tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556527771067435762024-03-05T19:43:23.838-05:00Wildlife and HomeBetween the crazy people within the house and the suburban critters without, this life of ours is pretty wild, indeed.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-26041548794626083032014-08-11T20:32:00.003-04:002014-08-12T20:16:07.023-04:00Another Gayner Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meet Sophie Grace Gayner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFaYJI-YM0dduhNvZPbQtLQJKHCbFayNvTJaikBYjmN0Y83_1BYRKRvlROcbhoW80QL2POF4bCeg7CeEMsqotMR-AZhZ5D719QJLHBpp30ijXDxbr7vDruuSFHzbD77-vtkacKHtf429m/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFaYJI-YM0dduhNvZPbQtLQJKHCbFayNvTJaikBYjmN0Y83_1BYRKRvlROcbhoW80QL2POF4bCeg7CeEMsqotMR-AZhZ5D719QJLHBpp30ijXDxbr7vDruuSFHzbD77-vtkacKHtf429m/s1600/042.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Born August 2, 2014 at 5:49pm</div>
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7lb 4 oz, 19.5 inches long</div>
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15 hours of labor, which is why I look so tired - I was.</div>
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But everyone agrees - she was worth every minute.</div>
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The kids really...</div>
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...really...</div>
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...<em>really</em>...</div>
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...love her. Really.</div>
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Not surprisingly, she looks just like the rest of them.</div>
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Even Caleb is smitten, once he realized she was ours. </div>
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A family of nine. So thankful she's ours.</div>
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<em>Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fill his quiver with them! </em>Psalm 127</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-10978846506898489602014-07-28T15:09:00.001-04:002014-07-28T15:09:24.358-04:00The Next ChapterWell, it's been pretty quiet here on the blog, but that's primarily because there's been so very much going on in our not-so-little family. Let me fill you in what we've been up to.<br />
Toby finished up his year at the Sovereign Grace Pastor's College, excelling in his studies, and all of us loving our time spent there. The graduation ceremony was such a sweet time, recalling great grace over the year, laughing at many fun memories, and shedding a tear or two, especially when a group of largely unsung heroes were honored - all the children of the families! <br />
Unfortunately, there was no time to catch a breath, for early in the morning the day after graduation, Toby left for a couple days of interviewing and house hunting north of Boston. Having made the decision to move to New England to pursue the possibility of church planting, getting a job and home were of greatest importance! <br />
Just a couple days after returning home, Toby was offered a senior engineering position with Bostik - the only company he heard from, the only company he interviewed with! We saw clearly God's hand in all this, right down to the fact that he didn't have multiple interviews with lots of travelling to deal with. <br />
There was still a home to find, however. Toby's house hunting was not very successful, but we were blessed to have help from a couple of friends who were willing to continue to look into and visit potential properties for us. In the end, our pastor's wife visited a home and gave us a call via FaceTime to show us around. We pretty much fell in love with it and sent in a rental application. Though there were several other applications for the property, God gave us favor and we were accepted!<br />
With a lot of hard work and a lot of help, we got our home in Louisville packed up, loaded into a large moving truck, and the house cleaned up to return to the landlord. We then started on our journey east, making stops in Ohio, Maryland, and New Jersey to spend time with friends and family. It was so good to see people that we love, not to mention breaking up a long trip.<br />
After 4 days of travelling and visiting, we made it to Massachusetts. It was lovely to meet our landlords, get the keys to our new home, and actually see it in person! We spent a night in a local hotel until our moving truck arrived first thing the next morning. Toby and an incredible team of helpers (and new friends) had our very large moving truck unpacked in a matter of hours, unpacked boxes, put together furniture, cleaned rooms, and brought food. In just a couple of days, these amazing people made this house a home! We don't actually have central air conditioning here, but we were loaned several window units - and then our landlord surprised us by bringing over 3 brand new units he had purchased for us! <br />
We had a week of settling in time before Toby started at work, and we filled it with errands, furniture shopping, and learning a new area. Going back to work full-time has been an adjustment for Toby, but it's nice to have a little more free time in the evenings. He's also getting to grips with the responsibilities of his internship at church. He'll be overseeing Children's Ministry and a Care Group, which will begin in the autumn. We are loving getting to know our new church and its people - they are an amazing bunch of individuals, and we already feel blessed in the new friendships we are forming, both for the grown ups and the children alike.<br />
As for me, I'm now just waiting for a baby. Yesterday was her due date, come and gone. Can't say much seems to be happening at the moment, but I'm in faith that I won't be pregnant forever, trusting that God's good timing is better than my own.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-18649447064516720152014-05-13T09:04:00.002-04:002014-05-13T09:04:54.758-04:00Patchwork love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do not consider myself a quilter. I don't think that following proper patterns and snipping thousands of little octagons and hand-piecing them together is really my thing. </div>
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Using up what I have, making simple, pretty things, and borrowing on past successes <em>is </em>my thing.<br />
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Since making the <a href="http://www.wildlifeandhome.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-new-kindle-case.html" target="_blank">patchwork Kindle</a> case, I felt a new confidence to try my hand at patchworking again, though on a larger scale. I also had two other considerations to make:</div>
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I have a large bin full of scrap material that I have no interest in moving yet again. At least, I'd like to use as much as I can!</div>
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Anyone who knows me knows I make each of my new babies a blanket. Some have been crocheted, some knitted, and <a href="http://www.wildlifeandhome.blogspot.com/2010/02/nesting-kelly-style.html" target="_blank">one rescued from the thrift store</a> and <a href="http://www.wildlifeandhome.blogspot.com/2010/02/more-baby-stuff.html" target="_blank">given new life</a> and service. This new wee babe needs her own blanket, just like the others.</div>
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I'm so pleased at the way this turned out. It's very forgiving, not showing just how crooked my seams are. It's also special, since every piece is a scrap of some other project. We've all enjoyed looking at the different pieces and remembering other things that were made or worn by and for others. "Hey, that's in Ellie's skirt!" "Remember that dress you made for Anna? That piece is from there!" Even the backing was once used as wall decoration in the previous house. </div>
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In spite of not really knowing what I'm doing and kind of making it up as I go along, something sweet, simple, and serviceable has been made. I'm looking forward to putting it into use.</div>
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This little ditty is dedicated and was gifted to Mercy Rose, the beautiful little lady who joined her 3 older siblings in the arms of her parents late last night.</div>
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In spite of the sweater pattern being called the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february" target="_blank">February Baby Sweater</a>, I think it'll suit this May baby just right. Made with <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Swish_DK_Yarn__D5420168.html" target="_blank">Knit Picks Swish DK</a> in Sugar Plum. Buttons are from my vintage collection.</div>
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I woke up at 5:30am this morning to the news "There's a new little person in the world!" I first thought, "I didn't have the baby already, did I?" My fogginess was only there for a moment, but still...Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-27252529504750456472014-04-29T13:31:00.000-04:002014-04-29T13:31:17.748-04:00A lovely, golden day<div style="text-align: center;">
This past Saturday was so special, such a sweet blessing to me...</div>
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For more than a month, my phone calendar had "family day special" as an event for Saturday, though I had no idea what that meant, since Toby entered it and was determined to keep things a surprise. </div>
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We started the day by heading over to see the start of the <a href="http://discover.kdf.org/u-s-bank-great-balloonfest/" target="_blank">annual hot air balloon race</a> - it's a pretty popular event! </div>
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Folks line the streets all around the air field to get a glimpse of the action, clutching their venti lattes and sporting bed head (since it starts at 7am). We were <strike>a little late </strike>smart, so we just drove around to see things from different angles.</div>
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Afterwards, we came home for breakfast, did some chores and headed out again. I was intrigued as we headed across the river into Indiana, but said nothing - I actually like being surprised and didn't want to spoil it! As we neared our destination, Toby passed me a little card with kind words of thanks for keeping up with things this year and some spending money...to spend at a fiber festival!! Be still my heart...</div>
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It was so fun. There was plenty of stuff to look at - I could barely get the girls away from the looms - though not too big, which would have been overwhelming. After I'd taken a tour around, we went outside for a picnic...</div>
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...tried on some felted hats and had some faces painted...</div>
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...and made some purchases! There were several spinning wheels around, but as they're in the hundreds of dollars and we face an impending move, I didn't think that now would be the time to start an expensive, new hobby. A drop spindle, however, has been on my list for a long time, is of minimal expense and very portable. This new hobby I could make room for! I bought some beautiful roving to go along with it - I have no idea what I'll knit with it, but knit it I shall.</div>
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And how's this for a bonus - seeing a time machine on the way home! </div>
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Some intrepid soul made a bunch of people's day that afternoon - we were totally geeking out over an actual De Lorean from Back to the Future! </div>
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I couldn't make out if they had a proper flux capacitor inside the dash, but they still get full marks for the externals!</div>
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All in all, a good day, indeed.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-86315768367854734322014-04-23T13:15:00.001-04:002014-04-23T13:15:29.169-04:00Right now<div style="text-align: center;">
The world keeps turning, and life keeps happening...</div>
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Toby had his 39th birthday this week. Amazing. I remember when 39 seemed so <em>old</em> - just one year from 40! Now, we both still feel like a couple of kids who are playing at being grown ups. Bizarre.</div>
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Easter was lovely. 12 adults and a couple dozen children combined at our house for food, fun, and egg hunting. I did little cooking, <em>and </em>had a nap - loved it all.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Walking Bridge over the Ohio River</span></div>
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There are now 6 1/2 weeks to go until graduation. I can't believe how quickly this time has gone! It's been good, intense, fun, full. It has not, however, been normal. I'm not completely sure that the word "normal" applies in this situation, though...</div>
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I'm looking forward to the next phase of life now. Funnily enough, we're not really sure what that is. We don't yet know where we're going after graduation, but one of many good things about this season at PC is that it has made us eager for the next phase of our life. We're excited to see how God's going to use the training and investment we've had here. </div>
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Which all means we're in kind of a weird time now. Lots of getting ready without knowing what we're getting ready for. Gonna move, but don't know where. Need to start packing, but don't know where to send a moving truck. Planning school for next year - should we order now and pack the supplies, or wait until we're in a new place? And don't get me started on where this little girl is going to be born...(I'm kind of hoping in a hospital, somewhere, rather than on the side of a road).</div>
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In the crazy not-knowing, there is peace; there is faith. The wheels are turning, decisions are being made, and something will happen at just the right time. We may not know what comes next, but we know the One who does, and it's in Him (not the plan, not the ticked boxes and met deadlines) that we place all our trust. </div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-91808163173392976032014-04-14T11:30:00.000-04:002014-04-14T11:30:16.117-04:00It was time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beneath the mop of this "Cousin It"- like creature...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZSQ9YKP76ErIPhRQb7Qau8EXOemLNNiJmFSrp5qpLJcdllfZ6JFAuiajXol8yjWTCc68ot5snhrbZMvZnkB8sZvcdVXGcR9iQ9m5W1o6PZ5zG0zStmo5wOGYNLYYKVjiuQeEumMoVimy/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZSQ9YKP76ErIPhRQb7Qau8EXOemLNNiJmFSrp5qpLJcdllfZ6JFAuiajXol8yjWTCc68ot5snhrbZMvZnkB8sZvcdVXGcR9iQ9m5W1o6PZ5zG0zStmo5wOGYNLYYKVjiuQeEumMoVimy/s1600/073.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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...I began to uncover the strangest thing...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17oPMZlmitrc4eDtohjUUcRscGoyQVj_PpcD_eKruGMrM8zVqOIEbvGM0YCt1Lxld2Dbbos9VZCkULgCl2bIoqdhQBi_ZGhIDIoWAjr2onwXzV_zRj__1s2Cb3IzxPuX-piuxeGv_GqcO/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17oPMZlmitrc4eDtohjUUcRscGoyQVj_PpcD_eKruGMrM8zVqOIEbvGM0YCt1Lxld2Dbbos9VZCkULgCl2bIoqdhQBi_ZGhIDIoWAjr2onwXzV_zRj__1s2Cb3IzxPuX-piuxeGv_GqcO/s1600/074.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Behold, a charming little girl with a beautiful smile! </div>
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This little hair cut was long over due...</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-66083596239260045792014-04-09T15:43:00.002-04:002014-04-09T15:43:58.284-04:00All warm and pink<div style="text-align: center;">
A friend here in Louisville asked me if I would make a baby blanket for a family member who just had a little girl three weeks early. Since <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pine-forest-baby-blanket" target="_blank">this</a> is one of my favorite blanket patterns, the choice was easy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWupHjjWx92xIUje0nHOvfavg9EtK043ut9Wv-5ZmUuymezDgEIFKzXYlWh7VajSSE7apG6DOri5b-TQa6dJURSsbsRQJbSNfrsCncoZjxjTcMAsKCeB6E3YglO-sDkHtX71lbfzIPa1hv/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWupHjjWx92xIUje0nHOvfavg9EtK043ut9Wv-5ZmUuymezDgEIFKzXYlWh7VajSSE7apG6DOri5b-TQa6dJURSsbsRQJbSNfrsCncoZjxjTcMAsKCeB6E3YglO-sDkHtX71lbfzIPa1hv/s1600/021.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Made with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-cascade-220" target="_blank">Cascade 220</a> in Flamingo Pink - I love the effect of the gull stitch pattern!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_wgB8wlefF4hoJVt2-Pj_ej_lsuSApnnHMovvl9dTI2M0IQ4UiIE1PoCDXRSATa3veawxkDov7Z810MYtlstQFjFiZfkuvLrQvDEY_E_urGfmOVHXmpQpazkZRy2UnjXSP2B0SplEadu/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_wgB8wlefF4hoJVt2-Pj_ej_lsuSApnnHMovvl9dTI2M0IQ4UiIE1PoCDXRSATa3veawxkDov7Z810MYtlstQFjFiZfkuvLrQvDEY_E_urGfmOVHXmpQpazkZRy2UnjXSP2B0SplEadu/s1600/020.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb23rP9cyNtxt1oUKYeV3MJX1AszPJnhvpZK6PunAO1GuQUM_lygRPcIbbE0A-XqKxq6O1UiUuapQbNlRVBqgZnqipxGJfaTTzsHTdRi2JYCrV-wa_yzGYRBDNBt6f0dBZpUWT9jYcb2y/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb23rP9cyNtxt1oUKYeV3MJX1AszPJnhvpZK6PunAO1GuQUM_lygRPcIbbE0A-XqKxq6O1UiUuapQbNlRVBqgZnqipxGJfaTTzsHTdRi2JYCrV-wa_yzGYRBDNBt6f0dBZpUWT9jYcb2y/s1600/024.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Since a new baby needs a lot of love, food, and warmth, I'd say this is blanket will fulfill the third requirement, leaving the new Mom and Dad to take care of the rest. </div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-25698330136833361372014-04-02T08:49:00.001-04:002014-04-02T08:49:52.511-04:00A Quiet Time ThoughtMark 6:1-6, v 6 <em>And he marveled because of their unbelief</em><br />
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Marvel - to wonder at<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIL1NkdVsueNtZb6b1wOScZ0sN-JaYr7o1NtshY9NpyZ_dSbyyySUanvAZpg6x6QdGSU4kfQ-1nda2aaYAlb0M5tUcYL-jCKMhEnRJG1KzX956ny2f51tMdwIKDXQzHQ4cyr5dsD0wVKO/s1600/Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIL1NkdVsueNtZb6b1wOScZ0sN-JaYr7o1NtshY9NpyZ_dSbyyySUanvAZpg6x6QdGSU4kfQ-1nda2aaYAlb0M5tUcYL-jCKMhEnRJG1KzX956ny2f51tMdwIKDXQzHQ4cyr5dsD0wVKO/s1600/Tulips.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Generally, Jesus is not surprised by the world and its workings. Usually others are marveling at Him - at His words, His power, His miracles, authority and preaching. This is, perhaps, in reference to the finite mind of man that cannot comprehend the mysteries of God. But when Jesus is marveling at the unbelief of those who have known him for years, this is no compliment. Is it comparable to when one of my children do something amazingly foolish, leaving me thinking, "Did that really just happen?" I'm often not "surprised" by their foolishness, but can experience incredulity as I witness certain actions. Is this how Jesus felt - amazed, though not surprised?<br />
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In the end, he left his hometown to minister elsewhere, because their unbelief hindered Him. Though Jesus is now raised on high, unhindered by all but his own patience, I want to be cautious about being a hindrance - I'd much rather the Lord work through me, rather than in spite of me. I'm sure I give him much foolishness to marvel at, but I pray that a habit of acting out of unbelief is not one of them.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-53794883874290967982014-03-31T16:31:00.000-04:002014-03-31T16:31:00.635-04:00My new Kindle case<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every so often, you complete a project that turned out just as you had hoped. This one was mine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlJ3av-h3NkgF5tEchJRqSULuivecu6oM49BV9XAn2pz16PqhJbaLrFIJsaCppmeQUpU8e-_NizRWWC4Vr8UBcaBTX4bKrQ3gCDfT2Wxpmg4pO8nLAyg3cxUA9SLbx7FEqDmdOvjvsl9B/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlJ3av-h3NkgF5tEchJRqSULuivecu6oM49BV9XAn2pz16PqhJbaLrFIJsaCppmeQUpU8e-_NizRWWC4Vr8UBcaBTX4bKrQ3gCDfT2Wxpmg4pO8nLAyg3cxUA9SLbx7FEqDmdOvjvsl9B/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found <a href="http://sometimescrafter.com/2009/09/tutorial-patchwork-kindle-case/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and was intrigued. Not that I need another Kindle case, but I do have some cute material to use up and I wasn't completely happy with my old case.</div>
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I would like to point out that I have little experience with patchwork, and there are several places where my seams aren't straight, but it doesn't really matter. The sewing tips were great and the whole pattern is rather forgiving. </div>
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Thanks to helpful instructions and some fabric that I love, I have a cute, functional case that will keep my little reader pretty and scratch-free.</div>
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Love.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-65489717938749090542014-03-21T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-21T08:00:03.833-04:00I don't know who is growing up faster...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7OZ-T-xcbHTqdqgiP8mqlGG9C5oiNttqawFvlU5KrJXT2YLJr_wYN0z9iSLtKagWipV2xngEcTV371f6EDqFKIKwG879YjtLwp6azDysDq63y_ScnuYLsniE8sppT65u8ElnnnA3_Zkq/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7OZ-T-xcbHTqdqgiP8mqlGG9C5oiNttqawFvlU5KrJXT2YLJr_wYN0z9iSLtKagWipV2xngEcTV371f6EDqFKIKwG879YjtLwp6azDysDq63y_ScnuYLsniE8sppT65u8ElnnnA3_Zkq/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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...the gorgeous little boy...</div>
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...or the beautiful young lady looking after him.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-78204563887300744792014-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-19T08:00:11.547-04:00Shake things up a little<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, I was finding that our daily school schedule was in need of a little shake up. </div>
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You know how, sometimes, the same old routine just isn't working for you all of a sudden? The schedule that worked so well for a while, now just ain't cutting it? Sometimes, the needs change; sometimes, we just need a change of routine - whatever the reason, it's time for something new.</div>
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It's important to recognize that it's okay to make changes sometimes. There are times to press in when doing a hard thing, but generally how we do those hard things are fairly subjective. I still need to school my kids, keep the house fairly sanitary, and put food on the table, but how I go about those things is pretty much up to me. But since I do not exist in a bubble and how I structure our day impacts several other people, I took some steps:</div>
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<strong>I talked to the kids</strong>. My three big kids (generally known as "The Students") have the most work to do and need to work around the needs of their younger siblings. They are also able to do a certain amount of work independently of me, so I wanted to get their feedback on when they would like to do certain subjects and see how their desires would work for the family as a whole. For them (and me), it seemed like a good idea to modify our schedule so that they were doing most of their independent work in the morning, and we would do our "together" work when the little ones were down. </div>
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<strong>I sought to prefer my little guys</strong>. Ellie is Kindergarten - her school work takes about a half an hour. Dan is about the same - he loves his workbook (he's probably my only "enthusiastic" student!). With the old schedule, I was fitting in their work where I could, which often meant that it only happened a couple times a week. With the new schedule, they get my full attention for an hour while the big kids are doing their own work. They know that their school time is important to me, and it's not getting missed. Score!</div>
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<strong>I made note of my own needs</strong>. I'm generally a morning person, so it's good for me to give my attention and energy to needful projects in the morning. So now, for half an hour after breakfast, I get busy with my own to-do list, whether it's prepping dinner in the crock pot, chipping away at a larger project or just folding laundry. A half an hour isn't long, but it's more than I'd had before and I'm finding that spending time, little and often, on a job is better than waiting and whining for that 3 hour window of peace and quiet. When's that ever going to happen with 6 kids running around, anyway? </div>
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So, that' s what we're doing. It's not perfect, but it's working for now. I'm fully aware that the time will come, probably sooner than I'd like, that we'll have to change things up again to make allowances for a new need. And that's fine, because in the end, whether the schedule is strict or flexible, it's there to serve me and my family (or you and yours), not the other way around. </div>
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<em>Are you seeing any areas that need a shake up? Share your thoughts!</em></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-62817068034860974792014-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-17T08:00:06.156-04:00More making do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've had this remnant of upholstery fabric for a while, with no real plan of what to do with it. I also have more bath towels than this family needs. Put those two things together with a sewing machine, and you've got yourself a new mat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslinTPxdlO-8ZmKNCDEnW0moAuw4Jh9u2QR3o4PfTRkcvbolYB7jGDOQi1jb6Aq3AIX1WXObOrqAX0-lF03lpq2q7sOEcloqWWANksGHdfq_sriaApBAH40XurF3vxk0LGbCd3LDGqIwh/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslinTPxdlO-8ZmKNCDEnW0moAuw4Jh9u2QR3o4PfTRkcvbolYB7jGDOQi1jb6Aq3AIX1WXObOrqAX0-lF03lpq2q7sOEcloqWWANksGHdfq_sriaApBAH40XurF3vxk0LGbCd3LDGqIwh/s1600/012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was originally thinking this would be good in one of the bathrooms, but it's currently more needed at the kitchen sink. If you have a go, be sure to add some non-slip backing to it - I bought some at the dollar store and stitched it on by hand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tWQP0D7Q3hsrCtTX_RtJGdbpH-vHRupS-9wuTZZ_Iy9K5m6UG_KNijcnzHzoTcc_oroBefyO2kf6A7IjPkoKXvfztIrY0sqIaTsPEc6EuOWBTVi0BIvJ3c9eqmeuVd8hGhi4rD1noKg8/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tWQP0D7Q3hsrCtTX_RtJGdbpH-vHRupS-9wuTZZ_Iy9K5m6UG_KNijcnzHzoTcc_oroBefyO2kf6A7IjPkoKXvfztIrY0sqIaTsPEc6EuOWBTVi0BIvJ3c9eqmeuVd8hGhi4rD1noKg8/s1600/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have some more of this fabric to use, and I'm thinking of using it to freshen up some old and falling-apart-throw cushions. Watch this space!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-60385507574967911442014-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-14T08:00:08.809-04:00What have I to fear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVeRumAecywqQFGc18DnSz46y3Qe6JI4W8p96ocxoZZDDeAoMEdRDWSETM_Ud0Ial9MMnITR4EXSoey_xQAu7VRr4yGZ1BZoZMOAIj7Gb0LcEZd3SYf7NqYjTQPAf1nCZtclFdnsdqaxi/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVeRumAecywqQFGc18DnSz46y3Qe6JI4W8p96ocxoZZDDeAoMEdRDWSETM_Ud0Ial9MMnITR4EXSoey_xQAu7VRr4yGZ1BZoZMOAIj7Gb0LcEZd3SYf7NqYjTQPAf1nCZtclFdnsdqaxi/s1600/015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am surrounded by super heroes!</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-73196481597228834352014-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-12T08:00:06.097-04:00Everyone needs a mug cozy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I have this plan to use up some material I have in storage, and make some of the groovy projects I've pinned on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kelly_gayner/sew-it/" target="_blank">pinboard</a>. I pinned this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/191895634094995870/" target="_blank">cute mug cozy</a> ages ago, and thought "I might just have the stuff to make that". And so I did. </div>
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I must say, felt is so easy to work with, particularly for kids, new sewers, or simply the time challenged. I fall into that last category at the moment, by the way. </div>
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There's little to do to make it neat and tidy, and since the edges don't fray, you don't need to spend a lot of time seaming and pressing and all that jazz. Just stitch the little triangles on in a fairly artful way, sew around the edges and add a button, and BOOM! You're stylin'. If you think that using a mug cozy is stylin', that is.</div>
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It does a reasonable job of keeping my beverages warm, which is nice, since it's so rare that I finish my tea or coffee while it's still hot. It's a good way to claim your mug, too - who else has such groovy adornment? </div>
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Maybe when folks start coveting one's mug cozy, it's a sign they need one of their own, perhaps with their own name emblazoned on the pennants for easy ID? Now there's a gift idea...</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-14792553656751863112014-03-10T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-10T08:00:15.955-04:00What a week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a full one, that's for sure, with plenty of chaos thrown in for good measure...</div>
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We were doing plenty of birthday prep early in the week, gathering the gifts and cards that had been arriving through the post. Inspiration for Dan's birthday cake struck on Tuesday night - boys like dirt. Hence, dirt cake, complete with worms...</div>
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Abi got her creative juices flowing and had to make herself a new pencil pouch, so out came the sewing machine and everything. Needing only a little help installing the zipper, she did a wonderful job, and I am so proud.</div>
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The main drama occurred on Saturday, when after a full day at the library and zoo, the kids and I stopped to order some burgers before heading home. Just as I was about to place my order at the drive through, I was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of Ellie, "tossing her cookies". It must have been rather amusing to any onlookers - this large, white van sits at the drive through, suddenly veers off into a parking space and a bunch of appalled children quickly spill out of the car, while the only adult in attendance looks rather frenzied and does a lot of head shaking. They must have thought, "I'll bet someone got sick in that car!". They would have been correct.</div>
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Ellie was fine by the day's end, by the way - we put it down to that helpful catch-all of kid illnesses, the "sour belly". And respect to Huggies wipes - they did a fabulous job of cleaning up the mess, since they were all I had. They've got a loyal customer here, that's for sure.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-59487394619772728822014-03-05T21:37:00.001-05:002014-03-05T21:37:43.767-05:00Our Little Dude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tomorrow, Dan turns 4 years old. Some days, I can believe he's survived that long...</div>
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The boy is a riot. Seriously. The stuff he comes out with is typically ridiculous, bordering on the bizarre, so that we can't help but laugh. Fortunately, he always seems to know that we're laughing with him, rather than at him.</div>
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He's such a ball of energy: always talking, moving, playing; never, ever still...until he sleeps.</div>
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He's so affectionate, snuggling on laps, giving hugs and kisses, interrupting Daddy's study time just to let him know how much he loves Daddy. And if anyone in this family would be considered the outgoing one, it's Dan. As soon as he meets someone, he introduces himself and makes sure that they know when his birthday is. So, everyone who knows Dan can celebrate his big day with him. </div>
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Happy birthday, little dude. You crack me up.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-70314508469276720362014-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-03-03T08:00:06.655-05:00Happy March!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A while back, a friend asked for some pictures of our children, complete with the first letter of their names for a little project she wanted to make. This is what we came up with, shared for your pleasure:</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-41664002004965867702014-02-10T13:14:00.002-05:002014-02-10T13:14:49.237-05:00Respect for the Babysitters - Old and NewSo, Abigail finished her Red Cross Babysitter Basics course, and passed with flying colors! She had to take a final exam, and they won't pass you unless you score an 80% or higher - she received 96%. I am so proud of her, not only that she passed so well, but that she worked diligently through the various lessons, and really took the whole thing rather seriously, rather than a glorified game.<br />
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She's now had several opportunities to serve some families at church as a Mother's Helper, going over for a few hours to play with kids and generally lend a hand in any way necessary so that Mom can get some things done. It's been wonderful - to see her serving in such a practical way, for gaining experience of looking after kiddos and how other families do things, and hearing the feedback of what a big help and great kid she is (I know this, of course, but it's so good to hear!).<br />
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If you're at all interested, I would highly recommend the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/program-highlights/babysitting-caregiving" target="_blank">Red Cross Online Babysitter Basics</a> class. It's only $25, and since it's online, you can fit it in around your schedule. They also offer a group class, too, but it didn't seem necessary for us - most of what they would have you practice there (changing diapers, feeding little guys), she already has lots of opportunity to practice at home!<br />
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She's really looking forward to growing this new skill into a marketable business, but for now, she's content to take it all one step at a time, getting to know the ropes and working at being the best babysitter she can be. We have been so blessed to have so many wonderful babysitters over the years, she's had lots of models she can borrow from. The babysitters that have cared for and influenced my kids over the years now have the privilege of blessing others they will never even meet, simply because of how they have modeled what a great babysitter should be. <br />
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If you've ever watched my kids, thanks for the way you've cared for my family, and how you have influenced my kids to care for others. Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-81872695021154734252014-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-07T08:00:05.093-05:00A few things about cornhole<ul>
<li>Did you know there really is a game people actually play, called "cornhole"? The object of the game is to throw your corn-filled bags (your corn bags, if you will) through a hole cut into an inclined board. Corn. Hole. Corn Hole.</li>
<li>Did you know that to be regulation weight, each corn bag must be one pound in weight?</li>
<li>Did you know that when you've been using a corn hole bag over a number of years, the corn within begins to break down and turns to dust, which means your corn bag gets lighter and lighter?</li>
<li>Did you know that when players are playing with bags that are not of equal weight, they will begin to fret, and even consider that they're not winning because there is something wrong with their bags?</li>
<li>Did you know that when one man happens to mention that he'd be happy to bring the corn bags up to spec, the other players would get rather excited?</li>
<li>Did you know that if you can run a sewing machine and mentioned that it should be no trouble to open a seem, refill the bags and close them up again, that you'd be doing that very thing within 48 hours (like, during the Super Bowl, for instance)?</li>
<li>Did you know that once you began this little project, it would instantly become the most interesting thing your children have ever seen and they absolutely must help, until they've covered everything in corn dust?</li>
<li>Did you know that when the job was done and the "one man" who began this project takes the corn hole bags back to the office, other men would drop everything (including a lesson, for instance) to come and try them out?</li>
<li>Did you know that they would be so happy with their "new and improved" bags, it would be a little concerning?</li>
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These are just some of the things I've learned about corn hole. I can only assume more lessons will come in due time... </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-53941810367480614672014-02-05T21:09:00.002-05:002014-02-05T21:09:26.982-05:00Climbing back in the saddle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was the first baby shower for the first baby of one of the couples here at the Pastor's College, and you know how us ladies like us a good baby shower!</div>
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It appears that I have earned myself something of a reputation - if Kelly's in attendance, people expect something handmade. I wouldn't dream of disappointing...</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eyelet-yoke-baby-cardigan" target="_blank">Eyelet Yoke Baby Cardigan</a> (aka Old Faithful)</div>
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Yarn: Cascade, some kind of baby yarn, maybe <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-cherub-baby" target="_blank">this</a>?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9C23AVCIr2A6IQwPkJzrF2zQbmrH6HonjqVenMQ0OY_zDGjdUHFMfCb8-zs7BBrk0_Q1ISe52OBff3FqP9OMNcBVKbsJILo8cjdT3erx1cuRvWQ9ZBNR-qrMXc2SmvgeA-htfof025Wf/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9C23AVCIr2A6IQwPkJzrF2zQbmrH6HonjqVenMQ0OY_zDGjdUHFMfCb8-zs7BBrk0_Q1ISe52OBff3FqP9OMNcBVKbsJILo8cjdT3erx1cuRvWQ9ZBNR-qrMXc2SmvgeA-htfof025Wf/s1600/019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was also the very clever suggestion that everyone get at lease one onesie and decorate their with a month of the year so that mom and dad can dress the wee babe up in her "month's" onesie and snap a picture for posterity. Everyone did a wonderful job! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmPKsMHXyGaviQlXyFwpMbW3yPu3HUBsh366wyfwVzY2BUZueuWwMhB6jdxc2Ymu3CrM6UtAS70RCnFr-0xv6cq_AQjwpVLwM9oIdXwEUVRgH1sx0TSskmPSgSamXeKcieGXZcexsZgWv/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmPKsMHXyGaviQlXyFwpMbW3yPu3HUBsh366wyfwVzY2BUZueuWwMhB6jdxc2Ymu3CrM6UtAS70RCnFr-0xv6cq_AQjwpVLwM9oIdXwEUVRgH1sx0TSskmPSgSamXeKcieGXZcexsZgWv/s1600/013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Clearly, I had month number eight. I bought a pack of 4 onesies, and since I had nothing clever planned for the other three, I decided to decorate all of them. Besides, even gorgeous babies poop all over their clothes and will need a change...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxRZGA-NEHtBEFrIV6CQRk8bW5NzqdLI1Ax9XsPaEgSC6umnjk00LNZfb8rSiLbxgBBgma0PrWwd7IunMDBfTgoXTRFarRm-Xxhq_CvHPN1xytySGWTsmL4cdvABjXabbhDeDCRVqHWW4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxRZGA-NEHtBEFrIV6CQRk8bW5NzqdLI1Ax9XsPaEgSC6umnjk00LNZfb8rSiLbxgBBgma0PrWwd7IunMDBfTgoXTRFarRm-Xxhq_CvHPN1xytySGWTsmL4cdvABjXabbhDeDCRVqHWW4/s1600/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make, I printed off the number 8 (font size 450, I believe), traced it onto some scrap material I've got, ironed on some interfacing and got to sewing. It was easy enough to do in an evening, though cutting out a "1" or a "7" would have been easier. Just sayin'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJel0cQzkiGrUH51qG_ofH5QxIxYszE1dqSjSJJTTNxCaO-ds6pmHxMV0M4-Ox_YomuNkDAb_SDq4zJ03FW8vUfQNK3y_1p8yIxoRz4zqSKdlrZweBVGjAvr0fNlI5DKrFVuFpCT-0yvWD/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJel0cQzkiGrUH51qG_ofH5QxIxYszE1dqSjSJJTTNxCaO-ds6pmHxMV0M4-Ox_YomuNkDAb_SDq4zJ03FW8vUfQNK3y_1p8yIxoRz4zqSKdlrZweBVGjAvr0fNlI5DKrFVuFpCT-0yvWD/s1600/015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd seen this cute idea on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for rolling up some onesie's with a sock to make them look like cupcakes. My first attempt looked rather stupid, really - rather like a wad of cloth with a sock sticking out. Perseverance paid off, however - perhaps they didn't exactly look like cupcakes, but they did look cute, instead of dumb. </div>
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Sometimes, that's about the best standard I can live up to.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-66480327047526050692014-01-27T19:59:00.000-05:002014-01-27T19:59:20.791-05:00RambleAt this moment, three children are running through the house, one is reading, one is out on an errand with the Daddy, and one is sitting on the dining table. This is how we roll.<br />
Caleb is impossibly cute - I'm pretty sure he stole some other babies' cuteness somewhere down the line. Fortunately, this makes his life a little easier when he's been playing in the toilet, unrolling whole rolls of toilet paper, or upending everyone's cups all over the table. Last week, he swiped Abi's retainer after dinner and dropped it in the toilet...which hadn't been flushed. Ugh. She was a good sport about it, especially after we boil-cleaned it.<br />
Dan's been loving "school" lately - it's so cute! At least one kid begins the day looking forward to school...He's got a little workbook that he's loving and after he's finished 5 or 6 pages each day, I have to <em>make</em> him stop. It almost makes up for the whining we are working through when it comes to waiting for food.<br />
Ellie's starting to read! So cool. Every now and then she has a brain blank and forgets a letter (usually "e", interestingly enough), but then she'll read a whole paragraph without a hitch. Of course, she still has wild woman hair, but still - baby steps.<br />
Noah's gotten to be pretty close buddies with one of the boys who live across the street, asking to go over his house almost every day. I'm not sure if their greatest shared interest is Lego or screen-based games, but I'm glad that he's got a friend. <br />
One of Anna's great joys at the moment has been giving Dan and Caleb baths. She's pretty good at it, and it's obviously a big help to me. Such a blessing to see her tangibly serve others, and enjoy it.<br />
Abi is almost finished an online Red Cross class in Babysitting Basics. She's really been enjoying it and doing well, and has big plans for serving some families as a mother's helper. Again, it's so nice to see my girls growing in maturity and work ethic.<br />
Toby's breathing a little easier tonight - he's just finished his first major project, his Biblical Theology paper. It's due the end of this week, and he's been working so hard on it, but still being faithful to keep up on his other work (like Greek, ahem) and spend time with all of us. Yesterday we went to a local park for a wander around in the snow, and he delighted in pelting the kids (and being pelted by them) with snowballs. If it were up to me, I still would have been napping. That's why he's the fun parent.<br />
As for me, I'd say I'm almost back to normal. I'm still loving early bedtimes and afternoon naps, but at least an "early" bed is 9:30, not 8pm, and a nap is 30 min, not 2 hours. It's all in the details, I think.<br />
I must confess, though, I haven't been reading much, and I haven't knitted <em>in months!</em> I know, it's crazy - I'm starting to question my identity/sanity! I've been thinking about knitting quite a bit recently, though, so that's something. Gotta start somewhere, right?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-37912941346412213682014-01-14T14:36:00.001-05:002014-01-14T14:36:51.472-05:00When a change is as good as a rest, for the most part.Many thanks to all and sundry for their kind and enthusiastic welcome of baby number 7. It's encouraging to know that even if our friends and family think we're nuts, they're kind enough to keep it to themselves. :)<br />
As for our Christmas vacation, it was heavy on the "social" and light on the "rest". Driving through the night from KY to NJ was long - <em>15 hours</em> with constant rain - but the kids were so good through the whole thing. They didn't sleep as much as we thought they would, but there was very little complaining, and the dreaded question "How many minutes until we're there?" didn't come up very much. It was great seeing family, being cooked for, and generally being spoiled for Christmas. Our trip down to MD for a weekend was a special joy, complete with more spoiling, visiting with excellent people and visiting our church family. Being in church was such a bittersweet time, as for the first time I realized just how much I miss "my people". <br />
We headed back to NJ for a few more days and spent some time with my brother, sister, and assorted families. So much fun - I've got some great family. :) I'm not sure if the highlight was winning the soup cook-off with my corn chowder (redeeming myself from last year with a dismal loss in the chili cook-off), or playing trivia games while my brother does a frighteningly good job reading the questions in an effeminate voice - both were good moments!<br />
We were supposed to head up to Boston to visit a church there, see some friends, and give Toby an opportunity to preach before we headed back to KY, but alas, it was not to be. There were some concerns about a winter storm getting in the way, and the airline called to cancel our first flight. We were able to reschedule for the next flight, but that was cancelled, too, with the added problem of all flights into Boston were being cancelled until Saturday night. That was going to be a little too tight and a little too difficult, so we decided to drive back a day early and travel during daylight hours - so much better! We are looking forward to scheduling another visit up/over to Boston another time, though - I've got some sightseeing to do!<br />
We're now back into the thick of things - Toby's back to class, kids back to schoolwork, I'm back to...everything I do. I'm feeling fairly good, overall - not 100%, but almost woken up, so to speak. I'm looking forward to getting my brain and energy back - I've got stuff to do!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-30617055101020452872014-01-06T20:29:00.001-05:002014-01-06T20:29:33.158-05:00"You're WHAT?!"Wow, I can't get away with anything! Clearly, those who know me know me pretty well indeed, because it seems that the only time I get really tired is when there's a bun in the oven...so our friends all knew that the Gayners were expecting baby number 7 without having to say much at all! <br />
We are all very excited, though both Toby and I made the observation that we might be crazy once or twice. After all, a new baby during Toby's year of intense study was not part of the plan, but God always seems to choose better for us than we would choose for ourselves, doesn't He? Besides, being a little crazy seems to be the hallmark for our family, so why not just roll with it?<br />
The current due date is July 27, which falls after Toby's graduation, and into that strange frame of time where there is no concrete plan. Always ready for adventure, we are - I wonder what state this kiddo will be born in? Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455652777106743576.post-78209649433798229062013-12-21T21:34:00.001-05:002013-12-21T21:34:55.962-05:00Merry Christmas to all!Well, goodness, I kind of dropped off the face of the earth, now haven't I?<br />
I can say we've been busy, but that's not really a (good) reason. Frankly, I've been exhausted! I'm sleeping late in the morning, with a nap most days, and a general mind fog most of the rest of the time. Sometimes, your body (my body) just needs a break from the normal operating procedures, and my body has decided to do that this month. Kind of a bummer, but there we are.<br />
We've all been looking forward to Christmas, though - I don't think anything would stop that. Our gifts are bought and wrapped, house decorated, and Christmas plans ready to be enacted. We are going to be travelling to NJ tomorrow night to spend some time with my family, visit friends in MD and enjoy a break. I get to eat a Christmas dinner that I don't have to cook, hang out with my family and watch them spoil my kids. And when it all gets a little nutso, Toby and I will visit MA for a couple of nights, staying with more folks who will probably spoil us and let Toby preach at their church. <br />
I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to all the driving. We're looking at a 12-hour trip - blech. We'll be doing the driving at night, which should minimize the need for stops, as well as miss a lot of traffic and cranky kids. But still...I'm in faith that it'll be worth it in the end, and in hope that God will allow us a safe and uneventful trip. <br />
We'll be heading back to KY and college early in the New Year, so until then...<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Have a very Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year from the Gayners!</em></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01494638617649883846noreply@blogger.com0