tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57913004820193068562024-03-05T07:33:16.665-05:00Rise to find the sun...Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-15385129721348062392018-06-29T20:49:00.000-04:002018-06-29T20:49:29.443-04:00Raber Vacation 2018<span style="font-size: large;">This year the Raber's decided to stay close to home and rented a lodge at Elk Ridge Ranch, which is near Rusk, Indiana. We wanted something laid back and were able to find that here - we made breakfast each morning in the huge kitchen and relaxed on the front porch. There was lots of time for bonding and relaxation, which was just what we needed. My favorite part is waking up in a home with your entire family around you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to the indoor water park in French Lick on one day, then the next we did indoor go-carting, the Escape Room, some shopping, got ice cream, and ate supper at 33 Brick Street. Wonderful memories were made and I will always cherish the time spent with family. Max wasn't able to go with us, since he had basketball camp. That made us sad, but we still ended up having a great time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our summer has been flying by with lots of baseball, work, swimming at Gina's, and lots of time outdoors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe my boy is going to North Daviess Jr./Sr. High next year… he had an amazing 6th grade year and loved being with his Uncle Clay everyday. The teacher's in 6th grade are amazing and Max learned so much this year - not only academically, but more importantly, about being a good person in general. I have gotten so many compliments this school year and summer about Max's attitude and smile. He is an amazing young man and I'm super proud!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bring on 7th grade for Max, 1st grade for Callie…couldn't love these 2 any more!!</span></div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-30601688432102171432018-06-02T18:51:00.003-04:002018-06-02T18:51:36.778-04:00<span style="font-size: large;">Summertime is finally here and we are enjoying every moment of the sunshine. It has been two years since I've had the summer off with my kiddos, but it is still hard every single time school ends for the summer and I have to leave my kids each day to go to work:( </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Callie will be 7 years old in 2 months and just finished Kindergarten. She keeps me on my toes every day with her sassiness and is growing up fast. She is involved with cheerleading at Champion Force in Washington and also playing baseball this season. She had her first cheerleading competition a few months ago and has so much fun being out on the mat and competing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's also playing baseball again this year and Gabe is helping coach her team. She can be such a girlie-girl, but can also play baseball in the dirt and do chores with her daddy! She is obsessed with JoJo Siwa, loves to draw pictures and do anything artisty, and still sleeps with Gabe & I on nights that Max goes to his dads. Here are just a few photos of what she's been up to lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maxwell Carter just finished sixth grade and will be going to Jr. High when school starts in August. I can't even imagine how that happened so fast, but somehow it did. When I think about Jr. High, I have so many wonderful memories with friends and it was such a special time in my life. I know Max will make new memories during his time at ND and I am excited for this time in his life. He is still crazy about basketball, plays tennis and baseball, collects tennis shoes, plays Fort Night, begs me to push back his bedtime, works hard in school, and makes me extremely proud. I just really count it a blessing to be a part of his life and watch him grow into a young man who makes good choices and lives life with no worries (so differently than I do). Here are a few photos of my little man!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My brother Clay and his wife Hanna welcomed their second daughter about a month ago - her name is Everlee Ann and we are so in love with her and her big sister Harper. I love it that we live so close and Harper is always asking to run down to our house, and my kids can ride their 4 wheelers up to Uncle Clays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started a new position at Crane as a Curriculum Design Specialist and things are going really well - I have a wonderful group of women that I work with and have become close to. They make going to work each day alot of fun and I'm excited about the work I'm doing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel so very blessed with the family and friends I am surrounded by and thank God for them everyday. Here we are celebrating my birthday this year - I told my family all I wanted for my birthday was a family photo! Here's to year 37, making lots of new memories, and counting my blessings every single day!!</span><br />
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<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-33882669025947342162017-03-03T20:00:00.002-05:002017-03-03T20:00:25.671-05:00Birthday Week<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sitting here on the first Friday night in a VERY long time that I have NO plans. And if you know me - you know this makes me very happy!! We have been super busy around here and I've completely fallen behind on my blog…which is something that doesn't make me happy at all. I love to keep this blog going in order to print it out into books for my kids to read some day. It's worked really well so far, until I became SUPER behind and stopped blogging all together. That won't make for a very good book, huh? Here is what we've been up to lately: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Callie and her Daddy went to their 2nd Daddy/Daughter Dance. They had a great time - they ate, took pictures in the photo booth, danced, and visited with friends. Callie looked adorable in a little black & gold dress with gold high heels. She is my little fashionita and is always wanting to get dressed up - she hates the clothes I pick out and we have daily fights about what she is going to wear, already at 5 years old!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Max is in 5th grade and 11 years old now - it is so surreal that I have an 11 year old! His dad bought him a phone, so he is always on that. He has started collecting shoes - he is obsessed with cool tennis shoes. He probably has 10 pair right now…he uses all the giftcards he gets for every holiday to buy a new pair of shoes. He's even started making YouTube videos about his shoe collection. He is a great little basketball player and we have been winning tournaments each weekend. His little team is so fun to watch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gabe and I both celebrated our birthdays this week - Gabe turned 31 and I turned 36! He threw me a surprise party last night and I was totally shocked - all of my friends and family were there to celebrate with me! We had pizza, I got some sweet and thoughtful gifts, lots of visiting went on, and ended the night with a photo with all the ladies. What a great way to begin 36!</span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-12739794990411797802016-07-19T19:14:00.000-04:002016-07-19T19:14:56.839-04:00Summer 2016<span style="font-size: large;">It's been so long and I don't have any idea where to start. It is the Summer of 2016 and the months have been flying by. This was the first summer in my children's lifetimes that I had to go to work everyday, instead of having the summer off with them. To say my heart was broken is an understatement, but we managed to squeeze in a family vacation and fun on weeknights and weekends. August will be here in just a few weeks, and it seems odd to not be preparing my classroom with lots of colorful supplies for upcoming students. I still question myself daily on whether or not I made the right decision - leaving the classroom after 13 years of teaching. There are pros and cons to my decision and I'm just trying to take it one day at a time. One thing is for sure - I miss the lazy summer days that I had with</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> my kids. Here is what we have been up to all summer: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Playing lots and lots of baseball! Callie played T-ball for the first time this year and did a great job - and paid more attention in the game then I thought she would! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Max moved up to the major league and was the youngest on his team - but ended up having a great season and even made All-Stars!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent time with close friends and family...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a baby shower for my sweet sister-in-law…and I will have a brand new niece in just a few weeks! I can't wait to hold her and see my brother become a daddy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We visited Destin, Florida with Gabe's family for a week and had such a wonderful time bonding with family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Relaxing in the sun...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fishing in the pond in front of our home...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And having some unforgettable moments of fun!!</span></div>
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<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-39493504699167272852016-06-03T11:54:00.001-04:002016-06-03T11:54:11.222-04:00News stories...I lay in bed while the news articles I have read earlier today jumble up in my head. As I read each story I felt physically ill. That feeling didn't leave as a trudged through my day. It kept nagging and nagging at the edge of my emotions.<br />
Children. <br />
Children being beaten and starved and raped and I just don't understand. Details and phrases are stuck in my head - the agony these children experienced without reason.<br />
I think of my own babies tucked tightly into their beds and feel guilt. Guilty that they are so loved and so taken care of...when there are so many children who aren't. <br />
I feel such a desire to GET UP and HELP...to do something that will make a difference. Something that will make the horrible news stories stop. The only viable option I can see at 10 pm on a Thursday night is pray. I pray for the mothers and fathers who are ravaged by drugs, I pray for the children who only get a meal when they go to school for the day, I pray for the babies who are beaten to death for crying, yet aren't even old enough to form words for what they need or want. <br />
And I cry. I cry for those kids who have never known what it feels like to be safe. <br />
To not be afraid when they go to sleep. <br />
To not wonder when they will eat next. <br />
To not worry about making mommy or daddy mad.<br />
For those who suffer and have done absolutely nothing wrong. <br />
I pray.<br />
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Our world is filled with sadness and scariness and hit-you-in-the-gut stories every single day in the news. The only thing I can cling to is my HOPE in Jesus. And I know how He feels about children: <br />
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Matthew 18:2-6<br />
<strong>2</strong> <span class="verse-2"> He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. </span> <br />
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<strong>3</strong> <span class="verse-3"> And he said: <span class="red-letter no-red">“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</span> </span> <br />
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<strong>4</strong> <span class="verse-4"><span class="red-letter no-red">Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.</span></span></div>
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<strong>5</strong> <span class="verse-5"><span class="red-letter no-red">And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.</span> </span> <br />
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<strong>6</strong> <span class="verse-6"><span class="red-letter no-red">“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.</span> </span></div>
<span class="text Phil-4-7"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-4-7">Please join me in prayer for the children who are helpless to the abuse and suffering they endure each day. "</span><span class="text Phil-4-7">For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. " Matthew 18:20</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-60948715527061886472015-07-24T20:26:00.002-04:002015-07-24T20:31:22.859-04:00Okaloosa Island - 2015<span style="font-size: large;">Over July 4th (Gabe & I's 5th anniversary) - we traveled to Okaloosa Island, FL, with my parents, my brother, and his fiance, Hanna. Cole, Melinda, and Nate couldn't come - we missed them like crazy! It was a 10 hour drive that I was VERY nervous about, but everything went extremely smooth & the kids did great with all the traveling! We stopped about every two hours for restroom breaks and snacks - Max kept busy on his iPod, while Callie watched movies on the DVD player. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Neither of my kids had ever seen the ocean - so I was SUPER excited to see their faces when we arrived at the beach! Max is 9 years old - and the last time I was at the ocean, I was pregnant with Max! He didn't know what to expect, but ended up LOVING it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed in a condo called "Sea Oats 106" and it couldn't have been more perfect! We literally walked out the sliding glass door right to the pool, then just had to walk over the short boardwalk and onto the beach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The location was perfect and the island was quaint & family-oriented! There were no fast-food restaurants on the island, but just over the bridge (about 3 min.) - there were all kinds of fast-food, grocery stores, or anything else you needed! The island is also just 15 miles from Destin - but we never even made it over there! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of our favorite places to eat on the island were Rockin' Tacos, The Old Bay Steamer, and FudPuckers. I even had some yummy drinks!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtnY05h_4SZ9CZ7QvIZ-QTnrXd6QKjhMiV7QhikCN6S5NrMv6Q-ZmgUJGV-Y-co8eARCt4bA1o8okEXn704OparlxQ4wdavEMAV529YC37OalJSfkQU-kX9z55IQw6xaAzFDtd3d0szFk/s1600/IMG_4036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtnY05h_4SZ9CZ7QvIZ-QTnrXd6QKjhMiV7QhikCN6S5NrMv6Q-ZmgUJGV-Y-co8eARCt4bA1o8okEXn704OparlxQ4wdavEMAV529YC37OalJSfkQU-kX9z55IQw6xaAzFDtd3d0szFk/s640/IMG_4036.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each morning we would head out to the beach and play in the ocean all morning! The kids really loved the water - I was afraid Max wouldn't get in because of all the reports of shark attacks this summer (none where we were), but he swam more than anyone else! We spent each morning soaking up the sun - then would go back to the condo for lunch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After lunch each day, we would spend the afternoon in the pool, relaxing, and sometimes taking naps:) It really was the most relaxing vacation I've ever been on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the evenings, we would do something fun for the kids and go out to eat. Sometimes the kids would want to take an evening walk on the beach. There was so much beautiful white sand and clear, blue water!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids LOVE their Uncle Clay - he is such an amazing role model in their lives!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids loved The Gulfarium - there were lots of dolphins, crabs, penguins, sharks, birds, and alligators to see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I even had the opportunity to take some engagement photos of my favorite couple - I mean, come on- there is no way to get a bad photo of these two!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NF0TfcS2nUTK0-USd0viahGOBKANBnE88_ZrIPQ4wbKqVPN-2ogmkDbwr6e0jmsoj11XAd1F9nq-xeZq71_5dI9syH6JKrEOg9vf4JAG8AUic7mA5vRyuYZiPeb7Mpcbl_MyvkTkMmBd/s1600/IMG_5732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NF0TfcS2nUTK0-USd0viahGOBKANBnE88_ZrIPQ4wbKqVPN-2ogmkDbwr6e0jmsoj11XAd1F9nq-xeZq71_5dI9syH6JKrEOg9vf4JAG8AUic7mA5vRyuYZiPeb7Mpcbl_MyvkTkMmBd/s640/IMG_5732.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to convince my family to just forget about little Odon, Indiana and move to this little island…but it didn't work! I really did want to stay - it was the best vacation I had ever been on! I will never forget the look of amazement on my children's faces when they realized there is more to see besides cornfields and 1 stoplight towns. I hope we can return to this same location some summer soon!</span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-12425821375763541472015-05-05T21:44:00.002-04:002015-05-05T21:46:43.834-04:00Those I've loved and lost...<span style="font-size: large;">Death is such a punch in the gut. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One day we were getting sweet kisses on the check and feeling his soft, wrinkly skin against our faces. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My phone was ringing and his number was showing up on the screen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He had his old, worn Bible clutched in his hands with his arms spread wide…waiting for a hug. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this isn't the first time. It wasn't that long ago that we mourned this sweet man. I don't remember a time he wasn't waiting for a visit in that old house - with the musty attic and creaking stairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He would drive up to the house on his green ranger for a visit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He would hold my children and capture my heart with his laughter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He didn't say much, but when he spoke to you…you listened and took everything to heart. He was a farmer his entire life, and passed down the love of the soil to his oldest son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then there is this sweet woman - who had a huge part in molding me into the woman that I am today. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her kitchen was always open, always filled with amazing aromas, and a sanctuary where I could learn and share in her joy for baking. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I inherited her "worrying" gene.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Max was her pride and joy…and although she never got to meet her first great-granddaugther, I like to think that she was the very first person to hold her namesake, before I even met my Callie Catherine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here I am…an abundance of sadness in my heart, but memories flooding my mind on a daily basis. I will get through this - God is my strength…these three people have instilled that in me. Because of their guidance and example, my faith continues to grow and I have so much <i>HOPE</i>...</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-17147367804044912102015-04-18T11:02:00.002-04:002015-04-18T11:02:49.692-04:00Hello Spring!<span style="font-size: large;">The weather has taken a turn for the better - HELLO SPRING…and we have been enjoying the warm temperatures! We spent a couple days at French Lick over Spring Break just to get away with the kids on a mini-vacation. They loved every minute of it and swam their little hearts out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOEaWeg08DHC2CZDyVyJblXfAhJPj5lol2W99DLC79towDlgH3BsLGI91oSCPFJJvlf1sbnXV3AHqj2W63rrC0XTsC71HxExM9rPyIfBzq26plA0EZa7FUWGGqeWfELm2nseDws2dRc8t/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOEaWeg08DHC2CZDyVyJblXfAhJPj5lol2W99DLC79towDlgH3BsLGI91oSCPFJJvlf1sbnXV3AHqj2W63rrC0XTsC71HxExM9rPyIfBzq26plA0EZa7FUWGGqeWfELm2nseDws2dRc8t/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgpyPlT32nkzxE2Q4ynLFajig5nLUiyApZUmbgfpJcxgQmMseA3nBcTazWzGRuO30AyRn1DgxIo5RJcgjuWPKx2NsUGUJz_QaKoikFh3ulnpZzf7QCGLEEmf2qkvdv87ErkNVYi0Aa13c/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgpyPlT32nkzxE2Q4ynLFajig5nLUiyApZUmbgfpJcxgQmMseA3nBcTazWzGRuO30AyRn1DgxIo5RJcgjuWPKx2NsUGUJz_QaKoikFh3ulnpZzf7QCGLEEmf2qkvdv87ErkNVYi0Aa13c/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Max has been playing lots of basketball and baseball - he is a true sports lover & wants to be playing one or the other every single second of the day! Even on our days "off," he's asking to go to the ball park or gym!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AwaoE-DwMf_UeXsEgTKvmcnBL_eTn8zw_O_bU2W1e0PpUAjJ-jb6y7xTegzNCLUWjwdnxmpeL0WA-xeJKNn50wxPuvG6RQYGGz_J7gpLjjq9uPGK0cCOCeaadsHMAWsTOEmQqLer6Wab/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AwaoE-DwMf_UeXsEgTKvmcnBL_eTn8zw_O_bU2W1e0PpUAjJ-jb6y7xTegzNCLUWjwdnxmpeL0WA-xeJKNn50wxPuvG6RQYGGz_J7gpLjjq9uPGK0cCOCeaadsHMAWsTOEmQqLer6Wab/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also celebrated Easter at several family member's houses! Lots of fun, Easter egg hunts, catching-up with family, and candy, of course:)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x4CDoMWoeA-_NJ3uQu1jTiGJcAwbCvmW_9h6y17P6umlYQWm3MfDqRI5DkxT3hdEjNeBfwxVt8i6yXVE_d3Hm53n7TTVbxnMsApsrgE6s128YSSx8DUdLi0lC2L-_MN4Qib1820yB97D/s1600/IMG_5315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x4CDoMWoeA-_NJ3uQu1jTiGJcAwbCvmW_9h6y17P6umlYQWm3MfDqRI5DkxT3hdEjNeBfwxVt8i6yXVE_d3Hm53n7TTVbxnMsApsrgE6s128YSSx8DUdLi0lC2L-_MN4Qib1820yB97D/s1600/IMG_5315.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbNAZ1X2qCGu6x1PBYamGm_VnkkY-LAQbnwhMDArqednY5yFD0MJuBpUyGBbi_mNYZDxdoZO7K2SqOVIFHDsm7uE4p_XFKP2hyWdK-1Ng69L2_rPERrsH0dCyiItyfd0qxy3zx0Gm-w7N/s1600/IMG_5308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbNAZ1X2qCGu6x1PBYamGm_VnkkY-LAQbnwhMDArqednY5yFD0MJuBpUyGBbi_mNYZDxdoZO7K2SqOVIFHDsm7uE4p_XFKP2hyWdK-1Ng69L2_rPERrsH0dCyiItyfd0qxy3zx0Gm-w7N/s1600/IMG_5308.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also celebrated my Grandpa Beasley's 90th birthday, Max had a wax museum at school where he was Albert Einstein, and Callie had her first preschool program! It's been a busy 2 months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM3uueEQK8mBQAH-HDyWfu1EJyOrP8M2wpbFGEa0Hm7aew4A1B6tPUFOgxWvaLWffS6mJXfjVzeLmF8HQnZcBHbrGOsyzN8qTxoxV2q2-ADesiCAPXN3UAqQOM9Azu6CxDuuy-xXwQqg7/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM3uueEQK8mBQAH-HDyWfu1EJyOrP8M2wpbFGEa0Hm7aew4A1B6tPUFOgxWvaLWffS6mJXfjVzeLmF8HQnZcBHbrGOsyzN8qTxoxV2q2-ADesiCAPXN3UAqQOM9Azu6CxDuuy-xXwQqg7/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May is almost here - my next surgery is scheduled for June 2nd. I am extremely anxious about it, since it is a larger surgery then the 1st. Keep me in your prayers - because sometimes my anxiety is overwhelming!</span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-1410721860493767172015-03-23T19:13:00.000-04:002015-03-23T19:13:24.763-04:003 months and a few photos...I don't even know where to start - it's been soooooo long! I've just been:<br />
dreaming and thinking,<br />
working and watching ball,<br />
snuggling my babies and enjoying the weather,<br />
napping and relaxing,<br />
cheerin' and traveling,<br />
on-the-go and blessed-as-can-be. Here are a few photos of what we've been up to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo5C8pMNr1iBCMLydyw9pxI6qJx60dSxr5rQlQsxqQhNCTBca8vt9VCXBIcW6aRGXOcwA-q2Lyf4rS7lFX4Bn__VvxwDISMgAWckGDbDUtNmEH7R-Egih3kalflbKzaWUqh3Rs4mHbUnp/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo5C8pMNr1iBCMLydyw9pxI6qJx60dSxr5rQlQsxqQhNCTBca8vt9VCXBIcW6aRGXOcwA-q2Lyf4rS7lFX4Bn__VvxwDISMgAWckGDbDUtNmEH7R-Egih3kalflbKzaWUqh3Rs4mHbUnp/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was taken during the North Daviess Cheer Clinic by Amy Graber - thanks for capturing this moment, Amy!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l9xKezqbZdYaRfxe5exxU4oWw3Qdq5ORxpIA8jgH6MycJoXIFXd71fJNzTA_9Etb0onoAUlIbwGydtUxpD3o_RuwXS348jBNaBnYBtaPN1mynah2CKpuZtAo4dfjQKmmXXeDaTdo_W1k/s1600/IMG_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l9xKezqbZdYaRfxe5exxU4oWw3Qdq5ORxpIA8jgH6MycJoXIFXd71fJNzTA_9Etb0onoAUlIbwGydtUxpD3o_RuwXS348jBNaBnYBtaPN1mynah2CKpuZtAo4dfjQKmmXXeDaTdo_W1k/s1600/IMG_5108.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Odon Sawmill was recognized in Indianapolis for being the 2014 Loggers of the Year! Congrats guys!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdWLnwTboh-1Tg88jQqzrepzFSCygJIfdxap4J7IHV69ouqY6_p3npycMDZwMlbWjytfOyeJiSmJ2S8a10eQkSwCcrnYRJb_vAPaIrOrfiedpyVB3PhMWkuRF3NEaEe6o-vUW-kXzcV-r/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdWLnwTboh-1Tg88jQqzrepzFSCygJIfdxap4J7IHV69ouqY6_p3npycMDZwMlbWjytfOyeJiSmJ2S8a10eQkSwCcrnYRJb_vAPaIrOrfiedpyVB3PhMWkuRF3NEaEe6o-vUW-kXzcV-r/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I went through a surgery to remove a fibroid in my uterus. Unfortunately, it was too large to remove the entire thing, so another surgery will be scheduled for this summer:(!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB655Rx7iB3yQaUv_XgKtk_Sr3ucoiXst9NP__MBPdO2D0_9hY38HJzbvXlwVyqZclo1NX8p4SzqDfqioC9TS-joitUirrUkjgjDpJbwZRM8YILFyQTUI08rOnDVO8LkUETNNVva3isPt/s1600/IMG_4561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB655Rx7iB3yQaUv_XgKtk_Sr3ucoiXst9NP__MBPdO2D0_9hY38HJzbvXlwVyqZclo1NX8p4SzqDfqioC9TS-joitUirrUkjgjDpJbwZRM8YILFyQTUI08rOnDVO8LkUETNNVva3isPt/s1600/IMG_4561.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Max has been playing ALOT of basketball - and his team won their division at the State Championship in Salem! That little team hustles like crazy, I'm super proud of them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMDZ8m1bDZBpN9DrKX4ygIsJNYIi7R0a0BOMSBi-_HzQxPW3GuatObArSNECK2FI7ZnHw7Ub7BGkae3dfXJslofy2cWwljOFS__yVA6ros8DxSt9kBrx3IKKxApiIzjppFhPJO9e3MMbz/s1600/IMG_4977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMDZ8m1bDZBpN9DrKX4ygIsJNYIi7R0a0BOMSBi-_HzQxPW3GuatObArSNECK2FI7ZnHw7Ub7BGkae3dfXJslofy2cWwljOFS__yVA6ros8DxSt9kBrx3IKKxApiIzjppFhPJO9e3MMbz/s1600/IMG_4977.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Playing in the snow in February…we had a week off of school!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwl_fqJiCucdnUe8_kdhepBriWrgH7bEhCffHYZmBmjrjzAZvVQD7bj4fa1SXNMei28zzfbEZH3bthvYletpC0bANFTv4h1QuCNNMLBGpp-cQspIGSI3G1dLvuC_fk9b9vmnn9e83Jh03/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwl_fqJiCucdnUe8_kdhepBriWrgH7bEhCffHYZmBmjrjzAZvVQD7bj4fa1SXNMei28zzfbEZH3bthvYletpC0bANFTv4h1QuCNNMLBGpp-cQspIGSI3G1dLvuC_fk9b9vmnn9e83Jh03/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My sweeties eating out at Steak-n-Shake…they had to order milkshakes for dessert!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJliHGpt06ZlxckyJ2RQ2v9MwcBKdrp9T38zATWK8v4m4r7k8EHCgKrdVcCWpTHSBwKhgFkduifmS37p5grf6bw9uWcSyUNxwQsi6071iSbypzQLK-RdibyEGyfJM1tz-ATuzQNMUoyB3/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJliHGpt06ZlxckyJ2RQ2v9MwcBKdrp9T38zATWK8v4m4r7k8EHCgKrdVcCWpTHSBwKhgFkduifmS37p5grf6bw9uWcSyUNxwQsi6071iSbypzQLK-RdibyEGyfJM1tz-ATuzQNMUoyB3/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Snuggling with my babies - there is NOTHING better then being a their mama!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taking a walk in the beautiful weather…summer is on its way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Celebrating Gabe's birthday with chocolate-covered strawberries! Well, there's nothing like catching up on 3 months worth of life with a few photos! I HAVE to do better at staying up to date on the blog!!</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-39139369740064891592015-01-01T20:42:00.002-05:002015-01-01T20:42:48.694-05:00Christmas 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the first day of 2015 - seems completely impossible how fast the years are going. Christmas seemed so relaxed & magical this year. I really think the health problems I'm dealing with are making me slow down and take in each moment…just enjoy my kiddos and the magic that surrounds Christmas. We had several family parties to attend, but were able to really relax at each one & visit with the ones we love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Day family selfie</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent Christmas Eve going from the Raber's, Grandma & Grandpa Swartzentruber's, and then ended up at my Mom and Dad's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Callie was happy with her Frozen helmet, that matched her Frozen scooter…the only thing she asked for for Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The grandkids at Grandpa Bob & Grandma Raylene's…Lexi, AunaRay, Max, Jamison, and Callie</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom had a sign made for Max of a "quote" he came up with. He is super proud of it! He loves sports and making up sports quotes…he is an athlete through and through! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Melinda & Nate being sweet on Christmas Eve!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Callie and Lexi Faith at Grandma Swartzentruber's!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the grandkids at Grandpa & Grandma Swartzentruber's - Max, Callie, Jamison, AunaRay, Reese, Lexi, Mila, and Parker</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Uncle Clay & Hanna all snuggled in on Christmas Eve…</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few more days and it's back to the real world for me - back to work. I'm praying I keep this stomach bug I got yesterday to myself and my kiddos don't get it!! Yuck!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy 2015 - May God bless you and your families this year!!</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-27137278440520359922014-11-19T19:42:00.002-05:002014-11-19T19:42:20.041-05:00Fall Update<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we have had our first snow - I thought I better get caught</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">up on how Fall unfolded. I will do this mostly in photos, since that helps me remember exactly what we did:)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We visited Lark Ranch in Loogootee, Indiana and had a really great time! We met Nick, Jessica, Dailee, Matt, and Glenda there and there were all kinds of things to do - hayrides, mechanical bull rides, "gem" mining, horse rides, slides, bouncy houses, corn maze, yummy food, and we even picked our pumpkins from a patch! The Lark Ranch really is a great family fun-filled place to visit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In September we attended the annual Antique Show in Elnora, Indiana. Every year this is something that my family looks forward to - such a fun place to explore and relax! My mom, Nana Anna, has a stand there each year and sells vintage aprons and dishes. We usually spend all weekend here, just hanging out with family, camping, helping in any way, and shopping:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I forced Max to take a photo in front of his Elemenatry School - North Daviess. I wish I had a photo of myself at this age in front of Odon Elemenatry - I have so many amazing memories from that time in my life…but now the building is torn down and long gone. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj5ojDAUU-xtm5_AIAIX1hbk7fsk6is7YE0Ma32ljDE97j5l9GT0uoUBVWGJAirNbIY_Fl86GyjdUTQj3lPU-0Xi9zxku9sHY29s1DnwMlrSpVjm4u0f2hWeIWbxTlmMJjfTiowD3frzH/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj5ojDAUU-xtm5_AIAIX1hbk7fsk6is7YE0Ma32ljDE97j5l9GT0uoUBVWGJAirNbIY_Fl86GyjdUTQj3lPU-0Xi9zxku9sHY29s1DnwMlrSpVjm4u0f2hWeIWbxTlmMJjfTiowD3frzH/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This beautiful couple got married this Fall - I think it's so cool because Logan is my first cousin, while Brooke is Gabe's first cousin:) The wedding was beautiful and we are so excited for them to start their life together! Callie & Max were both in the wedding…everything went smoothly & after the wedding we got to enjoy some great food & the kids danced the night away on the dance floor!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Max had a little run in with a pole while playing kickball with his buddies…crazy kid!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also celebrated AunaRay's 3rd Birthday…she is such a sweetie and everyone had a great time!</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I'm seriously debating having this surgery, especially after today when I disappointed both my kids because of canceling our plans for tonight. I hate, more than anything, to disappoint my children. And between this and my stomach problems - I'm pretty much feeling like a failure. Failure as a mother, failure as a wife, and failure as a friend. Totally down tonight - sorry for all the negativity. </span></div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-69720998935049543802014-11-09T21:19:00.003-05:002014-11-15T18:32:49.851-05:00Not my idea of fun...<span style="font-size: large;">Waiting for a week for test results on whether or not you have cancer is NOT my idea of fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a wreck…grumpy & filled with fear. Not so nice to the ones who mean the most to me. About 3 years ago, right after I had Callie…I started dealing with awful, heavy periods and just not feeling well. I wrote it off to just getting older, having been thru 2 births, etc. But in the back of my mind I knew something wasn't right. I was tired ALL the time - and slept every chance I got. I don't mean like a little tired. More like couldn't keep my eyes open…and sleeping for hours and hours unless someone would wake me up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier this year I couldn't take it any longer and decided to go to the doctor. She ran all kinds of blood tests and found out my hemoglobin level was at a 7 - which meant I was anemic. Normal levels are 12-15 - my doctor said that if my level didn't come up some after taking iron, I would have to have a blood transfusion. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I took iron twice a day for a week, and my level went up 1 point. My doctor agreed to let me continue to take iron and try to get my level up to normal. After a month on iron, my levels are now close to normal. After finding out I was anemic - the search was on as to why. Many doctor appointments later - my OBGYN found a fibroid in my uterus the size of a tennis ball. Last week he took a biopsy and I'm waiting on the results. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My OBGYN doctor asked if Gabe & I are done having kids, because although it is rare for a 33 year old, he would suggest a hysterectomy. It is just too much to take in. My mind can't even wrap itself around all this information. Let alone talk to Gabe about completely erasing the idea of ever having another child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray for us. Pray for me that I will let go of the fear & put all my worries in God's hands. Pray for strength and direction. Thank you, friends...</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-34791440357551286822014-10-03T20:03:00.003-04:002014-10-03T20:03:48.934-04:00Gone Too Long...<span style="font-size: large;">It's been too long since I've sat down and blogged. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I've pushed the laundry aside…ignored the dishes in the sink. There is so much work at home to get done once I get home from my "real" work. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't ever set aside time for myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to think and evaluate my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to read God's word and let His love wash over me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's time for a night like that. Time to think and blog and rest and read. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to clear these cobwebs from my mind and empty my thoughts onto this computer screen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's raining this Friday night and I love it. I love to sit in my living room and watch it rain thru the huge windows beside the fireplace. It's the exact calm and serene feeling I need at the moment…it is so rare and far between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The thing is, I can't even name one thing that has made life so busy and crazy, so frantic and frenzied. It is a culmination of several issues that have driven me to feel so out-of-touch…almost detached. Not from my family, necessarily, but from the world and from my Father. My heart aches for the feeling of closeness that is usually there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The summer went by so quickly, and now work and routine have taken over. Fall is in full swing and this is my favorite time of year. I find my heart filling so easily with thankfulness and blessings. I slow down some and take a closer look at everything around me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did get a chance to get away one weekend - that was so needed and super nice. To just play with the kiddos and explore French Lick - Gabe and I love it there since it is where we got married! Now we get to take the kids there and experience it in a different way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Callie turned three years old and started going to Preschool at Odon Christian Church two days a week. Max went when he was her age - he adjusted much better than she did. She still struggles with us leaving her…but it's ok, but I want her to stay little a while longer. She is growing up too fast on me, and I just try to cherish each moment with her. I know just how fast it goes…Max will be 9 next month. It doesn't seem possible…I constantly have flashbacks of Max from each year that has passed. His sweet smile hasn't changed, although he's so tall and his legs have gotten so long:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I better go enjoy my family. But I promise not to be gone so long this time. </span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-79321447918449365722014-06-16T00:22:00.002-04:002014-06-16T00:22:45.537-04:00Summer is Getting Started:)<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't really mean to take a blogging break…sometimes it just happens. And that's ok - I think my brain needed a little rest!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today was Father's Day - we spent the afternoon with the Beasley family, came home for a quick nap, then grilled out with my parents. Today was the first day that it really felt like summer…I'm not sure why, but even though we have been out of school it hasn't really felt like "official" summer. I think some of it had to do with the GORGEOUS day, the kids played in the water with cousins, the smell of the yummy food on the grill…</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids and I are settling into a routine and starting to relax & have fun in the warm weather. It was so much fun to celebrate Gabe, my dad, and my Grandpa Beasley today:) I did think of my Grandpa Raber alot today and miss him so terribly!! I would have loved to see his big smile today…But I know I am so incredibly blessed with the time I got to spend with him - and for the amazing men who are still an active part of my life today! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so proud of Gabe - he could not be a better dad to both Max & Callie. Before I can even ask, he is anticipating our needs and meeting them. He coaches Max's teams, takes Callie EVERYWHERE with him (she's a daddy's girl), helps around the house, tucks the kids in with me, and works each and everyday so very hard to provide for us! Here he is with our new sweet nephew, Jamison Carter Wagler! Jamison is sooooo precious & we are excited to add a boy to the family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there is my dad - the foundation of our family. He has worked his entire life as a farmer, and hasn't slowed down at all. He would do anything for his family - ANYTHING. I know he is under stress most of the time and takes so much to heart…but he always makes time to see his kids & grandkids and help in any way he can. I love him so much, and am proud to be his daughter!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone found bits and pieces in your day to praise God for…there are blessings all around us! Find yours:)!</span><br />
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<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-29154762497787564672014-05-17T21:55:00.000-04:002014-05-17T21:55:35.806-04:00May 2014<span style="font-size: large;">I kissed his sweet head as he bounded out the door with his father. As the door closed - I broke down in tears. They are going on a trip tomorrow, a long trip with his father behind the wheel. No other adults are going, and my baby will be in that car for 8 long hours. I'm worried. No, worried is putting it lightly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My first instinct is to drive to his dad's house, grab my son, and bring him home. I've argued and anxiously thought of the what-ifs, I've fretfully paced and chewed every last fingernail down…sleep will not come easily for me tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I know in my heart that no matter how much I worry, it is out of my control. I have to remember that God has my sweet boy in His hands…and I wouldn't want Max to be anywhere else!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been so long since I've blogged - time has been flying by here and I have been busier then I EVER have! Being a 5th grade teacher is draining and crazy…but so rewarding, too. And my two sweeties are growing up so fast - Max has one more week in the 2nd grade (he jumps out of bed each morning and is excited to go to school), while Callie is as sassy as ever (always surprising me with things she says). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gabe works so hard every day to make sure our family has everything we need - he really is the most kind and hard-working person I know (I don't give him enough credit)!! He has also volunteered to take care of the trees and landscaping stuff at the Odon Park - so he is often working there. We do try to steal some moments for just our family - relaxing and enjoying the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our summer is about to begin - I have two weeks of work left until our summer break! No big plans - we are just ready to enjoy the sunshine!!</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is here…all around me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My grandma passed away a little over 3 years ago. Unexpectedly…suddenly. Punching me in the stomach, taking my breath away. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She sends signs when I least expect them. I find hearts in funny places - her way of reminding me that she is watching. She sees me. She sees my kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I'm waking in the morning & still clearing the fog from my head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I decide to take a walk on a bright, clear day. Leaves all around me, but one catching my eye & forcing my heart to pound out of my chest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This past weekend, as I was watching my kids play on our new pad of concrete, watching them while they teased each other & giggled in the sunshine…and for some reason I glanced over to the wood pile right beside me. And there it is…a heart placed perfectly on a stump. I can almost feel her hand upon my arm…her heart bursting with love while she watches my two children play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now Grandpa is beside her. Exactly where they always wanted to be. Together. And with Jesus. </span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-82146372783007313112014-03-03T18:12:00.000-05:002014-03-03T18:16:19.104-05:00Feb. 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">February flew by for us- we celebrated Valentine's Day together as a family of four and I just have to share a couple of cute pictures I got of my smallest little Valentine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also welcomed a sweet baby cousin into the family last week - Caleb & Mallory had a sweet baby girl named Lexie Faith Swartzentruber. We are so in LOVE already!! I can't wait to watch all the cousins growing up together - they have so much fun together!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We even had time to squeeze in some sledding at Gabe's mom & dads. I couldn't get Max to come inside - he could have kept sledding all night long! But Callie on the other hand, did not enjoy it and cried her eyes out. I was really surprised because she usually loves the outdoors…but I guess she isn't fond of the cold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AunaRay loved it and talked Papa Bob into taking her down the hill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we are home on ANOTHER snow day - winter doesn't seem to want to end this year!! Max isn't feeling well, so we have laid around most of the day and just relaxed. I love it now, but I know I will be regretting all these days off when the weather is gorgeous & I'm stuck inside! O well - I am just trying to enjoy every moment with my two little ones:)!</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-77295578983896150192014-02-01T20:57:00.004-05:002014-02-01T21:19:38.378-05:00Our 2013 Swartzentruber Family Photo Book<span style="font-size: large;">I've been stressing for awhile about how to keep all my photos organized and accessible for my family to look back through from years passed. I take hundreds of photos a year - and the thought of printing them all out, writing on the back of each one, and putting them in photo albums just OVERWHELMS me! I did it for years, but have been slacking off…so I tried something new this month! I'm so excited to share this with you because I promise it will make your life easier!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I take photos, I usually download them off my computer and put them in folders on my computer labeled with the month and year. As 2013 came to a close, I decided I was going to do something different with my pictures from the whole year. So in January, I spent two evenings on <a href="http://blurb.com/">Blurb.com</a> - making a book of photos. I chose the 12 x 12 book - and then went thru my photos from each month of the year, choosing photos to include. The book has a cover page for each month, and then it is just photos. I didn't put any captions or text because it would have taken several more days:) But that is totally up to you! I wanted my book to be mainly a book of pictures (like a photo album) for my family to look back at for years to come! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book was extremely easy to make…but does take time. Like I said, I spent two entire evenings on the computer putting it together (but that is less time it would have taken to scrapbook or label & put pictures in albums). The book arrived quickly & and the quality is out of this world!! The size is amazing - the photos are so big & colorful!! It is a nice, thick hardcover book - which I plan to put on my coffee table for anyone who wants to take a peek! Here are a few photos of the book - but the pictures don't even do it justice. You have to order one - I promise it is worth the time and money!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqj7oo_Bibs/Uu2kDEcl0pI/AAAAAAAADX4/Fb6XCJ6r4vo/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqj7oo_Bibs/Uu2kDEcl0pI/AAAAAAAADX4/Fb6XCJ6r4vo/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Here is the cover of the book - on the spine I put "Swartzentruber Photos 2013."</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wtKA49bIpQ/Uu2j8NKZwLI/AAAAAAAADXo/EZTJE6UWAsE/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wtKA49bIpQ/Uu2j8NKZwLI/AAAAAAAADXo/EZTJE6UWAsE/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is an example of a month cover page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the beautiful photos in the book. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zx7d-1yIP3w/Uu2kN5nhMWI/AAAAAAAADYI/0meB_Fo76P4/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zx7d-1yIP3w/Uu2kN5nhMWI/AAAAAAAADYI/0meB_Fo76P4/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the size difference between my photo book compared to my blog book (where I print out all my blog posts and photos.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFT8MSnu7q4/Uu2jzbTGM-I/AAAAAAAADXg/BpVXXBXo9lM/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFT8MSnu7q4/Uu2jzbTGM-I/AAAAAAAADXg/BpVXXBXo9lM/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Here is a quick look into one of my blog books - I have three now:) I can't wait for my kiddos to appreciate these books (once they get older:)!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ONi_lUFgCM/Uu2kIQUY7EI/AAAAAAAADYA/tRzLEDPqJ9A/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ONi_lUFgCM/Uu2kIQUY7EI/AAAAAAAADYA/tRzLEDPqJ9A/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-92124908033685765722013-12-25T22:30:00.003-05:002013-12-25T22:30:40.741-05:00His message...<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 20px;">Can you hear it? His message to the shepherds is His message to us today. “You will find a baby lying in a manger. You will find my love where you least expect it. You will find me in the mud, in the muck, in the dirt. And in the mess of your sin and the hurt of this life, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 20px;">I will find you.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 20px;">” -<a href="http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2013/12/normal.html" target="_blank"> Katie Davis</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This Christmas - no matter how imperfect you feel,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">no matter how chaotic the day was with family,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">or how much sin is weighing you down…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">may his <span style="color: red;">LOVE </span>envelope you wherever you are.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jc5ZwN06n8/Uruim1gTQzI/AAAAAAAADXM/dy8-fT4xf2o/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jc5ZwN06n8/Uruim1gTQzI/AAAAAAAADXM/dy8-fT4xf2o/s640/IMG_3200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">P.S. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">(If you haven't read Katie's book "Kisses From Katie," you have to check it out! I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it - such an inspiring story about a young girl who literally leaves her "normal" life behind for what she feels like God is calling her to. So many AMAZING insights and interpretations from a brave young woman with an incredible heart!)</span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-8525006891831919022013-12-23T21:18:00.003-05:002013-12-23T21:18:58.551-05:00Cookie Decorating Fun and a Little Early Christmas Celebration<span style="font-size: large;">We had our 8th annual cookie decorating party at my cousin Chasity's house. It's so fun to look back through the photos and see how much the kids have grown…and what new one's have been added:) Chas is such an amazing host - and has all the cookies and decorations ready to go when we get there! Each child gets about 6 sugar cookies or so to decorate however they want!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also had a chance to get a few self-timer photos of our family while we had all the snow a few weeks ago! I LOVED being snowed in with my kiddos - so much fun and lots of memories made!! We even made our first-ever batch of snow ice cream:)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsP7A94om0Y/UrjrkwrMURI/AAAAAAAADWg/XED7x2PNpRk/s1600/IMG_2998bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsP7A94om0Y/UrjrkwrMURI/AAAAAAAADWg/XED7x2PNpRk/s640/IMG_2998bw.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last night, we had a early Christmas celebration at my mom and dad's. My mom always goes above and beyond when it comes to the meal - we had salad, filet mignon, twice baked potatoes, green beans, homemade mac-n-cheese, rolls with homemade cinnamon butter, and cherry delight for dessert. I literally couldn't move after eating:) Then we took some family photos and traded gifts. I love how thoughtful everyone was with their gifts…I am so blessed with an amazing family. We had such a joy-filled evening!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One celebration down…three to go:)</span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-51050281980076807592013-12-08T15:30:00.001-05:002013-12-08T15:34:14.612-05:00Gift guide 2013Since I've been stuck at home for close to 72 hours now (don't let me fool you, I've enjoyed every second), I've spent my time decorating, watching Christmas movies with the kids, and wrapping all the gifts I have purchased. I usually go a little overboard with the presents…I just can't help it! I find so much joy in picking out the "perfect" gift for everyone…I spend hours and hours researching different gifts and comparing prices. I probably enjoy the whole process a little too much:)<br />
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I do 90% of my shopping online. With a full time job and two small children, it is VERY rare for me to have a free day to go shopping. So for the last few years, I have found it easier to save things that I find throughout the year online at Pinterest.com or Etsy.com. Then when it is time to begin Christmas shopping, I already have a good head-start! </div>
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Of course I don't want to give anyone any clues to what I purchased for them this year - but I thought I would do 3 categories: gifts for women (mom, sister, sis-in-law), gifts for men (husband, dad, brother-in-law), and the kiddos! Here is a quick gift guide for Christmas 2013, just click on the photo description to follow the link:</div>
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For the ladies in your life:</h3>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114712733/zig-zag-square-zipper-pouch-with-clip?ref=favs_view_1" target="_blank">This handmade chevron clutch is adorable and affordable!</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zCr1Rvzb4o/UqTBUKZIRLI/AAAAAAAADTY/CSsFlRXI-rU/s1600/chevron+clutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zCr1Rvzb4o/UqTBUKZIRLI/AAAAAAAADTY/CSsFlRXI-rU/s320/chevron+clutch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150771630/iphone-5-case-wood-print-iphone-5s-case?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Lots and lots of gorgeous cell phone covers!</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpJvW7eDWYE/UqTBVLwp59I/AAAAAAAADTk/nzDMERvIgQA/s1600/phone+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpJvW7eDWYE/UqTBVLwp59I/AAAAAAAADTk/nzDMERvIgQA/s320/phone+case.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106144725/on-sale-navy-blue-heart-infinity-scarf?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">A navy blue scarf with hearts? Could it get any cuter than this?</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtF0M4E66sg/UqTBVhjVCwI/AAAAAAAADTo/WxOCyzy_Sy4/s1600/heart+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtF0M4E66sg/UqTBVhjVCwI/AAAAAAAADTo/WxOCyzy_Sy4/s320/heart+scarf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112024701/hand-embroidered-initial-necklace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Hand-stitched initial necklace - Yes, please!</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlRhW8cDzkU/UqTBTeAUapI/AAAAAAAADTU/7ZSrby6oaoo/s1600/Initial+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlRhW8cDzkU/UqTBTeAUapI/AAAAAAAADTU/7ZSrby6oaoo/s320/Initial+necklace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.joulesusa.com/Women/Wellies/Wellyprint/Womens-Printed-Rain-Boot/Magenta?id=P_WELLYPRINT|MAGENTA" target="_blank">Rainboots are a girl's best friend!</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yth039957JU/UqTCvSaZ68I/AAAAAAAADT4/kTb3sMJaObA/s1600/P_WELLYPRINT_MAGENTA_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yth039957JU/UqTCvSaZ68I/AAAAAAAADT4/kTb3sMJaObA/s1600/P_WELLYPRINT_MAGENTA_A.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Women-s-Denali-Jacket_10094636_10208_10000001_-1_" target="_blank">Loving this North Face jacket in Frosty Blue/Greystone Blue</a></div>
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And the men:</h3>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/108791461/indiana-home-state-tee-shirt-t-shirt?ref=favs_view_9" target="_blank">No one has too many T-shirts!</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCGq5N4qiRI/UqTK47c7ZwI/AAAAAAAADUU/wM8-cqui75w/s1600/Indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCGq5N4qiRI/UqTK47c7ZwI/AAAAAAAADUU/wM8-cqui75w/s320/Indiana.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126690444/samsung-galaxy-s3-case-deer-stag-head-on?ref=favs_view_4" target="_blank">Cell phone cover for the hunter!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.journeys.com/product.aspx?id=218679&green=062CD5F2-44D3-5A10-90E8-2E4368BD0DAC" target="_blank">Sperry house shoes…</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WwTGok9h4/UqTK3c0ofGI/AAAAAAAADUI/AGnhdM0TTOM/s1600/IU+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WwTGok9h4/UqTK3c0ofGI/AAAAAAAADUI/AGnhdM0TTOM/s320/IU+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WwTGok9h4/UqTK3c0ofGI/AAAAAAAADUI/AGnhdM0TTOM/s1600/IU+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WwTGok9h4/UqTK3c0ofGI/AAAAAAAADUI/AGnhdM0TTOM/s1600/IU+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.fanatics.com/COLLEGE_Indiana_Hoosiers_Mens/adidas_Indiana_Hoosiers_Basketball_On-Court_Performance_T-Shirt_-_Heathered_Black" target="_blank">You can't go wrong with IU gear!</a><br />
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And now for the kids…</h3>
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<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-kids/gifts-for-kids-00100000069817/page21.html" target="_blank">Lego water bottle…</a></div>
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<a href="http://babybeblesseddolls.com/category_68/FINISHED-Items-.htm" target="_blank">Sweet handmade dolls with scripture…</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY9A1hjuB6s/UqTVILQBE2I/AAAAAAAADVY/7q9J-usk-cM/s1600/babydoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY9A1hjuB6s/UqTVILQBE2I/AAAAAAAADVY/7q9J-usk-cM/s320/babydoll.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZ5AFXU/ref=s9_simh_gw_p193_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1ZBKPSQPHSC7W25ZH0SF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">Little girl's rain boots…</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2FVojXh334/UqTVF9y6xTI/AAAAAAAADVA/MLjgAC9ti4M/s1600/rainboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2FVojXh334/UqTVF9y6xTI/AAAAAAAADVA/MLjgAC9ti4M/s1600/rainboots.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/re-bungee-chair/-/A-14413892#prodSlot=large_1_1&term=bungee+chair" target="_blank">Bungee chair (I have one in my classroom and the kids fight over it)!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.babygiftsoutlet.com/prd/razor-riprider-360-caster-tricycle.html" target="_blank">Razor bikes are a blast!</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXTg3KVSX7c/UqTVGpaTwlI/AAAAAAAADVM/-1GkIwUNRGU/s1600/razor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXTg3KVSX7c/UqTVGpaTwlI/AAAAAAAADVM/-1GkIwUNRGU/s320/razor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.babygiftsoutlet.com/prd/razor-riprider-360-caster-tricycle.html" target="_blank">This play kitchen is perfect for little girls!</a></div>
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Just a few fun ideas - I would love to know some of yours:) I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!</div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-30497335063604610992013-11-16T20:57:00.001-05:002013-11-16T21:00:10.309-05:00Fall Leaves & an 8th Bday Celebration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been very busy around here...but we have snuck in a few moments of peacefulness here and there. The leaves this Fall have been so gorgeous and I can't help but notice the vibrant colors around our home. We took a little walk last weekend (although Max wasn't along because he was at his dad's)...and I'm so glad I grabbed my camera and snapped lots of photos along the way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I caught Daddy and his girl enjoying apples from the apple tree and having a long conversation - these two have such an amazing connection...you can feel the love pass between them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also got to celebrate Max's 8th birthday with a football themed party and 8 of his closest friends! His parties have always been so easy...as long as I have food for the boys to eat and lots of drinks to keep them hydrated, they want to play outside and just do their own thing! They played basketball, flashlight tag, and football. I think they all had a great time...but you know boys, I couldn't get much out of them! Mr. Maxwell was on cloud nine...after everyone left that evening he was so exhausted and even asked to go to bed! That never happens!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, my sweet little man! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't even imagine that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. I've started shopping and have Christmas lists for everyone...this is such a joy-filled time of year!</span><br />
<span id="goog_889067244"></span><span id="goog_889067245"></span><br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-49144827080690140822013-10-25T22:04:00.001-04:002013-10-25T22:04:28.726-04:00Praising and Pumpkin Painting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yw5tGtmQdo/UmsexV5aHzI/AAAAAAAADQ8/9vX6KEPSM1Q/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yw5tGtmQdo/UmsexV5aHzI/AAAAAAAADQ8/9vX6KEPSM1Q/s640/IMG_2746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A few hours ago I watched my son get in the car with his father and drive away. I had only gotten to see him for fifteen minutes when I got home from work. Max seemed pale and quiet...I worry over him and ask him lots of questions - it's been a long and exhausting week and I'm afraid he could be coming down with something. But I had to watch him leave and he is out of my sight...but not my mind. Parenting is an unending cycle of overwhelming joy and gut-wrenching worry. It's terrifying and exhilarating...complicated to say the least. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W0zVZbNRfk/UmsfBdBHi8I/AAAAAAAADRE/OUa-VW9ryis/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W0zVZbNRfk/UmsfBdBHi8I/AAAAAAAADRE/OUa-VW9ryis/s640/IMG_2751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank goodness not everything is complicated. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday at church, our preacher spoke about one such thing...something that isn't complex and confusing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Following Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing about following Jesus has to be complicated. Psalms 150 simply states "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I feel Fall wrapping around me, it is so easy to see God's creation praising the Lord...the thunder, the lightening, trees with their changing leaves, water bubbling in the stream, rain on the roof. When everything around me tangles up and life seems to be in knots - I simply need to praise the Lord. That's it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a follower of Jesus and I will praise His name. No matter the situation, no matter the fear. I will stop what I am doing and praise Him. It is as simple as that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791300482019306856.post-1369273563553370742013-10-05T21:05:00.000-04:002013-10-05T21:05:06.868-04:00Fall 2013<span style="font-size: large;">Life has been flying by...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">only slowing down here and there for moments of celebration, sadness, or counting blessings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated my little cousin's wedding - Lauren and Zack were married on the most gorgeous Saturday we've had all year. It was so relaxed and laid-back...much like Lauren herself. The whole wedding party spent most of the day at my mom and dad's - taking pictures, snacking, and just celebrating the love shared between these two! Lauren was so very full of joy all day long - it was a beautiful wedding and the reception was a blast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, on Sunday morning, a young man who graduated from Barr-Reeve last year was in a terrible accident and passed away. I had watched him grow up during my 11 years teaching at BR - as well as his brother and sisters. Everything seemed to come to a standstill and it was such an emotionally draining week for the whole community. My heart breaks for Brandon's family...losing a son is the worst possible thing I can imagine happening. There is nothing to say that would help...nothing to do that would change what has happened. Seeing the pain in his parents' eyes was unbearable...sadness overwhelms me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here I am again...asking God to forgive me for letting work overwhelm me, being impatient with my precious kiddos, short with my husband. It seems like I would eventually learn, doesn't it? But HE doesn't get annoyed with me...listens each time I ask for forgiveness, loves me thru the layers of sin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He gently reminds me to find patience and never miss a moment with my sweet family. </span></div>
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Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03578552768653839031noreply@blogger.com1