tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172381122024-03-07T00:35:52.285-08:00The CharleblogThe Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.comBlogger867125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-85178897708960582602015-08-31T05:04:00.001-07:002015-08-31T05:04:47.583-07:00TN BoundWe left bright and early this morning for a 6-day trip to Tennessee to visit my brother Micah, his wife Missy and their 5 kids. We are all excited! <div>The last time we did a road trip like this was 3 years and 2 kids ago. It's sure to be an adventure! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAHfK4ciUn3XNt8fAQSo42a28iJwjhYwtxII8qNebSqu2RDnKmL3hhfuFcYOLnUDMKQMbh9XDTbEqzHXWsPEQ36pWwD2Vh2sBcx-tjtIWfxprSd1ZVtLwxvoNxtbHuyLwjOgZIA/s640/blogger-image-1298573557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAHfK4ciUn3XNt8fAQSo42a28iJwjhYwtxII8qNebSqu2RDnKmL3hhfuFcYOLnUDMKQMbh9XDTbEqzHXWsPEQ36pWwD2Vh2sBcx-tjtIWfxprSd1ZVtLwxvoNxtbHuyLwjOgZIA/s640/blogger-image-1298573557.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-23703802889711113072015-08-19T05:39:00.001-07:002015-08-19T05:39:49.632-07:0010 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jrFDLPvxv39A-4HQ7wXifF6hn1KSubgvyujKVekUUkA2iNNk1CJzsxGUA7iwKcKKz6ZX4J5zSEXF3-5QOO7ViXivwfDEL91tlsKSLEl8RAgjQgZ8v1NGFPlcq6jMTskLI7XPw/s640/blogger-image--1869002324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jrFDLPvxv39A-4HQ7wXifF6hn1KSubgvyujKVekUUkA2iNNk1CJzsxGUA7iwKcKKz6ZX4J5zSEXF3-5QOO7ViXivwfDEL91tlsKSLEl8RAgjQgZ8v1NGFPlcq6jMTskLI7XPw/s640/blogger-image--1869002324.jpg"></a></div>I love him more now than ever before in our journey together. All the cliches are true -- it just keeps getting better. We've had our share of ups and downs, but he has always been the perfect man for me; able to lead me in my stubbornness, comfort me in my weakness, encourage me in my strengths, and love me no matter what. He is quick to apologize and quick to forgive. He is honest and helpful. He is an incredible dad, and his children adore him. He is my husband, and I love him wholeheartedly, forever. <div>Happy 10 years, babe. I can't wait for the next 60 together. xoxo</div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-86154595362774543262015-08-14T08:52:00.000-07:002015-08-14T08:52:35.659-07:00S'morenutsS'morenuts: a roasted marshmallow and a glazed donut hole sandwiched between two fudge striped cookies. S'morenuts.<br />
<br />
Enough said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwjjZMFNFD_1UCc4J1x7FaBhtU2_kzXPcMMDYaPYDJKB4XIXlKpJWjuQmPjnuUyqmJQHVvAcWwE6BvFqVpflxcfRMxhzBpaeJCedb_0rxDvhbwiCf_1Sbng1q_-i6HfqSLGhH6w/s1600/IMG_8180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwjjZMFNFD_1UCc4J1x7FaBhtU2_kzXPcMMDYaPYDJKB4XIXlKpJWjuQmPjnuUyqmJQHVvAcWwE6BvFqVpflxcfRMxhzBpaeJCedb_0rxDvhbwiCf_1Sbng1q_-i6HfqSLGhH6w/s320/IMG_8180.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYvdNuVxWvPt2nx41KQTBV69d84lL9SrNO-EZnAzMSLXO9RixzlPKN9Ee8zZ53Ce3yvQuHOiju-emhVl6HfOhAq8PLcUk1Ury4Kl-lg10teRmiUWb4enECOg7p4XPFHFS5btbpw/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYvdNuVxWvPt2nx41KQTBV69d84lL9SrNO-EZnAzMSLXO9RixzlPKN9Ee8zZ53Ce3yvQuHOiju-emhVl6HfOhAq8PLcUk1Ury4Kl-lg10teRmiUWb4enECOg7p4XPFHFS5btbpw/s320/IMG_8181.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-90624221249314114542015-08-14T08:49:00.001-07:002015-08-14T08:49:37.957-07:00Silas - Keeping Life Exciting***WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS PICTURES WITH BLOOD***<br />
<br />
Our Silas Arthur is full swing into being 2.5 years old. He's as masculine as they come, and all of the rumors are true about boys being more work than girls at this age (I think I'm qualified to say that). He's all trucks, trains and bulldozers, and his two key love languages (quality time and touch) combine to require almost daily wrestling matches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEWL8SeR3msbbV1gKBckgWhk3wSvUAKjqOy_5VaBq-OTFghGkqf9_GbYvOEh2XqNIL94WtSIYqczIZlaP9o3ka5mYkPgSYhcN78A_XO-W-RBy0mIoK9bObxtPTI-gBExHMjavPA/s1600/IMG_7981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEWL8SeR3msbbV1gKBckgWhk3wSvUAKjqOy_5VaBq-OTFghGkqf9_GbYvOEh2XqNIL94WtSIYqczIZlaP9o3ka5mYkPgSYhcN78A_XO-W-RBy0mIoK9bObxtPTI-gBExHMjavPA/s320/IMG_7981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm learning more and more that I can't take my eyes off of this boy for more than a minute. Last week was especially -- how shall I say it -- <i>exciting</i>. It started on Tuesday night. All of the kids were playing outside along with the two neighbor boys. I was in and out of the house, but was currently out in the road chatting with my two neighbor friends. It was around 8:30 pm, so I hollered to the kids that it was time to go in for bed, and we all went inside.<br />
I looked around and noticed the girls had followed me in, but not Silas. I asked where he was, and the girls said they thought he had gone inside already. We searched the house with no trace of him, then went back outside to look. We couldn't find him. Pretty soon the whole neighborhood was out searching for him. He wasn't in any of the usual places.<br />
After about 30 minutes of this, we called the cops. Someone from the Sheriff's offie came out and got his description. By this point I was thoroughly freaking out and the girls were all in tears. JP was in scared/angry mode.<br />
We continued our search while the police got word out and was calling for dogs to come help in the search. It was around this time that one of the neighbor boys suggested that Rae check inside a couple old vehicles we have parked out by our pole barn. When she did, there was Silas, stuck inside one of the vans. He had somehow gotten in, but couldn't get out.<br />
We all ran to him and collapsed in a ball of tears and prayers of thanksgiving. I get sick to my stomach when I think of how bad it could have been, and can only offer thanks to God for His mercy: it was a cooler evening, the car was parked in the shade, he wasn't in there too long, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNhklXzeHvwnIuY3W2f6x7FVWSiyKnTzRC_1c1erZToQuTivlnJAtadn3a8CnljPNgEEKY7Up-YZdbt8r3Yum-T9mINDBlZ3SLu2pRP_Wz51vowPBM16HH9_8eb4j9L2Z9YlSog/s1600/IMG_8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNhklXzeHvwnIuY3W2f6x7FVWSiyKnTzRC_1c1erZToQuTivlnJAtadn3a8CnljPNgEEKY7Up-YZdbt8r3Yum-T9mINDBlZ3SLu2pRP_Wz51vowPBM16HH9_8eb4j9L2Z9YlSog/s320/IMG_8199.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
One would think that would be enough action for one week, but not with my Silas! Only two days later, Silas was wrestling with Rae upstairs in the living room. I was downstairs working on my computer. All of the sudden I heard a loud thump followed by a pause and then screaming. As a mother of 5, I don't automatically jump up when these things happen, so I waited for him to come down to where I was to show me what was wrong. He did, but when I nonchalantly looked up at him, I was startled to see blood (and lots of it) running down his face. Apparently he had hit his head on the corner of the coffee table and cut a big gash into head, just inside the hair line.<br />
A closer inspection and some clean up revealed a pretty deep cut about an inch and a half long. I took him in to the emergency room and he ended up with five staples in his head. He was a trooper and barely fussed at all during the stapling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy75R1ssHc8O6r22qwwoMQaxvmPMBThR2DxzE29IjlbpD2xzuHI1G9_hh5IKwfRM1sWhp_5K-LeoaPmBUd5avuvnO400FlEzLRe_sXjbXYqScaqz8IgVKwZeQXfd6J8DHZVW8G-w/s1600/IMG_8273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy75R1ssHc8O6r22qwwoMQaxvmPMBThR2DxzE29IjlbpD2xzuHI1G9_hh5IKwfRM1sWhp_5K-LeoaPmBUd5avuvnO400FlEzLRe_sXjbXYqScaqz8IgVKwZeQXfd6J8DHZVW8G-w/s320/IMG_8273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCD8TSf3TCpvgWQaEDxcpf39iStgMWitkXIQWOlUuR3eKR5sXRMMeZkz_eXZzLH5nxFFWiV5TsZ3AoOq-G4dUMRItjKKiyCkCiwP7SVtZ5YVqv4Wr7bV9RxduwMEYfP5ip-_zA/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCD8TSf3TCpvgWQaEDxcpf39iStgMWitkXIQWOlUuR3eKR5sXRMMeZkz_eXZzLH5nxFFWiV5TsZ3AoOq-G4dUMRItjKKiyCkCiwP7SVtZ5YVqv4Wr7bV9RxduwMEYfP5ip-_zA/s320/IMG_8276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-s0tHxBZo9sSJLlSJQWEntsp-sr6Pzgdmnif3dBkOQkLFKI5W0TgzYOQsTXKPGx2A_dntyUlyiCbWjEOWXEirU3vo5jrLKpZjGywDQqzfq5rn4TvWQXjByUAVcj7PR_3prrr7w/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-s0tHxBZo9sSJLlSJQWEntsp-sr6Pzgdmnif3dBkOQkLFKI5W0TgzYOQsTXKPGx2A_dntyUlyiCbWjEOWXEirU3vo5jrLKpZjGywDQqzfq5rn4TvWQXjByUAVcj7PR_3prrr7w/s320/IMG_8277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm thankful that God gave us two boys, and I guess it's better to just jump right in to this whole parenting boys thing rather than ease into it. I love my little dude, and I'm excited to see what bold and exciting adventures God has for him in the future. He's a born leader and commander, just like his daddy.The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-7531489931868490792015-07-29T12:13:00.001-07:002015-07-29T12:13:23.239-07:00Munsinger Gardens and Splash PadWe made our annual summer trip to St. Cloud to visit the Munsinger/Clemens Gardens last week. The kids love strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens, splashing in the fountains, visiting the peacocks, and throwing crackers to the ducks in the river. My friend's 9-year-old son offered to take a picture of me with the kids, and I think it is the first one I have of me with all five of them. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtO3gUTBPhZ5IpOwiWDeVKcgYR-Z0X7D9iChkybYWenpCCcvOCEmA4jORklyI71d4_mrXCjecPnbsnDo7R1sztudrlX4kL8WNvxHYEb_kj7FF9pGKCoyIhM49fdMQMjIDN6nMTg/s640/blogger-image--144342439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtO3gUTBPhZ5IpOwiWDeVKcgYR-Z0X7D9iChkybYWenpCCcvOCEmA4jORklyI71d4_mrXCjecPnbsnDo7R1sztudrlX4kL8WNvxHYEb_kj7FF9pGKCoyIhM49fdMQMjIDN6nMTg/s640/blogger-image--144342439.jpg"></a></div>Now for a silly one:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyKi-X2-gJPWj558QwdqcOWMO5OQn230YnMPgIqXCqXAQGBgm6Qb3puUjc7FogiwdGsMtiXzCpxnTkMBMgpiXDU_k1vyui1b80FwYS13RGwMvyi0iH-2AV4MCw2GjpNhM-z5Svw/s640/blogger-image--1760869239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyKi-X2-gJPWj558QwdqcOWMO5OQn230YnMPgIqXCqXAQGBgm6Qb3puUjc7FogiwdGsMtiXzCpxnTkMBMgpiXDU_k1vyui1b80FwYS13RGwMvyi0iH-2AV4MCw2GjpNhM-z5Svw/s640/blogger-image--1760869239.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After the gardens, we visited the Lake George Splash Pad & playground. While we were there, an ice cream truck showed up. The kids had never seen one before. They watched it with amazement, but not one of them asked if they could have some. They probably just assumed I would say no. Imagine their surprise when I suggested a treat! They were beside themselves. Silas got a Spider Man treat that stained his hands and face red and blue. I thought the girls would be more adventurous with so many options, but they all stuck to what they knew. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFJ3ieuk6YYTBTo0gG2eY3YjQL7xAhJXV2LqHW-Mkl2jneA4dJR1og-ipJ9IAcgAPzXRars6moy6CjWo-hoWcI5E7XzvvokDMMFLlAyrM7g7tdS4M0sza8JHd9LL3yPzmna-EFQ/s640/blogger-image-673701019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFJ3ieuk6YYTBTo0gG2eY3YjQL7xAhJXV2LqHW-Mkl2jneA4dJR1og-ipJ9IAcgAPzXRars6moy6CjWo-hoWcI5E7XzvvokDMMFLlAyrM7g7tdS4M0sza8JHd9LL3yPzmna-EFQ/s640/blogger-image-673701019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUffbFbofEOwloy8dg7ve5ICvB-M6nhh8ZPM723B0F5CHkmdTMcC4FZksoPQj56oDAVqHetVvO5ovgvE0hLOOgck07ocDJZUiBW11ylzPmhZ8X_Xhw6Dy2KWiSM57TNTwFVzU_gQ/s640/blogger-image-1572270205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUffbFbofEOwloy8dg7ve5ICvB-M6nhh8ZPM723B0F5CHkmdTMcC4FZksoPQj56oDAVqHetVvO5ovgvE0hLOOgck07ocDJZUiBW11ylzPmhZ8X_Xhw6Dy2KWiSM57TNTwFVzU_gQ/s640/blogger-image-1572270205.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-58446497210107297362015-07-28T08:19:00.001-07:002015-07-28T08:19:02.621-07:00House ProgressThe railing is done and the walls are painted. We moved the furniture up yesterday, but I think we may need to trade these for a big sectional to make it work right. There's nothing on the walls yet, and I need to add some color somewhere, but we're getting there!<div><br></div><div>Note: the wall color is more gray in real life than these photos are showing. These are cell phone photos, so pardon the quality...and the goofy kids. :)<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtr1p-uAYQTCuUcK05PeeIjLr1Y374NpXtHr2R149gSmQVoyIddg6RR8IfztHgbOQDw4Cy8-nEtpBsRh9fGU1vY1LRGCijVvOXWoVAvSSxP9qQnvlErD2ZRf9XpypZa9TCJpprg/s640/blogger-image-1591156375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtr1p-uAYQTCuUcK05PeeIjLr1Y374NpXtHr2R149gSmQVoyIddg6RR8IfztHgbOQDw4Cy8-nEtpBsRh9fGU1vY1LRGCijVvOXWoVAvSSxP9qQnvlErD2ZRf9XpypZa9TCJpprg/s640/blogger-image-1591156375.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPQvb4wYsghvQDpkaI4sogpbS0OfApxzzWf1t12zRrfXeT5cdJAwn85E9G7v7YUYkjHXhmaHKcPECqBn41TgE_gDE92oZyrU_OZ5fSkObSvFWNWt7oOkt-N7zrkpXAQFVODjHeA/s640/blogger-image--713367499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPQvb4wYsghvQDpkaI4sogpbS0OfApxzzWf1t12zRrfXeT5cdJAwn85E9G7v7YUYkjHXhmaHKcPECqBn41TgE_gDE92oZyrU_OZ5fSkObSvFWNWt7oOkt-N7zrkpXAQFVODjHeA/s640/blogger-image--713367499.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-26077012250156796372015-07-18T07:55:00.001-07:002015-07-18T07:55:03.001-07:00Picking Out Paint ColorsTurns out I hate picking out paint colors. I was going nuts! I had 17 different samples scattered across my walks and none of them seemed right. Finally I reached out to my friend's mom, who is an interior decorator. The very first color she suggested was a winner. Lesson learned! Out kitchen and living area will soon be Benjamin Moore's Sandy Hook Gray. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXyqtZ6gjkqu0WHpvgDUK38Z83Abma3SAIELybFGyjZyMVzFjHW1tWFzaEBgUWZuxF90wO7sfQzwUkb2blSb2X52nC5_OsFa6jvpzZsuwmMN1dz-CZ05TscKFj9XrxHQDKS5GVQ/s640/blogger-image--2144692859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXyqtZ6gjkqu0WHpvgDUK38Z83Abma3SAIELybFGyjZyMVzFjHW1tWFzaEBgUWZuxF90wO7sfQzwUkb2blSb2X52nC5_OsFa6jvpzZsuwmMN1dz-CZ05TscKFj9XrxHQDKS5GVQ/s640/blogger-image--2144692859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcYeCE3oiM2T9p4dBfMOdtpRSmQeQi4E8xmJpWqrKIWdiF0bB_Kmk6S4ct0e0SxcvXYf42FG7AyqHO4c_UblcYyIX6kEgV6a_Kl25a0VdDgChqxI5aj2HWg4rPSOBsdOUsjDSsQ/s640/blogger-image-1026256649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcYeCE3oiM2T9p4dBfMOdtpRSmQeQi4E8xmJpWqrKIWdiF0bB_Kmk6S4ct0e0SxcvXYf42FG7AyqHO4c_UblcYyIX6kEgV6a_Kl25a0VdDgChqxI5aj2HWg4rPSOBsdOUsjDSsQ/s640/blogger-image-1026256649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteN5tQmxVrVFH_um6bg-V4tOM7umoSTkBOZh_PAl1MGFWgv-hwMgWUq1J9ScD1yFby0T7u8mW5yxazbnyoTnN3j9CsJl80rVOrZOrPnTKyn19jplddB9jFv43n7AEarz3h50M7g/s640/blogger-image-1619471030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteN5tQmxVrVFH_um6bg-V4tOM7umoSTkBOZh_PAl1MGFWgv-hwMgWUq1J9ScD1yFby0T7u8mW5yxazbnyoTnN3j9CsJl80rVOrZOrPnTKyn19jplddB9jFv43n7AEarz3h50M7g/s640/blogger-image-1619471030.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-70394377540096687582015-07-13T20:00:00.001-07:002015-07-13T20:00:42.123-07:00Mini Remodel ProjectJP had a great idea the other day to take out the wall between our kitchen and the lofted living room. The idea is to open up the space and make it feel more like one big room instead of two separate ones. He put up a railing, and it looks great. We are in the process of picking out paint colors, and that will make a big impact, as well.<br />
<br />
We plan to move our living area (which is currently downstairs) up to the lofted area and make the downstairs the new homeschool room. We may even switch bedrooms with the girls to make the whole downstairs area a "kid" zone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnsv4XftbEDxuJAsXjVxb0IImsaQICE0w_ommqA7Q5DJ0TSYgcBTuG0ltdAXI7BucVbd2yld7bZZh0i6dHhXZyzCSUIQHe_oZb2CmQi-CkfYhF0m0fLGxM6x9e1qeCZ6u8jiKxw/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnsv4XftbEDxuJAsXjVxb0IImsaQICE0w_ommqA7Q5DJ0TSYgcBTuG0ltdAXI7BucVbd2yld7bZZh0i6dHhXZyzCSUIQHe_oZb2CmQi-CkfYhF0m0fLGxM6x9e1qeCZ6u8jiKxw/s320/IMG_8034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-227274062450040912015-07-09T07:08:00.001-07:002015-07-09T07:08:04.776-07:00Contains Fragile Material<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The other day, Ruby & Rosie declared they wanted me to mail them to their friend Shiloh's house. So, I got a large box, put them inside with some crackers and water, plus the bags they had packed, and we taped them up. Rae addressed the box, and together we dragged them out to the mailbox. Hilariously, Ruby & Rosie thought the whole thing was real! After a few minutes by the mailbox, their excitement started to turn into nervousness. I told them it was illegal to mail children, so they'd need to be very quiet so as not to be discovered. They finally decided they didn't want to break the law, and we released them. </span></div><div>I felt badly after the fact because Rosie actually got pretty emotional and admitted she was scared. I assured them I would never, ever do anything like that in real life, and we all had a good chuckle over it after the fact. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjC7Wme4k-Upc6gN9zsh0LwlfsxVhgGOzwP23hEpbWlLj4trK11QRuFtv6BE2vvR8S33xU-LxEu87LaOfUTWzhz3_PGyhYjjTZVOPu4FfqxWQKJJhecVVJPvD8LyMj5lsbXshaw/s640/blogger-image-1723568970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjC7Wme4k-Upc6gN9zsh0LwlfsxVhgGOzwP23hEpbWlLj4trK11QRuFtv6BE2vvR8S33xU-LxEu87LaOfUTWzhz3_PGyhYjjTZVOPu4FfqxWQKJJhecVVJPvD8LyMj5lsbXshaw/s640/blogger-image-1723568970.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4WumqK6QP3Z6207umIACQRotnhDcm6yK8U7ITgIeehuun9J_osNOhcga1RLHfIHAIOjB-hnYqZVYg6NGkzGBI9eM1RJ-g6idnZ2r862LETT09VCOY5HtHb2ALw33Fg-RLWPvFQ/s640/blogger-image-2077930243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4WumqK6QP3Z6207umIACQRotnhDcm6yK8U7ITgIeehuun9J_osNOhcga1RLHfIHAIOjB-hnYqZVYg6NGkzGBI9eM1RJ-g6idnZ2r862LETT09VCOY5HtHb2ALw33Fg-RLWPvFQ/s640/blogger-image-2077930243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT_cvB86jezqr0yZxk72auLea_g3YYsN-fc4HWNRfiTz7fhzrN78QEatg1oYN6-jUrG_8OllntpdR-_kqUDfM2KlAqI2z6qWBehpAJCiMQoZo2MCUNLLvQ1aN2bgorNLOLR42xg/s640/blogger-image-1307711585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT_cvB86jezqr0yZxk72auLea_g3YYsN-fc4HWNRfiTz7fhzrN78QEatg1oYN6-jUrG_8OllntpdR-_kqUDfM2KlAqI2z6qWBehpAJCiMQoZo2MCUNLLvQ1aN2bgorNLOLR42xg/s640/blogger-image-1307711585.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihK1xywxQ-PCcrFdpU_6wm3IYN_F13ckykAhL_uaPexcpyksfdskUQDmj3bC6MO4VI3qOraMng-4_EZOVoNYQssgrw1PULZ1SeX_b2Mz5nGquR4S3jBXcnzNrmblT-t_cK_FsP3g/s640/blogger-image--1299279378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihK1xywxQ-PCcrFdpU_6wm3IYN_F13ckykAhL_uaPexcpyksfdskUQDmj3bC6MO4VI3qOraMng-4_EZOVoNYQssgrw1PULZ1SeX_b2Mz5nGquR4S3jBXcnzNrmblT-t_cK_FsP3g/s640/blogger-image--1299279378.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-72729123192242503552015-07-09T06:59:00.001-07:002015-07-09T06:59:26.852-07:00Kelley Farm<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have been wanting to take the kids to the Historic Kelley Farm for some time now, and the opportunity finally presented itself. The farm was holding an event called children's day, during which kids could participate in daily farm chores, demonstrations, games and activities. Silas could have pumped water at the well all day; Ruby was chasing kittens all afternoon; Rosie stayed near the horses, and Rae kept herself busy (and got soaked) hauling buckets of water from the well to the horses and gardens. </span></div><div>This was a great educational trip, and I would highly recommend it! It coincided nicely with our Little House on the Prairie history theme this year. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS1CGyRKhRU9_fH6TpyUlVrkImznnjzsk-iIU4RxOPhLZSJlmWhybMYcnG9s8XSuIOYVRz1shdOEB3pMkISzrrHyM6BWwQS2iubibkB9rildr8EnJPQJeI_a-61vHEFsphzTnNw/s640/blogger-image-711252402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS1CGyRKhRU9_fH6TpyUlVrkImznnjzsk-iIU4RxOPhLZSJlmWhybMYcnG9s8XSuIOYVRz1shdOEB3pMkISzrrHyM6BWwQS2iubibkB9rildr8EnJPQJeI_a-61vHEFsphzTnNw/s640/blogger-image-711252402.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXezJi7KQ3yTeqZmTexcNF3U50RjhrORCCtsHK-wINyWxdtfpVEDSosSVrWtTng8pHL90pXicJxxWl7iL3MiZkkqHLxXETG1PZfjCwXMyDe-9KawwYcmhNynDdxtNvFTiFYxG0Q/s640/blogger-image--1573938783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXezJi7KQ3yTeqZmTexcNF3U50RjhrORCCtsHK-wINyWxdtfpVEDSosSVrWtTng8pHL90pXicJxxWl7iL3MiZkkqHLxXETG1PZfjCwXMyDe-9KawwYcmhNynDdxtNvFTiFYxG0Q/s640/blogger-image--1573938783.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXezJi7KQ3yTeqZmTexcNF3U50RjhrORCCtsHK-wINyWxdtfpVEDSosSVrWtTng8pHL90pXicJxxWl7iL3MiZkkqHLxXETG1PZfjCwXMyDe-9KawwYcmhNynDdxtNvFTiFYxG0Q/s640/blogger-image--1573938783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXb942v5sGpRFx7oSN4PZDrsD1Vf95VGNAxd3JuWRXdulkVBedOc5Rt4dAzjlgmUbEOHyNf37bxZOIksalBBWAMy1-u5wGres2Df6KGJVgU-AjF-4vA_dY9F4kLSM0hHNnSrUJA/s640/blogger-image-1606247534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXb942v5sGpRFx7oSN4PZDrsD1Vf95VGNAxd3JuWRXdulkVBedOc5Rt4dAzjlgmUbEOHyNf37bxZOIksalBBWAMy1-u5wGres2Df6KGJVgU-AjF-4vA_dY9F4kLSM0hHNnSrUJA/s640/blogger-image-1606247534.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkQglXqeR-zxq24FuhGH_B3CD09oqhvhigG5IpAEtLZ5V50Q7Z2VIjrQSqwEawa8An_wr3AuuWYmj2ZmTZIFb2z2pg-iu0eSqdfWekrYaB63kKOnSvrH_gT6GRYGEnY_AebXxDQ/s640/blogger-image--2020249563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkQglXqeR-zxq24FuhGH_B3CD09oqhvhigG5IpAEtLZ5V50Q7Z2VIjrQSqwEawa8An_wr3AuuWYmj2ZmTZIFb2z2pg-iu0eSqdfWekrYaB63kKOnSvrH_gT6GRYGEnY_AebXxDQ/s640/blogger-image--2020249563.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OLu2djnd_Il7neOfghw2DI3mfVdHBRqXQA-3gBYkx8a2eU73H4gO76Fp8AwywdpqDMMLN6iyEfj36Oo5Xd-g51uWPlleuVLEBtgesU-sITD_efXfA8BiP_d3wovynnIO64Et1Q/s640/blogger-image--1146761050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OLu2djnd_Il7neOfghw2DI3mfVdHBRqXQA-3gBYkx8a2eU73H4gO76Fp8AwywdpqDMMLN6iyEfj36Oo5Xd-g51uWPlleuVLEBtgesU-sITD_efXfA8BiP_d3wovynnIO64Et1Q/s640/blogger-image--1146761050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncadpTHV-WkpXcMoLPLbWHZ-_c4jLVxmXyp-Ud-Kp946fw8hQsQV4Uh0aBqku3eDVkVVtXJojYTjZI83TAoMj4XGaSuJMswgaNYyU_yY0_V-fkywe2sGDF_52kQ4Gv8eDWRaG2Q/s640/blogger-image--1837223386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncadpTHV-WkpXcMoLPLbWHZ-_c4jLVxmXyp-Ud-Kp946fw8hQsQV4Uh0aBqku3eDVkVVtXJojYTjZI83TAoMj4XGaSuJMswgaNYyU_yY0_V-fkywe2sGDF_52kQ4Gv8eDWRaG2Q/s640/blogger-image--1837223386.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKvGdyuAL-xXSujvNsIZ2_qRzKpD6xKeCJgkTuP4eYlgLX80ADBW1ymwsZxv2udKE6yDhtj5G6FvRTQjnASdKllIUg_EbpvEz5kfV9-j6_ZfOzKQmbQh95jZjT3BerHOf0M1p5w/s640/blogger-image-60521872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKvGdyuAL-xXSujvNsIZ2_qRzKpD6xKeCJgkTuP4eYlgLX80ADBW1ymwsZxv2udKE6yDhtj5G6FvRTQjnASdKllIUg_EbpvEz5kfV9-j6_ZfOzKQmbQh95jZjT3BerHOf0M1p5w/s640/blogger-image-60521872.jpg"></a></div>I was drooling over this beautiful house!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U3EVk-HVsff46pjjlcnYuZQl_Gq8WgtHGf1Brlc5x-33kEkwpTUfMDpvOqDwMrqvQTJu3ccHHdSt5ZnUytggPkXxtGWdd8W05Ry2dPP9xMcIPnKl_43Hw1qZFsBnOdR7H0hRsg/s640/blogger-image--2026412324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U3EVk-HVsff46pjjlcnYuZQl_Gq8WgtHGf1Brlc5x-33kEkwpTUfMDpvOqDwMrqvQTJu3ccHHdSt5ZnUytggPkXxtGWdd8W05Ry2dPP9xMcIPnKl_43Hw1qZFsBnOdR7H0hRsg/s640/blogger-image--2026412324.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfZAXb4A8BhScitBBzmOuNZ91P_XNUtlBQvKBcb0aGIdJY25YPuqMMXmMbfry4xttYmmnPZ1iKGJg5W_l7NGGKrJTMLd9btp_LFD-1ssoa6H8E8qWIWKDdVhhEc77-g6QT17zvw/s640/blogger-image-1795616455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfZAXb4A8BhScitBBzmOuNZ91P_XNUtlBQvKBcb0aGIdJY25YPuqMMXmMbfry4xttYmmnPZ1iKGJg5W_l7NGGKrJTMLd9btp_LFD-1ssoa6H8E8qWIWKDdVhhEc77-g6QT17zvw/s640/blogger-image-1795616455.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-786272274456617232015-07-09T06:50:00.001-07:002015-07-09T06:50:12.828-07:00Father's Day 2015We are so thankful for the fathers in our lives. Each one of them plays a vital role in helping mold and shape us into the people God purposes is and our children to be. <div><br></div><div>While we were not able to see all of our dads this Father's Day, we took advantage of Missy & the kids being in town to join my family at Big Marine Park Reserve for a picnic and playground fun. </div><div><br></div><div>We planned to swim, but signage warning of swimmer's itch deterred us. Luckily, my dad noticed a hose near our picnic site, and the kids had a blast spraying each other all afternoon. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKP8_bq43z3-6XvOfUBPcKqoxIXmyfcgDfItyQP_gN6HqpcjAH3Pzo8ggT69Lk5cdFW0UhmPZve_1rvhYLRAQNqB1AV4aMoilihHsIJYiH3J3YWmpNDnXMWWzmHfhlJZBzq_lcA/s640/blogger-image-1051677250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKP8_bq43z3-6XvOfUBPcKqoxIXmyfcgDfItyQP_gN6HqpcjAH3Pzo8ggT69Lk5cdFW0UhmPZve_1rvhYLRAQNqB1AV4aMoilihHsIJYiH3J3YWmpNDnXMWWzmHfhlJZBzq_lcA/s640/blogger-image-1051677250.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsNXuRpXyeYQzuH2Sttjbd2Ce5YtAbmo5KqjiAQzrPEcxh1Yep5drZwni_uhId1kMlk5Gd_mXDJNmTNhLs5PxsBt-C0N3N5E5qHncvGzb-P9m0fW0g4r45TJ15xG2MchDE34LQ/s640/blogger-image--158159872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsNXuRpXyeYQzuH2Sttjbd2Ce5YtAbmo5KqjiAQzrPEcxh1Yep5drZwni_uhId1kMlk5Gd_mXDJNmTNhLs5PxsBt-C0N3N5E5qHncvGzb-P9m0fW0g4r45TJ15xG2MchDE34LQ/s640/blogger-image--158159872.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AtOhWx1F6OryQOd1qVpiRb8bebz25pTTfmz94f5srFmrlWEink2M3V6kb2mMRvG1RfeevUMNx_Y0OAbRXeIJikIvOUbULDlYoOGu2lYuofStzaxqMOaCBIJ9nHbWwpTEWtkcdA/s640/blogger-image--600420548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AtOhWx1F6OryQOd1qVpiRb8bebz25pTTfmz94f5srFmrlWEink2M3V6kb2mMRvG1RfeevUMNx_Y0OAbRXeIJikIvOUbULDlYoOGu2lYuofStzaxqMOaCBIJ9nHbWwpTEWtkcdA/s640/blogger-image--600420548.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm826-chDpEgUk1x2crkLZW0Nsu63lwxCgQNKPYID-SmjW1qXD95J5zmQmHcj6ennU5NB9nUSsps4_CvQxpLubOh6_l53VQanzBjW9wyI2L0EFaloKtMTRsbnJfq6fwDrEi55Q5g/s640/blogger-image-567474004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm826-chDpEgUk1x2crkLZW0Nsu63lwxCgQNKPYID-SmjW1qXD95J5zmQmHcj6ennU5NB9nUSsps4_CvQxpLubOh6_l53VQanzBjW9wyI2L0EFaloKtMTRsbnJfq6fwDrEi55Q5g/s640/blogger-image-567474004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl8aKFUv56O-OUK5Q8Th93sftyRga6w_ksJDTObW9RUdRuExFWnMVPU7pc3WAO7Avr5VRLqm_0B5Ln9GJbEid2aLx8Uo4VGzxbYE9N4LWL01bjp39c0F8wHpPR-yiEVUugbNKMA/s640/blogger-image--217657978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl8aKFUv56O-OUK5Q8Th93sftyRga6w_ksJDTObW9RUdRuExFWnMVPU7pc3WAO7Avr5VRLqm_0B5Ln9GJbEid2aLx8Uo4VGzxbYE9N4LWL01bjp39c0F8wHpPR-yiEVUugbNKMA/s640/blogger-image--217657978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTpqRqhJ85lGb5Jjai7YOh4Vf7TUAPw2MNqqFC-gGp5hDts2QFvMw30xMOZtt7pjKy_itPG86ayCnaBQBXKFnDttlaOKBYXEaacgA-UMrBHW7S8JvVldGfwiF1IcSriDUGAY5-A/s640/blogger-image-1760348246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTpqRqhJ85lGb5Jjai7YOh4Vf7TUAPw2MNqqFC-gGp5hDts2QFvMw30xMOZtt7pjKy_itPG86ayCnaBQBXKFnDttlaOKBYXEaacgA-UMrBHW7S8JvVldGfwiF1IcSriDUGAY5-A/s640/blogger-image-1760348246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYnAZop5vxHeLvt9nsvTrV0YlH3puCBnYCt5s9NcbACap0JkbswRh-KHqR24oblB9JslQ7507q7-wQx7sH7Wd-e2UBfaOLfTYJ2uY8q9D1_qChjS6hd4qpf7pl6U7g3etDS9YAg/s640/blogger-image--596239061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYnAZop5vxHeLvt9nsvTrV0YlH3puCBnYCt5s9NcbACap0JkbswRh-KHqR24oblB9JslQ7507q7-wQx7sH7Wd-e2UBfaOLfTYJ2uY8q9D1_qChjS6hd4qpf7pl6U7g3etDS9YAg/s640/blogger-image--596239061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ5jc4nbXzxA4jYce5YrUjBNl4sBd2iaa6In5wprbmZThUg7j6uSsCFbnZgyhm7IZoxHMPdD5_SkPqZbB9jos6b36u7H48UbwHcuX3L5BEBAU5oeNlCx75C8hYbsZbkhS8oXz-g/s640/blogger-image--489363769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ5jc4nbXzxA4jYce5YrUjBNl4sBd2iaa6In5wprbmZThUg7j6uSsCFbnZgyhm7IZoxHMPdD5_SkPqZbB9jos6b36u7H48UbwHcuX3L5BEBAU5oeNlCx75C8hYbsZbkhS8oXz-g/s640/blogger-image--489363769.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-46557758604333162042015-07-03T12:54:00.001-07:002015-07-03T12:54:18.821-07:00Good Quote"We must return to viewing our lives through the filter of the scripture rather than viewing the scripture through the filter of society."<div>-Vern Peltz</div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-20307240257003187012015-06-29T17:26:00.001-07:002015-06-29T17:26:13.453-07:00Ice Cream and CousinsMy monster-in-law Margie brought Ava, Vinnie & Florie out to our house for a visit tonight. We played in the yard and the pool, then went to our favorite pizza and ice cream parlor for dinner. I wish these kids got to play together more often. I can't believe how big they all are! The twins will be 7 next week. <div><br></div><div>Thanks for the fun night, Gammy! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwFqva1vS8MjcbKAp29miimQU2wY7Z2AQK5I2IsjQ4D0EZPT6DdmCFh7K8csLzSPch4K5CKP7ecOi6c4RCzs6JU1rMRjyb288iejgDdSp8aVDSzmfa06W_Ps-tBs7lWlgX5nIZA/s640/blogger-image--1881935663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwFqva1vS8MjcbKAp29miimQU2wY7Z2AQK5I2IsjQ4D0EZPT6DdmCFh7K8csLzSPch4K5CKP7ecOi6c4RCzs6JU1rMRjyb288iejgDdSp8aVDSzmfa06W_Ps-tBs7lWlgX5nIZA/s640/blogger-image--1881935663.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJJL6pAhyphenhyphenIkAwhGr6IJ7jexByfP7N0ysfcYYRbXkTrjBRmd8M_U-EUYrRb-qEzv1DI6a12TCwfIUKx_rvC54r8YGvbBMBdSjb36at0BrgDf4MuWxTRN1W23J6IncvJCEEUDH-xg/s640/blogger-image--1078216108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJJL6pAhyphenhyphenIkAwhGr6IJ7jexByfP7N0ysfcYYRbXkTrjBRmd8M_U-EUYrRb-qEzv1DI6a12TCwfIUKx_rvC54r8YGvbBMBdSjb36at0BrgDf4MuWxTRN1W23J6IncvJCEEUDH-xg/s640/blogger-image--1078216108.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlFL8T4ZakL-k99JmU_260OuNkJDQQnTOmDFs9U8Z6cyLoaf-87IzKENj_biYctNIcA1dPhhiy7-lUSuDir9TiAx_yQKsSQCDy5YwPPPz9y0Uu8EBidBUr9T691maqeLkbB10Iw/s640/blogger-image--835271876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlFL8T4ZakL-k99JmU_260OuNkJDQQnTOmDFs9U8Z6cyLoaf-87IzKENj_biYctNIcA1dPhhiy7-lUSuDir9TiAx_yQKsSQCDy5YwPPPz9y0Uu8EBidBUr9T691maqeLkbB10Iw/s640/blogger-image--835271876.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-31058313756582369492015-06-29T08:45:00.001-07:002015-06-29T08:45:17.477-07:00Simeon & Grandpa<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujmpl-CGrQhaUTwh14pnjn94fk394LZKORoN205TByKEqK9It9Jn-AGi72mW122ucX_T1Y898FdU-J7rWiUbqgTyW0MtFQTywZdtcX6vQMiBjh7Ds89CQVv_EC7LsKQIU9M2HJQ/s640/blogger-image-1614170148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujmpl-CGrQhaUTwh14pnjn94fk394LZKORoN205TByKEqK9It9Jn-AGi72mW122ucX_T1Y898FdU-J7rWiUbqgTyW0MtFQTywZdtcX6vQMiBjh7Ds89CQVv_EC7LsKQIU9M2HJQ/s640/blogger-image-1614170148.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Simeon is 7 weeks old already! He has outgrown his tiny newborn clothes and is getting to be more interactive. He's fairly generous with his smiles now and is sleeping about 7 hours at night on average. I am already sad that the "newborn" phase is ending. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In other news, Missy and the kids came to MN for a visit this past week. We had fun soaking in as much play time as we could. On Thursday, JP watched the kids so I could go to dinner with my mom and sisters for a triple birthday celebration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUJlu3ao9WdYRUMfh8r4u2c4I_wWMWJRTZE22ku8dEXuEQG7cJlpDRUU8NyJUSCjn2LhCx99jc4RSMiYORg34DmCbyMV_kE-ggHASO3tKsbB257TErC6nzK2cz1vliRQPpJh80A/s640/blogger-image-1450964609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUJlu3ao9WdYRUMfh8r4u2c4I_wWMWJRTZE22ku8dEXuEQG7cJlpDRUU8NyJUSCjn2LhCx99jc4RSMiYORg34DmCbyMV_kE-ggHASO3tKsbB257TErC6nzK2cz1vliRQPpJh80A/s640/blogger-image-1450964609.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEi6HGTlnh9cA0NUQiU4RbeCkFbuG1e-ZR-Jz5htD65SvGzz59us1FyuvPPrCPIQ7sgQ-tiBwfjwjib5IMNSUvIre14zVMEpf49mmA8KcJ2WLBi-h_xAjC41jcELkcR8kt8pB3Q/s640/blogger-image-631675080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEi6HGTlnh9cA0NUQiU4RbeCkFbuG1e-ZR-Jz5htD65SvGzz59us1FyuvPPrCPIQ7sgQ-tiBwfjwjib5IMNSUvIre14zVMEpf49mmA8KcJ2WLBi-h_xAjC41jcELkcR8kt8pB3Q/s640/blogger-image-631675080.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz1xcF4JzX9lpd8gcEJMkcIdQo0pUIZEvz57yObhiLKxM0S8IY0R57TzYz4yPJTu9VEftKThYhWsUdxgMxPiUzRKJpgOs8-RPsG0jNeNBNnkcCseZ0-TK4XSWKl0anMZ2Z41BvA/s640/blogger-image-277112780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz1xcF4JzX9lpd8gcEJMkcIdQo0pUIZEvz57yObhiLKxM0S8IY0R57TzYz4yPJTu9VEftKThYhWsUdxgMxPiUzRKJpgOs8-RPsG0jNeNBNnkcCseZ0-TK4XSWKl0anMZ2Z41BvA/s640/blogger-image-277112780.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictBsl9v5zLubup7g039eUBfwaJeHecLw-4h2roF1o1_4gvXXFkrGcas-pBuo4_l4aXaAw93H0KfTthYJSqav_cg5L9gI47yzXEZN13AL1AMpaljfzEB7uGLPXeMr-pvg8zrjN3g/s640/blogger-image--1604353723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictBsl9v5zLubup7g039eUBfwaJeHecLw-4h2roF1o1_4gvXXFkrGcas-pBuo4_l4aXaAw93H0KfTthYJSqav_cg5L9gI47yzXEZN13AL1AMpaljfzEB7uGLPXeMr-pvg8zrjN3g/s640/blogger-image--1604353723.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6jmfcIWsghhJpz67pfztgL0VA7U2s6lFqueWqd_-WwF-lTZdfCOX6ZOprrDCOoYm3J9HIU3VU3TzE-6Cg8UScRp5o_IQzD-PNVvZVuaUaQx1cGnCPTRGgLfuMyyNM2qLCI2y0w/s640/blogger-image-1940948641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6jmfcIWsghhJpz67pfztgL0VA7U2s6lFqueWqd_-WwF-lTZdfCOX6ZOprrDCOoYm3J9HIU3VU3TzE-6Cg8UScRp5o_IQzD-PNVvZVuaUaQx1cGnCPTRGgLfuMyyNM2qLCI2y0w/s640/blogger-image-1940948641.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-65845069883746579342015-06-26T07:01:00.001-07:002015-06-26T07:01:30.333-07:00The Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ7L0gAA-vh89HMi50rQWs8s6xqA0patZJk0D7-dBmjacrQWqEENIL53aAuSQKiQhQOJeEEflmKYrwcDmOpX6pmz8ecLb1wzBScs33H90RuVg0k5Ne6HgL2eqmH3q4NNQfhv-_A/s640/blogger-image-774757938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ7L0gAA-vh89HMi50rQWs8s6xqA0patZJk0D7-dBmjacrQWqEENIL53aAuSQKiQhQOJeEEflmKYrwcDmOpX6pmz8ecLb1wzBScs33H90RuVg0k5Ne6HgL2eqmH3q4NNQfhv-_A/s640/blogger-image-774757938.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They're going to be best buds! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Simeon is 7 weeks old now and a pure joy to our family. He is starting to coo and smile more, and he definitely keeps an eye on mama at all times. 😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-83434789140901290652015-06-26T05:38:00.001-07:002015-06-26T05:38:43.963-07:00Facebook ShutdownWelcome Facebook friends!<div><br></div><div>In an effort to use my time more wisely, I've decided to shut down my Facebook account. I'm going to transfer family updates, photos and tidbits to this blog so that friends and family can still keep up with what's going on in our world, as well as so that these memories will be documented and archived. Searching Facebook for old posts is nearly impossible, but with the blog, everything is recorded and archived by date, making it easy to search. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm sure this will prove to be an interesting experiment since I've always enjoyed Facebook and keeping up with people in that way. </div><div><br></div><div>Here goes nothin'! 😳</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_jrcS0iup-i6NsI18jvi36t_QNjY2L9gfSROo67E9M6erWnbkhx0J0PqxZynFofzTLmJ1JYrk8FKKvDe6rL52YO6aa0zqkSbp8z6xh5YkRrc8KWilit-3hreDlv1NWUF_9xrwQ/s640/blogger-image-732286682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_jrcS0iup-i6NsI18jvi36t_QNjY2L9gfSROo67E9M6erWnbkhx0J0PqxZynFofzTLmJ1JYrk8FKKvDe6rL52YO6aa0zqkSbp8z6xh5YkRrc8KWilit-3hreDlv1NWUF_9xrwQ/s640/blogger-image-732286682.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-21530472261366976472015-05-13T11:47:00.001-07:002015-05-13T11:47:46.082-07:00Simeon James<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are thrilled to announce the birth of our son, Simeon James Charlebois!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3_5Szcxk7fGL0rIe_ekK7nWwpgJz-PBPUHDYLJbTbNHxhsmRwBTS6ISZKuvuESYW_X68bb0pv30E08iNgj7ur5bgCFSZRajnltUJScR0SEAb1fQ9lYUS6EzUg8jB2UQQK3HBqg/s640/blogger-image--1478329282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3_5Szcxk7fGL0rIe_ekK7nWwpgJz-PBPUHDYLJbTbNHxhsmRwBTS6ISZKuvuESYW_X68bb0pv30E08iNgj7ur5bgCFSZRajnltUJScR0SEAb1fQ9lYUS6EzUg8jB2UQQK3HBqg/s640/blogger-image--1478329282.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Simeon was born on May 7, 2015 at 5:54 pm. He weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs, 10 oz (my biggest baby yet!) and measured 21 1/2". </div><div><br></div>We are so blessed and amazed by God's mercy and goodness toward us, that He would reward us with FIVE HEALTHY children. Really, when I think about it, it boggles my mind and brings me to my knees in tears of gratefulness. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVhE5SpR6aKrutr4QL0qdv0j6pJrjQ7L4kgeLmVvfWPQflHsrJoCaqTaYhvn1MTt2GNNeNtkBuOKwQFINy7FaUzmwd3LWVznGtf2598eag4UyaWAbhJ0PhaRPMb0rTl00HOml0g/s640/blogger-image-1970757986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVhE5SpR6aKrutr4QL0qdv0j6pJrjQ7L4kgeLmVvfWPQflHsrJoCaqTaYhvn1MTt2GNNeNtkBuOKwQFINy7FaUzmwd3LWVznGtf2598eag4UyaWAbhJ0PhaRPMb0rTl00HOml0g/s640/blogger-image-1970757986.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Simeon's name means, "hears and obeys" or "hears with acceptance." We came across it in our readings together and it stuck out to us as being very meaningful and prophetic for the phase of life we have been in as a family (especially during his pregnancy), as well as our heart cry for our future lives and our children's lives. </div><div><br></div><div>We also joke that since Silas's name means "bear man from the woods" -- and that's what we got -- maybe Simeon will be a little easier to train up. 😉</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC_NYFCbVIS098BIumNXdBDdriXI9SVhW-657tO1SMUm3Adk3JB3WJq1cARCtnwQR81KfR-J18J_NcXjXwCnMGERczK6P96YVK83UOr_jfK22rM7lzCFeLadfnGPXDhqVbslI9A/s640/blogger-image--859025966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC_NYFCbVIS098BIumNXdBDdriXI9SVhW-657tO1SMUm3Adk3JB3WJq1cARCtnwQR81KfR-J18J_NcXjXwCnMGERczK6P96YVK83UOr_jfK22rM7lzCFeLadfnGPXDhqVbslI9A/s640/blogger-image--859025966.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Simeon's labor and delivery was a little wacky. We decided to induce because at my last doctor appointment I was already 4 cm dilated. The doctor was concerned that since I was strep B positive, the baby would come so fast that there would not be time for antibiotics. Plus I just wanted him in my arms! So we went ahead with the induction.</div><div><br></div><div>On Thursday, May 7, my doctor broke my water around 12:30 PM. W<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">e thought that would start things up on their own, but after an hour nothing had happened. So the nurse started a Pitocin drip. Literally within minutes, my body went from doing barely anything at all to major, intense contractions two minutes apart. It happened so fast, and I was very overwhelmed and in a lot of pain. After 20 minutes we turned the Pitocin drip off and called for the anesthesiologist to do an epidural. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">After about 20 minutes, the anesthesiologist arrived and began the epidural process. Everything was going well, except my right side was not taking to the epidural as well as my left. So they gave me an extra boost to cover the right side. Unfortunately, that extra boost was too much, and the epidural ended up taking two strongly in. I was now I'm all the way up to my armpits, and parts of my face were starting to go numb. Worst of all, my blood pressure dropped, which caused Simeon's heart rate to drop significantly. We turned off the epidural and twisted and turned me and all sorts of different positions to do our best to get his heart rate back up. Eventually he was fine, and I continued labor with the epidural off and fading away. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The last of it wore off right as I was about to start pushing, so that part was pretty intense! But I didn't need to push long, and my big boy was born and in my arms for the first time.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIUV8fYgttEUk9AHHaRekg8YX-5W7R7z-WaVc7XZedEZEJqAPmRAlGsmiqh-OcSYFrb8Ahwc4bqD201W-3PaYElduSyqCcl35IoXYIjMvh9Kowk0AdObQpKpMfyepGBfgtrs9sg/s640/blogger-image--64025169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIUV8fYgttEUk9AHHaRekg8YX-5W7R7z-WaVc7XZedEZEJqAPmRAlGsmiqh-OcSYFrb8Ahwc4bqD201W-3PaYElduSyqCcl35IoXYIjMvh9Kowk0AdObQpKpMfyepGBfgtrs9sg/s640/blogger-image--64025169.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We went home the next day, and my little dude has been nothing but a rockstar. He eats, sleeps, and poops like a champ. The kids all adore him, even Silas.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw6N2t6hOJRG7JeA6ecVPKJbCp0ieIhVkbsKQQx9aTF4nPgDtfCJPYV8DcrMZhuTrmrtF81n8EOYFie_rQ5-ZIlntlPLKDw-n98-7cvfvqviBIHxIZVVM5Ojm0IDDBzKiJNb3LQ/s640/blogger-image--563228823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw6N2t6hOJRG7JeA6ecVPKJbCp0ieIhVkbsKQQx9aTF4nPgDtfCJPYV8DcrMZhuTrmrtF81n8EOYFie_rQ5-ZIlntlPLKDw-n98-7cvfvqviBIHxIZVVM5Ojm0IDDBzKiJNb3LQ/s640/blogger-image--563228823.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ifcP3c0sbq5VDpcFyEqZvlwUCHel-0xpzFSbXP4tbPHwOm3jkOgYarPTSJlPU1Q-nHIWbVJL1YcXXINUPyIn6V5PzbOrSUKDEYRNIYeK58t3WuvrsfVyctoZ8EqGo85Lc9ORg/s640/blogger-image-1558081736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ifcP3c0sbq5VDpcFyEqZvlwUCHel-0xpzFSbXP4tbPHwOm3jkOgYarPTSJlPU1Q-nHIWbVJL1YcXXINUPyIn6V5PzbOrSUKDEYRNIYeK58t3WuvrsfVyctoZ8EqGo85Lc9ORg/s640/blogger-image-1558081736.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HGmdkfB9lZd4yaL8B9DhS4M1qperCUwZc6KuyjcDiM5TdRUhJt3O3lFFeGupOIbb7c0l3w7E1Cufa8kMXcs003iqK23HSjY001eVdxxlrm20IcYA2kxtXvKo57-ZriWZbqUsXQ/s640/blogger-image-1777167299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HGmdkfB9lZd4yaL8B9DhS4M1qperCUwZc6KuyjcDiM5TdRUhJt3O3lFFeGupOIbb7c0l3w7E1Cufa8kMXcs003iqK23HSjY001eVdxxlrm20IcYA2kxtXvKo57-ZriWZbqUsXQ/s640/blogger-image-1777167299.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOSQv7esW6vooA8ibGQVAcvzXQgIWDeGZdj6Wbniii9rw6ZOUrNJxLb_V8vHJYFsa39ELj0Z8clJXF2ww8k1ldbW_PKmigi_u0bL4-j5nZSkGJRF_AbGWWuEB01O6JvobIZtPA/s640/blogger-image-713668849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOSQv7esW6vooA8ibGQVAcvzXQgIWDeGZdj6Wbniii9rw6ZOUrNJxLb_V8vHJYFsa39ELj0Z8clJXF2ww8k1ldbW_PKmigi_u0bL4-j5nZSkGJRF_AbGWWuEB01O6JvobIZtPA/s640/blogger-image-713668849.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We thank God for this amazing blessing in our lives, and covet your prayers as we adjust to a family of seven!</font></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-6680001124230161262014-12-17T13:01:00.000-08:002014-12-17T13:01:34.892-08:00Baby #5 Gender Reveal!Today, we had our 20-week ultrasound for baby #5. This was the first time that JP was unable to accompany me for the big gender reveal, so we asked the technician to take a photo and put it in an envelope for us to open together later in the day.<br />
<br />
I wasn't even out of the hospital parking lot yet when JP called and said, "Open the envelope!"<br />
<br />
The kids and I were happy to oblige, and we were all overjoyed to find this inside:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx-P7P9XYZ5znnjgTUCM5iG5Fgf-99RGrxvwSJpPqjhzF6Yz7JkuQ4zX8sCH_FYGZhDq6dJihb7DkKy32XayZLGPSV_fI3LtrVSfcyI7pL3DXUPKBe9I6UNK6-q3u-YD1TeTImw/s1600/Simeon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx-P7P9XYZ5znnjgTUCM5iG5Fgf-99RGrxvwSJpPqjhzF6Yz7JkuQ4zX8sCH_FYGZhDq6dJihb7DkKy32XayZLGPSV_fI3LtrVSfcyI7pL3DXUPKBe9I6UNK6-q3u-YD1TeTImw/s1600/Simeon+2.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">IT'S A BOY!!!!! :) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had all been hoping for a brother for Silas, and here he is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KXHpBRt9pSoGBQAWGbkuFYF4RneNyKNCxrIqMOtczD3X4kpo_zm5lQ3Mil8HynkSomvaalT-QdMl2TD32KDEpupMS6Xq_S0iSGrmRkfMnbSadTePI9tRwf8nDlu-sI8fSK3rtQ/s1600/Simeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KXHpBRt9pSoGBQAWGbkuFYF4RneNyKNCxrIqMOtczD3X4kpo_zm5lQ3Mil8HynkSomvaalT-QdMl2TD32KDEpupMS6Xq_S0iSGrmRkfMnbSadTePI9tRwf8nDlu-sI8fSK3rtQ/s1600/Simeon.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More importantly, we are so thankful and blessed that he is perfectly healthy and growing right on track. Here are a couple of sweet shots of his face. The second one is a little creepy with his mouth open, but he kind of looks like he's smiling hello. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NKGSCz6UNLDrempV0QCEl4-g_DoR3ituvwFmxtrnyfZn4dnPf745ZHpVvPfQov2PhX-YR6HVENEcv27Q3oeZG0-ddJPLP5h3-5YttKNU9p_IKBeQXPduBl6MmwVxAwgxN7E4RA/s1600/Simeon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NKGSCz6UNLDrempV0QCEl4-g_DoR3ituvwFmxtrnyfZn4dnPf745ZHpVvPfQov2PhX-YR6HVENEcv27Q3oeZG0-ddJPLP5h3-5YttKNU9p_IKBeQXPduBl6MmwVxAwgxN7E4RA/s1600/Simeon+1.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKI-nYHI8qf2WYIYe1GYZwl7zpBc0_GDzpL_3cX6FzUsV8z5NfNQVLC1KR-Afni94EqRcgcL4OHLU-xVsk-ThkFby5w6QxzyIutqXA665-GQkmtOgVbV5VZCnOe2jyx1ilMnAwg/s1600/Simeon+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKI-nYHI8qf2WYIYe1GYZwl7zpBc0_GDzpL_3cX6FzUsV8z5NfNQVLC1KR-Afni94EqRcgcL4OHLU-xVsk-ThkFby5w6QxzyIutqXA665-GQkmtOgVbV5VZCnOe2jyx1ilMnAwg/s1600/Simeon+4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are his tiny feet. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAlbzBIInvDqrjMIWVWY-BF3b3xXEu38aKn6A5MbMJzzeGTEpnu2rcWWviKhO2THp_zzo3VF4CSoBM_ddZ7h1_nFXV7SKEjMPbOoQoT3ziqXNiF_ovhDyvKZMf4FT8R2CWZKYQw/s1600/Simeon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAlbzBIInvDqrjMIWVWY-BF3b3xXEu38aKn6A5MbMJzzeGTEpnu2rcWWviKhO2THp_zzo3VF4CSoBM_ddZ7h1_nFXV7SKEjMPbOoQoT3ziqXNiF_ovhDyvKZMf4FT8R2CWZKYQw/s1600/Simeon+3.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thank you, Jesus, for another healthy baby! We are halfway through this pregnancy now. May couldn't come soon enough!The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-61290749564645450632014-12-09T19:13:00.001-08:002014-12-09T19:13:20.820-08:00Baby UpdateWe are T-Minus 7 days away from finding out the gender of baby #5! Of course, that is assuming baby cooperates. <div><br></div><div>We are all rooting for a brother for Silas. What do you think we will have? 😍</div><div><br></div><div>So far, everything is going perfectly. I feel the baby move all the time now, and every time I thank God for considering us worthy of this precious gift. He is entrusting is with a priceless, eternal soul, and we don't take it lightly! </div><div><br></div><div>In other news, we finally got our 2014 Christmas Tree up! JP picked a HUGE one! It's by far the biggest tree we have ever had. The girls did a great job decorating it; it almost made me sad at how well they did because it means they are growing up. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9NpxYzw_jk0bM3iuQ53yFgCRSW0kVwfkrjZiyPtdMIik85eLVzJCs4ZuD9NDwmXB6lTyBA5OKAbTTsvTC3XDkdS-G86BVAWlSSyTebq-CzcUDhoUopLLD3f7FqfEn68ld2Y1kQ/s640/blogger-image--381682567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9NpxYzw_jk0bM3iuQ53yFgCRSW0kVwfkrjZiyPtdMIik85eLVzJCs4ZuD9NDwmXB6lTyBA5OKAbTTsvTC3XDkdS-G86BVAWlSSyTebq-CzcUDhoUopLLD3f7FqfEn68ld2Y1kQ/s640/blogger-image--381682567.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-935759494137861832014-11-08T12:57:00.000-08:002014-11-08T12:57:45.798-08:00Baby Bump at 14 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pregnancy is my favorite "look."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxeEhzauTNCsWehaK-kz1l3ocQeAWsWlxo0XiT3EifPxsoxfevbRVqI2b6vfoBD4B4hGPBdhql5dGRgDmfIDPY2SEINxNGPMrsKF6L0Fr0IEQzOdzzHZo0vYJw9w_2qnViDOmHw/s1600/10441919_10152379858075766_4733091906434437294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxeEhzauTNCsWehaK-kz1l3ocQeAWsWlxo0XiT3EifPxsoxfevbRVqI2b6vfoBD4B4hGPBdhql5dGRgDmfIDPY2SEINxNGPMrsKF6L0Fr0IEQzOdzzHZo0vYJw9w_2qnViDOmHw/s1600/10441919_10152379858075766_4733091906434437294_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-85403896709778917292014-11-01T18:45:00.000-07:002014-11-01T18:45:06.330-07:00Fall FestivitiesMost people know that we as a family choose not to celebrate Halloween. We've never taken our kids trick-or-treating, and we don't pull out the skeleton and zombie decorations each October. This is normal for me, since we didn't celebrate when I was growing up, either. I've never felt badly about it, and I'm sure my kids will be just fine, too. :)<br />
<br />
But at the tender ages of 2, 4, 6, and 7.5, it can be hard for kids to understand and accept the reasons behind our decision, especially when they see all of their friends dressing up, trick-or-treating, and cashing in on pillowcases full of candy each year.<br />
<br />
That's why I'm thankful for the great churches in our area and the many alternatives they offer for kids to get their dress-up and candy fix without being exposed to the neighborhood's creepy lawn ornaments and teenagers dressed as goblins across the street.<br />
<br />
At our new church, <a href="http://wordoflifemn.org/" target="_blank">Word of Life Ministries</a>, the fun takes the form of their annual Creation Celebration. Instead of celebrating Halloween, they celebrate our Creator and encourage everyone to come dressed as someone or something that God created.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are my cuties: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rae as a Native American girl </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmHQWKsnpgX9BOpj9FpVTKy0AZTiSaVnrFD7L-Xq2oskVmqnDhDAc6Pgt9hHrd8ZEVDbi5grTaUryD0DhYjLEnbSjoZACV2uFZAr7h-u9KvfOrEip3x46NqVHo605fXJ0Si8w8w/s1600/IMG_6800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmHQWKsnpgX9BOpj9FpVTKy0AZTiSaVnrFD7L-Xq2oskVmqnDhDAc6Pgt9hHrd8ZEVDbi5grTaUryD0DhYjLEnbSjoZACV2uFZAr7h-u9KvfOrEip3x46NqVHo605fXJ0Si8w8w/s1600/IMG_6800.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ruby as a Roman princess</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnIRbs3tobakIjrxWUGu65oEKhXxEl51i42mY9UqlK-esr9TRYjTGuMuJSY6ly7cbQOKqEvDdOVWtUhTymKMSLGWmF_L1hDIBqBSzQlh8m-FdCxZDX_f6K7PPZrHrbksuCIPMIw/s1600/IMG_6799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnIRbs3tobakIjrxWUGu65oEKhXxEl51i42mY9UqlK-esr9TRYjTGuMuJSY6ly7cbQOKqEvDdOVWtUhTymKMSLGWmF_L1hDIBqBSzQlh8m-FdCxZDX_f6K7PPZrHrbksuCIPMIw/s1600/IMG_6799.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rosie as a pop star</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3XaV45a95vmKvMZFukfmy-Rxlge5F5_Aoczyp_0o8tdb0bgDUA525QxtswWn145YY_1SEiCG2pVMdzC3dk3p5x7qdP1s0SVC_ur-CwAcSrODtRh2pGVPfXQiR8RCkIcyPgxayA/s1600/IMG_6801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3XaV45a95vmKvMZFukfmy-Rxlge5F5_Aoczyp_0o8tdb0bgDUA525QxtswWn145YY_1SEiCG2pVMdzC3dk3p5x7qdP1s0SVC_ur-CwAcSrODtRh2pGVPfXQiR8RCkIcyPgxayA/s1600/IMG_6801.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Silas as a shark :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8zcGKBmfe-0poq919B9M9JA9tmY3XqeaQ7aqHIXto358o6RS0bvWFzqdIJyYgTaFzNuJbV7BFBCZY_2yC4tL0vrPtZnYyZE0YFzzzIwopoaXl6Jv3pg-2scE3X04jGa4wAPYCw/s1600/IMG_6797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8zcGKBmfe-0poq919B9M9JA9tmY3XqeaQ7aqHIXto358o6RS0bvWFzqdIJyYgTaFzNuJbV7BFBCZY_2yC4tL0vrPtZnYyZE0YFzzzIwopoaXl6Jv3pg-2scE3X04jGa4wAPYCw/s1600/IMG_6797.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The celebration's activities included music, games, prizes, snacks and a lesson taught by a gorilla (yours truly) about being created in God's image. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we live on a dead-end street off of a busy highway, we never get trick-or-treaters at our house. We always have candy ready just in case, and we always end up eating it all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year we were a little late with our pumpkin carving, so we spent Halloween night carving the one pumpkin our measly garden produced this year. The girls had named it "Seedy" and treated it like a pet during the time we had it in he house. Cutting it open felt like killing a favorite stuffed doll, but they got over it pretty quickly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Farewell, Seedy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pBOFZA9EaOiY4cH-qkPj4Gm8HOyvaG-rXMMT9LMqYa5yK8_S1V80oPgrjqwhT7d6Psx3_i2hmdddqblJi3pZBpBup7sAM5R39FFG1X0uMTJL30mPvh7-vChz5lb9EATpK0NaHw/s1600/IMG_6500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pBOFZA9EaOiY4cH-qkPj4Gm8HOyvaG-rXMMT9LMqYa5yK8_S1V80oPgrjqwhT7d6Psx3_i2hmdddqblJi3pZBpBup7sAM5R39FFG1X0uMTJL30mPvh7-vChz5lb9EATpK0NaHw/s1600/IMG_6500.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFcfjH4ctXCdjwfI_SGqeQyP1RyIytjJQzcDrVrNBIjxwwaXAjS4z0mllY-gXJiCepIGBEImGKySt9OknINZtods-aXbK8GPygWBvj9bE3XkEHIpuBiJr0pFiEnkqg6KCWC-jxg/s1600/IMG_6501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFcfjH4ctXCdjwfI_SGqeQyP1RyIytjJQzcDrVrNBIjxwwaXAjS4z0mllY-gXJiCepIGBEImGKySt9OknINZtods-aXbK8GPygWBvj9bE3XkEHIpuBiJr0pFiEnkqg6KCWC-jxg/s1600/IMG_6501.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBFpu-cSu_avyovu2sQmZeT4I2bwn0zVWYYVo2YbwaGkcjYeknhxNCWlyYzvqfvJmOWr5M0v9xjHL6jgtCwQQu-mDSE8VbTtRWYg6tCQwT2pq6c_5NOiHa-NT4xqoFbxoWRwbNg/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBFpu-cSu_avyovu2sQmZeT4I2bwn0zVWYYVo2YbwaGkcjYeknhxNCWlyYzvqfvJmOWr5M0v9xjHL6jgtCwQQu-mDSE8VbTtRWYg6tCQwT2pq6c_5NOiHa-NT4xqoFbxoWRwbNg/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After Seedy had a face (and no longer had seeds), the girls re-named her Jack-o-Leena. But Ruby said it looked like a boy, so she just called it Jack-o. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezUu3wh8sL83JfQa6EM6pmMJ8g7m1C2ZJ5rUkDfHfNhbMNYQaV24ecaT6a4RSSlYcrRoBZ0zmblD8cIV25jMtP9l5tdiJaSPTV0Axz8w2Vq9HzJowmnHpBnRTxHbhK2yfDoVTFw/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezUu3wh8sL83JfQa6EM6pmMJ8g7m1C2ZJ5rUkDfHfNhbMNYQaV24ecaT6a4RSSlYcrRoBZ0zmblD8cIV25jMtP9l5tdiJaSPTV0Axz8w2Vq9HzJowmnHpBnRTxHbhK2yfDoVTFw/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
They don't look too disappointed to be home on Halloween to me! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22vKp9901_etBIUJITh-cJbBLutyoIksgRPDflEiF6PylZb9Rn2cu5N6KDGo-CqsiA8mqlt4U3vlV9h1wXjprwxuj7u_jlI7qkv5oUJ3PlXu7-Ucdr8KX9-h-KsnXm6FnNN0mHw/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22vKp9901_etBIUJITh-cJbBLutyoIksgRPDflEiF6PylZb9Rn2cu5N6KDGo-CqsiA8mqlt4U3vlV9h1wXjprwxuj7u_jlI7qkv5oUJ3PlXu7-Ucdr8KX9-h-KsnXm6FnNN0mHw/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-13651493629324249342014-10-25T06:39:00.001-07:002014-10-25T06:39:20.261-07:00101 Market 2014Another fall tradition is to visit the Nathe's 101 Market in Otsego, MN for their annual fall festival with G and our Bottolene cousins. The kids LOVE it. There is a corn pit, animal train, bouncy balloon, pedal carts, duck races, potato slinger, corn cannon, and petting zoo. This year we ventured into the corn maze for the first time, too. It was fun, but would have been better if I had a stroller for Silas.<br />
<br />
We were blessed with another beautiful day! This fall is turning out to be one of the longest, warmest and most beautiful we've had in a while. I love it!<br />
<br />
The highlight of the kids' day was when they found out the kittens at the petting zoo were for sale. I must be getting soft in my old age. I said yes, and we brought Minnie home that day. The Charlezoo keeps growing!<br />
<br />
Thanks for the beautiful day, G!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bktSENVSDlP6yDLrK_COFFb2SAqRZ_LifupQDb1e0qq4UdOirhJQnLs9ZS_8bIRX14a5vp49nyz6jSw0uesQ6RIcv5buQgT9w0FAJpWTCy9d-Xo2Zg76l76tygHZPcJ2LfJBA/s1600/IMG_6767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bktSENVSDlP6yDLrK_COFFb2SAqRZ_LifupQDb1e0qq4UdOirhJQnLs9ZS_8bIRX14a5vp49nyz6jSw0uesQ6RIcv5buQgT9w0FAJpWTCy9d-Xo2Zg76l76tygHZPcJ2LfJBA/s1600/IMG_6767.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fdh1eFAx3JYYRzwDBIo4DKqt_bstrmSVA5LRT_IcPcyvr-mzS4oYlvRqNhyphenhyphenTEeNHN2nzzWueSbttm5DUtL6vYeDOQmcRXqnBJFFW3GXYzFPJXHN-AJppDHNETxSEMdpWOeoxVQ/s1600/IMG_6769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fdh1eFAx3JYYRzwDBIo4DKqt_bstrmSVA5LRT_IcPcyvr-mzS4oYlvRqNhyphenhyphenTEeNHN2nzzWueSbttm5DUtL6vYeDOQmcRXqnBJFFW3GXYzFPJXHN-AJppDHNETxSEMdpWOeoxVQ/s1600/IMG_6769.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10-Y34cBJyerPKEMuHzAp21bd-jczNXaHdh1PGz7Q-e2sZfDG5FoObHRQLVhO7rigLzMr2TFLDs2LjDQyn37CZJzhg5gfWGUkPwjJqqekpZP-FKvN1ov-K5cbsg2JLbnXpVtEaw/s1600/IMG_6771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10-Y34cBJyerPKEMuHzAp21bd-jczNXaHdh1PGz7Q-e2sZfDG5FoObHRQLVhO7rigLzMr2TFLDs2LjDQyn37CZJzhg5gfWGUkPwjJqqekpZP-FKvN1ov-K5cbsg2JLbnXpVtEaw/s1600/IMG_6771.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxydqjjWqDFDjfMppa480tNCXxLluWMmsoTaH5mQcnjlA-6MEqDhXVQhnaATl9a9qLMOdwvVkumBWhkxVcY4Pt1cZrSKk_s98tNyDme0O3SWGSLGD-K1CnW0wURd-ZBpzidWcuA/s1600/IMG_6777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxydqjjWqDFDjfMppa480tNCXxLluWMmsoTaH5mQcnjlA-6MEqDhXVQhnaATl9a9qLMOdwvVkumBWhkxVcY4Pt1cZrSKk_s98tNyDme0O3SWGSLGD-K1CnW0wURd-ZBpzidWcuA/s1600/IMG_6777.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSE6TR4neiaWH9HLWs9O2WjuYITC_n1Luqu1VMhyO6jO0Fzdu5d6Tyqaj1mZN2zqQvf4JgOJ_hF2jrMLEajldjDuS1ZquFOImUhOcFo-uDbCuG8EtbwM7f-ly_e02_PMtD4vvFw/s1600/IMG_6781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSE6TR4neiaWH9HLWs9O2WjuYITC_n1Luqu1VMhyO6jO0Fzdu5d6Tyqaj1mZN2zqQvf4JgOJ_hF2jrMLEajldjDuS1ZquFOImUhOcFo-uDbCuG8EtbwM7f-ly_e02_PMtD4vvFw/s1600/IMG_6781.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNwfsQ2fcT-uh_tnxG4URBLUh6Ml7Cj2SiGvdp_i0zansgObgJYQOptlPN9XV2rZ80FiMw4a38sWSrDC3JuQjwRiBQ_XyJ9bqoA2B5n8fHUm0wc2JFHyWxHImpshDj1jYD7y2NA/s1600/IMG_6790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNwfsQ2fcT-uh_tnxG4URBLUh6Ml7Cj2SiGvdp_i0zansgObgJYQOptlPN9XV2rZ80FiMw4a38sWSrDC3JuQjwRiBQ_XyJ9bqoA2B5n8fHUm0wc2JFHyWxHImpshDj1jYD7y2NA/s1600/IMG_6790.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMs090XEVECWpnuLhXSnQRNqCt7HXJhy2htzeebMOebrTBL1oYvifdWOZXEc36jNnbgW9pEeKTPKG5tZOo-8G6p2kxVeQeosootJ5boCWVmd5QsHTKtbNO-bLAK59E0BdEMpVMg/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMs090XEVECWpnuLhXSnQRNqCt7HXJhy2htzeebMOebrTBL1oYvifdWOZXEc36jNnbgW9pEeKTPKG5tZOo-8G6p2kxVeQeosootJ5boCWVmd5QsHTKtbNO-bLAK59E0BdEMpVMg/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-9264172645670241142014-10-25T05:57:00.000-07:002014-10-25T05:57:07.382-07:00Harpel Family Hayride 2014Every fall, my side of the family likes to do a family hayride. It's always a blast, and every year as the kids get older, the fun escalates.<br />
<br />
Usually my brother Micah and his family are not in town for this event (they are a military family stationed at Ft. Campbell), but this year they just happened to be home for a visit! For the first time in more than two years, the ENTIRE Harpel family was together -- and my heart was full to the very brim!<br />
<br />
It was a wonderful time. We had beautiful, warm weather and a gorgeous sunset. The horse-drawn wagons at Bunker Hill Stable captivated the kids, and afterwards we celebrated our October birthdays around a bonfire. It was perhaps the most perfect night in years.<br />
<br />
And here it is! Our first family photos since before Ruby was born! 11 adults, 15 kids, and 3 buns in the oven! And everyone is looking!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Left to right: Abigail (1), Micah, Missy, Jeremiah (4), Pete, Chloe (4), Anna (5.5), Amber, Ruthie (5), Christian (2), Naomi (7), Dad, Zachary (7), Mom, Ruby (6), Malachi (8.5), Nate, Elijah (8), Audra, Silas (2), Israel (7), JP, Rosie (4), Becky, Isaac (2) and Joe. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU3E4skn45xQWrNy-JyaBMjnPjuQbC39o6LZLiW6DwDR10t6yrcvi08XWtj_7-nBHT3x2Y14IdvAAgc2bRc7W4Xb7aj8u6-uPnUoZJvwsRwsd2zp5EMvUtOSEqi_opFlMzxbWyQ/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU3E4skn45xQWrNy-JyaBMjnPjuQbC39o6LZLiW6DwDR10t6yrcvi08XWtj_7-nBHT3x2Y14IdvAAgc2bRc7W4Xb7aj8u6-uPnUoZJvwsRwsd2zp5EMvUtOSEqi_opFlMzxbWyQ/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The kids' favorite thing to do is jump off the back of the wagon. This is Anna jumping to Pete. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKMV9g_Gms6EVco9OJrbV_2Kvo49BsIKJyLENHERP_aA02vcPuOahcHvw4U5zsEmIUTrxaqwgwI-_RQSEcd29zdnwV__RsBWMonkCrjK98_PKXEsHpRi4Yv__qBxwNmFj49bRpg/s1600/IMG_6710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKMV9g_Gms6EVco9OJrbV_2Kvo49BsIKJyLENHERP_aA02vcPuOahcHvw4U5zsEmIUTrxaqwgwI-_RQSEcd29zdnwV__RsBWMonkCrjK98_PKXEsHpRi4Yv__qBxwNmFj49bRpg/s1600/IMG_6710.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby in horsey heaven.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylUN-o3dyXhC3D6zMhVdas8SO0ydDfJ3qGOGXAvBpcp1mLjZjBoud3nH5tBYHRVH8IdzpaW14C_hTXvEJAANyJKq1AeoWOiVtyJBvIwRqZHv6QNdr9WKOQnvbe0cwPe45MFaFeg/s1600/IMG_6714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylUN-o3dyXhC3D6zMhVdas8SO0ydDfJ3qGOGXAvBpcp1mLjZjBoud3nH5tBYHRVH8IdzpaW14C_hTXvEJAANyJKq1AeoWOiVtyJBvIwRqZHv6QNdr9WKOQnvbe0cwPe45MFaFeg/s1600/IMG_6714.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pete and Nate were the rockstars of the night, chasing, carrying, and catching kids the whole time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-5sAOHwn1TliemTrfzorezTjeiS70arbkBZJ255nFQIRzT0y1Vg66RSOGCtaWyKonlYxb9U94D1K9Dy-wiCIfnJFxaQ3zm7Pdl8q-skQnB0S5pli-Np2uB5ZtE4b-Y1J4wYmKA/s1600/IMG_6730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-5sAOHwn1TliemTrfzorezTjeiS70arbkBZJ255nFQIRzT0y1Vg66RSOGCtaWyKonlYxb9U94D1K9Dy-wiCIfnJFxaQ3zm7Pdl8q-skQnB0S5pli-Np2uB5ZtE4b-Y1J4wYmKA/s1600/IMG_6730.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Grandma & Grandpa with all 15 of the gradkids</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWeq9uF3vwCnh6epcSZdjWPxkRXpMRUj9a4YlCEiaaVJYtCEYBORA-4a-pDJZtH-R_O525YksxyvCZcGln6OVhmR-ehuIIz1sB6BHxw2sB66pj1YPYXmR53kNPHtE8H0UIujRVg/s1600/IMG_6735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWeq9uF3vwCnh6epcSZdjWPxkRXpMRUj9a4YlCEiaaVJYtCEYBORA-4a-pDJZtH-R_O525YksxyvCZcGln6OVhmR-ehuIIz1sB6BHxw2sB66pj1YPYXmR53kNPHtE8H0UIujRVg/s1600/IMG_6735.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's a race!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_L07OQo2cVJ4zFolefzUQjg1DQkIxPUkNHyzBJRObsbfmk2dt2XZrs_6hT6jfUJC6xzyJj2xuiH8gnnlNkZ9XLTsbuJvlAXwki6PZEZf9PX_DBt1hAPwbqjNhwBLYEE3bPYQHw/s1600/IMG_6723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_L07OQo2cVJ4zFolefzUQjg1DQkIxPUkNHyzBJRObsbfmk2dt2XZrs_6hT6jfUJC6xzyJj2xuiH8gnnlNkZ9XLTsbuJvlAXwki6PZEZf9PX_DBt1hAPwbqjNhwBLYEE3bPYQHw/s1600/IMG_6723.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Micah and Joe give the youngest kids a fighting chance.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9XkbyUPnYpSQuqhhXG7FHEExUdV8j7SXixNtVYYzGQ5yg3rX7pzg6Td_mdChfJGUYh-yvfGMXTUPT7Nc9erXz8XX7Xegs3jCy2nRFZA4IMQ09P_cWnYmIeIzY1t0EEmhadAkng/s1600/IMG_6737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9XkbyUPnYpSQuqhhXG7FHEExUdV8j7SXixNtVYYzGQ5yg3rX7pzg6Td_mdChfJGUYh-yvfGMXTUPT7Nc9erXz8XX7Xegs3jCy2nRFZA4IMQ09P_cWnYmIeIzY1t0EEmhadAkng/s1600/IMG_6737.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Our driver stopped the wagon at this huge sand hill for the kids to play on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhbJVOD5XWVkW_fJtKfgkHmSAzQbtJlHD_Z57mkMpBPkWjLqcKAWKmS69Bf96zK0MPugt_FRY3iQrortm0q6DsIZ3l6_79TdBLRx5zACrK7aMXoDy5xXNLt5D7dL2f534jB4tDQ/s1600/IMG_6739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhbJVOD5XWVkW_fJtKfgkHmSAzQbtJlHD_Z57mkMpBPkWjLqcKAWKmS69Bf96zK0MPugt_FRY3iQrortm0q6DsIZ3l6_79TdBLRx5zACrK7aMXoDy5xXNLt5D7dL2f534jB4tDQ/s1600/IMG_6739.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Isaac thought it was hilarious to throw hay on Christian. Christian was not amused! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyGcDfsOsmM1YVugAfmGmUTNlgGEsJBeNLY-pVUiS2KG0kHoU-1Ez60-hJqjyezCvC2eLGSDA_34tn5J8KhTTIrWE7rq-z9vkucR0Y_XhOrXfkNzr_pAiUuTkO0DFtGcqQpEDHw/s1600/IMG_6748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyGcDfsOsmM1YVugAfmGmUTNlgGEsJBeNLY-pVUiS2KG0kHoU-1Ez60-hJqjyezCvC2eLGSDA_34tn5J8KhTTIrWE7rq-z9vkucR0Y_XhOrXfkNzr_pAiUuTkO0DFtGcqQpEDHw/s1600/IMG_6748.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Everybody loves Uncle Joe!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQXEtrpFK4_6gZYNds-x2wYyhOOeTFytLv35TPzNPK5-Zx1Uq9w3q_bB5L6C731JBFfsjuzvpgpBb-4DXkK1bVBBMr0dOM8pVA17mpaU9iOs6rF_tejLPHPB-yU_wUielYJsIiQ/s1600/IMG_6757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQXEtrpFK4_6gZYNds-x2wYyhOOeTFytLv35TPzNPK5-Zx1Uq9w3q_bB5L6C731JBFfsjuzvpgpBb-4DXkK1bVBBMr0dOM8pVA17mpaU9iOs6rF_tejLPHPB-yU_wUielYJsIiQ/s1600/IMG_6757.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-57252292486322427812014-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:002014-10-24T18:43:14.770-07:00Silas is 2!Yesterday, we celebrated Silas' second birthday! I can hardly believe that my boy is growing so quickly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EJJysEsvFcMNCCtUHnviUJ_sut1s5ZUr07jw2EOrJzjfhGIG9XgGP4YFhbwRNwLXo0FaWxA9zJjsxxpr_xc2xV_wKGFZQ9wMmIKhCyaJ9XiYk3lFocPaEG42sZ9z5NbiH6V_jg/s1600/IMG_6753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EJJysEsvFcMNCCtUHnviUJ_sut1s5ZUr07jw2EOrJzjfhGIG9XgGP4YFhbwRNwLXo0FaWxA9zJjsxxpr_xc2xV_wKGFZQ9wMmIKhCyaJ9XiYk3lFocPaEG42sZ9z5NbiH6V_jg/s1600/IMG_6753.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We didn't do much in terms of celebrating. The previous week, we made a cake, sang, and opened gifts with my family when we were all together for our annual hayride (post coming soon!), so on the actual day of his birthday we kept it simple. We had a play date planned with some friends, so we brought a treat to share, and he received several phone calls from singing relatives. Every time someone sang to him, he looked surprised when they sang his name instead of someone else's.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Silas' construction cake. He loves his "chucks" (trucks) and plays with them every day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW33RiUV8nUQZRhdgWn8dtuLXr-VrtPRPYn1NiyzuEMooeyWkYizZZIo9TOpk31WAwVwZLYJMWjlsqN7zQGj4tgNB3eUXUwZFB9-qvhxNAJOSbm1CWqT-REEHhTLU1TtvwA032_Q/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW33RiUV8nUQZRhdgWn8dtuLXr-VrtPRPYn1NiyzuEMooeyWkYizZZIo9TOpk31WAwVwZLYJMWjlsqN7zQGj4tgNB3eUXUwZFB9-qvhxNAJOSbm1CWqT-REEHhTLU1TtvwA032_Q/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Silas, Nate and Christian are our October birthday boys.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmB9GdUUqiIQaWGWdCPlcWiMo6cfIiwOVrvLyUsnc5-bDbl73U5sJu2B_xyDU49Fj7UD-fFE4NNIuny3zVDgudQE-dKqQjWRaKvwi-aK-Pg14-0dNmYqZpd60_7Oa_fpq72F1EA/s1600/IMG_6763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmB9GdUUqiIQaWGWdCPlcWiMo6cfIiwOVrvLyUsnc5-bDbl73U5sJu2B_xyDU49Fj7UD-fFE4NNIuny3zVDgudQE-dKqQjWRaKvwi-aK-Pg14-0dNmYqZpd60_7Oa_fpq72F1EA/s1600/IMG_6763.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Silas -- such a manly little dude! I am absolutely smitten by him. There's something about him being the perfect, shrunken-down image and personality of his daddy that I just can't resist! He is 100% boy, despite being surrounded by princesses, ponies, and polly pockets every day of his life. He loves to "ford fight" (sword fight) and wrestle, and he'll never pass up a chance to be outside.<br />
<br />
At 2 years old, his favorite things are Daddy (above all else), drums, trucks, trains, being outside, <a href="http://www.bozthebear.com/" target="_blank">Boz the Bear</a>, apples, and "fighting." He L-O-V-E-S to drum on anything and everything and sing as loudly as he can. He also loves to read books, and he already knows all of his shapes, most of his colors and can count and sing his ABC's..."decently." <br />
<br />
Silas is sure he is just as big as Rae and can do anything she can do, and Rae adores him so much that she happily helps him try. They are best buds. She takes such good care of him.<br />
<br />
He is his daddy's boy, which also means he's very strong-willed and commanding! He marches around the house looking like a mini JP, using his loudest, deepest voice to boss around anyone or anything that will respond. (We are working on that.) ;) He is sure to be a leader in his life, and we are committed to teaching him what that means and entails.<br />
<br />
Silas, I'm so thankful that God gave us you as a first-born son. You make me and Daddy so proud! You are fearless, funny, strong and smart, yet soft-hearted and affectionate. Every day you amaze me with the subtle ways you are changing and growing, slowing (yet too quickly?) transforming from my baby into a young, strapping boy. I can't wait to see what plans God has for you! Happy birthday, Si guy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-CeHLVdLrrsYaUKfuOHqhuIXLU6p_w72YpW3_czLoGUuWfG8YBXn6NFPWgp-w09f46mSlnnq8UTKkMCb8ZjNIX1DgDggBMIjz6YvHaIyl2T5lfR7PWTToUPJzQCWJ3ti5MJ7qg/s1600/IMG_6774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-CeHLVdLrrsYaUKfuOHqhuIXLU6p_w72YpW3_czLoGUuWfG8YBXn6NFPWgp-w09f46mSlnnq8UTKkMCb8ZjNIX1DgDggBMIjz6YvHaIyl2T5lfR7PWTToUPJzQCWJ3ti5MJ7qg/s1600/IMG_6774.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17238112.post-16401267323097539652014-10-03T11:14:00.002-07:002014-10-03T11:14:21.337-07:00Pregnancy UpdateI am now 9 weeks along in my 5th pregnancy, and I'm starting to feel it! So far it has been smooth sailing -- and even now, the "symptoms" are so minor that I can't complain -- but I can feel the all-too-familiar signs of a healthy baby growing inside.<br />
<br />
Most obviously, I. Am. Exhausted. All day long.<br />
<br />
JP and I started waking up earlier about 8 months ago (you know, to "jump start" our day), and what started as 5:00 am has turned into 4:30 am. By 10:00 am, I'm pretty tired, and by 2:00 pm, it is all I can do to sit on the couch and read books to the kids without falling asleep, much less stay on top of the laundry, dishes, errands, and other daily tasks that are being more frequently neglected. By 8:00 pm, the kids all seem as fresh as daisies, and my gaze goes back and forth longingly between my bed and the clock, yearning for 8:30, bedtime, and the ensuing collapse.<br />
<br />
Now, I used to quit coffee when I was pregnant, but that was before I was pregnant with four other pre-birthed children/homeschool/etc. This time around, I had no intention of giving up what I considered necessary for daily function.<br />
<br />
But then the food aversions began. And wouldn't you know -- one of the first things to make me sick to my stomach? My coffee. I still want it. I still long to sip it's warm, nutty goodness and feel the caffeine electrify my blood. But as soon as the cup hits my lips, I start gagging and have to back away.<br />
<br />
Nothing is appetizing. I force myself to eat for the baby's sake. And the baby is growing beautifully. In fact, the baby is the size of a grape this week. His or her "tail" is gone, hands and feet are forming, and eyelids are appearing over perfectly formed eyes. Even little teeth are growing. The heart finishes dividing into 4 chambers this week, and the valves are forming. I'm so thankful for this baby, and for the healthy body God gave me with such amazing capabilities. It all is truly such a miracle, and an honor.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-9-weeks" target="_blank">See what a baby looks like at 9 week here. </a>The Charleboishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301218615305191791noreply@blogger.com0