tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60224561627944141092024-03-13T09:55:08.096-05:00I Choose This Daychristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-74404007293992904242015-10-07T13:41:00.002-05:002015-10-07T13:42:29.940-05:00Book Review: Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson<br />
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am a big fan of Tracie Peterson, this book’s author. She has written over 100
novels [and I have probably read most of them!] It is obvious she loves history
and is a crazy good researcher because her stories are packed with gems of
information sometimes missed in the ‘big story’ of a historical event. Her
characters are very genuine and often witty, which I totally appreciate in a
historical fiction story. That said, this third book in the Brides of Seattle
Series was my least favorite. I think possibly, because it is a series where
you DEFINITELY need to read the prior two books in order to get a full picture
of the characters/events/setting.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
felt like the main character, Abrianna Cunningham presented dialogue that was
much more clever and fun in the previous books than this one. In my opinion,
the looming [dark] presence of Priam Welby over-dominated this book and really
distracted from the playful banter between Wade & Arianna. There was a good
amount of repetition in the how the characters were represented and where some
of the dialogue between ‘the Aunts’ in the first book was humorous, it became
kind of annoying by this book three.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now,
that said, this is NOT a bad read. It is an appropriate story for all ages and
touches on events in the past which have relevance to events of today, too. Like
many of Tracie’s book, it is a battle between good & evil and reflects much
of what we are battling against in today’s society. Materialism, power, greed
are enduring struggles, battles fought in 1889 and still today. I would
recommend this book to others with the caveat that you must read book one/two
in the Brides of Seattle Series first.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-47749723416287245212015-08-25T10:26:00.000-05:002015-08-25T10:26:27.624-05:00Book Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
book ‘A Worthy Pursuit’ by Karen Witemeyer is a really good read. Charlotte is
the kind of main character/heroine that a reader can really rally around. Her
motives, her reasons for acting are so good & honorable. She dearly loves
the children in her care, those who might be considered “the least of these”
according to the Word. The way in which Stone enters the story is really fun
and a great introduction to the back-and-forth relationship/feelings between the
two main characters. The children in the story are precious and Mr. Dobson’s
protectiveness hilarious, at times. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
inclusion of music as a balm to one’s soul/a place to seek shelter seems
especially realistic. The author writes, “The music became a prayer, the groans
of her spirit that were too complex for words.” Such a good illustration of worshipping
& sitting at the feet of God in a personal way. He uses so many different
manners to reach into our hearts, personal to each one and I think the author
did a really admirable job of expressing this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
is just the right amount of anticipation which builds throughout the book, a
perfect degree of twists & turns which make this a very fun read. I have
always appreciated Witemeyer’s stories and this one did not disappoint. Book is
appropriate for all ages. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">NOTE: I was given a copy of this book
from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT Condensed","serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-34434984636086119932015-08-25T10:13:00.000-05:002015-08-25T10:26:22.548-05:00Book Review: After a Fashion by Jen Turano<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book 'After a Fashion' by Jen Turano is a good read. The author delivers again on just the right combination of historical details, believable romance and humor. Speaking of humor, the banter between Oliver and Harriet is very witty and roommate/lady's maid, Mille, is plain hilarious. This character is so craftily constructed and I found myself especially anticipating the chapters where she played a role and often referenced her always-in-hand dictionary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My only minor critiques are (1) the far-fetched connection between Harriet and the Duke's family [light on detail here so as to not 'spoil' the story and (2) that Miss Peabody's dream of opening a shop selling refashioned gowns to the working class was not expanded upon in more detail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very easy read, a very fun read by an excellent author. Appropriate for all ages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review. </span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-25106243172451243112015-01-31T14:21:00.000-06:002015-01-31T14:21:08.097-06:00Book Review: Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh…this is a good one! For starters, it takes place in a
library which is one of my most favorite places. And the main characters [Luke
& Anna] are relate-able. With difficult pasts but not rags-to-riches
circumstances but through hard work & dedication they’ve established
careers which give them satisfaction. And both Luke & Anna love books
which I think is a fun thing to have in common. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camden does a great job with character development, creating
characters which fit perfectly into the storyline without seeming as if she
purposely created them with solely that intent. The thread of intrigue
throughout is really good, and again, not too over the top. I loved how Anna
researched the facts and searched through the details in many different
governmental departments – an illustration for not taking only one writing as
fact but using the expertise of many to solve a mystery. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The illustration of political life was insightful and the author showed the perspective of many different individuals -- those staring their careers, those who were in the midst of selfishly fighting for their own agendas, those who were patriarchs in the city & had earned the respect of many, etc. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really enjoyed the intelligent, witty & fun banter
between the two characters and especially the fact that Anna, who could
definitely be defined as an introvert, tossed the first barb with her whispered
words. And how Luke pursued her with such carefulness, despite their differences in social standing at the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Just a really enjoyable story for an amazingly talented
author. Recommended/appropriate for all ages. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #473624; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers
in return for my honest review.</span></span></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-6645709152917643182015-01-25T21:30:00.001-06:002015-01-25T21:30:50.959-06:00Book Review: To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51w9Uy2Va3L._SS300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="To Everything a Season (Song of Blessing)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51w9Uy2Va3L._SS300_.jpg" title="To Everything a Season (Song of Blessing)" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay.
I am a huge Lauraine Snelling fan. She is an incredibly talented author and I
have loved, loved, loved some of her books. But this one, it was just okay. Mainly
because it was once again based on characters living in Blessing, North Dakota.
She has written so much about the Bjorklund family in her other books/series
that this is definitely NOT a stand-alone book. It seemed that much of the book
was giving back-story on the characters from Snelling’s previous books. There
are so many characters & to keep everyone’s relationship correct in my
mind, I referenced the enormous family tree at the front of the book in almost
every chapter. I like stories with integrated characters but for me, this was simply
too much. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adding
to this was the fact that the REAL story [or what I thought to be the real story]
between Trygve and Mariam didn’t begin until mid-way thru the book. So while
reading the first chapters, it was like you were waiting & waiting for the
actual story to begin. And then it DID begin and then you were left in limbo at
the end of the story. If the conclusion of a book is not satisfying, ugh, that
is just a bummer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
is a very non-essential element mostly but a personal source of irritation when
reading a book is a difficult to pronounce name for the ‘main’ character. Not that
I read the book outloud but when reading silently, you still pronounce the
words. Trygve is pronounced Trig-Vee and I found myself stumbling over this
name again & again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
while I do not necessarily recommend this book, I do recommend Lauraine
Snelling as an author. Read her other books/series – Red River of the North,
Return to Red River, Daughters of Blessing and Home to Blessing. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE:
I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my
honest review. </span></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-63418925904567174482015-01-25T21:05:00.004-06:002015-01-25T21:07:38.793-06:00Book Review: Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund<br />
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<a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal" href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Unexpected-Beacons-Hope-Hedlund/dp/0764212370/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422241308&sr=8-1&keywords=love+unexpected" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51v0Acxrh0L._AA160_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jody
Hedlund is a talented author. As a non-mystery book reader, her books have just
enough intrigue to keep the pages turning without leaving me confused as to
what is going on. I like storylines based on historical facts and especially
appreciate when an author identifies which components of the story are factual
and which ones he/she took liberty with [Hedlund includes these details in her
Author’s Note]. I like how this author takes lesser known pockets of history
and creates an intriguing story. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
really liked the characters Emma & Patrick and the rambunctious toddler,
Josiah, reminded me much of my own. The one character in the story which I
found to be difficult was Bertie – her behavior was too mean-spirited for me,
too overtly vicious that it was hard to imagine Emma would actually confide in
her as a friend. That said, a valid example of how gossip can tarnish
relationships. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the relationship between Emma & Patrick to be sweet but TOO
fast-moving [yes, that was based on circumstances but altogether unrealistic].
The respect Patrick showed towards Emma and the other women in his life was
admirable. Because of the romance involved in this book, I would not recommend it
to young readers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE:
I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my
honest review. </span></span></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-16689432878522485062015-01-05T10:47:00.003-06:002015-01-05T12:21:13.243-06:00S.Family Christmas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All together for one more year to celebrate Christmas! Good times at Grandpa/Grandma's where we had scrumptious meals, the grands put on a really sweet play about the true reason for giving, and the weather allowed for some outside football time, too [which was a highlight for our little guy!]. Plenty of noise, plenty of controlled chaos and plenty of memories made. </span><br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-22601966690191984962015-01-05T10:38:00.001-06:002015-01-05T10:38:22.128-06:00Baby's First Dolly<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past year, I have come to realize some of the special moments of being a mommy to a little girl. I really did not think having a boy/girl would make a difference [and I'm not insinuating that one is better than another] but I have found myself a wee-bit sentimental about some of the "mommy to a baby girl" moments. Giving Ellyana her first dolly for Christmas was one of those moments. So very thankful to God for this gift of a baby girl.</span><br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-46179356152138994892015-01-05T10:32:00.004-06:002015-01-05T10:32:56.492-06:00Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So very fun to sometimes be "at home" on Christmas Eve/Morning and celebrate family traditions of our own. We opened stockings on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning woke in new PJs to eat cinnamon caramel pecan rolls before going to church. Some of these pictures are not so good [funky lighting] but the memories made are awesome!</span><br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-2691161561317438102015-01-05T10:06:00.002-06:002015-01-05T10:06:59.755-06:00Family Wedding!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the weekend before Christmas, my cousin Matthew married his beautiful bride, Kristyn. The wedding was at the church where I went with my grandma Z. many times as a child and the reception was at a [relatively] new facility in my hometown. It was fun, classy and so good to be with family & extended family for the day. Here are a few pictures of the behind-the-scenes activities as I am realizing I did not even get a shot of the bride/groom.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OUk6YqrfLo/VKqyO9NH7JI/AAAAAAAAE6o/Ktf_7dQCBjM/s1600/GirlCousinsWedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OUk6YqrfLo/VKqyO9NH7JI/AAAAAAAAE6o/Ktf_7dQCBjM/s1600/GirlCousinsWedding.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "Younger" Girl Cousins [...and they let me!] </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time has taken us far & near but always will be family.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFHjeeb-Si4/VKqyY3CYGtI/AAAAAAAAE7A/92PiDGka-eA/s1600/DaddyDaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFHjeeb-Si4/VKqyY3CYGtI/AAAAAAAAE7A/92PiDGka-eA/s1600/DaddyDaughter.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh....love this daddy/daughter capture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Handsome boys & Civil War history buffs!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B7QIQkAfDc/VKqyyKLGvoI/AAAAAAAAE74/pbuTIsHMlMA/s1600/BrookeCookiesCoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B7QIQkAfDc/VKqyyKLGvoI/AAAAAAAAE74/pbuTIsHMlMA/s1600/BrookeCookiesCoffee.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-38878551066177513462015-01-05T09:41:00.002-06:002015-01-05T09:41:05.241-06:00More H.Family Christmas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a "waffle bar" with homemade sausage for breakfast [yummy!] and the U.Kevin/A.Jolynn invited the gang over to their new farm to burn off some "after-presents" energy. Grandpa read an interactive Christmas story & grandma helped with a fun craft-y project. We ended the night with sandwiches, empanadas, chips & cheese, cookies & ice cream. A good, good day! So fun to be together. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jOgCfrc26c/VKqsqhszbxI/AAAAAAAAE5o/BNKzge0YxXI/s1600/GinaReadingToWes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jOgCfrc26c/VKqsqhszbxI/AAAAAAAAE5o/BNKzge0YxXI/s1600/GinaReadingToWes.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBXQjiksQKY/VKqstgD4XbI/AAAAAAAAE5w/8srv9i8235E/s1600/TyMakingOrnament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBXQjiksQKY/VKqstgD4XbI/AAAAAAAAE5w/8srv9i8235E/s1600/TyMakingOrnament.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFe4meIu6xc/VKqsw-r0zeI/AAAAAAAAE6A/qNK23od1a4s/s1600/CraftingWithKara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFe4meIu6xc/VKqsw-r0zeI/AAAAAAAAE6A/qNK23od1a4s/s1600/CraftingWithKara.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF3mSUUYr_w/VKqs68IZ1MI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/5hJ6I3zAkFM/s1600/GinaEllyana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF3mSUUYr_w/VKqs68IZ1MI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/5hJ6I3zAkFM/s1600/GinaEllyana.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-48166450454450855432015-01-05T09:21:00.000-06:002015-01-05T09:21:19.222-06:00H.Family Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Annual family photographs. We added two little girls this year, Ellyana [May] and Devery [September]. As you can see from the family pictures, Devery is a pretty "chill" little girl and Elly, well, not so much! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so good to be together, having hearts of gratitude for the way God has walked with us each thru the past year. For me, it was especially sweet watching the big kids [EGH family] make the little ones feel extra special with their attention & willingness to play. </span></div>
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-73557857263951764772014-09-29T17:34:00.001-05:002014-09-29T17:34:16.319-05:00My Little Man<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's been begging me to find him a tie & vest when searching around at Goodwill. I have been hesitant because I think there are plenty of years ahead of him to act/dress like a "big boy". Well, little did I know that a tie would transform my "little boy" into a "man" magically. At least that is what he claimed as Blake adjusted his tie on Sunday morning, "Yep. Now I look just a like a man." He was so super-excited to be wearing a button down shirt & tie, just like his daddy. He's growing up, this little man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-31184484284234911172014-09-29T17:26:00.000-05:002014-09-29T17:27:08.861-05:00Book Review: Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently read Anne Mateer’s newest book, “Playing by Heart”.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the author’s choice to write the book from both
Lula and Chet’s first-person perspective. I really enjoyed the description of
the game of basketball, though hard at times to re-create in my mind because of
the MANY confines that were part of the game during the time period this book
was written [World War I]. Wow! We’ve come a long way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9lAHti2Rr0/VCncO5uZplI/AAAAAAAAE4g/F_Y1c0QYy9M/s1600/playingbyheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9lAHti2Rr0/VCncO5uZplI/AAAAAAAAE4g/F_Y1c0QYy9M/s1600/playingbyheart.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could relate to Lula’s attempts to correct her former
flighty ways and earn the respect of those who should have been her biggest
supporters. Her brother, especially was relentless in bringing up those old
flaws. Applying a label to an individual is a bad idea – applying a label with
permanent adhesive is all the worse. People change. Christ changes us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While some might consider Lula & Chet as living in a “simpler
time” the author was able to illustrate that meeting the demands of others in
one’s family and/or community, is not confined within a generation. The
circumstances might look different but the pressure to conform, the pressure to
do what is socially acceptable, the pressure to choose between the wishes of
one person at the risk of disappointing another, those emotions/decisions still
exist. There are no easy decisions and I appreciated Mateer’s tackling this
topic so realistically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the characters seems a little bit weak, especially Jewel.
I thought Chet’s mother was relatively unlike-able but I am not certain whether
that might have been the author’s intent for both these characters. All in all,
it’s a sweet story. Appropriate for any age [clean romantic relationships]. A
good, fun read. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #473624; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><em>I was given this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange
for my honest review.</em></span></span></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-64119407258707041952014-09-04T10:12:00.003-05:002014-09-04T10:12:30.116-05:00More S-Family Weekend Pics<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a couple more family pictures from our time in Indianapolis. Family picture courtesy of Abby Klopenstein and while Little Miss refused to smile, it was much better than wailing. Savannah was so cute during the weekend, coming close and whispering to me sweetly, "Can I hold your baby, Aunt Christine?" And the last two pics are the table settings for dad's birthday dinner, super fun!</span><br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-1012933010659180982014-09-03T10:45:00.004-05:002014-09-03T10:45:58.877-05:00Book Review: Captured by Love<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jody Hedlund is a talented writer. I have read her previous
books and found them to be enjoyable, but just okay. This third contribution to
the Michigan Brides series for me what much the same. That said, Hedlund has a
gift in researching and describing time periods & historical events which
is remarkable. I did not know much about the history of Michilimackinac Island [currently
known as Mackinac Island] before reading this novel and appreciated the light
she shed on the events of this location in 1814 when British occupied the
island and the Americans fought to get it back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really liked some of the characters in this story,
particularly Miriam [mother/maman to Jean & Pierre] and Angelique herself.
I especially appreciated the theme of fighting for what is right/respectable
even when convenience or emotions tempt one to do differently. This was illustrated
well by Angelique’s words, “I want to offer you my love, but love without honor
is worthless…”[page 313]. Jean was honorable. Pierre’s character was both charming & witty. Again, I appreciated that his decision to follow after the Lord did not
immediately transform him into a new man, but instead illustrated his <em>desire</em> to
be a better man and the struggles that are part of a Christian life. I
hated Ebenezer Whiley and did not much care for his wife, Betty either but then, I believe that was the author’s intent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the story was lacking some pace in the early the
chapters. Only around Chapter 17 did the action accelerate and piqued my
curiosity as to how the rest of the story would unfold. I loved that Red Fox
was incorporated later in the story and especially found the manner in which
the love triangle between Angelique/Jean/Pierre was resolved to be especially
clever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, a good book but not a particular favorite. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I was given this
book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8GCcWgNFZco%2FVAc2d-Su9bI%2FAAAAAAAAE28%2FlL-O3teVjkY%2Fs1600%2Funtitled.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GCcWgNFZco/VAc2d-Su9bI/AAAAAAAAE28/lL-O3teVjkY/s1600/untitled.png" -->christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-84135681035359697282014-09-02T12:00:00.000-05:002014-09-02T12:00:02.155-05:00Conner Prairie<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday we spent some time at </span><a href="http://www.connerprairie.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conner Prairie Interactive History Park</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Really, really cool. If you are in the Indianapolis area and have young kids, I would highly recommend a visit. Some electricity experiments. Shooting [or more accurately, launching] paper airplanes. Helping to build a fire in the kitchen. Enrolling in the army, uniforms and proper ways to salute/march. Yep, I would say the Civil War part of the park was definitely a favorite. Very interactive which kept the kids completely engaged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had my hands pretty full with the little lady much of the time, but here are a couple of pictures from our time exploring.</span> <br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-49010461825743427042014-09-02T11:30:00.000-05:002014-09-02T11:30:01.472-05:00S-Family Weekend<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The S-Family descended upon Indianapolis this past weekend. Fun times were had! The Bounce House was a huge smash. The Talent Show evoked crazy-happy applause. A gourmet a-few-of-dads-favorite-things meal including ribs, chicken legs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked potatoes and german chocolate cake. Science experiments. Duct-tape water bottle holders. Crazy & crazy-fun games [including lots of laughter].</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alexander was beside himself with excitement to spend the <em>whole</em> weekend with some of his favorite people, his cousins. Both kids did good on the drive both ways, even amidst the sometimes stop-and-go holiday weekend traffic. Here are a few snapshots from the weekend. </span><br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-57144945309530245962014-08-23T14:30:00.001-05:002014-08-24T20:20:44.589-05:00Book Review: With Every Breath<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #473624; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE:
I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for
my honest review. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjpWqJYrxW0/U_jrqfQYibI/AAAAAAAAEzM/ASQ3GnwYcLo/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjpWqJYrxW0/U_jrqfQYibI/AAAAAAAAEzM/ASQ3GnwYcLo/s1600/index.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, I really liked this book. Elizabeth Camden is a talented,
incredible writer. She has the ability to discuss historical social issues [in
this story, tuberculosis] with accuracy AND make them easily understood. She
chooses a good location [in this story, Washington, DC where all matter of
important subjects are discussed] and includes a boardinghouse which allows the
lives of all different sorts of individuals to intersect. She weaves just the right
amount of intrigue into the story without those details becoming cumbersome to
the flow of the story [in this story, Dr. Kendalls past was shared but always
one MORE missing link about the one(s) intent on destroying him]. And the
character development and dialogue in Ms. Camden’s novel is exceptional. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The banter between Kate and Trever
McDonough/Kendall is both sharp & funny but written in a manner that is neither
insulting nor cruel. When trading barbs back & forth as they do, that is
not an easy task. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I liked the fact, too, that Camden tackled the cure for
consumption/tuberculosis but instead of placing her characters during the time
when a cure was found [which might have been the predictable setting], instead
she placed them some fifty years earlier. During these years, as doctors
attempted to find a cure, it was a time of great fear/uncertainty but the
author was able to emphasize the importance of doctor’s work, even if they did
not themselves live to see the results. I love the line “…it takes a higher
type of courage to fight a losing rather than a winning fight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a good book. A fun read. I recommend highly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: For the sake of providing a completely honest review,
I must say I did NOT like this cover. The cover depicts what I perceive as a
graceful/delicate young lady but I visualize Kate, based on her character is
this story, to be more spunky, more adventures, more alive! So, I don’t think
the cover is a good representation of the book. </span></div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-2066066985782219222014-08-20T03:29:00.001-05:002014-08-20T03:29:29.903-05:00Book Review: Love Comes Calling <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew! After reading thru Siri Mitchell’s book, “Love Comes
Calling” and attempting to keep up with the main character, Ellis, I simply need
a moment to catch my breath! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-J4oYkMv7g/U_Rb90WK0CI/AAAAAAAAEy8/ocTAXmmr-uE/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-J4oYkMv7g/U_Rb90WK0CI/AAAAAAAAEy8/ocTAXmmr-uE/s1600/index.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I am a big fan of Mitchell’s writing [The
Messenger, She Walks in Beauty], this book missed the mark for me. I was never
able to completely connect with Ellis and thought her character too immature
and no altogether like-able. And the other cast of characters were so much in the
background of the story, perhaps because of the first-person narrative, that I found
them to be almost invisible to the ‘force’ that was Ellis Eton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-J4oYkMv7g/U_Rb90WK0CI/AAAAAAAAEy8/ocTAXmmr-uE/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As stated in the Author’s Note, she “purposely gave Eton one of those impulsive, restless minds diagnosed by modern medicine as
having ADHD.” This character trait was definitely well-developed. For my liking,
almost too much. In the wordy-ness of this character development, I sometimes
found myself lost as conversations bounced back and forth and often, it seemed,
were left incomplete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
The historical aspects of the book – the clear descriptions of being a
switchboard operator, the 1920s, Prohibition and the resulting speakeasies –
they were all amazing. And I liked the author’s attempt to delve into the
subject of whether it is possible to legislate morality. And bridging the gap
between World War I and the Roaring 20s, offering insight into how one was
impacted by the other. Yes, those parts of the books were excellent and
well-researched.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, not a bad book by a long-shot but not a favorite of mine
either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House
Publishers in exchanged for my honest review. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun times last Thursday evening at the 5K4Kids, a local fundraiser for Evangelical Child and Family Agency. X-man ran the 1/2Mile Fun Run. He finished in 4minutes and 30seconds [about 15 seconds than last year's race] and was thrilled to claim 2nd place. Loves his "real" medal and proclaimed himself an official Olympian. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blake ran the 5K but I have no idea his time or ranking [whoops!], but hey, I am proud of him, too! </span></div>
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-22163393070302679252014-08-18T10:34:00.003-05:002014-08-18T10:35:21.058-05:00Take Him By the Hand...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Thinking about back-to-school this morning. [We do not start until next week]. Author is unknown but forwarded by my friend, Heather. So much to pray for as our little ones begin a new school year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"My son started school this week. It's going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently. You see, up to now, he's been King of the Roost. Boss of the Backyard. I've always been around to repair his wounds and soothe his feelings. But now, things are going to be different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This morning, he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live his live in the World will require faith and love and courage. So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him...but gently, if you can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He will have to learn, I know, that not all men are just. That not all men are true. Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero. For every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. For every enemy, there is a friend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Teach him the wonder of books. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even when others tell him they are wrong. Teach him to close his ears on a howling mob...and stand and fight if he's right. Teach him gently, World, but don't coddle him. Because only the test of fire makes fine steel. This is a big order, World, but see what you can do...He's such a nice little fellow."</span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-62345870406778072742014-08-15T10:46:00.000-05:002014-08-15T10:46:10.340-05:00Cantigny Tanks with Elijah<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These posts are coming at your out-of-order but, alas that is the current state of my mommy-brain. We got to spend a Sunday afternoon with Elijah at nearby Cantigny Park and as expected, the tanks were the highlight of the boys' visit. Here are a couple of pictures from our sunny/warm afternoon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022456162794414109.post-25969342828730084302014-08-12T23:45:00.000-05:002014-08-12T23:45:20.291-05:003Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss E. is growing quickly; getting to be a chubs! She's adored by her big brother though he is a learning [just a wee-bit] to give her some space. On her "lots of crying days" you'll most likely find X-man retreating to the out-of-doors! We are thankful for the gift she is to our family and the blessing of seeing our Alexander as a big brother, a title he has wanted for so very long. </span></div>
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<br />christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360389140827917906noreply@blogger.com0