tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718044954195368342024-03-05T22:38:02.425-05:00Produced LocallyCHRISandBETHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514591009541624691noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-80606586833903368242010-12-02T15:16:00.005-05:002010-12-02T15:48:29.524-05:00We're Moving!!!<span style="font-family:times new roman;">...but don't pack your bags - we aren't going very far.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I figured the ole blog needed a little sprucing, primping, pep in it's step - kind of like my face in this photo:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">yikes!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapXaX8_wnsHL3c85By32u92g3GKhkqu42vMMlejH4oZ2ysPG6YlPNkB3tmiIgHGemZJ3vhmPV8hPegL-YZ36trhrevxuZFBwOhDomlTrUs83Mpx4Xq96apS2cKSxzeI39k0Q-pycxvbuO/s1600/b%2526edancing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapXaX8_wnsHL3c85By32u92g3GKhkqu42vMMlejH4oZ2ysPG6YlPNkB3tmiIgHGemZJ3vhmPV8hPegL-YZ36trhrevxuZFBwOhDomlTrUs83Mpx4Xq96apS2cKSxzeI39k0Q-pycxvbuO/s320/b%2526edancing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546186292379656946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">so, without further ado... </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >voila!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://producedlocally.wordpress.com/">Produced Locally</a><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-family: times new roman;">Grab your hard hat - it's a work in progress.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Go ahead. Click it. I'll see you over there...</span><br /></div> </div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-32550434808568225612010-11-24T22:05:00.003-05:002010-11-24T22:22:25.314-05:00Giving You the Bird...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; ">And the winner is (drumroll please)....</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entry #5 - Crystal</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I will contact you soon with details, color preferences, etc.!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Congratulations on "getting the bird"!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG0JXO8cdWPHV8EbxpWPsOtzi5zpY-4RbGuv119pkaUteqRevgSrCPjSQg1crPI1k1Fo0XtFw-XfE7_uklc-av2bbX6e9bUBdK_h9x-UaBJGLXfgiWWvnRLfenlyL3SSg1wMWZm6CPzDm/s320/DSC04397.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543321837804072706" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Keep spreading the word - you never know when I'll throw another one of these up for grabs!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Number randomly selected by generator at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.random.org/integer">www.random.org</a>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></div><div><div style="font: normal normal normal 0.8em/normal Tahoma, sans-serif; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><div id="invisible" style="width: 800px; margin-top: 2em; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: auto; "><span style=" ;font-size:0.8em;"></span></div></div></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-34145323459348975982010-11-19T15:21:00.006-05:002010-11-19T16:02:54.136-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The more I am in a mainstream environment the more I want to retreat back to my little cabin in the woods. Retreat may be too passive - run like heck is likely more appropriate. And Pensacola has not failed me yet, it has me wanting to lace up my running shoes. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is what I saw as I was driving to my gran's house the other day, complete with a photo of beautifully sculpted (and airbrushed I'm sure) abs of a presumed "mommy":</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.8333px;"><div id="moms" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/wp-content/themes/easternshoreplasticsurgery/images/body-module.gif); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; height: 155px; width: 225px; background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; "><div class="feature-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 28px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 22px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border- text-align: right; color:initial;"><h3 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border- font-size:18px;color:initial;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:18.3333px;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/mommy-makeover/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: none !important; color: rgb(104, 173, 193); font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; ">Mommy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/mommy-makeover/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: none !important; color: rgb(104, 173, 193); font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: normal; font-size:18.3333px;"></span></a><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/mommy-makeover/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: none !important; color: rgb(104, 173, 193); font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; ">Makeover</a></div></h3><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><img src="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/wp-content/themes/easternshoreplasticsurgery/images/module-tl-line.gif" align="right" style="text-align: right;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:10.8333px;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/body/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; ">Tummy Tuck</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:10.8333px;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/breast/breast-enlargement-augmentation/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; ">Breast</a></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:10.8333px;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/breast/breast-enlargement-augmentation/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; ">Enlargement</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:10.8333px;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/breast/breast-lift-mastopexy/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; ">Breast Lift</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/body/liposuction/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-size:10.8333px;"></span></a><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/easternshoreplasticsurgery/procedures/body/liposuction/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(215, 139, 106); font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; ">Liposuction</a></div></div></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I almost forgot to go when the light turned green.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, be disgusted, confused, angry, sad, judgmental, self conscious... and the list goes on. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I didn't know whether to feel these things for the "mommies" who are lured into the web, the doctors who profit from the self-concious, the marketing team who thought this was a good idea, or the society that has blasted the messages that superficial flaws are unacceptable and imperfect. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So I did a little research on the website of this </span></span><i><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/procedures/mommy-makeover/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">fine</span></span></a></i><a href="http://www.easternshoreplasticsurgery.com/procedures/mommy-makeover/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> institution</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> offering this beauty by botulism. These are the first words in their attempt to win you over:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Children add limitless joy to a woman’s life, and there’s not much a mother wouldn’t sacrifice for the sake of her children. But not all sacrifices are truly necessary."</span></b></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So if this is the accepted truth, that mama's would do anything for their babes because the little ones provide more pure and constant joy than one could imagine, remind me again why I need to butcher my belongings - the only thing that is truly mine? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am not opposed to one taking care of themselves, desiring to have their pre-baby figure back - obviously - but then there are some things that are just absurd. In a country that is supposedly recessing and struggling, it sure does seem that these sorts of options are more and more widely available and even sadder, accepted. And </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ever</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> sadder, utilized. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you want your shape back, get your butt in the gym, hire a personal trainer, play with your kids, go outside, take a hike, ride a bike, eat better, choose a healthier lifestyle...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But alas, why put forth the effort when there's the instant gratification of a little slit here, tuck there, and voila! good as new...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's called labor because it's painful and it's work. And I am proud of my battle wounds. When I work just as hard to get my body back as I did those ten months and one day, I'll be just as proud as my new battle marks. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And if my baby brings me endless joy - what else matters? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And I, too, will sacrifice almost everything for my son - but I think I'll hold on to my dignity, thanks.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-60412879360147699952010-11-16T16:30:00.003-05:002010-11-17T10:16:39.169-05:00Handgrown Goodness<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; "><img src="webkit-fake-url://C0918721-9832-4103-9546-656C27A333CE/handmadeholiday.JPG.jpg" alt="handmadeholiday.JPG.jpg" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; "></span>I am a little late in the game discovering this year's hullabaloo about a growing movement for handmade goodness for the holidays, but I have to say,</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> it's about time, folks</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">! Welcome to the eternally joyful world of gifts of labor and love.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We (the Bowens and Fords) have been doing something similar the past few years for Christmas exchanges - local products from your respective local markets - and a lot of times, but not always, these items lend themselves to handmade goodness ranging from produce to music to state flags. And we (C & me) have loved every single gift we have received and given. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Here are a few other folks who think this is a trend worth trying, not like the "wear faux fur with a military jacket" (or something like that) that will be over next week (we handmakers hope, anyway - and even if the trend dwindles, we will still be making and giving - so there):</span></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.loveyourlizzie.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Love, Lizzie </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - mostly kid-minded but she could make anything, I tell ya: skirts, capes, soft toys, bags, etc.</span></li><li><a href="http://plainandjoyfulliving.blogspot.com/p/handmade-holiday.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Plain and Joyful Living</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - simple family abundantly gifted in handworks.</span></li><li><a href="http://www.sewliberated.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Sew Liberated</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - great ideas and patterns for little ones and around-the-house items - and she talks about her cute kids, too</span></li><li><a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Made by Rae</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - Big Butt Baby Pants - enough said. - and she's putting together a "Celebrate the Boy" month in February</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Check these folks out for ideas and items to buy. The second link has a remarkable list of folks participating in Handmade Holiday 2010. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I won't launch into a shpiel atop my soap box of why you should, why it's better, who it's good for, I will simply say this:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Value is not just monetary.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Mother Earth will rejoice in singing. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Life lessons gently implied.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Gifts that keep on giving.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Usable and/or consumable.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Gentler eco-footprint.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Local economy.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The end. Preaching over. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">If you want to talk about any of the above topics in more detail, I'd be glad to indulge.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-84100179449815194352010-11-16T10:53:00.012-05:002010-11-16T16:25:51.390-05:00Felt So Good<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">In the midst of Christmas crafting my fanny off, I visited </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a href="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/">Living</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.livingfelt.com"> </a><a href="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/">Felt</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> in preparation to resupply my stock </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">very</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> soon (hint on gifts - still act surprised - thanks) and lo and behold I found something that makes me want to dance. I went to the "</span><a href="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/Testimonials-_ep_46.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Testimonials</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">" tab and found this:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(48, 48, 96); font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img border="0" alt="Thank you !!" align="middle" src="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/assets/images/cart%20extras/happycustomers.gif" /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(48, 48, 96); font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128); "><hr /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128); "><div align="left"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family:Calibri;"><span style=" ;font-family:Times;"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size:10pt;"><img border="0" alt="" align="right" src="https://livingfelt.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/images/other/ford_1.jpg" />...</span><span style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;">first project: <strong>a sweet bird mobile for a new baby...</strong> I got myself to Joann's as hurriedly as I could and nearly fell out at how expensive a quarter of an ounce of roving was going to cost, and I needed a lot more than that. I was a bit discouraged that my new hobby was over before it began because I couldn't afford it. Sad day in the life of a stay-at-home-crafting-to-keep-sane-because-I-live-in-the-woods-and-camp-is-starting-mama. And now I wouldn't be able to make my mobile.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><div align="left" style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></div></span></span><div align="left" style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><img border="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/assets/images/images/other/ford_2.jpg" />I pulled myself out of that close call with defeat and went home to do some more research online...And that's when <strong>I found these fine folks</strong>, </span><a href="http://www.livingfelt.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, rial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(72, 61, 139); font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><strong>Living Felt</strong></span></a><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><strong>.</strong> I quickly and easily found what I wanted and needed to get started at extremely fair prices. I spent about $30 and got a lot of variety of wool and colors...where at J's it would have cost me almost three times that for the same amount.<br /><br /><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Not to mention my order was shipped that same day with a sweet hand-written note from the company.</strong></span><br /><br />And </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;">then</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;">, just today, I got an email from them checking in to make sure I am enjoying my order and lending their assistance if I have any questions. They are good people, making sure they provide folks with the best product from humane practices... I will definitely continue to order from them...</span></span></span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"> </span></span><span style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"></span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><strong>Beth Ford<br /><a href="http://www.fordbaby09.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Verdana, rial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(72, 61, 139); font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none; ">"Produced Locally"</a></strong></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;">_______________________________________________</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Holy Guacamole! I am so stinking honored! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;">Not only published in craft but in word as well - and a link to the blog to boot (maybe I should pick up the pace around here)... I am <b>very</b> encouraged. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;">And because all of this crazy excitement, <b>I am going to give away some felting goodness.</b> Yes, that's right, tell all of your friends. If a little one (or one to be) in your life needs to have a custom-color "Tweet Dreams" mobile hanging about their nursery, leave a comment here (one per day) and I will draw one week from today - so next Tuesday (11/23). Your mobile will be handcrafted and sent to you after the Thanksgiving holidays.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Spread the word. Get the bird. </b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh, you can also boost your possibilities if you get your friends to comment FOR you - just ask them to leave your name in the comment. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanks to <a href="http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/">Living Felt </a>for proudly displaying my very first project, that now adorns my sweet new cousin's nursery. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you aren't giving handmade for Christmas this year, think about it. Handmade or local - it's the new black. (More on that later...)</span></span></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><br /></span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-5734268713586355122010-11-11T10:56:00.005-05:002010-11-11T20:39:28.278-05:00Cabin Fever<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here at</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Casa </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> de Ford we get a little something called Cabin Fever.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />It's highly contagious with symptoms of cranky pants, fussy faces, and pains in your - well, everywhere.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />The cure?</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Get the heck out of dodge before the steam bellows out of your ears.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />And so we did just that yesterday. Most folks will likely scratch their heads at the thought that we ventured off of camp property to have some outside peace, but your backyard is your backyard - sometimes you need to hop </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the fence. We hopped about two miles down the road to the little playground at the Methodist Church - but made sure we vacated before they made us stay for Wednesday night church.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We weren't sure how Noah would like or interact with the play things considering he's just now taking steps on his own, but I'll let you decide:</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >In the spirit of Abigail: "Nunnels!"</span><br /></div></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGFjXB-I6p3qooVqVUXeeghImiXowF7SyI6zLJ1Mq-MSEtwD7lPfg1sE0PyMv_h2I_UpgCJxde90bOQefxdaPo2SBJcr5htYCnUaXeo1h5a1TMzG9KVdYNDwb-QcCKel64dwKatd3Ul61/s1600/DSC09969.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/AVvXsEjiGFjXB-I6p3qooVqVUXeeghImiXowF7SyI6zLJ1Mq-MSEtwD7lPfg1sE0PyMv_h2I_UpgCJxde90bOQefxdaPo2SBJcr5htYCnUaXeo1h5a1TMzG9KVdYNDwb-QcCKel64dwKatd3Ul61/s320/DSC09969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538467988332835490" border="0" /></a></span></span>The BIG slide with daddy...</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHh-h35B_1q6AIfkh_mqY-KBFW0knf9nHi-KfkFpEbVvm8BITBjT8HBT8R-xN4LlCeLfmrOfpzcBtxtDvCUAGcy3MHsRlHTrNTeJaCJPk_nqWrvlVTPKOqNLzmIRvX9svnYnBdH7bymID/s1600/November1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHh-h35B_1q6AIfkh_mqY-KBFW0knf9nHi-KfkFpEbVvm8BITBjT8HBT8R-xN4LlCeLfmrOfpzcBtxtDvCUAGcy3MHsRlHTrNTeJaCJPk_nqWrvlVTPKOqNLzmIRvX9svnYnBdH7bymID/s320/November1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538324305086231522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Look, mama is on the slide and in front of the camera...<br />Rare.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6-cEdLfcZCzYCbuKWp8GJqOHitXqvwsqXLzlRuA-H8yHwydzGaH8eD_Tex7ZSmpIF6BF446NUe8IB4jW8W5owaTOvJxEdEU21u3_s1Vv0iIOa2b9gw8zaVb-vsSc5in4Q6zt3C6_2qoi/s1600/DSC09985.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/AVvXsEjY6-cEdLfcZCzYCbuKWp8GJqOHitXqvwsqXLzlRuA-H8yHwydzGaH8eD_Tex7ZSmpIF6BF446NUe8IB4jW8W5owaTOvJxEdEU21u3_s1Vv0iIOa2b9gw8zaVb-vsSc5in4Q6zt3C6_2qoi/s320/DSC09985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538449292474076514" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >And for obvious reasons, this one is my favorite. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrSCxziMxL2FFUCKAtw3qFODDvtoy9ZiD3xnN2OkW6tQWFACVug_o35b0QeIipzZyH_isLrv1n3xF-V0lQC6f0U7qr7KelCsDBq-afQ5pSeDvPyP94CBMOsIqwmzIgBCreDjSNR_qoX2j/s1600/DSC09946.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/AVvXsEgKrSCxziMxL2FFUCKAtw3qFODDvtoy9ZiD3xnN2OkW6tQWFACVug_o35b0QeIipzZyH_isLrv1n3xF-V0lQC6f0U7qr7KelCsDBq-afQ5pSeDvPyP94CBMOsIqwmzIgBCreDjSNR_qoX2j/s320/DSC09946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538367559012409554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So the park - it's good for our feverish souls. I just hope winter holds off a little longer - like until </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >next </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">December. </span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-7947861757281753702010-11-11T10:16:00.004-05:002010-11-11T10:28:21.566-05:00Double Down<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Yes, please. I'll have two of those.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny3EwX5ZeDSfDgP65rXE85CTqgJcGEq6rfeNJcG5v4VLzFy1NQUsaduWzqzeHTpEq-Vr_uuLDP5BNbt29wbybqTmCs4K01-aeiYKzt_esNHeMoACPtjkzEURiKRz-u76srEP2ph-MgiYF/s1600/DSC09901.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/AVvXsEgny3EwX5ZeDSfDgP65rXE85CTqgJcGEq6rfeNJcG5v4VLzFy1NQUsaduWzqzeHTpEq-Vr_uuLDP5BNbt29wbybqTmCs4K01-aeiYKzt_esNHeMoACPtjkzEURiKRz-u76srEP2ph-MgiYF/s320/DSC09901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538313399202449874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">Pacis, I mean.</span><br /></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-3463054916980434572010-11-10T13:23:00.004-05:002010-11-10T14:25:40.818-05:00<div style="text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">::beep beep beep beep beeeeeeep</span>::<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This just in: We have a walker. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Hold on to your hats, drinks, snacks, daughters,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and anything else in a 2ft tall grabbing radius. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxj4JHgwVpKd8C0S4bNAaDk2CANRezETX38nhW_VWmxbl_D1jnUyliFF9Pj1IA6Edh5WFPP-5A-xjxtgSLq3g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Alright, kid. You've proven your point. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">You're big, growing, turning into a kid before out very eyes. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Now quit it. Let my heart catch up with the fleeting moments. </span><br /></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-45988238704425478812010-11-05T16:24:00.004-04:002010-11-05T16:47:22.548-04:00Ship(ping) Happens<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me just start with this little insight into my simpleton ways: The joy I get when I open my inbox to find a "Your order has shipped" subject line that wasn't there before makes me want to jump on the desk and do a little song and dance. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">Most </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">of the time even more so than those </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">"fwd:fwd:fwd My BFF says this really works, send it to 6,347,774 people and your dreams will come true and you can follow/like them on facebook and win $5,465..."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Ridiculous, I am aware.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And because I am a giving person, I would like to give the opportunity for others to share in my joy, only they aren't being shipped to you, just me. I am very giving like that:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"produced locally" clothing labels</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">courtesy of </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://etsy.com/shop/misslabel">Miss Label</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">word</span>.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrZP41e4rHGVF-KG-5wpNKp8WhNbe56Zl-jRAkwZvKc1tKXJFQXd8AiHd7jTbRO8jUEtDfiRhXy0HFHG3rmazTYOwsz_7DT4irdCxbCf_HjDd0aoA8RHP2gVtu8yTrLsxcTw8B9jZpff5/s1600/proof.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrZP41e4rHGVF-KG-5wpNKp8WhNbe56Zl-jRAkwZvKc1tKXJFQXd8AiHd7jTbRO8jUEtDfiRhXy0HFHG3rmazTYOwsz_7DT4irdCxbCf_HjDd0aoA8RHP2gVtu8yTrLsxcTw8B9jZpff5/s320/proof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536166170770545490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Theoretically, they </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">can </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">be shipped to you - just buy something from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/producedlocally">shop </a>(more things are being added bit by bit) - and you will find one in your handmade goodie. Or have a cute kid/be pregnant and I will likely make them something - I am a softy for baby bumps and cute babes. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Some folks may think this is a little bit of putting the cart before the horse, considering my shop is slow going and my stuff isn't exactly flying off the shelf, so to speak.<br /><br />A girl can dream - and be legal.<br /><br />It was brought to my attention by my fellow sewing mama, </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/katedoe">Liz</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, that the government frowns upon sketchy children's clothing/items - go figure - so they made some rules. One of them is that your items that you sell must possess the company name, place it was made, and when - along with the consumer must be provided with the material and a batch number in the packaging. This is all to protect the buyer as well as the seller - translated: label your junk so you don't get sued for faulty materials and such.<br /><br />Thanks, China.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">So my labels are coming! Woo hoo! It will take me a while to go through these, but I am hoping that before the Farmer's Market starts up again, I can come up with a fun logo and print some more. But for now, these will put a large pep in my step. And I may just dance on the desk (or whatever tall surface is around - counter, changing table, couch) when Chris brings them to me in the mail.</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-71308789614751868052010-11-05T10:38:00.004-04:002010-11-05T11:19:34.150-04:00Goodbyes<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I don't like goodbyes. Frankly, they stink.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">But if this was the routine I got every time I had to participate, well, I might leave more often:</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">Sorry for the fuzziness, </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">a moving target is a tough specimen.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7LhnuFQusFtPCYGcMMQzGhIpAXcSIGVWmTau01Ph9AkOZ0uQRpd2g3uFi1r9E-Xh3oCLQSGPSoSG-y7QDUzopP3uSMXHKjPzoJUDuoWwnV-hXuxshfxIS4XyG2Ko2FS-KbqHhV2ATyru/s1600/November.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7LhnuFQusFtPCYGcMMQzGhIpAXcSIGVWmTau01Ph9AkOZ0uQRpd2g3uFi1r9E-Xh3oCLQSGPSoSG-y7QDUzopP3uSMXHKjPzoJUDuoWwnV-hXuxshfxIS4XyG2Ko2FS-KbqHhV2ATyru/s320/November.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536077862201181506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me narrate, from top left to bottom right:</span><br /><ol style="font-family: times new roman;"><li>This is the chasing face - him chasing you, you chasing him, him chasing his shadow. This one in particular was Chris chasing him to tell him bye-bye this morning - though we see it morning, noon, and night. And I love it. I mean, who wouldn't?<br /></li><li>Blowing kisses - despite the grimace - it's a kiss. Complete with the tiny smacking noise.<br /></li><li>(and 4) Bye-Bye! See his little mouth, he's saying it, too! So funny. </li></ol><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Most times when Chris leaves Noah will stand at the screen door once he's realized he's gone and say "dah-dee buh-bye" over and over again. Makes my heart fill with pride and googly-goop. You know the stuff.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Come see us - you might just get this song and dance. And if you don't, well, you'll just have to come back.</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-69198192578676788052010-11-02T11:45:00.004-04:002010-11-02T13:26:48.298-04:00The Penny-Four<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Some days I wish I could lock myself in a room with endless amounts of fabric and sewing notions and craft until my fingers are numb - but alas, there are other things that consume my time like dishes, laundry, diapers,playing outside, teaching, debating politics and why I don't vote, and the two-and-a-smidge foot tall fella who has me in the palm of his little hand. </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >(Happy Voting Day to all of you responsible, patriotic Americans - my mother would be proud of you.)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> Every now and again I do get to zone out and create things for people I do or don't know, and here is what I've just completed:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">The Penny-Four</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(This will be it's name until the first little girl wears it, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">then it will be named for her.)</span></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqFuLLKRivmOnetcup1TmmzHuN3l0JOEsc0p5iI4wRT3McM98fVmflAa5v8smzuRQHaP1JX5Dah8Rj536wLj9_fwK6OitbfZjrMqTYETmtNp3fNr6oNNNTuTgeAQ1wJLVqA-uh81fVpH/s1600/October3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqFuLLKRivmOnetcup1TmmzHuN3l0JOEsc0p5iI4wRT3McM98fVmflAa5v8smzuRQHaP1JX5Dah8Rj536wLj9_fwK6OitbfZjrMqTYETmtNp3fNr6oNNNTuTgeAQ1wJLVqA-uh81fVpH/s320/October3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534990820720082002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I love it. Absolutely adore it. If it were my size, I would wear it today, but I think 4T is a little small. It's a bit hard to tell from the photo, but this is not a dress - it's smock-like and ties in the back, perfect to wear over a t-shirt and jeans in the cool weather and maybe just a pair of shorts in the warm weather. I believe multi-season pieces are a ideal for little ones - they grow so fast and kids clothes can be expensive, so let's make them last more than a couple of months. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I wish I had a little person to try this on, but I don't think Chris would be too keen on playing dress up with Noah. Maybe I will have to try when he's not looking...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I will be posting this one for sale on </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.etsy.com/producedlocally">Etsy </a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">this afternoon - but if you or someone you know might like to have this one, let me know. I will be putting more together (different fabs) in the next week or so. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And a random thought to ponder: In order for things to change, they must stay the same for a while. </span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-84282574286033667942010-10-29T11:54:00.006-04:002010-10-29T16:43:47.278-04:00Mirror, Mirror, Two Feet Tall<span style="font-family:times new roman;">When Chris and I worked at Second Nature Blue Ridge we learned more about ourselves and our relationship in that six months than ever before and maybe even since then. I could start a whole separate blog about our adventures there, maybe even write a book. The amount of self-examination and reflection was overwhelming at times but lead to much needed discoveries and growth about ourselves - individually and as husband and wife. Yes, we were there to teach and challenge the youth to desire better, try harder, respect their values, discover themselves, and ultimately believe in who they can be - I challenge anyone, ANYONE, to do that with your whole heart and not walk away a changed person.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />One of the methods that we were taught to use was to present the student's life as if they were looking in a mirror. It wasn't our job to tell them their behavior or choices were wrong because of blah blah blah... rather, it was our job to help them see and reflect on their choices that got them there, allowing them to then search out the destructive nature of their behaviors and hopefully find the will to change. (We were also encouraged to do this without emotional attachment, which for me and my background, I found to be next to impossible - if not for being "with child" this likely would have been the impetus for leaving SNBR eventually.)</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />A second part of this tool is to mimic the student's actions, tone, verbiage when engaged in conversation - heated, emotional, joyful, painful - to indicate to them that you understand, you hear them, and you are listening. For example, if I am sitting across from a student and they have their head resting on their right hand, I might rest my head in my left - as to mirror them. If a student uses a slang word like pot or reefer or maryjane, that is what I would call it in response rather than marijuana or cannibus - as to not appear above or better than them.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />As interesting as all of this may be, and it is, my point is not to ramble on about SNBR - like I said, I could start a whole blog just for that...</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Chris, Noah, and I were coming home from supper last night and Chris said, "I want to share an observation with you, more for myself than you, but I still want to tell you about it...". I immediately recognize these words as SNBR lingo and my attention is acutely focused on what he is about to say. He goes on to tell me that when he was changing Noah's diaper earlier in the day he started to get very fussy, for no reason in particular. Sometimes he doesn't care for the changing table, but Chris said that his fussing continued on into the living room when he was playing on the floor with him, and then on into Noah's room when Chris took him in there to play. While in his room Chris noticed that Noah was taking the folded clothes off of the stool and throwing them on the ground while making a growling type of noise and his face all distorted. He continued to watch him to see what he would do...</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />As he was sitting and watching it hit Chris like a lightning bolt that Noah was absolutely mimicking something he has seen before, most likely from one of two sources that he spends near about every waking moment with - Chris or Grits. Noah's brain computes: I am frustrated = this is what daddy/doggy does = clothes thrown (with meaning) on the floor.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">At this point most of his behaviors are learned, something he has seen before whether we would like to admit it or not. It's that whole nurture vs. nature thing - just because nurture sounds like a nice and fluffy word doesn't mean that the nurture part always is. It can be ugly or nice, sassy or sweet, feisty or patient - whichever it is, he sees it, learns it, and repeats it. And that repeating part is the one the either makes us bubble over with joy or want to hide underneath the nearest table.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />We've had a lot of lessons in parenting over the last year, but I think now that Noah is really starting to develop his own little sense of self, the lessons get a little personal. He is a walking (hypothetically), talking, fit-pitching, kiss-giving, laughing, adventurous, risk-taking, sassy, clothes throwing miniature of us. Me. Chris. People we allow to be a part of his life. Us.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Time to get our act together, it seems... we now have a reflection, about two and a half feet tall, that mirrors our every step.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">Monkey see...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06NTQOBfSIsJ_uaA765R031kQelETfKNnPlgHEz0fLp3Al80BLMoE3gP9h_0shCQya9cf40w6JrvojUEBFavuufW_W4X7m4YJj1E8cxUdXyABLedY1JnYqdItwbayJw-YvELLI8EMfVI_/s1600/October1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06NTQOBfSIsJ_uaA765R031kQelETfKNnPlgHEz0fLp3Al80BLMoE3gP9h_0shCQya9cf40w6JrvojUEBFavuufW_W4X7m4YJj1E8cxUdXyABLedY1JnYqdItwbayJw-YvELLI8EMfVI_/s320/October1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533563895771665426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Monkey do.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju82OXsp3VHLG4IALZ1V655_1bvie1S3nnuf7lJiIES1uns_qEATzZ2oP21asF9d6wPxMg9dpmjvl-85JooZTzq8I3SyOXZngCvepi175nxuJ08X3sNeMWMlR6Fi9VFTl4o71MIQhTFA6s/s1600/October.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju82OXsp3VHLG4IALZ1V655_1bvie1S3nnuf7lJiIES1uns_qEATzZ2oP21asF9d6wPxMg9dpmjvl-85JooZTzq8I3SyOXZngCvepi175nxuJ08X3sNeMWMlR6Fi9VFTl4o71MIQhTFA6s/s320/October.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533568062679370962" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">E.V.E.R.Y. S.T.E.P.</span><br /></div></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-77218322681038773592010-10-20T12:21:00.004-04:002010-10-20T14:24:23.238-04:00A Streak of Luck<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">Fact</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">: When you turn one you are able to<br />run around <span style="font-style: italic;">willy-nilly</span> (pun intended).</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AcRGpUs3CLvnENSO_6gTlUqk8wS-iPmdQGygomiUNLElMlN3EiR-s3Q3AErtFSJxbHVnS7NvoFo1liRRc4svBuwJT8wJ-yUukDxPHj4NgSQ7NXFo3j0wwBERcxbZHofkD1xcrdoTXcZN/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AcRGpUs3CLvnENSO_6gTlUqk8wS-iPmdQGygomiUNLElMlN3EiR-s3Q3AErtFSJxbHVnS7NvoFo1liRRc4svBuwJT8wJ-yUukDxPHj4NgSQ7NXFo3j0wwBERcxbZHofkD1xcrdoTXcZN/s320/IMG_6374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530167307999244962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">Myth</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">: When running around <span style="font-style: italic;">willy-nilly</span>, </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">the one-year-old does not pee on the floor.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyrrYsnGRLvrgqeaNQ0JvUoSOtONjWsv8YUwcIgFtemKneEs9o1wvYybjHWmdaqmzP_qfOHpN3gPD1FsxDa5qPR9APa2Wm0Lk3-BchpDMrRusTGCUQZiEArY8MD1m1i5rMQMRqG0VJlIi/s1600/IMG_6391.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/AVvXsEixyrrYsnGRLvrgqeaNQ0JvUoSOtONjWsv8YUwcIgFtemKneEs9o1wvYybjHWmdaqmzP_qfOHpN3gPD1FsxDa5qPR9APa2Wm0Lk3-BchpDMrRusTGCUQZiEArY8MD1m1i5rMQMRqG0VJlIi/s320/IMG_6391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530167311032795634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">Fact</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">: There are three </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">extra</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> disinfected tiles in our living arena.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">Myth</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">: Parents of said one year old will discontinue </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">willy-nilly</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> time.</span><br /></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-5584677190144632152010-10-20T10:19:00.008-04:002010-10-24T23:49:08.592-04:00Dear IKEA...<span style="font-family:times new roman;">You complete me. </span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Or at least my home. </span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Chris, Noah, and I set off on an adventure Friday to find and bring back the coolest sink and cabinet this house has ever seen. As you can gather, we did not pass go or collect $200 (more like deposited) and headed straight for </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >the </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">IKEA. (I may have a small crush on IKEA.) The first time I ever frolicked about the aisles I was toting a four month old on a non-wavering eating regiment and had to see what I could see in about 45 minutes. If anyone has ever stepped foot in IKEA or stood in it's giant shadow outside, you know this is an injustice. This could not be the case again... not when we meant business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Enter: Grand Parental Units of the Ford persuasion.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">It just so happens that Grammy Nan and G-DaddyB were coming up from ATL to stay the weekend with us - so we met them there, traded Noah for their truck, and headed on to The Happiest Place on Earth. </span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />We made sure to make a list and set a budget for all things we wanted to purchase - whether for us personally or for the bathroom makeover. Yes, IKEA's schtick is that everything is super affordable and will change your life, but "everything" could get quite pricey, especially when you are footloose and fancy free to move about the store. We are risk takers, but we need to retire sometime. What's the saying - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Champagne taste on a beer budget?</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Unfortunately I can't show the bathroom amazingness because the project hasn't started, but I can show a couple of other purchases: our </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">zigzag shelf and hook rack.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Note to self (and others): Measure before you go. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >This shelf is supposed to be horizontal -<br />good thing we like the end result.</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWC9uxi-he1U4BJhalIOfLd_SyZCn_x_YnDybOYLY9fnd4qXeLgQg1lCGrmtS2raW5PxURJwxD4MzMQRR4VV4mxn91I1XhydIPjP7XZ58lSc4e29myRQnu6x4zd8LKShtgBGrWUuh5_MV/s1600/DSC09564.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/AVvXsEhlWC9uxi-he1U4BJhalIOfLd_SyZCn_x_YnDybOYLY9fnd4qXeLgQg1lCGrmtS2raW5PxURJwxD4MzMQRR4VV4mxn91I1XhydIPjP7XZ58lSc4e29myRQnu6x4zd8LKShtgBGrWUuh5_MV/s320/DSC09564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531822515186102466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We installed this at 10:30pm - it's just that good. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There will be more photos to follow - just wanted to throw a splash of color out there.</span><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" />BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-8655210186696026692010-10-17T14:54:00.014-04:002010-10-19T18:07:41.906-04:00Twelve: Round Two<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >Alright. It's kind of fun having a "toddler", I'll admit - even if he doesn't toddle (that's a real word - no red squiggly line) real well and is starting to practice for the Troublesome/Terrific/Terrible/Transformative Atti-Twos. I love him to pieces - sometimes so much my heart aches.</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >I love to watch him play and discover, figure things out, test his limits (he is quite fond of this one), and wonder what is going on in that little brain of his. His imagination already runs wild, I can see it in his eyes. Most days are filled with laughs and games and looks of mutual adoration, often started off with a good morning smooch from the little guy - but I will confess we are entering the phase where the discipline part is kicking into gear, and I am not sure yet how good we are going to be at this part. More to come on that at a later date...</span> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" ><br /><br />I love being a mama, especially to this little guy:</span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Noah's Birthday Invite that never got printed or sent...whatever.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf-5YotR5_FvP26HFFhJi9g8MOIJJOv_OYzR5Xy_dRcwoYTm5ZQljOBljERnDkL2_FPn07HnXdvOwMFje34GL1uOYyc3fJv4NAlJcZzLLhPupyJE_SJQTkhF917hnN3yG5TwAu7vKWH7y/s1600/DSC08271-2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf-5YotR5_FvP26HFFhJi9g8MOIJJOv_OYzR5Xy_dRcwoYTm5ZQljOBljERnDkL2_FPn07HnXdvOwMFje34GL1uOYyc3fJv4NAlJcZzLLhPupyJE_SJQTkhF917hnN3yG5TwAu7vKWH7y/s320/DSC08271-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529781989829258466" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >...and even if he does call me "Beb", here are a few (or twelve) reasons why, in no particular order:</span> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" ><br /><br />1. He loves Florida State football - not so much the arena in which it is played, just the team itself. He loves them so much that he had an anal volcano ALL over his seat, shorts, hands, and Grammy Nan just as we were pulling into our parking spot for the game. Perfect. I recently heard that the "adventure only begins when everything else has gone to s#*t" - wise, wise sensei.</span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Exhausted much? It's hard work being a Nole.<br />Sidenote: He's worn this jersey every game day except Oklahoma.<br />We aren't superstitious.<br /></span></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KHfHm9zHa1OqI9aH40K_uC9nL_-GcCD52xcHSM4kBXsLp57GPUZElZxkul7ILbIdFx_ImE61G0j8t7pahBxBU6LVqdXVO07zO1_FqSQdIC7PzkVZjIXnVeiUnw6kqtM7dcWF7WeQvX8X/s1600/DSC08219.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/AVvXsEi9KHfHm9zHa1OqI9aH40K_uC9nL_-GcCD52xcHSM4kBXsLp57GPUZElZxkul7ILbIdFx_ImE61G0j8t7pahBxBU6LVqdXVO07zO1_FqSQdIC7PzkVZjIXnVeiUnw6kqtM7dcWF7WeQvX8X/s320/DSC08219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529099002194660322" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >2. Clap on - (clap-clap). Clap off - (clap-clap). Noah has the clap down to a patty cake. I even fed him pancakes the other morning and when I was telling him what it was he started clapping. And the part where you "throw it in the pan" he starts to duck for cover from tickling fingers.</span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />3. Wagging. Taking a walk with a wagon - wagging. This kid loves all things wagon - riding, snacking, pushing, throwing - if he can do it in/to a wagon, count him in.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wagging is whoa-some for the wandering wagger.</span><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyn02_vFKDiC8Wd-sURsXK9miQlCLKWMhhW7tJ9dtloK-c9DCQhEb0LUKRQJjCAP4m2UV5PJrlGkGU7un0bGeqH95oeFlXiTwOGEJxjFefbcM4rKaJRV84U7ap8-ALxjpc3rODQtcNW28i/s1600/DSC08543.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/AVvXsEjyn02_vFKDiC8Wd-sURsXK9miQlCLKWMhhW7tJ9dtloK-c9DCQhEb0LUKRQJjCAP4m2UV5PJrlGkGU7un0bGeqH95oeFlXiTwOGEJxjFefbcM4rKaJRV84U7ap8-ALxjpc3rODQtcNW28i/s320/DSC08543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529773066784696418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Look closely - it was chicken pox season. </span> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He is riding in his Quarantine Wagon.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4_ke3VjcnHFn8UuOp1x5hGp6DceFMygUOuBNvl4qJE9XBRxYWaKX_Jk_WhwMrbMCRDYHM4m8IsUoy0MkjIXEc2GlQYosqcFEeRfRoYSMHM2LzUwLAtoQ3I417_S9c375zgB1aTzVnLyk/s1600/DSC08521.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/AVvXsEhB4_ke3VjcnHFn8UuOp1x5hGp6DceFMygUOuBNvl4qJE9XBRxYWaKX_Jk_WhwMrbMCRDYHM4m8IsUoy0MkjIXEc2GlQYosqcFEeRfRoYSMHM2LzUwLAtoQ3I417_S9c375zgB1aTzVnLyk/s320/DSC08521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529773053556027090" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">4. White boy can dance - well, as rhythmically as his genes allow. The best is that once he starts flailing his arms to the beat he expects everyone else to do the same. And we do. The other day Chris said, "Why does he think that just moving his arms is dancing?" - to which I responded by showing him, in close proximity to his face, the flailing about that we've been inherently teaching for the past 12 months when anything resembling a tune is played. And to that all he could say was, "Oh...".<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Go Pack - only when in the presence of Uncle D...</span><br /></div><div face="lucida grande" style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRKMEHMvVCp_hQclBPHHq838xfbflk-m5mWJHhevDDRfmdo5oPtSX79SyDmckp4Co-JM4uyNFyZJgqBxEukWkfPovgDDe2QKitedOXvfzE-_WToP1QQbfNrFKUndIVODmVt89dWZ_6xgi/s1600/DSC08649.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/AVvXsEiFRKMEHMvVCp_hQclBPHHq838xfbflk-m5mWJHhevDDRfmdo5oPtSX79SyDmckp4Co-JM4uyNFyZJgqBxEukWkfPovgDDe2QKitedOXvfzE-_WToP1QQbfNrFKUndIVODmVt89dWZ_6xgi/s320/DSC08649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529781963031273410" border="0" /></a>5. Noah plays peek-a-boo now - where he is the "peeker". He will play with most anyone anytime he has something to hide behind - sometimes even himself in the mirror (obviously my favorite to watch). <span style="font-style: italic;">Fair warning: if the object is mobile, watch your face. You've been warned.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Peek-</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iSNwHNqbwftnl-g8mPdF9En1lStypFiCT3jcM8AlYeQXuVQ2CfwIQ7lo9ahrQuDxXT-I2uzzXQZld_92XSeLFeYUwsiGVYX7LzuP1GgPxU8XdUiokez6SF3d18uvFpq5wFuR6fiq7dVC/s1600/DSC08289.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_iSNwHNqbwftnl-g8mPdF9En1lStypFiCT3jcM8AlYeQXuVQ2CfwIQ7lo9ahrQuDxXT-I2uzzXQZld_92XSeLFeYUwsiGVYX7LzuP1GgPxU8XdUiokez6SF3d18uvFpq5wFuR6fiq7dVC/s320/DSC08289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529794876814343394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">-a-boo!</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji2BE91nDio0t5ILaSeyEV-7XJq_cqpd_gireiPNE0T_AF1oBKz0ZIsvUxD1lfRZBqKXPT5l6UXa7KK-KBzoboy_9ZIRL1JrkRvOkfvN-EUmP8wIQfZqVweq9DXneZTZsUxeblpbwvBRy/s1600/DSC08293.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/AVvXsEgji2BE91nDio0t5ILaSeyEV-7XJq_cqpd_gireiPNE0T_AF1oBKz0ZIsvUxD1lfRZBqKXPT5l6UXa7KK-KBzoboy_9ZIRL1JrkRvOkfvN-EUmP8wIQfZqVweq9DXneZTZsUxeblpbwvBRy/s320/DSC08293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529794886158897730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >6. We have had enough parties to get us through until he's three. Yep, three celebrations of Noah's first year of life: Fairhope, Clyde, and Ten Mile. Each one full of love, laughs, friends, family, food, and fun. The Fairhope party is where we gave him his very own chocolate cake - I have been told since the day he was born that his first cake MUST be chocolate so it shows up in the pictures. And show up it did:</span><br /><br /><div face="lucida grande" style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Scuse me, sir. It is not your birthday.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Please step away from the cake.</span><br /></div><div face="lucida grande" style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv382doVxCJoik7S90DhxupFV1QPNZhwFtl_CnSC3hFrUbrzjiX3yRUfDo2q-oI2WubZJkJjf1iDy9l-IRAad2GYRsjwSbB-wMFljCK_piw2ygkhSQ2_VxTazVdlS2pKariEYMs9U88oXq/s1600/DSC08349.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/AVvXsEhv382doVxCJoik7S90DhxupFV1QPNZhwFtl_CnSC3hFrUbrzjiX3yRUfDo2q-oI2WubZJkJjf1iDy9l-IRAad2GYRsjwSbB-wMFljCK_piw2ygkhSQ2_VxTazVdlS2pKariEYMs9U88oXq/s320/DSC08349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529798786819577122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I think he liked it.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL1TPE5i9QvuAgDeDeVHhAG9m_BkCrX18kFlZbHn2zgGb7qQ9HxvqVgx995yYr-MyHDq3108m2wiespL7wgODo7GFct_AwEHh12DijRComKC6-olJHME2K6e0-zqJ0kas84wk3lBf532f/s1600/DSC08362.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/AVvXsEjqL1TPE5i9QvuAgDeDeVHhAG9m_BkCrX18kFlZbHn2zgGb7qQ9HxvqVgx995yYr-MyHDq3108m2wiespL7wgODo7GFct_AwEHh12DijRComKC6-olJHME2K6e0-zqJ0kas84wk3lBf532f/s320/DSC08362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529099025621086578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Finger-lickin' good.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTZOP_Eo5aBsPTFIgwOu5pMHmEyRw4Lzh6Dm3t2vo9dFS__gQLTYl8LLak5Mma4JA9dmb8G_po6qN7aWq0ma88L-DbPHM-u4J2jaV22avXX5XidmWM5Kh6t_HeiKMzpgNUQxta1uJc5wQ/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTZOP_Eo5aBsPTFIgwOu5pMHmEyRw4Lzh6Dm3t2vo9dFS__gQLTYl8LLak5Mma4JA9dmb8G_po6qN7aWq0ma88L-DbPHM-u4J2jaV22avXX5XidmWM5Kh6t_HeiKMzpgNUQxta1uJc5wQ/s320/IMG_5635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529798797487377538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere.<br />Clean up, clean up, get the chocolate out of your hair.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Pay no mind to the green gob-lin doing the spraying.)</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB2-R3yPngE7tywlWNtqWAOtwMG78iOHM0ZZ_zGAKesMx097R1SwArL4Cty6acULgMKIis5KRb8NYxoamX91OEmZE1ojFSbfzqVP0MtSpPvIml0hFTeTlXcW8gyc4764UVrkNR5dgdvOJ/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB2-R3yPngE7tywlWNtqWAOtwMG78iOHM0ZZ_zGAKesMx097R1SwArL4Cty6acULgMKIis5KRb8NYxoamX91OEmZE1ojFSbfzqVP0MtSpPvIml0hFTeTlXcW8gyc4764UVrkNR5dgdvOJ/s320/IMG_5652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529798805554957666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"diss?"</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DMjaz4SKsfjSCCwq-MAYg97pTSpWb1fXqpLvNGjplemjGm0stNqHyyam519fmzLcWBpZC2QfrFj8NxXUAaadnur0Rqfg1XyRw1eGorL3U6ELlziITsptg1PzONjqCgVXFHZuYBvILsU8/s1600/DSC08392.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-DMjaz4SKsfjSCCwq-MAYg97pTSpWb1fXqpLvNGjplemjGm0stNqHyyam519fmzLcWBpZC2QfrFj8NxXUAaadnur0Rqfg1XyRw1eGorL3U6ELlziITsptg1PzONjqCgVXFHZuYBvILsU8/s320/DSC08392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529798793146691922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Party numero dos at the Giusti casa. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">He's not very excited about it.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDxGrNzqD7lab21qKWMeGwH_jCcqxCRZZRqb6vW_1NYwAGvIc7ha07rtdu5WPaHIwwKWLfZVvjILNMj88dcwXOsEorZOQhwn_F953WczSDFGSNP-T9cUZ-wPB0qT9yhyphenhyphen-k1swAKW4GQBF/s1600/IMG_5981.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDxGrNzqD7lab21qKWMeGwH_jCcqxCRZZRqb6vW_1NYwAGvIc7ha07rtdu5WPaHIwwKWLfZVvjILNMj88dcwXOsEorZOQhwn_F953WczSDFGSNP-T9cUZ-wPB0qT9yhyphenhyphen-k1swAKW4GQBF/s320/IMG_5981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529802158993593522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Noah and GiuGiu - she knows how to get down.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuN0bPQGK6yjhllkSSjvgTjKk_BdI9tzYzTOaAM6YVWiLVIF_ZjYa3v3-kzhuBiISmY97RPiSOex-ioNRoqWFHGhgbIGmk7EOZZsPI932bNj9rg34bCuGBUN_rHj-KqaNCeGM7sdJNo_9/s1600/IMG_5987.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuN0bPQGK6yjhllkSSjvgTjKk_BdI9tzYzTOaAM6YVWiLVIF_ZjYa3v3-kzhuBiISmY97RPiSOex-ioNRoqWFHGhgbIGmk7EOZZsPI932bNj9rg34bCuGBUN_rHj-KqaNCeGM7sdJNo_9/s320/IMG_5987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529802167074974194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mason's face says it all - ha! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Love it.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry49-j7RQIkAfpX_9x3BWKdXZX6gDVCP1ARRBPKYiNY-JYYFbMrg0fxi_gZbp2VfrF-Qr3WEaDDbocwesh7CGxJ4aVRYUJOZw0lujJiGUESJvHhBTbk6kH3o9iWpVa51JLje_DRhHj8ef/s1600/IMG_6001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry49-j7RQIkAfpX_9x3BWKdXZX6gDVCP1ARRBPKYiNY-JYYFbMrg0fxi_gZbp2VfrF-Qr3WEaDDbocwesh7CGxJ4aVRYUJOZw0lujJiGUESJvHhBTbk6kH3o9iWpVa51JLje_DRhHj8ef/s320/IMG_6001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529802184660562322" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >We are thankful for everyone who helped us welcome Noah Matthew into the world a year ago and for everyone who has grown to love him since. We are beyond blessed with the family-by-blood and the family-by-love that surround us.</span> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" ><br /><br />7. Noah took his second trip to Boone, NC to hang out with Aunt KD & Uncle Dan - and he let us come along, too. Sleeping in the closet went better than before, the little doggies were slightly more tolerant of the other four-legged creature in their midst, wedding things were accomplished, autumn weather was enjoyed, Florida State football was watched, and Green Bay shirts were worn.<br /><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Football & snacks with daddy -<br />sounds like a good Saturday afternoon combo to me.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjksANnhRnM9zPL4oiTk2MMZykMOk6E7wEP5I3nKE9B_Hp-AscwxOUZiIwch0xXz_6_I0PRtf04Ef28W_nbu9PkhmMlI-yBFmiLmWyB36182xnD4SFgh5RKgGl0kZXR09kPB6ayGJJXbz/s1600/DSC08637.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/AVvXsEgSjksANnhRnM9zPL4oiTk2MMZykMOk6E7wEP5I3nKE9B_Hp-AscwxOUZiIwch0xXz_6_I0PRtf04Ef28W_nbu9PkhmMlI-yBFmiLmWyB36182xnD4SFgh5RKgGl0kZXR09kPB6ayGJJXbz/s320/DSC08637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529807729262599074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love the mountains...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOrkFRQOA4nlYDEzqV0uFFCZquS4LJCaumy2_u9YQUihAQdX3UZPHSjrtdriJMbtbs0Skg4DGOGl6ri6IttsgEmSKIViyYpzrh234zdXN8NHMVn68aJcHOrDFguPeE1F67dCoWrg1KKZ2/s1600/DSC08577.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/AVvXsEgrOrkFRQOA4nlYDEzqV0uFFCZquS4LJCaumy2_u9YQUihAQdX3UZPHSjrtdriJMbtbs0Skg4DGOGl6ri6IttsgEmSKIViyYpzrh234zdXN8NHMVn68aJcHOrDFguPeE1F67dCoWrg1KKZ2/s320/DSC08577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529807746977822882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love the rolling hills...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcgViML-mqfkEz3q_Tqf-BM_c0ZXlsATpEcSw5ZvvgX-aDn62ldVsIQZOoyt5koDiLxtBIVNc0Kvf0awA_MaASzJeRJt59zMW3CV_PXmtZja06wOmISZ1xW48rpU_-EnjHpARR3F-NtCp/s1600/DSC08584.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/AVvXsEipcgViML-mqfkEz3q_Tqf-BM_c0ZXlsATpEcSw5ZvvgX-aDn62ldVsIQZOoyt5koDiLxtBIVNc0Kvf0awA_MaASzJeRJt59zMW3CV_PXmtZja06wOmISZ1xW48rpU_-EnjHpARR3F-NtCp/s320/DSC08584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529807738954598418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love the Noah and all his simple thrills...</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbanTLLr-9CH6wRlDDfndQv9wpZkEld-soasS5vuOMskTdJigmzL1eaw3ayK0EF_dCUOTXS72DaAgWzHP5ln7C2gI6rKd4o81lD5vuqEHeurcvLVFoyFZslVdlsdciQS6JEz2hZYCp710/s1600/DSC08570.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/AVvXsEhIbanTLLr-9CH6wRlDDfndQv9wpZkEld-soasS5vuOMskTdJigmzL1eaw3ayK0EF_dCUOTXS72DaAgWzHP5ln7C2gI6rKd4o81lD5vuqEHeurcvLVFoyFZslVdlsdciQS6JEz2hZYCp710/s320/DSC08570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529807731667443330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >8. Noah has always been a great sleeper - I mean, phenomenal. During his twelfth month he decided that not only is he going to be a great sleeper, but he think he likes being a night owl as well. Down between eight and nine (usually), wakes between eight and nine. Yes, please. Sign me up. AND he still takes a beast of a nap or two during the day - two plus hours per nap. So for those of you (Aunt Meg) who said that "all babies wake between 6:30am and 7am because they are babies and that is what they do and I should just go on and forget about not being a morning person" - you are welcome to sleep in at my house any day. Knock on a big ole piece of wood...</span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sleepy McGeeface</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLo4GYhGz7-3JHIQJ-craHXSFMGa3118I_TWBfOSFIZx3_QY8aFtUhSpZ1wZHcEbaFvZFxz7Z39VYHw5W6sZsNgCkA14DJsQYAW6oYI0_naZEB2zTcte1Hi0ju20Lb4TuWX8DXqtxEKZN/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLo4GYhGz7-3JHIQJ-craHXSFMGa3118I_TWBfOSFIZx3_QY8aFtUhSpZ1wZHcEbaFvZFxz7Z39VYHw5W6sZsNgCkA14DJsQYAW6oYI0_naZEB2zTcte1Hi0ju20Lb4TuWX8DXqtxEKZN/s320/IMG_5710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529863775376966802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >9. For the first time in his life Noah got to have all four grandparents all to himself for a whole weekend! We went down to Pensacola/Tallahassee/Fairhope over Labor Day weekend to go to a football game, John Mayer concert, and to celebrate Noah's first year with all of our FL/AL family. While 'beb' and daddy were with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Paul, Noah was hamming it up with his four grand parental units. Scary thought, I know. The amount of sugary love in that room must have been stifling.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A whole lot of this was happening...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYkmvOT9yg_Y3PT5YVmOShzLUPHSTMP_Y6I-avpTKtUky0raU1rRtmW_BgQnKp0VIcE9nNbt27VK9k0YRlkLuaPrnbINA8YlxtcV_Ie1ng1puTSVFX10DtjgS50w29naHiArS4RpPSSy0/s1600/IMG_5734.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/AVvXsEiGYkmvOT9yg_Y3PT5YVmOShzLUPHSTMP_Y6I-avpTKtUky0raU1rRtmW_BgQnKp0VIcE9nNbt27VK9k0YRlkLuaPrnbINA8YlxtcV_Ie1ng1puTSVFX10DtjgS50w29naHiArS4RpPSSy0/s320/IMG_5734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529868499391959922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">while chaos ensued.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCg0JBVK-A0h5DGe9UKSssEY5V0ONMOn_YAWKy8Dn2j7d170ZSOr5ZsEouYH0Lwhj5NwBCyBsA8BNM1RdXTHa96IRklaojqKQOZjp9duZU9FxBqPs5u80SEzDWcOIC4zSrhcoS9z_P6MhW/s1600/IMG_5712.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCg0JBVK-A0h5DGe9UKSssEY5V0ONMOn_YAWKy8Dn2j7d170ZSOr5ZsEouYH0Lwhj5NwBCyBsA8BNM1RdXTHa96IRklaojqKQOZjp9duZU9FxBqPs5u80SEzDWcOIC4zSrhcoS9z_P6MhW/s320/IMG_5712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529868510232660370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We look pretty wild, eh?</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIxmo8nGxyZ3k-8JRa85Ii7CdQbVQng7SC0xz517AHd7XsCgErkd64XNPEo7dguJDlMlACdKGXGiyKAIF9awzjflhdaakvzxUVdj6fG1JjeEHbhuoH6UwLcf1T_rs_egAZvxWS4Jk9HZt/s1600/IMG_5721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIxmo8nGxyZ3k-8JRa85Ii7CdQbVQng7SC0xz517AHd7XsCgErkd64XNPEo7dguJDlMlACdKGXGiyKAIF9awzjflhdaakvzxUVdj6fG1JjeEHbhuoH6UwLcf1T_rs_egAZvxWS4Jk9HZt/s320/IMG_5721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529868515783467298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Prom Pose</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Watch out - that's how babies happen.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />(On prom night? What exactly does that mean?<br />This post must be running way too long.<br />Almost over, I promise.)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQF4gezkDvGjZB1Ky1Mnb_6oGNWVSy9NlNgs4vA_P0Xwn0mNdiT5OVFg53qPlz1hLgkXNuyvw644Ju0_WaoJDtBn1O9uugli92lUMyzWSR_IY0wm53qVygE6um7b3dIpcRE8Xz9-Zlk7P/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQF4gezkDvGjZB1Ky1Mnb_6oGNWVSy9NlNgs4vA_P0Xwn0mNdiT5OVFg53qPlz1hLgkXNuyvw644Ju0_WaoJDtBn1O9uugli92lUMyzWSR_IY0wm53qVygE6um7b3dIpcRE8Xz9-Zlk7P/s320/IMG_5722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529868495124701586" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><div style="text-align: left;">10. Sippy cups are old news, we have moved on to the straw in this house. Blessing and a curse: 1) He wants to get his grubby little hands on everything with a straw - my drink, your drink, the people at the next table's drink. 2) He has "forgotten" how to tip his sippy cup and drink on his own. Convenient. 3) Meltdown will occur when straw-drinker does not immediately surrender said-drink to the boy. Public spectacle = Slightly embarrassing. <br /><br />11. I mentioned this before, though I feel it is worth listing here as well. We are ween-ers here in the Fab Ford Fam. No more boob for the little one. He decided it was for babies and very easily and naturally moo-ved on. Amen? Amen.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;">Any suggestions of how to get him to drink this instead-<br />without putting chocolate in it?</span><br /></div><a style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzN2Tz9mPF1-FhBf6OVSEN2OZHqV6d0_gFE4lpgcb-8gA4-qqLN4_kjq0uqvGEBUu9Pl2IYrBl02pge1L50_GeHy2-YDiysQ4e3aulwZGz-cj_3EM3upCeSoobPMlIoLWnAr-7tSYXty4/s1600/265x265px-LS-horizon_milk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzN2Tz9mPF1-FhBf6OVSEN2OZHqV6d0_gFE4lpgcb-8gA4-qqLN4_kjq0uqvGEBUu9Pl2IYrBl02pge1L50_GeHy2-YDiysQ4e3aulwZGz-cj_3EM3upCeSoobPMlIoLWnAr-7tSYXty4/s320/265x265px-LS-horizon_milk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529874137370145490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:lucida grande;" >12. And last, but certainly not least, as this one is probably the biggest milestone of all - for all parties involved: Noah spent his first night away from us and his bed. BIG step - more for us than him. It was very strange not having him with us and felt like we were being irresponsible at times - like we had left him somewhere on accident. Mama Bo and Papa Bo took him with them over to the Giusti house for a few days so that Chris and I could get the house together for Noah's party and spend a little bit of time just the two of us. We went to the climbing gym, to a movie, dinner, and just relaxed. It was wonderful to have the together time, but it felt even better to have Noah home. </span> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That's a whole lot of little boy lovin' right there.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixliTgfli8IGe4O5Dycph6y2qDHFY_C2oWOamfJIJBudGrEKYjjHUMiW81xZVbbV14QhXekydXpy4zHY9xRJmEIrlTkdkmmm2S5uhFhNRgwWJo8LIwm8VWWKxQVcRsNyBuSwPnYt0NgzFk/s1600/IMG_5839.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixliTgfli8IGe4O5Dycph6y2qDHFY_C2oWOamfJIJBudGrEKYjjHUMiW81xZVbbV14QhXekydXpy4zHY9xRJmEIrlTkdkmmm2S5uhFhNRgwWJo8LIwm8VWWKxQVcRsNyBuSwPnYt0NgzFk/s320/IMG_5839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529874142926315346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Wow. Big month for our not-so-little guy. It's hard to believe it's been a year (plus) since he changed our lives and hearts forever. Our love for him is worldly and imperfect, yet mighty and unconditional. I would easily give my life for his, my tears for his pain, my joy for his sadness. If knowing that I could protect him from hard lessons and uphill battles would provide for him the best possible outcome, I would - but I know better than to think I know what's best. We love him more than there are stars in the sky, but only his Maker knows that count...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >The next update is just around the corner... but here are a few blogs to be looking for: 180 South, 3 Cords, Etsy (gulp)...</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-40609834434602054942010-10-09T10:04:00.005-04:002010-10-09T10:33:16.162-04:00Home Rejuvenation<span style="font-family:times new roman;">We are no where near finished with all that we want/needs to happen to bring our house up to speed, but let me say that a couple of cans of paint and a seasoned painter can work miracles. I will put Before-and-Afters up later, but here is a small glimpse of our not-so-new, newly glorious digs:</span> <div style="text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">The mantra of my life...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAcxrEOiTN50HmSxFHTjKBWaXRTsNLMrQE2sfPY_yESxiQRj1Qa70mp8uOlBXjuoiqQcVViIok80gB8uAPJ2ieagFyoVRwCUKr1ZJ-zpZ-Wx5LmBNEU-Ofr3TxrFOebbROoc4zt4nQBBq/s1600/DSC09188.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/AVvXsEiUAcxrEOiTN50HmSxFHTjKBWaXRTsNLMrQE2sfPY_yESxiQRj1Qa70mp8uOlBXjuoiqQcVViIok80gB8uAPJ2ieagFyoVRwCUKr1ZJ-zpZ-Wx5LmBNEU-Ofr3TxrFOebbROoc4zt4nQBBq/s320/DSC09188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526049635565576002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >It's gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sunshiney day...</span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; font-style: italic;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy-_K1a2-zNQFCuenCS4MKPcD_UotLpCL6ZZVzcDP6cy5j1mhrWnEeuptwIpoBnrB75cPhNFV6JqIgkrAGYnxYsW1DDNQGciEtE6VtFgHffXoIBjN0pBQRbm71DsFCnO1R4azdmmaXCCq/s320/DSC09197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526049624973745314" border="0" /><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">Noah is supervising - must be a paternal gene.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuOAqEOgHSbQj0-NtZaPMddm60QeT5HjwGqAScPG0lgD_-7sUbqMJejhGY9NADUeF3TBoJifPdw6ttRienxeBzJlkoWkka5fEpbebvOCzAd7my3OusVQBtwi0Pfen7gT5wdUhBn9NybnI/s1600/DSC09051.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/AVvXsEjVuOAqEOgHSbQj0-NtZaPMddm60QeT5HjwGqAScPG0lgD_-7sUbqMJejhGY9NADUeF3TBoJifPdw6ttRienxeBzJlkoWkka5fEpbebvOCzAd7my3OusVQBtwi0Pfen7gT5wdUhBn9NybnI/s320/DSC09051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526052910048316770" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That's all for now - can't give too much away. As soon as my living room is out of my kitchen and office, I will post the final results. Prepare to be blown away - if you've been here before. And if you haven't, why the heck not and get your hiney here ASAP.</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-16871049665350238312010-10-05T15:52:00.009-04:002010-10-05T16:36:40.767-04:00Day One<span style="font-family:times new roman;">We are in the middle of house "rejuvenation" here at the Ford Casa but I wanted to take a minute and relieve a couple of folks who are pining away for a glimpse at Noah's birthday celebration. We had friends, family, food (I'll post more about that later), gifts, cold weather, laughs, tears, warmth, and thanksgiving for our little guy on Sunday here at our home. I am very grateful for the folks who came to celebrate Noah and for the many more who love our kid who couldn't be here. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Anyway, here are a few photos, courtesy of Marc Penrod of <em>Lenns Focus</em> and his son Lucas (you MUST check him out at his </span><a href="http://lennsfocus.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">blog </span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">- his passion for capturing beauty in it's simplicity and natural setting is very evident - thanks, fellas!):</span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524655880462003346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JfCB9b9nBV7cgeWr9IRYmdpkCN0H9TfcZ68LzXpZ55OcucwcCJW7gheKK4i32NjiP5fhG7Yz0c5Ve7Aqmt5QJzhT8WpkIjISOq6aAhUMxp3mt60TghMguLo9r16ypvu7-r3AW9eeW2E8/s320/noahsbirthday.jpg" /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Look familiar?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524657641604971650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xkm5Sd111yLoscICojha9Mo3pVAchSCzpRtBCfo_nXmLtlb-Vi0DP4P5tQXuYy8TWIBb5KNmh2-nF902uKoHRg2OaVKAjQ4ZzUVDV3ZhfjsE5R5Nu5cHyorc1-9icfzUivrSunP11e5M/s320/one+year.jpg" />His shirt says "ONE" on it - his mama made it for him.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524655885056120418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfr7NfaolmmH3FrwOgMRPzvUg_6n-JGFgOiyz9kH5oPBbcOcj57tCndwAADUJR-SAobB06PASFeAL7kdIANlGuFgtXfjhN0VEFM3FxbAaoV0PfQytJyJbD_uCkxxMsBst4z2uWM3KH3c5/s320/one.jpg" /> </span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">More party photos to come. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">For now, enjoy these and this random thought I had while driving home from Nashville yesterday:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em></em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em></em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em></em></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>I wonder if truck drivers spend the same amount of time and money sprucing up the cabs of their trucks like executives and administrators with their own offices? Does the size of the window or view matter as much? Do they have desktop do-dads that they paid way too much for? Is there steering wheel and chair ergonomical? </em></span></div><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Something to ponder.</span></p>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-59981416476161106972010-10-02T14:58:00.004-04:002010-10-02T15:21:33.629-04:00Twelve<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Dear Readers (all 4.5 of you),</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I am sorry to announce that you will have to check back at a later date for the monthly update of the boy. You see, his mama is dealing with the heartbreaking realization that Noah is no longer a "month" age - as today is his birthday - he can now use that four-letter Y word. As soon as she is done wiping her tears and keeping them out of the pumpkin muffins and s'mores cupcakes (and cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, tidying, cooking, crafting, etc. for his party) she will gladly (well, maybe gladly) provide you with the latest and greatest of Noah.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Until then, let's reminisce:</span><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5OdvIZ32ot4AG8Ovr5B6bfsf_iL9dqqU3OIQPe5Y7NkxWrTFsAkxinsTvT2rK1fU61Ot8HsOZbwB0MbyGlCux4sY6kvvr5tpvYBJs9DHA4d146a1MPwiinmBh3H1CgRbF4XbSUXhf9O/s1600/DSCF2401.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5OdvIZ32ot4AG8Ovr5B6bfsf_iL9dqqU3OIQPe5Y7NkxWrTFsAkxinsTvT2rK1fU61Ot8HsOZbwB0MbyGlCux4sY6kvvr5tpvYBJs9DHA4d146a1MPwiinmBh3H1CgRbF4XbSUXhf9O/s320/DSCF2401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527496051220306" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCLTLq3MIMxdwx22Qw8ZAlvb2bf-iWNmf488VHqIqqimbJIt2GJMa88CKyHDnPwYu-krIjMDnsaG0keyJiH2V4OPMFEmsbcrusvg_tHSRN5P9lCNinl4BW-xHF9a-ONitYWVnnKcXHo4f/s1600/Noah's+First+Week+006.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/AVvXsEhnCLTLq3MIMxdwx22Qw8ZAlvb2bf-iWNmf488VHqIqqimbJIt2GJMa88CKyHDnPwYu-krIjMDnsaG0keyJiH2V4OPMFEmsbcrusvg_tHSRN5P9lCNinl4BW-xHF9a-ONitYWVnnKcXHo4f/s320/Noah's+First+Week+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527504227562482" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eNkI7_tUE6c5hfzSVXEX-pVfobnlo6BsWFDEh__fVEutADYknxXBAPyRbtCPpkMJ72tofkwU_kEtGt2dyLIObP3D5MeJ9UXD_wuregDT3TcA5fBCTQcV5O8Hr1Lj9oCoWmyMMlkXmfw2/s1600/Noah's+First+Week+049.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/AVvXsEh5eNkI7_tUE6c5hfzSVXEX-pVfobnlo6BsWFDEh__fVEutADYknxXBAPyRbtCPpkMJ72tofkwU_kEtGt2dyLIObP3D5MeJ9UXD_wuregDT3TcA5fBCTQcV5O8Hr1Lj9oCoWmyMMlkXmfw2/s320/Noah's+First+Week+049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523527501692890866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thank you for your patience and understanding.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Plenty of cuteness and birthday goodness to come.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Sincerely,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The Ford Fam</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-78461900443076523802010-09-30T16:16:00.004-04:002010-09-30T16:37:26.133-04:00Semi-Nole<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Hey Jimbo! Good to hear ya.<br />I am a little concerned about the prancey-dance Hopkins has.<br />How 'bout you talk to the Coach Gran about that.<br />Looked good Saturday - too bad we made that Wake Forest QB cry.<br />Maybe we can do it again this weekend in Virginia. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Good talk, coach. See ya on the field."</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHIBEygdQsTJTHhb_3Sex3qpJhaChaFz2oEbV-Mn5MoD6SC3H68ak2S0iv-UPBt7tS3wVe5rJM5kXWTZixee5OULGfDv4914zfzvlGokS7j3yXqpG5PsGl_44te5_E-NDfkJIGZfAopCF/s1600/DSC08604.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 408px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHIBEygdQsTJTHhb_3Sex3qpJhaChaFz2oEbV-Mn5MoD6SC3H68ak2S0iv-UPBt7tS3wVe5rJM5kXWTZixee5OULGfDv4914zfzvlGokS7j3yXqpG5PsGl_44te5_E-NDfkJIGZfAopCF/s320/DSC08604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522804418197190066" border="0" /></a><br /></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-7224550259744859082010-09-21T15:10:00.004-04:002010-09-21T16:50:06.577-04:00Reconciliation<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times new roman;">rec-on-cile: (verb) </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times new roman;" id="hotword"><span style="cursor: default;" id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">to</span> <span style="cursor: default;" id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">bring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">into</span> <span style="cursor: default;" id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">agreement</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">harmony;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">make</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">compatible</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">or</span> <span style="cursor: default;" id="hotword" name="hotword" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);">consistent</span></span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />I'll get back to that in a moment - I promise, it's relevant to the next part.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Conversations are like clothes - there are some that you have that you wear all the time, every single day if you could. No matter how many times you've worn it or how tattered it may be, you will keep it and cherish is forever and ever. Amen.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Then there are some that sit on the shelf for years, rarely even glanced at, only to be taken down for special occasions - a wedding or funeral perhaps. You like them alright, you just don't need them on a regular basis.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And then, of course, there are the ones that old Aunt Gertrude gave you - you know the ones. The itchy, scratchy, stuffy, makes-you-uncomfortable-thinking-about-them sweaters hidden </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;">deep </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">in your closet - that is, if you haven't offloaded them on some other poor soul already.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />If I had to relate the conversation I am going to share to one of these three categories, it would definitely be the first one - and likely I would label this one: Chacos. Yes - near and dear to my heart to the point that it probably stinks.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDQjicv4BFCc5J6yhCB5SO7tv4SZ7LoksfHegFwaKYQGlxG2__RMYDtwq2frdoauH1f6w0oLVHbgycXUQqJ1WgxFgXF859fhmg3UuVJCI6ohs2G5NV8XhG63SZNGPbm8zlpPuXZa4M_f/s1600/Food+Show+009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DDQjicv4BFCc5J6yhCB5SO7tv4SZ7LoksfHegFwaKYQGlxG2__RMYDtwq2frdoauH1f6w0oLVHbgycXUQqJ1WgxFgXF859fhmg3UuVJCI6ohs2G5NV8XhG63SZNGPbm8zlpPuXZa4M_f/s320/Food+Show+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519469088154656210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In March of 2007 I had a conversation with a dear friend and former boss, Chris (of the other Chris and Beth) before committing to a new summer job that would require a lot of patience, prayer, and well, something I was/am not the best at - forgiveness and reconciliation. Without going in to great detail, it was very apparent that I would not be able to effectively do this job without first finding peace and understanding with someone who had hurt me greatly and I, them. Chris helped me to understand, in a way that only he can make me see, why this was so important, beyond just the job itself, but because Jesus teaches us that in forgiveness there is freedom and joy. And believe me friends, there were neither of these for miles in this present struggle.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />As I mentioned, neither one of these things are my best attribute, and unlucky for me they go hand in hand. I had no idea how I was going to approach this, let alone resolve it. I knew it was pertinent for this job, but as I began to pray and ponder I realized that aside from the job, it was vital for the condition of my soul, the core of my being. Holding on to this ugly thing for three years had done nothing more than weigh me down, trip me up, distract me, break my spirit, make me angry and bitter, and it showed it's effects in more places than just this situation. Anger and bitterness are like the poison of life - both perfectly normal and acceptable to have, but not to hold onto.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">I had to let them go - which also meant relinquishing control. And if I am not good at forgiveness and reconciliation, I am even worse at losing control.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Thus began this season of my life - the season of finding harmony in situations where peace no longer dwelt. Giving reconciliation my power and control and trusting that God would heal and make new. I have learned over and over that reconciliation is a relationship - it is not one-sided, it is not conditional, it is not a one-time deal. For the past three years I have been on this journey of seeking peace and harmony, love and truth, restoration. The more I struggle, the more I prosper, it seems. It's way more than just letting go - it's embracing the freedom to love. Freedom to laugh. Freedom to start again.<br /><br />I don't promise to make all things right or good. I don't assure that we will be the best of friends sharing in life's little pleasures together. I don't even promise to be good at being a friend. I don't intend to create drama. I don't even always desire to go back to the time when things were good.<br /><br />What I can give is my word that I will do my best to find peace and harmony where it can't be found. This may mean that we agree to disagree - I go my way and you go yours. But know that I love you nonetheless. And I wish you well. </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">If it is the moon you desire to have, I hope you hold it in your hand one day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It's all about the simplicity - and life just isn't simple when there's all that baggage to lug around.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Oh, and the situation that spawned this season - it is healthy and well. I am thankful for this person in my life and the lessons I have learned in community with her.<br /><br />I wear my Chacos everyday - just in case I might need them.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8Gt7E-3BlLe4y_ZEJwSf-g_k6Sy4wEQrX-tAdqK1or9b6iMZlBv7uHsyjCV8SLa76YwDp6GCWMQnoWRzCjdqDpWuHDNKyOAolmgSwcTFCabIXtqn2bfieV2w_cK87GsJ8qsmHXqa8ohR/s1600/Pres+Sign.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/AVvXsEgu8Gt7E-3BlLe4y_ZEJwSf-g_k6Sy4wEQrX-tAdqK1or9b6iMZlBv7uHsyjCV8SLa76YwDp6GCWMQnoWRzCjdqDpWuHDNKyOAolmgSwcTFCabIXtqn2bfieV2w_cK87GsJ8qsmHXqa8ohR/s320/Pres+Sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519471115535153410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /></span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-23732861926211567772010-09-19T12:06:00.017-04:002010-09-19T18:49:11.875-04:00Fall Friskies<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Orange. Red. Yellow. Crunching. Leaves. Chai Tea. Thanksgiving. Hammocks. All Things Pumpkin. Cool Breeze. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Socks with Chacos. Long Sleeves. Festivals. Halloween (OK- really just the candy). Harvest. Change. Fireplace.</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" > </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Crisp Air.<br /><br />I. Love. All. Things. Autumn.</span> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />I think I am not going to call it Fall anymore. Typically when something falls it breaks, shatters, hurts itself - all not-so-very-fun things. And Autumn is </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >so </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >very fun.</span> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><br /><br />I have decided to make a list - a list of projects I want to take on this Autumn for no other reason than they will bring me joy:</span> <ul style="text-align: left; font-family: times new roman;"><li>Dig up hosta plants that have taken over my yard. They are pretty and apparently expensive but I don't have a desire for 9,374 of them in my yard. I would like to plant other things - like tulips or carrots. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hosta la vista</span>... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsYF-6-9a6qjloKgvWfxbINGNQGxC9Jw8f3b9GhnhfTHVAzL5HdUgXpdjoMKWdk-MTWWWodzNwAy9ngWvIGQy6f24A-s1VRPK3402cusyH5inUk4YXCKSpNnET5GZG1iM3RLItz7p76yk/s1600/index.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsYF-6-9a6qjloKgvWfxbINGNQGxC9Jw8f3b9GhnhfTHVAzL5HdUgXpdjoMKWdk-MTWWWodzNwAy9ngWvIGQy6f24A-s1VRPK3402cusyH5inUk4YXCKSpNnET5GZG1iM3RLItz7p76yk/s320/index.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518659337008576018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hello, pretty spring time flowers!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB2aIYUT_fX3y5MHX7BrBsmU9m1oQBlejDWbaBvdFb5VezB7Gj0O_ED1UT_eloQxw2XSq7Xx_wgItuhd4sTtkc7_7vCOv9kriUIqfdEmumi0PNYFoS5bjibTERidgF6qxKZurmOzCFn3_/s1600/TulipSplashOfColor+01+framed%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB2aIYUT_fX3y5MHX7BrBsmU9m1oQBlejDWbaBvdFb5VezB7Gj0O_ED1UT_eloQxw2XSq7Xx_wgItuhd4sTtkc7_7vCOv9kriUIqfdEmumi0PNYFoS5bjibTERidgF6qxKZurmOzCFn3_/s320/TulipSplashOfColor+01+framed%5B2%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518662251760818514" border="0" /></a></div><ul style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><li>Build chicken coop (I originally spelled this "coup" - and then laughed at the image of a bunch of chickens living in a rag-top hatchback) with my dad. Yes, it's happening. This spring we will get chickens. I haven't decided yet if we will try to hatch them or try to acquire them post-brooding, depends on how in touch with my roots I am willing to go. Chicken pox, you don't scare me.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Welcome home, chickens.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdgjR31KGqqbxizoM2s-Rkb8E_CrDd3gHnVYLnKBg5T6CXzkla53eOnQoC4WyQv2Uvh4ARKcZk-Nh4MaQ4fkHSAziF5dOj7_tggb4ZdX350csSvB52ZaMFwaxEdLGGeUyjTrpigV_yK2r/s1600/DSC00005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdgjR31KGqqbxizoM2s-Rkb8E_CrDd3gHnVYLnKBg5T6CXzkla53eOnQoC4WyQv2Uvh4ARKcZk-Nh4MaQ4fkHSAziF5dOj7_tggb4ZdX350csSvB52ZaMFwaxEdLGGeUyjTrpigV_yK2r/s320/DSC00005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518670925329805810" border="0" /></a></div><ul style="font-family: times new roman;" face="times new roman"><li>Hang our hammock. Sadly we have moved two hammocks to three houses and have yet to put either one of them up to enjoy since Kansas City where it's a frozen tundra three-fourths of the year. (I'm not bitter.) Operation: Hammock may happen this afternoon - I have to check with my boss. The little boss.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">I need a lot more of this in my life... just up off the ground.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDd-b5FHxgFkRV2zxP8E7tad__fPz7Qp7TIzt3O7pvikdxKMslH63IFre56njm0hcdRzJ0zlvQQa5Fb2T4sz9Uk9OjCD62JJeHUJY_L_4rcrezwnuOvLNMTmg9p0kQ49zY4SSPjCc9VqQ/s1600/Food+Show+014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDd-b5FHxgFkRV2zxP8E7tad__fPz7Qp7TIzt3O7pvikdxKMslH63IFre56njm0hcdRzJ0zlvQQa5Fb2T4sz9Uk9OjCD62JJeHUJY_L_4rcrezwnuOvLNMTmg9p0kQ49zY4SSPjCc9VqQ/s320/Food+Show+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518753039582312386" border="0" /></a></div><ul style="font-family: times new roman;" face="times new roman"><li>Sew. Sew. Sew. My goal is to make a stockpile of hand-grown goodness to sell on (deep breath) Etsy and then the Market Square Farmers Market next season. I also have Christmas gift dreams to fulfill as well. I think I will need to tune up my machine to prepare it for the storm - anyone know how to do that? <span style="font-style: italic;">Cinderelly, Cinderelly...</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The dress I made for a little one who is loving life in the womb.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Come on out and meet the world, sweet girl.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlREqPfGWQs1cKLSi51G0rDNptFUpgqLgvhYcFbZbRHlN4B2ZcskQrnPjy1O4B7gCbzGbZmsPujZCT6zyT9cIs9a5i37cIKKVod24d5XKF4pJ9r9Cbr5ytzgvHmqiFeNvh3i_eGPbYg_K/s1600/DSC08131.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/AVvXsEhMlREqPfGWQs1cKLSi51G0rDNptFUpgqLgvhYcFbZbRHlN4B2ZcskQrnPjy1O4B7gCbzGbZmsPujZCT6zyT9cIs9a5i37cIKKVod24d5XKF4pJ9r9Cbr5ytzgvHmqiFeNvh3i_eGPbYg_K/s320/DSC08131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518669825913114066" border="0" /></a><ul style="font-family: times new roman;" face="times new roman"><li>Research and plan a year-round garden based on the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.vegetannual.org">Vegetannual </a>starting in the spring to further our attempt at becoming <span style="font-style: italic;">locavores </span>(Folks who eat local, in-season food as best they can). I gladly welcome any pointers. I am not trying to feed Roane County, just our little family and enough to can/freeze for the cold months.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yummy - now when do I plant y'all in East Tennessee?</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignT_cmn4WeO6XGtJrFDunrhWEkAWIgFNLXbKlS9lri2ABcK1IGTwcpvpB-QD9l7S4oIb6cdHkioxx52OHvSEnHkzTLat14Ky8YIqpC7IED1JKRWTxPWvDYiLE2HxYQ4f4jLAaJTPQ72hz/s1600/Vegetannual-314x423.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignT_cmn4WeO6XGtJrFDunrhWEkAWIgFNLXbKlS9lri2ABcK1IGTwcpvpB-QD9l7S4oIb6cdHkioxx52OHvSEnHkzTLat14Ky8YIqpC7IED1JKRWTxPWvDYiLE2HxYQ4f4jLAaJTPQ72hz/s320/Vegetannual-314x423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518666120371730674" border="0" /></a></div><ul style="font-family: times new roman;"><li>Paint our dreary living area. I say "living area" because it is just that - our kitchen, living room, dining room, entry way, sewing nook are all one big room. And the color on the wall is about as exciting as a root canal.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I am digging this color or something similar - bright and inviting. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I also like the green of the next room.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsQdmvvCKSxv5dFQNmo_ldfnpdpQuKS5F8xxclBBwSx7rcrMzyg_gwCln_v-K56txYR_fTn9yitGZk7S7UN8b9F0nfdTibV0KK6jA3TsWi72jq5XITcV2NAIfZMw40Kr-Yyj7DERqWxCR/s1600/2007-10-23-32Foyer.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsQdmvvCKSxv5dFQNmo_ldfnpdpQuKS5F8xxclBBwSx7rcrMzyg_gwCln_v-K56txYR_fTn9yitGZk7S7UN8b9F0nfdTibV0KK6jA3TsWi72jq5XITcV2NAIfZMw40Kr-Yyj7DERqWxCR/s320/2007-10-23-32Foyer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518664099225234722" border="0" /></a><ul style="font-family: times new roman;"><li>Create a business card. (Listen, I know I am nothing fancy, but a girl can dream.) Tell me what you think.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgldJTw9eoPGIXc3OiY6C_RyJ7Rop7er6S3D8YqrVCI0A1N6YqHtvqilXKqDTcRnFq26XbciH5Mm7BQUHLbyQlW0x2Ie27YPHgUKm1h7oXE2V_TnjYY72oWuHtpM_yfHhusjB4QBFqnaP2/s1600/Business+Card.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgldJTw9eoPGIXc3OiY6C_RyJ7Rop7er6S3D8YqrVCI0A1N6YqHtvqilXKqDTcRnFq26XbciH5Mm7BQUHLbyQlW0x2Ie27YPHgUKm1h7oXE2V_TnjYY72oWuHtpM_yfHhusjB4QBFqnaP2/s320/Business+Card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518671990096085682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_csVyJrAambnw1UqJNUvlM_54InwX_Pb5RkDRECeIsnvC-r7feQtq5RRkoUz7D8y09-UKL-qeMrC9Fv58GsIakiWPWMAcmUUfTn1dIarbReB5bYAKuco79rDQ6bTDknb8mG-5yk2JVDY/s1600/DSC07856-1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_csVyJrAambnw1UqJNUvlM_54InwX_Pb5RkDRECeIsnvC-r7feQtq5RRkoUz7D8y09-UKL-qeMrC9Fv58GsIakiWPWMAcmUUfTn1dIarbReB5bYAKuco79rDQ6bTDknb8mG-5yk2JVDY/s320/DSC07856-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518672006663193426" border="0" /></a></li><li style="text-align: left;">Throw my almost-one-year-old the most incredible birthday celebration this side of the Mississippi. I know, I am running behind, but this chicken pox stuff has thrown me for a loop - and now I am rethinking the original theme. This is what happens when I have too much time to think...</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Celebrating a little early with Uncle Matt & Aunt Heather.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFGjt6dJWEPj-HEaQGvxK7k75Oz8N_Dh4a3ExOdBH_XVBjinc2UQkzWUnbht0sC-f1dRAkHdwaaOIXAd7s_GIDHIuNThX8bqYFNavMdDiMhgB55Bnz4j1ZLWE_si8AWa5RcsFS0UZ5auk/s1600/DSC08324.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/AVvXsEgmFGjt6dJWEPj-HEaQGvxK7k75Oz8N_Dh4a3ExOdBH_XVBjinc2UQkzWUnbht0sC-f1dRAkHdwaaOIXAd7s_GIDHIuNThX8bqYFNavMdDiMhgB55Bnz4j1ZLWE_si8AWa5RcsFS0UZ5auk/s320/DSC08324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518754810596750226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We are working on the whole "thank you" thing...</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7uVmMF2d6OL7RdCnUeN1p0_pHaVN5vifh0AA5_foliPXNj_tLXr0o3rDuK1eczukgUbwZon3c-GUlldJS-CFkD8zm25xlxkligiIvpzafB6mmgg2jdMdCbyc37hn1gvkPENPOUIRYTOv/s1600/DSC08326.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/AVvXsEhw7uVmMF2d6OL7RdCnUeN1p0_pHaVN5vifh0AA5_foliPXNj_tLXr0o3rDuK1eczukgUbwZon3c-GUlldJS-CFkD8zm25xlxkligiIvpzafB6mmgg2jdMdCbyc37hn1gvkPENPOUIRYTOv/s320/DSC08326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518754818596317634" border="0" /> </a></div><ul style="font-family: times new roman;"><li>Carve pumpkins and reminisce on previous pumpkin carving parties. Do they have pumpkins in the northwest?<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">We've got mad pumpkin-carving skills in this neck of the woods.<br />Too bad half of our neck has run off...<br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu_c-7OLIV0lG9mnu6UcN9Fr-AgKmVH4b7QDifwu4nWaIlCqCO_NGKmczrbgAz_JdjBQr4AdPEtTvG8wvPUlIdIYmzvbokhB4vAD5aURqAzT_BoPnRROsSklQ1ZjPhappdgJcrISwr8fo/s1600/Halloween+Festivities+065.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/AVvXsEhmu_c-7OLIV0lG9mnu6UcN9Fr-AgKmVH4b7QDifwu4nWaIlCqCO_NGKmczrbgAz_JdjBQr4AdPEtTvG8wvPUlIdIYmzvbokhB4vAD5aURqAzT_BoPnRROsSklQ1ZjPhappdgJcrISwr8fo/s320/Halloween+Festivities+065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518756658457077042" border="0" /></a><ul style="font-family: times new roman;"><li>Take a trip or two to the mountains. It's always good to go home.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Back porch view from HiZi - such is life.</span><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5WSeACRhyr0kbAqeIOImtIZCQILpczciRQfWOL3DA3Z_YU-3C65hRXAKM4orgnBBqQf-Mv52XrdImQy8zS1QyTxDoSZxLQsKqAF8bacI5LqMgBgvwp-R1C2UCqx6wvUfaZTpnWXy97Cz/s1600/Fall+NC+136.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/AVvXsEie5WSeACRhyr0kbAqeIOImtIZCQILpczciRQfWOL3DA3Z_YU-3C65hRXAKM4orgnBBqQf-Mv52XrdImQy8zS1QyTxDoSZxLQsKqAF8bacI5LqMgBgvwp-R1C2UCqx6wvUfaZTpnWXy97Cz/s320/Fall+NC+136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518756664352410146" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Whew. I better stop while I'm way already <span style="font-style: italic;">way </span>behind. Three days, folks, until the Autumn equinox. I've got a lot of goodness on my plate - how about you? What are your favorite things about the season formerly known as Fall?</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-61611381350382337692010-09-18T12:04:00.004-04:002010-09-18T12:40:36.350-04:00Narcissus<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Meet Narcissus, the poor boy who was so in love with himself that he dismissed any other who showed him affection, namely a nymph named Echo. Echo prayed out to the gods and finally the god Nemesis heard her cry. One day Narcissus was frolicking in the forest when he came across a pool of water and discovered this beautiful creature starting back at him and he immediately fell in love - this is where he would live out his days, hopelessly pining over a love he could never truly know.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvY6gza67MwB-n5MfjnNgzY2kb1tbRt3HxiTXOCgzhBpcBPtnys_6xeCqU57tZUynQWjiY8GV8DBtzeKnhgThPICDpzWDPSW-bHTvrEwXZtniGXm6PUBzzVn2aG7CTywIGuhThgg41V_B/s1600/narcissus.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvY6gza67MwB-n5MfjnNgzY2kb1tbRt3HxiTXOCgzhBpcBPtnys_6xeCqU57tZUynQWjiY8GV8DBtzeKnhgThPICDpzWDPSW-bHTvrEwXZtniGXm6PUBzzVn2aG7CTywIGuhThgg41V_B/s320/narcissus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518286685925115250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How's that for digging out the four years of Latin and Greek/Roman mythology I took in high school? Who said I would never use that stuff...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Sidenote: All I can think about at this moment is sitting behind Paul Silivos, me pestering and inking him, him rolling his eyes at whatever romance was stealing my heart away at that moment. Oh, Paul Gus, come back into my life - I miss you, friend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Anyway - enough blasting from the past.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Meet our Narcissus:</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyb3RP8JZ9QLHPOg7LH7NdMceide-jNjtJdFjvjCYLgd-AjuKq8NQN1fUK_Y-DoK7bmhEhnB5MKN3QlUKs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">If that's not hilariously adorable then call me John Brown.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">John Brown?</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I didn't think so...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I mean, who wouldn't kiss that baby? </span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-72344019471982829152010-09-13T15:34:00.003-04:002010-09-13T15:46:18.873-04:00Spread the K-Love<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I am not sure who started this little dance, between the two of them, but I think it is fair to say that they are both equally entertained. Monkey see, monkey do - at it's best. Noah will have him jumping through hoops by the end of the second visit.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNEqWUKsav7IHZLQLtKrbbfMs0fFW6oNCjck-MWqy1VWTbApBgSH4yC1s9xS7O9c3D0WVxNdufXaW67zXIWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I love this fella. The little one and the big one.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thank God for strong, amazing friends who weather the storms, bring the sunshine, and make you laugh regardless of the forecast.</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-88680060743967188542010-09-12T22:04:00.005-04:002010-09-12T22:46:52.664-04:00What Came First?<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Forget the egg or the chicken, the pox came first at our house.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">There are many things I like and desire about chickens, but this my friends, is </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">not </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">one of them.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQa3_w2JoLF-RFlToQqVbn0ub7zAJkXdRFsTQA_t7NZKqGF4aMZ8ppdYG8tngW8tXaB3UruiuEvHe1PPEkEITuI1KTtqRdq5Pua3zuzYTeeDLXZQC94-rRIgI8MdwVEVVwH27hEhQa-uM/s1600/DSC08441.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/AVvXsEjIQa3_w2JoLF-RFlToQqVbn0ub7zAJkXdRFsTQA_t7NZKqGF4aMZ8ppdYG8tngW8tXaB3UruiuEvHe1PPEkEITuI1KTtqRdq5Pua3zuzYTeeDLXZQC94-rRIgI8MdwVEVVwH27hEhQa-uM/s320/DSC08441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516220192203455458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I think he is handling it way better than either one of his parents. We just want to take the pain away, the confusion away, the multiplying red bumps. We have never felt so helpless... this is definitely the first real trial as parents, to be patient and know that God will heal his little body in due time. Say a little prayer for our little guy - and maybe one for his mama and pops, too. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Noah shows us how he really feels about those pesky bumps -<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">or</span> he's trying to lick the oatmeal bath off his chin.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj08k0AlWvt-noE_IXvV-WPwJrPWjjOOwwC_S9kGZKLZ4Tjg4J5VA068CswtJ5-XKtgix6WSx3Z8RiT48n983Y7gVLvQyR5L4Z9eYuznxqAqE3jfkWr1BhUs6AR9aHSjJQTFRoeCT9pk1G/s1600/DSC08452.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/AVvXsEgj08k0AlWvt-noE_IXvV-WPwJrPWjjOOwwC_S9kGZKLZ4Tjg4J5VA068CswtJ5-XKtgix6WSx3Z8RiT48n983Y7gVLvQyR5L4Z9eYuznxqAqE3jfkWr1BhUs6AR9aHSjJQTFRoeCT9pk1G/s320/DSC08452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516220211198112962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Daddy always makes everything in my world much better.</span><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/AVvXsEiyprcairFpIRZiaPkZB-IbF19a1Ip_EtyJ13xxTMp6QczQCc4rZ0PHhWtjzTWhyphenhyphenOSYYhm1O4Ycs4ajQwlauxZtGTGba7vUidhEwy22CpfzRcwaohknkskwvJi9ul0QC1KRhQWQ347o2Ede/s320/DSC08450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516220202430220514" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">Can't nobody hold me down, oh no...</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcHKxRYZC-hqVU5cAsp3lgykov7znA8OcZ48xd9LjsQlSz91SS6DcET8YUSHC4xgflLqlSxPaboWHkTd7aBqEIhH3VFffYYhS7ieWKeNsxcSqn6klkvvWqJBqXepPzmdRW45gol7WkWZ8/s1600/DSC08453.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/AVvXsEhIcHKxRYZC-hqVU5cAsp3lgykov7znA8OcZ48xd9LjsQlSz91SS6DcET8YUSHC4xgflLqlSxPaboWHkTd7aBqEIhH3VFffYYhS7ieWKeNsxcSqn6klkvvWqJBqXepPzmdRW45gol7WkWZ8/s320/DSC08453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516220223164698034" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The crazy thing, or at least what I find wild, about Chicken Pox is that there is a vaccine for the infection but there are no antibiotics or salves that will speed the healing process, only things to make the child less itchy. I know it's a viral deal, but still, one would think that with the sickness that effects millions of kids and adults each year, there would be some glimmer of goopy hope.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And what better than to have Noah's very own, very special, personalized cape (handmade by the wonderful </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://loveyourlizzie.com/">Liz</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">) arrive during his first oatmeal bath of the day! </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYJS0yG1Fu7qAH0eQ_10_fs-3o8ZsjbCfWMXE4TbfwvUK2IxOgsh45bimFKLHN1Dqwt-v3LGkJNg130DoR52X8J8iM7dyL0UpMNetkl11jeN-i0RvALWPuh1y3xFz_EPNiwugEtEDU_ph/s1600/DSC08468.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/AVvXsEhAYJS0yG1Fu7qAH0eQ_10_fs-3o8ZsjbCfWMXE4TbfwvUK2IxOgsh45bimFKLHN1Dqwt-v3LGkJNg130DoR52X8J8iM7dyL0UpMNetkl11jeN-i0RvALWPuh1y3xFz_EPNiwugEtEDU_ph/s320/DSC08468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516222857032450674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Yes, that's right - the wonders of this cape will bring super speedy healing powers and will have Noah bouncing off the walls again in no time! And he will be very cute doing it... But for real, go check Liz out and buy one of these for the little dude in your life - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/katedoe">Etsy</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, everyone else is doing it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We are on the outs right now, chickens and me, but I still think I want them in my backyard (I don't really have a "yard" per-say, but I like to think of it that way...). I will have to sleep on it. The thought, not the chicken.</span>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771804495419536834.post-84604769493598392342010-09-10T15:42:00.003-04:002010-09-11T23:10:59.973-04:00Eleven<span style="font-family:times new roman;">The procrastination of creating this post is not coincidental. I assure you that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This time last year I was counting the days, hours, minutes until Noah would grace us with his sweet, sweet presence. I could never have imagined the way my life would take on a whole new form, one almost entirely unfamiliar to the one I'd always known. More about that next month (gulp).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In Ford fashion, it's been a crazy busy month for us, capped off with a trip to Florida over Labor Day weekend. And in Noah fashion, he continues to amaze me, knock the Chacos right off my feet. It's phenomenal the things he picks up on and learns within minutes of seeing it for the first time. Blows my mind.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And in no particular order:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">1. If he wasn't a flirt before, Noah has now added the wink to his repertoire. Cute as heck and will charm the pants off of anyone - if he isn't too bashful to show you. It's the double wink followed by a flutter of the eyelashes... guys, you better hold tight to your ladies.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">2. His vocabulary is growing leaps and bounds - he will repeat, or at least try, anything you say to him. Among his easiest to decipher: hello - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >ayeee</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, fish - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >ish</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, daddy - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >da-dih</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, mama - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >behh</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">(which we think is him calling me "babe" or "Elizabeth" because that's what Chris usually refers to me as), here</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >hee-ah</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, this - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >diss</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, duck - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >dah</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, Grits - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >giss</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">... and many, many more that I am sure we just can't figure out yet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">3. The tooth count is up to eight - and they are pretty adorable. They sure do make him look big though, which is the part I am not so sure about.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">4. Uncle Caleb came to visit and meet Noah for the very first time. Noah was none too impressed that it took Uncle K-Luv ten months to </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >finally </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">make it to Tennessee, but I think they made up for lost time rather speedily. We are hoping and crossing our fingers that we will get to see a lot more of him in the near-ish future.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Whoa, I've never been this high before."</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKK_NQlAQhyphenhyphenBjlg13ijWWBFtdxojBvn-nVqefNUp2dwIL_vvjawu517Vx9N5QZsR_GXiQREL4Nd4PGdKyFb1zHUShZjRmHf9kYqQSNFhgPkGTP04VJL9j0CpIJK1TrHbFcldiG-BZ-VCj/s1600/DSC07777.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/AVvXsEjCKK_NQlAQhyphenhyphenBjlg13ijWWBFtdxojBvn-nVqefNUp2dwIL_vvjawu517Vx9N5QZsR_GXiQREL4Nd4PGdKyFb1zHUShZjRmHf9kYqQSNFhgPkGTP04VJL9j0CpIJK1TrHbFcldiG-BZ-VCj/s320/DSC07777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515704197632214034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Noah, Uncle K-Luv, and Mama before C headed home, I mean to Ridgecrest.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LdlBhshe_9WV4sn8YvA563LGMinLfAPcbKw0i3_ioAV1fORs0VePUMajNJUYo_5gHvxi2oGVVlwTcgZ11JB-76O7kd0JdIgfBQ1ZdxxBIBifJNb-86YzOV7ewC160W4Fgxwx1y_aCGqB/s1600/DSC07786.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/AVvXsEi2LdlBhshe_9WV4sn8YvA563LGMinLfAPcbKw0i3_ioAV1fORs0VePUMajNJUYo_5gHvxi2oGVVlwTcgZ11JB-76O7kd0JdIgfBQ1ZdxxBIBifJNb-86YzOV7ewC160W4Fgxwx1y_aCGqB/s320/DSC07786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515704214149271746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ay-eeeeee! </span> </div><a style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELj4jYdheG2YEuRhCFkFJLt9n4_BxgWV9fLqMwo2tckkwXCq0NVpeZMiPJ-KCVUmMRxoRwb5Vt69F39eQy-ZdsT6xpiAFkaDQ9tldwsGkQjA7tN0SwtyUqENNcSTGRoL7xfidDSmjTgXY/s1600/DSC07781.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/AVvXsEjELj4jYdheG2YEuRhCFkFJLt9n4_BxgWV9fLqMwo2tckkwXCq0NVpeZMiPJ-KCVUmMRxoRwb5Vt69F39eQy-ZdsT6xpiAFkaDQ9tldwsGkQjA7tN0SwtyUqENNcSTGRoL7xfidDSmjTgXY/s320/DSC07781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515704205311788690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">5. I for sure thought that by this point he would be running circles around the house, mostly because he crawled so soon, but I think he figures he can get there just fine on all-fours, why mess up a good thing? He has started to let go of my leg, the couch, a bench, or whatever he is holding onto at that moment and balances for a few seconds before he realizes he's not touching anything and plops onto his fanny.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Nothing better than morning cartoons with these guys.</span><br /></div><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh451I6bV1WPhV-A5RJsk9Tjz8GNeNn-hx1wH1M_qpBFFB31lWxZvTCZzaIFUEg94RRUD0Zb4KZYTXkpaamVBj66VX7Uv7BkX-0a55QvqamTz6gomfSLoXNUNjSgmZW5PX3DMZxu8f-gJXQ/s1600/DSC07790.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/AVvXsEh451I6bV1WPhV-A5RJsk9Tjz8GNeNn-hx1wH1M_qpBFFB31lWxZvTCZzaIFUEg94RRUD0Zb4KZYTXkpaamVBj66VX7Uv7BkX-0a55QvqamTz6gomfSLoXNUNjSgmZW5PX3DMZxu8f-gJXQ/s320/DSC07790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515708877421790850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">6. At the ripe old age of 11 months, Noah has started his first LDR (Long Distance Relationship) with one of his very first and favorites, Ms. Allison. We took her out to lunch at the Tellico Grains Bakery (if you haven't been, you must - I don't care if you live in another state, region, or country, this place is goooood.) for a last shebang before she headed west. We miss her already, but I think this is one LDR that will survive. I mean, this is the stuff love is made of, right?</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlCOh30SuUp8yPaEthwzc2xIqpWWOEjvUFbmSyCVDfXY33QfrdLULDTRQMLlmXwVRrWlJQWyL4DGSSM-ge_RQK97ejAoYX7u8P0zjcDr7fvo19BzLI7S7-urD-4rtHfOf5Cc1if8p0i-z/s1600/DSC07854.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/AVvXsEghlCOh30SuUp8yPaEthwzc2xIqpWWOEjvUFbmSyCVDfXY33QfrdLULDTRQMLlmXwVRrWlJQWyL4DGSSM-ge_RQK97ejAoYX7u8P0zjcDr7fvo19BzLI7S7-urD-4rtHfOf5Cc1if8p0i-z/s320/DSC07854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515712950131042690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">7. Tantrums - have I talked about those yet? He has them. They are entertaining. He snatches his arm away when I try to make him sit back down in the tub - he waves his arms furiously in the air like the "all done" sign language if he doesn't like what you are doing or giving him - he has a fake cry which sounds similar to that sound they make on </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" >Dumb and Dumber</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, you know, the most annoying sound in the world. These are few and far between but his not-so-little personality is starting to show more and more. And show that he got a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >lot </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">of it from his daddy...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">8. The mullet is official. Yes, my precious son rocks the Euro-Mullet. His Aunt Dita would be so proud...</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" ><br />Look closely, it's there...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyZaLRY8uxWemxhzcAoGoAAGFbR_r_9KB5u7UN4R_4xoJELmfI1V8rQd0zX0O94AYZomsfYncNANc1wQEob3ECdsKc_9uAbPn9oQNZWRcPONMZ726p7FboqhKKxgN4n05G_EQHGvLjuuY/s1600/DSC07990.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/AVvXsEimyZaLRY8uxWemxhzcAoGoAAGFbR_r_9KB5u7UN4R_4xoJELmfI1V8rQd0zX0O94AYZomsfYncNANc1wQEob3ECdsKc_9uAbPn9oQNZWRcPONMZ726p7FboqhKKxgN4n05G_EQHGvLjuuY/s320/DSC07990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515848314946126818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now I can only hope as he gets older he can claim </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the sexiness of the mullet like David Beckham...</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbOn9QxkZ4AD2r9RMEN1nfeySeP25tQ2RTKOKkUto7RCRAMQDmUnK6xz6P2zPjSBjXZKPmfgeM9twr2TTcig0n-NE8JPmRFe8uYHsL24QefUTE_-fxmC-kJbGn23gmLNCwl4aVq-YO54U/s1600/mullet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbOn9QxkZ4AD2r9RMEN1nfeySeP25tQ2RTKOKkUto7RCRAMQDmUnK6xz6P2zPjSBjXZKPmfgeM9twr2TTcig0n-NE8JPmRFe8uYHsL24QefUTE_-fxmC-kJbGn23gmLNCwl4aVq-YO54U/s320/mullet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515848885589889554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">with the money and humor of Terry Bradshaw?</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fFTRi9JshDKnvWmDCofehbQ8GRtu9K_cR5q0YKebAQ34-Xtbt1tHqvWEtwNt0Jm32Xs6Re_qRPI-tgN9gqF6bN_YOxRq9-nRbW1OeU1FCvw0iZSgWVn4wiyX1ODODsL2Buu4EhjXd-B8/s1600/terry-bradshaw-062908.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fFTRi9JshDKnvWmDCofehbQ8GRtu9K_cR5q0YKebAQ34-Xtbt1tHqvWEtwNt0Jm32Xs6Re_qRPI-tgN9gqF6bN_YOxRq9-nRbW1OeU1FCvw0iZSgWVn4wiyX1ODODsL2Buu4EhjXd-B8/s320/terry-bradshaw-062908.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515848893343880962" border="0" /></a>9. Hello, my name is Noah and I like to greet you like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNkdjPRzhChYvB7D7k8PKRbxLJwMsvthL8E3_Q-iPGRHXzILANYPwk5mxqzqaNWtEeZ0r9DaSs2nxAihu3c4gcm1x9RG3FLiaNocPXTItjc_D8DPSGOCvXSkTiYHgQxqvMadA5PXwCw9C/s1600/DSC08022.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/AVvXsEgDNkdjPRzhChYvB7D7k8PKRbxLJwMsvthL8E3_Q-iPGRHXzILANYPwk5mxqzqaNWtEeZ0r9DaSs2nxAihu3c4gcm1x9RG3FLiaNocPXTItjc_D8DPSGOCvXSkTiYHgQxqvMadA5PXwCw9C/s320/DSC08022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515848325166810850" border="0" /></a>I have no idea how this started or where it came from, but apparently his pops and his Uncle Matt (of the Matt/Heather married combo) did this very same thing when they were little. I have always known Chris saw the world a little differently. This explains a lot.<br /><br />10. My <span style="font-style: italic;">independent, do-it-myself, won't cry when I fall on my hiney-</span>child has found a new love for snuggling. I will stop whatever I am doing whenever I am doing it to take full advantage of scooping him up, breathing him in, and lingering while time stands still and all is right in the world. He even let me rock him to sleep a couple of nights - he hasn't done this since he was probably 6 months old. We pray and hope and love that our babies sleep on their own and through the night, but let me say, rocking him in my arms those nights will stay in my heart for a long time.<br /><br />...and last but certainly not least...<br /><br />11. We are <span style="font-style: italic;">weaners</span>! Yes, that's right, Noah has successfully weaned himself as of the beginning of September. Breastfeeding mamas, don't ask me how we did it, what we did, or if I have any tips because all I can tell you is this: let the baby take the lead. I know that many, many people much smarter than me preach wholeheartedly against "demand-feeding" during the beginning, but let me throw out there that once you have a rhythm going and it's good for mama and baby, I really believe that it will all happen naturally - at least that's the case for us. All along Noah has "dropped" feedings around the suggested ages without any coercion, and the whole experience has been fabulous. Do I miss it? No, not yet... I am just glad to have the girls back.<br /><br />Let's take a look back real quick, to what I was doing a year ago today:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Holy guacomole, I looked like a rolly polly...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOAtnElVPkBQipsOnN0P_y3oqm2KI1HHJlz5uHZkLNFl3EbuxBYB31Tv39qrZVldaP1HrWxcO0M8gQw5bpip4hOfTMk6M6cmOc2SlLogW-7zGU6xJ1j1cwEnK2TGeCBxdXELHdSNSsGhx/s1600/CJK+Shower+056.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/AVvXsEggOAtnElVPkBQipsOnN0P_y3oqm2KI1HHJlz5uHZkLNFl3EbuxBYB31Tv39qrZVldaP1HrWxcO0M8gQw5bpip4hOfTMk6M6cmOc2SlLogW-7zGU6xJ1j1cwEnK2TGeCBxdXELHdSNSsGhx/s320/CJK+Shower+056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515858387850128738" border="0" /></a>...and he still had a month to cook. I am woman, hear me roar.<br /><br />So let the labor, I mean growing, pains begin... countdown to twelve months. I don't even want to talk about it.<br />Think I was late this month?<br />I may just have to resign from this blogging gig, it's giving me wrinkles.<br /><br />Be still my heart, be still.<br /></div></div>BETHandCHRIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08517434527082645998noreply@blogger.com0