tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79360983039565823052024-03-13T22:18:16.612-04:00Simple Considerations of the OrdinaryAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-67048396190541876372009-07-14T20:33:00.005-04:002009-07-14T20:47:01.041-04:00To Let You Know...Since Bailey is such a perfect Irish name, we thought we would use this familiar Irish symbol to give you all a little clue (putting all connotations of luck aside)...<a href="http://www.gordonbjones.com/pictures/four-leaf-clover.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px" alt="" src="http://www.gordonbjones.com/pictures/four-leaf-clover.gif" border="0" /></a>.Can you guess our news? :-)<br /><br /><div> </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-37472159940722579002009-04-04T13:44:00.005-04:002009-04-04T14:11:28.295-04:00SPRING IS HERE!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiQa7BwcI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/L8GLhOTa0iw/s1600-h/DSC01289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899887750037954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiQa7BwcI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/L8GLhOTa0iw/s320/DSC01289.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiQDe020I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/vqnjXdwvuj4/s1600-h/DSC01281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899881457736514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiQDe020I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/vqnjXdwvuj4/s320/DSC01281.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiAIfgJLI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VWn19ebSbG4/s1600-h/DSC01290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899607924843698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeiAIfgJLI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VWn19ebSbG4/s320/DSC01290.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_3aQdGI/AAAAAAAAAZk/sjTTBoUFkhM/s1600-h/DSC01279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899603339441250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_3aQdGI/AAAAAAAAAZk/sjTTBoUFkhM/s320/DSC01279.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_4n1B9I/AAAAAAAAAZc/l5Z22flmCkQ/s1600-h/DSC01265.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899603664799698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_4n1B9I/AAAAAAAAAZc/l5Z22flmCkQ/s320/DSC01265.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_urby2I/AAAAAAAAAZU/hWLfUPatdso/s1600-h/DSC01253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320899600995568482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Sdeh_urby2I/AAAAAAAAAZU/hWLfUPatdso/s320/DSC01253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeglHolTmI/AAAAAAAAAZM/MfoQs_gew9I/s1600-h/DSC01224.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320898044326399586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdeglHolTmI/AAAAAAAAAZM/MfoQs_gew9I/s320/DSC01224.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdegkuMWUvI/AAAAAAAAAZE/J7W5lBJKVoY/s1600-h/DSC01210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320898037497090802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SdegkuMWUvI/AAAAAAAAAZE/J7W5lBJKVoY/s320/DSC01210.JPG" border="0" /></a> I wanted to post a few pictures and say hello on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. I have decided to try square foot gardening this year to grow my vegetables so I will let you all know how it turns out. So far it has been a lot of fun and I can't wait to reap the benefits of all the time we have put into building boxes, mixing soil, making a trellis, etc. Here are few pictures to bring in the Spring. I am hoping that someday I will again have the discipline to post some of my reflections. I am currently reading<em>, The Imitation of Christ</em>, by Thomas a Kempis and would love to share some of my thoughts; however, for now I hope you can enjoy the pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-75065139263329577022008-11-25T22:37:00.014-05:002008-11-25T23:36:41.025-05:00Catching up...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJnuI6CI/AAAAAAAAAYE/D9KsySHRvHE/s1600-h/296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817027932284962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJnuI6CI/AAAAAAAAAYE/D9KsySHRvHE/s320/296.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJadXdLI/AAAAAAAAAX8/1xjEHF581Ug/s1600-h/341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817024372274354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJadXdLI/AAAAAAAAAX8/1xjEHF581Ug/s320/341.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJADCk8I/AAAAAAAAAX0/qCc6Ld3Urno/s1600-h/319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817017282532290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPJADCk8I/AAAAAAAAAX0/qCc6Ld3Urno/s320/319.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPISUpDeI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Ul4_HNGdPT0/s1600-h/277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817005008326114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzPISUpDeI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Ul4_HNGdPT0/s320/277.JPG" border="0" /></a>I love my new camera! Having said that, I take so many pictures it is hard to select which ones will make it to my blog. It is for this reason that I am a bit delinquent in posting these as I have just not had the time to go through all these snapshots! Anyway, the above were taken at a local orchard we went to this Fall. This is all I can do tonight, but I will post more soon as I still have so many that I did not have time to get to tonight. Hope you enjoy the pics and when I can carve out some time, I will post on some of my reflections this Fall as I have had sufficient time to mull them over. Take care and let me know if any of you still check this blog!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272807184125420034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzGMorsYgI/AAAAAAAAAWM/DIvGkahy0Bw/s320/137.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272807651918012930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzGn3WI4gI/AAAAAAAAAWU/vqQZwxcLerM/s320/143.JPG" border="0" />This year Zachary shared his birthday party with his cousin, Josh, who is almost exactly two years older than Zachary (Zachary turned 5 on September 24). The boys decided they wanted a Speed Racer cake so I found a picture from a bakery and made my own copy--lots of fun! He loved his party and LOVES being five!<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809342521508114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzIKRVbARI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ZdzH5yYFPpE/s320/130.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>This picture was also taken at Zachary's party. This is his 'best friend in the whole world', Anya. He talks about her ALL the time (just to note, they have known one another since they were in utero!)<br />_____________________<br />The following shots were taken at a Brazilian wedding that we attended in October. It was a beautiful day and kids held up pretty well considering how long we were there. We drove to NJ that morning, attended the ceremony and reception, and then drove home to PA in the evening!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811321563069138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzJ9d1sutI/AAAAAAAAAWk/b3aAXVTwkhM/s320/166.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811330614161010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzJ9_jpbnI/AAAAAAAAAWs/V6ecdivSHws/s320/174.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811332672077058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzJ-HOSvQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/U9zbXL-52P0/s320/224.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811351446482914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzJ_NKdb-I/AAAAAAAAAW8/91zSQdxC5Aw/s320/235.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811355415825330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzJ_b80y7I/AAAAAAAAAXE/Uyf98T_Mn7Y/s320/242.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272812739822465394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzLQBRFsXI/AAAAAAAAAXU/RtAia9TDwc8/s320/263.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272812728812950434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzLPYQN06I/AAAAAAAAAXM/CZJnU6S6r_A/s320/251.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p>More to come soon so check back! Keep in touch!</p><p>~Andrea~</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-76888429002748192082008-11-25T22:01:00.005-05:002008-11-25T22:36:42.696-05:00All Dolled Up<div><div>Hello!<br /></div><div>I have finally taken the time to import pics from my memory stick onto our computer so I can post them for you all to see! First, however, I thought I would begin with posting a few pics from my latest project. I have decided to make a few of my Christmas gifts this year and have had so much fun that I may make this my full-time hobby! Anyway, I made this little doll, Elle Belle, as we call our little Ellie. I have so many more fun ideas for these dolls so I will post more as I add to my little collection!</div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272801193239524242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzAv65MM5I/AAAAAAAAAV0/Hs85YFjK8z8/s320/476.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272802251111772690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzBtfxlshI/AAAAAAAAAV8/bZP3LSVwdO0/s320/477.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272803379895580082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SSzCvM0ntbI/AAAAAAAAAWE/QJBiXQzU300/s320/478.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-69008391222508012402008-09-14T16:10:00.011-04:002008-09-14T16:27:33.139-04:00Some cute pics...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1zqc7Vm-I/AAAAAAAAAPY/ufN_6FtYkgI/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245976314113268706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1zqc7Vm-I/AAAAAAAAAPY/ufN_6FtYkgI/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1xNXW0jfI/AAAAAAAAAPI/-RWPnYdHRiw/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245973615378468338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1xNXW0jfI/AAAAAAAAAPI/-RWPnYdHRiw/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1xCLzNiwI/AAAAAAAAAPA/T9pULW-G970/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245973423297760002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1xCLzNiwI/AAAAAAAAAPA/T9pULW-G970/s320/006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1ww6ihiPI/AAAAAAAAAO4/-Job9HMS7YY/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245973126606588146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1ww6ihiPI/AAAAAAAAAO4/-Job9HMS7YY/s320/005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wj0PxeuI/AAAAAAAAAOw/l7DQ9rtpZsU/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245972901579029218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wj0PxeuI/AAAAAAAAAOw/l7DQ9rtpZsU/s400/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wXMj9C_I/AAAAAAAAAOo/gob03YECB34/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245972684767824882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wXMj9C_I/AAAAAAAAAOo/gob03YECB34/s320/003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wLj9PWZI/AAAAAAAAAOg/i7iBJsXfKCw/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245972484889467282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1wLj9PWZI/AAAAAAAAAOg/i7iBJsXfKCw/s200/001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1v9gCbpMI/AAAAAAAAAOY/1PDJwR2X39E/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245972243319334082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1v9gCbpMI/AAAAAAAAAOY/1PDJwR2X39E/s200/004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-80254629010892204162008-09-13T20:20:00.011-04:002008-09-14T16:09:48.432-04:00Struggling to Wake Up<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1khCkDM7I/AAAAAAAAAOI/bcQfHIsk4fc/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245959659743032242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SM1khCkDM7I/AAAAAAAAAOI/bcQfHIsk4fc/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> I do not know if any my readers even check this blog anymore but I have decided to give this another shot. To say, "it has been awhile," is a bit of an understatement. Suffice it to say the last several months have been a season full of unexpected events and I needed some time to reflect and consider the happenings in my life. Having said that here is a small attempt to resurrect this blog...<br /><br /><div>When I was in college, there was one afternoon where I had decided to take a nap, feeling quite fatigued after many nights of having stayed up too late to write papers. This one afternoon in particular, Tom was away and I was alone in our little duplex, sitting on the couch reading and drifting off into a deep sleep. I do not know how long I had been asleep but I remember at one point 'waking up' while I was asleep. I could hear my cat thumping around, I could hear kids outside and I was awake but could not wake up. I started to panic a little, trying to move my body, speak, but I was still stuck. A few times in my experience, I thought I had succeeded in awakening myself only to find that I was still asleep. Eventually, I was finally able to wake up but felt quite terrified after the whole experience. I was afraid to go to sleep that night.</div><br /><div>I was reminded of this experience as I was reflecting on the book I am currently reading, <em>Irresistible Revolution, </em>by Shane Claiborne. At one point in the book, describing the community he is a part of in Philly called the Simple Way, he says, "We preach, prophesy, and dream together about how to awaken the church from her violent slumber." The church in a violent slumber....My experience that I shared before was the type of experience that I would qualify as a 'violent slumber' in that it was so deep and strong and forceful that I felt crushed, unable to awaken myself from a sleep that was holding me captive. The more I reflect, the more the descriptive words, "violent slumber," ring true in my life as a follower of Christ. If I am honest with myself, I have indeed been asleep. The frightening thing is that I did not know I was asleep. In His grace, God has slowly been awakening me to the ways in which my life is inconsistent with his Word. He is showing me that I am not following Christ but that my Christianity is so closely married to our culture and its aggressive pursuit of personal happiness, status and comfort that I am not running the race toward Heaven but am in fact sleeping on the sidelines. </div><br /><div>In the beginning of his book, Shane Claiborne refers several times to the Gospel, "messing up" his life. I started to reflect on this a little...has the gospel, "messed up" my life? Too often, I get caught up in trying to achieve what my culture values instead of seeking after what Christ does. Today my life often does not seem as 'messed up' as it should. </div><br /><div>Instead, it often feels that through a series of small concessions, I have fallen into a 'violent slumber' and am struggling desperately to wake up. As I reflect on Scripture, particularly the gospels, I am convicted. If Scripture teaches that the ways of Christ appear as foolishness to the world, why does my life look so normal? If Christ says that the way to Heaven is narrow, why does it seem that all I see on every side is a wide open road? If the Gospel tells us that we will suffer and that our treasure is not of this world, why am I so comfortable and why do I pursue earthly things and think it is okay? When Christ tells us to care for least of these, how am I able to dismiss the needs of others? Paul says to not just look to our own interests but to the interest of others...I too often have believed the message of our culture that says, "Pursue your own interests, secure financial stability while there are so many without; pursue more education, status, etc., when my time and money could be spent in many more humble and eternal endeavors. Our time is limited which means that if we truly serve others, we will have to sacrifice many our own interests. Too often I have believed that it is okay to believe Scripture but not live it out and I have dismissed and contextualized Scripture to allow myself to exist in a faith that leaves me comfortable but anemic. I live with a constant nagging that there has to be more than just this existence where all I am ultimately concerned about are the needs of myself and my family. By grace, God is slowly revealing to me a faith that is deep, real and honest. A faith that will not disappoint. </div><br /><div>Sometimes I see the way of Scripture clearly and my heart is eager and passionate about living the incarnated Gospel. Then I have moments, like yesterday, when that vision is harder to see. Yesterday Tom and I decided to go shopping for a new dining room table. As we were shopping, I started to see all these things that I wanted. And I even began to think for a moment that it was okay to buy more than what we needed. It got me thinking of how we could afford these nice things. Ultimately, it made the way of the cross seem distant and undesirable because in that moment, all I really wanted was nice furniture and a comfortable lifestyle. This is what I mean by struggling to wake up. Sometimes I get a glimpse of what it would truly mean to be awake in the Spirit but then I am quickly drawn back to sleep (by materialism, consumerism, etc.), a sleep that is captivating and aggressive. I try to wake up but it is so tempting to stay fast asleep. The only way I see hope to awaken from this sleep is to pray for grace. To pray that God would deliver me and others from our love affair with this 'violent slumber'. Our cultural values of individualism, consumerism, security, pursuit of our own interests and the applause of others has lulled us into a deep, deep slumber. It is so deep that we don't even know we are asleep, except when God gives us that glimpse of 'true life.' We struggle to wake up and when God is truly merciful, He allows us to see that we should be afraid of this captivating sleep. </div><br /><div>Ultimately as followers of Christ our lives are to look different, our values are to reflect those of our Saviour who cherished the poor and sought humility over the empty praise of men. Does my life reflect my Saviour? Does yours? Can we dream a different dream? One where Christ dwells and gives us grace, humility and wisdom to live out the Kingdom of God? Pray for me that I would and I will pray for you.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Andrea</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-67724031280934689882008-04-23T15:10:00.009-04:002008-04-23T16:00:24.755-04:00A Few Pics<div id="ms__id137"> A glimpse of the Baileys...<br /><div id="ms__id131"><div id="ms__id127"><div id="ms__id112"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K32u3pFI/AAAAAAAAALg/xrn-j7pj8VM/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192521587571008594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K32u3pFI/AAAAAAAAALg/xrn-j7pj8VM/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K4Wu3pGI/AAAAAAAAALo/WIsHW9zpVIg/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192521596160943202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K4Wu3pGI/AAAAAAAAALo/WIsHW9zpVIg/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div id="ms__id133">Ethan's 3rd Birthday (March 17th)...my little Irish baby!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K5Gu3pII/AAAAAAAAAL4/fisRaztRs2k/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192521609045845122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K5Gu3pII/AAAAAAAAAL4/fisRaztRs2k/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K5Wu3pJI/AAAAAAAAAMA/smtOwZvJ5xU/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192521613340812434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-K5Wu3pJI/AAAAAAAAAMA/smtOwZvJ5xU/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had lots of fun celebrating and he thoroughly enjoyed his cake!</div><div id="ms__id126"><br /> </div><div id="ms__id124">A few cute ones of Ellie...</div><div id="ms__id136"> </div><div id="ms__id121"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NMmu3pKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/jTS9cqVj69E/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192524143076549794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NMmu3pKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/jTS9cqVj69E/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NNGu3pMI/AAAAAAAAAMY/C561AThNlKY/s1600-h/March-April+2008+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192524151666484418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NNGu3pMI/AAAAAAAAAMY/C561AThNlKY/s200/March-April+2008+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NM2u3pLI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/OUDnkqgsMKE/s1600-h/Ethans+3rd+Bday+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192524147371517106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-NM2u3pLI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/OUDnkqgsMKE/s200/Ethans+3rd+Bday+020.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id132">Our weekend away with some friends...</div><br /><div id="ms__id130"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ogmu3pNI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2doxcT1vpk0/s1600-h/March-April+2008+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192525586185561298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ogmu3pNI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2doxcT1vpk0/s200/March-April+2008+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OhGu3pOI/AAAAAAAAAMo/SrKZ0tMk1wU/s1600-h/March-April+2008+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192525594775495906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OhGu3pOI/AAAAAAAAAMo/SrKZ0tMk1wU/s200/March-April+2008+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ohmu3pPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/gay4_OzsVO4/s1600-h/March-April+2008+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192525603365430514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ohmu3pPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/gay4_OzsVO4/s200/March-April+2008+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div id="ms__id135"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OiGu3pQI/AAAAAAAAAM4/9huAhzW1MMU/s1600-h/March-April+2008+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192525611955365122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OiGu3pQI/AAAAAAAAAM4/9huAhzW1MMU/s200/March-April+2008+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OiWu3pRI/AAAAAAAAANA/RP9jfJm_3E0/s1600-h/March-April+2008+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192525616250332434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-OiWu3pRI/AAAAAAAAANA/RP9jfJm_3E0/s200/March-April+2008+048.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-PE2u3pSI/AAAAAAAAANI/AdN_meSjEvg/s1600-h/March-April+2008+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192526208955819298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-PE2u3pSI/AAAAAAAAANI/AdN_meSjEvg/s200/March-April+2008+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id128">Ellie's 1st Birthday...</div><br /><div id="ms__id129"><span id="ms__id134">Ellie and our niece Alyssa shared their birthday party this year since their birthdays are so close. This was my first time making a cake with flowers! I still need some practice but it was fun! Alyssa turned nine this year and was so excited to have a birthday party with her only girl cousin! So sweet!<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QXWu3pUI/AAAAAAAAANY/EUcaCMFq38s/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192527626295027010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QXWu3pUI/AAAAAAAAANY/EUcaCMFq38s/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ri2u3pYI/AAAAAAAAAN4/CXHatU5dFXg/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192528923375150466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-Ri2u3pYI/AAAAAAAAAN4/CXHatU5dFXg/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-RjGu3pZI/AAAAAAAAAOA/0Tpuo4N7ijg/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192528927670117778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-RjGu3pZI/AAAAAAAAAOA/0Tpuo4N7ijg/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+010.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QXmu3pVI/AAAAAAAAANg/B-k6BmiKQZ8/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192527630589994322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QXmu3pVI/AAAAAAAAANg/B-k6BmiKQZ8/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QX2u3pWI/AAAAAAAAANo/cIKcpFfmEPI/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192527634884961634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QX2u3pWI/AAAAAAAAANo/cIKcpFfmEPI/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QYGu3pXI/AAAAAAAAANw/LHtJHN4F0BU/s1600-h/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192527639179928946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/SA-QYGu3pXI/AAAAAAAAANw/LHtJHN4F0BU/s200/Ellie%27s+First+Birthday+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id109"> </div><div id="ms__id139">I hope you enjoyed the pictures!</div><br />Sincerely,<br />Andrea<br /></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-56722724519613403992008-02-20T14:21:00.014-05:002008-07-24T09:01:17.196-04:00I LOVE CITY LIFE<div id="ms__id19021"><br /><div id="ms__id19023"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x-XX61TbI/AAAAAAAAAK4/7_M--ht5seI/s1600-h/Ellie-10+months+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169145412337356210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x-XX61TbI/AAAAAAAAAK4/7_M--ht5seI/s320/Ellie-10+months+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"I LOVE CITY LIFE" is a popular bumper sticker displayed on the vehicles of many</div><div id="ms__id19022">that reside in this<br />place called,<br />Lancaster. While no where near the size of many </div><div id="ms__id19061">of the great cities that surround it (e.g., Philly,<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x-qX61TcI/AAAAAAAAALA/7CreJky_szw/s1600-h/Ellie-10+months+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169145738754870722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x-qX61TcI/AAAAAAAAALA/7CreJky_szw/s200/Ellie-10+months+017.jpg" border="0" /></a>Baltimore, D.C.), Lancaster comes<br />equipped with all great city amenities such as crime, poverty, drugs, gangs, prostitution, struggling schools and alcohol abuse. In some ways, I have always felt that Lancaster in a certain sense, is a sort of microcoosm of some of its larger counterparts out here, particularly Philadelphia. Many of the residents of Lancaster county (which may recall pastoral images to mind of Amish buggies, one-roomed school houses and farmland) often avoid the city if possible to the point of parents who dislike sending their child home on the bus if it has to drive through the city. </div><div id="ms__id19063"></div><div id="ms__id19062">On the otherhand, there are people like Tom and I and many others who call Lancaster city home and appreciate things like Central Market, the galleries, quaint coffee shops and restaurants, close proximity to downtown and many other fine features that we feel comprise a mostly great place to live. Nevertheless, it never fails that one of the first questions people ask of you out here is, "Where do you live?" If you say, "I live in the city..." you are already checked off in their mind as a certain sort...either you are too poor to live in the suburbs; you are an urban professional/intellectual who enjoys the historic architecture, diversity and culture the city has to offer; you are religious and seek to help the poor; or you are simply a conglomeration of all of these things and more. We are somewhere in the latter. </div><div id="ms__id19031"></div><div id="ms__id19034">Having said all that, I thought in this post I would comment, or perhaps narrate, a little of the experience we have had here. First, I must say that I do not entirely love city life. I often lament that my children don't have a big open yard to play in, 'nice' friends and a safe place to learn how to ride bikes. Instead, we frequent parks and people's houses for our children to have many of the daily experiences of playing outside that should comprise childhood. Not to complain, our yard is nice for a city yard, but in the end, it is still a city yard. </div><div id="ms__id19043"></div><div id="ms__id19044">I am writing this post as today, more than normal, I am feeling the burden of the constant need those around me face everyday. More than ever I am aware of the raw pain that heals only for a second before wounds are exposed again and the cruelty of our fallen world inflicts yet another injury that the soul must bear. I see the poverty that brands a person, leaving a scar that is worn with shame. I want to be careful as I speak of the experiences of those around me as they are not just figures that I report on...they are my friends and their lives are very real. </div><div id="ms__id19065"></div><div id="ms__id19064">Although we share the same sidewalk, our lives often feel as though they are galaxies apart. One little girl who was eating with us the other day casually announced, "My mom is trying to figure out who my first daddy is. I had to get a shot so they could test my blood to find out who my first daddy is." She then went on to explain a reality, a life filled with pain, instability and abuse that is as present for her as the contrasting safe reality my own children experience every day. I cried the other night when I sent her home. As I went to tuck my own children in for bed, I prayed God would be merciful and protect her. </div><div id="ms__id19040"></div><div id="ms__id19039">I often smell the marijuana that is being smoked by those around us outside as I take my children out to the car. </div><div id="ms__id19037"></div><div id="ms__id19038">I have heard their stories of abuse, rape, depression, alcohol abuse, rage and desperation. My heart is heavy. </div><div id="ms__id19042"></div><div id="ms__id19041">Tom and I live here and yet we often wish we could get away. Away from the noise, away from the smells, away from the need (I am just trying to be honest). This spiritual journey the Lord has taken us on is messy and confusing. My heart has been forever changed as a result of the three years we have lived here.We are seeking the Lord's timing as to whether we should move. We know there is still much that God is accomplishing here on this block. We have seen His hand do great things and have been richly blessed by those around us. One neighbor, in response to Tom's injury (for those that don't know, he severed the tendon and nerve in his left thumb and is off work for some time), offered to give us food if we needed it. So many around us make sacrifices for those they love. I have been deeply challenged by the generosity of those around me. </div><div id="ms__id19060"></div><div id="ms__id19045">Anyway, I apologize that this post is so heavy but it is where I am at today. I must close on a lighter note to keep it all in perspective...</div><div id="ms__id19047"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x_rH61TdI/AAAAAAAAALI/Y_8Gg2QUTLQ/s1600-h/IMG_0649.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169146851151400402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x_rH61TdI/AAAAAAAAALI/Y_8Gg2QUTLQ/s200/IMG_0649.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id19035">Ellie was crying and it was beginning to annoy Ethan. He looked her in the eye and said, "Stop crying Ellie, I command you!"</div><div id="ms__id19036"><br />The other night Zachary was an emotional mess before bed and we sent him up to bed without brushing his teeth. Upon this charge he completely lost it and started wailing, "But if I don't brush my teeth tonight they will be rotten and fall out in the morning!"</div><div id="ms__id19048"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x_6H61TeI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KvvvXTxKCd0/s1600-h/IMG_0650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169147108849438178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x_6H61TeI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KvvvXTxKCd0/s200/IMG_0650.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div id="ms__id19049">Last night in the van I was listening to the kids converse with one of their little friends. Ethan explained, "Well, Daddy's name is Tom and Mommy's name is Honey." </div><div id="ms__id19051"></div><div id="ms__id19050">So cute...</div><div id="ms__id19056"></div><div id="ms__id19055">Until next time,</div><div id="ms__id19054">Andrea</div><div id="ms__id19052"></div><div id="ms__id19053">P.S. I will get on that Recipe column. Also, did anyone give up anything for Lent? We are exploring the book , <em>Ancient Future Time: Forming Spirituality Through the Christian Year</em>, by Robert E. Webber in a Sunday School class at church...anyone read it?</div><div id="ms__id19004"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R7x_6H61TeI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KvvvXTxKCd0/s1600-h/IMG_0650.JPG"></a></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-39025584903140344162008-01-26T10:45:00.000-05:002008-01-26T14:48:53.916-05:00An Eventful Week<div id="ms__id4152">Hello! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R5tXwxldB-I/AAAAAAAAAKw/u9flufMAf5s/s1600-h/Ellie-8+months+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159814293538801634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R5tXwxldB-I/AAAAAAAAAKw/u9flufMAf5s/s320/Ellie-8+months+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Since my last post, I have actually drafted many posts with the truest intentions to finish them later, and then never got around to it. So, today here it is. I have so many thoughts that swim around in my head and never feel like I have the time to actually sort them out and make them coherent enough to post; hence, I do not post as often as I would like to. When I visit other's blogs I see how simple this one is and then wonder to myself, where do they find the time? Alas, for now, I am going to content myself with what I have here and hope that you will all hang on for the ride until I have more time to invest making the reading of this a more comprehensive experience :-) </div><br /><div id="ms__id4154">I have also not been diligent to take pictures of the little tykes, so until I make more of an effort, here is cute one of little Ellie taken last month. She is such sweet pea! Well, I wanted to post today as I was reflecting on our somewhat eventful week. Here is a brief overview...</div><br /><div id="ms__id4156"><strong><em>Monday</em></strong><br />Monday was a great day. We started out our morning as usual. The boys watched Curious George on PBS while I took some time trying to wake myself up out of the fog that seems to accompany many of my days. I got breakfast started, coffee brewing and we were off to a good start. After a couple hours I put Ellie down for her nap, got ready for the day, put in a load of laundry and sat down to do preschool with the boys. They loved our lesson and it was so much fun seeing them enjoy what they were learning. They are both so sharp and it is fun to see them absorb new challenges and try to master new skills. After we were done, I made lunch, got Ellie from her crib and embarked on the ever-present adventure of feeding three little kids and trying to get a bite to eat myself!</div><br /><div id="ms__id4160">At quiet time, I began reading, <em>The Magician's Nephew, </em>to the boys to see if they were ready for reading a book with no pictures :-) Ethan quickly tired of the whole experience but Zachary loved it! I put Ethan and Ellie down for a nap and came back downstairs to continue reading to Zachary. He tracked the story well and looked at me with wide-eyed anticipation as the plot began to unfold. It was so much fun...probably the highlight of my week. </div><br /><div id="ms__id5337"><strong><em>Tuesday</em></strong></div><div id="ms__id4162">Tuesday, was a precursor, a harbinger if you will (that one's for you Uncle Bill if you ever read this!), of things to come. The day started well and around mid-morning, I decided to take the kids to the store. While we were strolling down the aisles of KMART, Ethan announced that his tummy hurt and that he needed to go to the bathroom. Quickly distracted by toys, he decided that he didn't need to go anymore. In record time, I grabbed all that we needed and headed to the check-out line. While in the van, Ethan started to look very sickly and kept complaining that his tummy hurt. We made it home just in time. I thought to myself, perhaps Ethan just had a little bug.</div><br /><div id="ms__id4164"><strong><em>Wednesday</em></strong><br /></div><div id="ms__id4165">I awoke in the wee hours of the morning to Zachary crying that he had thrown-up all over his bed. I have to say that changing vomit-covered bedding is one of the all time lows of raising young children. Nevertheless, our day began at 5:30 to him throwing-up again. This time though, he was not alone. I thought it would be fun to join in :-). Suffice it to say, the flu had arrived! I sent Tom off to work thinking that we could tough it out for the day. Within an hour, I called him, pleading with him to come back! In the time it took him to come home, all three children were either sick or in need of a diaper change and I was not doing too well. Tom got home and the rest of the day is just one big flu-filled blur.</div><br /><div id="ms__id4167"><strong><em>Thursday</em></strong></div><div id="ms__id4168">Still sick but Tom was able to go to work...and thankfully did not get the flu (I went a little crazy with the bleach and Lysol spray!).</div><br /><div id="ms__id4170"><strong><em>Friday</em></strong></div><div id="ms__id4171">Poor little Ellie woke up three times that previous night and then awoke in the morning with a high fever. I prayed the Lord would get me through the day as I was still recovering from my own illness and was exhausted. God gave us mercy and when Tom came home last night, we had a nice dinner and even watched a movie after the kids went to bed. But it had been a very long day...</div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id4174"></div><div id="ms__id4173"><strong><em>Today</em></strong></div><div id="ms__id4188">Ellie is still sick; however, Tom has the boys at gymnastics and I am enjoying a moment of peace, writing to you all and drinking my coffee. This afternoon I plan on finally getting out of the house...I have not been out since Tuesday!!! I think that is a record for me...I need to get out! We are hoping to finish the attic, buy some furniture and maybe go out for lunch! It's amazing how life-giving it is just to resume normal affairs again. </div><br /><div id="ms__id4190">Well, perhaps you didn't want to know all these details about our week, but I wanted to let you all have a glimpse into our lives :-). I have been thinking of this blog often, lamenting how little I attend to it. I did, however, think of something I want to add...a recipe of the week post (well, maybe with my record, a 'recipe of the month' would be more consistent!). A loved one (you know who you are!!!) once called me a 'food snob', which by the way, I am not...I can think of much snobbier (I think I just made a new word...). I want to get feedback from others as well so when I get around to it, look for it on my blog. I love to cook, that is, I love to cook when I don't have three little ones demanding my attention while I have meat juice all over my hands! I have really given up so many of the interests that make me, 'me', that I am trying to force myself to regain some of my identity that is separate but likewise braided into my identity as a mother! So having said that...look for it in weeks to come.</div><br /><div id="ms__id5364">Finally, here are a few funnies from the kiddos...</div><br /><div id="ms__id4191">We had new carpet installed a few weeks ago and Zachary decided it would be fun to rub his chin on it, only to give himself rug-burn...he said he was 'racing' his chin. Anyway, it formed a scab and while picking away at the last scab, Zachary announced to me, "Mommy, I picked all the hills off my chin!"</div><br /><div id="ms__id5374"></div><div id="ms__id5375">We get our milk from a local dairy not far from our house. It is cheaper than milk at the store, hormone free and supports the local economy...part of one of the many things I love about this area. Anyway, I always take the kids to get milk and see the cows and they love going. Ethan knew we were out of milk and came up to me asking, "Mommy, when are we going to go to the 'fairy'? So cute!</div><br /><div id="ms__id5372"></div><div id="ms__id5376">More to come soon!</div><br /><div id="ms__id5377">Andrea</div><br /><div id="ms__id5373"></div>p.s. I realized that many of my posts are filled with chaotic antics of life at home. There is really much more going on than all the craziness, but the crazy times are the ones that are fun to post about. I will be sure to post on some of the other arenas of life (church, reading, theology, future plans, hobbies and interests, even some 'before-and-after' shots of the house!) that comprise our meaningful but otherwise ordinary lives. I really will...but I won't promise!<br /><br /><div id="ms__id5367"></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id5368"></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id4172"></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id4147"></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-32179600108581938162007-12-12T15:43:00.000-05:002007-12-12T21:20:07.176-05:00A Long Time Coming...<div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CSurIWZoI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Zx92E5d86fo/s1600-h/November+2007+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143272105006491266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CSurIWZoI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Zx92E5d86fo/s320/November+2007+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> To all of my readers, I am sorry it has been so long! What is really sad is that I have about five previous posts that I wrote in part and never finished or published. But today I am determined to finish this post and publish it!<br /><br /><div>Life here has been eventful. We have a lot going on with various ministry adventures here in Lancaster city and we are also trying to remodel our attic into a bedroom for the boys before Christmas. We are toying with the idea of buying a different house and it seems like there is a never ending pile of laundry and housework to get done. </div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CWbrIWZuI/AAAAAAAAAKo/PiR_m1Si7jM/s1600-h/November+2007+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143276176635487970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CWbrIWZuI/AAAAAAAAAKo/PiR_m1Si7jM/s200/November+2007+042.jpg" border="0" /></a>The kids are always keeping me busy and the last few weeks have been full of snowball-throwing, stir-craziness and temper-tantrums! We have had some good times though and I am really enjoying this stage despite the constant noise that accompanies my two and four year old sons. As well, Ellie has her own voice and has discovered how to scream...it's so dear...especially at the dinner table :-). She is crawling, pulling herself up to stand and eating just about everything she finds on the floor. She is so sweet and loves to smile and laugh.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CVPrIWZtI/AAAAAAAAAKg/uZHeUdm9FF4/s1600-h/november+2007+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143274870965429970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CVPrIWZtI/AAAAAAAAAKg/uZHeUdm9FF4/s200/november+2007+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143273900302821042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CUXLIWZrI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/yqTRyZnFOpI/s200/november+2007+005.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143274415698896578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/R2CU1LIWZsI/AAAAAAAAAKY/qv-vTohuS_g/s200/October+2007+013.jpg" border="0" />Tom's job is going very well, the kids are really enjoying life and I am seeing glimpses of my sanity now and again. I really do praise God for the amazing gift of children and despite the chaos that comes with little ones, I really am going to miss this when they are grown. I love their little laughs, silly sayings and the extreme enjoyment they find in life. I can see when I put them to bed at night, the comfort and security they feel when Tom and I tuck them in and pray with them. As each day teaches them more and more about the dangers of living in a fallen world, it is evident that they feel safe in our love for them...and that makes all this striving worth it.<br /><br /><div>Here are a few funny sayings from past weeks:<br /></div><br /><div>Zachary was trying to get Ethan to answer him and Ethan refused to speak. After a moment Zachary said to me, "Mommy, Ethan is a quiet creature."<br /></div><br /><div>In the van the other night, Zachary kept yawning. Finally he yelled to me in frustration, "Mommy, I can't get these yawns to stop coming. How do I get them to stop?"<br /></div><br /><div>When doing catechisms with the boys, we asked the question, "Who are the three persons of the Godhead?" To which the boys replied, "Um, God the Father, Moses..." We are working on that one :-)<br /></div><br /><div>When playing with his little friend, Anya, the other day, Zachary and Anya were playing with one of her dolls and pretending that she died and then rose again.<br /></div><br /><div>Today Zachary said to me, "Mommy, when I grow up, can you call me Spider-man?"<br /></div><br /><div>Ethan hurt his ankle today and came limping into the kitchen crying in frustration, "But my foot won't work anymore!!! It's not working, mommy!"<br /></div><br /><div>In the van the other day, Zachary said to Tom, "Daddy, when I grow up, I want to be just like you." Ethan then shouted triumphantly, "And I want to be just like Mommy!"<br /></div><br /><div>This time of year is always hard for me as I get homesick for my family and friends that are far away. The more I enjoy my children, the more I am saddened that so many of the ones I love do not get to delight in them here with me. Nevertheless, I am thankful for blogs, email and digital cameras that make sharing life with those far away more possible.<br /></div><br /><div>Well, blessings to you all this Advent season. I am going to try and post before Christmas and my goal is to get a Christmas card out this year. Do you think it will happen? I think I may also do a Christmas letter on my blog...but that might be too ambitious. We'll see. Also, if you're reading this Aunt Marcia, I am praying for you! I pray you will have electricity soon!<br /></div><br /><div>Peace In Christ...Andrea</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-40886407881381649772007-10-29T16:12:00.000-04:002007-10-29T23:06:27.464-04:00An Update<div>I just wanted to post quick and let you all know how today went. I went to the Dr. this morning and he went over the results of my CT scan. He said that based on the scan he was almost certain that I had another ruptured ovarian cyst and that was what was causing all the pain. I am not sure why the Dr. on Saturday did not communicate this with me; nevertheless, the Dr. today seemed pretty confident with his diagnosis based on the scan. He likewise commented on some other findings in the scan that are consistent with his diagnosis that the first Dr. did not mention (at least I don't remember her mentioning them). Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I am feeling better today and hopefully the worst is past. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements-- I really appreciate it. And thanks to my loving husband who was so thoughtful this weekend and really helped me with everything. I don't normally give health updates on my blog :-) but I thought I would tonight so you all know that I'm okay. Thanks for reading. I'll try to post on other thoughts later in the week...have a great night!<br /><br />Love,<br />Andrea<br /></div><br /><div> </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-10645077206937137292007-10-28T10:35:00.000-04:002007-10-28T11:31:18.041-04:00Please pray for me...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RySqxzHTRDI/AAAAAAAAAJI/1M_Im-9fjNU/s1600-h/September+2007+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410048365610034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RySqxzHTRDI/AAAAAAAAAJI/1M_Im-9fjNU/s320/September+2007+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello All,</div><br /><div>I know it has been some time since my last post! I had planned on posting this weekend but alas, have had a very eventful past few days. These are the events that have comprised the past couple days...</div><br /><div>Friday a.m.</div><br /><div>I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. to start my day. I had many errands that I wanted to run, including some fun activities for the kiddos. Around 7:30 I began to notice a pain in my side, similar to the pain I had experienced back in June when I was diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst. Within a few minutes the pain had increased and was so acute that I sat on couch and called Tom. He had a big job on Friday so we decided that I would try and tough it out as long as possible to buy him some time. I called my family physician and scheduled an appointment for 3:00 p.m.</div><br /><div></div><div>Friday p.m.</div><div>I made it through the day allowing the kids to watch too much television because it was all I could do to feed the baby and get the boys breakfast and lunch. They did really well and by God's grace we made it until Tom got home. He drove me to my appointment and I met with a Physician's Assistant who sent me on to E.R. fearing that I had an ectopic pregnancy. I told her that I did not feel that was the case as much since the experience was almost identical to what had happened back in June. Nonetheless, away to the E.R. we went.</div><br /><div></div><div>Five hours and a myriad of tests later, they sent me home with no answers as to what was causing all my pain. They did two ultrasounds and several other test and found no abnormalities with my ovaries. The doctor at the E.R. looked at me questioningly and it became evident to me, as well as a dear friend who was there with me, that he was not taking me seriously. He gave me the option of staying another three hours and getting a CT scan or going home and trying to have one ordered through my family physician. At that point, poor Ellie had hardly eaten all day and was screaming back at home with poor Tom trying to console her. I decided to go home.</div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday a.m.</div><div>I awoke around 2:00 a.m. to feed Ellie and could not go back to sleep because the pain was so great. I was awake until around 5:30 a.m. when the Vicodin finally kicked in and I was able to fall asleep. Ellie was up part of that time and at least gave me something to keep my mind off the discomfort I was experiencing.</div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday morning I spoke with our family physician's office to see about having a CT scan done. The nurse that I had spoken with wanted me to come in to be examined before the doctor ordered the scan. I told her about all the tests they had run the night before and she said nothing more of me needing to come in but that she would talk to the Dr. and see if they could order the scan. I told her in that conversation that I was having suspicions that the pain was not related to my ovaries at all but perhaps was related to my kidneys, e.g. kidney stones. My husband had passed a kidney stone back in May and my symptoms were very similar to his. She called me later to say they had ordered the scan.</div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday p.m.</div><div>Several hours and almost two liters of barium sulfate later, I headed to the hospital to have the CT scan. Upon laying down and being prepped, they informed me that they were going to give me an injection of iodine to enhance the images picked up by the scanner. I inquired as to the safety of such a procedure since I was breastfeeding and was told I could not breastfeed my baby for the next twenty-four hours if I got the injection. Many of you know that Ellie will not take a bottle, let alone formula in a bottle, and with tears in my eyes I asked what I was supposed to do. The technician said I could opt out of the injection but that the results might not be as accurate. I opted out of the injection as I just felt I could not take the pain I was experiencing along with a screaming baby.</div><br /><div></div><div>The Results...</div><div>The doctor called me to tell me results of my scan: my left ovary was slightly enlarged but otherwise everything looked normal. I asked her about the kidney stones. Her voice sounded irritated and she said, "The scan we did was not looking for kidney stones and they would not appear with the type of procedure I ordered for you." At this point I was in tears and asked why they did not check for kidney stones. She explained that the nurse that morning had communicated to her that I had refused to come in and so ordered a scan based on what the E.R. doctor the night before had been looking for. She explained that had I come in that morning, she could have examined me and run tests accordingly but that I should be thankful because she did me a favor in ordering the scan that she did. </div><br /><div></div><div>I was so angry and frustrated! I told her that I had not refused to come in and did not realize that it was essential for me come that morning. She did not seem sympathetic at all. When I asked her what I was supposed to do in the meantime she said I could either go back to the E.R. or go home and wait until Monday and get an appointment to be examined again at the clinic. I chose to go home.</div><br /><div></div><div>Today...</div><div>Last night was a hard night. I got more sleep that the previous night but am still very uncomfortable. The pain comes in waves and when it hits, all I can do is sit, curled up in a ball, until it passes. Sometimes it lasts a long time. On top of the pain, I feel very nauseated and have had very little to eat since Friday. I am feeling extremely discouraged today and confused as to why this whole thing has been such an ordeal. I am planning to go in for a follow-up appointment tomorrow and hopefully will soon have some answers. At this point we are not sure if Tom will have to take some time off. I guess we will see.</div><br /><div></div><div>Anyway, I am sorry this is so long but I needed to vent. Please pray for me as I am very uncomfortable and very tired. Tom has been doing his best with the kids but it has been a long weekend for all of us. Please pray I will get some answers and that they will find what is causing all this discomfort. I speculate that I was misdiagnosed back in June and that nothing is wrong with my ovaries. I wonder if I had a kidney stone back in June and now have another one or perhaps the one back in June never passed and now is back. I am not a physician so I could be totally wrong but everything else is normal and I am still in so much pain. </div><br /><div></div><div>Well, thanks for reading. Blessings to all of you on this still beautiful Sunday morning--praise God for a day of worship! </div><br /><div></div><div>Love,</div><br /><div>Andrea</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-91266228482657657532007-10-08T20:33:00.000-04:002007-10-08T21:18:23.097-04:00Too long...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RwrWh2OGbJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jK6eBRHEcx4/s1600-h/September+2007+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119139803438673042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RwrWh2OGbJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jK6eBRHEcx4/s320/September+2007+035.jpg" border="0" /></a> Greetings! Much has happened since I posted last and I know I have really been slacking with regards to this blog. I have written more since my last post but those writings shall remain drafted in my folder as I think they may be a bit too ornery to post :-) Anyway, I have to make this short tonight. <div><br /><div>Since Z's birthday, life here has been busy. I am constantly feeling frustrated at how little I am able to accomplish in a day. I have been reminded in numerous ways that the mercies of God are fresh every morning and every night hold out hope that tomorrow I will be able to endure the whining, fighting, mess-making chaos that accompanies every day (which is also offset by the giggles, hugs and cuddles that keep it all in perspective). The isolation of being a stay-at-home mom is sometimes more than I can bear and I trust each day that the Lord will sustain me through this time. </div><br /><div>As to the daily happenings of life in the Bailey household...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RwrWGWOGbII/AAAAAAAAAI4/sEOLZ6r0IIQ/s1600-h/September+2007+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119139330992270466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RwrWGWOGbII/AAAAAAAAAI4/sEOLZ6r0IIQ/s200/September+2007+050.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We went to our first meeting of New City Fellowship and it turned out to be an adventure. I will post more on this another time. Tom has had some long hours the past two weeks but is enjoying his job. Ellie is practically crawling and doing what we call the 'inch worm'. The attic, which we are converting to a bedroom, is 3/4 finished. Lastly, the kiddos went to their first gymnastics class--so cute! </div><br /><div>On a lighter note...</div><br /><div>At the dinner table we were listening to a children's CD and the song, 'This Little Light of Mine,' came on. Zachary began singing along, proudly displaying his middle finger and said, "Look at my light Mommy, this is the light finger!"</div><br /><div>Okay, well I will post more soon...although my soon may not be too soon! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-10157680961993042012007-09-24T21:31:00.000-04:002007-09-24T22:07:56.631-04:00Happy Birthday Big Guy!<div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhnvGOGazI/AAAAAAAAAGM/DcxENzlwjAM/s1600-h/Zachary+Baby+pics+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113951435700464434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhnvGOGazI/AAAAAAAAAGM/DcxENzlwjAM/s320/Zachary+Baby+pics+007.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, four years ago today Tom and I embarked on this exciting and challenging journey of parenthood--it has been an adventure!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113953729213000594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Rvhp0mOGa5I/AAAAAAAAAG0/EVv1vbyrAdE/s320/September+2007+022.jpg" border="0" /> Today Zachary celebrated his fourth birthday and we are so blessed to have him in our lives. He is such a sweet, caring and thoughtful little boy! When I asked him today how it felt to be four he said, "Well now I am big and I can help you cook and do laundry!" Such aspirations! I promise I did not put those ideas in his head! I don't know what prompted those thoughts but we sure laughed! We celebrated his special day yesterday with a party that included lunch, games, cake (he had been asking for a CARS cake all last year and was quite excited with this one!) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113954098580188082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhqKGOGa7I/AAAAAAAAAHE/xEoO4533XOo/s320/September+2007+016.jpg" border="0" />and gifts. I know it meant a lot to him to have his very own party and so many loving birthday wishes. Ellie and Ethan love their big brother and had fun celebrating his big day as well. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113954588206459890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhqmmOGa_I/AAAAAAAAAHk/G3XNKO-Fl54/s200/September+2007+023.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113954686990707714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhqsWOGbAI/AAAAAAAAAHs/LLRnSD0qxuU/s200/September+2007+027.jpg" border="0" />Thank you to all, both here and those far away, for making his day so special! We are excited to see what this next year holds and cannot believe how fast the time has gone! Happy birthday little man, we love you and are so thankful for you!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhsY2OGbBI/AAAAAAAAAH0/vvE-fQMjobE/s1600-h/September+2007+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113956551006514194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhsY2OGbBI/AAAAAAAAAH0/vvE-fQMjobE/s200/September+2007+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhsomOGbCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/HjuE6p9mSI0/s1600-h/September+2007+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113956821589453858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvhsomOGbCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/HjuE6p9mSI0/s200/September+2007+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113953892421757858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Rvhp-GOGa6I/AAAAAAAAAG8/wW9I_pKT17s/s200/September+2007+021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-21720994248254159912007-09-18T21:21:00.000-04:002007-09-18T21:22:14.980-04:00More Toddler Talk...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvB4wNo49nI/AAAAAAAAAFM/7GSVv9j-M_0/s1600-h/ethans+first+birthday+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111718346755733106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvB4wNo49nI/AAAAAAAAAFM/7GSVv9j-M_0/s200/ethans+first+birthday+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvB4jto49mI/AAAAAAAAAFE/JuSMEieLhoc/s1600-h/ethans+first+birthday+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111718132007368290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RvB4jto49mI/AAAAAAAAAFE/JuSMEieLhoc/s200/ethans+first+birthday+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Here's few good ones from this past week...</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Zachary: "If Ethan keeps being mean at me I'm not going to be his brother anymore! Ethan, I'm not your brother anymore because you won't stop being mean at me." Ethan, pouting, replies,"But why? Me want to be your brother."</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Zachary: "Ethan, pretend you are old because if you are old you don't need money anymore." (Not sure where he got this idea from)</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Ethan: "Bye-bye. Thank you for using the alligator (referring to the toy he was pretending was an elevator)."</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">As I was nursing Ellie this afternoon, Ethan looked at me and said,"Mommy when me little like Ellie, me eat you too."</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Ethan: "Mommy when you get little you can take bath like Zatry and Ellie and Ethan and daddy can wash you hair."</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">As Ethan was playing with his little plastic vegetable toys, his little make-believe dialogue went like this, "Hello corn, me carrot. Hello carrot, me corn." So cute!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">More next week! </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Andrea</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-37548333600753646652007-09-16T21:51:00.000-04:002007-09-16T21:55:13.629-04:00The Solace of Home<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Ru3dEu1dJ_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/BG4UmTmPqYY/s1600-h/July-August+2007+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110984225496836082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Ru3dEu1dJ_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/BG4UmTmPqYY/s320/July-August+2007+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hello All,<br /><div>Well I have say on this post that I am so thankful to all of you who responded and encouraged me to persevere in the blogging world. I have taken your exhortations to heart and I will keep this blog and post when I can :-) </div><br /><div>Today was an intense day to say the least. I am learning everyday the humility that is wrought through parenting. I remember when Tom and I first were married, imagining what life would be like with children and resolving that there were just certain things that I would not allow my children to do. Now some of those things remain in tact and are honorable aspirations; however, many of my ideals have since passed by the wayside and I am seeing more and more that there are certain aspects of life with children that just happen, despite your best efforts to be a faithful, responsible and loving parent. This was our day...</div><br /><div>We began the morning early as usual. The boys were excited because we had told them last night that we were going to a new church this morning that was far away (New Life Presbyterian in Philly). I had ironed all our clothes the night before so as to offset some of the chaos that always accompanies Sunday mornings in our house. Nevertheless, the morning was still a little stressful as Ethan was tired and refused to eat his breakfast. </div><br /><div>We managed to get out the door mostly on time and arrived at a local church parking lot where we were meeting up with others also going to this church. Upon our arrival, we told the kiddos that we were going to stay in the van while Daddy went to see when we were planning to head out. It didn't take long before we realized that we would not be leaving right away, so Tom told the kids they could get out. They began running around the parking lot and eventually climbed back in the van to play. While all this was going on, Tom and I were trying to watch the kids and maintain conversations with people we had just met for the first time. Out of the corner of my eye I saw our van move slightly and thought for a split second that the kids were jumping around inside. It did not take long before I realized the van was moving in reverse!!! I yelled and ran over to the van immediately shouting at Tom to help. He quickly ran to the front seat where Ethan was seated and "driving" the van! AHHHHH! Tom, recognizing that he had left the keys in the van, was not too hard Ethan but reprimanded him... and thus began our day. Praising God for his mercy and protection, we headed out to Philly and I could feel the growing nervousness in my stomach as to what the day would be like with three little ones, no naps and a rough beginning to our little excursion. </div><br /><div></div><div>To my surprise the kids did okay...until lunch. At lunch Ellie was quite tired and finally fell asleep. I carefully placed her into her infant seat not wanting to buckle her in so as not to wake her. Bad choice. I kept a careful eye on her but when both of the boys accidentally spilled their lemonade all over the table and I was cleaning it up, Ellie decided to wake up, wiggled her way out of the infant seat and landed on the floor under the bench that her seat was next to (her infant seat was already on the ground so she did not slip far--but still!!!). As I was trying to clean up lemonade, I see several people run over to where Ellie's car seat is to rescue her and at this point am feeling like a complete failure as a parent. Overwhelmed with my kids and annoyed at my husband (which was not his fault because he was trying to help), I smiled and thanked those around me for their assistance and tried to display some level of composure while inwardly feeling quite unraveled. We wrapped up with lunch, said our goodbyes and left for home. The ride was quiet as all the kids were quite tired from their misadventures and Tom and I were likewise quite exasperated.</div><br /><div></div><div>We came home and I experienced a solace that can only be felt when one feels as unsettled as I did today. I wonder if that is just a glimpse of what it will feel like when the Lord calls me Home. The sensation was one of relief, security and familiarity. It was great to be home again. The kids were wonderful the rest of the evening and now here I am typing, anticipating crawling into bed and getting some rest. </div><div></div><div>Overall, the day was not a complete failure. We were tremendously blessed by the worship service at the church we attended. We got to spend the day fellowshipping with faithful saints and we had several meaningful conversations along the way. God certainly gave us grace today and reminded me that the goal of raising children is not to demonstrate to the world that I have it altogether. I clearly do not. Still, by His mercy, I know He will be faithful to give me the patience and strength that I need for tomorrow to love my children and teach them to obey and fear God. </div><div></div><div>In closing, it is days like today that remind me of the constant ache we all feel for our heavenly Home. We search for comfort, security and rest in the familiarity of our earthly homes but in reality this is only a glimpse of the repose of the soul that we will experience when we are united with Christ in Heaven. As I end this day, I am reminded of Isaiah 40:11 where Isaiah writes, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."</div><br /><p>As I begin this week, I look ahead to the gentle and sustaining care of my God. Goodnight and more posts to come...<br /></p><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-60605324990390971932007-09-12T22:24:00.001-04:002007-09-12T22:24:43.775-04:00Ellie's Debut<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/t0FW6NKIAug' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/t0FW6NKIAug'/></object></p></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-52143337995549322542007-09-12T21:41:00.000-04:002007-09-12T22:49:58.969-04:00The Meaningful in the Mundane...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Ruiibe1dJ-I/AAAAAAAAAEM/XaaJAgEx-X0/s1600-h/July-August+2007+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109512370269267938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/Ruiibe1dJ-I/AAAAAAAAAEM/XaaJAgEx-X0/s320/July-August+2007+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello. I am debating whether or not I should keep this blog since it is sorely neglected and I feel like there is never enough time to keep up on my posts...I guess it is what it is for now. Anyway, this one's for you Abby (she gently chided me for not posting more often :-))</div><br /><div>Today was one of those days where very few thoughts of significance ran through my mind (although my morning started with Psalms reading at a friend's which was very significant and convicting). I came home to Zachary and Ethan requesting breakfast every other minute. First it was eggs, then it was oatmeal and then Zachary decided it should be pancakes. <strong><em>I</em></strong> decided to go with eggs, much to his dismay. Then Ethan had an accident and stomped in the puddle of pee he made on the floor. Then we did preschool. Then Ethan had an accident. Then we went to the store. We came home, the kids played so nicely and I reminded Ethan to go to the bathroom. Five minutes later, Ethan peed on the floor. Can you catch the reoccurring theme of my day? Hmmm...I think potty-training is overrated. Nevertheless, I will persevere because last week he did so well! </div><br /><div>I am also thinking that the abundance of shallow thoughts that have been swimming around in my foggy head is the result of 4 1/2 months of no sleep. Will Ellie ever sleep through the night? I should do a poll on that! Maybe tonight will be better...but I doubt it! </div><br /><div>Still, at the end of the day, I love being a mom and I love being a part of all the little mundane things that occupy our days...even if I don't always feel like I love it! Zachary said to me today, "Mommy, every day Daddy has to go to work but you have to stay here with us. I want you stay here with us because I love you!" And that reminds me of the importance of the ordinary events that comprise this season of our lives.</div><br /><div>So, last but not least, Ellie requested that she be able to make a personal appearance on this blog and I agreed. Sorry this came out so dark but I hope you enjoy (gotta love the Mohawk and her cute little tongue!)...</div><br /><div>Ummm...nevermind it didn't work so check out my next post!</div><br /><br /><div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-36477546151434168562007-09-08T09:37:00.000-04:002007-09-08T14:43:17.524-04:00Toddler Talk-- Part 2<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RuKrPIPpDpI/AAAAAAAAADc/BDwweChkKuE/s1600-h/DSC08352.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107833203791040146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RuKrPIPpDpI/AAAAAAAAADc/BDwweChkKuE/s320/DSC08352.JPG" border="0" /></a> So once a week I will post on silly things the kids have said or done for that week. Here are some of the conversations that took place this week...<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Zachary: Did Daddy and Ethan drive to the doctor? Well, they should walk because walking is better because then you can run and go really really fast. It's better than riding a bike cause a bike is hard up hills but when you run you can go really really fast.<span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><br />Zachary: Hey Ethan, Lightning McQueen won because he is gooder."<br /></div><div><div>Zachary: In the morning Zachary said to me,"Mommy, I went upstairs in my room and Ethan is sleeping. His two hot blankets are on the floor (what Zachary calls Ethan's two warm fuzzy blankets he likes to sleep with) and his feet are freezing so I covered his toes for him but I will finish covering him this afternoon. "</div><br /><div>Zachary: "Mommy, I am better now because you took my temperature."</div><br /><div>Zachary: While in toy aisle at Target Zachary says, "Mommy, did God make these toys?"</div><br /><div>Ethan: "My baby hungry (referring to his Glo Worm which he affectionately calls his baby), me need to feed baby like mommy (as he lifts up his shirt and pretends to breastfeed his Glo Worm out of his tummy). He then proclaims, 'Me not like mommy, me Ethan!"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107834402086915762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RuKsU4PpDrI/AAAAAAAAADs/8tZ816mjJWA/s320/DSC08364.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Ethan: "Where'd your new 'PBS' toy go Daddy?" (Referring to Tom's new Magellan GPS)</div><br /><div>Ethan: In response to the question, "What did you like best at the park today?" Ethan responds, "Me like going to the potty and go pee-pee." (Just an aside, this park was so cool! It had this giant web-like thing for the kids to climb, big rock formations, a zip line and all sorts of great things to play on. And what does Ethan like best--the outhouse! Hmm...)</div><br /><div>Well, more to come later...I think next time I may put a little video clip of Ellie, just so she can make her debut on this blog.<br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RuKrvYPpDqI/AAAAAAAAADk/PQxUi7d55NI/s1600-h/DSC08360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107833757841821346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RuKrvYPpDqI/AAAAAAAAADk/PQxUi7d55NI/s200/DSC08360.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have a great Saturday!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-80425713122769157492007-08-27T20:54:00.000-04:002007-08-27T21:49:30.945-04:00Toddler Talk<div><em>A Day's Thoughts</em>, by Zachary and Ethan... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtN584PpDXI/AAAAAAAAABM/efF0-kfVLc4/s1600-h/July-August+2007+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103556889538006386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtN584PpDXI/AAAAAAAAABM/efF0-kfVLc4/s200/July-August+2007+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em><strong>Ethan the Nurturer</strong></em></div><div>Zachary fell asleep this afternoon on the futon and awoke with a fever. In an attempt to wake him and move him upstairs I said to Zachary, "Honey, let's wake up and go to your bed...Honey...come on buddy," and so on and so forth.</div><br /><br /><div>Ethan, having observed this whole series of supplications, made his way over to his big brother, began stroking Zachary's hair and started in his expressive sing-songy voice, "Zatry, honey, come Zatry, oh honey, you sick?"</div><br /><div><em><strong>Ethan On Potty-training</strong></em></div><div>I had a friend over today and while we were visiting Zachary announced that he had to go to the bathroom. Very excited over this opportunity to go potty with his brother, Ethan ran to join in on the fun! I let Ethan go up to our second floor bathroom (our only bathroom) to go potty like a 'big boy' without my supervision. OOPS! When I came upstairs both boys were naked staring at the wall. Ethan looked at me with a timid smile and proclaimed, "Me go pee-pee like a big boy. Me miss. Me go pee-pee on wall." NOTE TO SELF: Ethan is not old enough to go unsupervised in these matters!</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtN8B4PpDZI/AAAAAAAAABc/ZwQbQDdqgks/s1600-h/July-August+2007+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103559174460607890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtN8B4PpDZI/AAAAAAAAABc/ZwQbQDdqgks/s200/July-August+2007+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em><strong>Zachary On the Movie 'CARS'</strong></em></div><div>Zachary has really been into the Disney-Pixar film, 'CARS' of late and addressed some of his aspirations to me before bed tonight. This is what he said...</div><br /><div>"Mommy, I need a Fabulous Hudson Hornet because I've never had one and they go really fast. Maybe when we grow up we can get one and go really fast...cause they're really fast."</div><br /><div>I think we have established that Hudson Hornets go really fast.</div><br /><br /><div>Well, I am exhausted tonight as I only had about three uninterrupted hours of sleep last night. I will write again soon and was so encouraged to get feedback by so many of you! Thank you! Sleep well.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-7338715335279778232007-08-25T20:46:00.000-04:002007-08-25T22:36:17.989-04:00Hot Days and Rainy Nights<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtDj3oPpDWI/AAAAAAAAABE/YCwZEzxP3G0/s1600-h/John+and+Margie%27s+Spring+Vacation+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102828922646105442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtDj3oPpDWI/AAAAAAAAABE/YCwZEzxP3G0/s320/John+and+Margie%27s+Spring+Vacation+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So today was a tiresome day. It was so hot here, at least 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and the moisture just hung in the air. I try to be hopeful on days like these but the reality is that it is too hot to do anything but swim and sit. Nevertheless, we attempted to plow through our 'to do' list, accomplishing very little except irritating each other all day. Gotta love days like this. I breathed a sigh of relief when the kids went to sleep tonight and pray that this undeterred heat will lessen. Having only two window units to cool the entire house, things get pretty warm.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Some things on my mind tonight...</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night Tom awoke to gun shots and police cars. That's the second time in three years that we have heard gun shots on this street. I do not feel as threatened as I thought I would, but again it makes me question what we are doing here. For the most part, life is usually pretty quiet and safe here. God has truly been at work in the hearts of people on this block and after three years, we are only beginning to deepen our relationships with our neighbors. Nevertheless, when things like this happen, I still question our resolve to stay. Ahhh....I guess ultimately I must rest in the sovereignty of our Holy God. But having said that, I am not always sure what that looks like.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Also...<br /></div><div>I have observed in conversations of late, that too often propriety is valued over honesty, sentimentality wins over truth and we relentlessly pursue distraction in order to keep ourselves from reflecting on the struggles which should unite us Christians. Too often it seems that our dialogue is anemic. This superficiality troubles me because I know I am an expert at politely staying uninvolved. I pray that I would have the courage to recognize these pervasive conversational evils in myself. Hmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>Good night.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7936098303956582305.post-55227715487053286572007-08-24T23:12:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:39:04.524-04:00And here it goes...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtDSo4PpDRI/AAAAAAAAAAc/pXsNrYkFgJA/s1600-h/cuties.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102809977545362706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fz7yG8oxGXE/RtDSo4PpDRI/AAAAAAAAAAc/pXsNrYkFgJA/s320/cuties.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, this is my first attempt at a blog. I love to write but have not done much writing since college. Although I may not post often, it is my hope this blog will serve as a tool for me to finally articulate some of what I think about on a regular basis. I will also post on the kiddos and all that is happening with them so as keep you all up to date on the Baileys. Depending on my day, I may say too much or not enough...I am looking forward to your feedback on my musings. Alas, as much as I would love to write more on this inaugural post, I have to go to bed since little Eliana will be waking in the next few hours. Until later...</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314799743407264171noreply@blogger.com4