tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76951543989058510092024-03-14T07:00:15.141-04:00Barb HallerBarbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.comBlogger898125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-43354764152890106282019-10-19T21:22:00.000-04:002019-10-20T08:50:24.637-04:00The goodness of GodThere is a song, "Goodness of God" by Jenn Johnson that I play over and over on Spotify. The lyrics sing to and soothe my soul:<br />
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<i><b>I love Your voice:</b></i></div>
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<i><b>You have led me through the fire,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>and in darkest night you are close like no other.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>I've known you as a Father,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>I've known you as a Friend,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And I have lived in the goodness of God.</b></i></div>
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My one and only post of 2018, in January, declared that family and faith would make it an amazing year. How overly confident and presumptuous, because in many ways, 2018 was an absolute disaster. Then again, it was a triumph in how God showed His goodness to me. </div>
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In April 2018 I suddenly entered a series of scary, painful, and life-threatening health issues. From a kidney stone, to septic shock due to medical negligence, to an infected knee requiring surgery to flush it and 21 stitches to close it, I endured a physically miserable summer. The unknown world of home health care, the E.R. and I.C.U., infectious disease doctors, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapy, and prescription meds became the norm. I had no energy, no appetite (except for coconut cream pie!), no focus for reading, and a lousy attitude. Bill and Katie took over all my household tasks, the family I work for showed grace as I healed, and our extended and church family supported us. I absolutely hated being so dependent.</div>
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The spring and summer days slid by and bed became my retreat from constant pain, from the reminders of my limitations. Every step, every turn of my body, even standing to make eggs and toast, were reminders of my weakness. Some days it took me to a dark place of self-pity.</div>
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To add insult to all the injuries, the avalanche of medical bills began. Because of the nature of my insurance and the fact of several hospital stays, doctors, and surgeons, we were soon tangled in an indecipherable web of bills, statements, and phone calls that took a full ten months to completely sort out. It was, truly, almost worse than all the physical healing.</div>
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And yet. Now, with almost all of it behind us, I see much more clearly. Could God have prevented the sepsis? Yes, I believe He could. Instead, He used it as an opportunity to draw my family and me closer to Him. God doesn't "give us only what we can handle," quite the opposite. He allows trials that we <b>cannot</b> handle, that are far too big and hard and painful for us, so that He will be shown strong in our very weakness. </div>
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I had a 50% chance of living or dying that April weekend and only now, more than a year later, do I see the goodness of God in sparing me. I've always been a stubborn rebel at heart, self-sufficient and for many years not thinking I needed God. "Thanks, God, but I've got this." Well I didn't have it last year, and in my darkest moments I realized it with clarity. Not only did I need a physical rescue, I needed a spiritual rescue as well. </div>
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<i><b>'Cause your goodness is running after, it's running after me.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now, I give you everything.</b></i></div>
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I had no choice but to give God everything. The pain, the fear, the depression, the mounting bills. It was so very hard, but it was so good. His goodness ran after me and showed me His big love through a big rescue. Is life perfect? No. We are still stumbling financially a bit, and I will probably never chase my grandchildren like I used to. But in that, a greater good has come: eyes to see God's goodness. </div>
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<i><b>And all my life You have been faithful.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And all my life You have been so, so good.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>With every breath that I am able,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>oh I will sing of the goodness of God!</b></i></div>
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Had I succumbed to sepsis, would God still be good? Why do children die and mothers get cancer? Why did my friend's teen desert her family? Where is God when Alzheimer's derails retirement plans? Even the most faith-filled cannot know. But in the book of James, we are told to "Consider it joy [JOY!] when you face trials ... because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete ..." [That is, complete in Christ.] (James 1:2-4) WOW I go back to this passage time and again. So much there.</div>
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I sense a quiet stirring in my spirit. I am almost 65 (yay, Medicare!) and I think God has more for me. I am excited for what lies ahead. </div>
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Even if tomorrow is my last day, I have seen the goodness of God. And it is enough.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten little Indians! Now there are 11, since the arrival of Jude William last month.<br />
L to R: Jake, Ari, Noah, Ethan, Peter, Jordan, Lily, Maddie, Ashlyn, and<br />
I'm holding Simon. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo by Katie Haller)</span></td></tr>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-26670507167374026012018-01-04T17:28:00.000-05:002018-01-04T17:28:10.503-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKy2_HfhR1oJxkeP7odLtIH6SowiBh0JHjiQh26zTwKD0AQy0QRg4p3bfXh0msSwx62ufraAEvUjps3QX9foT3Gt7nhX3lQiugitYgQ_7l1pssIGy_dIzPvp7Nv6MNM92gX49dlFnQL0/s1600/Family2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKy2_HfhR1oJxkeP7odLtIH6SowiBh0JHjiQh26zTwKD0AQy0QRg4p3bfXh0msSwx62ufraAEvUjps3QX9foT3Gt7nhX3lQiugitYgQ_7l1pssIGy_dIzPvp7Nv6MNM92gX49dlFnQL0/s640/Family2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this is where we were just before Christmas: we all gathered at a big rental house in South Carolina (glad the weather didn't match this week's!). What a wild and wonderful time! A lot of food was brought and enjoyed, diapers changed (actually, only two in diapers!), kayaks paddled, and even a sunny morning spent on Hilton Head.</div>
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Everyone headed to their own homes for Christmas, our Christmas cards turned into New Year's cards, and Dan and Jenny took off for Switzerland while Katie and I split childcare with Jenny's parents. </div>
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All that to say, it was a FULL December!</div>
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Yesterday was my birthday ~~ all I have to do is look at these</div>
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photos and my heart bursts with thankfulness.</div>
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I don't need <em>anything --</em> it's all right here in these faces of my sons and daughters and nine - </div>
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very soon to be (next month) TEN - grandchildren. </div>
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I am exceedingly, abundantly, non-deservedly blessed!</div>
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Bill is challenging me to pick up blogging again this year, so I will try.</div>
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I'd love you to stop in as you sip your coffee in the morning.</div>
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Coffee, the written word, and 10 grandchildren: I can't think of a better recipe for an amazing 2018!</div>
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-48000076564771206362017-10-01T14:45:00.000-04:002017-10-01T14:45:59.011-04:00Welcome, Simon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dear Simon,</div>
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You're here! You came into the world on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 just after 6:30 a.m.</div>
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The previous couple of weeks were downright crazy!</div>
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Your mom and dad evacuated St. Petersburg just a week before your due date because Hurricane Irma was bearing down on the Gulf Coast. They went to stay with your other grandparents on the east coast of Florida and even made the news!</div>
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No power at your house when they returned: they had to stay in an apartment for a few nights. Whew, glad you waited: so considerate of you!</div>
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Once your mom started labor (3+ days before you arrived), we all waited anxiously.</div>
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Then again, babies can't be rushed so you stayed cozy until the situation</div>
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called for a C-section and out you came: big and beautiful and perfect!</div>
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Big babies are out of my experience: to me, you look much older than you are!</div>
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But all that's important is you and mommy are healthy.</div>
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And daddy is intact! (-;</div>
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Speaking of daddy, I remember one Christmas when my kids were all home. </div>
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They were college and high school age.</div>
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We went around the table, answering a hope we each had in life.</div>
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David said, and I remember this clearly because it became a prayer for me,</div>
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"I hope to be a dad someday."</div>
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And so he is, because of your mommy and you.</div>
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Simon, you can count on your dad to be the best.</div>
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He's hard-working, caring, loving, generous, and very very funny.</div>
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He'll probably teach you to play baseball and drink coffee.</div>
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I pray he will point you to your heavenly father who's REALLY the best dad ...</div>
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but your earthly daddy will be amazing. </div>
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Your mommy will love, protect, cheer for, challenge, teach, clean up, and cry over you. Endlessly. She will love you with a big love and I want you to be kind and gentle with her.</div>
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Learn to obey your parents in the Lord. It will bring you peace.</div>
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I love you, Simon! I'll see you in a few weeks ... and cannot wait to be your loving</div>
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Baba.</div>
Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-37892170576180477872017-09-27T21:18:00.000-04:002017-09-27T21:18:09.838-04:00BABIES! <div align="center">
Hey everyone!</div>
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It was a full summer ... several trips north and south and here and there ...</div>
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but it wasn't so full that I should have neglected to write about the</div>
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granddaughter who arrived in June. Goodness what in the world?!</div>
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In no way does this mean I take these babes for granted ...</div>
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oh I'm so amazed by them all.</div>
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MADDIE! </div>
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Madelyn Annette Haller came quickly just past midnight on Saturday, June 3.</div>
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Jill and Mark are her amazing parents and she's also loved by three siblings:</div>
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big sister Lily, 5 and brothers Ethan, 4 and Peter, 2.</div>
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She's a happy, happy girl which is a great and helpful attribute for</div>
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a fourth child!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhTHxLr9P3VZIei8W0OSbebuviazoaZbr8i4-V4CGdhikvH08rMh7qb1cJXp6prqHf6YUGckwXO4gAWo-_NX9ZhyphenhyphensIUCNDNaVE3rwxnn0K6zhNKuRugzy1HiEwWR6yyziLbQilFgTELs/s1600/MaddieAugust17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhTHxLr9P3VZIei8W0OSbebuviazoaZbr8i4-V4CGdhikvH08rMh7qb1cJXp6prqHf6YUGckwXO4gAWo-_NX9ZhyphenhyphensIUCNDNaVE3rwxnn0K6zhNKuRugzy1HiEwWR6yyziLbQilFgTELs/s400/MaddieAugust17.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie, by Jill ... August 2017</td></tr>
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Katie and I scurried up to Virginia to lend our hands and shoot some photos.</div>
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Jill, always onto the next thing, came home 24 hours later and</div>
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we all went to church that morning! Oy!</div>
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They are doing great: schooling, working, nature group-ing and playing outside endless hours.</div>
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The boys get asked if they're twins. I think the day is coming when the</div>
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three oldest will be mistaken for triplets!</div>
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I was going to to dovetail right into our next baby, but I think</div>
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I'll wait a day and give him his own post.</div>
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TUNE IN!</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-74963164737140946532017-04-18T09:53:00.001-04:002017-04-18T09:53:40.602-04:00changes<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where there is a thankful spirit, there is joy.</span></div>
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Oh dear, what in the world?? My blog posts have played hide-and-go-seek these many months. Can't tell you how many times I've printed in all CAPS on my to do lists: BLOG, to no avail. Gah!!<br />
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I continue to write for <a href="http://www.heartofohiomagazine.com/" target="_blank">Heart of Ohio Magazine.</a> The kind folks there kept me on board. Check out our beautiful magazine! Better yet, treat yourself to a subscription!<br />
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This week I'll make a stab back here on the blog. It's spring break from my school job. I appreciate you readers who have asked or said you miss my posts. <br />
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The past year has been amazing, in good ways and hard. How can anyone know exactly how a big life move will play out? Living in the same city as half our family is wonderful, as imagined. And living more central to all the kids proves the move from Ohio to North Carolina was right. We've made trips to Florida and Virginia (kids and grandkids both directions) and of course spend time with the kids/grandkids here. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving weekend 2016<br />
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I LOVE the weather in North Carolina. Spring comes with the calendar, none of that snow in April nonsense! We have a lovely front porch, perfect for morning coffee and afternoon reading. Hot summers, yes, but in college I lived in tents at Girl Scout camps in Tennessee and Florida ... THAT was hot. We can take day trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway and breathe in the mountains. Spectacular.<br />
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What I didn't fully anticipate was the difficulty of adjusting to a large, new city (even though we'd visited Dan and Jenny here for eight years, I didn't really learn the city), where to shop, friends, church, routines, and well, just EVERYTHING changed. At our age it's just harder than when you're young or have kids around to light your fire.<br />
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I spent a few months seeking part-time jobs and finally landed one which began after Thanksgiving. That's what seems to have anchored me a bit. I'm a reading tutor in a public elementary school and while learning all the pieces of the job was a challenge, the stretching has been so, so good. I work with some amazing women who are passionate about helping kids read, write and understand better. I love being part of a little army of encouragers to some kids who need it. <br />
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We've had some houseguests throughout the year: friends and family stopping over on trips north or south. Fun!<br />
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If there's one thing I'd do differently as a wife/mother/woman, it would have been to keep up a career of some sort. Yes, God makes my way but I believe He has something more beyond mothering and grandmothering and at this age it was extremely hard to find a niche where I can use my gifts.<br />
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Our quiver continues to fill: grandchild #8 is due in June (Mark and Jill's fourth) and #9 in September (David and Chelsea's first)! I'm excited to have the summer off for a change of pace although I doubt the pace will slow down. And really? I don't want to slow down because at my age I may not get moving again!<br />
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So that's where I am. Bill is driving for Uber and he's amazing at it! He needs to keep a journal because he comes home with hilarious and interesting stories from the road.<br />
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Perhaps the best lessons the past year have come through the hardships. I've learned gratefulness in the very hardest things because that's when I stretch, grow, and lean more on God and His faithfulness.</div>
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<em>Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is </em></div>
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<em>God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</em></div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-14382582273283815382016-09-20T09:04:00.000-04:002016-09-20T09:04:29.344-04:00100 years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elizabeth Haller: our mom, Grandma, "GG" was born 100 years ago today. She charmed everyone who knew her by her humility, laughter and sense of humor, and the way she held so loosely to the things of earth. She left us last December and how we miss her wonderful spirit. Happy birthday, Mom. We love you!</div>
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-7145111770335117102016-08-26T16:11:00.000-04:002016-08-27T09:00:37.769-04:00summing up summerGood grief in five days it'll be September. This means I haven't posted ALL SUMMER which is lame if you ask me. But our new life has me still unsettled and ... I don't write well when unsettled. I'll try to sum up the summer.<br />
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We headed back to Ohio soon after my last post: dear friend and neighbor, Steve Johnson, died in early June. Such a fighter. I was thankful to sit with his wife Siobhan on their back porch for a bit, sharing our hearts and tears. We helped each other as young moms and Siobhan is the closest friend I have to lose her husband. I realize, obviously, the brevity of life, but also that we're entering the season of life when friends lose spouses. <br />
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We learned later in June that the buyer of our cabin demolished it. We figure it was his plan all along, a plan he'd revealed to no one, especially not us nor the realtor. While we knew this would probably happen someday, it was a real gut-punch to know someone valued that piece of property (the size and view) a whole lot more than the historic little cottage. And you know how special it was to us. <br />
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Only now am I beginning to feel a bit more comfortable here, JUST a bit. The adjustments are huge. Like who'll cut my hair (it's real!), where's the nearest library (in Delaware it's just "where's the library?" because there's only one), grocery store decisions (no Kroger in sight: this is still disturbing to me but I'm dealing), how to fit everything in a much smaller house (daughter Katie moved back home with us; that upped the 'stuff' factor), and navigating my way around (in our area of Charlotte, plus Dan and Jenny's area of Harrisburg): figuring out routes but also becoming an assertive city driver in the incredible traffic. <br />
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I know God brought us to this little neighborhood for good reason, if only for a time. Their names are Jack and Frances, next door neighbors. True Southerners, as friendly as they come. We've enjoyed many a chat about gardening, God, and life in general. So thankful!<br />
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We've found a church we really like: Connect Christian Church in Concord (still another community) and the people and worship are terrific. But to make new connections in a community takes intentional time and effort. I have gone to quite a few women's events (Monday breakfasts, book club and ministry events) to meet more women. I had become so complacent about this in Delaware, but now I feel it's essential for my mental state to forge friendships. But it isn't easy!<br />
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I spend some time with the grandchildren and that's pretty special: babysitting to help out Dan and Jenny, having the kids over to play, taking them swimming. It's so dear getting to know them better! I surprised Jill in June, showing up to spend a few days. Really fun! Will be going again soon. <br />
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We had a "birthday weekend" here in late May for three of the grandchildren: lots of fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> by Katie Haller</td></tr>
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I'm also looking around for a job. It'll help our finances and I just have a sense that God wants to use me somewhere, somehow. I spent a lot of years at home with kids, but I'd love to use my skills and develop new ones. And I plan to get back to my photography. I'd appreciate prayer!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Petey" by me</td></tr>
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Bill had some crazy back pain this summer but after seeing a neurosurgeon he's working hard at physical therapy. It seems to be helping. "Go Popsy, work hard!" as 6-year-old Ari says! I'm hoping he can strengthen and improve his mobility.<br />
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David and Chelsea will fly up for a weekend in September: really looking forward to that! David is usually on hiatus from seeing us for most of baseball season.<br />
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So that's where we are. Having stayed put for 26 years, we'd forgotten what's involved in a move. But also, we're middle aged and all of it takes much more effort. We're getting there but it sure takes some time.<br />
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Hope your summer's been smooth. Fall is just around the corner and we will welcome it here in North Carolina!<br />
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<em>Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7</em></div>
Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-61296651561314193252016-06-06T20:56:00.000-04:002016-06-06T21:33:45.881-04:00seven!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Suffice it to say that our birthday/Memorial Day weekend was a barrel of fun and laughter and food and a few tears here and there. Peter and Jordan (right) both turned one and Noah (middle) turned three. My daughter Katie got this photo which took some darn good skills!</div>
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Seven! Who could have guessed? So blessed.</div>
Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-17544995695295063892016-06-01T14:46:00.000-04:002016-06-01T14:46:03.952-04:00the rest of the storySo the last week of April we contacted our realtor in Michigan about the coming season and the plan for getting our property and cottage back on the market. Since this would be the fourth summer on the market, I had a heavy spirit over more showings, low offers and disappointments. I was sick of the whole thing, especially since we'd doubled the driving distance by moving to North Carolina.<br />
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Well. On Monday, May 2, I received a text from our realtor Katie. She started out talking about the listing documents we needed to send, but also: " a family spent most of the weekend looking around your place which I just found out. They called this morning and asked for the survey, listing, and want to make an offer!!" <br />
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We'd had three years of dashed hopes and promises of offers which never materialized. But as the day progressed and the texts kept coming, we began to have hope. And so it was .... a real, CASH offer by the end of the day. The next morning we countered which they accepted immediately. And they wanted to close by June 1.<br />
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June 1. About a month prior, I decided to pray for an OFFER by June 1, but God upped it and brought a CLOSING by June 1. In fact two weeks later we were on the road to Michigan: about 900 miles one way, to wrap it all up. We closed on May 20, just 18 days after the offer.<br />
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We loved the cabin these 14 years. She was our respite, our place to connect as a family, so rustic and charming and had a spectacular view of Grand Lake. But life changed. All our kids left Ohio. My dream of the grandkids bunking in the boat house wasn't practical. And keeping her was too costly.</div>
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We're glad a family with young children now owns the cabin. We trust they'll love and enjoy her as we did. While we won't miss the massive amount of upkeep she required, we'll miss how she welcomed and sheltered us each summer.</div>
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I drew closer to God through this long process. He taught me that prayer isn't solely about "getting what I want." It's about strengthening my relationship with Him and trusting His will for my life. It's about knowing He will always be with me and love me no matter what.</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-85221167849728654712016-05-25T09:12:00.001-04:002016-05-25T15:36:28.090-04:00travel and more travel<div align="center">
We've done a crazy volume of travel since moving to North Carolina.</div>
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January: move and settle in (?) month.</div>
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February: visited Mark, Jill and kids in Virginia.</div>
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Those got blogged about; but then, like I said, it got crazy ...</div>
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In March we visited Katie and several old friends on the</div>
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We spent our last glorious day winding up the coast and climbed</div>
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the beautiful Jupiter lighthouse.</div>
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April took us back to Florida, this time on the west coast</div>
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to visit newlyweds David and Chelsea in St. Petersburg.</div>
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We played a little shuffleboard at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club,</div>
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site of David and Chelsea's wedding last July. Fun!</div>
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The Cleveland Indians were in town playing the Tampa Bay Rays</div>
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so we took in all three games.</div>
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En route to Florida we stopped for a night in the Beaufort, S.C. area</div>
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to visit my brother Pat and his wife Jan.</div>
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We worshiped with them at the Old Sheldon Church ruins, circa 1750.</div>
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Absolutely amazing!</div>
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Soon after that trip we ran down to Greenville, S.C. for a night</div>
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to see my nephew Robby perform in <em>Lion King Jr.</em> Excellent production!</div>
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In between all this we were finding our way around Charlotte, I applied for a couple of</div>
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jobs that didn't work out, and helping with four sweet, energetic grandchildren.</div>
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At the end of April we contacted our realtor in northern Michigan </div>
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about getting our property sold this summer.</div>
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Little did we know what would unfold the following week ...</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-69112881951784723972016-04-28T20:18:00.000-04:002016-04-28T20:18:09.420-04:00easy, breezy funOh, I have a blog? I nearly plum forgot! Gee this moving thing requires so many changes, adjustments, accepting-of-what-is-different, and lots of mental and emotional energy. We are in a city; we weren't before. Kroger still isn't here. It's felt like spring most of the last four months. Lots of southern drawl which I love: it reminds me of my mother. Inchworms hatched and invaded in early April, super gross. We have a big front porch where I read and drink iced tea. Well what else? It's the South!<br />
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I keep trying to just "do the next thing" as my hero, Oswald Chambers, wrote. Some days it's easy and others it's a huge, hard effort.<br />
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We live about 20 minutes from Dan (son) and Jenny and their four spirited kids. It's fun! I help when I can and this week took the two older girls on separate "dates." When I asked Ashlyn, who's closing in on five, what she'd like to do on our date she answered with bright eyes, "go to the dollar store!" <br />
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And so we did. Dollar store, a park (my one here favorite so far), and finished with frozen yogurt. Our two hours can be described as easy breezy fun. We talked about food, gluten, smoking, how clean my car is "because no kids ride in it," what to put on the frozen yogurt, naturally what to select at the dollar store, and we romped in the "enchanted forest" at the park. A nearly five-year-old is the easiest to please!<br />
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So glad I grabbed my camera: she's a natural!<br />
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Leaving Ohio wasn't easy, but I know God knew to bring us here. Blessed!Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-67164063802583681912016-02-27T10:49:00.000-05:002016-02-27T10:49:40.957-05:00new life in North Carolina! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been here in North Carolina for seven weeks. It seems long not because I don't like it here, but I guess because the adjustments are big. The first time Bill and I went to a grocery store, I dissolved into tears IN THE PRODUCE SECTION. He tried to be understanding but probably wondered why the heck his wife would get weepy in a grocery store. I just didn't know what to look for nor where to find it and of course was exhausted. And it hit me that this was my new life, the life I'd prayed for. I just didn't realize it would be so .... new! Ha ha.<br />
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Things are better now but am I "all settled?" Well ... I know where to find most things in our house. And I can get to Dan and Jenny's without getting lost. But my spirit is only beginning to settle. It had been 26 years since we'd moved, and we're older and at a different place in life. Moving is hard, plain and simple.<br />
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There's good though! I get to see four of my grandchildren often and best of all, I'm really getting to know them. I spend most Wednesday mornings with 2-year-old Noah who is so boy and so two. <br />
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And Jenny and I are getting to know each other better, too. I love to see how she's growing as a mother.<br />
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Two weeks ago we were with Mark, Jill, Lily, Ethan and Peter for a few days. It is wonderful to be closer to them, too. We had a taste of Ohio when 4" of snow arrived during our visit!<br />
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We went bowling ... always interesting with little ones!</div>
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Our other two kids and daughter-in-love are in Florida, now a one day drive rather than two. It's strange to think we can hop down there in a day! That's on the horizon soon.<br />
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Just wanted to check in with you ... I know I've been out of touch for awhile. I'm very thankful to everyone who's texted, emailed, sent notes and called to check on us: it means so much!<br />
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Now awaiting spring ... and because we spent two springs here years ago, we know it's the season that North Carolina knows how to do up right, and on time!<br />
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And beyond that, I'm trusting God with my future because I know only He holds it!<br />
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<em>Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.</em></div>
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<em>See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? </em></div>
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<em>I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.</em></div>
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<em>Isaiah 43:18-19</em></div>
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-59025523060298355312016-01-07T15:32:00.001-05:002016-01-07T15:32:51.837-05:00So long Delaware and 2015! "So long, 2015. You kind of wore me out." <br />
- Donna Boucher<br />
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Oh boy, is this the truth. What a year! Two grandchildren arrived 3 days apart in late May. David and Chelsea got married in July. Bill's mom Elizabeth had a slow decline until her death in December. And we packed up our house and life of 26 years in just 10 weeks and moved to North Carolina this week. I am exhausted in every way and I don't have a favorite grocery store yet. It's hard not knowing your way around!<br />
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We have been in Charlotte for three days, house in utter disarray, Whew that shakes you up! But we're faithful God brought us here and will open doors and bring new relationships. But how we will miss dear Delaware friends and neighbors! They blessed us so. <br />
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A neighbor named Guy, age 81, just knocked on the back door. We chatted for awhile. Thankful for a friendly face, letting me know that tomorrow is trash day!<br />
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-5487530509001223162015-12-11T06:57:00.001-05:002015-12-11T06:57:38.899-05:00Elizabeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week we lost Bill's mom, Grandma, "GG", my mother-in-law Elizabeth, at 99. </div>
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I knew her for 40 years and not once did she criticize me. </div>
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She looked for the best and extended grace to everyone. </div>
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Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her.</div>
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She wasn't especially social, but</div>
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Elizabeth's sense of humor and winsome spirit endeared her to all, including the angels at </div>
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Sarah Moore Home who cared for her until the very end. </div>
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Elizabeth complained little and laughed much and while we will miss her, </div>
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her spirit was ready to meet Jesus.</div>
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I hope to embrace life with a smile for many years, as she did, </div>
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though I'm not sure about riding a motorcycle at age 92: such spunk!</div>
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A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, December 26, 2015, 1:00 p.m.</div>
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at Delaware Christian Church, Delaware, Ohio.</div>
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All are welcome.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Elizabeth Muriel Thayer Haller</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">September 20, 1916 ~ December 2, 2015</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-21079271783494960222015-11-18T20:48:00.002-05:002015-11-18T20:48:57.203-05:00trust. trust. trust.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The writing has been on the wall for a couple of years: we've prayed about leaving Ohio to live closer to our kids and grandkids. And it's funny, my thoughts and emotions have run the gamut. I've had teary days of missing my grandbabies so much that it hurts. Then I've had days of contentment that this is where God wants us for now. And of course there's this house, our home of almost 26 years. It's nothing super special, but then again it most certainly is. And the thought of leaving it, leaving our little street, an enclave of the most amazing neighbors you could ever be blessed to know, is wrenching.<br />
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And so for a couple years: years of my dad's death, my mother-in-law Elizabeth's slow decline, four new grandchildren, waiting for our Michigan cabin to sell, Katie moving to Florida, and David's wedding, I guess we just kind of let the idea of moving simmer on the back burner. <br />
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Until now. And I'm terrified, thrilled, and overwhelmed. Less than a month ago I made a passing comment in a women's class at church. My friend Susie immediately asked if we are selling our house soon. "Um, well, sometime soon-ish." And how. Susie and her family came over to look the next week, basically selling it to themselves in two hours, and serious talk began. They listed their house this past Sunday and had an offer 24 hours later. <br />
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We are moving. Despite our dragging and lagging and wondering, we are moving. My journal is filled with prayers and pleadings that God would make the way clear. And now, we sell our house without even trying, not even a sign in the yard?? That's a powerful and clear word from God if you ask me. <br />
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Some time ago we decided, at least for now, on Charlotte, NC. Dan and Jenny are there and the other kids/babies are north and south of there. It'll be more central and greatly reduce the burden of so much travel to gather our big family. It's looking like we'll need to be packed and headed out in early January. We have no idea where we'll live. Though we're working on it, it honestly terrifies me. <br />
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But my God is faithful and good! And what I continue to learn is that prayer isn't asking/getting things from God. Rather, it's a chance to grow in closer "fellowship and oneness with God," says Oswald Chambers. I now see how weak my faith has been at times. Chambers also says "faith must be tested to become my intimate possession," as affirmed in the book of James: "the testing of your faith develops perseverance." I could go on and on about this faith journey!<br />
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The world says to trust our feelings, our heart. No, says my beloved Elisabeth Elliot, they are so unreliable. Trust God. <br />
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I'll try to update here. But it's going to get crazy! (Feel free to comment, too.)<br />
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<em>Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift my soul.</em></div>
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<em>Psalm 143:8</em></div>
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<em>Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.</em></div>
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<em>Hebrews 11:1</em></div>
Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-52467002101505332642015-10-21T07:08:00.000-04:002015-10-21T07:08:20.706-04:00happy birthday, Jenny!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing my daughter-in-love Jenny a super happy birthday today! </div>
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In this incredibly full season of life,</div>
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may God strengthen your hands,</div>
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calm your spirit,</div>
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give you grace in the hard moments and joy in the quiet ones,</div>
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and fill your heart with his love and assurance that life always moves on</div>
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and little ones become independent!</div>
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I'm very proud of you and thankful you married my son.</div>
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Have a beautiful day, Jenny.</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-15416161782483030802015-10-02T08:06:00.000-04:002015-10-03T08:04:22.688-04:00birthday to birthday: happy birthday David!One year ago our son David spent a week at home with us. We took walks, cooked and ate out, talked and laughed a lot. It's so great to spend an entire week with one of our kids. (Did I ever imagine saying that 20 years ago?!) Anyway, he'd been seeing this girl Chelsea for a few months and though he was texting and talking on the phone with her, it was like pulling teeth to get much info.<br />
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About a week later, they made their relationship official. Within five months they were engaged and five months later they were married! So from birthday to birthday, David's had an incredible year. (And oh, we absolutely <em>love </em>Chelsea so that makes it all the sweeter.)<br />
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I just told Bill I can't believe I had our first baby 32 years ago. Really, where do the years go? David was an accommodating baby, considering we had little idea how to care for him. He was so calm and agreeable and that's stayed the same much of his life. </div>
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Happy birthday, David! So very proud of you and the man and husband you've become. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maine ~ 1984</span></div>
Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-37055005432673961042015-09-20T07:19:00.000-04:002016-09-20T08:24:30.271-04:00Elizabeth is 99!<div align="center">
Today our Mom, Grandma, "GG", Elizabeth turns 99!<br />
What an amazing life for a sweet and winsome lady.<br />
Her sons love and care for her faithfully,<br />
our children adore her,<br />
and I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law.<br />
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I'm so glad I have some marvelous photos of Elizabeth ...<br />
she's now under Hospice care and is fading from this life.<br />
It's very hard to see her so weak, but thankfully most days she<br />
isn't in much pain.<br />
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We love you, Mom.<br />
Happy 99th birthday!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(This photo taken a year or so ago.)</span><br />
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Around 1940, Elizabeth biked through New England with<br />
some girlfriends. What spunk!<br />
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-66614146613471028262015-09-16T10:14:00.000-04:002015-09-17T07:47:22.195-04:00more on the wedding!I am very sorry, blog readers. Life's been sticky lately and I'm having a time getting to the blog. Blah! But I promised more about David and Chelsea's July wedding so here goes. <br />
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The exciting and also a little nerve-wracking fact of having our five oldest grandchildren, ages 2 - 5 serve in the bridal party became real on the morning of July 18. Keeping 7 little children (including the two newborns) fed and rested was accomplished by many helping hands: parents, aunts and uncles, and two sets of grandparents. The little ones also had to be washed, combed, dressed, ferried, and photographed. A big undertaking but also a labor of love for our David and Chelsea.<br />
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Here are the girls, ages 5, 4 and 3 all ready for photos. They held together pretty well! <br />
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A little wilted before the ceremony. Golly it was hot for us non-Floridians.</div>
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Here we have the little ring-bearers, beating the heat at the</div>
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St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club (wedding venue) after torrential rain the day before.<br />
Whatcha gonna do? Boys will be boys.<br />
One bolted during the ceremony, but</div>
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all things considered they held it together.</div>
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Makin' it work: pre-ceremony snacks and video in the van.</div>
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"Wake me up for the reception."</div>
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Still sleeping .... Jordan with Jenny.</div>
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Wow! Chelsea's mom and aunt made all these cookies, which were</div>
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waaaaay better than any wedding cake. Little take-home bags</div>
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were provided, too!</div>
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Lily with Bill and me.</div>
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Mark with his middle, Ethan.</div>
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Have you ever played shuffleboard at a wedding?</div>
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Everyone loved it!</div>
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Jenny, Jill and Katie: three of "my" girls!</div>
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Notice the bride and groom in the background?</div>
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Cattle call for the photographer!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFuYOqt0zq2XODQFTqWzLKbReULAvsmoWEtSAYxAhi-aB6tensxAfJC5QLP0OomDaw0KFyzRxsb5oacW3t4y4M4CY-QH8KHpCwk_a3yMrj4rgg9qNQ3q38Umq7TEl9PZD7wf7-wNB_KQ/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Of course, these two were who it was all about!</div>
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Chelsea and David planned a unique, fun and God-honoring wedding.</div>
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They had a short getaway in Florida and are planning </div>
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a fabulous official honeymoon for November!</div>
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This time a year ago, David and Chelsea had only known each</div>
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other a few months. For years I've prayed for my kids and their spouses, even before we KNEW their spouses. I thank the Lord for answered prayers!</div>
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(Special thanks to Jenny's mom, Shelley DeGeyter, for</div>
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some of these photos.)</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-67782757698276342232015-09-01T20:36:00.000-04:002015-09-01T20:37:28.488-04:0090 years<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother was born 90 years ago today. </div>
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She died over 36 years ago, so she's been gone quite a few more years than I had her.</div>
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Losing my mother taught me never to assume a person should "be over" their grief. </div>
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Never, ever assume.</div>
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And the loss also taught me the preciousness of having a mother, </div>
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a loving mother who poured into us four kids so much</div>
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that she loved and shaped us almost completely before we lost her.</div>
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Thanks, Mom. I miss you.</div>
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Happy birthday.</div>
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-90245620915578373722015-08-09T22:53:00.000-04:002015-08-09T22:58:38.927-04:00July has come and gone and I have a new daughter-in-love!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRd6wZ4MzAC4MIcZyeG89L6dQ39F6CkRAsNel7K62RLBimnzi5PQhmi8crQzRzWjjzE4qAl2kFv8gN7j0-7KVJxiE_TVhWPkkhCv8T4XkJfzGvRBK372NcnK5DD5aF-S8clORZNRrakI/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRd6wZ4MzAC4MIcZyeG89L6dQ39F6CkRAsNel7K62RLBimnzi5PQhmi8crQzRzWjjzE4qAl2kFv8gN7j0-7KVJxiE_TVhWPkkhCv8T4XkJfzGvRBK372NcnK5DD5aF-S8clORZNRrakI/s640/IMG_7072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tampa Bay</td></tr>
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My life is a wild, wonderful whirlwind. Well maybe it's more like hurricane season when you wait for the next big one to roll in. In between, there's tranquility.<br />
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We've been home over two weeks and "BLOG" keeps staring at me from my to do list. Computer issues, some house repairs, checking in on Bill's mom and catching up on sleep from the Florida wedding trip have kept me from writing.<br />
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So, excuses aside, here we go! <br />
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Yes, we drove all the way to St. Petersburg, Florida for son David and his lovely bride Chelsea's wedding. We made the drive safe and sound, all 2500 miles round trip in ten days! And the drive was definitely "shortened" by Katie introducing us to the podcast "Serial." Oh gosh, a seriously addictive real-life crime story!<br />
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Hot, it was hot as a pressure cooker! Bill and I lived in south Florida our first five years of marriage but the incessant rain they've been having blew the humidity level to around 200%. We dressed appropriately (no matronly suit for me!) and the wedding and reception and even the rehearsal dinner were just fabulous. Most importantly, the bride and groom were thrilled and loved their special day and they are just ADORABLE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu5AeCQptwiXaqH1b3drWFKUbpTWX0CKkT5Kk2_sAQJdOddzsp2Zhurx6Q55sf_eSlCgaUgzBy9NgWCuul3UQOOvwPZKsoV6mhz9usdmcxQ4IpCYxkZygvHyBMakRjWUZiN3GEWNygoE/s1600/1437761567024%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu5AeCQptwiXaqH1b3drWFKUbpTWX0CKkT5Kk2_sAQJdOddzsp2Zhurx6Q55sf_eSlCgaUgzBy9NgWCuul3UQOOvwPZKsoV6mhz9usdmcxQ4IpCYxkZygvHyBMakRjWUZiN3GEWNygoE/s400/1437761567024%255B1%255D.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Benjamin Hewitt Photography)</span></div>
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Sweet dance on the patio.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Benjamin Hewitt Photography)</span></div>
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Oh I didn't mention ... the wedding and reception were held at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club ... a SWEET and historic place where David and Chelsea had many dates. Following dinner we all played shuffleboard. What fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA64lIc_0nd5gJ0uFvL8Hyp22fvc7692IT4eLwgmahjeuldjMb8ql64IR7-DCZ0QxHFXzhbl642zlPHM_-OJBJrZ6rt09s_CndGSaDWMgYMAK3dSqhvVRhhk2x1bTMaPVhK_2a6s7f8g/s1600/1437762517883%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA64lIc_0nd5gJ0uFvL8Hyp22fvc7692IT4eLwgmahjeuldjMb8ql64IR7-DCZ0QxHFXzhbl642zlPHM_-OJBJrZ6rt09s_CndGSaDWMgYMAK3dSqhvVRhhk2x1bTMaPVhK_2a6s7f8g/s400/1437762517883%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Benjamin Hewitt Photography)</span></div>
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Lily caught on fast and loved some shuffleboard!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR8NZbumjzLdl349feTFssEUIigUskoFkyLPmlh2-dn6GizjYWLtNa9ZiLIx24KRTnWqWCu6tBLdgMKMb5LoYwRwEMsSumN0iFvqhzDWV0hnCIs8ukdfc0H0z7ZOu-D3GjGPSsYtUWKE/s1600/1437761615937%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR8NZbumjzLdl349feTFssEUIigUskoFkyLPmlh2-dn6GizjYWLtNa9ZiLIx24KRTnWqWCu6tBLdgMKMb5LoYwRwEMsSumN0iFvqhzDWV0hnCIs8ukdfc0H0z7ZOu-D3GjGPSsYtUWKE/s400/1437761615937%255B1%255D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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David's beautiful bride Chelsea, who I prayed would be kept safe and healthy</div>
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until God brought them together. I can't tell you how happy I am that they</div>
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both waited for each other. A perfect love story! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Benjamin Hewitt)</span></div>
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It's hard "losing" this last son. As CRAZY as I am about my daughters-in-love, I feel a little loss when each son has married. But I'm super proud of each of them, and happy to see them succeeding in life. David and I danced to "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan. Ok, ok, I love it as the intro to <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parenthood" target="_blank">Parenthood</a> but the lyrics seemed perfect, even though my son is grown.<br />
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<!-- Usage of azlyrics.com content by any third-party lyrics provider is prohibited by our licensing agreement. Sorry about that. -->May God bless and keep you always <br />
May your wishes all come true<br />
May you always do for others <br />
And let others do for you<br />
May you build a ladder to the stars <br />
And climb on every rung<br />
May you stay forever young<br />
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May you grow up to be righteous <br />
May you grow up to be true<br />
May you always know the truth <br />
And see the lights surrounding you<br />
May you always be courageous <br />
Stand upright and be strong<br />
May you stay forever young<br />
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May your hands always be busy <br />
May your feet always be swift<br />
May you have a strong foundation <br />
When the winds of changes shift<br />
May your heart always be joyful <br />
And may your song always be sung<br />
May you stay forever young<br />
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Bob Dylan, 1973</div>
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I have more to share, especially about my grandchildren's roles in the wedding .... next post!Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-37684379243029650052015-06-30T22:39:00.001-04:002015-06-30T22:39:26.349-04:00birthdays and bumping along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDPxianNDkNdSiIv8o46kDGJDVY7Ldhgevt_g3NHyqyM3lMqJh-GXtVLdlqZvDBlgClIRji4RrxYWq-VWYT_-uibwEs1-jxtJqVQESh4HDnuXYDQ3C0OsFXBmwOenXgVTExGjfsWD-dc/s1600/IMG_6720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDPxianNDkNdSiIv8o46kDGJDVY7Ldhgevt_g3NHyqyM3lMqJh-GXtVLdlqZvDBlgClIRji4RrxYWq-VWYT_-uibwEs1-jxtJqVQESh4HDnuXYDQ3C0OsFXBmwOenXgVTExGjfsWD-dc/s400/IMG_6720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This gal had a birthday on June 23, but I was MIA and missed blogging it.</div>
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Happy birthday, Jill!</div>
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She's a mama to three tiny ones, ages 3, 22 months and one month.</div>
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Full, long days. But you handle it with grace, Jill.</div>
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This photo about sums it up, I think! (Ethan would not pose!)</div>
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Hang in there! I love you.</div>
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And this little girl turned four the day after Jill's birthday.</div>
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Oh Ashlyn, you're a sweet treasure ...</div>
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my curly-headed, lovey, cuddly, sometimes emotional, darling granddaughter.</div>
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I hope your 5th year is fabulous!</div>
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Love, love you.</div>
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I'm tellin' ya ... life is full to the brim for the Hallers!</div>
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Two new grandchildren, keeping tabs on Bill's mom,</div>
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trying to sell our cabin, and a wedding next month.</div>
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I've had LOTS of travel, and</div>
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the coming month will be wild and wonderful</div>
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as son David gets married in Florida. Yippee!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDldARZHtkc21H5wp-l1PG75OkBOTA0Grjj4xX_fiJsuGpdPYYIkDa0S2JtvdtzDdFeq_Xu5qav55NVsRZHbNnsPyrb-w68HFeAFRWMkcc8kQFp0bxJqG89FEC5p1i5ePOMbt7FldBqU/s1600/IMG_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDldARZHtkc21H5wp-l1PG75OkBOTA0Grjj4xX_fiJsuGpdPYYIkDa0S2JtvdtzDdFeq_Xu5qav55NVsRZHbNnsPyrb-w68HFeAFRWMkcc8kQFp0bxJqG89FEC5p1i5ePOMbt7FldBqU/s400/IMG_5951.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Just crazy about all these people ... my wonderful, exploding family!</div>
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Here are a few more photos from recent weeks:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkeGJpijhDAJM2ZPy7bXjO3C5QREEyQLzuF_0Evru5KEYadR1J1GxX5UMgbgv0lpeTX9-G_hhBoVRJKGVHAnxtYcMGT_m02naLhkFrhDhFddBhgRWGLWAh2jsjmxSLU78MMaIytFXFuk/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkeGJpijhDAJM2ZPy7bXjO3C5QREEyQLzuF_0Evru5KEYadR1J1GxX5UMgbgv0lpeTX9-G_hhBoVRJKGVHAnxtYcMGT_m02naLhkFrhDhFddBhgRWGLWAh2jsjmxSLU78MMaIytFXFuk/s400/IMG_6488.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Ethan</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64RdNLrxjRLQnO_V89LdrIB7XA4ky28fP_qmcDA5Gu-98C6RB7C9RWole-0HZsFuubYyUNu3gKfxXwL3r1oNuE8U5JETRph6F66M7Jic_Xripft4U0JRYF9ebEIA465mvTQKF1RUkBdg/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64RdNLrxjRLQnO_V89LdrIB7XA4ky28fP_qmcDA5Gu-98C6RB7C9RWole-0HZsFuubYyUNu3gKfxXwL3r1oNuE8U5JETRph6F66M7Jic_Xripft4U0JRYF9ebEIA465mvTQKF1RUkBdg/s400/IMG_6454.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Lily</div>
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Jenny with Jordan</div>
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Dan with his older three</div>
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Noah the "squawker"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hIbSOnUhMj4hzvuPm_6eM4SKphGAopakemc7Qkrb_kKIJi_A7EMe2gIJatXjzVYcqX0U4homwPXvlDmcVEG04-dr76ZY4GtgLRPiAhr2yHbMqWDGdK-g-ZA11htwXrAMFf_hjbqyK8A/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hIbSOnUhMj4hzvuPm_6eM4SKphGAopakemc7Qkrb_kKIJi_A7EMe2gIJatXjzVYcqX0U4homwPXvlDmcVEG04-dr76ZY4GtgLRPiAhr2yHbMqWDGdK-g-ZA11htwXrAMFf_hjbqyK8A/s400/IMG_6708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ethan, Mark and Lily</div>
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I am exceedingly blessed and grateful.</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-34056318353262130562015-06-14T21:08:00.000-04:002015-06-14T21:08:14.993-04:00happy birthday, Chelsea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This girl's birthday is today ...</div>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHELSEA!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAM22irTeMtNSqiiOYUbqww96DkD3t6n_RMviOLGz5mXWbXSzhabEJZTUbCNtyl9gqKaZTiWPFwSojLFQYfMU-ETW6arJNW71_r74BFcxqeHocqyuY94sQy3ijnIQWG_LvO7rC89Wa8o/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAM22irTeMtNSqiiOYUbqww96DkD3t6n_RMviOLGz5mXWbXSzhabEJZTUbCNtyl9gqKaZTiWPFwSojLFQYfMU-ETW6arJNW71_r74BFcxqeHocqyuY94sQy3ijnIQWG_LvO7rC89Wa8o/s400/IMG_5339.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's the one who stole my son David's heart,</div>
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the one he waited for,</div>
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the one I prayed for,</div>
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the one who blew into our family just over a year ago,</div>
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who blew us away at Thanksgiving as we all crammed into </div>
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one house together with 5 little children,</div>
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who could go with the flow of our craziness,</div>
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and will officially join us when she</div>
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marries David next month!</div>
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Chelsea you are warm and witty,</div>
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outgoing and humble,</div>
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hospitable and grace-filled,</div>
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faithful and loving.</div>
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Best of all, you have brought light and love to my son's life</div>
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and for that I thank you and thank the Lord for his faithfulness.</div>
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Hope you've enjoyed a special birthday!</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-55432019835163699102015-06-01T21:18:00.000-04:002015-06-01T21:18:04.594-04:00it's raining babies: welcome, Jordan! (And Noah's birthday)<div align="center">
The craziness started last Friday as Mark was bringing Jill</div>
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home from the hospital the day after she had Peter.</div>
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Jenny, expecting in about two weeks, was experiencing signs of labor!</div>
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For a few hours we wondered if we might have two babies in two days.</div>
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The visits to and from the birthing center ended in Jenny finally going</div>
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home yesterday morning, May 31, to await labor.<br />
And May 31 is Dan and Jenny's son's birthday,<br />
turning two yesterday!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H37RI6e2XWoMtKVkT6PtxJ-cD68mxlA0w45Q8uGR7cBk5kKFQfg7bO6HqzLuePYs_5sMeHxEaE1DVafBUdLRwzx4IOHxoGHWhUUu_2Wmur7Guh45JkkcGExQg54idzOwhEQThyphenhyphen2mzeY/s1600/IMG_6012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H37RI6e2XWoMtKVkT6PtxJ-cD68mxlA0w45Q8uGR7cBk5kKFQfg7bO6HqzLuePYs_5sMeHxEaE1DVafBUdLRwzx4IOHxoGHWhUUu_2Wmur7Guh45JkkcGExQg54idzOwhEQThyphenhyphen2mzeY/s400/IMG_6012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo of Noah taken by Ari, age 5!<br />
He's very difficult to capture.</td></tr>
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Mid-afternoon we wished Noah a happy birthday via facetime.</div>
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Within the hour, Jenny's water broke and an hour or so after that,</div>
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she gave birth to Jordan Elizabeth Haller!</div>
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Would you look at this face?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Cxa-7-ysgtMvWkkBmr4wZANOA-ebOHJ1rTtv0Y3igyQJcpStMLSovWfDZY0cHEhi16Y-n3m9iFmUV6JV0hk4pQUKE2FQciMYJQkjggAxP4-nTbm6GcBGncmsJtlD_UAFFuRwW43WCk/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Cxa-7-ysgtMvWkkBmr4wZANOA-ebOHJ1rTtv0Y3igyQJcpStMLSovWfDZY0cHEhi16Y-n3m9iFmUV6JV0hk4pQUKE2FQciMYJQkjggAxP4-nTbm6GcBGncmsJtlD_UAFFuRwW43WCk/s320/IMG_5029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She's beautiful and well-loved by Ari, Ashlyn and Noah</div>
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and has made us grandparents for the SEVENTH time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSUXoMZ2g_2UaAzhgNcr8xBTRKOjxVeEEG7DITleFsxeGY5OvMz-RYlRqpBdMRL8PwAFX5G_rR_1vVkoa6wRYhOknjNMpmC-NI1dYA96jA5By_Ugnda9TEMYYgfcNyhj7eU5KIahERRg/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSUXoMZ2g_2UaAzhgNcr8xBTRKOjxVeEEG7DITleFsxeGY5OvMz-RYlRqpBdMRL8PwAFX5G_rR_1vVkoa6wRYhOknjNMpmC-NI1dYA96jA5By_Ugnda9TEMYYgfcNyhj7eU5KIahERRg/s400/IMG_5031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For those a little lost on all these children ...</div>
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we have four granddaughters, ages 5, nearly 4, 3, and newborn. </div>
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And three grandsons, ages 2, 21 months, and newborn!</div>
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I'm simply amazed and thankful!</div>
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The five older ones will be in David and Chelsea's wedding in July</div>
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so obviously our summer is crazy full and fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuNmti7Yf7FiZm0t7o3vm-0xdsnArqCZTcYemahyGvRHydVWxCWBSgQo_xkedICqe26fC3rH22TqsPisrXChEDtTZ53_Sljfc804CoRUiHPNDFTrHn8r1uxz285f2BTPqCq38eudTInk/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuNmti7Yf7FiZm0t7o3vm-0xdsnArqCZTcYemahyGvRHydVWxCWBSgQo_xkedICqe26fC3rH22TqsPisrXChEDtTZ53_Sljfc804CoRUiHPNDFTrHn8r1uxz285f2BTPqCq38eudTInk/s400/IMG_5047.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Thank you for all the messages, prayers and good wishes!!</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695154398905851009.post-48221503807759890452015-05-30T14:22:00.001-04:002015-05-30T14:25:10.966-04:00boy, oh, boy: welcome, Peter! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4OSEA2guNpi9R5TysPI549Hwkmq9J0mC6ueGy8ON2fMzXtXb65rTwlfWvMYqtXySvO34oJUJrYusDK9uH9Hxy3xlheyFo_5FHtA9NBl7-lbgnYkmvz-ku3N_mFk_vu1o1eAVFHs1l2c/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4OSEA2guNpi9R5TysPI549Hwkmq9J0mC6ueGy8ON2fMzXtXb65rTwlfWvMYqtXySvO34oJUJrYusDK9uH9Hxy3xlheyFo_5FHtA9NBl7-lbgnYkmvz-ku3N_mFk_vu1o1eAVFHs1l2c/s400/IMG_6672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The text came from Jill late Wednesday afternoon:</div>
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"I think this baby is coming soon-ish!"</div>
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Indeed he did, a week before the due date!</div>
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I scurried around to finish packing and left the next morning</div>
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after a 2:30 a.m. message: "headed to the hospital!"</div>
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It was just two hours into my trip that Peter Norman Haller</div>
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came into the world at a healthy 7 lbs 15 ounces, 21" long.</div>
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Peter is a beautiful, blessed sixth grandchild for us!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg836QDV0GLEqn1wpz_z7MN8U0cPRNmwfnbMiSs-HmPIQzPltGVlVkocQ-qIhrELGW00u1N0ot4NS2ohfJuSDL_ihFbDS5hMfyCs6y6uBuTNuk8H1BWqN5dfTwrdEZSO4MR-hr67SzXNn4/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg836QDV0GLEqn1wpz_z7MN8U0cPRNmwfnbMiSs-HmPIQzPltGVlVkocQ-qIhrELGW00u1N0ot4NS2ohfJuSDL_ihFbDS5hMfyCs6y6uBuTNuk8H1BWqN5dfTwrdEZSO4MR-hr67SzXNn4/s400/IMG_6548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Big sister Lily, 3, was so sweet and tender with Peter.</div>
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She asked lots of questions and was so</div>
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very gentle and nurturing with him!</div>
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So precious to witness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLBtcRI2WrQ5AcSSQqaG4cMP5jekESj9C_OZHgLD9W_XkUSAtjNa5DLWnH0TmO0Gk8PfiWw3oI1R33jMgwRCXVFfIdGKplo3ZNi9hJgxdp1Di7ibQFR2ONxwJsxU_S9uG8_My8wAtlwg/s1600/IMG_6653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLBtcRI2WrQ5AcSSQqaG4cMP5jekESj9C_OZHgLD9W_XkUSAtjNa5DLWnH0TmO0Gk8PfiWw3oI1R33jMgwRCXVFfIdGKplo3ZNi9hJgxdp1Di7ibQFR2ONxwJsxU_S9uG8_My8wAtlwg/s400/IMG_6653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNah38mcHdWl6xSyEAThOmvFXfDPzGih-NNKde9T0Bf2nbIjnzp0rE08vuluTkh54IgfhEHPXpzWbERip8_MM0xD9k7sGG1wcn9678a66RQD0j4F2SQr_g1XkeVBXI74y0riuN0CvJE8/s1600/IMG_6542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNah38mcHdWl6xSyEAThOmvFXfDPzGih-NNKde9T0Bf2nbIjnzp0rE08vuluTkh54IgfhEHPXpzWbERip8_MM0xD9k7sGG1wcn9678a66RQD0j4F2SQr_g1XkeVBXI74y0riuN0CvJE8/s400/IMG_6542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ethan, 21 months, was much less interested in Peter, as</div>
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would be expected. He's a typical toddler boy,</div>
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needing lots of space to zoom around and</div>
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make himself loudly known!</div>
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But it's fun to think how these brothers</div>
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will be great buddies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXACC7mdP7MDaPeQsRBmxKtG_Vl-PaTFWW01X5StHDslb8eGQIRLb-tQiR_HmeWE2AHI5zMIJUpLWVeFNkUj_2VbftwcM-PCFF5Ymm-ABNdUvYwp1akvIKIS9MuSZzGH9J0GkAB-BqgE/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXACC7mdP7MDaPeQsRBmxKtG_Vl-PaTFWW01X5StHDslb8eGQIRLb-tQiR_HmeWE2AHI5zMIJUpLWVeFNkUj_2VbftwcM-PCFF5Ymm-ABNdUvYwp1akvIKIS9MuSZzGH9J0GkAB-BqgE/s400/IMG_6580.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Jill came home 24 hours after giving birth, looking fantastic </div>
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and in great spirits!</div>
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We're ordering her to take it easy and nap when she can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHtbZuCUrH4X8ujjZQf1z1vinWETMQLANsuOYwgat6edqyNeDNTfiafbVMvs65uynzrFWc0Lt8hdyeAFxucBV6tN05vuX6Br-TP9tWzHgkC0azbTlaumN8mp-XUJ715y14a3kEnBuXRY/s1600/IMG_6643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHtbZuCUrH4X8ujjZQf1z1vinWETMQLANsuOYwgat6edqyNeDNTfiafbVMvs65uynzrFWc0Lt8hdyeAFxucBV6tN05vuX6Br-TP9tWzHgkC0azbTlaumN8mp-XUJ715y14a3kEnBuXRY/s400/IMG_6643.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Maybe it's a perspective gained through the years since</div>
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I had babies ... but seeing little grandchildren brought into the world,</div>
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to loving parents, is a holy privilege.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXArym-6cMJw-tOD1kuN_0SSG09dkVvZdOBFIABrBd-KHgrUPNG26pnoo6oCnHnLKsZVhiAODLRPrRmPu27tgmQJduBvs3U5EWl61sBzeb4IC5tDr2wVbtNKZRUhpwUuqQK4fygNRSorA/s1600/IMG_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXArym-6cMJw-tOD1kuN_0SSG09dkVvZdOBFIABrBd-KHgrUPNG26pnoo6oCnHnLKsZVhiAODLRPrRmPu27tgmQJduBvs3U5EWl61sBzeb4IC5tDr2wVbtNKZRUhpwUuqQK4fygNRSorA/s400/IMG_6532.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, in Charlotte ... Jenny is showing all signs of going into labor.</div>
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(Actually, she texted us that things were happening while</div>
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Jill was on HER way home from the hospital yesterday!)</div>
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G-6 and G-7 within two days!?</div>
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I'm not making this stuff up, folks! </div>
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12904720480659460554noreply@blogger.com2