tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38006822788797165192024-03-05T09:05:06.862-08:00Austin SixKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-69699266658848345682015-10-27T09:42:00.000-07:002015-10-27T09:42:01.254-07:00Long time and no blogI know, I know. I am a total blogging slacker. Life just happens that way. The last 5 months have been crazy busy and so exciting. We sold our home and moved. We are in love with our new little town, but that deserves a blog post of its own. This summer was spent unpacking, getting acquainted in our new community and making our house a home. I think it is safe to say we have successfully completed all of that, and more!<br />
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Chris and I spent 4 nights on a cruise this summer with some really good friends. It was great to be away together on the sea.<br />
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The girls and I took a mini vacation to the beach. They are such good girls and travel so well. It was a good trip.<br />
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I finally allowed a dog to become part of our family. We named her Stella Lou and we are all smitten. <br />
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We have a new church home that we love and so excited to be part of. The children's programming is outstanding. This is a picture from VBS.<br />
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Maddie and Ava starting swimming this summer. We were very excited to have this opportunity. They both love it. Maddie moved up to the swim team this fall. They have both made such great progress. We are so thankful for this opportunity.<br />
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A trip to watch the REDS play with the Best Friends ever.</div>
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We had the opportunity to see a few plays at Barter. We enjoy being so close to such a great theater. </div>
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I found time for a short, but awesome girls weekend with these awesome ladies.</div>
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We visited Hungry Mother State Park often, this is our paddle boat adventure. I pedaled and they laughed.</div>
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Ava participated in a kids triathlon. She rocked it. </div>
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We had some fun with go-carts. </div>
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and family away time</div>
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And then school started. First day of School 2015/16</div>
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Sometimes just for kicks we have random dance parties on the back porch :)</div>
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Maddie and Ava created these masterpieces, more about this later.</div>
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We are busy and happy and in love with life. We are very blessed and looking forward to many more adventures.</div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-24711000246509739332015-05-05T09:45:00.000-07:002015-05-05T09:45:00.275-07:00The Flying Pig 2015 Last weekend I participated in the Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati. It was my first half marathon and it was SO MUCH FUN!! <br />
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I was so nervous that something would go wrong, shin splint, hip pain, etc. I am not going to say it didn't hurt, because it did! But it was so worth it! My goal was to finish in under 3 hours. My official time was 2:38. The course was beautiful and very exciting, but also very hilly. Miles 6-9 were pretty terrible, but the downhill that followed was rewarding. The spectators were great and the entire race was so well organized. My friend, Leigh Ann, who is much more of a real runner :) participated too and beat her previous pr. <br />
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A few pictures from after the race:<br />
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The girls participated in the Piglet races on Saturday, it was somewhat chaotic and disorganized, but they loved it and they got a t-shirt and medal.<br />
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Will I do it again? Maybe? 13.1 miles is a really long run, very physically exhausting, but such a rewarding experience. </div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-58443363361826045472015-02-09T12:28:00.001-08:002015-02-10T11:29:05.775-08:00The "new house"<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Our lives are changing. Chris has taken a new job and we are moving!! Of course, this means we are going to be leaving our "new house". The kids like to give each house we live in a name. I am posting pictures here because we put lots of time and effort in choosing the items as the house was built. People keep saying it is so sad to leave your new home. It is a little sad, but what I love is the people I share this home with. When I look at these pictures it reminds me of great memories. I am looking forward to making many new memories.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-34921075201654564332014-10-22T10:49:00.002-07:002014-10-22T10:49:13.768-07:00That is What is ImportantCrazy.<br />
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Hectic.<br />
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Overwhelming.<br />
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I could go on for days.<br />
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And I know I am not alone.<br />
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There are lots of us in this boat.<br />
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Only we aren't in the boat together. We are all scurrying along with our obligations or opportunities, if I may.<br />
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Why?<br />
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That is what I wonder? Why? What is the purpose of this? What is really important?<br />
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You see, to me it is not all about the sporting event or recital. Or the pictures I can put on face book. Nope. It is about the little moments I want to cherish. To remember.<br />
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I have no dreams of having a child that is recruited to play sports in college. Nope. Not important. I don't fit in. I don't care. I just can't see the importance. <br />
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It is more like this. I have dreams of cuddles and snuggles on lazy Sunday afternoons. I have dreams of family bike rides and picnics. I have dreams of vacations on the beach. I have dreams of baking cookies and planting flowers. Washing the car together and having a water fight. Reading stories and singing ridiculously loud. <br />
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Listing these dreams causes me to acknowledge how blessed I am. The purpose of this is simple. To love Him and love others. My "others" consist of these 4 little beings and my husband. I am commanded to live my dream. To cuddle and snuggle and sing and on and on. Wow! <br />
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That my friends is what is important. I am thankful I see. I am thankful for the important things. Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-81427594974574539472014-02-17T08:59:00.001-08:002014-02-17T09:00:21.494-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie is 7</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my, how time flies! I cannot count the people that have reminded me of how quickly your children grow up. I now understand their urgency to remind me to cherish every day, every moment. Maddie turns seven today. 7 seems like such a big girl. Everyone thinks they have the sweetest kids, right?!? Maddie is certainly high up on the scale. Much to her benefit she has her dad's personality. She is quiet and kind. She has demonstrated empathy for others from very early on. When Maddie was born, Chris said she "bonded our family forever". She has done that in so many ways. She is a great big sister and a good friend. She is incredibly unselfish and loves others. I am so thankful she is ours. I look forward to her future, I know the Lord has big plans for her. Happy Birthday Moo Moo!</span></div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-48914263221205610012013-05-13T09:05:00.001-07:002013-05-13T09:06:48.092-07:00Ava turns 5Seems like yesterday that girl was tiny and yellow. She had a terrible case of jaundice when she was born. Now she is all grown up and ready for Kindergarten. Time flies!! We celebrated with a trip to Cincinnati. The plan was shopping and the zoo. Ava's request was a hotel with an indoor pool. The zoo was a flop due to the rain. Instead we visited the Cincinnati Children's Museum. It was such fun. Ava's cousins came along and we had a great time.<br />
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Our group shot! Sam looks happy, huh? </div>
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Pretending to be a Vet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZxT5kF_Xsh59upEsFlh0d2WRvfaZhCVBWaEtXSFZLjpJRRW4e80ELQlR_f9ZeAKsuM2HY4evub9-2FRrenOEyEf5lKsDRpb1yALv3o5dN0vTFcPOpq5u8skq3jkN5nGRsKHOxZy6uo/s1600/childrens+museum+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZxT5kF_Xsh59upEsFlh0d2WRvfaZhCVBWaEtXSFZLjpJRRW4e80ELQlR_f9ZeAKsuM2HY4evub9-2FRrenOEyEf5lKsDRpb1yALv3o5dN0vTFcPOpq5u8skq3jkN5nGRsKHOxZy6uo/s320/childrens+museum+trip.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My favorite. Chris and Sam goofing off in Ralph Lauren.</div>
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Good times!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-15899274016439952072013-05-10T11:52:00.001-07:002013-05-10T11:52:45.875-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are building a house!! The planning started last fall and finally it looks like a house. We have a contract on our current home with the closing scheduled for the end of the month. We are all excited and nervous. The new house is in a subdivision with sidewalks and street lights. The children will have a huge yard to play in (if we can get grass to grow :). Picking out things for a house is fun in the beginning, then it turns into somewhat of a chore. Hopefully we are almost finished with the technical stuff and I can start decorating! Stay tuned.<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-29807418641533193852013-01-15T10:53:00.002-08:002013-01-15T10:53:51.943-08:00Goals for 13'My goals for 2013. Better late than never :)<br />
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<u>Personal:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Read through the bible using an ESV reading plan</li>
<li>Memorize Proverbs 31</li>
<li>Exercise at least 4 days a week</li>
<li>Run 1 5k race</li>
<li>Eat/Prepare well balanced healthy food</li>
</ul>
<u>Marriage:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Read two books together</li>
<li>One overnight trip away</li>
<li>Date night each month</li>
</ul>
<u>Mothering:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Verse of the week</li>
<li>Each child read each day</li>
<li>Swim lessons for the girls</li>
<li>Gymnastics for Anna</li>
<li>Date with each child 6 times during the year</li>
<li>Better chore responsibilities for each kiddo</li>
</ul>
<u>Ministry/Friendship/Extended Family:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Continue our Bible study in our home weekly</li>
<li>One trip away with Vanessa and fam</li>
<li>Continue attending "Come Aside" ministry twice each month</li>
<li>Lunch dates with a friend monthly</li>
</ul>
<u>Financial:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Pay off our car</li>
<li>Sell unwanted furniture</li>
<li>Buy new furniture for new house</li>
<li>Stay on our budget</li>
</ul>
<u>Work/School:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Send three courses for "Quality Matters" review</li>
<li>Complete final class in ph.d program</li>
<li>Take and pass comprehensive exam</li>
<li>Begin IRB approval for dissertation</li>
</ul>
I am amazed at our little family and where we are. I am thankful for God's blessings on us. I look forward to 2013 and vow to be more intentional in my decisions. Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-16761815774140411932012-05-25T09:23:00.000-07:002012-05-25T13:03:57.270-07:00May 25I have never been the type to remember specific days, I really do well to remember my children's birthdays. May 25th is different. I remember that day, everyday. On May 25 in 1995, my life changed and a new "season" began. I was 13 years old. Up until that point my childhood was happy and carefree. My parents were divorced, but it was unusually functional. Maybe it wasn't and they hid it from me, but all I knew was love and happiness. Both of my parents loved me unconditionally and my step-parents treated me like I was their own. It was dysfunctional happiness and I loved it!<br />
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May 25, 1995 my dad was killed in a plane crash. Wow! That hit hard. The years following were even harder, relationships were broken and life was different, very different. My mom poured her entire existence into my sister and I. Our lives were happy again, but different. I understood pain and loss, but I also understood God's grace and supplication even in our darkest times. Thank heavens I learned that early on, it has been necessary a few times since.<br />
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Life continued on and I grew up; graduated from college, got married and my sweet Anna Beth was born. At that point my life changed again. I understood unconditional love.<br />
<br />
Soon after Anna Beth's birth my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She was a fighter and she fought for several years. She passed away when Maddie was 1 month old. Life changed again. God had prepared me for what he knew was going to happen. Chris was and still is a constant source of support and love.<br />
<br />
And today I am completing my doctorate degree, have a dream job as a college professor, and a husband that loves me and our children unconditionally. God is good. May 25th was a hard day, but life is made up of many different "seasons". All of these parts woven together make a beautiful picture. So today I am not sad, but instead thankful. I am thankful for the "seasons" of life that make us who we are intended to be.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-34899379424116152852011-12-16T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-16T14:14:47.938-08:00Tis the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEgpgbBZkb3SGXJcz_MoBb12gWxu4A0xNnFbVuJDW85qQWIPH4_VIzzyoB2ECLDHBSpG20ka8EoZXmNHJ06oG8NXFD6Sfrfl5CbZ8zG9DPmgI7HqChUfP71_Ot0naM4M3E7hFXbhkQ_uMV8/s1600/IMG_4687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a>The past week has been crazy. And wonderful. Today as I was walking out of the school I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Sometimes I tell Chris that "my heart swells up with love". He looks at me like I have lost it and goes on. But I don't know any other way to describe the feeling. I love the stage of our life we are currently living. I love having Maddie and Ava doing "little" kid things. And I love that Anna and Sam are older and able to do other things. This week Maddie and her classmates sang at the school PTO meeting. She is ordinarily very shy, but she sang as loud as she could and smiled. It melted my heart. </td><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgbBZkb3SGXJcz_MoBb12gWxu4A0xNnFbVuJDW85qQWIPH4_VIzzyoB2ECLDHBSpG20ka8EoZXmNHJ06oG8NXFD6Sfrfl5CbZ8zG9DPmgI7HqChUfP71_Ot0naM4M3E7hFXbhkQ_uMV8/s1600/IMG_4687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgbBZkb3SGXJcz_MoBb12gWxu4A0xNnFbVuJDW85qQWIPH4_VIzzyoB2ECLDHBSpG20ka8EoZXmNHJ06oG8NXFD6Sfrfl5CbZ8zG9DPmgI7HqChUfP71_Ot0naM4M3E7hFXbhkQ_uMV8/s320/IMG_4687.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoZ6RdeXctO6OiH0TikBXBaTBRaaz_FoB3XWUKG2MMoUg2J32TCz2yp5zdtvIxXQt9dqb9oiZzxSmT4ZiOXZr6uJuxICTXmc4GsX1AD0epIGjYosD4eNugoeXiHEAlHKmh5qdohMOTKs/s1600/IMG_4690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoZ6RdeXctO6OiH0TikBXBaTBRaaz_FoB3XWUKG2MMoUg2J32TCz2yp5zdtvIxXQt9dqb9oiZzxSmT4ZiOXZr6uJuxICTXmc4GsX1AD0epIGjYosD4eNugoeXiHEAlHKmh5qdohMOTKs/s1600/IMG_4690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a name='more'></a></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58nMlK4JBeP6nMD1LuSrlZsC8R8ACv9Ue73iMfhf71WpZ22THwoa8Z-PjcapRyBggl7j_EZTWisryF98F0cHtB3cVvbYj6lNzGTvT71LVPux1iJHmzLF02xJeZgmVeVc28iamBr5HoNk/s1600/IMG_4693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58nMlK4JBeP6nMD1LuSrlZsC8R8ACv9Ue73iMfhf71WpZ22THwoa8Z-PjcapRyBggl7j_EZTWisryF98F0cHtB3cVvbYj6lNzGTvT71LVPux1iJHmzLF02xJeZgmVeVc28iamBr5HoNk/s320/IMG_4693.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> After the songs, Santa came. Each child sat on his lap. This is the first time Maddie has not been scared. I was so proud of her.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezMYalPK0jBR_VozwwXxKolfhm1c8Zud1_H3tAF3bOoKHdkGjVIE3wl6zvEFKJsJzO-cNKEUAjQaGB_got_V73vph3ehMI4ml6nvTHFo92HoscWo1AAlewHfIt09AApHnpVK9tiGO-Vo/s1600/IMG_4700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezMYalPK0jBR_VozwwXxKolfhm1c8Zud1_H3tAF3bOoKHdkGjVIE3wl6zvEFKJsJzO-cNKEUAjQaGB_got_V73vph3ehMI4ml6nvTHFo92HoscWo1AAlewHfIt09AApHnpVK9tiGO-Vo/s320/IMG_4700.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Maddie and her Preschool teacher. She is incredibly sweet and Maddie loves her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9k2UJ6cn-xjNIPqjiK3kh2475fSbX_kOzpihHL6yAUUi3CB8raDJNh7IMMJAUGpuS6zhG0nfElYPmByviT4KCT9TPdLvBLfocp3cBDUG2DpEEPAzCpNizMEvx_Psn00nwfDKCc4BHDA/s1600/IMG_4702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9k2UJ6cn-xjNIPqjiK3kh2475fSbX_kOzpihHL6yAUUi3CB8raDJNh7IMMJAUGpuS6zhG0nfElYPmByviT4KCT9TPdLvBLfocp3cBDUG2DpEEPAzCpNizMEvx_Psn00nwfDKCc4BHDA/s320/IMG_4702.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> For Ava's preschool the parents made Snowman Pancakes. The dads took care of making the pancakes. This is Chris with another dad. I told them that one day the little ones will appreciate the effort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsKvh-b-EpHYRz_-YZo5QlZ_tksyHO_hDlsY7wAipzDkPrMvx_mqFzcZvWFEg7glB7sK5TaworuJsu_7MfiyS87NRRn1M0REzFtsOtrVmRFvNPNFXGpDJsRrIiU7yLJlryoXl1L2uvY8/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsKvh-b-EpHYRz_-YZo5QlZ_tksyHO_hDlsY7wAipzDkPrMvx_mqFzcZvWFEg7glB7sK5TaworuJsu_7MfiyS87NRRn1M0REzFtsOtrVmRFvNPNFXGpDJsRrIiU7yLJlryoXl1L2uvY8/s320/IMG_4709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaCqu0kyHo_NWLp7NsyHt2TE0DZKxYFLKGUvp0lW_YZNUZKBr6dDh4KIDbNagYkeHElzNWXy8dTzLS4fxLHiHUMmAtF0rF2C65Ef4eUsua87RQFyJN3XYE__2z1tkRE_IVUu9phLLXSY/s1600/IMG_4713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaCqu0kyHo_NWLp7NsyHt2TE0DZKxYFLKGUvp0lW_YZNUZKBr6dDh4KIDbNagYkeHElzNWXy8dTzLS4fxLHiHUMmAtF0rF2C65Ef4eUsua87RQFyJN3XYE__2z1tkRE_IVUu9phLLXSY/s320/IMG_4713.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFqRUB00FLiFnpe7pTNM0KJ_aQPdv-SR8mi5JTFASj9ae9eL-ZNdoK43MIhkrxftlq8GW05e7bLUYmdfphBFkmWlVOU4RmFKD5bJ0LtlNif_hj8vpPNo8rGyt3KWGnX1KUrsQeQ3ZUqY/s1600/IMG_4722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFqRUB00FLiFnpe7pTNM0KJ_aQPdv-SR8mi5JTFASj9ae9eL-ZNdoK43MIhkrxftlq8GW05e7bLUYmdfphBFkmWlVOU4RmFKD5bJ0LtlNif_hj8vpPNo8rGyt3KWGnX1KUrsQeQ3ZUqY/s320/IMG_4722.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is Ava with her Preschool Teachers. They love our little Ava.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigko4-rgxRJD2BXJ-WNJB8A0m9uccL1X6SRHkS8iFLUFPau4XAEFDWlOOOYqqRqXzL-8RfYZAMcqu9vLpp3ADW9ZYf3hjndvjpPlFaWMUgo4zKzFosi2pTdg3_L9B0bW7UjN9ybaVS88E/s1600/IMG_4732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigko4-rgxRJD2BXJ-WNJB8A0m9uccL1X6SRHkS8iFLUFPau4XAEFDWlOOOYqqRqXzL-8RfYZAMcqu9vLpp3ADW9ZYf3hjndvjpPlFaWMUgo4zKzFosi2pTdg3_L9B0bW7UjN9ybaVS88E/s320/IMG_4732.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXtHyfL1lXZgeKuxy2VtFgR0i7bIg0FPkub1GfItij1yhze2E7w36m6xYYBfrKfz0CMluhWFZR6VwDO-WQyBAXXAkeyxkCFXhMmCJ59zkWjfUsqBeNNq2oTPDx3MlBTwcERgd-IqLqbg/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXtHyfL1lXZgeKuxy2VtFgR0i7bIg0FPkub1GfItij1yhze2E7w36m6xYYBfrKfz0CMluhWFZR6VwDO-WQyBAXXAkeyxkCFXhMmCJ59zkWjfUsqBeNNq2oTPDx3MlBTwcERgd-IqLqbg/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShV9w6HCs89j-xXHVaoEgNGj_hTYyGlUfFIqGKFK-kM4nt97GbaVkc5z1jMpt48smfJkYeexrN0yH5yZKBWvLROLiKQJocch19jCeXYV4zKgfBGbzsqqIQtUfcfwsxgk1hfGSSHkyZ1U/s1600/IMG_4735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShV9w6HCs89j-xXHVaoEgNGj_hTYyGlUfFIqGKFK-kM4nt97GbaVkc5z1jMpt48smfJkYeexrN0yH5yZKBWvLROLiKQJocch19jCeXYV4zKgfBGbzsqqIQtUfcfwsxgk1hfGSSHkyZ1U/s320/IMG_4735.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, today I went to Maddie's Preschool class and made plates with the kids. They drew a picture on the plate. The idea was to make a plate to put cookies for Santa. They loved it. No one loved it more than Maddie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBYVSTw-tXorUIk5CpWBRvlq1nG9rBPFL_x1POVJN9bdwNK3sWbDMpMk1Qe9qumWhh2lNT48I9-hcdiaPaSSpfUJzKGn1aEckbEQTuDMP6xv84Vfd2pdHdu0C5-sWiuy7wpOl7qb8QAo/s1600/IMG_4739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBYVSTw-tXorUIk5CpWBRvlq1nG9rBPFL_x1POVJN9bdwNK3sWbDMpMk1Qe9qumWhh2lNT48I9-hcdiaPaSSpfUJzKGn1aEckbEQTuDMP6xv84Vfd2pdHdu0C5-sWiuy7wpOl7qb8QAo/s320/IMG_4739.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I was at school the fifth graders came to sing Christmas Carols to the preschoolers. Guess who was right in the front? Yep, Sam was singing his heart out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRd04tlmFvn2EHL5Nsord5m_pR_mtbEXdZn1ugR1gbIGNnPLqWedE4Zrc6Y-Phwxjg3jRu6Gg9jl0DxiC-ndyzC07IfuObiFxHIG0j86DYc2bQ1lTGPcZ6HGeiCetlklHKGloyrZc4xM/s1600/IMG_4740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRd04tlmFvn2EHL5Nsord5m_pR_mtbEXdZn1ugR1gbIGNnPLqWedE4Zrc6Y-Phwxjg3jRu6Gg9jl0DxiC-ndyzC07IfuObiFxHIG0j86DYc2bQ1lTGPcZ6HGeiCetlklHKGloyrZc4xM/s320/IMG_4740.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkJotVWcfU638NER4SpySadH3lG6R9b2LzLOggD41sHYANmBjU8ALcoJV7hfkDfzoRUR9Z4mRH_k8cTPtDvtnsP4PQ8Xz2KkZVzyxK9Wt1ZGh3bVOsAD6UxtaCokMggdh4z6wRKl1pVk/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkJotVWcfU638NER4SpySadH3lG6R9b2LzLOggD41sHYANmBjU8ALcoJV7hfkDfzoRUR9Z4mRH_k8cTPtDvtnsP4PQ8Xz2KkZVzyxK9Wt1ZGh3bVOsAD6UxtaCokMggdh4z6wRKl1pVk/s320/IMG_4741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The finished product. They turned out really cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now, I am tired and happy. I am looking forward to the rest of this wonderful season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-2213442725450783462011-11-28T16:54:00.000-08:002011-11-28T16:54:31.013-08:00Simply ThankfulDuring the month of November there is a trend on Facebook to name one thing you are thankful for each day. I cannot remember to post everyday, but I am very thankful for so many things....<br />
<br />
I am thankful for God's plan for my life. I am thankful that God sheds such grace, when I certainly don't deserve it. I made the life changing decision to follow Christ as a young teenager. Needless to say, I have strayed from Him in the past 18 years, but He never stopped loving me.<br />
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I am awed every time I consider the path God has laid for me. I just cannot comprehend why I am so blessed, but I am simply thankful. I strive to love others and show them His love. In the book of Jeremiah, God promises that he knows us before we are even conceived. I am so thankful for salvation through Christ. And I am thankful, that He knows my name.<br />
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I am thankful that I am a Mom. It is so difficult and rewarding all at the same time. I often say, being a Mom is similar to putting arms and legs on your heart and allowing it to walk around. My children are really my heart. Now don't get me wrong, I oftentimes think I am doing a really terrible job at this parenting thing. I get angry over unimportant things, fuss and complain. But at the end of the day, I am thankful for my children and the daily lessons they teach me about this world.<br />
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I am thankful for a husband that loves God with all of his heart. When Chris and I met, I knew he was incredible. Several years ago, he rededicated his life and was baptized. He is so disciplined to read<br />
God's word ( he has read the entire bible more than once), attend church and pray. He teaches me daily about Christ love and what it means for us. I love to wake him up in the middle of the night to pray. He wraps his arms around me and prays the most sincere prayers I have ever heard. He also has such strong faith. I am a worrier and he is not. He has faith that God will take care of all things. I know He will, but I struggle with worry. <br />
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I am thankful for my past. I am thankful for the lessons learned. I am thankful that my parents taught me so much about life before their time on earth was over. My Mom taught me what true, selfless love is all about. I strive to love my children the way she loved me. My Dad taught me the value of work. I have to believe that he would be proud of where I am and who I have become.<br />
<br />
I am Simply Thankful for where I am, what I am doing and who I am doing it with. Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-9466399685783354382011-11-05T18:11:00.000-07:002011-11-05T18:11:41.974-07:00Ava's Haircut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBSUdltKaBpgmumG-aG0xBZVGgof3xdFjSxRb2t21_HTr-5OJ6S3_OZ5y_4I5MRkAhfvaZMol9WELgG6Fat0lsHyXD8q7Q6iJFahTuhKJdHrSiEsPpWtzbz9FHEKe892VoY0Q8JHcu18/s1600/IMG_4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBSUdltKaBpgmumG-aG0xBZVGgof3xdFjSxRb2t21_HTr-5OJ6S3_OZ5y_4I5MRkAhfvaZMol9WELgG6Fat0lsHyXD8q7Q6iJFahTuhKJdHrSiEsPpWtzbz9FHEKe892VoY0Q8JHcu18/s320/IMG_4586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPq6fPu-ZCrFVb1zGDyUi8xX3PCKTygBw9V2Y_S82vKg1ED0j1lE_f-CTzRO5wW3mfEitu_oe40Y8nd9JRtrdFw-E-6ioWdKy5TqIG5xzIKryVf546XGHQEbuDuS5cvSPyPapSm4mzpY/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPq6fPu-ZCrFVb1zGDyUi8xX3PCKTygBw9V2Y_S82vKg1ED0j1lE_f-CTzRO5wW3mfEitu_oe40Y8nd9JRtrdFw-E-6ioWdKy5TqIG5xzIKryVf546XGHQEbuDuS5cvSPyPapSm4mzpY/s320/IMG_4587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maddie gave Ava her first haircut on Thursday night. I would love to hear the conversation between the two of them while the haircut was taking place. On Friday, we had it trimmed up. It turned out really cute and all scissors have been removed from our house.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-69088137313738761382011-11-05T18:05:00.000-07:002011-11-05T18:05:34.160-07:00Halloween 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkzx1IJQc3wwd1A_3wiAB60b5wQi4u7aEFlpX1zV1Q1FBTTc66ZWM6vdcbdfK4XAyoN-WLni6d-laBB37I9xMdVNvMRloThxWOA6PzlrQ2a6TzQVnFf1kIeM1t2WjkIilLgWCZwRIdto/s1600/IMG_4489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkzx1IJQc3wwd1A_3wiAB60b5wQi4u7aEFlpX1zV1Q1FBTTc66ZWM6vdcbdfK4XAyoN-WLni6d-laBB37I9xMdVNvMRloThxWOA6PzlrQ2a6TzQVnFf1kIeM1t2WjkIilLgWCZwRIdto/s320/IMG_4489.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJPaV4nejDj4vc5t6Zk1YdGO7hab4ZSloc8XMD3GYbvshUOFz-Lk6DaRnNEkQgqF4nuz4cXlJ_ENPFJBvYDK56xNQG3vUhymfOn5uCOXzAbEiGuchV-jwbHvi0VpF0I9xYDRIoq3xNMA/s1600/IMG_4550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJPaV4nejDj4vc5t6Zk1YdGO7hab4ZSloc8XMD3GYbvshUOFz-Lk6DaRnNEkQgqF4nuz4cXlJ_ENPFJBvYDK56xNQG3vUhymfOn5uCOXzAbEiGuchV-jwbHvi0VpF0I9xYDRIoq3xNMA/s320/IMG_4550.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>We celebrated our first Halloween in Grundy! It was tons of fun. The costumes were cute. I found Ava's costume on Etsy and it was not cheap, so I made it myself. She turned into the cutest little clown I have ever seen!<br />
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Maddie was a Fairy and Anna Beth was a character from Monster High. <br />
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The was the first time our children have every had a real Trick-or-Treating experience. The church across the street had hot dogs and hot chocolate. The Law School sponsored a carnival and finally, the town had a Trick-or-Trunk activity. It was loads of fun. Now onto Thanksgiving....Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-67252987961177949552011-10-02T13:18:00.000-07:002011-10-02T13:18:47.655-07:00A New SeasonLots of changes have taken place over the past two months for our little family. <br />
1. We moved.<br />
2. Anna Beth and Sam started school in a new (much bigger) school.<br />
3. Maddie started Pre-K.<br />
4. Ava started preschool and has a new babysitter (Ms.Ashley, and she is great).<br />
5. I got a new job! I am a college professor, teaching Early Childhood classes!<br />
6. We found a new church and we are excited to see how God uses us.<br />
7. We got a new puppy! Her name is Piper.<br />
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Wow!!! We are ready for things to settle down! I feel incredibly blessed for the opportunities God has provided and for his continual blessing on our family! I continue to be amazed at the plans God has for us! What a wonderful journey.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-71486202629107862802011-06-26T18:18:00.000-07:002011-06-26T18:18:11.028-07:00Sunday LettersMy sweet friend, Jennifer just started a blog. She is doing something called "Sunday Letters", I think she borrowed it from another blog. It is an opportunity to write "letters" to the members of your family. I am going to give it a try:<br />
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Dear Sam,<br />
The past week at the beach was quite a trip. I forget how fast you are growing up and what a good big brother you can be. You love the ocean more than anyone I have ever known. The best part was Anna Beth acting like your spotter to let you know the wave was coming. It makes me nervous. I kept telling your Dad you were out to far. I am really glad you are part of our little family.<br />
<br />
Dear Anna Beth,<br />
You are learning to swim. I am so proud of you, especially your flips in the pool!! You love the beach and the pool. I am glad we got to take you to the cupcake bakery. This week you and Chris made homemade icecream. It tasted great and you made it all by yourself. You are growing up so quickly. I sure do love you.<br />
<br />
Dear Maddie,<br />
I asked you this week if you were ready to go to school, you replied, "nope". Me and Daddy are not ready either. You are getting big so quickly. You have learned to fasten your own seatbelt in the car. You also brush your own hair. I love when you come to my bedroom each night and say, "can we cuddle?" Of course, you end up staying all night... I love it, but don't tell Daddy!! You are such a girlie girl. You love to dress up, wear make-up and paint your toenails. <br />
<br />
Dear Ava,<br />
My sweet Ava. I want you to be a baby forever. I try to hold you like a baby, but you won't allow it. You are so big, wearing big girl panties. You loved the sand at the beach. Daddy spent lots of time working to build a castle and you kicked it down. Mommy laughed. I love the way you talk all the time and provide explanations for everything. <br />
<br />
Dear Chris,<br />
I sure do love you! This week was our first beach vacation with no swim diapers, that was awesome. I loved being together all week. I can't wait until you don't have to drive so far to work. I miss you in the mornings and when we get home in the afternoons. I am looking forward to the next few months. I am even excited about the uncertainty. Thanks for being patient with me and supporting me in so many ways. You are truly the "rock" of our family. I am also really proud of you for finishing the 48 mile bike ride a few weeks back. I am glad to be spending this life in your arms!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-16271246256292536072011-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:002011-06-24T13:36:41.378-07:00Baby "Harry" is Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvoqQMi9Gxq8CIWf6-N9ZSZ80P1QalOm_1mW0zSnUP0NK3NxbphvFLM3TVqgoCoQXoOFLK0Py0048t5VkqdByUCQrnnG0I-qZythLoXbrmCisuge_JHFGBHJ-6H86vM9rAOB31LwfMCw/s1600/beach+2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvoqQMi9Gxq8CIWf6-N9ZSZ80P1QalOm_1mW0zSnUP0NK3NxbphvFLM3TVqgoCoQXoOFLK0Py0048t5VkqdByUCQrnnG0I-qZythLoXbrmCisuge_JHFGBHJ-6H86vM9rAOB31LwfMCw/s320/beach+2011+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Harrison Robert Mullins entered the world last week. He is a cute little fellow. We are excited to have a new little baby boy! I sure hope he likes to play dress up....the girls will have it no other way.</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-49365589362383887452011-06-23T19:16:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:16:57.358-07:00A little trip to the BEACH<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ0PD7OVvY7G_mEIZkgWDDgubiQt-Bi5ACxAq8oM2iU_BSKn8GcK8ZN0LsxcMEhVbc9ruPCK1Za2lBgVnjzatL4U_Zk7-_khrLJ9FJ5IxOlla5td-Qf5A61nj-YmJW3aRkrsz4L22NHw/s1600/beach+2011+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ0PD7OVvY7G_mEIZkgWDDgubiQt-Bi5ACxAq8oM2iU_BSKn8GcK8ZN0LsxcMEhVbc9ruPCK1Za2lBgVnjzatL4U_Zk7-_khrLJ9FJ5IxOlla5td-Qf5A61nj-YmJW3aRkrsz4L22NHw/s320/beach+2011+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>Chris had a meeting at the beach. We decided to make a trip of it. We had a great time! This was our first trip with no swim diapers... that is like heaven. All of the kids loved the beach and the pool. </em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAENNpEANi-OQd_GFX7x3qm6Q0Tw399DZ4cKS01v3uC7vbLav0J8y7Ta8cGVmF8tJEm5Yh9-0crrRGIlfQS0wbvWDRT6-IIOByunsHCfhaRkBOdNvBew_o3McUEZMlIKku-BgXQqhsJPw/s1600/beach+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAENNpEANi-OQd_GFX7x3qm6Q0Tw399DZ4cKS01v3uC7vbLav0J8y7Ta8cGVmF8tJEm5Yh9-0crrRGIlfQS0wbvWDRT6-IIOByunsHCfhaRkBOdNvBew_o3McUEZMlIKku-BgXQqhsJPw/s320/beach+2011+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>When we checked in to the hotel, we had chocolate covered strawberries and wine waiting in our room. Wow!! Chris must be a VIP :) We don't drink wine, but the strawberries were great and by chance there were six of them... one for each of us.</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0f-ObWBPlR2lq4MlSfCHytxxGzsVoocIEgH4mpiEHOGLb40we8uFwGLTpga9ehZ6oX16WoJCqWx4WlVrockosuFOgv9A_c7FZCu7_zON-0gQjGYDgtaO1BHyXa3CZ3xYu6B0tL14bCw/s1600/beach+2011+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0f-ObWBPlR2lq4MlSfCHytxxGzsVoocIEgH4mpiEHOGLb40we8uFwGLTpga9ehZ6oX16WoJCqWx4WlVrockosuFOgv9A_c7FZCu7_zON-0gQjGYDgtaO1BHyXa3CZ3xYu6B0tL14bCw/s320/beach+2011+024.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><em>We ate awesome seafood.</em> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKdkA2sJJfGJaKIv8G1hpKO-PKt1gXwREN2QPGbHqWmIf0aC8DGv7o3MJCS76qIGlLW16RLEiJ-x4WKYGSGBa90495E87LBgC_X0v5R5qqhgt1e4213qWAvdyYj0B2WdcvOg-L9X3BVk/s1600/beach+2011+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKdkA2sJJfGJaKIv8G1hpKO-PKt1gXwREN2QPGbHqWmIf0aC8DGv7o3MJCS76qIGlLW16RLEiJ-x4WKYGSGBa90495E87LBgC_X0v5R5qqhgt1e4213qWAvdyYj0B2WdcvOg-L9X3BVk/s320/beach+2011+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>It was a great week! Sad it is over, but excited to head home! </em></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-426498458058606732011-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:002011-02-16T14:49:12.633-08:00“My Big Girl Panties”<br />
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<br />
Monday morning began like any other. Chris kissed me goodbye and headed off to Grundy. I stayed in the warm bed wishing I could sleep in, but instead I got up and proceeded with the usual routine. Four kids up and ready, teeth brushed, backpacks packed and out the door. I dropped everyone off at their appointed locations and suddenly the day changed from ordinary to really unordinary. <br />
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I drove to the airport, by myself. Boarded a plane, by myself. And headed off to the big city. I have never flown alone. I have never been to the city alone. Surprisingly, I was not scared or concerned. I tried hard to look like an ordinary traveler amongst all those “professional” travelers with their ipads and cell phones. I am not sure I fit in, but I gave it my best shot. I got a cab and gave direction to my hotel. After I checked into my hotel, by myself, I went to my room and the thought suddenly occurred to me….. “I think I am really a big girl now”. I laughed out-loud and determined that I am perfectly capable and competent to wear “big girl panties” everyday, if I choose to.<br />
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And so in my mind, having a husband, kids, a job and a house did not cause me to cross the bridge into real adulthood, but this experience did. What an enlightenment!<br />
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Tomorrow is going to be another new experience. I am taking the train and metro to the airport. When my plane lands I will drive home. There I will assume my ordinary life, which I am quite fond of, but it doesn’t always require “big girl panties”.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-138221096578718092011-01-11T13:43:00.000-08:002011-01-11T13:43:51.089-08:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasGN2M3YAs3gYjlkLbCScF_Bsw7fff8Qw-YJWK2cMUfJAHFH6sE260GtKgTxVw0fmLdKtUXuwdESDSceK1klQcNwOVCGeOUlxRmCzRPB6Z7phkWsuUdImAp_ItvQw4yqbllFQMf_ax4k/s1600/disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasGN2M3YAs3gYjlkLbCScF_Bsw7fff8Qw-YJWK2cMUfJAHFH6sE260GtKgTxVw0fmLdKtUXuwdESDSceK1klQcNwOVCGeOUlxRmCzRPB6Z7phkWsuUdImAp_ItvQw4yqbllFQMf_ax4k/s320/disney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We decided to change things up a little this year for Christmas! So, we headed to Disney for the week! The kids were super excited. It was our first trip to Disney with everyone and I was nervous! I worried about losing a kid or someone getting sick, but all in all it was great! <br />
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Vanessa and her family also went, so we hung out together and ate lots of meals together. <br />
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Prior to our trip, people asked us some pretty interesting questions, since we were going to be there on Christmas. They said,<br />
"What will you do about a Christmas tree?"<br />
"What about Santa?"<br />
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We laughed! Christmas is not about trees or presents. It is about spending time with the people you love the most, and we did just that! <br />
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I am humbled we were able to have the opportunity and I really did cherish the memories. <br />
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And so, we headed home after Christmas and it has been snowing since. The kids have not been back to school, but they don't mind. We can't seem to get back into a routine and our house is a disaster. <br />
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I am looking forward to 2011. Last year was amazing and I can't imagine what this one will bring!<br />
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From our family to yours, Happy New Year!!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-66867051619182423572010-12-16T16:16:00.000-08:002010-12-17T12:00:47.437-08:00Time really does fly by....Wow! Where did this year go? I always get really excited when the end of the year is approaching, it is so exciting and somewhat scary. When a year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting upon the year and thinking, "wow, time flies". I cannot believe in a few short weeks it will be 2011.<br />
<br />
The following are things that really stick out in my mind when I reflect upon 2010:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Ava learned to use the potty </li>
<li>Chris started a new job</li>
<li>I completed the first half of my doctorate program</li>
<li>Anna Beth was placed in the gifted and talented program at school</li>
<li>Maddie learned to write a letter "M"</li>
<li>Sam grew up ( I mean really, he is big now)</li>
<li>We got a new patio at our house</li>
<li>We lived happily ever after</li>
</ul>We are very blessed. God has been more than faithful to the Austin family this year. It is so exciting to see where we have been and anticipate where we will be going. So much happens in a year....<br />
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</div>And on a much lighter note, we had a cookie cake for dessert tonight. Can you guess who brought that home???Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-29046343305091311622010-11-27T16:38:00.000-08:002010-11-27T16:39:05.327-08:00Gobbling and ShoppingHappy Gobble Day, a few days late. We had one of the best Thanksgivings ever, basically because I did not have to cook at all! Yeah for me! The Black Friday shopping was really fun. Chris, Ness and I headed out at 10 o'clock Thursday and arrived home around 10 o'clock Friday morning. We racked up lots of great deals. I am not convinced I will do it next year. Everyone that knows me knows that sleep is a necessity or I turn into a monster.<br />
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Vanessa and I spent today cooking. We made homemade tomato soup, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/tomato-soup-recipe/index.html">Check out the recipe here</a>. It is awesome. We also made homemade sourdough croutons using a traditional recipe. It seems absurd, but I have been wanting to make homemade tomato soup for months. It was well worth the wait!<br />
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Life is crazy busy and I don't have time to blog, but I am going to make an effort to do better. Tomorrow we are going to attempt a craft project, if it proves successful, I will share.<br />
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Have a blessed Sunday....Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-37909508632889596422010-10-03T18:29:00.001-07:002010-10-03T18:34:24.420-07:00In Retrospect<span xmlns=""></span><br />
I feel compelled to write a post about our weekend. Not because anyone will care to read it, but because I want to remember……. remember what we did and most importantly how it made me feel. Chris and I spent the weekend volunteering at RAM, it stands for Remote Area Medical. The program travels around the world providing FREE medical and dental care for patients that are uninsured or underinsured. The program is contingent upon volunteers. The doctors, nurses, etc are all volunteers. Chris and I were assigned to the Registration Tables. The folks had been standing outside for hours waiting for their turn. They were given a number and the numbers were called a few at a time. The patients proceeded to the Registration table where we asked them questions to complete their paperwork. It was an emotionally overwhelming job. Chris and I sat beside each other with patients on the other side of the table. Many of them shared stories about their situation and what brought them to this point in their lives. Many of the patients were elderly. I will never forget the elderly man that reminded me of my Papaw Sanders. He needed dental work. He was cold and his hands were shaking, as he took several minutes to sign his name. When all the registration was complete we headed out. There was a fall festival taking place in Grundy. We hung out there for a while and headed back to our room.<br />
I will never again take for granted the opportunity to go to the doctor or dentist. <br />
At the conclusion of this weekend, I am so thankful for so many things. I am thankful for my wonderful husband………watching him with the patients, listening so sincerely and taking on their problems made me so humbled. I am thankful for our health. Finally, I am thankful for the gift of life. I want to spend as much time as possible doing things that really make a difference in this world.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-84704693685223283252010-09-03T07:12:00.001-07:002010-09-03T07:13:54.062-07:00Surprise…. Surprise<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20pt;">Yesterday was one of those days</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> that keeps you smiling until you go to bed!! Several weeks ago, some of Chris' co-workers contacted me about having him a SURPRISE Birthday Party. I am not a secret keeper, especially when it comes to secrets and Chris. He knows more about me than he will ever want to know. I am an open book! Keeping the secret was hard, really hard! I could not wait until the day was here so I wouldn't have to keep the secret any longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yesterday was the day. They decorated his office and hosted a luau in honor of his 40<sup>th</sup> Birthday. Yep, that's right, 40<sup>th</sup>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">They bought him a gift basket filled with all the things he loves and the very best part was a gift for me. I am not sure what I did to deserve a gift, but I was so appreciative. I love gifts!! Chris was very humbled and grateful. He is blessed to work with such thoughtful people. I felt overwhelmed as I drove home, just pondering our lives and our blessings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am thankful God lead Chris to Buchanan County and I am excited to see what else he has in store for us. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymKiZiiUQHbLyN17hTcbcD4qumezhE6PzClky88aUt_dhRrJ_ZRf7SwPYY8zruWSzW25uT8kIssXy2EiTc4FfsMnJleGXyg_N0FtbDpGbb5grjIUVn6g7Z8VPNOBVjzBGXW2d6p6ajBU/s1600/chris+bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymKiZiiUQHbLyN17hTcbcD4qumezhE6PzClky88aUt_dhRrJ_ZRf7SwPYY8zruWSzW25uT8kIssXy2EiTc4FfsMnJleGXyg_N0FtbDpGbb5grjIUVn6g7Z8VPNOBVjzBGXW2d6p6ajBU/s320/chris+bday.JPG" /></a></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-18453236452494236962010-08-29T13:08:00.001-07:002010-08-29T13:11:38.528-07:00A crazy little thing called Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>A little lesson on love during Sunday School really made me ponder the concept of "love". Our society has a corrupt view of love. We know there are many different facets to love. We love our children in a different way than we love our neighbors. We really overuse the word love, "I love ice cream". I mean really, do you love ice cream? I was thinking about things I love and this is what I came up with:<br />
Please note this is not a list of everything or everyone I love. Just off the top of my head.<br />
I love:<br />
<ol><li>My husband</li>
<li>My kiddos</li>
<li>Living in a safe place</li>
<li>The smell of fall in the air</li>
<li>Dessert</li>
<li>Being pregnant </li>
<li>Working with a purpose</li>
<li>To teach and train ( totally in my element in front of a room of adults sharing information and facilitating conversation)</li>
<li>Finishing a project</li>
<li>Making decisions that I know will have a positive influence</li>
<li>The clearance rack</li>
<li>School (I will forever be a student)</li>
<li>Honest people</li>
<li>Time with my husband (I used to take that for granted)</li>
<li><br />
<div>This crazy and blessed life we lead</div><br />
<br />
What does love feel like? What do you think? How do you describe the feeling of love? Is it that warm fuzzy feeling inside? Or when something takes your breath away? Leave me a comment.</li>
</ol>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800682278879716519.post-37762916741405705052010-08-28T13:37:00.001-07:002010-08-28T13:44:23.897-07:00What was supposed to be a Lazy Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtI3TuRxHlupXKCzF6NoWuEBmn79Xs4E9_uVDowQam7_qt58FMSboXv1q__3Ph1JfhvVy26X2PElUS1CJx6qUnWjYf6OKHMk4_mwySLEcIJvKc0tK9g2WZhqpJvlG3EfH6g4TaG8YUHQ/s1600/IMAG0090%5B1%5D.jpg_attach=1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510564064992563170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtI3TuRxHlupXKCzF6NoWuEBmn79Xs4E9_uVDowQam7_qt58FMSboXv1q__3Ph1JfhvVy26X2PElUS1CJx6qUnWjYf6OKHMk4_mwySLEcIJvKc0tK9g2WZhqpJvlG3EfH6g4TaG8YUHQ/s320/IMAG0090%5B1%5D.jpg_attach=1" /></a><br /><div><span xmlns=""><br /><p>We had no intentions of being productive today.<br /></p><br /><p>The goal was to be lazy. My goal anyways, Chris always does something productive.<br /></p><br /><p>I took the girls to the library. They checked out a few books. Then we met Chris for Lunch.<br /></p><br /><p>On our way to lunch, a plane landed on the four lane. Really! No joke! The pilot is a good friend of ours, we are thankful he was okay!<br /></p><br /><p>The remainder of our day is going to include fresh veggies on the new grill and<br /></p><br /><p>A campfire, with s'mores of course. Happy Weekend!!</p><br /><p></p></span></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387847053537780158noreply@blogger.com0