tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27434765165311796492024-03-13T15:52:00.913-07:00Hall House HappeningsYou have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised - Psalm 119:65Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-13615748909858560532012-04-02T08:16:00.001-07:002012-04-02T08:16:08.289-07:00The Power of SilenceI was doing a devotion today out of " Hung by the Tongue" by Francis P. Martin, a study of the power of our words. (Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."). We all have been at the receiving end of "sticks and stones" and know that words certainly DO hurt. We also know the good a word of encouragement makes us feel, even if it's a stranger telling us they like our outfit. <br /><br />Jesus is the greatest example of using the power of words-battling satan with scripture, commanding the wind and waves be still, casting out demons and healing the sick.<br /><br />But, as Francis Martin brought up in my reading today, Jesus used silence to move along the most important piece of human history at His trial before He was crucified.<br /><br />Acts 8:32 "He was lead like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the sharers, He did not open His mouth."<br /><br />This really got me:<br /><br />"At the trial, Jesus could not speak even His name because it would have freed Him. He HAD to remain silent. Pilate tried to get Him to talk so that he could release Him, but Jesus would not speak. He came to give Himself as a lamb." p. 59<br /><br />The God part of Jesus could have called down a legion of angels at any point, but he held his tongue. He knew the master plan and had perspective even through massive amounts of human humiliation, torture, and then the worst kind of death, death on a cross.<br /><br />And He held his words back just for me, that I could be made right, have the power of grace in my life, and have relationship with Him.<br /><br />Silence is powerful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/02/1369.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/02/s_1369.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hall%20House&z=10'>Hall House</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-35908888699246774482012-04-01T08:22:00.001-07:002012-04-01T08:22:22.065-07:00Just a TestThis is just a test...got a new iPad blogger press app that I'm figuring out. But this is a fun pic with me and one of my favorite things...COFFEE. It really just makes me happy.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/01/1405.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/01/s_1405.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hall%20House&z=10'>Hall House</a></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-80981701439195306012011-05-17T12:11:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:13:22.910-07:00Christmas Dresses 2010I couldn't resist getting the girls new Christmas dresses this year. (I think they'll actually fit into them again next year too.) I loved the black and white plaid, so classic! The dress looked great on both girls. They wore them to Abbie's dedication at True Life Church the weekend before Christmas. <br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n-c7jaj6wg/TdLIUncNnQI/AAAAAAAAItQ/vwtfUrCA8X4/s1600/IMG_5483.JPG'><img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n-c7jaj6wg/TdLIUncNnQI/AAAAAAAAItQ/vwtfUrCA8X4/s400/IMG_5483.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzwntsWIoqU/TdLIU_3dE5I/AAAAAAAAItY/7IKmxunijGg/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzwntsWIoqU/TdLIU_3dE5I/AAAAAAAAItY/7IKmxunijGg/s400/IMG_5484.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br />(This picture reminds me a bit of something out of the book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.")<br /><br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BE6X2uf2oQ/TdLIU0wEiuI/AAAAAAAAItg/2H0v16Y-ZtY/s1600/IMG_5485.JPG'><img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BE6X2uf2oQ/TdLIU0wEiuI/AAAAAAAAItg/2H0v16Y-ZtY/s400/IMG_5485.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-34156613645674939732011-05-17T10:43:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:38:47.929-07:00Merry Christmas from Ellie!I know I'm posting this in May, but this video will get you in the Christmas spirit all year long. I have always sung Away in the Manger as a lullaby and it has become one of Ellie's all time, favorite songs. She was in a singing mood that afternoon in December, and I'm so glad I captured this moment. So, from our house to yours, whether it's that time of year or not, Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzo2cIvTGeCQ8Pr9dhy8gTUd630zi0oyXwFRL7B6m8yvnn9EsdoTvh_i1PCQDFOWo7pIYl_uZ_Ha3RG4-g5nw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-38659205570767234812011-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:13:02.000-07:00Little Green Army MenThis is one of my favorite Saturday morning memories so far...Aron and John Palmer set up the little green army men all over the room and then went to town on them with rubber bands. It was awesome!<br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3QXtPCi6Uw/TdKwXXLmR0I/AAAAAAAAIso/TmigYKozKLs/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG'><img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3QXtPCi6Uw/TdKwXXLmR0I/AAAAAAAAIso/TmigYKozKLs/s400/IMG_5420.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBNAIUGmnfw/TdKwXn5ukTI/AAAAAAAAIsw/hKqIC83D1f4/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBNAIUGmnfw/TdKwXn5ukTI/AAAAAAAAIsw/hKqIC83D1f4/s400/IMG_5424.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7b0I_rnbGTw/TdKwXzJCE6I/AAAAAAAAIs4/6eNMyl0yEmE/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7b0I_rnbGTw/TdKwXzJCE6I/AAAAAAAAIs4/6eNMyl0yEmE/s400/IMG_5430.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtKRSBAEjJg/TdKwYLRlHnI/AAAAAAAAItA/60aHItCoi88/s1600/IMG_5436.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtKRSBAEjJg/TdKwYLRlHnI/AAAAAAAAItA/60aHItCoi88/s400/IMG_5436.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-11891009092406189202011-05-17T10:27:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:09:45.867-07:00Turkey Time<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PxqGV8IcLY/TdKv9C3kb-I/AAAAAAAAIsg/rf7ABpcnLQA/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PxqGV8IcLY/TdKv9C3kb-I/AAAAAAAAIsg/rf7ABpcnLQA/s400/IMG_5412.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><br />This is one of the cards I made for Thanksgiving. I used a template-there was a lot of tracing a cutting involved. I loved how they turned out, especially the big, buggy eyes. (I love using brads in my work.). I paired the hand made cards with pumpkin bread. Yum! (Which reminds me, I have got to get that recipe for this coming fall. It was the BOMB for realz.)Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-57187608890475343352011-05-17T10:25:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:03:23.905-07:00Halloween 2010This year, we decided on a theme...lions, and tigers, and bears-oh my! I found Abbie's costume at the last minute at Old Navy for $10! I was so excited that I pulled that off. I probably would've spent that much or more trying to do a DIY costume. I like saving time AND money. <br /><br />This year, we went candy hunting around Valley Estates where my parents still live. I don't know why, buy Halloween seemed so chaotic and I tossed all safety rules out of the window with John Palmer's costume-he was a black bear. I could barely keep track of him. There was this crazy, scary house that made the kids cry. I started feeling weird about the whole thing. I saw lots of people getting so excited about being scared to death. I love that the kids looked so cute in their costumes and had fun collecting candy, but I didn't like putting them in a position to fight fears and muscle through it. Maybe next year we'll find an alternative candy-hunting activity.<br /><br />Happily, we were also able to go to the annual Brown family harvest party where we first found out that Karen and Phillip were expecting their first baby! The kids had a great time playing games and running around with their friends. I love the fall and all the festivities, but we are seriously going to have to take the "spooky" out of the equation.<br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqe5ayWYOhU/TdKvjgf6XZI/AAAAAAAAIsI/s5qS7ZiFcgU/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqe5ayWYOhU/TdKvjgf6XZI/AAAAAAAAIsI/s5qS7ZiFcgU/s400/IMG_5364.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbB6xwg63jo/TdKvj7FdADI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/UVN7GmQjGTE/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbB6xwg63jo/TdKvj7FdADI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/UVN7GmQjGTE/s400/IMG_5373.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuIKDTwYSz4/TdKvkL7FNmI/AAAAAAAAIsY/krKM1vEqTcY/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuIKDTwYSz4/TdKvkL7FNmI/AAAAAAAAIsY/krKM1vEqTcY/s400/IMG_5378.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-44593655944834790942011-01-02T20:50:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:54:25.308-08:00So Vain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFWbtsI7cI/AAAAAAAAIrw/XovA0uvIWBo/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFWbtsI7cI/AAAAAAAAIrw/XovA0uvIWBo/s400/IMG_5334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557818449273089474" /></a><br />(Is it weird that I'm posting a picture of myself? I don't know...I think my hair looks halfway decent and I wanted everyone else to see. Ha!)Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-29894518435064621092011-01-02T20:31:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:49:29.795-08:00John Palmer Turns 5!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFTpcyyWGI/AAAAAAAAIrY/2l-lFdsvB8U/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFTpcyyWGI/AAAAAAAAIrY/2l-lFdsvB8U/s400/IMG_5292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815386720852066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFT1RmSy6I/AAAAAAAAIrg/szfWaZk2SUo/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFT1RmSy6I/AAAAAAAAIrg/szfWaZk2SUo/s400/IMG_5300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815589874092962" /></a><br />This year, on October 7, John Palmer turned 5. It's so hard to believe that he's half-a-decade years old. He had a Toy Story party, red and yellow cupcakes, and some great presents! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFUEc5Zw3I/AAAAAAAAIro/u_gZVV5PNKI/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TSFUEc5Zw3I/AAAAAAAAIro/u_gZVV5PNKI/s400/IMG_5318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815850605069170" /></a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-60442709975629491742010-12-21T22:04:00.000-08:002010-12-21T22:29:59.946-08:00Just Tell Me What to DoI want answers and I want them now. So much of my life seems like a daily mystery, especially when it comes to parenting and business. It feels like as I get older and take on more responsibility that every step I take is out on faith...and I'm not so great, YET, at taking steps without seeing the path in front of me. I want the easy, clear path, even if I have to carve it out myself. That's not always the best route, however. I just recently read Proverbs 2:3-8:<br /><br />"Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk in integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him."<br /><br />A1, if I want answers, and the right ones, I have to boldly ask ("cry out.") Next, I need a LOT more patience then I am currently using to get answers...I need to search...like, actually spend time looking. (How many days do I go without seeking wisdom in the Scripture? Yikes.) Finally, I need to desperately search, as I would "for lost money." How hard would I be overturning my house if I had lost a twenty dollar bill? My parenting and business skills are way more important and urgent...why don't I overturn God's Word as I would for something of lesser value? The benefits of these habits are endless...Proverbs 2:9-11 go on to say,<br /><br />"Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe." <br /><br />An answer on how to find answers...Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-34399723714863927402010-12-21T21:56:00.000-08:002010-12-21T21:59:52.054-08:00Morning Playtime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGTu5RAl_I/AAAAAAAAIrM/JXbOIFjDBTM/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGTu5RAl_I/AAAAAAAAIrM/JXbOIFjDBTM/s400/IMG_5248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553382249379960818" /></a><br />This is one of my favorite pictures of the year...my kids are into so many different things. They are learning and growing and exploring and mega, mega active. It's a challenge and puzzling and wonderful all at once.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-84877014617057018362010-12-21T21:40:00.000-08:002010-12-21T21:53:24.157-08:00First Day of SchoolI imagined the morning of the first day of school going a little differently, especially because I had seen pictures of my friends' kids standing on their front porches or in front of their school, smiling with their cute new outfits and backpacks. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGRuOrG_LI/AAAAAAAAIq8/_9QnbPQRiWU/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGRuOrG_LI/AAAAAAAAIq8/_9QnbPQRiWU/s320/IMG_5254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553380038923451570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGR9OxscFI/AAAAAAAAIrE/4-4g64P5ats/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TRGR9OxscFI/AAAAAAAAIrE/4-4g64P5ats/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553380296649109586" /></a><br />I was a little nervous dropping my kiddos off in their classrooms because they've never "done school" before. There were so many people at the classroom door that John Palmer literally got sucked in and I didn't see his eyes look back at me before I had to leave and drop Ellie off. Ellie immediately connected with a sand table her teacher showed her. She started searching for sea shells. That made me feel a bit better. <br /><br />When I picked the kids up three hours later, they didn't want to leave and they were chattering all about what had happened. Even though the pictures didn't turn out quite as well as I wanted them too, I am so excited that my children have the opportunity to go to preschool and know they're having a great time!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-7058813766543781072010-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:002010-08-08T19:57:06.372-07:00David and Goliath Part 2David and Goliath as told by Ellie Hall @ 3 years of age:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzaDFOzrXRgrox1sZGPLHhEHn1WCtUUagbGZaXl4FihPwJtGmkPhV6ItS5qHKzZmzt_7bdsZNAO0tim59OvKQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-42100667060105249982010-08-08T18:49:00.000-07:002010-08-08T20:02:25.963-07:00David and GoliathEllie loves the story of David and Goliath. I do too, especially because it's all about having faith that God does what He promises and helps us overcome enormous obstacles. <br /><br />Today at church, Mrs. Jenn told them this story and helped them to retell it using stick puppets. We did the same thing at bed time tonight. I LOVE their versions! Just had to share the cuteness and brilliance of my kids.<br /><br />John Palmer's Version:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz0vpRFyvRcEYFf4HqXYGn-xf55BF0UPnlZjCh_hR_lAGlJn-beXxsrq22O9JzdE2utyimFIUohxIsk-PTqGw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />( I love how Ellie pipes in to help with the dialog!)Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-21410988000212985062010-07-18T20:05:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:23:10.263-07:00Figuring it OutThis video is SO Abbie right now...discovering everything, making it work for her. (This zebra has been passed down from John Palmer to Ellie to Abbie.) I love how her little baby feet barely touch the ground as she rides. <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVxpLXeYnRLGsVLAGmRLqZzKZZTITsz9429BGHbSDB-GDQgFlJcRmDDoA30E7i4o39P4xJXnhSWw1MbVtm0g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-4887034819981811392010-07-07T16:30:00.001-07:002010-07-07T16:49:51.245-07:00Party in the USAWe had some major celebrating to do over the weekend of the 4th. On the Hall and Hensley sides of the family, there are several summer birthdays and this was the perfect opportunity to visit and party. Friday night was one of the most beautiful since the the spring (in the 70's with very low humidity) and we were actually wearing jeans. John Hall, Aron's dad, set up a Crawdad's party to celebrate his, Aron's, and Abbie's birthdays. We ate at the cafe, had birthday cake, and watched the Crawdads win followed by some pretty cool fireworks. Abbie had a blast and it was great to have a mini family reunion with the Parker crew and Aunt Becky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUPsn_z7TI/AAAAAAAAIp0/B_fAlPOxjQ0/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUPsn_z7TI/AAAAAAAAIp0/B_fAlPOxjQ0/s320/IMG_4852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491312579973475634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUQG_d7cAI/AAAAAAAAIp8/nsxdvvp7PWs/s1600/IMG_4896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUQG_d7cAI/AAAAAAAAIp8/nsxdvvp7PWs/s320/IMG_4896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491313032950411266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUQkmjt88I/AAAAAAAAIqE/4gQ4-vgWNdw/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUQkmjt88I/AAAAAAAAIqE/4gQ4-vgWNdw/s320/IMG_4911.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491313541659882434" /></a><br />On Saturday afternoon, we had another time of food, family and fun when Glenda Foster, Aron's mom, hosted a birthday party for Abbie, Aron, Grandpa Glen, and Uncle Donald (all have birthdays with in six days of each other. Don and Abbie share the same birthday on the 6th.) It was a Summer Sunshine celebration for sure and it was great to see everyone. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUR4EXPksI/AAAAAAAAIqM/0AR8xAbbu_g/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUR4EXPksI/AAAAAAAAIqM/0AR8xAbbu_g/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491314975589765826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUSIS9TtbI/AAAAAAAAIqU/O-ndou4QCX8/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUSIS9TtbI/AAAAAAAAIqU/O-ndou4QCX8/s320/IMG_4956.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491315254385423794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUSVr1eoZI/AAAAAAAAIqc/t_pNe0sjZq0/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUSVr1eoZI/AAAAAAAAIqc/t_pNe0sjZq0/s320/IMG_4962.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491315484401770898" /></a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-18498772962180267572010-07-07T16:27:00.000-07:002010-07-07T16:29:46.373-07:00Abbie Turns One<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUNTM7e2YI/AAAAAAAAIps/0T2AT7Ey3rw/s1600/Abbie%27s+First+Birthday.jpg'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDUNTM7e2YI/AAAAAAAAIps/0T2AT7Ey3rw/s400/Abbie%27s+First+Birthday.jpg' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><br />Abigail Rose was born a year ago on July 6, 2009. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She truly lives up to the meaning of her name, "Joy of the Father." She brings us so much joy. We adore our Summer Sunshine girl.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-85186472644727073282010-07-07T11:03:00.000-07:002010-07-07T11:15:14.456-07:00Caterpillars and Butterflies<div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDTBdbfG3yI/AAAAAAAAIpk/SsJ2uIo44L8/s1600/Caterpillars+and+Butterflies+June+2010.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TDTBdbfG3yI/AAAAAAAAIpk/SsJ2uIo44L8/s400/Caterpillars+and+Butterflies+June+2010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Durning the first week of July, we took a look at caterpillars and butterflies through some great books and crafts thanks again to the Mailbox's <span style="font-style: italic;">Day by Day Preschool Plan</span> book. <br /><a href="http://www.earthsbirthday.org/butterflies/"></a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-78200904769022154012010-07-07T07:37:00.000-07:002010-07-07T08:05:17.036-07:00Our Own Toy StorySince we watched Toy Story 3 in June, John Palmer has been pretending all kinds of things with our toys. We don't have actual Toy Story brand toys, but we do have Little People...LOTs of Little People. With John Palmer's imagination, there is no limit to who or what they can be and do. (Kind of reminds me of Andy from the movies.)<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_p8r5qa5QyirrkyVZ2sUy0K0aevTUC8jYtbHbdNK4w3oN0IHvc7q1EXr8xVT_jsIhv8FPnfm7ku0hEgzv5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-15529743086384872382010-07-01T06:55:00.000-07:002010-07-01T10:02:44.286-07:00Thursday Morning VisitorJust as I was walking out my front door this morning, I spied a teeny tiny gray kitten on our next door neighbor's walk way. It is a stray and a baby and very cute. When the kitten saw George for the first time, it freaked and ran up the nearest tree like a squirrel. When Ellie saw it, she immediately exclaimed, "AWWWW! She's so cute!" and named her Baby Sarah after the other cat that roams around our development. Ellie also asked if we could keep the kitten. I definitely said NO. John Palmer had no interest in it whatsoever. I am sure we'll be seeing that kitten around again very soon. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCzJWu0aPCI/AAAAAAAAIpI/I6zK4MLPr3U/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCzJWu0aPCI/AAAAAAAAIpI/I6zK4MLPr3U/s400/IMG_4814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488983438219951138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCzI924AcBI/AAAAAAAAIpA/cbEyoQr8jlA/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCzI924AcBI/AAAAAAAAIpA/cbEyoQr8jlA/s400/IMG_4833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488983010885791762" /></a><br />(George is like, "DON'T even think about it!")Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-25643809725955796192010-06-25T07:25:00.000-07:002010-06-25T13:45:23.673-07:00Almost One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUU4rR_okI/AAAAAAAAIiI/0rGoldMT7RM/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUU4rR_okI/AAAAAAAAIiI/0rGoldMT7RM/s400/IMG_4744.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486814684944245314" /></a><br /><br />These are just too cute not to post. This is Abigail Rose at 11 months old. She's scooting all over the place, standing up on her own, and taking little steps. I can't believe it's almost been a year since we welcomed our Summer Sunshine into the family.<br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS8aFYUo4I/AAAAAAAAIhQ/J141M_jQ74I/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG'><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS8aFYUo4I/AAAAAAAAIhQ/J141M_jQ74I/s400/IMG_4743.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-49161727211097965862010-06-25T07:24:00.000-07:002010-06-25T13:42:15.358-07:00Summer Magic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUUIHFOQhI/AAAAAAAAIiA/uMDVRj-mEiQ/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUUIHFOQhI/AAAAAAAAIiA/uMDVRj-mEiQ/s400/IMG_4736.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486813850593280530" /></a><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS8NJ9F0VI/AAAAAAAAIhI/kC1B-PhImlw/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG'><img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS8NJ9F0VI/AAAAAAAAIhI/kC1B-PhImlw/s400/IMG_4731.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><br />In my opinion, one of the most wonderful and magical sights ever is watching a child learn how to read. John Palmer has really started to put two and two together this summer and READ WORDS. I could go on and on about it, but it's absolutely amazing the way God created us to learn and discover and I get to watch the process right before my very eyes.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-46671266060319885812010-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:002010-06-25T13:34:49.344-07:00Roly Poly DayWhile it was still cool earlier this month, we found the best place around our house to hunt for roly polys. The kids had a great time catching them and making an "aquarium" (as Ellie called it) to watch them. (By the way, roly polys are pretty quick, so we had to stay on your toes to catch one.) Yet another great way to have an inexpensive summer activity!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUPQSpN6JI/AAAAAAAAIh4/GoaAy_Ch3co/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUPQSpN6JI/AAAAAAAAIh4/GoaAy_Ch3co/s400/IMG_4666.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486808493577857170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUPHWsAPTI/AAAAAAAAIhw/FM2zI8k6PrY/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUPHWsAPTI/AAAAAAAAIhw/FM2zI8k6PrY/s400/IMG_4686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486808340044463410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUO7IW5msI/AAAAAAAAIho/mQnHVwy6mMI/s1600/IMG_4674.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUO7IW5msI/AAAAAAAAIho/mQnHVwy6mMI/s400/IMG_4674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486808130039421634" /></a><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS77LBQNbI/AAAAAAAAIhA/vyYfrPRbYro/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG'><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS77LBQNbI/AAAAAAAAIhA/vyYfrPRbYro/s400/IMG_4677.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><br />Okay, I think this is the teacher in me, but for any of you who are interested, here are some really cool facts about roly polys:<br /><br /><br />ROLY POLYs-<br />*live under rocks and logs and roll into a ball when disturbed. <br />*go by many names including roly-poly bugs, pillbugs, woodlice, tiggy-hogs, parson-pigs and by their scientific name, Armadillidium vulgare. <br />*are important for their part in decomposition, but they are not bugs. They are crustaceans. They are in the isopod family (same pod or foot) and have seven pairs of legs that are all similar in size and shape.<br />*have simple eyes, three body parts, uropods, and a pair of prominent antennae, gills and lung like adaptations. <br />*need moisture to survive but cannot live submerged in water.<br /><br />(Read more: Roly-Poly Bug Facts | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6514405_roly_poly-bug.html#ixzz04Jm7HJao)Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-44766472588749860072010-06-25T07:21:00.000-07:002010-06-25T13:11:38.920-07:00Stacking Cups<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUM5XQcHRI/AAAAAAAAIhY/5o7xsLiVwBE/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUM5XQcHRI/AAAAAAAAIhY/5o7xsLiVwBE/s400/IMG_4657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486805900655861010" /></a><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS7guNBDjI/AAAAAAAAIg4/_zgOYXgDXwE/s1600/IMG_4658.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCS7guNBDjI/AAAAAAAAIg4/_zgOYXgDXwE/s400/IMG_4658.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><br />I can't go another day without showing off one of John Palmer's favorite activities: stacking cups. He got the idea from the t.v. show A Minute to Win It. Jalm's been putting them up and taking them down on a regular basis since this winter. (FYI: If you're looking for an inexpensive game for your kids...this is it. Just buy a pack of Solo cups and you're set!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUNJQWv_II/AAAAAAAAIhg/7iygWc2c-RQ/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/TCUNJQWv_II/AAAAAAAAIhg/7iygWc2c-RQ/s400/IMG_4660.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486806173681187970" /></a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2743476516531179649.post-10164890292203128792010-05-13T20:11:00.000-07:002010-05-13T20:52:39.319-07:00Hurdles HappenLife can bring with it circumstances, the good, the bad, the ugly. Sometimes it's hard to focus or gain perspective when "hurdles happen". <br /><br />In the last month, my older kids have hit a stage of getting bored and then getting into the cabinets, cupboards, refrigerator, etc. and dumping stuff onto counters, tables, floors. Just to name a few of the messes:<br /><br />1. Hershey's Syrup and ketchup on the table<br />2. a dozen eggs cracked on the table<br />3. ketchup, spices, flour and sugar across the kitchen counters<br />(that was all in one morning)<br />4. eye cream on the sheets<br />5. flour spilled, again, all over the kitchen counters, cabinets and floors<br />6. a whole box of fruit snacks opened and eaten which caused...<br />7. throw up all that afternoon and evening.<br /><br />When I discover those kinds of messes, my blood pressure rises to dangerous levels...probably because I hate the time and clean up involved, not to mention I know my kids know they're not supposed to make crazy, crazy messes. It's really hard to control my emotions. A lot of times, I regret to say, that I lose my temper and yell at my babies. (I loathe myself when I yell at my children...it does nothing but make the situation worse.) None the less, those messes are an absolute "hurdle"!<br /><br />I've actually done more kid proofing than ever, not because of my Speedy G crawling, almost walking, 10 month old. Here's a couple of pictures to show you some of the measures we've taken to avoid major messes. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zDUE6-4xI/AAAAAAAAIgU/JPV6C8EEzhE/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zDUE6-4xI/AAAAAAAAIgU/JPV6C8EEzhE/s320/IMG_4590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470962397034242834" /></a><br />(Speaking of hurdles, I never knew how much I went in and out of the kitchen until I put up that gate...gotta start stretchin' again...geesh!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zDjcnTKpI/AAAAAAAAIgc/tTU7VsEtktc/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zDjcnTKpI/AAAAAAAAIgc/tTU7VsEtktc/s320/IMG_4655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470962661092174482" /></a><br /><br />I'm kidding myself if I think I can completely avoid all hurdles and maintain complete control. However, I can make sure my kids have more planned, constructive activities. Gaining perspective is hard, especially in the moment, but I can't let these "hurdles" overshadow all the fun, giggle-filled times. In the same days and moments that these hurdles happened, this moment was captured:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zGj2nkKKI/AAAAAAAAIgk/50NgK77IQcc/s1600/IMG_4640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Did1ivFiQ0Y/S-zGj2nkKKI/AAAAAAAAIgk/50NgK77IQcc/s400/IMG_4640.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470965966607493282" /></a><br />Bring on the hurdles and the hard times! Look at those smiles! Those three blue-eyed babies are more than worth it!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349085762845471916noreply@blogger.com2