </b>by Ivy Pochoda (ending up being better than it seemed at first, but still probably wouldn't recommend)<br />
<b>Horns</b> by Joe Hill<br />
<b><b>The Mortal Instruments: </b>City of Fallen Angels </b>by Cassandra Clare <br />
<b>Legend </b>by Marie Lu (fun like Hunger Games)<br />
<b>The Ocean at the End of the Lane </b>by Neil Gaiman <br />
<b>Night Film </b>by Marisha Pessl<br />
<b>Crushed </b>by Sara Shepard<br />
<b>Prodigy </b>by Marie Lu<br />
<b>Clockwork Angel </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>Ali's Pretty Little Lies </b>by Sara Shepard<br />
<b>Clockwork Prince </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>The Spectacular Now</b> by Tim Tharp (I'd say "pass")<br />
<b>Clockwork Princess </b>by Cassandra Clare<br />
<b>The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls </b>by Cassandra Clare (obviously read a lot of hers)<br />
<b>Abandon </b>by Meg Cabot <br />
<b>Underworld </b>by Meg Cabot<br />
<b>Awaken</b> by Meg Cabot (the final book of the trilogy)<br />
<b>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone </b>by JK Rowling (read aloud to Sam) <br />
<br />
<br />
24 from before, 29 now, 53 for the year. I would have waited for the end of the year to share, but part of me can't believe how many books I've read, seeing as how Sam has been around for 8 and a half months.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-79049383683806997772013-10-16T21:17:00.000-04:002013-10-16T21:17:06.031-04:00Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/25c000a3fb717eb49ac52a572c8ea231/tumblr_mu7o8zr6hy1rt2wqeo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/25c000a3fb717eb49ac52a572c8ea231/tumblr_mu7o8zr6hy1rt2wqeo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e7a1730b0a4d50faa986cbfb3640e442/tumblr_mq8nehz0bP1s1oegho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e7a1730b0a4d50faa986cbfb3640e442/tumblr_mq8nehz0bP1s1oegho1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5bamaVZh61qct7qso1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5bamaVZh61qct7qso1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/">via</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, J and I went on an adventure. We picked up Sam's birth certificate. And we had to go all around downtown - 3 different places. But it was fun, even though it was a little crazy. We found parking, we picked up Sam each time, we asked questions (mostly J). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, Sam and I got to go to a playdate, and Sam had so much fun he never slept. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most of the time, I'm really not sure what I'm doing. But, we're having fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't want to take things too seriously (don't get me wrong, some serious is good). I'm not in control. I'm going to do the best I can, I'm going to make mistakes, and have, but I'm going to keep asking forgiveness and try to learn for the next time. I'm going to smile and try to remember to love. I want to remember that saying - to be kind because everyone we meet is fighting a hard battle. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-44619557875448794242013-10-14T10:04:00.004-04:002013-10-14T10:04:40.467-04:00Monday memory<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/cee56d7fd3f67f1d479a946970bf2ceb/tumblr_mpm997OrbD1s01xbbo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/cee56d7fd3f67f1d479a946970bf2ceb/tumblr_mpm997OrbD1s01xbbo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/6c0c8402a5b1267a3b5cc39ae79068ab/tumblr_mtuju2JAfK1sclfteo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/6c0c8402a5b1267a3b5cc39ae79068ab/tumblr_mtuju2JAfK1sclfteo1_500.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I can remember a time when I was younger that we finished watching a movie as a family and looking back, I could see that my mom had been and maybe still was crying. In my child mind, tears mean sad or hurt and it was a happy ending. When I asked my mom about it, she told me that I'd understand someday, and more unbelievably, that I would cry like that myself one day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In college, I remember thinking back on that, and ha, I rarely teared up at the end of movies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Now however, it's often :) A good ending, maybe not even an ending, a touching commercial, a sweet story, just watching Sam play and smile sometimes. Life changes us. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-26362327751250541182013-10-11T10:38:00.001-04:002013-10-11T10:38:26.252-04:00Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/13746f82d04c80cface562a5ed50e8ec/tumblr_mijheeDi4e1qei7a7o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/13746f82d04c80cface562a5ed50e8ec/tumblr_mijheeDi4e1qei7a7o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/400c31e99c402a3e1725aeee81f1ea95/tumblr_mjneouKh7g1s20pqno1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/400c31e99c402a3e1725aeee81f1ea95/tumblr_mjneouKh7g1s20pqno1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6cznjYDYc1rtkuupo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6cznjYDYc1rtkuupo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/">via</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night we celebrated my mom's birthday, complete with apple cake, carving pumpkins and a keepsake pumpkin with all the grandsons' footprints. My mom does such a great job showering all of her kids and kids-in-law and grandsons with love. It was a sweet celebration. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
J and I are heading out of town for my friend's wedding. It'll be a date for us with J's parents watching Sam for us. We are excited to introduce our dogs to their puppy cousin and to share Sam's crawling with J's family. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a fun and a busy time, and I'm really working at keeping current with Bible reading time (I did so bad for a while), communicating with my husband without running in a crazy direction :), and enjoying these little moments. J and I have new phones on the way that'll help us capture some of that's going on. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Memory verse: </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. </i></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-33767606156320685882013-10-09T16:25:00.000-04:002013-10-09T16:26:59.554-04:00Swimming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/1d52538e789269506a9a8d17df52bbd5/tumblr_mj7tdhEGTq1rqdpsao1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/1d52538e789269506a9a8d17df52bbd5/tumblr_mj7tdhEGTq1rqdpsao1_500.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/7a56e52b2d814c9b44ed47865a73ad2d/tumblr_mmso4h7IwX1rp32b4o1_500.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/7a56e52b2d814c9b44ed47865a73ad2d/tumblr_mmso4h7IwX1rp32b4o1_500.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/07b7ddd6504a3ef122942b214b62fe51/tumblr_mgwffwzmay1ridotwo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/07b7ddd6504a3ef122942b214b62fe51/tumblr_mgwffwzmay1ridotwo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the last week, Sam's poops have turned human (read: stinky and thick), he has started "crawling" (hasn't completely figured the leg/knee part out yet), and dropping things from his stroller, the couch, and highchair, which has made my day job just a little tougher. Being a mom is kinda crazy sometimes haha.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've had some fun cool weather and it's been fun to get out the little jackets and feel the leaves crunch. And Sam is getting the start of a big front tooth. Just keep swimming. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-57942181068535863382013-10-03T12:48:00.001-04:002013-10-03T12:48:58.111-04:00Prone to wander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_bk2_UonLHIZxk9THr9Jpu9B98c5Cc7qvLQTQomr6NRFB5SgZ93NxOZaJZRGE7VcBa3NUlUn9TIgvyqIUsUosO5kOzkEI_6OmTyxMwsufulFr_h0LgHict2rXJY5xfc8FNLMx38YCxTk/s640/64f398fd56088fd9736edbe4e9819e3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_bk2_UonLHIZxk9THr9Jpu9B98c5Cc7qvLQTQomr6NRFB5SgZ93NxOZaJZRGE7VcBa3NUlUn9TIgvyqIUsUosO5kOzkEI_6OmTyxMwsufulFr_h0LgHict2rXJY5xfc8FNLMx38YCxTk/s1600/64f398fd56088fd9736edbe4e9819e3f.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_bk2_UonLHIZxk9THr9Jpu9B98c5Cc7qvLQTQomr6NRFB5SgZ93NxOZaJZRGE7VcBa3NUlUn9TIgvyqIUsUosO5kOzkEI_6OmTyxMwsufulFr_h0LgHict2rXJY5xfc8FNLMx38YCxTk/s640/64f398fd56088fd9736edbe4e9819e3f.jpg">via</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my quest to figure out how to be a good mom, who is still social, and is learning to cook regularly, which means learning to run errands and grocery shop regularly, and still keep the house kinda clean with little crafts ever rare now and then, and still look a little put together, and maybe work out a little, but making sure Sam is getting the attention he needs, while still reading some of the books I put on hold at the library, and being a good dog-mom with walks and attention, and still be a good wife... well I have to over and over and over get myself to put God back in the center. Prone to wander... here's my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJuvcj6u4_HrucaPdd0BYM9voeOS5Q_9MxMdtTPVeSlPqyl4BM727byyCijUD-S1sntqCbsbY0D6-EmvCIP1aMXGuWp9Y6LuUmrMgtHWLNdfxWbNM6jyXyIw2lKyl98X1yQmgLidDJHY/s640/1b9c4e188a173cf6c8a755492daeb1da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJuvcj6u4_HrucaPdd0BYM9voeOS5Q_9MxMdtTPVeSlPqyl4BM727byyCijUD-S1sntqCbsbY0D6-EmvCIP1aMXGuWp9Y6LuUmrMgtHWLNdfxWbNM6jyXyIw2lKyl98X1yQmgLidDJHY/s1600/1b9c4e188a173cf6c8a755492daeb1da.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/">via</a>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-91900618867701105152013-10-02T10:39:00.002-04:002013-10-02T10:39:54.786-04:00Stepping into Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m16fu61wlj1qkv30do1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m16fu61wlj1qkv30do1_500.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/80ea2c94ac73343e7bbf3e9fc5a64b27/tumblr_mtaac3NIN31qg5ngpo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/80ea2c94ac73343e7bbf3e9fc5a64b27/tumblr_mtaac3NIN31qg5ngpo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Fall!! What a beautiful season right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
About a two weeks ago, I wore my fall booties to church, stepped out of the car, and realized I was missing a heel! I actually wear a lot of heels (or did, pre-Sam), and this was the first time this had actually happened to me. Not only was I sad because the season for them just started, but they were both practical enough for mom-life while letting me wear a little heel again. After looking into options, I heard about <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shoe+goo&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">Shoe-Goo</a>, and it works! These booties are back in business. :) (Just a tip if anyone else experiences this. I just followed directions. yay!)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-71080724876017929922013-09-28T18:46:00.001-04:002013-09-28T18:46:31.370-04:00Recent Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d25278e0d7c8a1e5ecd2b8369befc830/tumblr_ml1l4qfX9t1rlmds2o1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/d25278e0d7c8a1e5ecd2b8369befc830/tumblr_ml1l4qfX9t1rlmds2o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://myrevelment.com/">via</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8cxc89IYb1qgkkbso1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8cxc89IYb1qgkkbso1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a></div>
<br />
Met Chris and Brianna's brand new puppy, Winston<br />
J's first trip to Cheesecake Factory (followed by him patiently letting me walk/shop the mall)<br />
I picked up my work laptop and officially work part time from home<br />
Sam is officially in the crib in his room (it was a lot of transitions) <br />
Soccer and Frisbee at the park<br />
It's officially Fall! <br />
We celebrated my dad's birthday with breakfast and a hike<br />
I'm nearly done with my first weekend without J since we've had Sam (I think?)<br />
<br />
So much to celebrate! We want to praise God for these fun moments although we know His will is good, acceptable and perfect, no matter what is going on. Focusing on the positive helps me :)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-67909872144428446232013-09-26T11:01:00.001-04:002013-09-26T11:01:27.165-04:00Mesothelioma Awareness Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/28ff9976a4bc333b91fe2235684cac2c/tumblr_mtdyezgTf81rpe0jco1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/28ff9976a4bc333b91fe2235684cac2c/tumblr_mtdyezgTf81rpe0jco1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/">via</a><br />
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Hey all, I'm not sure if you knew this, but today is <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779">Mesothelioma </a>Awareness Day! </div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
In order to celebrate, I'd like to share <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/">Heather's story</a> with you. She is using her personal story to help raise awareness of this little known
cancer, and to provide a sense of hope for others facing life’s
difficult challenges.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I can't imagine going through what she went through, and what a great example of strength she is!! </div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
To give you a preview: Heather is a wife, mother, and a mesothelioma survivor. When her
daughter was 3 ½ months old, she was diagnosed with this rare and
deadly cancer, and given 15 months to live. Despite her grim
prognosis, she knew that she needed to beat the odds for her newborn
daughter, Lily. It’s been 7 years now and she feels that it’s her duty
to pay it forward by inspiring others.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6rem; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Here is the link: <a href="http://www.mesothelioma%28dot%29com/heather/awareness/" style="color: #3376a4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.mesothelioma.<wbr></wbr>com/heather/awareness/</a></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6rem; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Her
story is really inspiring, whether you have this or something similar,
know someone, or have never heard of this cancer. Please go to <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/">her link</a> to get inspired, give support, and celebrate today. </div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6rem; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Thanks!!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-30196184759084962972013-09-23T15:17:00.001-04:002013-09-23T15:18:33.704-04:00Monday Mom Moments<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfbsluDqH1qdaw6do1_500.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfbsluDqH1qdaw6do1_500.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/61aa0659cb8f311c18e8545dcbf2e462/tumblr_mn5gkrAZHq1rpe0jco1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/61aa0659cb8f311c18e8545dcbf2e462/tumblr_mn5gkrAZHq1rpe0jco1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a><br />
Today we got a Ergo baby carrier. It's one of the kinds that have a strap that goes around your hips to better distribute the baby's weight. We found a red one half off and ordered it so we can carry Sam on our back (particularly for our Denver trip in October). Not only am I excited about that, but it was fun that Sam and I were already outside when the package came. Taking advantage of the fall-ish weather and trying to keep quiet so J can sleep (he's on night shifts), I set up a picnic blanket for Sam with toys while I moved around some of Liriope in our front yard patch. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once we got our package, I broke into it, and actually read some of the manual (I'm not good with directions usually), and let Sam play with box. It provided nearly an hour of entertainment for Sam, and I had about twenty neighbors drive or walk by, many smiling at Sam and waving. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another mom moment from today - Sam and I were hanging out on the guest bed next to his room. We've gotten in the habit of reading to him in there if he's not sleepy enough to drop off into lala land for a nap (I mean, he cries for a while first). After a short chapter of my book and watching Sam kick a pillow repeatedly, I sit him up and hello - tons of spit up (which he doesn't do much of these days). It's running down the front of his onesie and dripping from his chin, and I get a great idea - I'll set him up against a pillow and grab a burp cloth <i>really really</i> fast from his room next door. I come back to a face down Sam (He reached for Dash), and now the spit up is all over the duvet in addition to the onesie and his face. Face palm. I see laundry in our future :) </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-86486031685779952152013-09-22T13:43:00.000-04:002013-09-22T13:49:56.448-04:00Sunday Thoughts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.greylikesbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/blog91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.greylikesbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/blog91.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.greylikesbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/blog91.jpg">via</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, so it's a month and a half since my last post. In my attempts to figure out balance and life as a stay at home mom, apparently blogging is one of the things that have fallen to the wayside. It's one of those things I aspire to do, but then when naptime comes, I totally forget about it. So, sorry. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam is doing great, and loves to play on his own, but also loves attention and being held. He's moving around a bit, but mostly I stay nearby so when he gets frustrated with being on his belly or some awkward position, I can straighten him up. He's taking 2 to 3 naps, and while at first I get excited when he goes down, I miss him a lot. It's a kinda weird feeling. I clean some, I read books, and we like to visit others or run errands. The days always seem to go by quickly. It's a little different having J's work schedule being all over the place. Because of my desire for us to be able to hang out or do whatever with him when he's off, I haven't gotten a real schedule during the week (like grocery or library day). Usually I'm fine with that, but some days I crave the structure and routines. That's a lot of what's been going on :) We have our inside jokes and we laugh at Sam and the dogs daily (again, we aspire to getting some of these stories up on a blog). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Our goal in September has been to having a visitor over a for dinner once a week (schedule permitting). I love the idea of making sure we nurture friendships, get in the habit for Sam as he grows, and having more witnesses to inspire me to clean. We've been doing pretty well :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had our 2 year anniversary last Tuesday. After some fancy egg in toasts for breakfast and some gifts for J, he let me go on a little shopping spree to pick out something to wear for our date that day. We got candy and popcorn to go to a secluded afternoon movie while my mom was kind enough to watch Sam (he loves his Mimi) and later on we cuddled and ate pizza. That's how I remember it at least. Marriage is different with a baby, but we're so happy.<br />
<br />
Sunday related - our pastors went over Mark 13 today. What a confusing chapter for the modern readers! A lot of it is written in Jewish phrases that are tough for us to get. It was interesting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, hopefully I'll get more regular with posting! It's always been a great creative outlet. (For Sam updates, check out <a href="http://jkandcompany.blogspot.com/">JK and Company</a>, Joey updated it recently - we'll get better :) )<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/98bf655896b1e199ef2993df9e4358dc/tumblr_ml1v0wzf0p1qa3sufo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/98bf655896b1e199ef2993df9e4358dc/tumblr_ml1v0wzf0p1qa3sufo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0f978e102d534540d2ffb6b79571ec56/tumblr_mjzccvtwSC1qc7a18o1_500.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0f978e102d534540d2ffb6b79571ec56/tumblr_mjzccvtwSC1qc7a18o1_500.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xsv1R3yu1ryy5rdo1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xsv1R3yu1ryy5rdo1_500.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a> Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805234505879518004.post-24083294593492377912013-08-06T19:49:00.003-04:002013-08-06T19:49:33.876-04:00August already<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/af785d4a47d1301d625029586c6ffced/tumblr_mpqf1tRXVu1rpe0jco1_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/af785d4a47d1301d625029586c6ffced/tumblr_mpqf1tRXVu1rpe0jco1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/"> via</a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam turned 6 months yesterday! We haven't celebrated just yet but we get to go to his appointment tomorrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After nearly a month of full time mommy, I went back to work for a few days to help out a coworker. Just those few days left me so thankful for the time I get to spend at home. It's still busy, and we're working on figuring out routines and habits and life, but it's been good. I can't believe how quickly the days have been flying by! We just had a good Bible study that went over laziness and how whatever we are doing, we are to be doing it heartily for the Lord. Today I've spent some time really thinking about what that will look like now that my role has changed. I don't want to judge my days based on how many things I fit in, the state of my house, how many naps were successful, but I want to challenge myself find time for prayer and quiet time, to share God's love with Sam, to share my time and resources with others, be a good wife and mom, get some inspiration from Proverbs 31 in that I share my talents with my family... well that's a start :)</div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364545921605072186noreply@blogger.com0