tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47985896938099992742024-03-14T04:08:40.279-04:00 Pemberley Ink Writings from HomeMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.comBlogger438125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-2270369993915221802019-04-09T13:53:00.001-04:002019-04-09T13:53:59.750-04:00We are MOVING!Well, technically we moved in May of 2018, but we are in a rental house through the summer. And then we are hoping our new house will done and we will be moving in before school starts.<br />
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<image alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png"></image>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-37367947631478507362018-11-21T13:54:00.001-05:002018-11-21T13:54:22.335-05:00Tap. Tap. Tap.Is this thing still on?<br />
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Wow it has been long time since I blogged. Almost TWO years.<br />
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Today I just wanted to log in and see how it felt. Did I have words inside me again that I could even type on here?<br />
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2017 was a year that wrecked me. So much heartache. So much uncertainty.<br />
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2018 has been a year of recovery. And...<br />
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2019 is our year of hope fulfilled.<br />
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I hope to share more in the coming weeks. As we close out this year and look so expectantly for the next. Our little world is changing quite drastically. And this time next year we will be living a life long dream on over 9 acres we bought in SWVA.<br />
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God is good. My friends.<br />
All the time.<br />
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<image alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png"></image>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-68576233226368977622017-01-08T11:22:00.000-05:002017-01-08T11:22:02.043-05:00My New SpaceIt has become more and more obvious as I homeschool that I crave quiet and my own space. That is all difficult when you have four kiddos home 24/7 and have added a part time job (director of a homeschool academy). This means our home has had to transition and change too! Our dining room became a big waste of space. And ultimately we all used it as a catch all room instead of ever eating in there so we made the decision to put our dining room table in the basement for now and turn the space into an office and music room.<br />
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And it's been glorious!<br />
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We switched the piano and hutch so that the music lessons/practice are done in a corner of the room too. I was surprised at how much more the girls are attracted to the piano now that it's not in the main room of our home. There are some disadvantages to an open floor plan and that's one of them. Finding a quiet space to practice wasn't really happening in the main living area. Not only the girls, but I have been playing as well which has been dreamy.<br />
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So as much as I was worried about taking up a whole room on the first floor and it feeling kind of selfish, it was actually the best decision for all of us. Now I'm not trying to work while the kids are playing play station or the little girls have toys spread every where!<br />
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It may not be the library that Belle had, but it's pretty awesome none the less.<br />
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The girls weren't playing well together so I moved this in for the morning so they could play in front of me. Of course it lasted two minutes and they were too cute and I couldn't concentrate!<br />
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This picture was before Shane raised the chandelier and I still need to order the rug.<br />
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Music corner! Found a really cute wall hook for Avery's violin. And Shane was super excited to hang those heavy mirrors up so high.<br />
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I ended up pushing this chair against the wall where the antique door is because the little girls kept moving it every time they walked by. Now I just have to bring up the 20 boxes of books in the basement and fill up the book shelves! </div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-76880442403834515162016-06-18T12:23:00.001-04:002016-06-18T12:23:46.307-04:00It's SUMMER-2016!My poor old laptop has struggled to do just about anything, but my honey cleared off the whole and now it's actually letting me blog.<br />
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So the kiddos are all a year older. They are now 3, 6, 9, and 11. We've entered a new stage of life with no longer having a baby and as much as I loved and miss that time, I am absolutely loving this new stage too. Avery is starting to babysit a little bit which leaves time for me to run a quick errand while Lorelai's napping.<br />
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So the following is just a weekly update post on what we have been up to the last two weeks.<br />
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Reece had two baby teeth removed and was a champ! Those numbing shots are rough. But I was really proud of him. He also decided to let his hair grow longer and is "styling" it himself. </div>
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The bigs are on swim team for the first time this year and so that means the littles get a few mornings a week for free swim.</div>
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Avery and Reece had their first swim meet and they were awesome. Reece even placed third in an event. For barely swimming a month ago, these two are learning all the swim strokes and swimming up to four times the pool. So very proud of them!<br />
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Yay REECE!</div>
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The little girls were feeling a little left out with all of the swim meet happenings so we had a Mommy and Me date to the bakery for cookies and some fun at the toy store. We spent time in the morning braiding their hair and putting on pretty dresses and after we dropped the big kids at the pool we were off for some fun.</div>
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Shane had been traveling a lot so last week when he got home we left this for him in the drive way. And then we pummeled him with water balloons as soon as he got home. It was so much fun. And he had a blast. After he was good and soaked we spent the afternoon at home depot buying materials for our media wall cabinets. Super exciting!</div>
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The ammunition. I highly recommend buying one of those gadgets that fills up 50 balloons at once. We filled our wagons and buckets up in about three minutes and no tying off balloons either!</div>
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<image alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png"></image>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-66188914276606577092015-09-24T16:03:00.002-04:002015-09-24T16:03:21.701-04:00TBT- Ellie GraceFound this on my computer this morning. Can't believe this little sticker is FIVE and in KINDERGARTEN! How did that happen?<br />
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Summer 2010</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-36836063405531706482015-07-21T18:10:00.000-04:002015-07-21T18:10:48.367-04:00Feeling all the feelings...<br />
It's been one of those weeks.<br />
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The kind that thankfully doesn't happen very often, like a train wreck.<br />
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It's a week where you're suddenly screaming down the tracks at a speed that's too fast. Your heart is racing and there is a pit in your stomach because you know it's going to end badly. The train is going to crash.<br />
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One of the things that Shane loves about me is that I'm not emotional. Not that I lack emotion, but that I avoid drama. But sometimes there is that perfect storm. When all the emotions collide and I just crash, explode, and completely burn out.<br />
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And Oh... the last 10 days have been that for me. (...sigh...)<br />
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A busy schedule.<br />
A family crisis.<br />
Looming change.<br />
Another crisis.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
Sadness.<br />
Anger.<br />
A lost temper.<br />
A false accusation.<br />
A broken heart.<br />
Frustration.<br />
Being misunderstood.<br />
Deep past hurt.<br />
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All the feelings.<br />
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And as Christy Nockels belts out <i>Love Can Build a Bridge: </i>I remember.<br />
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He already knows. As much as my chest is tight and my emotions are high, he knows. He knows that I would have the schedule clear and a time for rest would come. He knows when the crisis will be over. The change will come and go and soon be the new normal. The disappointment will eventually end in forgiveness and letting go. The sadness will soon be happiness. The anger will subside and the temper will be reigned in. Apologies will be issued, and it's ok if they're not accepted. He knows the truth and the true motivation of my heart. The brokenness will be healed and the frustration will lend itself to acceptance. He understands and he heals the past so that the future is more focused on him.<br />
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All the feelings.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-67705679345147082952015-07-20T09:10:00.000-04:002015-07-20T09:10:06.895-04:0010 Weird Things About MeToday I am piggie backing off of<a href="http://shullfamily.blogspot.com/2015/07/10-weird-things-about-me.html" target="_blank"> Mix and Match Mama's</a> post that she did on <b><u><a href="http://shullfamily.blogspot.com/2015/07/10-weird-things-about-me.html" target="_blank">10 Weird Things About Me.</a></u></b> I was chuckling as I read because I had a few in common with her (pajamas at home and watching funny shows after something scary before bed) and then started thinking about the weird things about me. So here we go....<br />
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1. I can't stand having my hands dirty.<br />
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My mom has told me that I have been like this since I was a baby! Mixing up hamburger meat is TORTURE for me. Play doh is like nails on a chalkboard. And the thought of putting my hands in the dirt while gardening is excruciating. It's one of the reasons I hate washing dishes. I don't even like them wet and soapy from the water and that's why the world has dishwashers! If I do have a few things I have to wash by hand I will often dry my hands in between dishes when it starts giving me the willies. I know WEIRD!<br />
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2. I always come home and put pajamas or yoga pants on.<br />
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This is one that Shay talked about on her blog too. I rarely have real clothes on and think it is really uncomfortable homeschooling and taking care of four kiddos all day in jeans, platform shoes, and lots of jewelry. Yoga pants and t-shirts all the live long day! And if it's winter and you stop by my house in the afternoon I will probably have my Christmas flannel pants on instead of jeans. You have been warned. If you want to see me in proper clothes TEXT before you arrive, ha!<br />
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3. I love being barefoot.<br />
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I don't like wearing shoes at home or in the summer. I do have slippers that I wear when my feet are cold. I don't even like to wear socks! They always seem itchy to me and I am super picky about what kinds I will wear with sneakers. And as hideous as UGGS are: they are genius. I can keep my feet warm without wearing socks!<br />
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4. I don't like my feet "hidden".<br />
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Clearly I have some sensory issues, ha! But you won't ever see my feet very deep in the ocean or lake. I also don't like having my feet under a table unless I have shoes on (and sandals, flip flops don't count). If I am barefoot (which most likely I will be) I will angle the chair away from the table so I can keep my feet out or I will sit indian style on the chair. So basically I look like a toddler at the dinner table. I have no idea what this means about me. But the worst situation is in the summer, wearing flip flops, at a picnic table. Gives me the heebeegeebees!<br />
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5. I don't like coffee.<br />
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I know I know! You are thinking I just haven't had the right one. Nope. You can't convince me to like it. I'm British all the way in thinking that tea is the only beverage for me! But.... I LOVE the smell of coffee. Shane is old school and still grinds his coffee beans every day and the smell is glorious. However, that bitter nasty after taste is a cruel joke! If coffee tasted like it smelled I would be all about it.<br />
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6. I make my bed every day.<br />
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My mom had a rule when I was a kid that your room didn't have to be immaculate, but you HAD to make your bed before school. No exceptions! I'm so glad this was our rule growing up because I LURVE having my bed made. It (almost) doesn't matter if that load of laundry still is needing to be put away if your bed is made. In fact I am so weird about this that if I happen to have a rushed morning and don't get it done I will still make it, up until bedtime, just so I can crawl into a neatly made bed.<br />
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7. I don't like the taste of raw tomatoes.<br />
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Give me tomato sauce and give me ketchup but YUCK on a raw tomato. In fact one of the first times Shane and I hung out together involved a tomato and was at a U2 concert. Before the concert about 8 of us went out to dinner and ate outside at a bar in downtown Tampa. Shane and I were sitting on a concrete wall with a huge over grown grassy area behind it and AT THE SAME TIME we both pulled the tomato off of our grilled chicken sandwiches and threw them into the empty lot. It was love at first tomato toss People!<br />
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8. I always finish the book.<br />
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It may take years and I may hate it, but I will finish it. Not sure if this is being stubborn or just dumb. I guess it's the English teacher still left inside me. No matter how horrible -I have to finish it, like clearing your dinner plate as a kid.<br />
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9. I hate washing my hands in a public restroom.<br />
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Ok, I know I am going to get a lot of flack for this. I always carry baby wipes and hand sanitizer in my purse so I AM cleaning my hands! I promise! But unless it's a Target bathroom there are very few that look clean enough for me to put my hands on. This all started when I watched an episode of Dateline that tried to find the dirtiest place in a public bathroom. Guess what? That toilet seat isn't it! It's the faucet! Think about it! You wash your hands and then start touching the faucet to turn it on/off, you touch the door handles (which people touched BEFORE they washed their hands). It's all just GROSS! The exceptions to this for me are bathrooms with automatic faucets and touch-less paper towel dispensers. That is a WIN! And then I open the door with my shoulder or elbow if I can. And potty training 3 out of 4 kids has almost put me into a mental ward with dealing with public bathrooms.<br />
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10. I LOOOOOVE the newborn stage.<br />
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I know so many people hate the sleepless nights. But I love it. Carrying that baby around on my chest is just about my most favorite thing in the world. I cried every time my babies left this stage. Those little squishy cheeks and eyes that rarely open. Those little sighs and coos. Newborn sized diapers that barely are the size of your hand. Knowing Lorelai was my last baby I snuggled and carried that baby around all the time. And honestly I still treat her like a baby. She's also been the one that wants the most cuddles and still is very attached to mama. Fine with me! I'll carry that sweet thing on my all the way till the day I drop her off at college if she'll let me! Give me all the babies! ha!<br />
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Well, there you have it. I am weird!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-42699330118019639442015-07-06T08:29:00.001-04:002015-07-06T08:29:58.496-04:00PiercedEllie has been asking for a few months to get her ears pierced and we had a rare opportunity when the two of us could slip away to get it done. She was so excited for our date and put on a fancy dress even. It was so precious.<br />
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All excited and a little nervous too.<br />
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Pinning her hair back and snuggling the puppy she picked out to squeeze.<br />
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Marking just the right spot.<br />
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Momma made the poor girl adjust it three times before it was just right.<br />
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OUCH! Her sweet face made me heartsick as a mom, but it only lasted for about 10 seconds and she was ready for the rest of our shopping trip.<br />
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All done. It was so sweet when we were picking out the earrings. She wanted to know what Avery had picked so she could get the exact same thing! She looks up so much to her big sister.<br />
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While mommy shopped for some new shoes Ellie rode the carousel three times. She was so much fun to be with this day. Definitely I day I will never forget.<br />
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Clearly, the pain was gone and she was riding the carousel like the wild woman that she is.<br />
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So pretty. Her hair is growing out and she's obsessed with brushing it and looking dolled up. She may turn into our little diva.</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-15281769845644567152015-07-03T16:42:00.002-04:002015-07-20T10:01:39.648-04:00SUMMER Time and the living is easy.....A good friend has the most delicious cucumbers in her garden and she knows that I am obsessed with them. So when she texted me this past week that she had some available I jumped at the chance to get some.<br />
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And as you can see, I'm not the only ones that love them. It's about a cucumber a day in this house!<br />
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She also threw in blueberries, cabbage, squash, tomatillos, herbs, fennel, chard, and green beans.<br />
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I organized most of my oils with the nifty stickers my dad ordered me. He's been selling young living since WAAAAAAAAY before it was cool. Sorry we use to make fun of you dad! Clearly these are awesome!<br />
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I decided to switch my school room back into a dining room. About 30 loads of books to the basement later for storage down there and I could barely bend for two days. And yay for nekked babies that insist on wearing shoes.<br />
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SCORE of the week. This tea tray was EIGHT DOLLARS at Target this week. Orginially $29.99. Woohoo!<br />
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This is my favorite season and I am just loving all the fresh food and warm days. Please Winter, just stay away!</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-90329696526250798932015-06-18T20:41:00.000-04:002015-06-18T20:41:23.899-04:00Homemade Salsa<br />
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I never knew salsa was so easy to make! I will probably never buy it again because it was just so good. I didn't take exact measurements. I am more of a throw it all in kind of cook. But I did use the following:</div>
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<i><u>Homemade Salsa</u></i></div>
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2 tomatoes</div>
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1 tsp. tabasco</div>
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1/2 purple onion</div>
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half a bunch of cilantro</div>
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1 tsp. crushed garlic</div>
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Puree all ingredients to desires consistency. </div>
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I used my mini food processor and it was perfect. Very easy clean up too. I have a large food processor too, but for the amount I was making the small one was the best size.</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-57046532698147424462015-05-31T14:24:00.000-04:002015-06-05T14:24:39.575-04:00Lorelai turns TWO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sweet sweet baby is two now. I remember holding her in the hospital and thinking that since this was my last baby I was going to soak in every minute of her babyhood. And I thought about her second birthday and how that is the turning point. That's when they are no longer babies and suddenly are talking, walking, throwing fits, and potty training! UGH! But she is really the sweetest and easiest baby we have had. And has been nothing but a blessing to our family. Love you Lorelai Piper.</div>
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She had a pretty awesome first year.</div>
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Year Two started off with a bang for baby girl with a trip to Chicago and then to Sydney, Australia! What an amazing life she's led as our little world traveler. She won't remember any of these trips, but this is proof she was there.<br />
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The special cake my aunt, uncle, and cousins had for her at a family reunion.<br />
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Hyde Park downtown Sydney.<br />
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Whale watching. I threw up the WHOLE time with motion sickness, but seeing those whales was truly an amazing experience.<br />
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Seeing wallabys at the zoo in Darling Harbor, Sydney.<br />
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Her first pony tail!<br />
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And loves playing peek a boo on her birthday.<br />
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Halloween 2014<br />
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Clearwater, FL Dec. 2014<br />
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Nashville, Tn 2015 Cousin Whitney's wedding.<br />
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Just Chillin.<br />
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Children's Museum, Tampa.<br />
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Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa.<br />
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Topsail, NC.<br />
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LegoLand, FL Dec. 2014<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-42856105168995796182015-04-20T11:07:00.000-04:002015-04-20T11:07:21.174-04:00Amanda<br />
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So my sister Mandy spoke at her MOPS a few weeks ago and I just had to post her talk! So proud of her! Such a well organized, funny, heartfelt, raw testimony. This was the little girl who was super shy and cried every day on the bus to school because she wanted to stay home. Now she's speaking in front of a hundred women and even posted on YouTube! And she was up there for 36 minutes! She rocked it and I am posting it here so I always know I can go back and find it.<br />
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Mandy talks at Mops: click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5rR3Xv049E&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-54482785721078645252015-04-12T11:44:00.000-04:002015-04-12T11:44:02.724-04:00Florida Vacation: Day 2, 3, & 4Day 2: The first few days were a blur. Sunday we arrived! Hallelujah. Splitting up the drive makes it bearable for the 11 hour drive. Checked in, unpacked, and hit the only place open for groceries... Walmart. Oh joy. It was as horrible and miserable as possible.<br />
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Day 3: I apparently didn't take any pictures but we were at the pool most of the day and let Lorelai take a nap in the afternoon. We then ate dinner at That's So Fresh and it was just Ok. Not as great as we were hoping.<br />
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Day 4: Time to have an educational field trip and lots of hands on activities. We went to the Glazer Children's Museum downtown Tampa. I lived just around the corner from here when I lived in Tampa and felt right at home in the city. Didn't get lost even once. Lots of pictures of this day. I planned ahead this time and packed bathing suits, towels, and a picnic lunch to eat by the out door fountains. Such a fun place for kids to play in the water and mama got to sit and watch. It's all by the Hillsborough River and they have done an amazing job since we moved away revitalizing this part of the city. Such a beautiful area now.<br />
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Riding Dorothy's bike at the new Wizard of Oz display at the museum.<br />
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Fearless Ellie climbed right to the top.<br />
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Lunch by the Hillsborough River.<br />
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Oh, bless her. We all joke about her sweet little chunky thighs. I don't think I could ever get enough of squeezing them.<br />
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Sissy helping sissy though the fountain.<br />
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Pretty girl photo bomb.<br />
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We kept talking about how much Mimi would have loved this exhibit!<br />
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Ride that cow girl!<br />
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Reece launching boats that kids can assemble.<br />
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My "little" girls playing in the water.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-70097098182950774492015-04-12T11:38:00.003-04:002015-04-12T11:38:44.756-04:00Florida Vacation: Saturday Day 1<br />
On Saturday we left for our third trip to Tampa since September. Woohoo!<br />
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<i>Shane has been working on a project for almost two years and the last few months of construction and commissioning meant he needed to spend a lot of time down here. And the rule is (I made this up and so far it has worked in my favor) if he's gone for more than a week then we are going too! </i><br />
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<i>I'm so thankful for our homeschool lifestyle as it allows us to "school on the go". Shane's job was one of the many reasons we chose homeschooling and we have loved the travel that comes with this. (Just in case you were wondering how we can spend our fifth and sixth weeks of vacation during the school year not at home.)</i><br />
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So back to Day1.<br />
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We left home around 11 a.m. Saying good-bye to the puppies since we didn't have the same housing situation as last time. As much as I hated leaving them behind, it is giving me a lot less work of taking them outside multiple times a day and cleaning up after them constantly. So they are happy at home in our house and big yard and we are cramped in a one bedroom hotel suite. I think they are probably missing us, but loving how quiet it is!<br />
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We drove all the way from SW VA to Savannah and stayed at the Staybridge hotel. These are great. With four kids it is hard to fit into a one bedroom regular hotel room and these rooms have pull out couches and kitchenettes too. Once we got there (around 5:30pm) we ate dinner and let the kids run out on the putting green at the hotel.<br />
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Getting all that pent up energy out of their systems.<br />
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Avery is a tree hugger now.<br />
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Sweet baby girl is still sporting her black eye.<br />
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Ellie wanted to win the race.<br />
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Lorelai was making sure she had lots of protein for her run.<br />
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Lots of shenanigans going on here!<br />
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RUN REECE RUN<br />
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Ellie zooming by.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-90739931779172914182015-02-20T13:54:00.000-05:002015-02-20T13:54:27.505-05:00Fringe Hours'<br />
<span id="goog_1839771400"></span><span id="goog_1839771401"></span>As a mom of four kiddos and a homeschoolers, I was skeptical of being able to find any fringe hours in my schedule. But after reading this book by Jessica Turner, I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">realized that there were some changes I could make in my daily schedule in order to refresh and be creative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">First of all, I spend probably three hours a week in the car or waiting at practices with my kids' activities. That's a lot of time wasted on Facebook! So I packed a bag that I now keep in the car. It has an extra bible, devotional, two books, a knitting project, and an embroidery project. There may or may not also be chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One of my favorite quotes is where she writes, "you are never too busy to make time for what you love." And then she goes on to say, "if something is really important to you, you will find a way to fit it into your life." I completely agree! You can do it if you really want to! And it's ok if you don't want to, but there is time in the day for the "fringe." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One thing I am learning though when it comes to the fringe part of my life, (the decorative, the creative, the renewing moments) is that I often need to include my kids. This may seem counter productive,but I promise you it can work. I love to read and it's hard when your have four little people in the house all having their own demands, all day long. So we have "room time" at our house. Every day at 3pm for an entire hour they are in their rooms. And as long as they are quiet they can do anything during this time. My oldest daughter usually reads. My son builds Legos and my third loves barbies and dolls. This is also when the baby is sleeping so no interruptions there! So they see that I value books and they are given the time and materials to try it too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another way that I use my fringe hours with my kiddos is teaching them to do what I love. My daughter Avery is learning to sew and craft which is fun for me to do with her. It has renewed my love of quilting and knitting. My husband often includes my son on home projects and has him swinging a hammer or designing home improvements. And Ellie is spending more and more time in the kitchen helping to measure and stir during our baking time. It's not always quiet,but it's an amazing way to spend time with your kids while still being creative! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And just to clarify, FRINGE hours are always best when paired with Starbucks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">****disclaimer**** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review but all opinions and photos are mine. </span></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-90535495909977813242014-12-11T10:21:00.000-05:002014-12-30T10:27:46.456-05:00Quiet Time is Not so Quiet Anymore<br />
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I received this sweet email from my friend who was in our small group. Once I started typing my response I realized this would be a great post for anyone else wondering this same thing!<br />
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<i>Hey Megan,</i><br />
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<i>I hope you and your precious family are doing well! We're getting settled here...just some frames left to put on the walls! it's certainly busy up here and you have to plan any outing around traffic. Thankfully Target is like 10min away and they have a full grocery section too, so I'm set :)</i></div>
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<i>I wanted to seek your advice on something. I have really been struggling since the move, well really since Noah was born, to spend time in the Word. I will admit I feel that I've never had the Bible Study life I strive for, but even just spending 10 minutes has become harder and harder for me. Honestly, a lot of time I forget; a lot of time I feel my days are spent monitoring Lily and caring so much for Noah, I just don't know when to do it with balancing all the other house tasks. I know I have to prioritize it more and just find time to do it. You seem to have always done well this, from what I do know about you and FB posts and such, and you have 4 kids! I was hoping you could give me some advice :)</i></div>
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<i>Thanks so much & have a great night!!</i><br />
<i>Miss you guys!</i><br />
<i>Jennifer</i><br />
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Well to say I thought this was the sweetest email was an understatement. I kept thinking, "Wow, I must have everyone snowed!" But then I sat down and thought honestly about it so here's my response...<br />
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Hi Jennifer,<br />
We miss seeing you guys so much and hope you're settling into your new home! Thank you for your sweet note! I want to start off by saying there are lots of days I don't get it "right" when it comes to devotions, but here are some things that I have done that have helped me stay focused more on the Lord each day.<br />
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1. I put bible verses every where in my house! Yes, sometimes the day is so crazy and out of control that picking up a bible and getting ten minutes to read it is really hard. So surrounding yourself in scripture keeps your mind focused on him, especially in the heat of the rough moments with your kiddos.<br />
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2. I put bibles every where too. I have two bibles that are almost the same and I have one on my nightstand and one in the living room. I even keep one in the car! That way I can't use the excuse of walking upstairs and having to leave the babies alone to have quiet time. Put a daily devotional, pen, paper, etc with each bible also.<br />
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3. Next, make the kids a devotional basket. For little kids this could be picture bible, bible story books, even blocks or little people they can play with. While you sit on the couch with your bible, feeding the baby, you read the Psalm and the Proverb matching the date or pick a book of the bible. While you just READ the older child can play in the devotional basket that is only for that special time when mommy is reading her bible too. See where I am going with this? You're teaching Lily that there is time in the day to just sit and be with God. She won't learn this if you are only doing your devotions at night or during nap time. And to be honest, I just started doing this a year or two ago. And now my big kids that can read will go grab their bibles too. It's never perfectly timed every day. Some people can schedule their days to the minute, I've never been able to. But there should be an ebb and flow to the day where there is some moments to just sit in quiet. No t.v. or any electronics!<br />
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4. Give up the perfectionist notion that you will get an hour every day to journal and read your bible in absolute quiet and concentration. It's just not going to happen very often. When it does TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT! But for the regular crazy days your goal is to keep scripture and prayer at the forefront of your mind with whatever means necessary!<br />
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5. Every once in a while (maybe once a month), ask hubby to watch the kiddos so you can go sit at Starbucks and work on some quality bible study alone and with caffeine!<br />
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6. My favorite bible study right now is at shereadstruth.com There is now an app for your phone and it is awesome. They have not asked me to endorse their product this is just my unsolicited opinion. It's perfect because the scripture, the devotional, and the online forum is right there on the app for each day! You can be cooking dinner and doing your devotionals on your phone or Ipad. This is a HUGE help for me!<br />
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All in all the the new attitude is "Being with Christ throughout the day." Versus a long scheduled time of quiet. Those days will come back eventually!<br />
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Well, Jennifer I hope this helps! I definitely don't have it all figured out and I am still working on it myself. This is just my opinion and what has worked for me! Take what you need out of it and adjust however it fits for you! Just know that the Lord is with you all through the day! He will take whatever minutes you can give him!<br />
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Love,<br />
Megan</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-24480785041559544812014-12-04T10:02:00.000-05:002014-12-30T10:02:50.104-05:00This is how we school.Sometimes school is just the princess writing her story for CC and mama putting her feet up.<br />
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***This picture was taken as proof in the unlikely event it ever happens again.***</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-64393705442065666702014-10-24T11:08:00.000-04:002014-10-24T11:08:13.333-04:00THE Georgia Tech Game<br />
Living in the Virginia Tech area, my honey doesn't get to see his team play very often. But every other year GT comes to Bburg to play VT. And this year Shane and I went to the game for a date. In the past we have taken friends, family, even our kiddos. But this year it was just him and me. And it was AWESOME! Why? Because GEORGIA TECH WON! We went with very low expectations. Every year since we have lived here GT has lost. So when the game seemed to be going in our favor we were floored. And quite possibly the only people besides the parents of the GT players up on our feet screaming our heads off. Thankfully the VT people were very kind and allowed us to celebrate.<br />
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This guy was lots of fun and actually taught me some of the game. Which is hilarious because when they are losing I am not allowed to talk because I frustrate him. So I got to finally use up my daily word count!<br />
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When the scoreboard got to this we were starting to really freak out.<br />
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And here we are celebrating after the game. I convinced Shane to go around the stadium to where the players were and guess what? It paid off! Here we are with DeAndre Smelter who has to be one of the nicest college football players. He took the time to talk with Shane about the game and even took pictures with us. Seriously this kid (I can say that now since I am old) had a great game and was really fun to watch.<br />
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Then we went and hung out where the players get on the bus to go home. I hung out with Justin Thomas' sister, who was also very sweet. You can tell they are so proud of their quarterback. And Shane thinks he's awesome. It's fun to see him excited this year after mourning the loss of his favorite player Godhigh.<br />
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And surprise we saw Paul Johnson too. I am pretty sure Shane was floating at this point.<br />
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Here comes Justin Thomas.......<br />
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It is tradition for GT to steal the T from opponents signs. One year Shane had decided he was going to do it. I reminded him as an elder at church and the father of four children that it was not an option. Leave that to the young whipper snappers! And it looks like somebody got the T again. (not Shane)<br />
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When it was all said and done it was an awesome day. Like besides our wedding and the birth of our kids... it was rated up there pretty high. </div>
<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-74228155093946618822014-09-27T13:31:00.003-04:002014-09-27T13:31:41.610-04:00Fall Y' all!Yeah! Fall is here. I have a love/hate relationship with fall. Summer is my first love. And Fall is second. the big comfy sweaters, uggs, pumpkin everything. The problem is that Fall inevitably welcomes in Winter. Who is my absolute nemesis! But I have decided to live in complete denial that Winter is coming and embrace that absolute awesomeness of Autumn. So with my new found attitude and outlook on the season I set out to surround myself in all things pumpkin and apple.<br />
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First up! Baked apples, applesauce, apple everything. This was a genius plan on my part. The kids did so much of it! And they all got along. No fighting! Score! Avery wanted to wash all the apples. Ellie was in charge of "moving" the apples, and Reece was the apple corer. Because of course anything involving machinery is HIS. So two hours later we had a house that smelled like apple pie. Yum!<br />
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The awesomeness in all this is our "new"kitchen. We finished the kitchen when I was 9 months pregnant. So last Fall we really didn't do too much. But just this week we have worked the heck out of my island. Seriously love her. She's like the best assistant ever. She holds all my stuff, gets beat up constantly, and never complains! All four feet of her glorious quartzness!<br />
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Anywho I digress....<br />
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It wouldn't be a post about this time of year without a little shout out to my new love, the pumpkin spice chai. I can't tell you how many I've had in the last two weeks. Probably too many. But this new discovery has rocked my world. And guess what????? Target has pumpkin spice chai in their TAZO section. MIND BLOWN! So yes, my pantry has been stocked to last me until Spring.<br />
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We started Road Trip USA... again. It seems we have started it three times and had to cut it out various year for different reasons. But now all three of the oldest kiddos can do it so we are going full force. It will work great with our cycle 3 in Classical Conversations this year along with the Sonlight Core D readers we are reading.<br />
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Here's my man showing off his Five Guys cheeseburger and apple cider. Why you ask? Because the first state we studied last week was Connecticut. And who knew that CT was the birthplace of the first cheeseburger. We also learned that colonists often drank cider and beer because they believed water was bad for them. And no we didn't have beer. Just straight up convenient and very OK tasting apple cider from Target.<br />
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Here's a free little grammar lesson for you. Please see the below pic for the correct contraction of you and all.<br />
YOU + ALL= Y'all<br />
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You're Welcome!<br />
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That's just a pic of my new favorite obsession. It will be so sad when I have used up all of my starbucks giftcards!<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-3857420830683922402014-09-23T11:04:00.001-04:002014-09-23T18:16:09.234-04:00So far...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Our school year looks like this... 😧<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-43252651261371030862014-09-04T10:42:00.000-04:002014-09-04T10:42:11.904-04:00A Little Randomness from the Summer<br />
Sissy snuggles<br />
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I've been knitting lots of coasters.<br />
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Water day with the two littles.<br />
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Reece's new hat.<br />
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Reece building a table.<br />
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Attempted to curl my hair. It lasted four minutes.<br />
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And just for some cuteness.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-57996457092139668412014-07-03T09:48:00.003-04:002014-07-03T09:56:17.548-04:00Their Story...I'm guest blogging over at <a href="http://www.journeyguy.com/their-story-megan-carver/" target="_blank">JourneyGuy</a> today! Thanks Pastor Jeff for the opportunity to write a little piece of my story.<br />
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For the Single Ladies</h2>
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<img alt="meganandshane" class="alignright size-full wp-image-315142" src="http://www.journeyguy.com/images/2014/07/meganandshane.jpg" height="259" hspace="10" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; height: auto; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="215" />When I thought about who might be reading this and about all the people in my church, I knew I wanted to tell a part of my story that would resonate with all the college students. Especially all you single ladies. (Are you singing Beyonce’s song now? Sorry about that.) So all of you 18-24 year olds that aren’t married yet. Guess what it’s ok! And here’s why.</div>
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I swore I would never be one of THOSE girls. You know the boy crazy kind. All they do is talk about their man and how great he is. Their every waking moment is about some guy. But when thinking over my life one of the most defining moments of who I am today is when I met my husband. There I said it. So much for being an independent woman.</div>
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Here’s my story…</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br />Read more at </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><a href="http://www.journeyguy.com/their-story-megan-carver/#szqoIDf8rCkUXfMA.99">http://www.journeyguy.com/their-story-megan-carver/#szqoIDf8rCkUXfMA.99</a></span><br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-41014049163308872642014-07-02T22:27:00.001-04:002014-07-02T22:27:19.932-04:00This WeekI Love summer food! This is a go to dish for us. Chop, throw in dish, drizzle EVOO, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings. SO GOOD!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-WnsR5v1kc/U7S_ScxBZkI/AAAAAAAADUU/jd5R0yAJUb4/s640/blogger-image-1684382649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-WnsR5v1kc/U7S_ScxBZkI/AAAAAAAADUU/jd5R0yAJUb4/s640/blogger-image-1684382649.jpg"></a></div>First time Lorelai didn't cry on the swing.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BMnoyhQ8kTc/U7S_Nxz4wMI/AAAAAAAADUM/C9ZsTl-4Bfg/s640/blogger-image--1774709415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BMnoyhQ8kTc/U7S_Nxz4wMI/AAAAAAAADUM/C9ZsTl-4Bfg/s640/blogger-image--1774709415.jpg"></a></div>These brownies were amazing! A new staple in our house. I buy it in bulk off o amazon. I added Nutella icing on top. They were gone in a minute!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZvgsimPahA/U7S_WKYKQHI/AAAAAAAADUc/pLE8-SKfJ7E/s640/blogger-image-383607066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZvgsimPahA/U7S_WKYKQHI/AAAAAAAADUc/pLE8-SKfJ7E/s640/blogger-image-383607066.jpg"></a></div>Ellie is back in gymnastics and LOVING it. She slightly scares me how brave she is!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jZ88kjNYK7E/U7S_ZRtm-6I/AAAAAAAADUk/5vS27U9wcO8/s640/blogger-image--479010599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jZ88kjNYK7E/U7S_ZRtm-6I/AAAAAAAADUk/5vS27U9wcO8/s640/blogger-image--479010599.jpg"></a></div>Hit up Barnes and Noble for some reading for the very LOOOOOONG flight to Australia. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xDITqpJptF8/U7S_hXORDjI/AAAAAAAADUs/FBmpwFAnfWk/s640/blogger-image--308741447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xDITqpJptF8/U7S_hXORDjI/AAAAAAAADUs/FBmpwFAnfWk/s640/blogger-image--308741447.jpg"></a></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-4216510893906904562014-06-30T17:21:00.002-04:002014-06-30T17:21:37.583-04:00I'm in a new club.This morning as I was making my bed I glanced out the window and saw three women -very pregnant, walking dogs, and pushing strollers. And I realized I'm in a new club. I'm not in the "young" mom category anymore. Now you're probably thinking DUH you have four kids. But we all have <i>that moment. </i>The one where you don't see yourself in with that group anymore.<br />
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I'm now in the "had four not gonna have more" category. The "no way I am not going to be pregnant ever again". Now I wasn't sad. I don't want to suddenly get pregnant and have another baby to be back in the group, but it was definitely defining for me.<br />
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I suddenly felt older.<br />
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Wiser (well maybe not that). ;)<br />
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And I started thinking about 7 and 9 years ago when I was in that stage. I loved it. But you know what else I love. The fact that I have a son who can take out the trash. I have a daughter who loves going with me to get pedicures. I have another daughter who crawls on my lap and tells me I'm her bwest fwend.<br />
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I do miss feeling that little kick inside my tummy. And being in awe and overwhelmed with all things new regarding motherhood. The big round belly with the tiny human growing inside.<br />
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Hey- maybe tomorrow I'll load up my brood and head out on the walking trails. With my new group. They're pretty cool too. And they're all mine.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="right" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/BLOG%20DESIGN/ONCEUPONABLOG/megansigcopy-1.png" />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14196877403202382086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798589693809999274.post-4332762955221450282014-06-18T10:50:00.000-04:002014-06-20T17:01:22.531-04:00End of School Celebration!The Carver kids have completed another year at Brooklyn Academy! Woohoo! This mama is ready to not be the teacher and just be that "fun- mom- that- takes -us- on -cool- summer adventures"! SO we started it out with a yes day. I told them we were off to Target for groceries but we actually got some of those dollar spot build and paint wooden crafts. They had a blast putting those together. Now we just need to find a little creek to test our new sailboats.<br />
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First up.... PIZZA!<br />
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And then off to Bubblecake for some deliciousness!<br />
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Ellie just finished her second year of preschool so we will start K4 here at home with her in September.<br />
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Lorelai even got a little cupcake.<br />
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My handsome little man Reece finished up first grade. He is awesome at math. And we finally figured out that his lack of wanting to read (he can read just didn't want to do it) actually stemmed from needing glasses. His vision is almost perfect but has astigmatism in both eyes. He has been a different kid in school now that he is sporting those! We picked up the LEGO movie too and that was our afternoon rest time activity.<br />
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Avery Elizabeth finished third grade. She excells in reading. I am guessing she's on about a sixth grade reading level. She's started to read everything in sight. And I can barely keep up with her on her kindle. In January she was struggling so badly with math we actually switched programs and started at the beginning. So she will be doing math through the summer to catch up.<br />
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The whole crew!<br />
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And a few of this precious baby. She loved smearing icing all over the place.<br />
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