tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59754206949184046462023-11-16T04:11:02.588-08:00softly, like pearls"After all," Anne said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." -L.M.Montgomery, Anne of AvonleaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-52219817215622561652017-05-06T14:19:00.001-07:002017-05-06T14:19:45.117-07:00What a wonderful thing to be...Zoja comes downstairs dressed for the day, wearing a huge grin on her face along with the pink pants and baby dress-turned-toddler-shirt she's picked out for the day.<br />
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"Hi, Zoja!" I say, "What are you doing?"<br />
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"Oh," she says with a shrug of her shoulders, " just...being happy!"<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-56715070681132841532016-12-21T12:48:00.002-08:002016-12-21T12:48:32.067-08:00Oh, how helpful!<h4>
"Where's Zoja?" I ask the kids. "Upstairs," comes the reply. But there's no answer when I call up to her. That's always suspicious. So I climb the stairs and find her in the bathroom. She's got a toothbrush in her hand and she's carefully cleaning every crevice of the toilet with it. "Zo?" I ask. "What are you doing?" "My job," she says. "I cleaning the toyet!" So proud of herself. "I think the toilet is clean now. Thank you very much." "You wecom," she says as she turns to leave. "Um, Zoja? Did you use this toothbrush too?" I ask, pointing to another brush perched precariously on the edge of the counter. "YES!" she replies. "I hepping!" Yes, so very helpful. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the store to buy 2 new toothbrushes...</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-34167304133865673252016-12-04T14:01:00.000-08:002016-12-04T14:01:47.617-08:0013! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This guy is 13 today, if you can believe it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItOiZJ_U1cP26TQeSqLHjUw8_27yTSQle4oSopz393axzjxEa7ioGKhmPAzgnMn0vgsoP9dbsl9fInJq7VVzNyfqOuTVVxajGFn1pf2avKiOLAYm77w4oovXdWYhLZQFN0mbe0paoUsyd/s1600/DSCN0844_face0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItOiZJ_U1cP26TQeSqLHjUw8_27yTSQle4oSopz393axzjxEa7ioGKhmPAzgnMn0vgsoP9dbsl9fInJq7VVzNyfqOuTVVxajGFn1pf2avKiOLAYm77w4oovXdWYhLZQFN0mbe0paoUsyd/s320/DSCN0844_face0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Which I can't. Because I still see this little boy when I look at him...</div>
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...and this little boy</div>
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...and this one.</div>
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And he still is this little boy. Full of questions and overflowing with exciting stories and wild imaginings...</div>
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And he's still this little boy, eager to engage with the world around him.</div>
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And that little boy who liked to build things and pretend things? He's grown into a bigger boy who likes to build things and pretend things...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vx1znqkmkG6JEQrhR-sHFrKn9RIg4mzj6MWXzm2lKBvgmA3h2blBR2V88NdtqEO4Jj06BpOY-Ve5Eqo-sXnAflfEg-2wLhroede07JGdrpETy2-2XOBJNuXOrNiWUkV9nwr6skjSKYaL/s1600/IMG_4728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vx1znqkmkG6JEQrhR-sHFrKn9RIg4mzj6MWXzm2lKBvgmA3h2blBR2V88NdtqEO4Jj06BpOY-Ve5Eqo-sXnAflfEg-2wLhroede07JGdrpETy2-2XOBJNuXOrNiWUkV9nwr6skjSKYaL/s320/IMG_4728.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And a young man who loves his family and God...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjl1LShMh-xzSNbZgn0rdyGMFY4Ng21-gFCXPzTfeLdnB1S0wvnr7fZDHP-h73q7LnQb7JAKp6MYfF-EG02PvPOguuQKOJ8h1h58KwsElv9wtHmXwDIU52BBLesO_lFNzGsonsrDE2gBc/s1600/IMG_4818+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjl1LShMh-xzSNbZgn0rdyGMFY4Ng21-gFCXPzTfeLdnB1S0wvnr7fZDHP-h73q7LnQb7JAKp6MYfF-EG02PvPOguuQKOJ8h1h58KwsElv9wtHmXwDIU52BBLesO_lFNzGsonsrDE2gBc/s320/IMG_4818+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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A young man who makes me proud to be his mama, proud to be witnessing the unfolding of his life. Happy 13 Ziven! I'm sure your teenage years will hold plenty of exciting new adventures and I can't wait to see where the next few years take you. But even though you are growing into such a young man, you know you'll always be my little boy, too!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-37306630309246507042016-09-11T12:26:00.003-07:002016-09-11T12:28:19.329-07:00Sunday FunniesI was on Mass duty alone today, it being Chester's drill weekend. I was trying to settle the baby as he started to fuss, so Zoja decided to maker herself "helpful." As she tried shoving a pacifier into his clearly reluctant mouth, I told her just to hold onto it for later when he would need it. Persistent as only a toddler can be, she then asked if she could hold Maciek. Gently, but firmly, I told her "No. Mommy's got him for now." At which point she clearly lost patience with her mother for not letting her play with the baby because she shook her head and let out a "Dang it!" that set 3 of her older siblings into uncontrolable fits of giggles. And who could blame them for it, really? I could barely contain myself either...2 year olds are funny people!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-74792643879039283582016-09-11T11:52:00.002-07:002016-09-11T11:52:51.720-07:008 is Super Great!<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY, TAIT!</h2>
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You are so full of joy and energy. Constantly searching for a prank, you love to pull one over on people. Like locking people inside the bathroom, or this "black eye" courtesy of your sister's makeup... Never a dull moment with you around!</h3>
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You still love cooking and helping in the kitchen. You have a tender heart for your little sisters and any injustices done by others to your brothers. Your smile lights up my day. </h3>
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Your soft spot for babies makes my heart happy. I love it when you ask if I can have 50 more babies!</h3>
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You are always up for adventure and a good time. I think giggling must be your favorite form of communication!</h3>
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I love you to the moon and back, Sonny Boy! Hope you have a great birthday.</h3>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-22791607983764861762016-08-07T20:30:00.004-07:002016-08-07T20:30:40.374-07:00Sticky Situation<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Zoja comes upstairs fussing and crying from the basement. </span></h3>
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"Am Tuck!" she cries.</div>
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"You're stuck?" Says I.</div>
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"YEAH!," she says in her super-exuberant way.</div>
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And then I glance down at her dress and see...Tape. Wound around her waist several times, up over her shoulder, across her chest like a sash. </div>
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"Are you stuck in tape?" I ask.</div>
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"YEAH!" (with a look of incredulity, like she has no idea how this situation developed, like the tape just reached out and grabbed ahold of her...)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-24986254732116720772016-07-26T13:36:00.000-07:002016-07-26T13:36:16.777-07:00Introducing...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Maciek Christopher </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTITsG_3cR8FBn9boB_kwmiji-4VtC0qlrwT109Y0chgRenBVgPYf1EaRifb-MXlPieXu3hC_V3qHFDoZQR2YYhBkGNsdIENrAyket5jYjNBVd7dzT70dSt55Vt4YHC5jfndREpp18IOB/s1600/IMG_4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTITsG_3cR8FBn9boB_kwmiji-4VtC0qlrwT109Y0chgRenBVgPYf1EaRifb-MXlPieXu3hC_V3qHFDoZQR2YYhBkGNsdIENrAyket5jYjNBVd7dzT70dSt55Vt4YHC5jfndREpp18IOB/s400/IMG_4670.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maciek Christopher, 3 days old</td></tr>
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Maciek: Polish form of Matthew, meaning "Gift of God"</h3>
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(In Polish, ci makes a ch sound, so think of his name spelled Machek and you'll know how to pronounce it... MAH-check)</h4>
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Christopher: In honor of Chester's older brother</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, World! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weighing in...</td></tr>
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Little Machie arrived at 5:50 am on July 23.</h3>
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He was eagerly greeted by his 5 older siblings, all eager to hold him and finally meet their newest brother...</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oles meets his baby brother...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And Tait. With Zoja making sure she gets to be right next to Baby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tola, such a proud big sister... and Zoja getting right close to baby.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest Brother Ziven gets his turn...And again look who isn't far away...<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Welcome, Little one! We are so excited to have you in our family and we cannot wait to see what life has in store for you. God has surely blessed us!</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-24075346807693280732016-06-29T12:45:00.000-07:002016-06-29T12:45:11.408-07:00The 2-yr old Birthday post, a little belated...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfUX30EHxzUci-flJimYa69_UiauaZh09Y-R4VDt9csqKfwHlerGw8gKdJ4xpprEFhn8bxEda-3K0AaLJla961iO3KC-SSbLuMqKK6UFlcIXJv9vaa1WSgZX1_V5_7T-uX9jCmxRHmG-D/s1600/IMG_4307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfUX30EHxzUci-flJimYa69_UiauaZh09Y-R4VDt9csqKfwHlerGw8gKdJ4xpprEFhn8bxEda-3K0AaLJla961iO3KC-SSbLuMqKK6UFlcIXJv9vaa1WSgZX1_V5_7T-uX9jCmxRHmG-D/s320/IMG_4307.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This little cutie just had a birthday. She's 2 now, if you can believe it! And she's learning so much every single day...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8SMv2F8MbpGN7IbwkB9drcQWNxwis7wNP1eLcBdnyGKeyeFTKBvA_X8sMBB4-H8_BRXY6Iz2avtSJ2ARc_9i_b_NnuCC24bfypL_Rs-5cwb6uO_RARgGEePd_3btqL6dictnRDWjJj7A/s1600/IMG_4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8SMv2F8MbpGN7IbwkB9drcQWNxwis7wNP1eLcBdnyGKeyeFTKBvA_X8sMBB4-H8_BRXY6Iz2avtSJ2ARc_9i_b_NnuCC24bfypL_Rs-5cwb6uO_RARgGEePd_3btqL6dictnRDWjJj7A/s320/IMG_4288.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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She runs, with her arms up by her armpits; She jumps, usually with any sort of rope-like thing in her hand (headphone cord, string, dog leash...), apparently in imitation of her big sibs who have been jumping rope lately; She undresses herself, which is really swell (and has caused us to cut the feet of her jammies and put them on her backwards so she can't disrobe every night at bedtime!); She wants to do things "myself" and will proudly proclaim, "I did it!"</div>
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She's quite a Daddy's girl, this one. If Daddy is home, nobody else will do-- to change her, bathe her, feed her, brush her teeth... She knows how to work the room to get people to share bites of whatever tasty treat they're enjoying. And now that she's 2, she's certainly learning a thing or 2 about saying "no!" and throwing fits. After all, it's hard to be 2 some days... But she's such a delight in our lives and we are so blessed to have her as part of our family! </div>
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Happy Birthday, Sweet Zo-Zo!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-24149789967609656642016-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:002016-06-16T10:07:35.947-07:00Fantastic 10!Happy Birthday, my dear, sweet Oles!<br />
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I can hardly believe you are 10 years old. You keep us all laughing with your impersonations and sense of humor. You are so gentle and sweet with your baby sister. You get along well with pretty much anyone. Truly you are a delight and we are so very blessed to have you in our lives!<br />
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While I was in labor with you 10 years ago, I kept singing the song "Show me the way" during my contractions. Not sure how or why that song popped into my head, but it was prescient because in so many ways you do show me the way, and I'm grateful for your companionship on my journey of parenthood and life.<br />
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God is good, and I'm certain great things await you. 10 is such a milestone and I'm so proud of the 10 year old you've become! Happiest of days, my dear boy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-13767291363585513822016-02-02T12:18:00.002-08:002016-02-02T12:18:55.281-08:00Sweet 5<span style="text-align: center;"> Happiest of Birthdays to this sweet little girl...</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCchYZEXnCAzIHGDPg4X-b4Up6B4UlhwbkazHGyVEBnrgbGLnNNMY53ZSCXDnUPWIziSWldCdcCJAa2zgt33v1nXDjMOtMwZ3lnDN_temQk-bLNvTdceNd5DRt0eFmtAmhRD786LueBI1M/s1600/Tola+Gettysburg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCchYZEXnCAzIHGDPg4X-b4Up6B4UlhwbkazHGyVEBnrgbGLnNNMY53ZSCXDnUPWIziSWldCdcCJAa2zgt33v1nXDjMOtMwZ3lnDN_temQk-bLNvTdceNd5DRt0eFmtAmhRD786LueBI1M/s320/Tola+Gettysburg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who isn't so little any more!</div>
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She brought some much needed pink into our lives and we are blessed every day with her cheerfulness and sunny disposition.</div>
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She's kind and generous, always up for a good laugh and watches over her baby sister like a second little mother. She loves to love on her baby dolls and take care of anyone who needs taking care of. </div>
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She's my right-hand woman in the kitchen and is very eager to learn new things.</div>
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Now that she's 5, she informs me that she knows A LOT more than she did when she was 4! I have no doubt that there's some truth to that, and I can't wait to see what this little one has in store for the next year... </div>
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We love you, Miss Tola! Happy 5th birthday! May you climb to great heights this year!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-71180325424154756842016-01-19T17:27:00.003-08:002016-08-07T20:32:27.412-07:00returning from a long hiatus...and Zo-Zo speakI have been absent from my blog for a long time. But the other day, Oles asked to read through the posts at Puppy Dog Tales and joyfully related all the stories he'd read over there. It made me realize how many precious family memories I captured on that blog and then over here, and how many in the past year or so that I've missed recording. So, I'm recommitting myself to keeping up with the little happenings in our family in this space!<br />
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First up? Zo-Zo speak, ed.1:<br />
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Zoja is now 19 months old and has her own unique way of communicating with her family.<br />
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Her favorite word by far is "Da-eeee!" ("Daddy!") Which is always said with an exclamation point... She says everyone else's name as well, except for Ziven. She just looks blankly at you when you try to get her to say that one. So we have "Oh-wee", "Daaaite," and "Ohla" (Sometimes that one comes out with an extra emphasis on the L sound, so we get "Ohlala").<br />
<br />
When she wants something, anything, she points at it and says "ah-hah!" I can only surmise this stems from answering questions of "Do you want..." with "uh-huh" and then extended to an expression of want in general. Lately she's taken to adding the sign for please while she requests the object, rubbing her chest vigorously. She usually ends up with what she's asking for, because who can resist that?!?<br />
<br />
And then there's sundry other words, including "Dakes" (Thanks), "No," "IdoIdo" (I don't know...)<br />
I'm sure there are a few I'm forgetting, but she babbles on all through the day, and we can't always make out exactly what she is saying, but slowly those sounds are beginning to form more and more actual words. It's such a fun and enjoyable time!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-30977846196810104642015-04-25T13:59:00.003-07:002015-04-25T14:00:09.752-07:00And way back over half a year ago...Tait jumped over to the "big boys" this year. Now that his years can no longer be counted on 1 hand, he's no longer one of the littles.<br />
<br />
Tait is so full of love and joy! He loves to make people laugh and is always getting up to some mischief or other with that goal in mind. He loves pranks and practical jokes (and is trying to navigate what kinds of pranks are acceptable and which are likely to get him in trouble...)<br />
<br />
He adores his baby sister, often sighing, "Mom, I wish Zoja could stay like this forever!" More often than not, after we turn out the light in the room he shares with Tola, we hear footsteps as Tola climbs into bed to snuggle with her big brother, who always welcomes her and keeps her from being scared!<br />
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Happy Very Very Belated Birthday, funny, crazy, mischievous Tait! We love you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-78322577528516222622015-04-25T13:51:00.002-07:002015-04-25T13:51:56.898-07:00Remembering Our December Birthday Boy11! I'm not even going to think about how that happened. One day at a time, we have arrived at 11 years!<br />
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<br />
Ziven is such a responsible young man, dependable and honest.<br />
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Legos and books are still Ziven's favorite pastimes. He's discovered the fun of customizing his legos this year, and his favorite literary pursuit this year has been everything Greek Mythology. This kid knows far more Greek mythology than I could ever learn!<br />
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And he now considers himself a "chicken enthusiast" as well, having taken the care of the chikens under his wing, so to speak.<br />
<br />
He loves to play around with words and create puns and new jokes, trying them our nightly on dad as soon as he walks through the door.<br />
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We love you, Ziven, and are so blessed to have you in our family!<br />
<br />
Happy Really Belated Birthday, Sonny Boy!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-10253808800119308542015-04-25T13:41:00.002-07:002015-04-25T14:00:43.457-07:00Happy-belated-Birthday, Sweet Tola!<br />
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<br />
February. You know, as in nearly 3 months ago... Sigh. How does the time go so quickly? This poor blog has sat here silent for 10 months while life has gone on. And on. And on. So many ordinary moments chock-full of ordinary loveliness.<br />
<br />
And several not-so-ordinary, once-a-year kind of happenings. I can't possibly go back and capture them all here belatedly. But I do owe a few birthday posts! I've done birthday posts every year for the past 7 or 8 years and I can't just skip over them now.<br />
<br />
So, working my way backwards...<br />
<br />
Little Miss Tola turned 4. Again, she wanted a pink birthday. Again, pink frosting and pink cake adorned her birthday cake. This year, she was delighted to have a little sister to fawn over on her special day.<br />
<br />
This sweet girl fills our days with singing and dancing and princess dresses, lego building, and making her sister giggle. She loves to help mama in the kitchen, peeking into every bowl and asking what ingredients I put in this one... Every day she graces one of her brothers with allowing them to be her buddy that day, and they are all happy to compete for the honor.<br />
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She has such a loving spirit and brightens our day with cheer! Happy Birthday, my sweet Tola!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-75044287736647426062015-04-25T13:07:00.000-07:002015-04-25T13:09:22.797-07:00This Little Light, I'm Gonna Let It Shine!I was puttering around in Tait and Tola's room when Tait pipes up from his bed,<br />
<br />
"Hey, Mommy?" (This is how he starts a lot of his conversations with us--Hey, Mommy? Hey, Dad?)<br />
"Yes, Tait?" I say, my back still to him.<br />
<br />
"What do you think I should be when I grow up?"<br />
<br />
"Well," I say, turning around to face him, "what do <i>you</i> think you should be? How do you think God wants you to use your talents, the things you're good at?"<br />
<br />
"The things I'm good at?" He muses, then continues in his high-pitched little-boy voice, "Wellllll.... I'm really good at fighting! And hey, Mommy? I'm good at building Legos. Oh, and I'm really good at walking through the woods without getting stuck with prickly thorn bushes! What do you think I should do with those talents?"<br />
<br />
Ummm...Anyone?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-12407201935922783762014-06-25T20:48:00.002-07:002014-06-25T20:49:06.684-07:00It's a Girl! <br />
I have to admit, I thought it was going to be a boy. So after 20 hours of labor, I was surprised and delighted when my second <i>daughter</i> was placed on my chest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latest Family Photo</td></tr>
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Chester had wanted to keep this one a surprise after having found out the gender of each of the other children at the time of our 20 week ultrasounds. I wanted to know what we were expecting. He won the coin toss, and so I embraced the mystery of <i>not knowing</i>...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tola, age 3, meets her sister for the first time.</td></tr>
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The children, at home with Oma, eagerly awaited the news of their new sibling's arrival. They thought for sure they would know before bedtime on Sunday June 22.<br />
<br />
We headed in for an induction after Mass that morning, thinking we would have a baby by day's end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6P2DQOpF4UVGTjQBlkw2yyFBsSFCY3hp6xSiBbte2ZBGg7GBIVfy3EZSxiZvfqLH1e2Ck1Jn_OfGmhFuWdYZlCrMGa9rTN54cD2nbWwKIY7I58hO25fbHJo05fkIt_I_u1i6vO8ONOsH/s1600/IMG_2450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6P2DQOpF4UVGTjQBlkw2yyFBsSFCY3hp6xSiBbte2ZBGg7GBIVfy3EZSxiZvfqLH1e2Ck1Jn_OfGmhFuWdYZlCrMGa9rTN54cD2nbWwKIY7I58hO25fbHJo05fkIt_I_u1i6vO8ONOsH/s1600/IMG_2450.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tait, 5, couldn't wait to hold "it."</td></tr>
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<br />
But this baby had other plans and she kept us waiting until 8:28 the following morning, Monday June 23.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oles, age 8. Such a tender heart this one has for babies.</td></tr>
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Weighing in at 7lbs, 11 oz and somewhere between 19 and 20 inches. (The hospital said 19. The next day she had stretched to 20 at the dr's office...)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We did not have a name for her yet. She didn't have a name until today, June 25. We needed a little time to get to know her, to stare at her and try out different options.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ086AFSnUZypSRLVuCZGr1-kaKPut34iodm3ILwtww3pkWlfeMc24hyphenhyphenvnv9OXIJLF5v5FtbHTi7V0Y1ec9vefVX64-C_wMRjFLYjfFb_PcTRulueGvORTORKFyhVERCHVOUuRlixssU1/s1600/IMG_2453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ086AFSnUZypSRLVuCZGr1-kaKPut34iodm3ILwtww3pkWlfeMc24hyphenhyphenvnv9OXIJLF5v5FtbHTi7V0Y1ec9vefVX64-C_wMRjFLYjfFb_PcTRulueGvORTORKFyhVERCHVOUuRlixssU1/s1600/IMG_2453.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest brother Ziven, 10, the same age I was when my sister Colleen was born. <br />He's feeling protective already.</td></tr>
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Each of our children have Polish names, and so we scoured the lists of Polish girl names and tossed a few back and forth. Finally, we realized we kept coming back to one name in particular. And it just seemed to fit this sweet soul.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GxWF1TFum8WoLYKsrkWy8NFCkl3YGFKj67H0YgKI0acDmEUEPYDaq0nX9KlycDo6CWJnxizfD6-cpE_0UTigoOsE_T0VH5BF-En_ZSPmkjoDdNPLsfqpZ2U9Nygt3qn1PWcUTcGhOXXI/s1600/IMG_2457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GxWF1TFum8WoLYKsrkWy8NFCkl3YGFKj67H0YgKI0acDmEUEPYDaq0nX9KlycDo6CWJnxizfD6-cpE_0UTigoOsE_T0VH5BF-En_ZSPmkjoDdNPLsfqpZ2U9Nygt3qn1PWcUTcGhOXXI/s1600/IMG_2457.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oma and Tola with baby girl.</td></tr>
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</div>
And so, without further ado, we are happy and proud to introduce our daughter,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zoja Florence.</div>
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<b>Zoja</b> (Pronounced Zoy-ah. In Polish, the "j" is pronounced as a "y") is the Polish form of Zoey, meaning <b>"Life."</b><br />
<br />
<b>Florence</b> was Chester's maternal grandmother, and it means "Prosperous, Flourishing."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c3PPpF-BEOcMKti2wianec1YefLd4qOD8ee_deoCNBhyphenhyphenL0jqPfVcSUPc5rY4Se9uTpucBRJgC9hlcNJLXM8LLTkZIf3HwTTktdxO9YMdTzepByWEdZyEQJRwCGCSqmxCoEyGNL5HTFk3/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c3PPpF-BEOcMKti2wianec1YefLd4qOD8ee_deoCNBhyphenhyphenL0jqPfVcSUPc5rY4Se9uTpucBRJgC9hlcNJLXM8LLTkZIf3HwTTktdxO9YMdTzepByWEdZyEQJRwCGCSqmxCoEyGNL5HTFk3/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoja Florence</td></tr>
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Welcome to our family, sweet girl! You have 3 big brothers who simply adore you and a big sister who absolutely beams when she holds you. They all want to sit by you and hold you and kiss on you...You are well loved and we are so happy God brought you to our family! May you have a Flourishing Life!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-17266840563636628952014-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:002014-06-18T10:55:59.377-07:008 is GREAT!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"> My Oles is 8 today. How blessed we are to have this boy in our family! He is the child who is equally at ease playing with his big brother, his little brother, and his 3 year old sister. </span></div>
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<br />
He's always got a smile on his face and a sense of humor that emerges more every day. He is tender-hearted, wearing his emotions on his sleeve. He loves everything outdoors--ice fishing, hiking, skiing, biking, snow shoeing.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">He never complains of the hard work involved in such adventures, never whines of being tired or cold. This kid puts his head down and digs in! We are all better off for having Oles in our lives. God Bless you, Oles, and Happy, happy birthday!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-1511227346078061692014-06-09T08:52:00.001-07:002014-06-09T08:52:39.855-07:00Baby Betting Time!It's less than 2 weeks to d-day (d being "due" date, of course which, this time around, is June 22). Time for a little baby roulette.<br />
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To place your bets, leave a comment below. You don't have to register or anything. You can even comment anonymously, but if you don't leave your name somewhere in the comments, you forfeit any bragging rights due to inability to confirm.<br />
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A short history to help you place your bets: The earliest I've ever gone was on d-day. The latest was a full 2 weeks(!) past due. One had to be evicted at 1 week overdue. My smallest baby was 6 lb 14oz and my biggest was 8 lb 6 oz.<br />
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So step right up! Pick your date. Pick your gender (We don't know ourselves this time around. I have my guess but won't influence your bet by stating it at this time). You can even throw in a guess for birth weight if you'd like.<br />
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Winners in all categories will receive exclusive bragging rights. </div>
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Good Luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-38773204532643651892014-06-03T19:43:00.002-07:002014-06-18T10:56:27.690-07:00On ImpulseOles just gagged and threw up in the kitchen sink. As I ran out to the kitchen to investigate, I sent up a quick prayer--please Lord, not another stomach bug! My eye discerned a straw sticking out of the box of Kosher salt on the counter. A <i>straw</i> in the salt? Looking curiously at my soon-to-be 8 year old, I inquired "Did you just suck up <i>salt</i> with a <i>straw</i>?!?" With tears in his eyes and still trying to rid his mouth of the offending crystals, he nodded his head. "What in the world possessed you" but before I could finish with "to do<i> that</i>?!?"I started laughing. I couldn't help it. I mean, does it really matter what impulse led him to suck up salt through a straw? Could the answer possibly be anything but "I don't know?" The reality is, children do impulsive things. Just because the moment presents itself. No real reason. And since it's impossible to foresee, and therefore forewarn about, all the circumstances that could lead to a rash and impulsive act on the part of little people, I'm sticking with humor as the best policy...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-11419942677287948592014-06-03T14:37:00.002-07:002014-06-18T10:56:59.667-07:00MilestonesThis week has seen a couple of milestones for our younger 2.<br />
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Tait figured out how to ride a 2 wheeler, taking off like an expert as soon as his training wheels were removed. More than either of his big brothers, this one seemed like one with his wheels. Inside a week, he was zipping down grassy hills, gravel hills (with daddy biting his tongue and holding his breath the whole time...) and trying out various "tricks." And though I've seen 2 other children arrive at the independence of riding on 2 wheels, it never grows old to see the excitement on a child's face when they realize just. what. they. are. doing! "Look at me! I'm riding a bike!!!" Priceless.<br />
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Tola finally started swim lessons, something she's been dying to do for months as she's tagged along to countless sessions for her 3 big brothers. I had promised her she could start just as soon as she was done with pull-ups. Unfortunately, there was a month lag between saying goodbye for good to those diapers-in-disguise and the start of summer lessons. But oh boy was she excited on day 1! Around 8 that morning, she packed her own backpack with a towel, her swim suit, and a water bottle, grabbed her flip-flops, and stood by the door, dressed, pack on back, waiting to go. Her lessons started at 11:30... A little eager. I finally lured her away from the door with an episode of Curious George. Once she was in the water, she was one big grin from start to end. Again, not my first child to start swim lessons. And again, it never grows old...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-16133868223372932212014-05-15T12:40:00.003-07:002014-06-18T10:57:17.876-07:00PHFR Belated Beach EditionA few weeks ago we escaped the still frozen North to visit grandparents in Seattle. My sister Kelly came up from CA for a couple of days and we all enjoyed a lovely trip to the beach one day. It's not exactly timely, but it's the best I could do at this point. Linking up with <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/" target="_blank">Like Mother, Like Daughter</a>.<br />
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I love the way this creek meanders to the inlet. The sight of all 4 kids playing together on its banks is a pretty sight, too.</div>
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Sisters pregnant together, due 2 weeks apart. She with her 1st, Me with my 5th...</div>
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I don't blame a 10 year old boy for wanting to leap from one side of the bank to the other. What's funny about this is that right after I took this picture, he did exactly what I warned him might happen and he adamantly denied as a possibility: he fell in. Was completely soaked. I resisted the urge to say "I told you so."</div>
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Our first family photo in 3(?) years!</div>
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Somehow we never manage to snap a picture with the entire family all at the same time...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-29081164261996211142014-05-15T12:11:00.001-07:002014-06-18T10:57:41.401-07:00Holy First CommunionOles made his First Holy Communion 2 weeks ago. Shameful that I haven't posted pictures here sooner or written a little tribute to his day yet, but life and illness intervened.<br />
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Oles was so proud to be dressed up for his big day. This is the son who never complains about getting dressed in fancy clothes. He looked so handsome and grown up!<br />
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Father Jaime delivered a homily directed at the children receiving their First Communion, helping them to appreciate the importance of the day. I really appreciate how this church incorporates the celebration into a regular Sunday Mass, rather than a separate celebration. The whole church community helps to welcome these children into the flock...<br />
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And we as a family got to celebrate our 2nd child entering into the banquet of the Church. Oles has a heart of gold and a quick smile for everyone. It is our earnest prayer that he continue use his gifts for the glory of God and to bring the joy of God's love to all those he meets. Congratulations, Oles!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-21762025330351324892014-02-15T15:27:00.002-08:002014-02-15T15:27:32.319-08:00Chesterton on whiteOK, show of hands. Whose brain hurts when they read Chesterton? Mine certainly does. Maybe that's why I've always preferred CS Lewis; he's eminently more approachable! But I'm determined to work through Chesterton bit by bit until he sits easier in my brain. (It might help if my reading time wasn't relegated to those hours when my children--and husband--are fast asleep. That's not exactly prime brain time. It's more like prime "prime-time" time--you know, better for zoning out than tuning in.) I find I have better ability to focus on his short essays at this stage of my life. It's easier on the brain. If you're struggling with longer works, try easing in with some short essays...<br />
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I've been playing along with reading Chesterton since Sarah first challenged us awhile ago, but this is my first time participating in a <a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/2014/02/some-chestertonian-motivation.html#.Uv_3wEJdX1g" target="_blank">Weekends linkup</a>... I thought that maybe those of you also living with lots of white outside your windows might find this equally worth mulling over...So, without further ado, Chesterton on the color white:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">White is positive and essential. ...White is a colour. It is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>When, so to speak, your pencil grows red-hot, it draws roses; when it grows white-hot, it draws stars. </i></span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>...the chief assertion of religious morality is that white is a colour. Virtue is not the absence of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing...Chastity does not mean abstention from sexual wrong; it means something flaming, like Joan of Arc.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>In a word, God paints in many colors; but he never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">--GK Chesterton, <i>A Piece of Chalk</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-67568728492534590262014-02-15T15:00:00.002-08:002014-06-18T10:58:14.792-07:00around the cornerI have to be careful that she doesn't see me, or the game will be up. As long as I watch from around the corner, she'll continue unabashedly, unashamedly. She is holding a pretend conversation on the phone; she is speaking to her daddy, calling him "Chesser." I love listening to the things she says--my own words mirrored back to me. Boy, that's scary, isn't it? How observant she is when I'm least aware of being observed.<br />
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She hangs up, grabs some lip balm and smears it on her lips, chin, and cheeks. Then she's back on the phone, calling someone else. She hangs up with "See you later, Alligator!" I laugh from my hiding place. I don't know where she picked that up; I didn't even know she knew that phrase.<br />
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I just sit here, around the corner, and watch and listen. Soaking it all in. Because I know--I know because I have a 10-year old who was but a toddler yesterday--I know this time is so short. They really aren't little for very long. That's not a cliche. It's a fact.<br />
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Other things await. Fun things, exciting things to be sure. Real phone conversations, real lipstick...And these things? I tremble to know that they are just around the corner.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975420694918404646.post-9837263136161821002014-02-02T21:06:00.003-08:002014-06-18T10:58:30.911-07:00The Pink Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Somebody turned 3 today. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo4GnU9H7tSFGlJsZF0Mo0WfvG9kx4R3fEdtjoP5fMZilOVBdBRTVsCSi_bEN_yifCDbzniYa7QeRrP2YLsk0ETxlP_F8XVBFC1tMFYMSNZA32068w0IyAsEPod41mf4yR5RwoDD5j1iR/s1600/IMG_2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo4GnU9H7tSFGlJsZF0Mo0WfvG9kx4R3fEdtjoP5fMZilOVBdBRTVsCSi_bEN_yifCDbzniYa7QeRrP2YLsk0ETxlP_F8XVBFC1tMFYMSNZA32068w0IyAsEPod41mf4yR5RwoDD5j1iR/s1600/IMG_2023.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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For weeks, she talked about her upcoming birthday--her <i><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> birthday. <i><span style="color: magenta;">Pink</span></i> plates,<span style="color: magenta;"> <i>pink</i></span> presents, <i><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> cake, <i><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> nakkins...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUpXEOsZc06_Btuup-erEX1GEIRYjzfDGfszv0R51tpMPcq5Dn4PK29YjjJd3V62HU2y1qmYbJ0A-Wzj43PpUC61u4KuckSKMMvqHrtWkZUfdwmPZRkcRJ1dl4V9TH5WQGEKQldRARITX/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUpXEOsZc06_Btuup-erEX1GEIRYjzfDGfszv0R51tpMPcq5Dn4PK29YjjJd3V62HU2y1qmYbJ0A-Wzj43PpUC61u4KuckSKMMvqHrtWkZUfdwmPZRkcRJ1dl4V9TH5WQGEKQldRARITX/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think we did a fairly good job of delivering a <i><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> birthday to our sweet Tola D. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizInakHlmfNUrWknq8hTR7c-YXcCxhrWVcjk5wGj8GpznkrmQ069uUlp03tO0WwBPY5T24BsVI2Os52pza6vQNEjY3CNrtTMjyw1o7keRRX9tLtWv4xOJOKO4Q_wps73wzydOKc3yCsqFV/s1600/IMG_2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizInakHlmfNUrWknq8hTR7c-YXcCxhrWVcjk5wGj8GpznkrmQ069uUlp03tO0WwBPY5T24BsVI2Os52pza6vQNEjY3CNrtTMjyw1o7keRRX9tLtWv4xOJOKO4Q_wps73wzydOKc3yCsqFV/s1600/IMG_2044.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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But, my dear girl, you've been tickling us <i><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> since the day you were born.</div>
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Your smile delights. You give the best hugs ever. You giggle with Tait and you have your big brother Oles wrapped around your finger and Ziven loves you dearly. You've got a squadron of big boys looking out for you, and you better believe they always will.</div>
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Your <span style="color: magenta;">pink</span> ways and sweet spirit bring a little more softness to our rough-and-tumble boys. Where would we all be without our sweet little <span style="color: magenta;">pink</span> package?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EYd6Umyzje72ybuJhAValmadGH3RXU6ucRzwHHgxNO_ibS0zVN0EvAhXbvRrPnbyVtZC-N2g63fRXraspIqnCRQH5c8W1WCqsSePlmgNhdJQVlvFqfBrfijfcUzVZY46xvmbQNly7aZu/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EYd6Umyzje72ybuJhAValmadGH3RXU6ucRzwHHgxNO_ibS0zVN0EvAhXbvRrPnbyVtZC-N2g63fRXraspIqnCRQH5c8W1WCqsSePlmgNhdJQVlvFqfBrfijfcUzVZY46xvmbQNly7aZu/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We love you, our little Chickadee. Happy<span style="color: magenta;"> <i>Pink</i> </span>Birthday!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069243024580428547noreply@blogger.com2