tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25776437118356975292024-03-14T03:18:50.186-04:00Woven and Spun"For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb." ~Psalm 139:13, NASBErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-52280178401157051142010-12-18T11:59:00.006-05:002010-12-18T12:09:28.063-05:00Baking Banana Bread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDXLWD7oj29pe8b9v_FglL7BCnHjevZt0D7Z0vuJn0zclQxTk5pW7M9C6prVqSyA4isMYZ-fBjH70DjpDgBFksciyhC1PxG230bOChubSS3oiAVGXFmroS23f6u7JUHf-hek0yukL4yd0/s1600/IMG_8867.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M1O64bZQhQMDVYImgg2IBClQ8aHG5cjFx8WnmY0xu3pa-eKsWL9lSCbJYRBwXFDeDY4rmzM0HKxsUdsICBBII2jXOkaTJRHi7prUk90HW5r9cwu8aMjqIdpwhWIr3qhDK9j-6LMB-OcZ/s1600/IMG_9148.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M1O64bZQhQMDVYImgg2IBClQ8aHG5cjFx8WnmY0xu3pa-eKsWL9lSCbJYRBwXFDeDY4rmzM0HKxsUdsICBBII2jXOkaTJRHi7prUk90HW5r9cwu8aMjqIdpwhWIr3qhDK9j-6LMB-OcZ/s320/IMG_9148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552069638178138274" border="0" /></a><br />At 2 1/2, Emma Brooke has become quiet the little baker. One of her favorite activities is helping me bake or cook. If she hears me in the kitchen, she runs in there, asks me to get her apron, and says, "I want to help!" We've baked several loaves of banana bread for our neighbors and Bible study teachers. Sometimes it would be easier and quicker to just bake by myself, but I want her to learn, and I don't want to squelch her little desire to help.<br /><br />I love my little baker!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDXLWD7oj29pe8b9v_FglL7BCnHjevZt0D7Z0vuJn0zclQxTk5pW7M9C6prVqSyA4isMYZ-fBjH70DjpDgBFksciyhC1PxG230bOChubSS3oiAVGXFmroS23f6u7JUHf-hek0yukL4yd0/s1600/IMG_8867.jpg"><br /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-86981378843772138422010-12-07T12:35:00.052-05:002010-12-11T22:34:33.021-05:00Confessions of a Failed Blogger<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy8BJ04F9poiLlKZBmJvtKiDL1HB7YR1a79tac_sfKResf8jCGFQbsBT2NaoQkHZsOcm77fW3TwF4MbMfbymN84Um_PmM989EtcefF-St1emATxuCTq64NXIJdA7mU2FLLKIUm1VRCD2W/s1600/IMG_6530.jpg"><br /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_GvK7VdpnM2YnbovaEThRgr0BbTdthniqtd2S4X0W5YfJ0UPSuUNRyecFt22P_BVIfnTcvbrle4U1TsEDOZG-J2uCYUH5aSWJBOI-7O9L9vbrsopmHQUOyJH1pOoDYZnkbFXsOPgwWnH/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_GvK7VdpnM2YnbovaEThRgr0BbTdthniqtd2S4X0W5YfJ0UPSuUNRyecFt22P_BVIfnTcvbrle4U1TsEDOZG-J2uCYUH5aSWJBOI-7O9L9vbrsopmHQUOyJH1pOoDYZnkbFXsOPgwWnH/s320/IMG_7592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549530253531005218" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >OK. I confess (as if you didn’t already know)—I’m a <span style="font-weight: bold;">failed blogger</span>. I haven’t written here in 9 1/2 months. Yes, I know that’s almost a year! But…I have somewhat of an excuse. I had just found out I was <span style="font-weight: bold;">PREGNANT</span> when I posted last February, and I was fatigued, a little overwhelmed and looking for something to give up. So blogging went out the window.</span></div><p style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Baby Maggie's 6 1/2 weeks old now, so maybe I'll try posting more often....or at least once every 6 months. :)<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > Here’s what we've been doing over the past 9 1/2 months:</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 1. Attended Beth Moore’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Esther-Tough-Being-Woman-Member/dp/1415865965">Esther</a> Bible study at a local church. It was good, but, for now, I’m a little Beth Moored out.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 2. Took a mini family vacation to <a href="http://www.edistobeach.com/">Edisto</a>, S.C., compliments of my best friend/college roommate, Brantley, her husband, Josh, and Brantley’s parents, Pete and Brenda! It was fun, relaxing, and probably the best vacation we’ve taken together since our honeymoon.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92h_EpSGW4kfzsPn1kxNAGiX-JUAbA9iUGb7oYOc8SoX476EAoHLa_rpzdHkZaZF_4qjyBUmu8hhISa3wSTRaOEooi0brbVj-iXjT0OsP-LZafihq7TLvEpJfOuFM-kGn7M6WdBCHCznd/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92h_EpSGW4kfzsPn1kxNAGiX-JUAbA9iUGb7oYOc8SoX476EAoHLa_rpzdHkZaZF_4qjyBUmu8hhISa3wSTRaOEooi0brbVj-iXjT0OsP-LZafihq7TLvEpJfOuFM-kGn7M6WdBCHCznd/s320/IMG_2827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549504888224668946" border="0" /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > Brantley and Brenda have co-authored the <a href="http://www.bellmanbear.com/">Bellman Bear</a> books, a children’s series that teaches about other cultures. Check them out!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 3. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Let myself go:</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM71xe1BgwPCIBVYjb_mPlOywt19erxV0QjvYs8zRg3vex-ILJwIP1ocDtwmAQBJkTxG359OTtN0bxzQ00O8PQrEjBo_22uuJHTIAZ-VUlmBcUYxcR51B5lwsB56gld-CcT3N2aavqXG_P/s1600/IMG_9888.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM71xe1BgwPCIBVYjb_mPlOywt19erxV0QjvYs8zRg3vex-ILJwIP1ocDtwmAQBJkTxG359OTtN0bxzQ00O8PQrEjBo_22uuJHTIAZ-VUlmBcUYxcR51B5lwsB56gld-CcT3N2aavqXG_P/s320/IMG_9888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549507595646413410" border="0" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > <br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > Just kidding. I was P-R-E-G-N-A-N-T!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 4.Got bigger:</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWHo24PH-xukLIOu2DzbK7jvtJwgFjMYaKQJ1m3jCuPk_QgUYKFM9xpnSDciiPgaJGJGO1U0wqSAGb793grGKYtyf9A5OPC9PFCXrm6bM1vdPw6r6aORIAEeu3mLEsmGdgL7TuiRh3K70/s1600/IMG_5550.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWHo24PH-xukLIOu2DzbK7jvtJwgFjMYaKQJ1m3jCuPk_QgUYKFM9xpnSDciiPgaJGJGO1U0wqSAGb793grGKYtyf9A5OPC9PFCXrm6bM1vdPw6r6aORIAEeu3mLEsmGdgL7TuiRh3K70/s320/IMG_5550.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549509803190346050" border="0" /></a></span>5. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >And bigger (Here I am with Brantley at her baby shower! Luke is one week older than Maggie!):<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FVP1z6RDQ3MorDUpFstlvUyeohVH03xhiTpOfkxnFxxdfBnoke-bZ0xmH7y7LE7J2ayBXR66jJy6mwcrxLVc-z5f1Rf4EN8Jtl_FliWF5POfcO1gtwUWUNFNEXZiDJIC_AQFM52XgU5Q/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FVP1z6RDQ3MorDUpFstlvUyeohVH03xhiTpOfkxnFxxdfBnoke-bZ0xmH7y7LE7J2ayBXR66jJy6mwcrxLVc-z5f1Rf4EN8Jtl_FliWF5POfcO1gtwUWUNFNEXZiDJIC_AQFM52XgU5Q/s320/IMG_6701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549513874057445186" border="0" /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"> 6. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >And bigger!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_5uRZ_65Ud74kqKnOmISU3AqUBRq1McYwFe9euTUg_FcpNU3t6Sf3thd5p5qcLcTqYXwhkPKFshi9gX78ZbpU_5tQAHNKG4RnNtBrlg7TpG5HD69Z4uZOvq5Uo9kI2lNe0oMu0FQEZ1p/s1600/IMG_7463.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_5uRZ_65Ud74kqKnOmISU3AqUBRq1McYwFe9euTUg_FcpNU3t6Sf3thd5p5qcLcTqYXwhkPKFshi9gX78ZbpU_5tQAHNKG4RnNtBrlg7TpG5HD69Z4uZOvq5Uo9kI2lNe0oMu0FQEZ1p/s320/IMG_7463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549515091034665618" border="0" /></a>7. Celebrated Emma Brooke's 2nd birthday with a strawberry-themed joint party with her friend Ellie (who is one day older)!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NTkfzxlxICSh80tRflaZzN0mAOtDoip_Lu1Z0iQ7cLd47tvJaTyOAt2d8h0BSbqjgub695ubDkXi6DEHGHNhyphenhyphenpW9LUNd124ewwpEmklMMfNwmyeP9iB0DgpTaalIqpsFWOZolBt_tuKh/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NTkfzxlxICSh80tRflaZzN0mAOtDoip_Lu1Z0iQ7cLd47tvJaTyOAt2d8h0BSbqjgub695ubDkXi6DEHGHNhyphenhyphenpW9LUNd124ewwpEmklMMfNwmyeP9iB0DgpTaalIqpsFWOZolBt_tuKh/s320/IMG_3956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549526952886698914" border="0" /></a></span>8. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Took a two-week trip to Mississippi to see family and friends.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8GubgaJT7qiZOiUIsxdM744gmFuHFDLQVgLY_yuO-x7ZqT-CblnSX9jdrWZ3Zj5ouRSIafhcBaBqiWm3ADe1Dqxwf1n4bjWuJbLPZHu47Y6eK1_6yhfwQGjvreCGbtJDOSifXtRB5JU3/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8GubgaJT7qiZOiUIsxdM744gmFuHFDLQVgLY_yuO-x7ZqT-CblnSX9jdrWZ3Zj5ouRSIafhcBaBqiWm3ADe1Dqxwf1n4bjWuJbLPZHu47Y6eK1_6yhfwQGjvreCGbtJDOSifXtRB5JU3/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549516480147571522" border="0" /></a></span>9. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Stopped in Atlanta coming and going to visit with friends.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxXsds50oWfdwFUy-ip7rocY0aYJvvljj62LjC5_zryPBycZbRmfB3PI4xEl06ph1kxcIw17sHEeYpk6ibiyh6kanVjTETQ_KvYe37TZdK4108FKpdrdiPdg0TV5fu9frhyuoWWELNBXr/s1600/IMG_4096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxXsds50oWfdwFUy-ip7rocY0aYJvvljj62LjC5_zryPBycZbRmfB3PI4xEl06ph1kxcIw17sHEeYpk6ibiyh6kanVjTETQ_KvYe37TZdK4108FKpdrdiPdg0TV5fu9frhyuoWWELNBXr/s320/IMG_4096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549517133830661234" border="0" /></a></span>10. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Spent a few days in July at a cabin in South Carolina with extended family, compliments of my Uncle Ray and Aunt Karen!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7CVAQRbrSZ7yRxwskPmVpcFaNPbvSf19w9BbGQ4KEVb0DxhRLodUqGe5P4v6bWZRGzxkTxRWCgGTUVM3lTapb0extzASnmYVbYE0cl5cyd5D8yV214UbJnKhRcKOdC0oxfgutdZ9hze1/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7CVAQRbrSZ7yRxwskPmVpcFaNPbvSf19w9BbGQ4KEVb0DxhRLodUqGe5P4v6bWZRGzxkTxRWCgGTUVM3lTapb0extzASnmYVbYE0cl5cyd5D8yV214UbJnKhRcKOdC0oxfgutdZ9hze1/s320/IMG_4871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549518166551882114" border="0" /></a></span>11. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Tried to potty train Emma Brooke…emphasis on <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRIED</span>. I'm not sure when we will pick up trying again.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79cZBheUDMki6eQjixDhXviEpl7W9CYmwbY2sdrjEjLTFvTsWa54fTTbRqcmekLMwbZiVfFK84iGNKYN8N1GLpDabEI1zBL1tQXXPcXEMdrKqejXUDkMRJjd-wop6cOTuW1Tcz6Pm6d3o/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79cZBheUDMki6eQjixDhXviEpl7W9CYmwbY2sdrjEjLTFvTsWa54fTTbRqcmekLMwbZiVfFK84iGNKYN8N1GLpDabEI1zBL1tQXXPcXEMdrKqejXUDkMRJjd-wop6cOTuW1Tcz6Pm6d3o/s320/IMG_4684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549520007193905810" border="0" /></a></span>12. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Spent two days in Asheville celebrating our 5-year anniversary.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeqhr2YvNP8sHGRJq2Rfbm37QoCGTQ0nn0jJPHpPrcfr8r9ZYf4INvF4P4-Wmknxu_2z7-eqV7BmGZrA5V9wfCTavPwrh5zTAm5IX_KfSgrmcLd9k6vMKuI_tfSBxR23o17qF7nKFf4gO/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeqhr2YvNP8sHGRJq2Rfbm37QoCGTQ0nn0jJPHpPrcfr8r9ZYf4INvF4P4-Wmknxu_2z7-eqV7BmGZrA5V9wfCTavPwrh5zTAm5IX_KfSgrmcLd9k6vMKuI_tfSBxR23o17qF7nKFf4gO/s320/IMG_5179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549520883372969714" border="0" /></a></span>13. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Swam in the neighborhood pool, <span style="font-weight: bold;">A LOT</span>.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3BvAOKt4cu6zshvvwjkAl-No-HHQ_TCK9tC1Dgpi33-it0JoLT7Zwm1ngXU02-YG91ZErI9S0_woE-wVlxgHLkoM90V2_l4L42Sc6ZhkFyApjFNi1wRMYnO847HWfNA2dtEJJWNJmiqQ/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3BvAOKt4cu6zshvvwjkAl-No-HHQ_TCK9tC1Dgpi33-it0JoLT7Zwm1ngXU02-YG91ZErI9S0_woE-wVlxgHLkoM90V2_l4L42Sc6ZhkFyApjFNi1wRMYnO847HWfNA2dtEJJWNJmiqQ/s320/IMG_5404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549525101527294562" border="0" /></a></span>14. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Worked out to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leisa-Harts-FitMama-Prenatal-Workout/dp/B00008J2I7">Leisa Hart’s prenatal workout dvd</a>. Loved it!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 15. Spent many late nights writing for several local <a href="http://www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.com/">newspapers</a>. My favorite stories included one on a woman who found some long-lost letters her father had written her from Vietnam, one on a two-time domestic abuse survivor, several on families who have adopted and several stories on mission trips. I also wrote a reflective column after <a href="http://mooresvilleweekly.com/opinion/2010/11/happy-to-be-back-where-she-nearly-started/">Maggie's birth</a>.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 16. Taught 3 homeschooled brothers Spanish.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 17. Picked lots of blueberries!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy8BJ04F9poiLlKZBmJvtKiDL1HB7YR1a79tac_sfKResf8jCGFQbsBT2NaoQkHZsOcm77fW3TwF4MbMfbymN84Um_PmM989EtcefF-St1emATxuCTq64NXIJdA7mU2FLLKIUm1VRCD2W/s1600/IMG_6530.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy8BJ04F9poiLlKZBmJvtKiDL1HB7YR1a79tac_sfKResf8jCGFQbsBT2NaoQkHZsOcm77fW3TwF4MbMfbymN84Um_PmM989EtcefF-St1emATxuCTq64NXIJdA7mU2FLLKIUm1VRCD2W/s320/IMG_6530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549532050163193362" border="0" /></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">18. Transitioned Emma Brooke to the "big girl" bed. Believe me, we would have kept her in the crib if we could have, but our little monkey was climbing out of it every chance she got!</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0mrrrO0IoWArJld3d9z9gD291ptIyBYWHKnD7wX7A8Q8WpV4y0KET6bunlPz_5v4PuogmnFDR0q5uVhsMRXb-G8vV9b_8xVhggAJCBrHA1vqnK4glhjURM2VUoHgq_-_A-pXoI-eRlTU/s1600/IMG_7305.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0mrrrO0IoWArJld3d9z9gD291ptIyBYWHKnD7wX7A8Q8WpV4y0KET6bunlPz_5v4PuogmnFDR0q5uVhsMRXb-G8vV9b_8xVhggAJCBrHA1vqnK4glhjURM2VUoHgq_-_A-pXoI-eRlTU/s320/IMG_7305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549527728438071698" border="0" /></a></span>19. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Became addicted to <a href="http://www.sweetcakesbakery.com/AboutUs.aspx">Sweet Cakes Bakery</a> (Will and I now call each other cupcake "connoisseurs") but (go figure!) I was then diagnosed with gestational diabetes and consequently spent the last 3 months of my pregnancy eating <span style="font-weight: bold;">A LOT</span> of eggs, cheese, peanut butter, and almonds. That’s what a semi-vegetarian preggo chick has to do to get in all that much-needed protein.<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 20. Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Believe-Truth-that/dp/0802472966">Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free</a> by Nancy Leigh Demoss with a mentor from my church.<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 21. Studied up on natural childbirth by reading a bazillion childbirth books (or so it seemed). Some of my favorites were <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156">Ina May's Guide to Childbirth</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Book-Everything-Satisfying-Parenting/dp/0316779075">The Birth Book </a>and Dr. Oz's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YOU-Having-Owners-Healthy-Pregnancy/dp/1416572368">You: Having a Baby</a>. I also watched these two documentaries to prepare: <a href="http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/">The Business of Being Born</a> and <a href="http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/">"O" Birth</a>. I hate the full name of the last movie, but it really did help!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 22. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Attended a home organization class, <a href="http://www.homemattersbecausehomematters.blogspot.com/">Home Matters</a>, at a local church.</span><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"> 23. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >Started attending <a href="http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/">Community Bible Study</a>. The ministry has in-depth studies for women all over the world, and I had first heard about it from friends in Mississippi. I feel blessed to be able to attend one here. We are studying Acts. They also have a GREAT children's program where Emma Brooke is learning memory verses! I love it!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" > 24. Awaited the arrival of my precious baby girl….who finally came on her due date…Oct. 23!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwJoifa9Ug0c-t3ymXFGXoyuN9wf-dxbLmHLzSlk7ov-rfVQG_wr9rNGtrmu7hhyphenhyphenHZWCbWK7xzTc5-pzhyphenhyphenXDoxFM5rBKDLKOSNs8buCALXDzN-s_WlpWjHg_jywz-acZU2Tejup980O8b/s1600/IMG_7617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwJoifa9Ug0c-t3ymXFGXoyuN9wf-dxbLmHLzSlk7ov-rfVQG_wr9rNGtrmu7hhyphenhyphenHZWCbWK7xzTc5-pzhyphenhyphenXDoxFM5rBKDLKOSNs8buCALXDzN-s_WlpWjHg_jywz-acZU2Tejup980O8b/s320/IMG_7617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549529596977808642" border="0" /></a></span></p>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-41436237837211811712010-02-24T10:21:00.007-05:002010-02-24T11:41:21.530-05:00What's been up?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqXryzigkeaU4-z7QoZYE7Iua6rD1i9UDAngjbHifs-2J8XmQmIMfhgLKB7fP9kcjU9nujmMsL1Axq6x5vjtilxzGwoEFmoeLMDQpHHGmWsWp043qeLRhN1-oGk-L1T3xfO2TY4I29zH/s1600-h/snow+fam2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqXryzigkeaU4-z7QoZYE7Iua6rD1i9UDAngjbHifs-2J8XmQmIMfhgLKB7fP9kcjU9nujmMsL1Axq6x5vjtilxzGwoEFmoeLMDQpHHGmWsWp043qeLRhN1-oGk-L1T3xfO2TY4I29zH/s320/snow+fam2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441835828076121826" border="0" /></a><br />Well, it's been over a month now since a real post, so I thought I would take a few minutes to update on what we've been up to the past few weeks.<br /><br />Here's a quick rundown of our last month:<br /><br /><ol><li>I started tutoring two afternoons/week at a local elementary school in December. I have mostly been working with 3 kindergarteners and one 1st grader--all boys--in reading and math. This has kept me busy, and I am thankful for Mom for keeping EB during this time.</li><li>In January, I started teaching 3 homeschool students--all boys and brothers--Spanish! I have really enjoyed this new job! The boys are really well behaved and seem to be enjoying our lessons so far. Will and I met their parents while visiting churches. I teach at their house twice/week--right before I go to the elementary school to tutor.</li><li>One of my New Year's goals was to e-mail my former editor to tell him I'm back in the area and interested in freelance writing. I was a little nervous about doing this since I hadn't written in so long, but I was pleasantly surprised when he quickly wrote back and offered me a job! We did not feel a full-time job was in the best interest for our family (EB is my full-time job!), but I have been freelancing for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Herald Weekly</span>, the <span style="font-style: italic;">University City Weekly</span>, and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mt. Island Weekly</span>--all North Charlotte area papers--ever since my contact with my editor. I've written several school news features, a business feature, and a human interest feature on a candlelight vigil commemorating the anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death. I have truly enjoyed this transition back into journalism.</li><li>The three of us spent a weekend with my parents when a "big" snowstorm hit. We planned to get "stuck" because I really wanted to enjoy the beauty of the snow on their 6 acres instead of from our view of the townhouse parking lot. We stayed with my parents for 3 nights, enjoying the warmth of their woodstove, the taste of homemade soups and chili, and, of course, the pleasure of their company.</li><li>Will and I traveled to Rome, Georgia for a marriage retreat with our church two weekends ago. This was a refreshing time of time together and teaching on God's plan for marriage.</li><li>Mom and I have been attending Beth Moore's Esther Bible study at a local church that hosts community Bible studies for women from all different churches. The program offers an excellent nursery, and Emma Brooke has enjoyed making new friends there.</li><li>Emma Brooke and I occasionally attend storytime at the library, which she absolutely loves.</li><li>Emma Brooke and I are still attending a weekly playgroup for Hispanic moms and children.</li><li>I finished reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Sink Reflections</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Forgiveness</span>. Reviews to come soon!</li><li>I finished my quilting class, but I haven't finished my quilt. I need to carve out time to go to the store to get the ladies to help me. I have a one-day binding class to attend in April. I haven't had a lot of time to sew in the last month, which is sad, but I'm hoping to carve out some time soon!</li></ol>Whew--I need to update more often, so I don't have so much to write at one time!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-8080504249697752652010-01-25T14:37:00.048-05:002010-02-23T13:37:59.214-05:00In Honor of the 2010 Winter Games--Highlights from Vancouver<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP7kEJKH-YkQri2BR8FOfWZ2R5pDDsFJ582GUlpwyRbNEyd75hQ-qez3Rxy5CFJmmhdL4QIH4wsOy04wlMOf0iOJT3XKhFk5Tsei9KfxoXsnp8IKeImDvJtMHIGSl0efWrH7RXWyVG33M/s1600-h/IMG_8472.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP7kEJKH-YkQri2BR8FOfWZ2R5pDDsFJ582GUlpwyRbNEyd75hQ-qez3Rxy5CFJmmhdL4QIH4wsOy04wlMOf0iOJT3XKhFk5Tsei9KfxoXsnp8IKeImDvJtMHIGSl0efWrH7RXWyVG33M/s320/IMG_8472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436806518865994898" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lord gave us the unexpected but amazing opportunity to spend 4 months (April-July) learning more about missions and serving Him in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 2009. The pic above is the view from our apartment balcony, and here are some more highlights from our time there:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7tbvbeDwgXXRvoSCxsYDAjHhT2IkZS4Z1ZuiYjRb2JzHW0vicXNuZ4jkHqkD_PCqIG28wJXHoHYJ-ivznxy4eT4fMFrzZhqUOG_E3IJCa7tUrI3ZyVhqKxv8Ktm-eCuzPZvnq8w3IgQc/s1600-h/IMG_8464.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7tbvbeDwgXXRvoSCxsYDAjHhT2IkZS4Z1ZuiYjRb2JzHW0vicXNuZ4jkHqkD_PCqIG28wJXHoHYJ-ivznxy4eT4fMFrzZhqUOG_E3IJCa7tUrI3ZyVhqKxv8Ktm-eCuzPZvnq8w3IgQc/s320/IMG_8464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436805980438631298" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the outside of our apartment building. Our "home" was on the second floor.<br />No, that's not our car. We used public transportation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtneFxc4UVPvzeRYxgnnplTI124bwf8yQLjEZFn_rG4o6mbARl2UE1HyiH_kLtwZZmifq_xHy-HwoA2u49lJUTIzH0e_ULdcdpaSUxfWcCus_y5wQ-guoUBLWwITCp-fRlhwfRhMvvjeiH/s1600-h/IMG_0622.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtneFxc4UVPvzeRYxgnnplTI124bwf8yQLjEZFn_rG4o6mbARl2UE1HyiH_kLtwZZmifq_xHy-HwoA2u49lJUTIzH0e_ULdcdpaSUxfWcCus_y5wQ-guoUBLWwITCp-fRlhwfRhMvvjeiH/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441445114642135186" border="0" /></a>Here's a pic of Emma Brooke's "room"--aka the bike closet. We lived in a cozy, one-bedroom apartment, but we were so thankful for the over-sized closet that we made into a "nursery" for EB!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhFz83ijltmuqW7qxWJD4J-PsNaektUCpAQ1hcEKvj0qVKdVsimDdyVdGh4vcIx_tscZH5Km0VOIb808ANPjKRzIhjeo8E-2f3kabeD_t-qyWoJ48eCM7hJy4VqMes43mnTFnDJ1uRTI5/s1600-h/IMG_8704.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhFz83ijltmuqW7qxWJD4J-PsNaektUCpAQ1hcEKvj0qVKdVsimDdyVdGh4vcIx_tscZH5Km0VOIb808ANPjKRzIhjeo8E-2f3kabeD_t-qyWoJ48eCM7hJy4VqMes43mnTFnDJ1uRTI5/s320/IMG_8704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441446547946471090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A bridge and view of West Vancouver from Stanley Park.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbU87-DJpTxaa6_ILph7f0EnWzrSUsBT11MBN60vvZZI4dw1EsPy19pvnfQ7ylizNAJbCs8GPdpHC6O5WQkccKn3n2ZXlxheXl9rreFuUJUB5vqmrw_E_3SaFP6tpB_uRG-OI3920tZYb/s1600-h/IMG_8778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbU87-DJpTxaa6_ILph7f0EnWzrSUsBT11MBN60vvZZI4dw1EsPy19pvnfQ7ylizNAJbCs8GPdpHC6O5WQkccKn3n2ZXlxheXl9rreFuUJUB5vqmrw_E_3SaFP6tpB_uRG-OI3920tZYb/s320/IMG_8778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441447852345092114" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID2ZUZ0RQn_3tP3YCH0l6EtRTsvTS6axs3Q33Fk5umvpIEsz7EZE6aSXoA4iIikYJkQYou7itosNEcMFNdqifO641D3nqKjCbeH7AP9fgEahfhQoiPcIZ_paw2MuQfMBerH82suZ9DMzM/s1600-h/IMG_0550.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;">I think this is another view of West Vancouver from the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbRKI6vapNK2OF0wEwP7th1SvAnDYGdVHS3_5d-deuwqCbJ-2qL6GjpE54lgq5cltWb9E7WX-H3YCP4LS5XHXxc_0EJWiiyvtlkyNBe2g5mWFfkc9ZUm197YTPsN_rVdV8h9FhDwI2LPD/s1600-h/IMG_0664.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbRKI6vapNK2OF0wEwP7th1SvAnDYGdVHS3_5d-deuwqCbJ-2qL6GjpE54lgq5cltWb9E7WX-H3YCP4LS5XHXxc_0EJWiiyvtlkyNBe2g5mWFfkc9ZUm197YTPsN_rVdV8h9FhDwI2LPD/s320/IMG_0664.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441462534661237282" border="0" /></a>Emma Brooke and one of her favorite buddies from Vancouver, Nico Gonzalez. Nico and his parents were recent immigrants from Colombia, and they became great friends. Here EB and Nico are playing at the Hispanic playgroup.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj7QXELpZGnVyaKkv-kcRjQ0_kmmucmyXThU53pJjubWasyIsXJCAOhw4UVfNKNP37tMC_Lg5rcwwWH83nowA3-MOkF9mW3db3g2qNfCuXR2hE1iDyCs-9KLAqRPo7JjSv9qqbNQvCnLd/s1600-h/IMG_8912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj7QXELpZGnVyaKkv-kcRjQ0_kmmucmyXThU53pJjubWasyIsXJCAOhw4UVfNKNP37tMC_Lg5rcwwWH83nowA3-MOkF9mW3db3g2qNfCuXR2hE1iDyCs-9KLAqRPo7JjSv9qqbNQvCnLd/s320/IMG_8912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441464762524380546" border="0" /></a>Nico and his parents, Ana and Javier<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ybMfTU4QZEV5oPAE__40aULd3YW_1mZa2llpjFVd6-W3QPm-klxfp2F80E2Em8u9cnaqJjSer6WQF_xABGwqXwuacxDdPAHZgJq8KMCz5Rs_C32JN3PWXxhdtYk9I9iZ2_2BUmhlPUgX/s1600-h/IMG_8900.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ybMfTU4QZEV5oPAE__40aULd3YW_1mZa2llpjFVd6-W3QPm-klxfp2F80E2Em8u9cnaqJjSer6WQF_xABGwqXwuacxDdPAHZgJq8KMCz5Rs_C32JN3PWXxhdtYk9I9iZ2_2BUmhlPUgX/s320/IMG_8900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441466714925047506" border="0" /></a>Emma Brooke poses in a bed of flowers. The Vancouver spring flowers were absolutely gorgeous!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBF4OqnVIGUWZ9yFj5MHpRCJ2AXQ2Jh2EiDv_fDJxVXX4PlLuGmaj5BJvhq2Pwnd9ZjaB1DspyiM_sigdNUinW7t2GKRbg9gr-AliIBZZDO0EacyT73HmYgKWCBfKtNJkT7Yy8SnFRRUw/s1600-h/IMG_0690.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBF4OqnVIGUWZ9yFj5MHpRCJ2AXQ2Jh2EiDv_fDJxVXX4PlLuGmaj5BJvhq2Pwnd9ZjaB1DspyiM_sigdNUinW7t2GKRbg9gr-AliIBZZDO0EacyT73HmYgKWCBfKtNJkT7Yy8SnFRRUw/s320/IMG_0690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441474759132718722" border="0" /></a>A view of the skytrain--our daily mode of transportation. We miss it so much now!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJHGm649yU0noRzPMeE7pcHsg3w6R7eAPVa46Vh8TX8LjWydLP10FsCUxQchM2TTYePbj6LovomZoWlTx9weJ41v3xuw1LHBrsyuXgKxP9cS_KRfZSi-wvUAI0pmxcXcWRNms8PlF89kB/s1600-h/IMG_8936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJHGm649yU0noRzPMeE7pcHsg3w6R7eAPVa46Vh8TX8LjWydLP10FsCUxQchM2TTYePbj6LovomZoWlTx9weJ41v3xuw1LHBrsyuXgKxP9cS_KRfZSi-wvUAI0pmxcXcWRNms8PlF89kB/s320/IMG_8936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441469268028988802" border="0" /></a>Will and I are standing on a pier on Granville Island, one of our favorite spots in Vancouver.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ng3WSYPhf65goL7xaudXg4Dvoo3gXwPFPeo6U3n8JA2NZvvCsdFOP8rcabWdMDyJ0-et7UYuZr9r7CTqiSlnSJiDP3lcAOxZerYuV2pkhO9VSzbVF_E-UQcebkoqTUYgM7vedgW6EFc/s1600-h/IMG_8971.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ng3WSYPhf65goL7xaudXg4Dvoo3gXwPFPeo6U3n8JA2NZvvCsdFOP8rcabWdMDyJ0-et7UYuZr9r7CTqiSlnSJiDP3lcAOxZerYuV2pkhO9VSzbVF_E-UQcebkoqTUYgM7vedgW6EFc/s320/IMG_8971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441477153069214738" border="0" /></a>One of the magnificent views from Deer Lake Park, one of my favorite places within walking distance to our apartment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-63SYeVSKZeynHQrsJFGG_7ZC_wtVHd-4pMBFibDxfJnKrqjKrbebvgSllwNMzVCPvL2ya902sBgqUxnOaCynG03DlyF0UQs1hKHiLXDyknZ4bH0K1dOZ-6MGhMPAiVPYdcpMCAzFvZz/s1600-h/IMG_9061.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-63SYeVSKZeynHQrsJFGG_7ZC_wtVHd-4pMBFibDxfJnKrqjKrbebvgSllwNMzVCPvL2ya902sBgqUxnOaCynG03DlyF0UQs1hKHiLXDyknZ4bH0K1dOZ-6MGhMPAiVPYdcpMCAzFvZz/s320/IMG_9061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441478157025732418" border="0" /></a>Home from grocery shopping! With no car, this handy cart went everywhere with us to store grocery and other household goods. Carts like this are seen throughout the pedestrian-friendly city.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutokiUbaQWAxdYoXdNjOmDhy4adX5S2wb8LSpHo56OXt2KRZEg_uqF1r6duNCwevkU9yxVBABjOQBAypgJCgkAgzHVt4ISDHhyphenhyphenfuIaW2PMggG9Q11FlrtVrOsXs-Y_6qY4inpbHr2jWfd/s1600-h/IMG_9111.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutokiUbaQWAxdYoXdNjOmDhy4adX5S2wb8LSpHo56OXt2KRZEg_uqF1r6duNCwevkU9yxVBABjOQBAypgJCgkAgzHVt4ISDHhyphenhyphenfuIaW2PMggG9Q11FlrtVrOsXs-Y_6qY4inpbHr2jWfd/s320/IMG_9111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441478932451209362" border="0" /></a>The Science World dome--yes, this is the same dome you can see in the aerial views of the city shown on the Olympics.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22W7ykLC66pw9HfZSQUGtNaozwv_vfTceMXkAYjvNkMj9hw5-rlqt9UsI9AU7bKadtZlbEJP1m0RkeyKveoAN6UcxwR0e0ho9jps27incUSLE4IGrUXERalCwfQlUfAh5rdSbwrg7MoPs/s1600-h/IMG_0803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22W7ykLC66pw9HfZSQUGtNaozwv_vfTceMXkAYjvNkMj9hw5-rlqt9UsI9AU7bKadtZlbEJP1m0RkeyKveoAN6UcxwR0e0ho9jps27incUSLE4IGrUXERalCwfQlUfAh5rdSbwrg7MoPs/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441495360587764626" border="0" /></a>This is one of my favorite pics from Emma Brooke's 1st birthday party. We celebrated at a park/schoolyard across the street from our apartment. We could hear and see children playing at this park every day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTYKQum4wAKPFpuoAZpQA7Ju6DNILC-W4kguCAQnpxYfMe6qCMBVgOaXWqE6Eq-V8Gt-WQU6UogwSVb60vcY5Knlkx4Z9_mk9WSPOPfxVJBD4I7-O1QYN9LZcw_KcKqmSc5EesfblZe-8/s1600-h/IMG_9243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTYKQum4wAKPFpuoAZpQA7Ju6DNILC-W4kguCAQnpxYfMe6qCMBVgOaXWqE6Eq-V8Gt-WQU6UogwSVb60vcY5Knlkx4Z9_mk9WSPOPfxVJBD4I7-O1QYN9LZcw_KcKqmSc5EesfblZe-8/s320/IMG_9243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441502961584798290" border="0" /></a>EB's 1st birtday cake, which I made with lots of help from two amazing missionary friends, Jess and Kristin! I don't think I'll ever be able to make another cake like this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGA023ZzLbMCZRV4uJwrSTGNi2MLE4kINPHXkHJyywYaaHMrxiuQfVQZwuujaaNt0IgGFcxpBMciMCJ0pq-T3mPjk8hq6LyFaReKUvYF9crvlSMD6eW_9zbzjQWYlFsVKeiYk_VhdiZHk/s1600-h/IMG_9383.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGA023ZzLbMCZRV4uJwrSTGNi2MLE4kINPHXkHJyywYaaHMrxiuQfVQZwuujaaNt0IgGFcxpBMciMCJ0pq-T3mPjk8hq6LyFaReKUvYF9crvlSMD6eW_9zbzjQWYlFsVKeiYk_VhdiZHk/s320/IMG_9383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441503976644223618" border="0" /></a>Our little princess crawling around in the grass at her 1st birthday party.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa37-jhtOfhE23X1b537QYIT2DBjs5b9cD8hgHzI_QHGpegfucdwo9Y_c7XPRbaVDuzPT_7OfJ18zx57_jZhF826H1zsOsh1pS6qi-28Z1-DRi5CLZ7mAHUnU4IKweZBzRw8AWN3dQXmE/s1600-h/IMG_9417.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa37-jhtOfhE23X1b537QYIT2DBjs5b9cD8hgHzI_QHGpegfucdwo9Y_c7XPRbaVDuzPT_7OfJ18zx57_jZhF826H1zsOsh1pS6qi-28Z1-DRi5CLZ7mAHUnU4IKweZBzRw8AWN3dQXmE/s320/IMG_9417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441505731212359506" border="0" /></a>One of EB's first experiences at the beach. The water was COLD but the scenery was breathtaking!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOMbr3HYx4JePG_W2PYc_t6GaOKZvM5ug3qEOv7ZEXDO5FHVvafHEbJ9Hvt6dzhnRH1UDwOFsHF-bfD1rYLiiJS7gpuxmOf8Cjj1miYcvBEWeZwWc_C45Fk1BnutozEvn9PvB0YT53PBO/s1600-h/IMG_9604.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOMbr3HYx4JePG_W2PYc_t6GaOKZvM5ug3qEOv7ZEXDO5FHVvafHEbJ9Hvt6dzhnRH1UDwOFsHF-bfD1rYLiiJS7gpuxmOf8Cjj1miYcvBEWeZwWc_C45Fk1BnutozEvn9PvB0YT53PBO/s320/IMG_9604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441506869256331410" border="0" /></a>A view from Burnaby Mountain Park<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAgc8bo9rsbReOfSCAdOUoDYkisIzH3pjljcD1mIBwSfDAoEh2KK77xdErLIsYQeW7d_Cg6vhl-FiZ9h2FAr9ntoyDxePIcSqfHvEYwIeUiY2vGGMlYci11QGKoUxYX3aGigkaOdYwnUa/s1600-h/IMG_0129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAgc8bo9rsbReOfSCAdOUoDYkisIzH3pjljcD1mIBwSfDAoEh2KK77xdErLIsYQeW7d_Cg6vhl-FiZ9h2FAr9ntoyDxePIcSqfHvEYwIeUiY2vGGMlYci11QGKoUxYX3aGigkaOdYwnUa/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441507796595118306" border="0" /></a>A night view of Vancouver<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPdzyNfz3l9Z9wc4tGxIq_7UTCOaCdcEi-2mzzkBb5-manx6qYw2-FsM39MhX0RIgsfRpKSAAbmJvYuhMs78hOwi3cYMzSawbVDl0NXtI1CwUSFGW8qlDYdzoU4GvcIYSrSCOvF4ZOLVd/s1600-h/IMG_0933.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPdzyNfz3l9Z9wc4tGxIq_7UTCOaCdcEi-2mzzkBb5-manx6qYw2-FsM39MhX0RIgsfRpKSAAbmJvYuhMs78hOwi3cYMzSawbVDl0NXtI1CwUSFGW8qlDYdzoU4GvcIYSrSCOvF4ZOLVd/s320/IMG_0933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441508188491917778" border="0" /></a>Some of our favorite co-laborers in Vancouver--the Lees. These guys became family.<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-79715446276641028622010-01-24T00:57:00.019-05:002010-01-25T10:02:43.903-05:00More Favorite Pics from Virginia--winter 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7dl1EyS6UitHkUSnU2k4hdDSgLS89vlm8SHTcr6quWq7sCCB6nmmV8BCYF8AdjEDeNNU9oFhTUTrFNj7thTFxUsTOn90c2RB4Y_Ca8TcaVve-lFW715xc60HFvdRrQ5EzhVx2b9aJ5Vg/s1600-h/IMG_6534.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7dl1EyS6UitHkUSnU2k4hdDSgLS89vlm8SHTcr6quWq7sCCB6nmmV8BCYF8AdjEDeNNU9oFhTUTrFNj7thTFxUsTOn90c2RB4Y_Ca8TcaVve-lFW715xc60HFvdRrQ5EzhVx2b9aJ5Vg/s320/IMG_6534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430691130101148018" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This is a pic of our small group. We worshiped and studied with this group on Sundays and almost every weekday morning. Many in this group became some of our dearest friends!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C-_N1i7HD4CXrWQ_sU7p18-YD0e33L9m3Lzjb2C2ERL_akmq2Zb-tubgbpNrowioMJQynlHzw5XdiMwNrwu64e4HSfERwUwiaGPKs9P_NKeX7R2xQmlCYsGb5VhT9Ijeyo_dnYbn30P3/s1600-h/IMG_8190.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C-_N1i7HD4CXrWQ_sU7p18-YD0e33L9m3Lzjb2C2ERL_akmq2Zb-tubgbpNrowioMJQynlHzw5XdiMwNrwu64e4HSfERwUwiaGPKs9P_NKeX7R2xQmlCYsGb5VhT9Ijeyo_dnYbn30P3/s320/IMG_8190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430489618588069762" border="0" /></a><br />Emma Brooke and I enjoyed the snow!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKralPSbqjor34OtTZ_f8HHUcjlEUqyY60YLr5jzw06WTD6OZ3pTZQsYZNvvnJBUDr3GozGucCcUzy41WS0FZXi6OFezzAcLXyUhm9UH_ZsLhmqJKexvwxgeBhqrpK08ZuPF_VdD6gKSwI/s1600-h/IMG_7932.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKralPSbqjor34OtTZ_f8HHUcjlEUqyY60YLr5jzw06WTD6OZ3pTZQsYZNvvnJBUDr3GozGucCcUzy41WS0FZXi6OFezzAcLXyUhm9UH_ZsLhmqJKexvwxgeBhqrpK08ZuPF_VdD6gKSwI/s320/IMG_7932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430482510746688370" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a pic from a day trip to Williamsburg.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AuIvXBmI8wstgYCCPyAE9jfYj0k0-QC6j5VYhr9smb6QEqdQMnyrhAZyXe0qksukdvnk2GxxRl3iOSPZGeq75-shYXBY5hNUY287b42opoqGzOKarZldw_g9x1xdTnquk9wtVpX_b6ut/s1600-h/IMG_0155.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AuIvXBmI8wstgYCCPyAE9jfYj0k0-QC6j5VYhr9smb6QEqdQMnyrhAZyXe0qksukdvnk2GxxRl3iOSPZGeq75-shYXBY5hNUY287b42opoqGzOKarZldw_g9x1xdTnquk9wtVpX_b6ut/s320/IMG_0155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481912686047122" border="0" /></a><br />Mrs. Carol Wells helped me make this sling for EB before we left MS.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjabirHxF76iFnObJ6rvSprXjqACcnMG7d94a3Sdov4HWq-t44DxWKbCdfRZg1KKhLiir1LSi20hbjhZFQzR-ufV7bP6G7vGmnCNLsxknl-XEGlPsUz7yD1uepLX8svWXSqoW-kYxL_I_/s1600-h/IMG_0152.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjabirHxF76iFnObJ6rvSprXjqACcnMG7d94a3Sdov4HWq-t44DxWKbCdfRZg1KKhLiir1LSi20hbjhZFQzR-ufV7bP6G7vGmnCNLsxknl-XEGlPsUz7yD1uepLX8svWXSqoW-kYxL_I_/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430459426976202514" border="0" /></a><br />This was mine and Will's bedroom. The "king-sized" bed is really two twins pushed together!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-nijYmra4WXvhD6dMzID-VQnDnDRA-fJ2OuT9otdeqgPbsIyCE3bXf-ZW8oVrg9y9zzizNWwkny24tebLYN-eNc8Ep0zE0p08CP1TpE3cAJZ6XYa_gbqgjilb24Nge6YiZoUd3y8f31c/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-nijYmra4WXvhD6dMzID-VQnDnDRA-fJ2OuT9otdeqgPbsIyCE3bXf-ZW8oVrg9y9zzizNWwkny24tebLYN-eNc8Ep0zE0p08CP1TpE3cAJZ6XYa_gbqgjilb24Nge6YiZoUd3y8f31c/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430458874303814402" border="0" /></a><br />This is Emma Brooke's room. That pack 'n play was her bed for almost a year! What a blessing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LuSwSnq8WQ1Ot6eYnUXmQq-mVNVaryZW7ZpbC_TUv4Mx4nctOy3vRULfj8Hn4BqM7ZhwDnz1p68A3oS8KbdUI08gtgw2V4xayhT0XonF1wfrhjBYmzargZbCZ36xvai6GvhapywI2dBw/s1600-h/IMG_0150.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LuSwSnq8WQ1Ot6eYnUXmQq-mVNVaryZW7ZpbC_TUv4Mx4nctOy3vRULfj8Hn4BqM7ZhwDnz1p68A3oS8KbdUI08gtgw2V4xayhT0XonF1wfrhjBYmzargZbCZ36xvai6GvhapywI2dBw/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430458474678525266" border="0" /></a><br />This was our kitchen. I really only used it to make sweet tea and baby food since we had all meals provided in the cafeteria.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT0YH8QEyQrwR9Po-qHvlO2QsOSJNsKahfRm1EP1YeM7Lc0VvK_-kWdwcHo26oipNt6JpRStU147mzyIsUOJTRUi1HKZOJJukry2JmpaCevaIk3bluuSdhNNBOR7VujpAd2oRbZiuTSkw/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT0YH8QEyQrwR9Po-qHvlO2QsOSJNsKahfRm1EP1YeM7Lc0VvK_-kWdwcHo26oipNt6JpRStU147mzyIsUOJTRUi1HKZOJJukry2JmpaCevaIk3bluuSdhNNBOR7VujpAd2oRbZiuTSkw/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430457999343122498" border="0" /></a><br />This is another view of the kitchen, with a peek inside EB's room.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIZL4GTkhjKd5yLhbqDNjFLUIDjrk8Pfq2L-G0oNNCve0L49MMBWAjQdm_DzpskrCCoaTyGbFkPnHS6q7v5dul3j0xoi1E0JPNgTyifeDMTdC8cVMw-xP4uG6mCmY63JvtXCItrdM9cRV/s1600-h/IMG_0142.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIZL4GTkhjKd5yLhbqDNjFLUIDjrk8Pfq2L-G0oNNCve0L49MMBWAjQdm_DzpskrCCoaTyGbFkPnHS6q7v5dul3j0xoi1E0JPNgTyifeDMTdC8cVMw-xP4uG6mCmY63JvtXCItrdM9cRV/s320/IMG_0142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430454812109956706" border="0" /></a><br />We kept EB bundled up in her stroller during many cold days!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrCalX4XPdl3nz5qArJi7y8fhCjU0qkLTAwBso4Pn5eDR6AMQJyEw1H6kXGrZzcW3gADhOWELyRMXsPRxe_giqYDtvEi5lJClTvOyzDgXGizfplqvEVjuBdZ0QhdyIFIF1VEUSFXtSz6b/s1600-h/IMG_0145.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrCalX4XPdl3nz5qArJi7y8fhCjU0qkLTAwBso4Pn5eDR6AMQJyEw1H6kXGrZzcW3gADhOWELyRMXsPRxe_giqYDtvEi5lJClTvOyzDgXGizfplqvEVjuBdZ0QhdyIFIF1VEUSFXtSz6b/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430181639286464690" border="0" /></a><br />EB started using the big girl bathtub during our days in Virginia!<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-50828022229550827092010-01-23T12:29:00.007-05:002010-01-23T12:52:58.848-05:00Catch-Up Pics--Virginia, winter 2009Since I went so long on a blogging "hiatus," I am going to spend this week posting some of my favorite pics from this past year.<br /><br />Last year this time we were just moving into our "quad" apartment at the International Learning Center near Richmond, Virginia. There, the Lord allowed us to partake in some excellent missions training that we will were able to later put into practice in Canada and will hopefully use here in the U.S. and overseas again one day. God also gave us some life-long friendships with some dear fellow believers there.<br /><br />Here are some favorite pics from ILC (January-March 2009):<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_D62Bci48agwJSqipv81oH1suSZCS-VeGJPLyk1bJvM_K_1aFpzNUK1Hud37KGGe7zimRUgvBF4DyIc6Xv5LCVoH8qQ2hyphenhyphenHxwG9HJNMYN2FHIreTQInbKn3N6Abvc6FvcdE_2eLF5o6-/s1600-h/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_D62Bci48agwJSqipv81oH1suSZCS-VeGJPLyk1bJvM_K_1aFpzNUK1Hud37KGGe7zimRUgvBF4DyIc6Xv5LCVoH8qQ2hyphenhyphenHxwG9HJNMYN2FHIreTQInbKn3N6Abvc6FvcdE_2eLF5o6-/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429990557584272114" border="0" /></a><br />This was the view from our back window. It was beautiful anyway, but it was absolutely gorgeous when we got snow and ice!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ek50NBnOOBbzmQaQ1R12yimEUdct7lAuJ_ShcCH1UJrfbkG7VfUrPriKwjPK5rWnTT0a5s7iWUFr78kxuCTaufUWYC5jyHepooVuHbGAmctGtqsYGYe6Zl8o2BVrJKELV4Cg78E14Y3d/s1600-h/IMG_0137.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ek50NBnOOBbzmQaQ1R12yimEUdct7lAuJ_ShcCH1UJrfbkG7VfUrPriKwjPK5rWnTT0a5s7iWUFr78kxuCTaufUWYC5jyHepooVuHbGAmctGtqsYGYe6Zl8o2BVrJKELV4Cg78E14Y3d/s320/IMG_0137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429992232217599298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Emma Brooke attended a daycare/nursery while we were in class. Every week the teachers would use a picture to make some kind of display of the children. She was 7-9 months old during our time there.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrKgi5qGyAJoKNpuSU7QSXEKZ0SZ8NN-S7qbXBmMjD0GGdyq0Mkh42ZrvkDVpi5e-OMOdgqnKcwAk1Qf_QWICpWEx1AtdSmuO0DLPM7xbWO_5BvqLbIB24wM4Hs6Mhb_wvChqIO2Zhq03/s1600-h/IMG_0138.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrKgi5qGyAJoKNpuSU7QSXEKZ0SZ8NN-S7qbXBmMjD0GGdyq0Mkh42ZrvkDVpi5e-OMOdgqnKcwAk1Qf_QWICpWEx1AtdSmuO0DLPM7xbWO_5BvqLbIB24wM4Hs6Mhb_wvChqIO2Zhq03/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429992763294209138" border="0" /></a><br />EB practiced her crawling skills while in the nursery. She hadn't quite mastered it yet in this pic, but she started crawling at 8 months!<br /></div></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-41072061818818733912010-01-09T20:50:00.016-05:002010-01-09T23:11:42.349-05:00Jenn's Baby Shower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrE_Y33nG8XCTS61PAN8SDYGbFMxJICBBC7UiEaFHrhDS32QkT5PpbmnFalIOFHaHhvIzXHIHsl0McaLQ1hAIDX7jEw2xVoiypHSpGeA-J9nDTn2Qlxpnmj2e7ZyQ56uUcVdb6DZpZqkL/s1600-h/erinandjenn"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrE_Y33nG8XCTS61PAN8SDYGbFMxJICBBC7UiEaFHrhDS32QkT5PpbmnFalIOFHaHhvIzXHIHsl0McaLQ1hAIDX7jEw2xVoiypHSpGeA-J9nDTn2Qlxpnmj2e7ZyQ56uUcVdb6DZpZqkL/s320/erinandjenn" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424934638130962706" border="0" /></a>One of the greatest joys of my adulthood so far has been motherhood and seeing my friends become mothers. Today I got to take part in my friend Jenn's first baby shower.<br /><br />Jenn has been one of my best friends since the first day of college. That's right--the very first day. She sat behind me in Spanish. I could have sworn they put me in the wrong Spanish class. I barely knew a thing on the placement test--how could they put me in 3rd semester Spanish! But, in God's sovereignty, there I was, and Jenn was behind me. I turned around to her the first day when it became obvious the professor was NOT going to be speaking ANY English. "Um, Do you understand a word he is saying?" Jenn smiled: "No." We've been friends ever since.<br /><br />God brought Jenn into my life, and I am so thankful for her friendship. It was an honor to be there on her wedding day last year, and it is an amazing blessing to have watched her go through most of her pregnancy. In anywhere from 2-5 weeks we will meet Baby Carson Grice!<br /><br />Here are some pics and videos from Jenn's special day:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTug6fmSgFMXJlkH50_H9-FmShfRZxwvER8P6NwWX37CYeOhubnnCwOvJLtHV2VE-Z2Pm3n-v3LPIwMRRgK8SW5luGBqGbLGejtOuMUshyljGph4Ny7Al_ummd8XDEyf1fqNZ7mPo8Nwl/s1600-h/IMG_1258.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTug6fmSgFMXJlkH50_H9-FmShfRZxwvER8P6NwWX37CYeOhubnnCwOvJLtHV2VE-Z2Pm3n-v3LPIwMRRgK8SW5luGBqGbLGejtOuMUshyljGph4Ny7Al_ummd8XDEyf1fqNZ7mPo8Nwl/s320/IMG_1258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424935807246983778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4foXvth2ZhCQ2KVFj3RaAmivzPfi5TP7z__rVL5POPF77MeomSTzHIj-SAU4Hpa1bMFQWE1fBHnnHoMkNyVwAwvXChOKQhBakvTzrlkLmVvYTKTtNwZU6LUoDKA-XDOBdNoB8eXyccie/s1600-h/IMG_1267.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4foXvth2ZhCQ2KVFj3RaAmivzPfi5TP7z__rVL5POPF77MeomSTzHIj-SAU4Hpa1bMFQWE1fBHnnHoMkNyVwAwvXChOKQhBakvTzrlkLmVvYTKTtNwZU6LUoDKA-XDOBdNoB8eXyccie/s400/IMG_1267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424928757856458594" border="0" /></a>The first video is a pack 'n play relay game. We divided the women into two teams. The team who put the pack 'n play together the fastest won the game. The other two videos are a game where Jenn had to undress and dress "Baby Carson" blindfolded.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-Z4zHxRch4CCso6s1EEQSMH5ESRl2GpDmyIq4x0-G0ShPlu00ffo8jMvxy4vFTpgRduoByfVaT9NwUyNQ9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlWl1Qgkv7GPIL86-YSpSj95OAGnHDxB3kqXVS0knxxoPjOm9Z_gVJlB1CVZZSrpwPGDrOdLZWw0aQfgk2Cg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCzEOj4_cWGjltu7GJknf3IYaugQfzP6ZbTwvoG06JVma8zLR4u4kpNtUyK-y6qjLzMWd1u9jJ7i8S5HfxuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-88632726837110105672010-01-07T23:16:00.003-05:002010-01-10T21:15:53.968-05:00Why "Woven and Spun"?There were several things that inspired me to name this blog "Woven and Spun."<br /><br />One of my favorite songs (that also currently serves as my cell phone ring tone) is "I Am" by Nicole Nordman. The whole premise of the song is that Jesus is every believer's "I Am" all throughout life--in every stage and season. The end of the song quotes a tiny part of Psalm 139: "<span><span class="txt_1">When life had begun, I was woven and spun."<br /><br />Psalm 139 has been one of my favorite scriptures for a long time. The entire school I taught at in Costa Rica (Sojourn Academy) memorized it together during the daily chapel service my first semester there. Psalm 139 was also constantly in my mind during my pregnancy with Emma Brooke. I don't think a day passed that I did not ponder how God was "weaving and spinning" a baby in my womb!<br /><br />Beyond the spiritual, "Woven and Spun" reminded me of a new hobby I have been developing since moving back to North Carolina: sewing and quilting. I am NOT a natural, but I have enjoyed this new venture, and I felt the title fit well with this season in my life.<br /><br />Lastly, back in my "youth" (age 5-23ish) I was quite passionate about writing. Life just seemed to get busier after college, and without the pressure of deadlines, my passion waned. For a time, I thought I had lost my muse altogether, but it seems to be coming back with the onset of motherhood and a little more time on my hands as a part-time tutor and stay-at-home-mom. Anyway, I am not aspiring to write anything of worth at this point, but the least I can do is try to re-hone my skills and do a little "weaving and spinning" on the computer keyboard.<br /><br />To end, I would like to include the lyrics to Nicole Nordman's "I Am":<br /></span></span><br /><center><span class="txt_1"><div class="KonaBody"><div id="div_customCSS">Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall<br />You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed<br />You watched my team win<br />You watched my team lose<br />Watched when my bicycle went down again<br />And when I was weak, unable to speak<br />Still I could call You by name<br />And I said, Elbow Healer, Superhero<br />Come if You can<br />You said, I Am<br /><br />Only sixteen, life is so mean<br />What kind of curfew is at 10pm?<br />You saw my mistakes<br />And watched my heart break<br />Heard when I swore I'd never love again<br />And when I was weak, unable to speak<br />Still I could call You by name<br />And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper<br />Be my best friend<br />And you said, I Am<br /><br />You saw me wear white by pale candlelight<br />I said forever to what lies ahead<br />Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream<br />Too much it might seem when it is 2am<br />And when I am weak, unable to speak<br />Still I will call You by name<br />Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker<br />Hold onto my hand<br />You say, I Am<br /><br />The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us<br />So we find a foothold that's familiar<br />And bless the moments that we feel You nearer<br /><br />When life had begun, I was woven and spun<br />You let the angels dance around the throne<br />And who can say when, but they'll dance again<br />When I am free and finally headed home<br />I will be weak, unable to speak<br />Still I will call You by name<br />Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer<br />Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer<br />Lord and King, Beginning and the End<br /><br />I Am<br />Yes, I Am</div></div></span></center>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-10947212504766725712010-01-07T15:43:00.008-05:002010-01-07T17:32:59.989-05:00Currently Reading<a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghLxHO_PRXb2HHxiVrW-C-USa8ZnDP9aYhi-xCnLTY2IUsjXSCF91OktzpSiZvw4xcplU9b31dVrrrEKnBYFU8y6wm6R6MhGtuESlPcF6DmPVHIaZWRb81dELXM_EdNRSuUBHqQEVjU5v/s1600-h/books.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghLxHO_PRXb2HHxiVrW-C-USa8ZnDP9aYhi-xCnLTY2IUsjXSCF91OktzpSiZvw4xcplU9b31dVrrrEKnBYFU8y6wm6R6MhGtuESlPcF6DmPVHIaZWRb81dELXM_EdNRSuUBHqQEVjU5v/s320/books.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424121740668322994" border="0" /></a><br />I have always been a bookworm, and I have resolved to spend less time online and more time reading good, old-fashioned books this year! I am going to list the books I am reading from time-to-time and may include some reviews once I'm finished.<br /><br />There are so many books I want to read right now that it was hard to decide on where to begin. Thankfully, the library decided for me! When they called yesterday to notify me that a book I had requested was in, I knew that was where I needed to start. (After all, I only have it for 3 weeks, while the books I own can wait.)<br /><br />So...the first book I'm reading is: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sink-Reflections-Marla-Cilley/dp/0553382179"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sink Reflections</span></a> by Marla Cilley--the FlyLady. The subtitle says it all: "Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? The FlyLady's Simple Flying Lessons Will Show You How to Get Your Home and Your Life in Order--and It All Starts With Shining Your Sink!"<br /><br />I admit--I am predisposed to chaotic clutter. Now, as I have already read 3 chapters of this book, I have come to realize my home is not nearly as chaotic as it could be. However, the fact that we still have a couple of trunks to unpack and we've lived here for almost 6 months points to the fact that I will learn a lot from this book!<br /><br />This book will help me towards meeting two of my 2010 goals: developing a good SAHM (Stay-at-Home Mom) schedule and becoming a better wife and mother.<br /><br />I can't wait to start "FLYing"! :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-15935462021408773002010-01-04T19:25:00.000-05:002010-01-04T19:44:18.682-05:002010 GoalsWhile Will was off for Christmas break, I was able to spend several hours at The Mad Hatter Bakery and several more hours at Panera Bread praying through some goals for 2010. This may seem like a long list, but I am hoping that writing everything out will motivate me to accomplish more. I have also chosen Scripture to pray and character trait to work on for this year.<br /><br />Scripture: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lamentations 3:21-24</span>: <span style="font-style: italic;" id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' ~Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB</span></span><br /><br />Character Trait to Implement: Compassion<br /><br />I wouldn't necessarily call all of these "resolutions," but here are the goals I've made for 2010 (in no particular order):<br /><br />1. Go to bed by 9:30 and turn out the lights by 10. (9:30-10 would be a good time to read!)<br /><br />2. Rise between 5:30-6 during the week.<br /><br />3. Exercise with a video or wii 3 times/week.<br /><br />4. Read through the NIV Chronological Bible.<br /><br />5. Memorize one Scripture/week.<br /><br />6. Read at least one book/month, equaling 12 books/year. Alternate fiction and non-fiction books. I read of plenty of books in 2009, but I just realized I didn't read ANY fiction! No wonder I was so glued to <span style="font-style: italic;">Twilight</span> when I finally read it this week!<br /><br />7. Start/revamp blog by January 15 (early on this one!!). Call the blog "Woven and Spun."<br /><br />8. Write <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> (anything--not necessarily for blog) 15 minutes/day, 4 days/week.<br /><br />9. Try to freelance at least one article by December 31, 2010.<br /><br />10. E-mail my former editor at The Salisbury Post by Jan. 10 to tell him I'm back in the area and could potentially freelance. (Wow--this one's sneaking up on me. How am I supposed to explain that I haven't written in 6 years?)<br /><br />11. Hobby to develop: sewing...3 nights/week (even if just for a few minutes).<br /><br />12. Develop a home school Spanish curriculum by June. The fact that I start teaching 3 homeschoolers Spanish in two weeks will expedite this one!<br /><br />13. Finish Emma Brooke's baby book by June 12, 2010 (her 2nd birthday!).<br /><br />14. Develop a good stay-at-home mom schedule by February 1. (This schedule will hopefully help me manage my time more wisely.)<br /><br />15. Pray daily for missions/missionaries--and not just the 5 that I already pray for daily. I want to include more prayers for brothers and sisters around the world that are enduring persecution (not just American missionaries).<br /><br />16. Focus on my marriage and family--being a better wife and mommy!<br /><br />17. Volunteer somewhere (pregnancy center?) once/month if childcare works out.<br /><br />18. Spend MUCH less time on facebook!!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-65011043493395148002009-11-13T15:39:00.000-05:002010-01-04T17:59:38.336-05:00To blog or not to blog?To blog or not to blog--that is my question of the day. So many of my friends have tried to get me to blog for years. I have attempted it several times, but I just haven't had the self-discipline to keep on it. I actually started this blog towards the end of my pregnancy with Emma Brooke, but I only wrote a few posts.<br /><br />Will and I then had our odomsonmission website/blog while we were in Vancouver. I did pretty well with that one when we first arrived in Canada, but after things got busy there, I wasn't as good at keeping it up either.<br /><br />Why am I attempting again? Well, there are several reasons:<br /><br />1) I am now a full-time stay-at-home mom, which actually gives me a little more time to write.<br /><br />2) God has blessed us with friends and family that live all over the world! We've been using facebook to keep up with many of these loved one, but I have realized that my status updates were getting a little long, and a blog might be a more appropriate place to let others know what is going on with us. <br /><br />3) I graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 with a double major in journalism and Spanish. While I kept up with Spanish pretty well over the past 6 1/2 years, writing is a love that has all but died. Since I am now at home, I have thought about trying to rekindle that passion and try my hand at freelance work. What better way to re-hone my skills than by starting a family blog?<br /><br />So, there....for those who have asked or for those who don't really care. That's why I have re-started a blog. We will see how long it lasts this time!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-36841230921426310422008-06-09T18:59:00.000-04:002010-01-04T17:59:38.369-05:00<font size="4"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Top 10 Things That Made Pregnancy More Comfortable:</span></font><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">10. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">Belly Band </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I didn't use this as much as I thought I would, but it did come in handy a few times. You can wear it over your unbuttoned or even unzipped pants, and they will stay up. This was helpful when my regular pants were too small but maternity pants were still too big. Towards the end of pregnancy you can pull it over your belly to cover it when all your shirts are too small. You can go back to wearing it over unbuttoned/unzipped pants after the baby comes but you still have some weight to lose.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />9.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Under-the-belly pants</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />These were MUCH more comfortable than the ones you had to pull up over the belly. You have to keep pulling the over-the-belly pants up when they fall down, but the under-the-belly pants stayed put.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />8.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Naps</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was pretty much exhausted for 9 1/2 months, and I couldn't have made it without a nap here an there--especially during the first trimester!</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tums</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Heartburn is a common symptom of pregnancy--no matter what you eat! There were a few weeks that I just kept a plastic bag full of tums in my purse to take with every meal.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Crocs</span></span><br />These were a lifesaver for a teacher who had to be on her feet most of the day! These also helped support my back. I had back problems before I was pregnant, but I didn't have much back pain at all during my pregnancy. I think part of that had to do with the fact that I wore these almost every day. I got some cute <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">maryjane</span>-style ones in black and brown.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Maternity Camisoles</span><br />So many maternity tops are low cut, and these help to keep things modest! Regular-sized <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">camis</span> will eventually get way too short as the belly grows!</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gaucho Pants</span><br />I had three pair, and I was able to wear them the entire pregnancy! The even neater part is--they weren't even maternity! Since they are stretchy they "grow" with you. I wore mine before, during, and after pregnancy! These were perfect to wear home from the hospital, as, although I was much smaller than when I had been admitted, I was still nowhere near my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-pregnancy size.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What to Expect when You're Expecting</span><br />This book was an excellent resource to go to when I'd have some strange symptom that I wanted to make sure was normal. The chapters are divided up by each month of pregnancy, and they give details on what an expectant mom should be experiencing that month. There is even information for the first few weeks post<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">partum</span> as well. I kept this one on the nightstand!)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Babycenter</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.com </span><br />Like <span style="font-style: italic;">What to Expect</span>, this website was a great resource for making sure what I was experiencing was normal. It saved many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">unnecessary</span> phone calls to the doctor. The site also has a weekly newsletter you can sign up to have sent to your e-mail. The newsletter details the development of your baby up until that point and includes a pic of what the baby looks like at each stage of development.</span><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><br />And for #1........</span></font><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Experienced Mothers</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I wouldn't have made it without a host of wonderful friends who were already experienced mommies. Thank you, Ashley, Amy, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MayMay</span>!</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-64570609869866435342008-06-03T11:30:00.000-04:002010-01-04T17:59:38.413-05:00Baby Emma's on the WayAny time now I will go into labor, deliver a baby, and be a mother. When I look back to that life-altering day in October when I took my first (of seven--all positive) pregnancy tests, I can hardly believe the time has almost come. <br /><br />As surprise (though planned, it happened FAST) turned to excitement and excitement gave way to fatigue, that first trimester seemed to drag on forever. I guess I would work in a daze because I can't really remember how I made it through each day. I would come home, sink into the couch until Will got home, get up and make something for supper(I can't even remember what--we probably didn't eat much those first few weeks), and then go right back to sleep--only to wake up the next morning feeling exhausted. <br /><br />Second trimester brought renewed energy, and at first, when I still wasn't showing, I almost felt "normal" again, except for the occasional and delightful little flutters that my baby used to remind me she was there. Those kicks and punches and somersaults became stronger and stronger, and in week 19 we found out Baby Odom was a GIRL! That day in itself brought a flood of emotions, as we watched God's little creation growing inside me--moving all around, breathing, heart beating....But I was afraid Will would be upset. I thought he wanted a boy, and I had been building up that I thought the baby was a boy. So, despite Will's reassurance that he was thrilled to be having a little girl, I cried all the way home. Not that I didn't want a girl--I really, really did--but I think all of the emotions that came with the realization that we were really going to be parents and there was no turning back hit home at once. And I cried. After I dropped Will back at work, I turned on K-Love and the first song on the radio was "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman. It was a new song, and it was the first time I had heard it. The whole song is from the perspective of a father to his little princess daughter, and I felt God's reassurance that Will would love having a little girl. <br /><br />The last trimester has had its ups and downs. There was the dizziness and black-out spells and shortness of breath that had my doctor send me to see the cardiologist--all for her to tell me that my blood pressure was probably dropping when I stood up and that I needed to drink gatoraid. We stopped by Kroger on the way home and stocked up. Needless to say, my wedding ban got almost too tight to take off about a week later (extra sodium will do that!), so we had to make a trip to Kohl's to get a nice 3-stone CZ for $7.99. Along with the trip to the cardiologist, there's been the steady weight gain (no doubting my state of being with child) and anemia (325 extra mg iron/day!) and two diabetes tests (I passed the second one!) and a rhogam shot (since I'm O-) and endless phone calls to the insurance company (gotta make sure I get those benefits!) and a hernia (I see the surgeon on Thursday--though I'm still praying its NOT a hernia) and carpal tunnel (I get to wear these "cool" little hand/wrist braces at night!). Really, compared to a LOT of people, I've had a very good and low-maintenance pregnancy. I think that maybe God allows all these strange things to happen to our bodies towards the end, so the desire for the baby to come will outweigh all the nervousness that accompanies the impending labor and delivery. <br /><br />I tried to take advantage of as many pre-baby opportunities as I could while pregnant. We took took several trips--we flew out to NC at Christmas, where we spent time in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington, and we flew out to NC/VA in March for Shannon and Javier's engagement party and a week in Richmond for IMB candidate conference. Though I had been sick with the stomach virus right before we left (which was the ONLY time I hugged the toilet the entire pregnancy!), we had a wonderful time. God continued to confirm our call to missions, and we enjoyed time spent with family and both old and new friends. <br /><br />In April, we took our final pre-baby vacation--our "babymoon" is what I called it. We got a really good deal on the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown, and the view from our room was excellent. It was a whirlwind, long-weekend trip, where we visited Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the Varsity, World of Coca-Cola, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. In between these activities we were able to meet up with my good friend Kara from college as well as my friend Mary. We relaxed in the hotel room at night and watched National Treasure II one night. We enjoyed the time together, though I was a little sentimental about it being our last vacation before becoming parents.<br /><br />The end of April my mom and sister Shannon flew out for a whirlwind shower weekend! Will's family as well a few friends gave us Emma Brooke's first shower on Saturday, April 26, and Longview Heights gave us our church shower on Sunday, April 27. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of the many wonderful family and friends that God has given us here in Mississippi (it's hard to believe how many close relationships you can make in a place you've lived in less than 4 years!). On Monday, May 5, some sweet co-workers and friends from Hope Sullivan Elementary gave us a shower there as well. The Lord has truly blessed us with providing for our baby girl!<br /><br />The first week of May we went to what will probably be our last concert for a while when Casting Crowns came to Southaven. It was a lot of fun, but I sat down for the whole concert. I was relieved when school got out on May 23. It has been getting harder and harder to get around with such a big belly!<br /><br />Though I thought I would just relax after school got out, I can't seem to sit still for long as I wait for Emma Brooke's arrival. I keep going back and forth from wanting her to be here and wanting just a little more time before she comes. I've cooked and frozen a few meals for us to eat after she comes, but I still have a few more I want to do. I've washed clothes for her to wear the first week she's home, and I've read up on getting her on a feeding/sleep schedule. I had lunch the other day with a lactation consultant friend to discuss breastfeeding. I've been trying to keep on top of laundry and keep the house clutter-free, as at any time a potential buyer can come by to look since it's on the market. I've read and watched a video on giving birth, but I still feel clueless. Last night I actually started reading a non-pregnancy/parent book--Shadow of the Almighty, by Elisabeth Elliott. It's Jim Elliott's biography, and missionary biographies are my favorite genre to read. It seems like it's been so long since I've read a book on anything else but pregnancy and parenting, so I decided now might be the only chance I get for a while to try to get my mind on something else. I've gone to the pool a few times, and I am hoping I can a few more times before the baby comes. <br /><br />The bags are packed, and the car seat is installed. We aren't setting up a nursery since we are trying to sell the house, but the guest room closet and dresser are full of baby girl clothes, blankets, burp cloths, toys, diapers, wipes, etc. Emma Brooke's pack 'n play,which will serve as her bed as we travel from MS to VA to Costa Rica to Mexico over the next year, is set up next to our bed. Everything seems ready, but am I? Is Will? We will see in a few days or a few weeks--or even a few hours. Now we just have to wait....<br /><br />It's been a long time since I've posted, and I am guessing next time I post I will be a different person. I will be a mom.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-76417584662722199682008-01-25T17:08:00.000-05:002010-01-04T17:59:38.475-05:00mourning with those I don't even know...In my Bible study today, I was asked the question, "What is one trait you like about yourself?" I took a minute to think. There are talents that I used to possess that I feel I have let gone waste (writing--for example), but one thing I have not lost is my tendency to easily empathize or sympathize with the hurting. I'm a softy, I guess--sometimes overly sensitive. I put myself in others' places, trying to wonder how they must really feel.<br /><br />That hurts in times like these.<br /><br />At church on Wednesday night I found out that friends of mine had just lost a dear friend from college and seminary in a car accident. I never met Amber Mathenia, but now I know that she was a 28-year-old missionary to Ethiopia that was home on furlough. She and her husband had an adopted 4-year-old daughter from Ethiopia, and they had just completed a domestic adoption of a six-month-old boy. Amber's husband had been on a 2-week trip back to Ethiopia, and she was killed the night before his return.<br /><br />"Please pray for my friend who is just now getting off a plane and learning that his wife died yesterday," our youth pastor announced in church Wednesday night. Oh, how my heart ached for him and those babies and their families and their friends.<br /><br />I thought about Courtney. It's been over 8 years. Wow--has it really been that long? In many ways it feels like it was yesterday. It was her death in a car accident that changed my life forever.<br /><br />That day had started out so normal--I was so innocent, so naive. I was returning to my dorm room from the shower when the phone rang. It was for me. I will never forget that moment. I was wearing a yellow bathrobe, and I had a towel on my head. Brantley, my roommate, was sitting in a chair, and I fell down to her when I heard the words, "Courtney is dead." Dead? Dead? How can it be? Hurt, maybe. But, dead? No....no, no, no....NO!<br /><br />And so today I think about and mourn with and pray for those dear friends and family of this sweet missionary who I never had the privilege of knowing.<br /><br />Courtney has spent every day face-to-face with Jesus since Dec. 9, 1999. She has held his nail-scarred hands. She has looked Him in the eyes. She has kissed His cheek.<br /><br />When I worship my Lord, I am joining Courtney in what she spends every minute of every day of eternity doing.<br /><br />I pray that Amber Mathenia's family and friends may, too, know the joy of knowing their loved one is in the very physical Presence of our her Savior amidst their mourning of her passing from them.<br /><br />Oh, Lord--please be near to the Mathenia family now.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-25824884626665008422008-01-11T18:40:00.000-05:002010-01-04T17:59:38.446-05:00How I found out I was pregnant...Sometime last summer--in between trips to Argentina, NC, GA, and China, Will and I began seeking the Lord about when to start a family. I had always wanted to wait later--at least one more year until I was 28. After all, my mom did not enter motherhood until she was 29, and I never felt like she was old or anything. I knew the decision to go ahead and have children would change my life more than any other decision I had made in my adult life--even marriage. (I do take care of Will, but I don't have to change his diapers.) I was scared of the responsibility that would entail. I was selfishly holding back and trying to buy more time in my little world of married-without-children. But this nagging feeling had been creeping up since the summer that perhaps it was time...<br /><br />So in August I officially went off of birth control. And by September, I was pregnant. I actually found out I was pregnant in October--October 11th to be exact. For a couple of days leading up to it I had gotten this feeling that perhaps I was....but I wanted to wait a few more days to find out for sure. But then I couldn't take it anymore. After work that Thursday I opened my bathroom cabinet to see if I had any pregnancy test. Sure enough I did, so I set about to seeing if I was indeed expecting a baby. After taking the test, I placed it on the floor and waited for the pink line or lines to appear--two meant pregnant and one meant not. As I washed my hands, I glanced over to the test. TWO LINES! Can't be, I thought. I picked up the test and examined it more closely. Sure enough--two lines. There's no going back now, I thought. My life has changed forever.<br /><br />I set the test down on the bathroom counter, quickly slid on my shoes, and bolted out the front door. My mind was centered on one task--getting to Walgreens down the street to verify this test with at least two more. I started up the car and put it into reverse, but then stopped when I realized in my rush to get to Walgreens and amid the rush of emotions, I had left behind my purse. After re-entering the house, grabbing my purse, and locking back up, I jumped back into the car and headed back toward Walgreens. As I walked in the store, I nervously scanned the aisles for the pregnancy-test section. Ah, I had found it. I looked over my shoulders to make sure no one was around before I began examining the boxes upon boxes of tests. If someone walks by, I'll flash my wedding ring, I thought. As if complete strangers would bother to see whether or not a 20-something woman looking at a pregnancy test were married or not. Finally, I had found one. I decided to go ahead and purchase two.<br /><br />Back at home I went through the same procedure as earlier two more times. Hold the stick out and pee. Wait. Look at the stick. Almost faint when I see the results. This time I had bought digital tests. Instead of two pink lines I got the words 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant.' Test one: Pregnant. Test two: Pregnant.<br /><br />It was pretty much for sure. I was with child.<br /><br />After spending so much unplanned time taking pregnancy tests, I was running late for a hair appointment. I quickly found a gift bag in the closet and threw the three pregnancy tests in. I was formulating a way to creatively tell Will in person. But first I had to go get my hair cut.<br /><br />My hair appointment went fine, but I was dying to tell my hairdresser. <span style="font-style:italic;">I'm pregnant</span>, I kept thinking. <span style="font-style:italic;">And nobody knows.</span> We had had some mutual friends who had given birth to their third child a week before. <br /><br />"So, Erin, when's it your turn?" Teresa asked. <br /><br />"Well," I started....then turned bright red, then burst into tears. <br /><br />"Are you? Are you pregnant?!" Teresa asked. <br /><br />"Yes, no, I think so, but I don't know." I got out in between sobs. "I took three pregnancy tests, but I'm not sure if they're right. Will doesn't...even ...know....yet!"<br /><br />"Well, you need to get on out of here and tell him!" Teresa laughed.<br /><br />Once she finished my hair that is exactly what I did. I felt so nervous, although I knew he would be thrilled. I called and told him I had a little surprise out for him in the parking lot. A few minutes later Will came outside, and I handed him the little gift bag. "What's this?" he asked. He reached inside and pulled out on the of pregnancy sticks. It was a digital one, and, unfortunately, the word "pregnant" had already worn off, so it was just blank. <br /><br />"There's something else in there," I said. So, Will pulled out another test, and this time the evidence was clear. He looked at me in disbelief, and then disbelief turned to utter excitement. He picked me up and twirled me around in the parking lot and kissed me. <br /><br />We were going to be parents.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-12445950042016138522007-08-30T21:40:00.000-04:002010-01-04T17:59:38.491-05:00EstefaniaSunday, September 2, 2007<br /><br />She has the most beautiful caramel skin and springs of coffee-colored curls fall just below her shoulders. She is not exactly shy but not exactly boisterous either. Her smiles are frequent, despite the amount of stress she's under with a new home, a new school, a new language, a new culture, a new country. But her big chocolate eyes--though crossed most of the time--never cease to twinkle when someone says her name. Estefania hasn't had the easiest time adjusting to her new life in the U.S.A. Fresh from Mexico, the first day of first grade proved much more difficult than just the normal first-day jitters. Estefania needed to use the restroom. She knew she needed to go. She knew where the restroom was. She knew she had to ask the teacher permission to get up to use the restroom, just as she had in Mexico during kindergarten. But she didn't know how. So she held it. And held it. And held it. And finally she could hold no more. Estefania wet all over herself, and it embarrassed her so. "Oh, how do I tell the teacher? Oh, how do I ask her if I can go to the bathroom?" Her teacher noticed sometime later, as Estefania rose from her seat to line up to go to the cafeteria for lunch. She called in the ELL teacher (me) to call Estefania's parents (for they didn't speak English either, and I was the only bilingual adult in the building who could communicate with them) to inform them that their child would be arriving home wearing clothes borrowed from the school supply closet. To make matters worse, Estefania repeated the accident a few days later. From either a mix of nerves and excitement or the sheer fear of disobeying the teacher by getting out of her seat without permission, Estefania wet all over herself a second time. This broke my heart for this precious little girl. Can you imagine how it must have felt to know she needed to use the restroom but not be able to get up to go because she did not know how to ask if she could? Though I've now taught her how to ask this simple question (she says, "I go to bathroom?") she will remember the embarrassment of the incident for the rest of her life.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577643711835697529.post-36795342214416876942007-08-28T21:39:00.000-04:002010-01-04T17:59:38.503-05:00So I decided to start a blog...Tuesday, August 28, 2007<br /><br /><br />Okay, so I have made fun of online journals for years. My sister has had a xanga site since college, and though I have enjoyed the benefits of keeping up with her via this insightful albeit impersonal way of communicating, I never thought I would start one myself. Who wants the whole world to have access to all of their personal thoughts, emotions, dreams, etc.? This is what I thought of blogs or online journals. But I've recently been rethinking the whole premise of "blogging," and I've decided that one of the beauties of this type of medium is that the writer alone decides what information to share and what to withhold. And at least the writers are writing, right?<br /><br />You see, this is primarily the reason I decided to begin this blog--to write. From first grade through college I wrote--all the time. I wrote short stories, I wrote poems, I wrote news reports, I wrote features, I wrote--my favorite--creative non-fiction. I could go on and on. But then something happened just over four years ago: I graduated from college. I moved to a foreign country. I became a teacher. I moved back to the States a year later and continued in the "real" world. And my writing...stopped. Just like that. I was so busy living life that I simply let this one particular passion go. It's almost embarrassing.<br /><br />So I've decided to start a blog. About what? I guess just about life. Sometimes it may not be that interesting, but to be interesting and entertaining is not my goal--at least not here. I simply want to re-hone my gift (or what I once thought was an area in which I had some talent).<br /><br />No one may ever read my blog, and, really, that may be better. Perhaps this will just grant me ground to tread on until I am ready to enter the world of authorship once again.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470693697802864588noreply@blogger.com0