tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77350729455881914542024-03-13T22:11:11.641-05:00Adventures in MellowlandThis crazy thing called LifeMellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-25945903465249265742020-01-04T17:10:00.002-06:002020-01-04T17:10:58.038-06:003.5 years later...Life has a way of moving ahead at lightening speed.<br />
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So much life has happened in this last 3.5 years.<br />
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Some great things. Some heavy things. A lot of growth both figuratively and physically. What we've learned, who we are, and where we are headed each day is in ever constant change.<br />
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There may be recaps, there may just be a bit of life as we know it now, but most of all, just a continuation of what was started so many years ago, to keep the story going, if for nothing else, just my family to look back and remember.<br />
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Onward and upward!<br />
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~mellow~Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-85293771343067885892016-08-16T03:27:00.001-05:002016-08-16T03:27:12.012-05:00A YearWhat a Year!<br />
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It's been a year full of ups, downs and lots of learning. There have been days I've longed for home, and days we have also been quite content. We've lived a lot of life through our watchful eyes in wonder and sadness, with love and understanding, and have learned to offer an abundance of grace as we have received the same.<br />
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A year of major growth in many areas of our life...We've been stretched. Our children have really been stretched and we've all experienced some major growing pains. Such is life, I suppose. What would our journey really be without growth and change.<br />
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The kids (3 of them at least.) and I had officially been here one year with the start of the month. It's been hard on my mama heart to leave 2 behind, and be so far away, and I hate to say it, but we haven't always done it as well as we all hoped. All in all though, our experiences here in the desert have been good, and we've come to love and understand this region of the world in a way we never could have, had we not been here to experience it for ourselves.<br />
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The biggest thing I've learned in all of this: We all have the same hopes and dreams for our children, families and futures. We all want our kids to be kind, and accept others. Though we have different faith, it's equally as important to them as my faith is to me, and what the media portrays of both sides, it's radicalism, and nothing more. I have learned more about myself during this journey, most of it good, and some of it revealing my tendency to worry, especially for my children; it's something I am working on, as I well know, no amount of worry can change whatever may come. My eyes have been opened to deep hurts and concerns that we hadn't yet faced head on this past 6 years as we waded through a process of grief that constantly shifts each day. The sadness and weight of hurt that burdened our kids hearts just as deeply as ours that are now manifesting in ways that have left us ill prepared to handle, at times.<br />
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We are still a work in progress, and just like everyone on this planet, have things we must continue to work on, to better ourselves to be the best version of who we were created to be.<br />
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My post may seem heavy, and as I write this, I do feel a burden of heaviness that flows from my thoughts. We've come so far, and yet, I know there is much more journey ahead with mountains to climb, valleys that will feel endless, and still waters that will bring calm our souls. Each day we embrace for the gift it is; a new start, a new day to forge ahead with purpose, hope and eyes that are open to see clearly the hearts of those all around us.<br />
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It's been a hot and uneventful summer. My thoughts have been filled with days of searching for purpose in our journey, and each day has become more clear to me as I seek and pray for answers. We are blessed beyond measure, and so grateful for every new day, to become better than who we were the day before.<br />
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Learning to revel in the little things as the days pass by...<br />
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Today's little wonder: Little voices filling our home as play and laughter fill our home.<br />
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And here we are, adding to the next day that will become a part of the next year, that I will do all I can to learn from and remember the important things , so nothing may be wasted.<br />
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A year in the desert. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-1088373891345277572016-07-27T07:32:00.001-05:002016-07-27T07:32:32.799-05:00Nope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.<br />
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No matter how many times I say it, I can't wish it away. There is so much wrong with this, but, alas, it is what it is, and it's here until November.<br />
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It's getting Hot in here.... <br />
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Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-45867609954390913212016-07-24T02:59:00.002-05:002016-07-24T04:57:52.968-05:00A PrayerI have a prayer in my heart that continues on repeat, day after day, moment by moment, like the continuous crashing of waves.<br />
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It's for my children, both grown and growing, a cry of my heart so to speak.<br />
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Over and over we are reminded that around any corner there may be trouble, or a mountain we must climb to never allow defeat. Those same corners can also hold immense blessing and joy. We don't know what is coming, we don't know whether the next big thing in our life will be something to celebrate or something to mourn, and at times, the thought of this can be overwhelming.<br />
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My hope and prayer as we navigate through life for my children is that they never stay on the ground defeated when they fall. That they will get back up and brush of the muck and keep pressing on, in perseverance. No matter what lies around the next corner they rise up and take those corners with courage, knowing that whatever may lie ahead can be met with strength and and a steadfast spirit that will win through the good, bad and ugly. That they may be able to push aside fear and face whatever is ahead of them with sound mind and a forgiving heart. I know there will be hurts and things that seem so very heavy to carry along on our journey, but through those things they will be reminded that they are not alone, not meant to carry burdens on their own. That they can and will be victorious, if they so choose.<br />
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Forgiveness... That's a big one. Forgive others and you will be free. Do not allow anger to rule in your hearts, and see that there is always something to find that is good and allow themselves to be free from what can crush the spirit, as anger can do. That they will never be so caught up in their own plans that they can't see there is something better waiting on the horizon for them, if they would just look and see that they can bend, and not be stuck just because of something their heart wanted didn't come to fruition. That just because it seems a door may have closed, does not mean that it closed permanently, and being patient and not pushing can potentially swing the door open to something they could have never imagined.<br />
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When things go well, that they always remember to be grateful and embrace every single moment in thanks and wonder. When things don't go as they'd hoped that the remember to do the same and learn what they can from the experience. That they always look at others with an empathetic heart and a willing listening ear. That when they look at the people around them, they don't see what they are wearing or driving, they just see the hearts of others, and they show love in their responses.<br />
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In this world we have seen trouble both around us and in our own lives. These experiences have molded us into who we are today. We are not the same that we were before. In some ways we are better and in other ways we feel broken. My hope is that we remember we are not the definition of our past mistakes, but we become better and learn from them, that we don't stay in the valley, and see that there is a light ahead and press towards that light, and become a brighter light that shines for others to see.<br />
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As a mother, my heart wants to bind up all the wounds our children have felt and toss them into the bottom of the ocean, far away from us, never to be seen or heard from again. I know that this is impossible, but mothers would go to many lengths to at least try to smother the burning heat of those flames of life's hardest trials.<br />
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Above all these things, that they never feel without hope. That they realize when the going gets tough, there is always, ALWAYS, hope and something is waiting around the next corner that can bring more joy and blessing than they could ever possibly know. Open, forgiving hearts find that there are still good things in life worth experiencing. A closed, angry heart cannot receive the goodness that is still to be experienced. There is still beauty in this world, and if we look hard enough we can see it. It may not be what we had planned, but sometimes our plans aren't as great as what is on the horizon. Be willing to work hard, love, forgive and then be willing to receive abundantly greater things than even your heart could desire.<br />
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That is my hope and my prayer. Press on my loves, with all that is in you. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-1981306646528967242016-07-13T06:11:00.001-05:002016-07-14T06:03:30.561-05:00Melting!We are just over here melting away with the long summer.<br />
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Good glory it's <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>HOT</b></span></i></span>!<br />
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Most expats book it out of here as fast as they can, but us?? We're just over here, like, "Hey! Look at us melting!"<br />
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It's great fun! You should join us, and share the fun of sweating over every possible inch of your person. Smelling like something in a back alley, and also wearing clothes that are sweaty wet, is what we do here! It's the way of this land.<br />
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My belly sweats! Who knew this was even possible!?!? Feet sweat, too! (even in sandals.) Slippy sliding along in our sweaty sandy shoes. Sandy, dusty, sweaty feet prints on the floor, hair matted to your neck and not a cool shower within hundreds of miles. Water that is either hot or scorch your skin till it falls off, is the norm of the land, during summer.<br />
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Even the ants look for refuge in the coolness of the air conditioning inside. Aside from sweating, ant killing is always on the agenda for the day. These little buggers are mean and nasty and like the taste of our sweaty flesh. We make great sport of hunting the bugs before they hunt us. :)<br />
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We're the cool house, with a bounce house inside, because outside just isn't happening. So, when bouncing commences, the windows and doors start shaking, squeals of delight and sometimes screams of little squirts mad at the bothersome sister/brother that has just taken things way to far. (I would seriously hate to be our poor neighbor..) If our windows and doors are shaking, the unlucky family that lives next to us has to be hearing the same things we are. Those poor souls.<br />
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As I said, most expat families have vacated this desert land, and will return late August/September, just in time for the major humidity onset. It's quiet around the compound. Much more quiet on the roads. Less busy, and less chaos. It's somewhat nice to be some of those that remain behind, just to experience this short time of stillness. Unfortunately, it means we will be melting the summer away, while we wait out the heat for what will come this November...<br />
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Until then. We perpetually smell like sweat. Glorious! <br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-15794156839863366732016-07-04T07:39:00.000-05:002016-07-04T07:39:39.057-05:00L'il NuggetsThe days are long and the years are short. <br />
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That's how the saying goes, and for the most part it's a pretty true statement. How the years rush by like a comet zipping through the sky, and the days that seem endless turn into a blur of seasons that pass without warning in the blink of an eye.<br />
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It happens without fail, day after day and year after year, leaving me wondering, if it's possible to go any faster than it already has.<br />
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Then it happens, and the little's aren't quite as little as they once were, and you realize how quickly it happened; that what will seem like no time at all, they will be grown and leaving the nest.<br />
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The summer brings sunshine and heat like nothing we've experienced anywhere else, but with that comes the dawn of two L'il nuggets birthdays, giving way to a new world void of babyhood, and toddlerisms and into a land of rowdy youngsters, eager to learn and assert more independence than any of us are ready for.<br />
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This little squirt is now 5! Can you believe it's been 5 years since we fought with everything in us to keep this tiny mite alive and well? I surely cannot believe it's been that long, as I can clearly remember the vivid detail of nearly every little thing we endured throughout her first 17 weeks and 2 days of life in the NICU, and every moment thereafter.<br />
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She is a delight! Full of soooooo much life and wonder in everything she does. She is LOUD. Something I find rather frustrating at times, as it seems she knows one volume, and that is yelling everything at the top of her lungs. (So thankful for those beautiful working lungs, but she could tone it down a bit. LOL) Volume control is a daily topic around here. She is funny, a great big sister, and wants to learn all there is to know around her. She continues to bring our family so much joy!<br />
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Then there is this little guy:<br />
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This one, oh my! Are we in for a ride with him! First of all, he's hilarious! And now, he is 3! Gracious, that also happened very fast! He is also loud. Good times in this house! He is a happy little guy with a great love of milk, with his daily declaration of, "me loves my milk!" Yes, I know, he needs a little help in the grammar department, but I do know he's not leaving for college referring to himself and whatever he likes as "me like that, mom!" He's super smart, takes things apart, is STILL a button pusher, (much to my dismay, at times) loves to get his haircut with his Daddy, likes to go places and do things, and makes us laugh with his daily Asherisms. He's all boy, and tackles and wrestles his Daddy on a daily basis. Growling as he talks and says I love you is commonplace with this one. The happiest boy I know, and still blessing us on our journey, every day. What a boy!<br />
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What a great gift these two L'il Nuggets have been to us. Sadly though, these precious days are quickly passing us by, and before we know it, they will no longer be these little precious pies we so easily tote around in our arms.<br />
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It's hard to believe the distinct differences in where we are in our parenting journey. 3 big kids, 2 well on their way into the throws of adulthood, and another knocking on that door after one more year of High School. I can say without hesitation, I didn't think it would happen so fast. So, we are doing all we can to take each moment in and savor it, in an attempt to hang on as the days and years fly so quickly by.<br />
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Blessed, beyond measure. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-41206830940066396902016-06-26T01:50:00.000-05:002016-06-26T01:53:35.274-05:00A FireThere's a fire burning.<br />
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On the horizon, it's burning brightly, with a heat so intense it can be felt from great distance. It's a promise of hope for tomorrow in a dry and barren desert, among the lost and broken, it's taking over, and like a wave after wave from a cool ocean, it's bringing refreshing and relief in the driest of lands.<br />
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Hearts are opening, healing and being led towards the greatest light of all. One by one, being drawn in to hope find a freedom they've never known before and a purpose renewed. It's a promise being fulfilled. A love greater than any other. A hope that reaches beyond the greatest of all hopes.<br />
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What I am witnessing here in the desert has opened my eyes and heart to things that may be harder to see in my own home country. People from all walks of life, the many countries represented too numerous to count, but all created for the same purpose, with the same hurts, wants and needs, but all with different abilities, who all have a story of their own. Stories of growth, hurts, desires and needs, but all longing to be loved, accepted, and a part of community, to eat, drink and share life with one another.<br />
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We are all so very different. The differences here are visible, but overlooked when you just look at the heart of people who are searching for their purpose in life.<br />
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To be light and love to those who may not be regularly shown either of those things is a great privilege and honor that I take very seriously. In this time, my heart has grown. There was already a burden for others, but it's grown, and I can't help but be moved to tears when I stop and really look at the heart of those around me. I am thankful for this time, and this experience. Even in all my own despair, I know a love that brings a peace beyond all understanding, and I pray that through that I am truly a light in a dark world. That is my prayer.<br />
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Look at the heart of people. Look for ways to love, even when your first inclination is to be judgmental. Stop for just one minute, and think outside of yourself, and ask the questions: Am I a light? Am I showing love?<br />
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Don't let our differences get in the way of being a person that is kind and shows love. We are called to be love. We aren't here just for us. We all have a purpose.<br />
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Love your neighbor. You may be surprised at the change within yourself if you, just for a moment, think of the people around you as more than just a person in the way, a car to be in front of, a mother with her loud kids, and an elderly person moving slowly and holding you up. People matter, not things. The way to change our nation, is to show love, even when we think it may not be deserved, after all, even when we are in our ugliest of times, we are just crying out to be loved.<br />
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Our cities, neighborhoods, nations are all crying out for the same thing. Instead of keeping up with the Joneses for a bigger house or more expensive car or possibly the latest new gadget, can you imagine what would happen by changing a mindset of being things oriented to people oriented? If we don't model this, our children will not learn how to think outside themselves. Our world will continue to be filled with stories of devastating things with no hope or light in sight. What if our focus was being a helper, and kindness, doing something for someone just because you see a need, and not because it was asked for. Let's start looking for the good that is still around us, and talk about it. I'm growing weary of all that we see in the news on social media talking about who wronged us, instead of looking for good things around us. Our focus has to shift. I see that more clearly than ever.<br />
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I cannot say this enough: Be a helper. Be love. Be light. Be kind. Be everything you want others to be to you.<br />
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It's happening here. Let it happen where you are. Make it happen where you are. Let the spark turn into a wildfire, that spreads so fast, it can't be put out....<br />
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I see a fire on the horizon. Hearts are changing. Love has called us, and Love has won. <br />
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Nothing, is more important than this. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-24714462881414824202016-06-05T01:28:00.001-05:002016-06-05T01:29:31.718-05:00A Little BoostFor the last few weeks, I've been getting a little pick me up, so to speak.<br />
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I've had a date with an IV drip, to pump me back up with iron. Who knew the reason I was feeling so incapable of so many things was because my iron was just too low for proper function?<br />
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Her too! We have been a mess!<br />
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Hoping to find the underlying reason for this issue in our lives so we can prevent this 4 week long treatment from becoming an ongoing treatment, but also glad to have this as an option for helping us to feel human again. For some reason we aren't absorbing iron they way we we are supposed to...<br />
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That black bag of goo is giving me a new lease on functionality that I thought had flown right out the window, forever!<br />
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I'm making light of this, but it can be a major issue, low iron can shut down organs and is incredibly important in the function of the body. I will list just a few of the symptoms that I was experiencing that sent me seeking answers. <br />
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Extreme fatigue<br />
Muscle spasms<br />
Heart palpatations<br />
Shortness of breath<br />
Brain fog, forgetfulness, unclear thinking...<br />
Restless legs<br />
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These were the major things affecting me and there were days, I literally thought I was dying.<br />
Did you know that low iron can be cause of depression?? Who knew?<br />
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Get yourself checked people. It's not worth the consequences of letting yourself feel off.<br />
I was desperate for answers. I went from fully functional and able to be super mom, to feeling like I was going to die and unable to do the simplest of things without much effort. The low hit fast and unexpectedly at a time I wasn't prepared for it. (Consequently, while we were in the middle of a major life changing move last year.) On a sad note, a friend of ours recently lost a friend and co-worker from complications of low iron and her organs shutting down. Our prayers are with her family. This is serious stuff, folks. <br />
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One more infusion left for me, and then, hopefully, I will be able to maintain proper levels and not need this again.<br />
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Excited to feel fully functional, very soon! :) <br />
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Hallelujah! <br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-75109185748953562622016-05-17T01:13:00.000-05:002016-05-17T01:13:51.985-05:00My BoysWe are at two very different stages in boyhood in our family. <br />
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It's a strange place to be, with a toddler and a 19 year old, and living half a world away from the big boy. What a life. <br />
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This morning, something struck me as so very significant in where we are in our journey. <br />
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This sweet little one wandered in with his blankets to crawl into bed with Mama and Daddy for a little snuggle time at 5am.<br />
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And then while we were sleeping, a world away, our oldest son made a very grown up decision to serve our great country. <br />
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We are at two very different places with these two boys.<br />
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There are things I wish I could go back and change for our oldest son, but, I know we did the best we knew to do, we loved him, pushed him to be his best, encouraged him, cheered him on when he wanted to try new things. We were far from perfect parents. There were times we really messed up, but we did our best to correct our mistakes, in hopes that he would learn with us. Look at him, making adults decisions, to better his future, serve his country and become the man any parent would be proud of!<br />
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First off, as I look at this picture, I couldn't be more proud. Second, after nearly a year of being away from his family and not always doing things the easy way, I have to say I am pretty proud that he doesn't look like a slouch...Collared shirt, tucked in, hair isn't too long...proud mom moment right there! ;) Third, he's confident and steady and making solid plans for his future. This is a big deal after an overwhelming fear had tried to consume our entire family in the dark days following the loss of John Carter 6 years ago. It hasn't been easy, and we've fallen, many times, but we never admitted defeat, and always got back up and pushed through to prove no amount of darkness would hold a single person in our family down. Fourth, that we (he) got to this place. It's hard to explain, but that we are even talking about this right now, is a pretty big deal. I hope he knows how proud we all really are of him. There aren't adequate words, and since I am far away, I hope he can feel it from afar.<br />
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Last but not least, he's the 4th generation on his fathers side to serve our country and 3rd on my side of the family! Pretty awesome, if you ask me! <br />
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Then there is the little guy....<br />
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So young, full of life, happy, a blessing as his older brother is to us, as well, but at an age where nothing in life is a worry. The years will go quickly, this I know all too well, and I pray that this boy will radiate with confidence and direction all his days, and that his father and I always seek to do what is best for him and prepare him for a bright future.<br />
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Our children are God's greatest gifts. I am thankful for each one and hope and pray that they will seek His guidance and be light and love to a world in desperate need. <br />
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One in his young boyhood and one entering his manhood. <br />
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I am in awe. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-89720431416166241462016-05-15T09:01:00.003-05:002016-05-15T09:01:53.555-05:00Just A Thought (for my 500th post)For my 500th post, I shall say something that's been bothering me for a while. <br />
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Hold on to your seat.<br />
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What if. <br />
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There are some what if's in life that we could very easily get too focused on and catch ourselves reliving past mistakes and dwelling on things in life that we can no longer change. Those are not the what if's I am speaking of. <br />
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The what if's nagging the back of my mind are the ones are potentially capable of hurting those around us and creating a chaos so huge that it cannot be contained. The what if's in my head are those that can change the future; the things of life that can be controlled by our further action and reaction.<br />
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Without further ado:<br />
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What if we really sought out who we were created to be, embraced it, and moved forward with the best us we could be and didn't care what the heck anyone else thought?<br />
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What if we stopped forcing our opinions down the throats of those who have not asked for said opinion?<br />
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What if we just started to mind our own business?<br />
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What if we STOPPED all that mom shaming that is running so rampant in today's world that tells women they aren't good enough unless they are doing a laundry list of impossible things in order to raise our kids how the world has decided is best?<br />
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What if we let our kids play a little longer, outside, without constant supervision?<br />
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What if we played ball with our kids, sat down for dinner with our kids?<br />
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What if we did what we loved?<br />
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What if we didn't give a crap about keeping up with the Joneses?<br />
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What if we weren't defined by our outer circle based on how swanky our neighborhood is, or expensive of car we drive?<br />
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What if we took the time to really help people in need?<br />
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What if we looked for ways to give back to our communities?<br />
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What if we loved our spouses in a way that is palpable to our children?<br />
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What if we started to be the change, instead of talking about change?<br />
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What if we there were consequences for our actions?<br />
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What if we took responsibility and accepted that there ARE consequences for our actions?<br />
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What if we SHUT our pie holes?<br />
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What if we spent time with those who had so much less than us?<br />
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What if we STOPPED being offended and let those around us being offended step in the piles they create for themselves? After all, we aren't obligated to jump in a join the poop fest. So why do we?<br />
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What if we lived within our means?<br />
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What if we didn't look for reasons to be angry?<br />
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What if we stopped yelling?<br />
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What if we gave the benefit of the doubt?<br />
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What if we weren't negative? <br />
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What if we chose to be happy?<br />
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What if we chose to have hope?<br />
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What if we chose to walk by faith, even when we can't see what lies ahead?<br />
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What if we were encouragers?<br />
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What if we built each other up, and had each others backs?<br />
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What if we weren't one family, all for themselves?<br />
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What if we took our strengths and helped strengthen others?<br />
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What if we expected nothing in return?<br />
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What if we looked at humanity with love and care instead of judgement and hate?<br />
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What if we only offered advice when asked?<br />
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What if we raised our kids to love God and love others? <br />
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So many what if's and so little time.<br />
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But really, if you think about it, there is time, plenty of it. It's all the in the daily comings, goings and interactions of our days. Every day. We choose our responses, we choose our thoughts, we choose our reactions. <br />
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It starts right here people. It starts in OUR homes. It's our responsibility. No one else is responsible for what comes out of our mouths, or thoughts in our heads, and further, the actions we take.<br />
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If we don't like it, take it and shove it where the sun don't shine, because it really is up to us to be the change. Stop expecting everyone else to live up to expectations that we don't even hold ourselves to. Time to shut up and do something about it. <br />
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Be the change. Take the what if's and make them things that are commonplace in our lives and be a light and change that makes our world the type of place we are happy to raise our children and they can raise their children. <br />
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It's up to us.<br />
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So, in my opinion that you did not ask for... (mostly I say this as a reminder to myself when I am in my most frustrated times.) <br />
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And that's what's been going on in my mind.... <br />
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You are welcome! :) <br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-65512639727596356422016-04-24T05:01:00.001-05:002016-04-26T01:55:52.868-05:006 YearsSix long years ago...<br />
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Six short years ago....<br />
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Six years. How long it's been since our lives changed so suddenly. April is the month, for us, that is full of emotion and remembrance.<br />
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Last year at this time, we were busily preparing for a major change in our families life, in a move over seas and leaving behind the two oldest as they began the journey of life as young adults with out mom and dad near by. There was little time to sit and reflect on this significant time in our life, but through each day, I felt clearly the weight of each day and the different things that were reflected over the month, but had to keep pressing forward with a very busy time in our life. I was very aware of the significance of our sons 5th birthday, that he wouldn't be heading off to his first year of school, or being a part of a T-ball team, no doubt running us around and around in fun. The heaviness was there, the sting less painful than it had been before, but there were still tears that soaked my pillow as I would rest. <br />
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This year, six years. A 6th birthday on April 11. We were traveling, just the two of us. Celebrating our sweet lads life, and our 22nd wedding anniversary. While we were away, God blessed us tremendously, and for that we are grateful. Our hearts have continued to heal, but we still miss him with a desperation we cannot explain. As we pulled into port in Greece on a very beautiful day, we remembered him, and celebrated him the best way we knew how. My heart still felt the empty space as we spoke his name and whispered little things about how we missed him, and wished things would have been different, but it was less broken than the years before. We grieve for what we miss, for what would have or could have been. A sweet smile we never were able to see, and a giant bear hug and one last smell of his hair after a bath. In those things, we know what we are missing, but for us, in these little two that have blessed us beyond measure we receive an abundance of the things I just spoke of.<br />
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Six years gone, April 19. He was here just a short time, too short. Six years, he's been whole, free, and living beyond what we could have dreamed. It still stings. I suppose it always will since no amount of time or things or people replace a loss so great. So important to us still and always, our John Carter. So missed, so loved for 6 long, yet short years.<br />
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22 Years of marriage, just a few days ago. We feel our years and yet at the same time, they've also rushed by so very quickly. We've stuck together through the hardest imaginable times any marriage can endure, especially after what loss does to us. Worth it. Every day, it's worth it.<br />
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April 26, the day we finally were able to lay our son to rest. A beautiful day, I remember it like yesterday. So incredibly heartbreaking, but so amazingly beautiful. I still thank God for little reminders of his nearness that day, for remembering us, and faithfulness to our hearts.<br />
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Thankful for family that remember him, and take the time to show they haven't forgotten. It means so much, especially when we are so far away and unable to do what we would like in remembrance for him. Not that he cares, but we do, and it really is touching when others show this love.<br />
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And finally, last but not least, I go back a little bit to April 13, 5 years ago. Just a year and two days after our sons birthday, we learned our sweet Claire was gone just 23 weeks into my pregnancy with our twin girls, that just 3 weeks later would again change our lives in a very significant way. It was a very hard hit to our family, once again.<br />
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What I've learned in our years of parenting have dealt some pretty big lessons, in many many ways. We do our best, raise them in what we believe is right, teach them to love and respect, guide them, guard them, and still the rain may fall. We can't control all things at all times, and there are days and weeks, months and years that we do hard things that others may not understand in order to reach them where they are at. We pray, and pray that they will be protected, independent able bodied adults that will find their way in a hard world that has already dealt some life altering shocks that at times feel like they sucked the life right out of you. We expect them to make (mature) adult decisions (many time before they are prepared to) and be ready to provide for themselves and later a family in a very tough world. Sometimes we get it right, and sometimes painfully wrong, but we keep moving forward no matter the mountain in front of us, and pray that eventually we come to the peak of that mountain and see clearly on the other side the things learned along the way. It's a process. Grief is a process. We don't all learn things the first time around, and some of us need some whops upside the head along the way, but we don't give up and we fight for our family that we love desperately and hope an easy future for them even through uncertainty.<br />
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I've learned a lot in 6 years, 22 years, 5 years, 20 years, 19 years, 17 years, 4 years, and finally the last 2 years with the little rascal speeding around my living room. Point is, none of us knows what lies ahead, and we are all just doing our best to do what right for our families, when the sun is shining, and when the rain is pouring so hard we can't see the steps we are taking to get through the storm. We live, laugh, love and find our way when we are willing to learn from the things in life that weren't planned, where we tripped, stepped in it big time, or when we've just been still and found ways to love others despite the hurts that overwhelm our hearts.<br />
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It's been 6 years since we greeted our son and then said goodbye. We've lived more life in these 6 years than we knew was possible. It's changed us. There is a love and compassion far greater than we knew was humanly possible flowing within us. Sometimes it breaks our hearts, but we know this journey continues on, and we continue on with it, wherever it may lead us.<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-53103468674629053972016-04-18T01:32:00.001-05:002016-04-18T01:32:38.245-05:00Working My Way Back...Somewhere along the way, my mind became a jumbled mess of thoughts, and distractions, that has kept me from thinking clearly enough to write my thoughts down.<br />
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In an attempt to focus, I am going to give it a go again. I find it somewhat helpful from time to time to let my fingers do the talking, and lately, that has been lacking.<br />
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Being a wife, mother to teens and toddlers, a manager of the home, and all that involves, has kept me busy enough that there is little time to think of anything else.<br />
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Time to get me empty my think tank of the stuff that is sitting up there taking up space.<br />
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Working my way back to you... Blog. :)<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-9457485397998552312016-01-17T02:16:00.001-06:002016-01-17T02:16:07.075-06:00Not Feeling ItI've been absent. I've been distracted.<br />
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Mostly, I'm not feeling it. When I am you will hear from me again. Not that you are waiting on pins and needles, because I never assume anyone is. I just thought I would pop in and say, I have a lot to say in my head, but putting it to paper (or blog in this case) has become a challenge. <br />
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My life is good. It's not perfect, but it's still good. My family is like any other. Since we are only human, it would be only natural to be as weird and crazy as each one of you think your own family is. So, I take it all in, and attempt to keep my sanity among our crazy of toddlers and teenagers. <br />
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We had a super fun month of December, filled with vacations and seeing our big kids, but now I reflect in this new year. <br />
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I reflect on our life, where we are now, and what the future may bring. So many unknowns, and exciting times ahead no doubt. <br />
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Today, and for the last couple weeks, I will sit and try to take in every moment of quiet I can find, and just be still. <br />
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Until then, I will try to weed through this distracted brain of mine, and will one of these days, find my words, and put them to blog. Hopefully soon. I need to rid my mind of the excess that is sitting in there taking up valuable space. <br />
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Learning to be still...<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-20820438823409665192015-11-29T02:15:00.000-06:002015-11-29T02:15:08.183-06:00A Week of Party!What a week!<br />
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It was full and it was fun!<br />
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Wednesday morning, it rained and it poured and the old man snored. Well, maybe not that last part, but it could have happened! I was sleeping when the rain started so who knows about the snoring part. :) <br />
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Anyway, lots of rain! Desert living is not designed for drainage, and lots of rain equals lots of water that doesn't have anywhere to go. This translates to flooding. Lots of flooding. Water running down windows in my house, and a garden that looked like a pond. Schools closed, kids played, people in cars drove into deep water ending up stranded, people had fun with the rain and jumped in little boats and paddled their way around. Good times!<br />
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It was the big guys official birthday, so I was baking and cooking all day, preparing for a delicious birthday dinner of homemade Mexican food. Be. Still. My. Heart. Chicken chilaquiles verde, spanish rice, and beans. It was so good. <br />
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The birthday cake though! Oh my goodness, I would like another one of those delightful pieces of cake. <br />
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Pumpkin Praline Torte = Heaven, in my bellah. :P<br />
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A couple little turkeys I know made their daddy a homemade gift for his birthday. Those same turkeys decorated the outside of the house that morning with dry erase markers. That was fun to clean, said no mom, ever! LOL<br />
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I baked and cooked again all day the next day for our Thanksgiving dinner contributions. We had a great evening with wonderful food, and great friends. It was a successful first Thanksgiving away from home. There was a great turkey famine this year in these parts, but by some stroke of luck, we had a nice turkey, thanks to our friends. <br />
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Pretty, huh? It was yummy. I didn't roast it this year, but the person that did, roasted it perfectly. So good!<br />
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After a fun night of food and spending time with friends, we ventured home to prepare for our next adventure of camping in the desert.<br />
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We camped on the beach. The kids played, searched for shells for hours, and had the best time. <br />
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Someone would not look at the camera to get a family picture. She wanted more shells. <br />
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Some of the lovely ladies we camped with. There were many more not in the picture, but the two little ones steal the show with this shot. :) <br />
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Still trying to get her to look up, and then there is the cutie with that hat...No idea what he is doing, but he's pretty cute sitting up there. <br />
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This is what she wanted to do, not take a picture. So funny. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She came home with hundreds of shells, scraped up feet from walking on the rocky area of the beach and last but not least, very worn out. That's how we know she had fun. :)<br />
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The little guy dug in the sand, and played for hours, just digging away. I think our teenage daughter found some of the coolest finds of the weekend, including several live starfish and an anchor of some sort. She spent about as much time as the little one did searching in the water for whatever she could find. In this way, these two lovely ladies of mine are very similar. It was fun to watch them both. <br />
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We watched the sun set, and the moon come up over the horizon, and spent time with some really amazing people. It was fun, and it was good. Thank you, Katie for bringing your camera to take some of the amazing pictures I've shared in this post! Amazing!<br />
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God has been so good to us, here in this desert. <br />
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Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-85704149957647101102015-11-23T02:25:00.002-06:002015-11-23T02:25:18.529-06:00Weekend FunWe are so glad the weather has become so nice. I was skeptical that it would happen, and although it took a while, it's pretty good. With the amazing weather has come fun outings of good times, laughter, and exploration.<br />
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I didn't get any great pictures, but I did get some okay looking ones to share. Still haven't been able to figure out the problem with my phone camera, and it leaves me quite disappointed. Here though in some blurry glory are a few fun adventures we had this weekend.<br />
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We chased birds. It was great fun, but hard to get the full scale of just how many birds there were. The kids would run and they would scatter. Good news, no one was pooed on! Woot!<br />
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The little ones hat cracks me up. They are good at keeping their hats on to protect their faces, as well as their sunglasses. <br />
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We got there somewhat early, but they close up for several hours in the middle of the day only to re-open later. This is what a bit of the Souq looks like closed up. It was actually quite nice to walk around even after things closed.<br />
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We also found a pretty great little place to grab a breakfast sandwhich/rollup thingy, that the we all quite enjoyed. No pictures of that, but it's a place we will be sure to return to frequently. It was good, and really cheap! Bonus!<br />
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This is what you get after strolling around for a bit. He was zonked. His radar detector was on high sensitivity as we made it back to the chasing of the birds and was bright eyed and bushy tailed once again as he ran and reached his arms out and up to catch the birds. :) He's getting rather large, from the looks of this picture. <br />
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Someone was a very good salesman and started giving our youngest daughter presents, in order to get us to buy. Well played, sir. It worked. Anyhow, this is supposedly a decorative Arabic way to write her name, inside of a neat box that had a necklace just for her.<br />
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No Christmas tree would be complete without a little local flair, so we got an ornament with a camel on it. Actually, we got two. <br />
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After returning home from a fun filled day that also included making a trip to find a capo for my new guitar, we settled the kids, and rested for a bit, before the parents decided it was time for a little us time. We went on a date, to celebrate our birthdays. <br />
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We tried out a new restaurant. It was okay. Actually, had we stopped at the appetizer and salad we would have been perfectly happy, as the main course was just, eh. It was still a great time out, and the weather was amazing for sitting outside near the beach. This view was pretty, the picture does it zero justice.<br />
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We relaxed in lounge chairs by the beach after dinner, and laughed a bit as we enjoyed the quiet and cool evening. I got to wear my big girl shoes, and didn't have to chase any toddlers to try to get them to eat their dinner, and no one cried that they "didn't like it".<br />
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Heavenly! :) While I do enjoy even those crazy moments, it's sure nice to be still at times.<br />
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These are our last days in our 30's. I wish I could say our 30's were all lovely and wonderful. Truth is, life isn't like that, and in the memories we have the good, the bad, and the ugly, mixed in with the joyous, happy and laughter filled days. The good times can be a challenge to remember when life gets hard, but we try to find it, remember it, and embrace it. <br />
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While it feels like I blinked and arrived here at this age, it also seems ages ago that we turned 30. <br />
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Life is weird. <br />
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We are good at being weird together. Happy Birthday, to us! <br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-83826533307968358562015-11-18T06:28:00.001-06:002015-11-23T23:33:28.240-06:00Never Take for GrantedAs I sit here, my heart is heavy for this world, for my family, and for my children.<br />
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I've witnessed many upsetting things in this life. I've seen people like you and me treated horribly. I've seen favor given to those that are not deserving. I've cried for the hurting, prayed for those in need, and have offered a hand to hold when life became unbearable. My life has been changed in so many ways. I am amazed today, of how much more there has been to learn about life and how blessed we have been to have been raised in our great country, that isn't acting so great right now.<br />
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Eyes have been blinded. Hearts have been hardened. People have been forgotten, and cast aside. Inward focus has become the way to live. It's in the what's best for me, how does it benefit me mentality that I've watched our great country forget who we truly are. Our rights and what offends us seems to be more important than anything in front of us.<br />
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So, what I want to say, is really directly for my family, my big kids specifically. <br />
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You are privileged beyond belief. You were born in a country that offers things you have taken for granted. Not because you are selfish, but, because you may not know any better. I suppose we, as your parents didn't realize how important it was to impress upon you this knowledge. After all, we got so caught up in life that we forget to realize that great big world existed outside of our own little families daily comings and goings. We raised you in a christian home, that by no means was perfect, but with hearts that wanted to perfectly follow Christ in all we did. We sought out direction and wisdom from God and stuck to whatever path He would lead us on, never knowing what the future held. We prayed daily for each of you, and were grateful for each day we had with every one of you. We raised you to pray, think and believe for yourselves what God would have for you. We did our best to show you the right way to live, and sometimes the wrong ways to live by some of our actions. We taught you to save, and that nothing comes for free. Hard work and dedication would be essential in your life, and we worked to model that daily. You had opportunities for education, that sometimes you begrudgingly faced day after day. I made you do things you didn't want to do, because it was right. We taught you to love others, and to be a light. We did all we could think to do as we brought you up to be the best you could possibly be. I believe with all of my heart the most important of these things was to love God and love others, and I see each of you modeling that.<br />
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But.... <br />
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Do you know there are people in this world who aren't free to worship God as you do?<br />
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Do you know that there are people in this world that don't know how to read, write, or even do simple math?<br />
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Do you know that there are people in this world that have been told they will never be more than the lowest of the low, because of where they are born?<br />
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Do you know that some people will work all their life harder than you could ever imagine, for pay you would scoff at?<br />
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There are those that have leaky roofs over their one room dirt floored home, filled with their families of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Can you even imagine what that would be like? All their life, this is how they have lived, because it's all they can afford, and no matter how hard they work, that will NEVER change?<br />
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There are people who live on so little to eat after working long days for little pay that they forego their food so their children will be less hungry. You do not know the hunger they feel daily. <br />
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These people exist. I see it every day. My eyes have been opened, and my heart broken. <br />
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Our biggest concern so often is what so and so didn't do for us, and the reason we are in the situations we are in is because of someone else. I don't see any of the people I am speaking of blaming any one. They work hard, for little, and they do it with a smile. They are genuinely grateful for all they have, even though it is so little.<br />
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So, my dear kids, I pray you really grasp what I am saying to you and hope you really digest this:<br />
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You live in a country that gives you the freedom to worship. So, worship with all your heart, and really be a light. It's a privilege, do not take it for granted. There are some who can't worship and believe like you do, even if they want to.<br />
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You live in a country that allows all to have an education. Now, you are mostly done with your early years of school, but be thankful you were able to learn to read, write and do simple math, and advance on to harder and more challenging things. It's a privilege not afforded to all, and being able to read is a gift many would be happy to have. The privilege does not stop there...<br />
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You live in a country that allows you to advance yourself as much as you want educationally through university, and onward through your working years to be as successful as you work for. Do not take for granted the low paying job you start with, because if you are willing to work hard, that low paying job will grow you to be prepared for more. It is not beneath you, no job is beneath you, so be happy and thankful you have a paycheck and an opportunity to work and move up to greater things one day. You have an opportunity to be as much as you are willing to work hard to be, where many are not. Take the tools you have in your free country to make yourself something more than you dreamed. It may not come easy, but it will be worth it, and you will be proud of yourself.<br />
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Look people in the eye, and be confident. There are some who have been told they aren't good enough to look anyone in eyes when they are speaking or being spoken to. Can you imagine walking around and never looking up to see a smile on a persons face, or just a glance of approval from someone? I assure you, there are those that walk looking down and avoid all eye contact, because they are told they are less than. Never forget to look at people, and really see them. You have eyes that allow you to see, so ask that the Lord open your eyes to see clearly.<br />
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Can you imagine living in a world where no one tells you they are proud of you, or that you can achieve what you are willing to work for? A world where no one tells you that you are loved, and that you aren't worthless? There are people who are never told anything encouraging, and work with their head down for pennies. They aren't thanked, and do not work for promotion, they just work to eat that day, and to hope to send money home to help feed someone else, while they go without.<br />
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Do you see the picture I am painting?<br />
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You have the opportunity to aim for the sky and the tools to get there, if you so choose. Don't take it for granted. Don't throw away opportunity because you think it's too hard or takes too much work. Do whatever it takes to make the best of the things you are able to do to make a good life for you and your families. Take responsibility for you and where you go in life. Be willing to work hard, even if it means doing something you don't want to do for a time. There are people in this world that would be overjoyed for the things you think are useless, and a waste of your time.<br />
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The little things like not living in the perfect neighborhood, or having to work at a job you don't like, or writing a paper that you feel is a waste of time, is actually all a gift. Do all you do to the best of your ability. Wear a smile on your face that you have a chance at a better life because of these steps you have to take to get there. Never forget you are no better than those I speak of who have little and work harder than you will ever have to work in your life. I know without a doubt, if these that I am talking about were to have the opportunities you have, they would cry out in joy and work until their hands were bleeding to make it happen. No one owes you anything, it is solely up to you for where you go from here, so do all you do, with your best. <br />
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Look at the people around you and realize they may be hurting, and just trying to make it. Be grateful for a family that believes in you, and raised you to be strong God fearing people with all the tools needed to succeed in life by doing our best to model the very things I am speaking of.<br />
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I do not say these things because I think you are ungrateful, I say them because we often forget how blessed we are to have the chance to make our lives better through hard work. I am proud of each of you. I love each of you and I believe God has great things for each one of you and your future families.<br />
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If we stop expecting and start doing, we can see the world and our country become a better and greater place to be. Our mindset must change so we can be all we were created to be. We have to stop talking, and thinking and start doing. Sometimes that means doing hard things. Be willing to do the hard things. Be willing to let God use you to be a difference in the world and to those around you. Open your eyes that you may see more clearly where our own hearts need to change. <br />
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Never take for granted the life you have. Own who you are, and take responsibility. You are valuable, amazing kids, with a heart to do what God wants in your life. Now go do the work it takes, because you are free to do that work, and worship Him with all that is in you and because you are free to worship Him. We raised you the best we knew how. Now learn from the good things and the not so great things in that and go forward, grateful that you can live the life you build, and never be held back because of where you were born.<br />
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My love for you all grows more every day, and I could not be more blessed to have you in my life. The greatest gift I was ever given was each and every one of my kids of whom I am so very proud. I believe in each of you and look forward to seeing who you become as adults. I want to close this with these last couple of thoughts:<br />
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Do not waste it. You are valuable. Be a LIGHT.<br />
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While you are at it, pray for those that are so much less fortunate than you, that someone, somewhere, somehow, will be a light to them.<br />
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P.S..... I will never stop mothering you. Take it or leave it, it's what a mom does. xoxoxo<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-69125163875442982182015-11-15T00:58:00.001-06:002015-11-15T00:59:22.633-06:00Life in the Desert<br />
When in Rome, do as the Romans do...<br />
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How bout, when in the desert, do what there is to do in the desert. :) <br />
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Every weekend is a new adventure for us, as we try to embrace this new place as our home.<br />
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The craziest thing we've done so far since moving here might not seem like such a crazy thing at first. We went to the sea, for a beach day. The crazy thing about going to this part of the sea was the drive, as only half of the hour and a half drive was on roads.<br />
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The rest of the drive looked like this:<br />
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That my friends is sand. Lots and lots of sand, and dunes that WE DROVE OVER. Miles of it. Had I not had such a death grip on the car trying to keep myself steady in my seat, there would be more pictures, especially of the dunes on the way to the sea, but, alas, this was all I could get of the sand and car adventure. It was bumpy, it was sandy, it was slippery, it was scary at times, and it was crazy!<br />
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If I had a picture of what we were really doing to help you understand the serious craziness of our adventure, it would have looked like this: Disclaimer, NOT MY PICTURES...<br />
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This is a thing here. This is what you do, when you live in the desert. You drive through sand to get to the sea. Talk about a wild ride! :)<br />
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I have a few pictures of the kids having fun at the sea on our camera since my silly phone won't take a good close up picture anymore. Gonna have to get that out for a future update full of pictures.<br />
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For now though, I will show you how we ended our desert ride of fun. Well, some of us anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Babes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And finally, our fearless driver, who happened to think this was the best thing ever to happen for him, since moving here:<br />
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We explored a local park and saw something AMAZING, and yet so simple.<br />
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Do you see what I see? Trees! Green! It's a miracle! Looking forward to some cool days at the park in our near future.<br />
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At the same park, was this glorious view:<br />
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Again, dealing with a blurry phone, but, it's lovely anyway.<br />
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Finally, I leave you with these cuties:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two are best buds</td></tr>
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Our last two weekends in a nutshell. This weekend also involved Christmas Decorations. I needed a little Peace, Joy, Hope and the Love of Christmas to be a part of my home since we are so far away. This is the earliest I have ever done this, but a tree is up (thankful to a dear friend for giving us a tree) and decorated, and Christmas music has been playing. Remembering the true meaning of this beautiful season as we rest, in the desert.<br />
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We celebrate Christ this Christmas season. All Glory to Him. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-29966145164741299692015-11-12T04:07:00.003-06:002015-11-12T04:07:57.043-06:00Thankful ThursdayAll it takes is a little something simple from home to put a smile on some sweet little faces.<br />
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Today that simple something is a bag of marshmallows brought to us after Daddy's trip to the States a bit over 5 weeks ago. <br />
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Pair it with another little something and you get a glorious thing to be thankful for.<br />
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I am thankful for Rice Krispy Treats.<br />
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But mostly, I am thankful for one of the best gifts of all. Smiles on the faces of the little ones that bring so much joy to our lives. <br />
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What are you thankful for today?<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-3422735031952996992015-11-03T23:15:00.001-06:002015-11-03T23:15:48.668-06:00Date NightSometimes a date night is called for. <br />
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Sometimes pumpkin anything is called for.<br />
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Tonight was a night to fulfill both. Oh Happy Day!<br />
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Pretty Lattes, and Pumpkin Cheesecake from our favorite, Magnolia Bakery. :)<br />
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On a sour note, my iPhone refuses to take a clear up close picture since the last update, which makes me very sad. Hence the unfocused picture of my beautiful delights on the table in front of me.<br />
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On a happy note, it's cooling off. 82 degrees after the sun went down last evening, just in time for our date. When 82 feels cool, you know you live in the Middle East. <br />
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It was a nice step away from the worries and realities of life. No getting around it, there will always be something in life that will leave us with questions of how to proceed, and how to best help. When it comes down to it, my only solid answer that keeps me focused, is to pray. Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-45527162359623336912015-11-02T04:32:00.002-06:002015-11-02T04:32:52.146-06:00Message in the CloudsThere are times we don't get the message, and there are times it's so visible it could smack us upside the head.<br />
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In the clouds last night, a beautiful masterpiece of a reminder that God is so much bigger than anything in this life.<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-18478027695840940922015-10-26T04:26:00.002-05:002015-10-26T04:26:26.715-05:00Bring on the PumpkinThis past week, I broke out a can. <br />
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A can of pumpkin. The stuff of fall baking yumminess, in my opinion. <br />
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This is just the beginning of many good pumpkin things to come.<br />
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. They were loved by all and gobbled up quickly by my happy pumpkin eating herd. <br />
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Looking for the next delicious delight we will make in the next couple of days. This time I am thinking, either pumpkin cream cheese muffins, like the ones you can get at Starbucks this time of year, or pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes....<br />
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I've got the can on my counter and it's waiting to be turned into some beautifully pumpkin and delicious.<br />
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Until next time, enjoy your pumpkin delights in this beautiful season of fall. :)<br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-44246636672635275722015-10-20T04:35:00.003-05:002015-10-20T07:25:04.335-05:00An Adventurous Weekend of OutingsOur weekend was busy; full of new places, food and things.<br />
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It was good to get out and do something as one can feel a bit claustrophobic here at times. So, we started with our typical grocery shopping adventure on Thursday evening.<br />
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Before we could gather our strength to grocery shop, we decided to eat outside for the first time since I arrived. We chose Johnny Rockets, and had a great dinner outside in the 91 degree heat of the night. It's dark here by 5pm right now, and thankfully once the sun goes down, the heat is more tolerable. Anyway, I was super happy to eat a yummy burger and drink a coke. :) With a full belly, I did the grocery shopping. It best to shop on a full tummy, but that also means I end up without things I needed because I was too full to think I needed said things. I made up for it the next day. <br />
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Friday's are days of worship here, so naturally, we did just that and then were off to buy a dryer to help make laundry less of a headache. I'm told I am spoiled to have a dryer... I happen to think it's necessary with a family, especially for towels, sheets, and bedding. It's not as hot as it was, so things are taking much longer to dry. If the towels don't dry fast enough, they stink, and I hate it when my towels stink. To find our new dryer, we ventured to a new store and got a few more groceries in the process. By the time we had accomplished all this great fun, our tummies were rumbling. We topped off this adventure with homemade tacos. They were so good!<br />
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As a side note: Dryers are not a normal thing for people to own here, they don't vent to the outside, and they have a tank for condensation that must be emptied after drying a load of laundry. Learning new things here, every day! So, maybe, I am spoiled.<br />
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Saturday morning was upon us and it was time to get out once again for a bagel breakfast. This time a new location at a mall. And we waited and waited and waited and waited....You get the picture. We weren't the only ones with the swell idea to eat bagels for breakfast. You should have seen the line to get into the brand new IHOP that just opened here! Crazy people!<br />
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After waiting for what seemed like ages, we ate, walked through a couple stores, and then hopped in the car to drive next door to the next mall for our daughter to look at a store she saw a skirt in a couple weeks ago. It is literally right next to the one we were in. As in side by side malls... Malls! Malls, everywhere!<br />
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She didn't find the skirt she was looking for, but did find two others she had to have. While waiting, our cutie 4 year old eyeballed some candy next to the checkout counter in this store, and asked me for some. It of course is for sale, and not a free for all, like she had hoped. I let her down gently and told her, we had to pay for it, and she happily walked away and found something else to look at. About 5 minutes later, a local woman, dressed in her local garb, walked over and gave our sweet girl a box of nerds that she had purchased for her. What a sweet gesture, and completely unexpected in more ways than one. One thing I have noticed is how much the local people here value children. They love kids, All kids. We said our thank-yous as I stood in awe of the kindness extended to us.<br />
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That adventure was done, so we headed home for a nap before the next and final leg of our adventurous weekend.<br />
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We ventured to a neat place in town called the Souq. First up, dinner, since we had skipped lunch after our later than expected breakfast.<br />
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Something new to us, Iraqi food. Here we are enjoying the delicious dinner:<br />
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It was more food than we could eat, and was fun to try something new. Thankfully we saved the walking for after dinner so we could burn some of it off. The souq was a bit like being in another country within this modern country. Very interesting.<br />
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This man was singing and making bracelets, so we had him make one for this little lady. If you look closely you can see it on her arm. In the picture above this one, she was a little intimidated that he was making it just for her, and singing her a song. So cute.<br />
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After that we saw things we can't un-see, and smelly things like camels, pretty things like Arabian horses, shops galore with everything you can imagine in these shops.<br />
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It was a busy weekend for us. We even had nice people let us in to lanes when we had our blinkers on! It was a miracle! :)<br />
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My dryer was delivered Sunday night, and I washed towels and sheets and had them all dry in a matter of a few hours instead of hanging all over the upstairs taking up space. Yay!<br />
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Spoiled? Not so sure. Certainly thankful! <br />
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We topped off the night with bath time.<br />
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I don't know about you, but I certainly can't imagine a better bath where goggles weren't a part of the party. Love these two and their spunky, funny personalities. <br />
<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-59112320532730291522015-10-12T02:51:00.004-05:002015-10-12T02:51:57.097-05:00A Little Bit of FallI heard through the grapevine there were pumpkins at the Wholesale Market! <br />
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We found the market, and we found the pumpkins!<br />
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While they aren't quite the same as what we are familiar with, we will take any form of pumpkin we can get to make it feel a little bit like fall in our home.<br />
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This was our find!<br />
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Big ones, small ones, fat ones, tall ones, green ones, brown, and somewhat orange ones. Have you ever seen a pumpkin like that? :)<br />
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In case you were wondering; it's still hot. Some might say very hot, but on a very hot scale in the Middle East, I say if it's just 100, things are changing for the better. It's finally starting to cool off, and let me tell you, there is a tolerable difference between 135 and 100. At night the temperatures are finally starting to drop below the 90's and I see 79 at night in the next 10 day forecast. Highs for the day around 97, with a couple 93's stuck in here and there. That will feel nice! Humidity is also finally settling down. Oh, Happy Day!<br />
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I am beginning to try to figure out how to make a Thanksgiving dinner next month, and hear there is a difficulty finding Turkeys around these parts. People are making their holiday and Christmas plans already, and for those that are planning to stay, they've already given invites for Christmas parties. I suppose it's time to get on that and make some plans of my own. Hard to believe the end of the year isn't too far off. <br />
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The days go quickly, and the kids keep growing and changing faster than I can blink. <br />
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Thanking God for every day, and for pumpkins. :)<br />
<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-86138847595848055832015-10-06T02:56:00.001-05:002015-10-06T02:56:24.609-05:00An Aisle of....While shopping a couple of weeks ago, I came upon an entire aisle of different sizes of something interesting.<br />
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A Wall of Nutella! I couldn't even fit it all in the picture, and failed to get the giant buckets of it included that were on the top shelf. If you look closely, you will see something interesting right next to the Nutella, on the right...<br />
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Marmite. Gross. What a strange combination. <br />
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At least if I can't find what I am looking for, I can always be assured there will be a wall of Nutella, somewhere. <br />
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:) Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735072945588191454.post-53560813408473119162015-10-01T00:40:00.002-05:002015-10-01T00:40:45.237-05:00Like Christmas in September! You've heard me talk of my grocery shopping experiences as of late. I've found alternatives for some things, and other things I've improvised, while missing other things all together. <br />
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That's when Christmas came to my house and delivered many, many things that make my heart smile, and my tummy happy. <br />
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Thanking my hubby for bring home this loot! There was more that was not kitchen related, and a few things in the pile that were requested of our teenager and toddlers. Suckers for instance, are a great way to distract little ones from long lines, the occasional time filler when we are occupied, and are wonderful when traveling, so this bag of dum-dums should last a while. Teenager requested poptarts and allergy pills. She is very allergic to cats, and as you all know, she rescued one recently and is happily paying the price of her allergy, and now happily taking allergy pills in hopes that it will help her enjoy the kitty even more. Vitamins for the kids, and spices, canned pumpkin, chocolate chips galore, (for my holiday baking endeavors) a special type of tea that is difficult to find here, and last but not least a few that are special to my heart....Corn tortillas, salsa verde, and real VANILLA! <br />
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So, as I said, it felt like a great big present as we unloaded the suitcase full of goods and necessities that had the kids squealing with excitement at their new books, crayons and coloring books, and even special toothbrushes. Christmas came early for us! So fun!<br />
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This weekend I will host a dinner party. I will use tortillas for sure! So excited! :) <br />
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<br />Mellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05103970599447700302noreply@blogger.com