tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74966747866457270032024-02-06T18:04:17.362-08:00Lana in SavannahThe day to day of our blessed little corner of the world...Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-12613340034451026922010-01-14T20:06:00.000-08:002010-01-14T20:27:16.853-08:00Five for Five FridaysAs "Friday" approaches, less than an hour from now, the fastest "fives" that come to my mind are cries for wisdom! In James we are instructed to ask God for wisdom anytime we need it...and we are encouraged that if we believe He will give it to us, He will! And I look to the rest of you believers/wives/moms/friends that He has blessed me with - share the wisdom that the Lord has shared with you! (Come on, please...He would want you to! ;))<br /><br />My tope 5 needs for wisdom are (seems like a drum roll would be appropriate here!)<br /><br />1. ...in the area of being better helper to my husband. He isn't demanding or needy, so I know I have to be careful to really "listen" when he expresses, in any way, a need or an area in which he needs more of my support. And I don't just want to fulfill the role of his wife, I want to do so with joy and creativity.<br /><br />2. ...in being the Mom Nathaniel needs right now. We have entered a new stage. With it, so many new joys, but also so many new challenges. Discipline looks different than it did a few months ago...and I have a feeling it's going to look different a week from now. I find myself uttering quick prayers to the Lord more than ever. I NEED HIM. I'm NEW HERE, Lord!!<br /><br />3. ...to better connect with the people I LOVE. I almost want to make a calendar just for talking with/connecting with the people I love - both those I miss, and those who are new to my life here in GA. How do weeks pass without taking with a sibling...months without talking with a friend who walked with me through the time of wanting a baby, and who rejoiced with me at his birth?! I want to be a better friend. Show me how Lord.<br /><br />4. ...to creatively use the place God has given me. Funny; I initially meant that in a very specific way but, truly, i need wisdom in all my "places." Place of life. Places of ministry. Place of home. And places througout my home! Without a basement, I constantly need to re-think how to use all of our space. I need to think more vertically - in ALL of the aforementioned areas!<br /><br />5. ...to creatively use up the potatoes in the pantry, the yogurt that is almost expired, and the carrots that are getting dry. Yup, soup's on tomorrow. (Plain nonfat yogurt is one of my favorite substitutions for sour cream, milk, or mayo! It works in a lot of recipes and boosts the nutrition!) Ok - this one is about more than these 3 ingredients. I really do ask for the Lord's wisdom when planning meals, shopping trips, even walking into the store and using all that we have. I know He cares about it, because I care about it! It's part of stewardship, and I want to grow to be a better steward.<br /><br />Ok...those are my ramblings! Thank you Lord, in advance, for wisdom (and thanks to you, too, friends!)Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-64129394278319642272009-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:002009-11-14T10:22:52.507-08:00Five for Five Fridays...on Saturday!The last month has held some crazy Fridays for us...and I just wasn't remembering to post until Saturday. And...it happened again! Ah well...I'm going to go ahead and do it this time.<br /><br />Five things from our week in five minutes...<br /><br />1. Brian has had late nights all week. Thank the Lord for his job, and thank the Lord for giving them business. Of course we want to see him more, but I'm mindful and grateful for the Lord's goodness and faithfulness in providing work, and of Brian's faithfulness to his position.<br /><br />2. Nathaniel and I had the chance to see lots of friends this week. Laundry got done Wednesday instead of Monday...grocery shopping in several short trips instead of one big one...and the restrooms still need cleaned! However, it's been fun!<br /><br />3. After all that fun...and a play-doh playdate just yesterday morning...Nathaniel began to cry and cough quite a bit at nap time yesterday. It was unusual. When I checked on him, he told me his throat hurt. I decided to take him to the doctor since he rarely complains. When he does, something is usually up. We waited for a LONG time..while Nathaniel cheerfully entertained everyone in the waiting room! I felt silly for a few minutes...he seemed fine. Was he feeling better or avoiding his nap?? However, I had already paid the copay when we arrived...and remembered that he rarely acts sick when he his. Two hours later...we learned he has an ear infection and strep throat. Yikes! Since then, he's been coughing much and going through lots of tissues! :( I'm glad I went ahead and took him to the doctor. What's to credit for that choice? Keen mothering skills? A 2 year old who communicates well? No...I credit the Lord, and know He listened to me early that morning. <em>Help me, Lord. Guide me. Let me hear your voice and be directed by Your Spirit. I need You.</em><br /><br />4. I am getting more excited about the Christmas program at church. It's been 2 years since I was involved in one...and I have a 2 year old...so I'm a bit more scatter brained than I would like...but we have many hands involved and I believe it's all going to come together to glorify the Lord!<br /><br />5. We currently have 23 items out from the library. Yup. I hadn't been in the library since school and now...I'm a junkie!<br /><br />If you read this, how about giving me 5 (or 1) cool things about your week?Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-66577475971994409282009-10-09T19:18:00.000-07:002009-10-09T20:27:51.589-07:00Five for Five Fridays, 10/9/09Before mentioning my 5 for 5, I just want to say Happy 5th Anniversary to REAL Church! Brian's brother, Pastor Chilly & his wonderful wife Netta along with their great family and a terrific team of people (which included my sister and her husband!) planted this awesome work in Hamtrack, MI 5 years ago. They are having a weekend of celebration, and we rejoice with them from all the way "down here!" To learn about REAL Church, check out <a href="http://www.1realchurch.com/">http://www.1realchurch.com/</a>. Happy Anniversary, REAL Church!<br /><br />Hmmm...5 for 5...this is gonna be truly random!<br /><br />1. My son has started asking me where we are going each morning. His favorite requests are the mall (which features a play land) and Chick-Fil-A (also with a play land). He doesn't know what the Golden Arches are, but he can recognize the Chick-Fil-A symbol in a second!<br /><br />2. We were near record highs for this time of year - 91 and muggy today. Ugh<br /><br />3. In the south, we have palmetto bugs. They are large, fast, are attraced to moisture (that word is for you, Netta) and are part of the COCROACH family. Yuck. Unlike their cousins, they are not linked to filth. But my skin crawls every time I see one (which was 3 times this week). I am good with spiders, bugs, lizards, frogs (which are all everywhere). But these little creatures have me calling for my husband! (I think he appreciates the confidence I have in his macho-bug-squashing finess!)<br /><br />4. Earlier this week, Nathaniel asked me "Mommy, where'd Jesus go?" We talk about Jesus all through the day. Now that I think about it, I'm actually surprized he hasn't asked me sooner. He asks about his family (which all lives away) and friends when he hasn't seen them in a while. It was as though it just hit him - <em>Jesus loves me, I love Jesus...so, why can't I play with Him?</em> I gave him the answer that God gave me in that moment, and will continue to pray that the Lord makes himself known to Nathaniel is such a personal way.<br /><br />5. Nathaniel's prayer over his snack this afternoon: "Thank you for this food, Amen. Thank you, Jesus, Amen. Thank you, cheese, apples, Amen."Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-10716371183203594792009-09-28T10:04:00.001-07:002009-10-02T11:36:14.745-07:00Five for Five Fridays, 10/2/091. "My love you" - Some of my favorite words to hear! Nathaniel spontaneously shares his affection with us often now, and we gobble it up!<br /><br />2. "Kiss my lips, Mommy" - After being sick for a day(last week), Nathaniel must have noticed that I was kissing every available part of him - except for his lips. Yes, I admit, this Momma was trying to stay sick-free. At some point, Nathaniel said, "Kiss my <em>lips,</em> Mommy." Oh my. Well, kiss his lips I did. How could I resist?!<br /><br />3. "My want to make Mommy smile" - I ended up with the virus Nathaniel had...just a few hours after I wrote last week's Friday post....some time after kissing those lips! On Saturday afternoon, Nathaniel and Brian came into our room to see me. (I am SO thankful Brian was home while I was sick!!) Nathaniel was trying to climb up our (very tall) bed trying to get to me. He said "My want to make Mommy smile." HOW SWEET! Brian said he had nothing to do with Nathaniel's comment. Nathaniel got up on the bed, gave me the sweetest kiss on the lips, sat back, looked at me and proudly said "I made you smile!" If you only knew, little boy!<br /><br />4. We are entering the "2 outfits a day" season. We wake up to low 50's. If we take a walk in the morning, it's usually up in the 60's, but pants and long sleeves are required. However, if we play outside in the afternoon, it's in the low 80's! So...thus...a change of clothes. Hmm...the laundry lady isn't too sure she's happy about that. Truly, I'm glad for the flex in the temps. We were ready for it!<br /><br />5. My mother-in-law came home from re-hab yesterday! Thanks to any who read this who have prayed for her. Continued prayer for a full recovery, and freedom from her back brace, is so appreciated!Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-63672507392750901922009-09-25T18:46:00.000-07:002009-09-25T19:04:25.120-07:00Five for Five Fridays, Issue 2Without any preparation...and without any further delay...<br />5 things from my week in 5 minutes...<br /><br />1. Sickness - My little man came down with the stomach flu yesterday. As I held him, he just kept saying "I want my Mama." I would reassure him, "I'm right here, honey. Mama's got you." But still, especially right before or after "getting sick" he would repeat and repeat "I want my Mama." The Lord must feel the same way about me. I've got you, Lana, I'm right here. And, like I did as a Mama, He is faithful to just repeat His promises, love and comfort to me until it sinks in.<br /><br />2. Sweet - Nathaniel got his leg stuck tonight and prompty told his Daddy "I'm stuck!" As Brian lifted him out of his position, he said - with a sigh of relief - "Thank you, Jesus." I utter the phrase all day long... and I got such joy hearing him thank Jesus for "setting him free!"<br /><br />3. Summer - It still feels like summer here. The high tomorrow is 87. I know come November I will really enjoy the weather. But right now, I miss fall! On that note, we have not been affected by the terrible flooding in the Atlanta area. I feel so sad for the countless people in our state who have been devasted by this weather. I will continue to pray for God's mercy.<br /><br />4. Spring cleaning - I don't know why, but that's the mood I've been in all week. Re-organize, re-arrange, purge, simplify. And I don't feel finished yet!<br /><br />5. Serenity now! And I'm not even that much of a Seinfeld fan! The Lord has blessed me this week with moments of quiet, confirmation and wonder. I love Him and thank Him!Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-85761588250197118462009-09-18T19:16:00.001-07:002009-09-18T19:37:30.618-07:00Five for Five FridaysIn an attempt to blog a little more often (it's been 7 months!?) I am hoping to begin a weekly post - "Five for Five Fridays." I'll take 5 minutes to blog about 5 areas of life from the past week. I think I'll go so far as to start each area with an "f" today, just to keep with the theme...but no promises that I'll stick with that! :) Here goes!<br /><br />Faith - I've been reading through the Bible in chronological order this year, and it's been awesome! This week, I was impacted by the instructions from Esther to the Jews to pray and fast in Esther 4:15-17. Not only did their prayers impact Esther (giving her courage, vision, creativity and all that she needed to fulfill God's plan for her) - but the King as well! In Esther 6:1 the King couldn't sleep and got out of bed. He had the records of his reign to him and discovered what Mordecai had done to save his life. Coincidence? I think not!<br /><br />Family - Mom Chilton had back surgery this week and is still in need of much prayer for a great recovery and great results. Please pray for Dad, as well, as he cares for her. How we wish we could be with them. While we are very happy here in Savannah, we do miss our parents and siblings much. My Mom sent a package of yummy Greek goodies today (and a huge orange sucker for her grandson!).<br /><br />Friends - Some of our dearest friends, the Metzgers, just left Tuesday after a week with us. They rented a place on the beach for a few of those days and invited us to join them. What fun! Being with them is always so fun, so refreshing, and full of laughs, memories, and growth. We love them!<br /><br />Fun - Tomorrow is Saturday! Nathaniel and I are both so happy to have Brian with us for the day. And...since rain is the forcast for tomorrow, I don't think we'll have to share him with the yard. I just read that there is a casting call at our mall tomorrow for a Cival War era movie being filmed in Savannah and directed by Robert Redford. To go...or not to go? :)<br /><br />Frugal Find - CVS diapers. Yup. They were a steal this week, especially with $2 extra bucks, and they work great!Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-79393466792588568722009-02-17T06:09:00.000-08:002009-02-17T06:19:14.671-08:00Sweet and simpleBrian's Aunt and counsin spent some time with Nathaniel on Valentine's Day while Brian and I had a date! (I could stop there, because that is newsworthy enough! :))<br />She brought along a couple of books that she had been keeping at her house, which her grandkids have outgrown. One of them is called "Classic Children's Prayers" and it contains the following sweet, simple prayer:<br /><strong><em>"Please give me what I ask, </em></strong><br /><strong><em>dear Lord,</em></strong><br /><strong><em>If you'd be glad about it,</em></strong><br /><strong><em>But if you think it's not for me,</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Please help me do without it."</em></strong><br /><br />Ain't that the truth? (ha - I hear the word "ain't" so often now, I couldn't help but throw it in!) Really, though, what truth lies in these simple, childlike words. This is how we reconcile "making our requests known" and praying "Thy will be done." Amen!<br /><br />Time for Sesame Street...!Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-52361115352929716682009-02-02T09:58:00.000-08:002009-02-02T11:02:08.342-08:00Fruitful Accounting<span style="font-family:georgia;">The Lord has been answering our prayer in some very practical ways for wisdom & creativity in handling finances. I'm sure anyone reading this is praying a similar prayer these days. Income seems to go down...expenses seem to go up. Everytime the TV is on (with the exception of PBS and Disney!) we hear of the crisis, recession, and meltdown our country is experiencing. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">As I was praying the other day, I asked the Lord to help me develop more of "something" in regards to our finances. This "something" was one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I don't mention it by name because as soon as I spoke this to the Lord, I felt Him tell me that I need more of <em>all</em> of the fruit of the Spirit in relationship to our finances. I began to journal was He spoke, along with the Scriptures that He brought to my mind. I share it now, knowing that this topic is on the forefront of many of our minds & prayers, and hoping something might bless someone else...</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">The Fruit of the Spirit...in my checkbook!</span></strong></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>LOVE </strong>- <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, help me to develop more love - for You as my Eternal provider, and for my husband who works so hard as your earthly extension of provision. Certainly it is You who provides us with every good thing, but you use our faithfulness and loyal work to bless us. </span></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">(2 Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.)</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>JOY</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, allow me to <em>en</em>joy all the good gifts You fill my life with and to express joy & thankfulness in all things relating to your provision. </span><em>(1 Tim. 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>PEACE</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, may I be content with all the ways You care for me, and full of peace knowing that You will always do so. I truly lack nothing, Lord, and can't think of a time that You haven't answered with blessing - and then some! </span><em>(Phil. 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength., Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>PATIENCE</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, the old saying that "good things come to those who wait" isn't just a cliche - it's supported throughout your Word. Waiting on You never fails or dissapoints. Help me to not only say I believe that Your timing is best, but to behave like it. </span><em>(Proverbs 13:11-12 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>KINDNESS</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, help me to reflect kindness as a steward of your blessings. From the cashier at Walmart to the medical billing representative who seems to believe that the extra charge on my bill is warranted...help me to be truly kind, behaving as a manager of my King's money. When I start to get hot under the collar because the bar code won't scan or because the price rings up incorrectly...remind me that this transaction is a chance to show the love of Jesus. </span></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">(Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you)</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>GOODNESS</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Heavenly Father, just as You are so good in giving to me, help me to show goodness to others in generous, selfless ways. And thank You that you promise to bless me for it!</span><em><span style="color:#000099;">(</span>Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>FAITHFULNESS</strong> - Father God, You are always faithful to Your Word, and You ask us for the same. Thank you for the clear instruction You give us regarding our financial responsiblities to You and to our government. May you always find us faithful.</span> <em>(Mark 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>GENTLENESS</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, despite the best efforts at planning and budgeting, there will be hiccups and bumps in the road - car problems, broken appliances and even disagreements on spending priorities. May my husband and I always approach these times, and one another, with gentleness and understanding. Give us the ability to come into agreement with You and one another, growing and learning all the while.</span> <em>(Phil. 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all.)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>SELF-CONTROL</strong> - <span style="color:#000099;">Lord, once we seek You for wisdom and You give us direction - help me to stick to it! Whether that means walking past the "$" Section at Target (which quickly becomes the "$10" section!) or remembering that saying "No" to one thing is allowing me to say "Yes" to what I really want. And as I grow in this area of self-control, can we just start the process all over again - with more joy?! </span> (<em>Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.</em>)</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And now...since my dear Mother has relected PATIENCE and KINDNESS by reading all of this, I will oblige her request with GOODNESS and post another video of her grandson. :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZAuYE2ZiJ8v3_rFok8HAz1C9zHLGkr-M_UgLKuC_EhBTYU1iJZmhJ48XTDn_sergY_RlOB9nux4qQAwB9LA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-77107099953869945382009-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:002009-01-31T19:44:20.541-08:00<p>Ok - I know it's been a crazy long time since I blogged...and my journal is sitting on the desk with something I had hoped to write yesterday....but now, maybe Monday. However, I just learned how to edit the video clips I've uploaded...and I'm really hoping Grammy is able to view them. So, this is a test. (Yes, Grammy, I am still making you DVD's!) </p><p>Mom, (and anyone else who didn't see this on Facebook - Judith!) make sure your volume is on and just push the arrow button on the left, under the picture. It's not the best camera work...but I'll work on it! :)</p><p></p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtW1vFX_TJhvPKSZ64_RfvLa8VclcEELjyM8wkZU9ScY4CABnfpqR8UzpWsWQnsTDtEiXs9pYnplUwLmII' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-40619841988528765882008-11-17T16:50:00.001-08:002008-11-17T16:56:10.224-08:00what happened?A few of you commented or asked me what happened when he tasted the onion - sorry to have left that out! He took two bites, and would have eaten more if I had let him! (Much like it sometimes takes us a while to realize we're biting off way more than the Lord wants us to be chewing...but that's another theme entirely. :))<br /><br />On an unrelated note...I find it absolutely wonderful that my son not only hugged me this morning after waking up and as I said goodnight to him, but gently and repeatedly patted my shoulder as well. Brian and I are both the recipients of all sorts of expressions of love from Nathaniel lately, and we are loving every minute of it!<br /><br />And now...<span style="color:#330000;"><strong>GO</strong></span> <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>BROWNS</strong></span>! I made a Brown & Orange themed dinner and dessert...and dessert (pumpkin chocolate chip cake) is still waiting. Mmmmm!Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-5708520167284101892008-11-11T09:42:00.000-08:002008-11-11T10:40:11.414-08:00An Onion? Really?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Nathaniel has a new fascination - produce. Last Sunday, while Brian was sitting with Nathaniel as he snacked in his chair, I chopped some veggies for our dinner. His interest was peaked when I pulled a green pepper from the fridge. He began to sign "please" and nicely ask for the pepper. I explained how the pepper was for dinner and Brian tried to redirect his attention to the snack on his tray. It didn't work. He continued to ask for the pepper until I decided that he could go ahead and taste it. I knew he liked green pepper cooked in various dishes but I certainly expected that after one taste of the uncooked pepper he would promptly return it to me (by throwing it on the floor, most likely). Well, after one taste of the pepper...he took another...and then another...and then another! He ate away at that green pepper like it was an apple (for your orignial Iron Chef fans) until we asked for it back so that I could salvage some for dinner!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The produce adventure didn't stop there. Next, he wanted a mushroom. A raw, whole mushroom. He started at the top and ate all the way to the stem. While the stem was, shall we say, disapproved of, the rest of the mushroom was a big success! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">His taste buds were once again vocalizing their curiosity a few hours ago as I chopped an onion. Yes, he wanted a bite of the onion. I tried to discourage him by allowing him to smell the onion. Cruel, I know, but not as cruel as allowing your son to eat the raw onion! Well, it didn't work. He insisted that the onion was an apple ("app") and continued to passionately sign "please" and point and grunt...and I continued to tell him that it was for dinner and offered him a variety of other things that I knew he would enjoy and were good for him. It wasn't that I didn't want to allow my son to have any of the onion...it's that I knew it would be <em>better later,</em> after it had been cooked in our dinner. We both continued our respective efforts...until I decided to let him have his way. So, I picked him up and handed him his "apple," fully prepared for spitting and crying. I knew that I would wash his hands once he was finished and offer him his cup of milk. And I knew that I did, in fact, have a better snack waiting for him. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As I washed his hands, my mind was immediately drawn to the spiritual parrallel my son had just illustrated for me. How often have I insisted that God give me a taste of something I wanted, but that wasn't in His plans for me <em>at the time?</em> How many times have I grunted and fussed at his intructions that something was "not for lunch, but for dinner" or, <em>not for now, but for later?</em> How often have I talked back to God until He decided to let me make my own choice, knowing He would be prepared to take care of me afterwards.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Lord, help me to remember that You have the best things for me, at the best times for me. Help me to trust that what you are offering me is best, instead of peering onto the "kitchen counter" for what else there might be. Help me to remember that You are a perfect heavenly Father. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>"Chose my instruction instead of silver..." Proverbs 8:10</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11</em></span>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-26053217811474144932008-10-31T18:53:00.000-07:002008-10-31T18:56:00.998-07:00Chilly Willy, The Next Generation<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We had a fun evening with the neighbors, and Nathaniel visited the homes of the families we know. He is such an amazing, sweet, fun little man. Thank you, Jesus, for choosing us for him!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnjIALglPes5dC6pmuNmrrGpSbQwxyKzcXRBUnJ11MBHXkbVrBCAN7i_sFywPxqejN-WxD8PupuCbAwpN0tD5JsfwSPh2gbNcWz4X9mA_i0VVIrre5ObcmzwBUwD6b2zgyoK-IXYdCNs/s1600-h/DSCN3477.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263501851775074738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnjIALglPes5dC6pmuNmrrGpSbQwxyKzcXRBUnJ11MBHXkbVrBCAN7i_sFywPxqejN-WxD8PupuCbAwpN0tD5JsfwSPh2gbNcWz4X9mA_i0VVIrre5ObcmzwBUwD6b2zgyoK-IXYdCNs/s320/DSCN3477.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3wN1oCiq1GuS-kJtbO1iRyQD0AQp4tu_6Irp4snvnL9hc36MVgFTCvGdOGew6aDf-Qd6piksfqXehUFiAERSnKwKpSoAlPXaLgEANBQbSZaRJhr5swuSAWUte8Fs8jv-XRxte4PJhc/s1600-h/RSCN3510.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263501845898598194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3wN1oCiq1GuS-kJtbO1iRyQD0AQp4tu_6Irp4snvnL9hc36MVgFTCvGdOGew6aDf-Qd6piksfqXehUFiAERSnKwKpSoAlPXaLgEANBQbSZaRJhr5swuSAWUte8Fs8jv-XRxte4PJhc/s320/RSCN3510.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjTVnta6sbEpSI3_-FzBA5UYjXifI7RJ4LZkGDCsTBfznEHu7y9r9LIZc11BTkUOeEZGvWBypM42sIVPcv_lHJdxj5ph2EYlLJkx696NI2zdFj3eKhNtxlEIT6UC9EylYpReBjpMZxkI/s1600-h/DSCN3496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263501785977970578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjTVnta6sbEpSI3_-FzBA5UYjXifI7RJ4LZkGDCsTBfznEHu7y9r9LIZc11BTkUOeEZGvWBypM42sIVPcv_lHJdxj5ph2EYlLJkx696NI2zdFj3eKhNtxlEIT6UC9EylYpReBjpMZxkI/s320/DSCN3496.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-24126594441342751072008-10-26T18:02:00.000-07:002008-10-27T11:43:20.078-07:00My pumpkin - then and now!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261634309304595650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDRJ53JlcY-H2AbY3uPIkQ8AXFV9GsGbsFZvabgCqtGBKhRA6Y-UGyEVfuScxH-CVudSw9F150_GB-c9rSq4yFRHrzQMsBEklM3i7nLNYPQi2cJhp6P7mmmaI1dti8mtwI-3HC9zwv2c/s320/pumpkin.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LSvp2VQ5UyhLX2Wk_4SJgdV4DU6jr1p1cquki6IoITqwZ3z1Lajq8er8AS_R6af8sq3-rV_ob1ecCg_4v-gVJQlPwGf6HPN3Ttn9KA3vfVTuoMHtW_y-OZ5Mx3HfedoNPy-bUbKTwXE/s1600-h/DSCN3281-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261634312595583778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LSvp2VQ5UyhLX2Wk_4SJgdV4DU6jr1p1cquki6IoITqwZ3z1Lajq8er8AS_R6af8sq3-rV_ob1ecCg_4v-gVJQlPwGf6HPN3Ttn9KA3vfVTuoMHtW_y-OZ5Mx3HfedoNPy-bUbKTwXE/s320/DSCN3281-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">God is so good! Nathaniel is just as sweet as ever - laughing, learning and loving (oh how we enjoy the hugs and kisses!) more every day! I'll try to expound later. Right now...there is a bowl of ice cream with my name on it! :)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2AVSMa6pIjb5EFoA16wSN9eCJqyCtpA0ift286LHIFaJJzNdCpEt8-zBi0-g5MnfGKr6ZT7YO1Zv_53A1Mdf_0tWq7hKTg8Is7VrChDW_R3pFWXfRWFEI94_sOO9OGsr5hcJIBiLkj0/s1600-h/DSCN3281.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFbPah-UMZF9io9qsVQDnL0iaHJVC7UISnGM8d955rbSY9FqOQtFMjlpxKKCNNFAIlqtejf59ub3djyzhNv5f30YmzTi6VpTUfjQvrqidi-xOGNKB9E4VFB6-FXiAcq41KBF7Q0Z50MY/s1600-h/pumpkin.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-80848114785783724322008-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:002008-10-13T11:15:00.140-07:00Purposed, Prayerful Parenting<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Holy Spirit certainly highlights various parts of the Word to us at various times in our lives, revealing new truths and teaching us new lessons. I'm contantly amazed by this. It's also so wonderful to see the Lord bring scriptures to life in a new way now that I'm a Mom. Hmmm...I've either already written that in a blog before, or I've been thinking it for quite some time...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A page in Nathaniel's "Story of Jesus" book tells about the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus (John 6). Jesus took it, blessed it, multiplied it and miraculously fed 5,000 men, plus the women and children. I've been thinking about that mother who packed that lunch...she prepared her little boy to be a part of what Jesus was doing that day. She allowed him the opportunity to be where Jesus was, to listen to Jesus' teaching and to watch Jesus minister. She didn't hold him back. She didn't say, "No, son, that would interrupt my plans for today...." or "No, son, we are going to have a family day today..." She allowed him (perhaps she accompanied him, or perhaps she sent him) to be in the presence of Jesus. Brian and I are so blessed to have had parents who did the same. The took us to the house of God. The love the Lord, and taught us, through example, to do the same. They allowed us to pursue God's plans for our lives - even when the concept of "Master's Commission" was so very new and somewhat scary (thanks, Mom!) and even when it meant a move halfway across the country to be with the person God had ordained (thanks, Mom & Dad). May we always allow, provide, encourage the same opportunities for Nathaniel (and, of course, any siblings he may have. No, I'm not making an announcement. :)) We want Nathaniel to love the house of God, the people of God, the work of God, the heart of God and, of course, to obey the will of God. And...that isn't the only obedience that is vital...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was reading in Romans 1 the last few days and was struck by something new (Thank You, Lord). In the second part of chapter 1, Paul writes, <em>"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who supress the truth by their wickedness..."(verse 18). </em>In the rest of the chapter, Paul explains the various "wickedness" he is talking about. Obviously, this is a list of things we would never want in our lives, the lives of anyone we know or care about and, certainly, not in the lives of our children. As he describes it, these are the behaviors of those who <em>"....although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." (verse 21). </em>What struck me was 4 words in the middle of the list of offenses Paul mentions. <em>"they disobey their parents;" (verse 30).</em> Disobeying parents made the list of vile, sinful, destructive behavior. Teaching our children to obey us isn't just a matter of making our homes peaceful or our trips to Walmart as uneventful as possible. :) Teaching our children to obey us is directly related to their willingness to obey God and to live in His blessing and protection. From what I read here in <em>verse 21</em>, it can start with glorifying God, giving thanks to Him, and protecting our minds & hearts by festing on the Word of God - and doing everything within our ability to see that our children do the same. Help me, Lord.</span>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-16049808894580627812008-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:002008-10-04T10:26:41.091-07:00My First Haircut!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We took Nathaniel for his first haircut this morning (note -this morning, before Mommy had any makeup on. But, he is so cute that I am still posting the pics!) He just needed a trim on his crown and a bit of evening in the back. We could have done it at home (or so I'm told by many of my confident-scissor-using friends) but we opted to go for the "chair experience" complete with booster seat and adorable apron. The woman cutting his hair owns the salon and is a believer. She is so sweet, and doesn't charge for the first cut. I told Nathaniel that her tip came out of his allowance. ;) They caught some of his hair in a little zip-lock, which then affixed to the fun certificate they gave him. So fun! Our little boy is growing up! And to answer your question, Sharon, we hear both opionions. Some of Mommy...some of Daddy. Of course, Brian and I see more of one another in him than we do ourselves. :)</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF6l3V7CpxReRB9jfpjbs12uQISxVMNU_wubhfuwELio7xo2KN0H69nf03rDnVMfkGxAshRvdy73HYSE57-Gd8XgUBX4r6w1sCcadLNk63I-y4G4FuLGuhkbVocarzW2oHqXzI73og8k/s1600-h/DSCN3220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253351142727471042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF6l3V7CpxReRB9jfpjbs12uQISxVMNU_wubhfuwELio7xo2KN0H69nf03rDnVMfkGxAshRvdy73HYSE57-Gd8XgUBX4r6w1sCcadLNk63I-y4G4FuLGuhkbVocarzW2oHqXzI73og8k/s320/DSCN3220.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOE9sEzWbO4pZHZzjYddV0FPYHr-pCkYQzvw1srCCGzKpxXafXOeUWCChHYVTZEPqwTJ96MVTwBvMyx-2AFRngcaQ93vucq_x_fjv-l-6LHjv07cg4uWAkfA1P8TgOxvf6p9SJh7jvc/s1600-h/DSCN3225.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253351147204500002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOE9sEzWbO4pZHZzjYddV0FPYHr-pCkYQzvw1srCCGzKpxXafXOeUWCChHYVTZEPqwTJ96MVTwBvMyx-2AFRngcaQ93vucq_x_fjv-l-6LHjv07cg4uWAkfA1P8TgOxvf6p9SJh7jvc/s320/DSCN3225.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujYww0R02AN3krapZ5l5tcOoqoAQZqhs9Ao5bHQ1E-85zJNdMUi1tYZ2mJe2wB9PLVTixhTMoUftE5St4Y68zZt51IrC3GPFbmqQxixCFVyKNjRy_TZJUZJSNnxYl46oqYtHllk3iRs/s1600-h/DSCN3227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253351148224437554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujYww0R02AN3krapZ5l5tcOoqoAQZqhs9Ao5bHQ1E-85zJNdMUi1tYZ2mJe2wB9PLVTixhTMoUftE5St4Y68zZt51IrC3GPFbmqQxixCFVyKNjRy_TZJUZJSNnxYl46oqYtHllk3iRs/s320/DSCN3227.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGTSoK47tEDYL1BopfgrdZyWTnLB7y1De-oF_Vcm7eMylF-Z-Kdnib62uMkj-r_Wpc489YZ_8Dv32HK13_lWsWtwC36dzkx1qHu2p7LwaBSxBRIMyXOlRJfuraqGhZC_TBuj2STNjAlo/s1600-h/DSCN3229.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253351151506318434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGTSoK47tEDYL1BopfgrdZyWTnLB7y1De-oF_Vcm7eMylF-Z-Kdnib62uMkj-r_Wpc489YZ_8Dv32HK13_lWsWtwC36dzkx1qHu2p7LwaBSxBRIMyXOlRJfuraqGhZC_TBuj2STNjAlo/s320/DSCN3229.JPG" border="0" /></a> ready for a nap!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-mWoz7l2kFu6iUFsCiVkhhDo-8M9K3wWU0Qbb_s_fUNogZhPMcji0kmfhyphenhyphenBISzHevr8SK6qlr68IzZa3Jzu23MdD9KDSK5PKr_qz64HACWBoHr4U7UnfZsN5OSdnm5Q8Ekrf9Ru1xbU/s1600-h/DSCN3230.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253351159391369474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-mWoz7l2kFu6iUFsCiVkhhDo-8M9K3wWU0Qbb_s_fUNogZhPMcji0kmfhyphenhyphenBISzHevr8SK6qlr68IzZa3Jzu23MdD9KDSK5PKr_qz64HACWBoHr4U7UnfZsN5OSdnm5Q8Ekrf9Ru1xbU/s320/DSCN3230.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhP7_FfrOE1dbKzIuHJr4nOK8ZFZYUkJn5vwhQwtz3kvFK21TZTvqYM2gp8dYGZ0soczmv7FPuHRn3E9pK2dyBOvn2ZUQvIVSLZkQ14kwTfGHGmuTEKL5GGFGd5beT83dVGCini4Ha1U/s1600-h/DSCN3230.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD70CupsXqrN46fNnRAQc4Hhzn8hs6g7KT3IeVN-7tPfdAICaaH7NNx023OTxZDM0tucFQFamgOGVeu2svStvh-zh8XBLxmDMgIslNbfiaTfAzS38n_9SFysOeaN4Q-tc6LjkaLw_e3A/s1600-h/DSCN3220.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtSoVmJ08UHFJz-VQvgW6Lquqq2aBztiiyaEHOW6AltT7Am61Ks63UzUxizeU2UQ0DL_3oewuohIdSG3n_be1JlrGPuIkdSz2Cs0ZTJ-ar3-OwFJhiE1HKe0GVM2jNI_VvYcTfAT5eeU/s1600-h/DSCN3225.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykKnrMwrmCdEWlLMzuJtCSloJx0SYVe7GL4pOWTyFnLEQCA8XQygLGK5Fumfg4S53VvzvLkqPFcoNhvJ_ZdrXFeos8wPfLmk9cLvyd8zVjFcoe0ixob4GvkVlz9oXqABK0tDmGAzo-LM/s1600-h/DSCN3227.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT65G1hrh0A1yJvqK304DwsVkBomRa2T8nUoQEh-pmVeKngrwi332IF3IV7-OmA0zMkQkthDSLgmIcSTsz7W1nRNw-3r7iMStaqzUFk6P-n5orYRlRS8jkbMCH6b9mILk75dyjReJ2xdU/s1600-h/DSCN3229.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3I_gbbiol8jwrpahULL0FeIF7PhLt4YxA_mC6WPWrrN9CE4NSPSvcof0LNJ-Bd-xAek5N3GTI5FX7Mq76vGvI-1lbBwFhcivz8i8Hel64pKj3iZaSyT_6um0hGZtuffsW4DKLZ2m57s/s1600-h/DSCN3230.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-23761585005110262772008-10-01T11:23:00.000-07:002008-10-01T11:33:30.955-07:00She's 16?!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Our oldest niece turned 16 a month ago! And while she is on Brian's side of the family, I've had the pleasure to know here since she was 2. So, both of us were pretty floored that this year was "16!" We brought her to Savannah for 5 days to celebrate her birthday, see our new area, cuddle with her cousin and, most of all, remind her that we think she is an amazing young woman of God! We love you, Mariah! I posted all of the pics at facebook, and I don't want to post any of her here without permission (:)), but here are a few of Nathaniel from the last few days. We had a great time! </span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobgAnHxRgDsKm10iLysWZHF5C4PdGANq6GN87N2qZERjZukG2YhvHQ-TaNCyPhkpe4T1wiQPIDfPYZuvyHKD3d7usKU-DarE-NvhopWV0fc7V9lnGC21pq-Y8-k4aoV2RkMDQNqcBWo/s1600-h/DSCN3165.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252254725783696610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobgAnHxRgDsKm10iLysWZHF5C4PdGANq6GN87N2qZERjZukG2YhvHQ-TaNCyPhkpe4T1wiQPIDfPYZuvyHKD3d7usKU-DarE-NvhopWV0fc7V9lnGC21pq-Y8-k4aoV2RkMDQNqcBWo/s320/DSCN3165.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> waiting for the pizza to arrive at the table</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn1IGPKZr48py3thVjAzT0K0lQGF_xGR8oz-Cro2ulAZn0W2M-v-1V6nAg3h_UqODUlvgP8bssbQhd6iiPrbyr2v7tEZIPPLnO3UKG6AxKqPxXUCQY6qGfY1oJBpuIrkX0CgsNm8poEQ/s1600-h/DSCN3167.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252254732040629170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn1IGPKZr48py3thVjAzT0K0lQGF_xGR8oz-Cro2ulAZn0W2M-v-1V6nAg3h_UqODUlvgP8bssbQhd6iiPrbyr2v7tEZIPPLnO3UKG6AxKqPxXUCQY6qGfY1oJBpuIrkX0CgsNm8poEQ/s320/DSCN3167.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> downtown Savannah (on a cool day!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwSwWjaAiTmv1j8CP9gefBUm2fyTlBvvyZZEfVO5Rw_ZPp0n2Mdn_sEKo78CZEDwr3Rr38_W30a3fur8ukH6dBGjC7ruZQhqkJoY0na5OsVkv00iSSjU55PYUGEb_nCLq7pxoWGflL9E/s1600-h/DSCN3194.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252254729457212498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwSwWjaAiTmv1j8CP9gefBUm2fyTlBvvyZZEfVO5Rw_ZPp0n2Mdn_sEKo78CZEDwr3Rr38_W30a3fur8ukH6dBGjC7ruZQhqkJoY0na5OsVkv00iSSjU55PYUGEb_nCLq7pxoWGflL9E/s320/DSCN3194.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Ocean!</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiameNgq5RErnAOlCSoFQ0U_bV3-v65JU0LEnMo9tQ3KmgRxQn2vr6HZJt-89-3l2ikvQptBUMjM5KhKwp76WARB2nKmMi28kOVASJmD7P_0G_6mA-JQ_YQysbZvxZYYC2tI1Ps97FFn6I/s1600-h/DSCN3195.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252254735623032562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiameNgq5RErnAOlCSoFQ0U_bV3-v65JU0LEnMo9tQ3KmgRxQn2vr6HZJt-89-3l2ikvQptBUMjM5KhKwp76WARB2nKmMi28kOVASJmD7P_0G_6mA-JQ_YQysbZvxZYYC2tI1Ps97FFn6I/s320/DSCN3195.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">" See you later, Mom & Dad!"<br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwnMJsGhvknxEfc3FgDBhRXTfdrU5XcqdIkCgWIpH9vTI_FIDe0tlSPNQG6kYVTqXzSPfYuvV7PdiakHIAIxVQ6w2o-CNGcMQwWoDZOrPAuSFbGNsxgCqlD-wdmP2T2-3S_gsHWnK2Z0/s1600-h/DSCN3213.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252254732998110210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwnMJsGhvknxEfc3FgDBhRXTfdrU5XcqdIkCgWIpH9vTI_FIDe0tlSPNQG6kYVTqXzSPfYuvV7PdiakHIAIxVQ6w2o-CNGcMQwWoDZOrPAuSFbGNsxgCqlD-wdmP2T2-3S_gsHWnK2Z0/s320/DSCN3213.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> "Back away from my french fry...back away!"<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-60302038492645140302008-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:53:32.631-07:00play time!Nathaniel and I met some friends at the soft play area at the mall yesterday. He had a great time! But, because he was constantly on the move, most of my pictures came out blurry. Here are a few. The second is blurry, and his eyes are half closed, but he is WALKING! We are really trying to make an effort to make connections with the people God is putting in our path... More on that later... Nathaniel just fell asleep for his nap, and it's time for me to get ready for my first date in 4 months! (ok, 3 and a half months, but who's counting?!)! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8llTwDYOU6DukXGBWMEpdZ6zbKeHMuKHKhgkh982hs6BgO0sNgjR8XZdLZmF3BoRpeGmOkSmmf4DZvJu1HVe2tWcebKpPU0UI5wAJl7sTdgoTzMnhslc3_GP9SVcbCQ6fddK3Y0VnaA/s1600-h/DSCN3126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247775368483792034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8llTwDYOU6DukXGBWMEpdZ6zbKeHMuKHKhgkh982hs6BgO0sNgjR8XZdLZmF3BoRpeGmOkSmmf4DZvJu1HVe2tWcebKpPU0UI5wAJl7sTdgoTzMnhslc3_GP9SVcbCQ6fddK3Y0VnaA/s320/DSCN3126.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7WFO5sp_JGEt8vT0XqSVKdT6E7L3FSN9VtqCQOP6HQ69Y9K0UpuZLFkL-npm-p2hTfb2qGug6MCFVh7XeKyNi3tstagqsBzDJ_BnHO4NgNZiuBTaF2mvqFHdmeqWnS1teY2GjVHQOcs/s1600-h/DSCN3129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247775371479807522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7WFO5sp_JGEt8vT0XqSVKdT6E7L3FSN9VtqCQOP6HQ69Y9K0UpuZLFkL-npm-p2hTfb2qGug6MCFVh7XeKyNi3tstagqsBzDJ_BnHO4NgNZiuBTaF2mvqFHdmeqWnS1teY2GjVHQOcs/s320/DSCN3129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-16530079623938526382008-09-16T13:20:00.000-07:002008-09-16T17:16:21.363-07:00there's nothing like......a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup! (yes, Mom, that's my baby bowl!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrJWHxMJxv8ZKwrR6w-dzlK80_LkbSLVk6o8DOZ5fukqzNYrA4ZqrZOx36kl344tNw454kzh73yRN-C71k9IIdswa8sQwLOXD_QtFLqq_scFGaOcTQnxjb2BEyCCVcRnIuIV3-KbMQuA/s1600-h/DSCN3099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246777279881416690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrJWHxMJxv8ZKwrR6w-dzlK80_LkbSLVk6o8DOZ5fukqzNYrA4ZqrZOx36kl344tNw454kzh73yRN-C71k9IIdswa8sQwLOXD_QtFLqq_scFGaOcTQnxjb2BEyCCVcRnIuIV3-KbMQuA/s320/DSCN3099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE6cO94DJgbjVhU7e79V-dnMceRmhFvKvCJ4qFa2R5EltZbjw1I37NR-oeg4Q0el5hNlkEZt_MTYcOO3Mr_tNzKYNGF0vUgqbW9kD-8Qm9ibgzKzFdbrzuTwkHQtRSVEebcj5tgwn9Og/s1600-h/DSCN3101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246777286785241666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE6cO94DJgbjVhU7e79V-dnMceRmhFvKvCJ4qFa2R5EltZbjw1I37NR-oeg4Q0el5hNlkEZt_MTYcOO3Mr_tNzKYNGF0vUgqbW9kD-8Qm9ibgzKzFdbrzuTwkHQtRSVEebcj5tgwn9Og/s320/DSCN3101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zyXd-j6Hrws0cqLYhdkj57Xujt3Uiz91kSJ2vHRa5rxAvKQ9N9R7gEDHFUZs9TmRiGXftK0xRDKGYu4MnzVu3bLaYzPaKz7HbvGmyfw41Hgkl9XMlQApUCH3VsMwbdzfT5VChc500Ug/s1600-h/DSCN3109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246777290568403506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zyXd-j6Hrws0cqLYhdkj57Xujt3Uiz91kSJ2vHRa5rxAvKQ9N9R7gEDHFUZs9TmRiGXftK0xRDKGYu4MnzVu3bLaYzPaKz7HbvGmyfw41Hgkl9XMlQApUCH3VsMwbdzfT5VChc500Ug/s320/DSCN3109.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-58340969453340797582008-09-10T10:49:00.000-07:002008-09-10T11:05:48.948-07:00And, he's off!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yes, Nathaniel is walking! It finally happened on Saturday. Instead of 3 steps here or 5 steps there, he took a full stroll across the living room, twice! He still crawls to get to something quickly, but is certainly enjoying his new talent - and so are we. What a joy he is! We started MOPS today, and he had a wonderful time! When I picked him up, the worker told me what a sweet baby he is and that he was one of the only ones not to fuss at all. What a blessing; we usually here the same thing when we pick him up from the nursery. The Lord has given him such a wonderful disposition and an absolute love for people. It is awesome to see that in him already. I wonder how the Lord will use these wonderful gifts...<br />As a family, we are doing well. Brian's job is still enjoyable, and challenging, for him. And so is mine! :) I have to admit that I am a little envious of those of you who have mentioned (on blog, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">facebook</span> or email) about your lovely fall weather...it's still in the low 90's here. However, I think our time is coming...60 degrees in December is sounding nice! (Visitors welcome!) We continue to get to know our neighbors, and are getting involved in our church. Looking forward to feeling like it's "f<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">amiliar</span>" here...that place in between "new" and "home." I'll post a few pictures before signing off. Need to do a few more things during nap time! Thanks for stopping by!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM6vfept4JIbmVXKCqox1_kxkfjNHHTbIr6-7basZI1ADtdN5zykcy5y9uYVC0cmanqxKRTiymPSjt3dYiAsGbyw8gPZMwQncAs_CL4Y7X263wVirB5uZkBTOY6X0cSd2JLxqF19HVwU/s1600-h/DSCN3043.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454268627329586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM6vfept4JIbmVXKCqox1_kxkfjNHHTbIr6-7basZI1ADtdN5zykcy5y9uYVC0cmanqxKRTiymPSjt3dYiAsGbyw8gPZMwQncAs_CL4Y7X263wVirB5uZkBTOY6X0cSd2JLxqF19HVwU/s320/DSCN3043.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I love my family!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB7pomQE_7MMNDySRQID_u50JBkYpFUHxdNRzrcpRDFfCqVS4IKAnkd9YgYriDEqFW5yKnsy-90lsVEJYLRLrVUK7ilUIeFjMXmDDur1mdDoM45Y8doQK6gjIFToroMEA-HotoO7Swd4/s1600-h/DSCN3067.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454270405668274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB7pomQE_7MMNDySRQID_u50JBkYpFUHxdNRzrcpRDFfCqVS4IKAnkd9YgYriDEqFW5yKnsy-90lsVEJYLRLrVUK7ilUIeFjMXmDDur1mdDoM45Y8doQK6gjIFToroMEA-HotoO7Swd4/s320/DSCN3067.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Air guitar with a soda bottle!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDmumd1_rYgAoO_1HDEmWeH4mAYwsNM2B-mucPT6qoieYeF1yxxxNSqkRJTmCoMTdEgOEqDzvbESjnx2UZSHUcU-R4iGYQPe_B_vxdoeCy1nHKlrTx8WRpNx_9tWVSkZUn38zXMK8DAQ/s1600-h/DSCN3077.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454273443089634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDmumd1_rYgAoO_1HDEmWeH4mAYwsNM2B-mucPT6qoieYeF1yxxxNSqkRJTmCoMTdEgOEqDzvbESjnx2UZSHUcU-R4iGYQPe_B_vxdoeCy1nHKlrTx8WRpNx_9tWVSkZUn38zXMK8DAQ/s320/DSCN3077.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Already a Starbucks lover! (ha - it's just water!)<br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl7fsKSOwdx3cTztL6OpC5lasv4QlA_o048nNBNFQI3p_uAElDIG6UfiN3hcUoiXHS47TIyzkj5nlSEQ5mlzzLDo3rUj6UAx9VCOS1uXqrqJT9zuWm94m6b5ynVSfXzqTFgXECXuLk9Y/s1600-h/DSCN3081.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454284946456098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl7fsKSOwdx3cTztL6OpC5lasv4QlA_o048nNBNFQI3p_uAElDIG6UfiN3hcUoiXHS47TIyzkj5nlSEQ5mlzzLDo3rUj6UAx9VCOS1uXqrqJT9zuWm94m6b5ynVSfXzqTFgXECXuLk9Y/s320/DSCN3081.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So sleepy after an afternoon at the mall!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j_ZSlHhfCD-fU8usYYQA9z01CCKSPg_8ZWbIUEveHb-7bKNuADki6j5g47qTfzU0rHNC4LU79l6QhBZ-8OFXrxiBEjdxtl0HigTKmTRHLAAckaSIM9tXfR3Nv2UMHv_U-6m2bF9m0Fs/s1600-h/DSCN3088.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454287793142162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j_ZSlHhfCD-fU8usYYQA9z01CCKSPg_8ZWbIUEveHb-7bKNuADki6j5g47qTfzU0rHNC4LU79l6QhBZ-8OFXrxiBEjdxtl0HigTKmTRHLAAckaSIM9tXfR3Nv2UMHv_U-6m2bF9m0Fs/s320/DSCN3088.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Nathaniel asked for this hat (which was sitting on the counter) during lunch today (yes, by saying "hat!") and was SO happy when I obliged him!</span><br /><br /></p>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-9994843885188463882008-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:002008-08-22T11:10:12.144-07:00No, he's not walking...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveRGStcR6fnxTgxrfHde_yV8XoJRQkAwHeJpcSVOS_hiDpZgzJ1ximy-1IN0-cq9tAAG_4Kg1Bmttms3r_gBflxmdQfG2t-sNrHKQWpdLQUyb0u4g8FmyMVIfnk4J51puDFrZlK3qEM8/s1600-h/DSCN2968.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237405724533841810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveRGStcR6fnxTgxrfHde_yV8XoJRQkAwHeJpcSVOS_hiDpZgzJ1ximy-1IN0-cq9tAAG_4Kg1Bmttms3r_gBflxmdQfG2t-sNrHKQWpdLQUyb0u4g8FmyMVIfnk4J51puDFrZlK3qEM8/s320/DSCN2968.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Nathaniel isn't walking on his own yet. He still needs to hold on to a hand to go any distance but, if he isn't too frustrated at the time, he will take a few small steps to get to who or what he wants. But it's what he IS doing that is amazing me!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is blowing into (and sucking out of) his harmonica!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is eating anything we offer him (including stuffed peppers, lemons, etc, etc)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is repeating almost anything we ask him to (wow, does he say "clock" clearly!) and saying all sorts of words on his own (baby, bye, Dada, MAMA!!!, out, car, pretty, banana (it only comes out "baaa" but it's the same every time), duck (again, only comes out "du")</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is showing us his muscles (so, so, so stinking cute!)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is raising his arms in the air when we say "Praise the Lord!"</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is showing us where his head is</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is trying to sing along to any song he hears and definitely dances any chance he gets</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-He is continuing to talk with anyone and everyone who will take the time to talk back (and, often, even those who don't! )</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">-He is holding both of his toy phones to his ear and trying to talk!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hmm...I know there is more, but that's what comes to mind. He is simply amazing and I love him, love him, love him!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-19160720691480015472008-08-12T10:28:00.001-07:002008-08-12T10:38:39.429-07:00forget it...There are so many thoughts running through my mind right now - on everything from mothering to mentoring to cooking (I used a pressure cooker for the first time last night without my mother's help!) to how to write an effecient grocery shopping list. However, I just had unexpected company for lunch and a little one about to wake up. We really need to make it to the grocery store this afternoon...so...I'll keep this brief. (That seems to be a trend...I really WILL post something more than pictures soon!) Thanks for taking the time to stop by!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93jXIrO1GxZ68U_GecW60LndzNjYdjI4q3oW68m3ilyxrGY3mpmLsKuV55J8aEdoDEpDIA57677jTX5LYBf464KRSUEK3kW6NOkp4euwpYKj6n0OoZSB5Sqxt0D2BGrZMbha3GJCdNaU/s1600-h/DSCN2897.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233686206110532450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93jXIrO1GxZ68U_GecW60LndzNjYdjI4q3oW68m3ilyxrGY3mpmLsKuV55J8aEdoDEpDIA57677jTX5LYBf464KRSUEK3kW6NOkp4euwpYKj6n0OoZSB5Sqxt0D2BGrZMbha3GJCdNaU/s320/DSCN2897.JPG" border="0" /></a> So cool!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqid04LjvEi6KITbl4SoN0wxu9dLsBKQf1FdLDX0sNeMt3C5sbNN8m6ek3Re2EjDCP8y4SkfSibkUpxuzUIKi5jGu3_8hQLuHXmTpiYjsHQ21U62erhtC6ZDR3P6785_6LuppkebbllY/s1600-h/DSCN2917.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233686214229415666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqid04LjvEi6KITbl4SoN0wxu9dLsBKQf1FdLDX0sNeMt3C5sbNN8m6ek3Re2EjDCP8y4SkfSibkUpxuzUIKi5jGu3_8hQLuHXmTpiYjsHQ21U62erhtC6ZDR3P6785_6LuppkebbllY/s320/DSCN2917.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nathaniel didn't want to cooperate for a family pic, but I could resist! this is the Savannah airport parking garage! Yes, everything is just lovely here!</p><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwsizb5zZ3d47lhkY-kHpfYmLXcmEj1397JGvIcVe2dYN3Eb6c3nTF63rTXpg5RLNb6RUIdqSB5sLhSvl9WtKoup0hs5b1wKgqAQbr9aaSirACUbBsMF31cwUTmz7ZIbH8gi9M0tnj1Q/s1600-h/DSCN2751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233686221470860050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwsizb5zZ3d47lhkY-kHpfYmLXcmEj1397JGvIcVe2dYN3Eb6c3nTF63rTXpg5RLNb6RUIdqSB5sLhSvl9WtKoup0hs5b1wKgqAQbr9aaSirACUbBsMF31cwUTmz7ZIbH8gi9M0tnj1Q/s320/DSCN2751.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Grammy arrived at the airport armed with suckers!<br /></p>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-54662231020805141002008-07-28T19:55:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:27:36.886-08:001!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today, our little miracle, Nathaniel Martin, turned 1! Wow, my eyes are filling with tears (again) as I consider what to words to type. I am so very thankful that the Lord made me a Mama, and made Brian "Dada" (a word we hear often!) - and He used Nathaniel to do it. I am absolutely crazy about this little boy. He has captured the place in my heart that was especially designed for him. I keep typing, erasing, rewording...and disturbing the wonderful man trying to fall asleep next to me. So, for now, I will just post a few pictures from the last few days. Sunday evening, we celebrated with my Mom, Brian's Aunt Judy and cousin Jamelle who live in Savannah, and our friends, the Whitemans. We had a neighborhood outdoor party planned with the neighbor kids tonight, but the rain won out, so we are hoping to do it tomorrow. Instead, we ordered pizza, the ever-popular kid-friendly birthday meal, and opened a few more gifts. Nathaniel has been blessed with a multitude of wonderful gifts...but, for the last 2 days, the balloons have been the main attraction! As you read this and looks at the pics, please pray God's blessing on Nathaniel's 2nd year. THANKS so much! (We miss you, Papa, Grandma, Uncle, Chilly, Aunt Netta, Riley, Courtney, Zoe, Max, Chase, Aunt Nini, Uncle Chris, Aunt Carol, Uncle Vic & Annalyn!)</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjJhpuKbZi3gvhMmGEhPhpd8bu62x-pGHxHtnLT9jRw6sYj03E8OxwQMSFPVXDl_Ss-7JkqgESXi7xom0CmAQSWVpIfcZFavp6ngIAj6WODuRT8IH6JSBVmT6PbrIZ6FeLnlmECVF04/s1600-h/DSCN2755.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228267786059796338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjJhpuKbZi3gvhMmGEhPhpd8bu62x-pGHxHtnLT9jRw6sYj03E8OxwQMSFPVXDl_Ss-7JkqgESXi7xom0CmAQSWVpIfcZFavp6ngIAj6WODuRT8IH6JSBVmT6PbrIZ6FeLnlmECVF04/s320/DSCN2755.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EPe23uBKhN4E0K_jNj-VsEsjgRgb2-4oei462dpriWhuWFgM5iZ05Zoto7M_cHv6o0p_TaZF8JyGGeaSYsJzRpJUMEvRUifVkbbdD5-N4dlCn2x5OWL_xWpaaR0pQ4wq_HpFGeYJFds/s1600-h/DSCN2765.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228267796766246754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EPe23uBKhN4E0K_jNj-VsEsjgRgb2-4oei462dpriWhuWFgM5iZ05Zoto7M_cHv6o0p_TaZF8JyGGeaSYsJzRpJUMEvRUifVkbbdD5-N4dlCn2x5OWL_xWpaaR0pQ4wq_HpFGeYJFds/s320/DSCN2765.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v9yKw0XYocvlmLSRki87EaKkSgV5DQagdSFz-MmwfreI3kvYV19ZV-TEGNkQpntklSnTGLvgHPp_gQy_wLdkLpkVmUfElXC-YqtL8Jkd8sOGWb_n3elLvekBn1b3-Yv7m3s4ULP-2GU/s1600-h/DSCN2784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228267805998439090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v9yKw0XYocvlmLSRki87EaKkSgV5DQagdSFz-MmwfreI3kvYV19ZV-TEGNkQpntklSnTGLvgHPp_gQy_wLdkLpkVmUfElXC-YqtL8Jkd8sOGWb_n3elLvekBn1b3-Yv7m3s4ULP-2GU/s320/DSCN2784.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPoQHI-Qn-5ZYBCnpoMVPDi_I31BMAHS05hvQB6GlooFm4GOwChDiEXTjuEC_sJRjlxS8sYcVD3t0xC53hyoEGrh7NkY7xe_UDbqR40qM8UnPOfJBivsiCbm7cUGNtnG1m8TVajN0kqk/s1600-h/DSCN2787.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228267895725652354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPoQHI-Qn-5ZYBCnpoMVPDi_I31BMAHS05hvQB6GlooFm4GOwChDiEXTjuEC_sJRjlxS8sYcVD3t0xC53hyoEGrh7NkY7xe_UDbqR40qM8UnPOfJBivsiCbm7cUGNtnG1m8TVajN0kqk/s320/DSCN2787.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHmWwdJ8_ICOfqqdD0gJ5RE1ewyYfYFbsIgAX4gIn-25SGUT7NX_zHrY_d9RMFl36c1lsUoGlk-gWCrQ5eMSQO6O43F2QkmwBp0o0qZQ6-sakwdf3HRZCF46B7qcJq0qExA69dB_yfE8/s1600-h/DSCN2802.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228267907532844786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHmWwdJ8_ICOfqqdD0gJ5RE1ewyYfYFbsIgAX4gIn-25SGUT7NX_zHrY_d9RMFl36c1lsUoGlk-gWCrQ5eMSQO6O43F2QkmwBp0o0qZQ6-sakwdf3HRZCF46B7qcJq0qExA69dB_yfE8/s320/DSCN2802.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-35627161639093755762008-07-21T18:43:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:27:37.422-08:00oh, that smile!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">These aren't great pictures (especially were half of Nathaniel's head didn't make the picture!), but his smile is priceless!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnRYQtJIQjbRYEz5sg2zakdWl07TwTdYQ27d_pfsP6Bqfy1DOXUKWMUhbX2VuS1qxwGi2RRL-r71kEtLdlo4dtDecSJz9KCd_Me6RKjKl9eAUZUn82LckP5IZxjp3sC74YKb4oED5Cik/s1600-h/DSCN2702-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225648609688124210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnRYQtJIQjbRYEz5sg2zakdWl07TwTdYQ27d_pfsP6Bqfy1DOXUKWMUhbX2VuS1qxwGi2RRL-r71kEtLdlo4dtDecSJz9KCd_Me6RKjKl9eAUZUn82LckP5IZxjp3sC74YKb4oED5Cik/s320/DSCN2702-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu3fdiWiRUQ07DzxKhd6Kmn2NYchKuFE-c4z3QCj7VbyuRJRyMtrggr0XHwv0DZc4_JCeBLbkDDT2gF0N89yfgblXNw7RU8vaxc8siD2appBSdj7HqdAmcZvuzAwz0jhFjX2mPGLL-KU/s1600-h/DSCN2725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225648609931660354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu3fdiWiRUQ07DzxKhd6Kmn2NYchKuFE-c4z3QCj7VbyuRJRyMtrggr0XHwv0DZc4_JCeBLbkDDT2gF0N89yfgblXNw7RU8vaxc8siD2appBSdj7HqdAmcZvuzAwz0jhFjX2mPGLL-KU/s320/DSCN2725.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQetkxxgCah6Jsj3hKVMkkO0hlah7TFly4b7MCFVDgPPY6rCBxTfs_Xe7oEMjbX0YALsJFy1nv7u6VxBQws_DysEGIE0F0QbkawXhQ0yfzqatZvqkApXILeMWKMqCgfG0SCURYSCuDig/s1600-h/DSCN2704.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225648619960980290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQetkxxgCah6Jsj3hKVMkkO0hlah7TFly4b7MCFVDgPPY6rCBxTfs_Xe7oEMjbX0YALsJFy1nv7u6VxBQws_DysEGIE0F0QbkawXhQ0yfzqatZvqkApXILeMWKMqCgfG0SCURYSCuDig/s320/DSCN2704.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-85846487658791627312008-07-17T12:50:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:27:38.658-08:00intentions<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Does it count that I intended to make this a longer post...with a little from my studying in Matthew? No, I didn't think so....well, in any event, I did intend to... But I've spent all of Nathaniel's nap working in the office and downloading pictures...and I just heard the first "waking up sound!" So, a few pictures will be it for now...</span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYHKqf1cyZt5l9Pldo9UuE5fhCLCXIekGpDgSaQB17yWZX0OzkkE-zIsd-oVgW8e8Szzfq9BvBk5iW3eRGoPYk2phlt7tIWRNBfxGsdhgulpCIHOfgVkHMTGOiAMiicaVaEOj7reSins/s1600-h/RSCN2666.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224074023545052818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYHKqf1cyZt5l9Pldo9UuE5fhCLCXIekGpDgSaQB17yWZX0OzkkE-zIsd-oVgW8e8Szzfq9BvBk5iW3eRGoPYk2phlt7tIWRNBfxGsdhgulpCIHOfgVkHMTGOiAMiicaVaEOj7reSins/s320/RSCN2666.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> A neighbor GAVE this to us! (And it was the first time we met!)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0kX7ta3HF7XNp02rrsk4klFPWGRyrJysyuvCz8I_lRxCaDd5KQ_rmtIqJoEfLYKFIZO7PDStBpe-FQnbeNMGm2Wm4jFVEorC4F-p5i5EZ7tbpjAVyXjxUPn5Y2JQ6IGhxdTRtvwIsZY/s1600-h/RSCN2672.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224074028285847570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0kX7ta3HF7XNp02rrsk4klFPWGRyrJysyuvCz8I_lRxCaDd5KQ_rmtIqJoEfLYKFIZO7PDStBpe-FQnbeNMGm2Wm4jFVEorC4F-p5i5EZ7tbpjAVyXjxUPn5Y2JQ6IGhxdTRtvwIsZY/s320/RSCN2672.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Mommy's helper! He comes straight for it when he hears it open!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IoffoQZ2DCpIrdBjXtCt3YL_N0HosLB-jvaBGQb-4HWYXTLxmVdfwaeFotqzRk2nK4UgJN_KwKEz4gS1gWidYe3wowxLPpMv_p7EakOu5pgsTK7Y-Uf4nkvuS78Y8yyIoi5s1wanAvI/s1600-h/DSCN2684.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224074030900186082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IoffoQZ2DCpIrdBjXtCt3YL_N0HosLB-jvaBGQb-4HWYXTLxmVdfwaeFotqzRk2nK4UgJN_KwKEz4gS1gWidYe3wowxLPpMv_p7EakOu5pgsTK7Y-Uf4nkvuS78Y8yyIoi5s1wanAvI/s320/DSCN2684.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Wanna a bite, Mommy? He really does offer us a "bite" (no "t" when he says it)</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8A2pMYi_9t-oYgnqjWu2hXtBZJjLfA2Wv4sR5vqppGcLQqkSgTv0UQJ-OTO-RJCuiPKB7TMQlWMBVvJT9PQTFYXDnWmBTExUNCmcPmYeoMzXFEkV_l2UAuchDJJHSK6_3_DJ5kYMVlE/s1600-h/DSCN2689.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224074040900351970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8A2pMYi_9t-oYgnqjWu2hXtBZJjLfA2Wv4sR5vqppGcLQqkSgTv0UQJ-OTO-RJCuiPKB7TMQlWMBVvJT9PQTFYXDnWmBTExUNCmcPmYeoMzXFEkV_l2UAuchDJJHSK6_3_DJ5kYMVlE/s320/DSCN2689.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">His classic funny man face!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK15O6aGX2dzIVp3Bppc1Gbg_H_mvp-_UOTebJnR7ymeWFmgg5DOo7C33oPD7UoscUkA959Qztla-_llOwjpvSfWYdUD10nSqJ_pijEILtaxHP02NAu3tRFITFpiLJUA8-EicwNQEYpWw/s1600-h/RSCN2643.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224074043646051714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK15O6aGX2dzIVp3Bppc1Gbg_H_mvp-_UOTebJnR7ymeWFmgg5DOo7C33oPD7UoscUkA959Qztla-_llOwjpvSfWYdUD10nSqJ_pijEILtaxHP02NAu3tRFITFpiLJUA8-EicwNQEYpWw/s320/RSCN2643.JPG" border="0" /></span></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">At the neighbor's party on Saturday.</span></div>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496674786645727003.post-88957110136407768092008-07-09T06:25:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:27:39.455-08:00Can't keep up!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">That's the feeling lately - can't keep up - and I'm not complaining! I feel like I can't keep up with the lessons the Lord is teaching me as I make my way through the book of Matthew. One little passage at a time, the Holy Spirit is stopping me and revealing humbling lessons. Pastor Chilly would often say that the Lord "gets it to us, and then gets it through us." Wow. What the Lord is doing in me today isn't just for me...it's for my family, my neighbors, my divine appointments today (ok - I'm not sure that I'm even leaving the house today, but you know what I mean) and, ultimately, it's for His glory. So, my prayer is that I would allow the truths of His word to not just be a good journal entry, or a great "feeling" during my time with Him, or a good blog (though I know I rarely blog from my journal)...but I want it to be transforming to me today. I want to look into the mirror of His Word and be continually changed, not just challenged. (James1:23). I don't want ruts, I don't want to crave routine...I want to relish the "can't keep up" feeling of following God. And that, to any fellow type A-daytimer-driven-friends, has to be a work of the Spirit!<br />I also feel like I can't keep up with this little person who is growing before my very eyes. More than every before, as I see his understanding growing by leaps and bounds, I am praying for God's annointing on Brian and I to be the parents that Nathaniel needs today. Well, I could write more, but the "Count" just finished his bit, which means Elmo's World is around the corner, leaving me just enough time to post some pictures! ha ha</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR1uQD15u3PkWRmqKK0nyrIvj23HvG1DN7BuQoD08JeSlyiqE3UKON1rpHnL-pWft7MYIBihme-uzHWP33EIO2Xv9imqacGAaoFTVYIjF7IUEzrH98A5OCCIn2vYHFZ_3EHiL3nRIwLw/s1600-h/DSCN2608.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221008834739951058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR1uQD15u3PkWRmqKK0nyrIvj23HvG1DN7BuQoD08JeSlyiqE3UKON1rpHnL-pWft7MYIBihme-uzHWP33EIO2Xv9imqacGAaoFTVYIjF7IUEzrH98A5OCCIn2vYHFZ_3EHiL3nRIwLw/s320/DSCN2608.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> yes, it's water!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetXwUZbhpA3cyKqFDpHlXfQRkBm9tKkszK1LJqaKoEKPeAI8AKTUVBSqQXaWcusgsxi0dJULOT1i1aytllXVP6fHWqbLHHtXM3KnW9f1raRrl71XB4325jAdv6JCVU9_p0irqGF13X24/s1600-h/RSCN2619.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221008839772393778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetXwUZbhpA3cyKqFDpHlXfQRkBm9tKkszK1LJqaKoEKPeAI8AKTUVBSqQXaWcusgsxi0dJULOT1i1aytllXVP6fHWqbLHHtXM3KnW9f1raRrl71XB4325jAdv6JCVU9_p0irqGF13X24/s320/RSCN2619.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I love Lionel, Papa & Grandma!</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-pnXwjSk-ty91hNW14kGZABpFtbpDfkbB2HT7nL-PuApNpYYvBBhAoSAj_Y_vBFCnerPewDGuYllIKCoiRGSf9qH5J_028iPatynOcy9Rlud3lBp8fnzQWhnJYQkqE3NIfMIJ-lVoE8/s1600-h/RSCN2622.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221008844867473122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-pnXwjSk-ty91hNW14kGZABpFtbpDfkbB2HT7nL-PuApNpYYvBBhAoSAj_Y_vBFCnerPewDGuYllIKCoiRGSf9qH5J_028iPatynOcy9Rlud3lBp8fnzQWhnJYQkqE3NIfMIJ-lVoE8/s320/RSCN2622.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mx7cMCu_3GmWeZwLWv_wcTBKE7jd4Y-AddwU_zOFNG_vmX3UuQsoSn4360DgITqtGfW8IkTQvNOX7S0P6HGPv-1fh0xQRn8LygPsnQ4rY59GPmuqLlg8dSFCU50L7XZDoZKhcEyEZm0/s1600-h/RSCN2627.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221008846104643698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mx7cMCu_3GmWeZwLWv_wcTBKE7jd4Y-AddwU_zOFNG_vmX3UuQsoSn4360DgITqtGfW8IkTQvNOX7S0P6HGPv-1fh0xQRn8LygPsnQ4rY59GPmuqLlg8dSFCU50L7XZDoZKhcEyEZm0/s320/RSCN2627.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whatcha lookin' at?</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvo7UQzzIXgTgrS3yDXk_YFSNJqaEAitDXSZEE9LDPP44vus_4UAdddzH7CndK6J8cEeEf_LwUbXwrA6Jk8VlG3RCu2rFXoKxnbPmwGlWJ9JnsPJ5elIv6Lt9jUjXFe35EfMib2yni7c/s1600-h/RSCN2634.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221008852967332354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvo7UQzzIXgTgrS3yDXk_YFSNJqaEAitDXSZEE9LDPP44vus_4UAdddzH7CndK6J8cEeEf_LwUbXwrA6Jk8VlG3RCu2rFXoKxnbPmwGlWJ9JnsPJ5elIv6Lt9jUjXFe35EfMib2yni7c/s320/RSCN2634.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> at the neighbors, on July 4th<br /></span><br /></p>Lanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211872162990579746noreply@blogger.com3