tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645166745097981132024-03-13T03:51:10.630-07:00Simon Says...Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-87201056312372288302015-05-08T13:00:00.000-07:002015-05-08T13:00:56.948-07:00Not sure where to start...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are coming up on our third summer in KC.<br />
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When this summer is over, it will have been 4 years since that one phone call.<br />
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Four years.<br />
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So much has happened. We have changed, grown really, so very much. I cant even begin to wrap my head around 4 years. I remember being just a few months out from his injury and telling my bestie that I couldn't wait to get to this point. To have some distance between us and that day. That I just knew time would heal us. In so many ways, it has. There has been physical healing for sure, and that has been so amazing to witness. But the emotional healing...<br />
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I can still see my reflection in the mirror as my hand covered my mouth and I began to collapse in the entrance to our house when I got the news. I can still feel the tear that ran down my cheek as I walked to his room for the first time in Germany. I can still hear the sadness and fear in his friends voices as they called to check on his status. I still see him lying there, so helpless, yet so strong, determined to regain his strength...regain his life.<br />
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I think its why the thought of continuing this blog has felt like such a burden at times. It held a constant reminder of everything we lost that day. We gained so much. So very much. We have been immensely blessed by God through every step of this journey. I thank Him every single day for the gift of my husbands life. This blog though was started as a way to keep everyone informed of his progress. It carries with it all of the memories of the events of September and October 2011. It stings a little every time I try to log on here to write. Like a small piece of my heart is still so shattered, that it punctures all the places that I thought began to heal.<br />
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I tried after If:Gathering last year. I tried to write and post and share and make it feel more like a regular blog. After all, I really enjoy blogging. I love writing. I love sharing my heart, and God's truths. I adore getting to have a place that I can say what I want, this little corner that is all my own. To have a "job" to work at. I enjoy working on projects and having a place to share my Pinterest wannabe life.<br />
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Im not sure I can here though. I couldnt ever feel right about having ads on this page. I dont ever want to use his story as a means of getting more traffic to my page. I dont want to make money off of our pain. And yet, I want to blog. I want to have a platform to share my heart, a place where others can share their stories, a place where pinterest can meet real life can meet God's truths. And if its not here, then where?<br />
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Im still not sure about that answer yet, but when I do know, I promise to share it. Until then, I will be praying. </div>
Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-22511217247279187952014-02-19T08:43:00.003-08:002014-02-19T08:58:31.740-08:00If:Table<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the weekend of February 7th & 8th, I attending the If:Gathering conference in Austin, Texas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so I didn't actually <i>go</i> to Austin, but I got to enjoy the worship and speakers from the comfort of my own home. Slippers and all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Talk about powerful. Even though I have still been struggling big time, this gathering of women was exactly what I needed. They were amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While majority of the time, I watched it on my laptop, I did put some of the speakers up with the projector. <a href="http://www.christinecaine.com/" target="_blank">Christine Caine</a> is just so powerful that she deserved to be seen on "the scream", as Brooklyn called it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main theme of this new conference was "If God is real, then what?". One of the founders, <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/" target="_blank">Jennie Allen</a> said her greatest fear was that after it was over we would all go out and just do great things. That wasn't the point. The point was for us to grow closer to God and his individual calling for each of us. The mission of IF was </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>to gather, equip, and unleash </i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">the next generation of women </span><span style="font-size: large;">to live out their purpose. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The gathering brought us together, united us for a common goal. We are women who want to go out and make a positive change in the world. On of my favorite parts was <a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/" target="_blank">Jen Hatmaker</a> speaking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"What would happen if we became a generation of women who said <i>yes</i>, we'll pull that thread? I know what its going to cost me. I know its going to hurt. I suspect I might end up loving it. I don't know what moves you. Orphans, the hungry, refugees, human trafficking, prisioners, the sick, I don't know. Here's what I do know. <i>We can do this</i>. Yes we can. We are brave, we are strong, we are the most privileged, resourced women on the planet Earth. There is nothing we cannot do, and nowhere we cannot go. And so if God has seated us with vision, <i>that we are able in Christ</i>, we can do it. And its not that what your going to do is some international movement...its not that. You just have to play <i>your one note</i>. And I will play mine, and together its going to create a song that sounds like <i><b>freedom for the captives</b></i>."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>-Jen Hatmaker, If:gathering 2014</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next step was to equip us. Every Monday - Friday, on <a href="http://ifequip.com/">Ifequip.com</a> you can read a passage from the Bible, hear women from the conference give their take on the passage, and then join in the conversation. Right now we are reading through the book of John. You can view my journal for If:equip <a href="http://journeyofsimonsays.blogspot.com/p/if.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The last part is the unleashing. We are beginning with a monthly gathering around our tables. <a href="http://ifgathering.com/if/table/" target="_blank">If:table</a>. We will gather with 5 other women every month and have dinner together for about 2 hours, to discuss whats going on in our lives, our churches, our communities. To build bonds and learn from each other, and to help one another with our callings. IF provides the 4 conversation cards as well as ideas for a simple meal. The idea is based on Acts 2:46. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"...they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." (NIV)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will join together at hundreds, maybe thousands, of tables on March 9th and begin something wonderful. I cant wait to see what is coming through the women who are participating in IF. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is moving in a powerful and beautiful way. I am blessed to be a part of it. I hope you will join us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to learn more about the mission of IF, the programs they are partnering with (Food for the Hungry), or to download your own copy of the Gathering, please visit </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ifgathering.com/">www.ifgathering.com</a> . </span></div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-22964893416896648762014-02-14T10:08:00.000-08:002014-02-14T10:11:52.990-08:00Easy Valentines Breakfast Table<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!!! Hope everyone is having an awesome day so far. My awesome husband brought me tulips this morning. </span></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">*swoon*. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I would share what I did to brighten up our morning here. Best part? It didn't cost an arm and a leg. Like I spent only $20. SCORE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a $1 each, I bought the tablecloth, cups, plates, and straws. The teddy bears, set of mugs, and banners were $3 each. I already owned the leather table runner/centerpiece. Took me all of 5 minutes to put together. Which is awesome cause I was tired after bible study last night. Those ladies are so awesome they wear me out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all have an awesome day and get to love or be loved on by someone today. Maybe its the co-worker who isn't getting flowers, buy her a coffee. Maybe its the single mama in your neighborhood who could use a nice meal tonight. How about the cashier who looks dead on her feet, compliment her. The widow next door who still needs the snow cleared from her front porch. That kid in your class who looks like they really need a hug. Love them. Its not just about candy hearts and flowers. Its about sharing love with those around us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Extra bonus: little love from the 5yo. Enjoy! </span></div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-13083997882928855352014-02-13T07:54:00.000-08:002014-02-13T07:54:05.493-08:00Oh defeat...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I swear, the devil himself has the easiest job ever here this morning. I am in a <i>fantastic</i> mood this morning (yes thats sarcasm Sheldon), and to top it off, the dog decided to get himself off his chain outside and go for a stroll around the neighborhood. (Dont worry folks, he only uses it to go potty because we dont have a fence. He isnt left on it.) I feel awful. Just defeated today. So much to do, so little motivation to do it. My depression has been trying to take over. Again. Ugh. I am so over winter. It is always worse in winter. Short days and being cooped up inside make me crazy. I need sunshine and to be outside. But even then its not always enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always have the thoughts that "if I can just get such-and-such done, then everything will be fine." What a lie. I know thats not true! I know that there is never going to be a completed list. Its just not possible. Our lives are forever changing. Schedules change, jobs change, life changes. I am so thankful it does. My greatest fear is that the season we are in now will never change. That we wont be able to move forward. That my life will be a endless cycle of trying to play catch-up and feeling defeated when I cant actually catch-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I have this ginormous list. Yes, <b>ginormous</b>. 95% of it involves cleaning my house. I don't mind a few dirty dishes, or toys on the floor. But right now the clutter is taking over. There is a lot that needs to be organized and cleaned. Like every room in the house needs some sort of major work. It feels very very overwhelming. So overwhelming that sitting here in my pj's on the couch all day sounds like a fabulous idea. But doing that will make me feel worse. So I'm going to end this, get up off my rear, and go to get dressed. Then maybe run the dishwasher. Since its, ya know, loaded with dirty dishes. Maybe when hubs gets home we can tackle the office together. It needs the most work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Its a new day, a new chance to get done what needs to be done. A new chance to move forward. And most importantly, a new chance to love those around me. Wish me luck y'all! I'm going to need it to make it through today! </span></div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-11458699543757519422014-01-27T18:46:00.001-08:002014-01-27T19:25:58.596-08:00My heart just hurts today. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey y'all. So This blog fell off the face of the planet. SORRY 'BOUT THAT!!!!! Really I am. 99% of the people in our circle get info about us via facebook, text, instagram, or twitter. But recently, I have felt the calling to start writing again. If for no other reason than to be a therapy for me. A place to get out my thoughts and feelings, a place to hold me accountable for the things I say I am going to do, a place where I can share the people and things I love. I know very few people see this, and I have zero intention of ever hosting ads on my page (unless its for Wounded Warrior Project or other organizations helping veterans) but regardless, I would like to see this blog grow.<br />
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A few weeks ago I started reading a blog called <a href="http://www.aslobcomesclean.com/"><b>A Slob Comes Clean</b></a> , and totally fell for her style of blogging. She just put herself out there. She used her blog as a way to communicate to herself, not just others. And in the process, she found a community of people who had the same issues she did, who felt the same, who wanted to do the same things are her, and wanted to support her. She has inspired me to work harder as a wife, as a mom, and as a friend. To grow, both spiritually and in my actions.<br />
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Today especially, <i>my heart hurts</i>. It seems like the last few weeks has been more bad news after more bad news. Majority of it does not affect my family directly, but some does. Its the shootings at malls and schools, the orphans and widows in Syria, the drugs found too close to home, the girls being trafficked through my very own city, friends whose marriages are ending, an aunt, friend, and child battling cancer, the anxiety of bills that need to be paid, soldiers who aren't coming home, people out in the bitter cold with no place to go... the list just keeps growing. <i>And my heart is heavy with it all.</i><br />
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And yet, it fuels me. I want to pray over and be there for the friend who doesn't know what will happen to her marriage. I want to send a card to the wives who are burying their husbands and tell them how much I love them and how so very sorry I am for their loss. I want to teach my kids how to be good friends that lift up their peers so that no one in their life every feels the need to bring a gun to school. I want to trust God that the provision to pay the bills will be there. I want to volunteer my time to help end human trafficking. I want to visit the kid in prison and tell him its going to be ok, there <i>is</i> hope. Hope in a savior who loves us and is always faithful. I want to feed, clothe, strengthen, and empower the homeless vet with no place to call his own.<br />
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And mostly, <i><b>I want to be a better wife and mom. </b></i><br />
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Not perfect. Please notice I didn't say PERFECT, but better.<br />
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There are places I am lacking. there are areas in my life that I am straight up failing at. And that hurts. And I want to do better. I'm not sure how though. I know that I need to just trust that God has a bigger plan. Sometimes that's easier said than done. The only thing I can do is<i><b> just keep moving forward.</b></i> One very small step at a time.This week that means putting a big focus on my family and those closest to me. Putting a focus on building up my husband, and my marriage. Striving to seek out the best in my kids and not just telling them what they are doing wrong.<br />
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<b>I know that I<i> will </i>fail this week. </b><br />
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<b>I know it will not be easy to put aside the fear and hurt. </b><br />
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<b>I know that no matter what, <i>I must keep moving forward.</i></b><br />
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<b>I must keep praying and seeking God. Striving to bring Him praise and glory. </b><br />
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<i><b>I must.</b> </i><br />
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Then maybe, just maybe, my heart won't hurt so much.<br />
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So after posting this, I saw tonight's blog post from <a href="http://ifgathering.com/blog/story/tensions-in-our-roles-as-women/#.Uucg6dLnbMx" target="_blank">IF:Gathering</a>. HELLO GOD SPEAKING STRAIGHT TO MY HEART! Thank you God for giving me an outlet. I pray I will use it more and that it will help more than just my own heart. </div>
Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-220248434948278562013-09-04T09:04:00.002-07:002013-09-04T09:04:36.412-07:00Hello all you pretty people!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wow. What a year 2013 has been so far. I am still trying to come to grips with the fact that we are almost at Jeremys two year Alive Day anniversary. Two years. I remember talking just a couple months after it happened and wanting so badly to get two years down the road. For things to be "normal". To put it behind us. Not realizing that it would never be possible for us to "put your behind in your past" (no Pumbaa.... its you gotta put your past behind you. Amateur.) We are forever changed. My husband is forever changed, in so many good ways. Our family is forever changed, and blessed beyond measure by those changes. I am forever changed, in unexpected ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been back in KC for ten months. That number is almost as hard for me as his anniversary. We miss New York still, our friends, our old life. I have been trying desperately to keep moving forward, but I admit, its insanely difficult. Some days are easier than others. Like its fabulous to be home to help celebrate my nieces first birthday, and to go to Royals games, and to plant a real garden.... There is still so much that feels unfinished though. We left in such a hurry. So many things have just been figured out over the last couple of months. Some things are still being sorted out. (ie: VA dependent pay. We had to involve our congressman, its still "pending"). I am still struggling to find my niche. To find out what I am suppose to be working on. Jeremy is plugging away at school with a specific goal in mind. Its hard to not have a specific goal, just a broad one: Get involved in some organization that I can make a difference in. HELLO HUGE GOAL THAT MAKES IT FEEL IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCOMPLISH. We want to be involved with organizations that help other wounded soldiers. We want to be involved in more local ministries. Yet there seems to be no good way to start. Its hard to plug into organizations that really only look at wounded warriors as soldiers who have lost limbs or have obvious disabilities. Jeremy's disabilities are impossible to see if you don't know what to look for. Civilians still take a step back when you tell his story. Like its contagious. Like he might go into some PTSD rage at any moment. News flash! My husband doesnt have PTSD. Thank you Jesus. It was one of my biggest prayers during deployments. That not only would God guard his body, but also his mind. </span><br />
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Anywho.... This is our life right now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustache stickers go with everything</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrZsUGsVYuQ/UidUPpXwlvI/AAAAAAAADDs/JJfrJWgUJl8/s1600/IMAG3726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrZsUGsVYuQ/UidUPpXwlvI/AAAAAAAADDs/JJfrJWgUJl8/s320/IMAG3726.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lil Luke Bryan fan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 30th birthday dinner. They had Cheesecake for dessert. Can you tell?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had some of our best friends come down recently to visit. Seeing my Jessicas & my lil sis Lakin was a blessing and a curse. I miss them so much it hurts. I miss so many people. I know they are only a phone call away. So not the same though. </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting baby Grady for the first time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb7rz3LBOT8/UidVz1-Hz3I/AAAAAAAADEY/zNTKxVwXliw/s1600/IMAG3617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb7rz3LBOT8/UidVz1-Hz3I/AAAAAAAADEY/zNTKxVwXliw/s320/IMAG3617.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Topeka to see another Jessica!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VQ_RXZI_3k/UidV0ls0wCI/AAAAAAAADEk/Br6iqbFj4_U/s1600/IMAG3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VQ_RXZI_3k/UidV0ls0wCI/AAAAAAAADEk/Br6iqbFj4_U/s320/IMAG3707.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids last few moments together. Horribly lighting I know. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took Giffins to their first Royals game</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I live her. My first Jessica. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And more recently, this happened. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YAY!!!!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB8FC54tFUk/UidYjfmxqTI/AAAAAAAADE8/MDWTD7_ACiM/s1600/PhotoGrid_1377006316659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB8FC54tFUk/UidYjfmxqTI/AAAAAAAADE8/MDWTD7_ACiM/s320/PhotoGrid_1377006316659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THANK YOU JESUS!!!!! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of which. I really need to go get ready to pick her up from school. I plan on trying to keep up with the blog better in the coming weeks. See ya soon!!!!!!</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~E</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-76609440716868000762013-01-16T15:30:00.002-08:002013-01-16T15:30:38.581-08:00DIY Wednesday Cheap Wall Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I dont know about y'all but I adore Pinterest. There are days when I find nothing at all worth pinning and others that I find awesome stuff. My husband always looks at me all crazy when I get excited over something on pinterest. He knows that either I have a new DIY project I want to do or a new recipe to try out and half the time its no good! After seeing several pins about using frames with scrapbook papers I decided to make a few to hang above my couch. So here is my DIY easy-peasy, cheap, take up plenty of space on my wall so it doesnt look so bare project. you need only 3 things to make em:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ $5 10x13" frames from wally world</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ 8.5x11" scrapbook papers</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ paint & brushes.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple right? I used 4 frames and painted the inside of the backing a creamy white. After its dry just use double stick tape to adhere your fav scrapbook paper in the center. Hang in whatever order you like with command picture velcro strips and you are DONE! I can change then out with every holiday and season, add pictures to the center, or use free printables from blogs I love. SUPER EASY! I like buying the $5 packs of paper from walmart because the papers inside are already coordinated to work well together! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Total cost $25. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even the husband couldn't argue with that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and checking out one of my fav DIY projects. :)</span> </div>
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(ps: sorry about the crappy picture. I have yet to hang these in the new house and this is the only pic I have of them hanging in the old one! eeek! I will post an update once I get them up here!! Thanks for understanding!!!!!) </div>
Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-63894385677443621632013-01-12T10:49:00.001-08:002013-01-14T07:08:54.775-08:00Resolutions<div><div><p dir="ltr">Hows that new years resolution going? .....Yea mine either. I say that because I am guessing you are like me and still struggling to keep going with it. I wanted one small thing: to write in my journal EVERY SINGLE DAY. Even just two sentences. I'm only 7 for 14. Whoops!!! So here is my challenge for you. Well actually there are two parts.
1) forgive yourself & keep trying. I know it sounds too easy but seriously, I guilt the heck out of myself when I fail at a goal. I need to forgive myself & keep moving forward.
2) Encourage someone in your life with their resolution. We all know how important it is to have people cheering us on when we make changes. Especially hard ones. So call that friend who is trying to get back in shape and ask her to go for a walk. Buy that friend who stopped smoking a pack of gum. Offer to make a meal for the friend who wants to learn to cook healthier. Make sure to include the recipe! By encouraging others around you, you may just find the motivation or returned encouragement you need for your own goals. Good luck!!
This weeks preview:
Wednesday: cheap wall art!
Friday: Pumpkin bread muffins. I know its more of a fall thing but I love it all year!!! </p>
</div></div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-55375763461010902272013-01-12T10:28:00.001-08:002013-01-13T09:28:00.290-08:00New year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yea so this blog fell off then face of the earth. Sorry y'all! A lot has happened! In October we got Jeremy's orders to leave Ft Drum. 3 weeks later on Halloween night we began our 2 day trip to our new home in Kansas City. Yes you read that right, we arranged everything to move halfway across the country in 3 weeks. Luckily we had plenty of help from our amazing friends at Drum! After arriving in KC we signed up for the new Google fiber for TV/internet. Yea it just got installed yesterday!!! Since we are a test city and it all had to be wired for the neighborhood, it took a while. We were confined to internet via our smart phones. Any blogger can tell you that blogging from your phone is not easy or enjoyable. So I was on hiatus until we could get real internet. Here is the quick version of what's happened so far:</div>
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J started at his new school and really likes it. We have yet to find a new school for B though (I'm working on it!). We had a wonderful Christmas and have gotten to enjoy having our extended families around. ;-) Jeremy starts school next week after 2 months of being home 24/7. I adore my husband but we were not meant to both be home all day everyday! Lol so I am very thankful he is starting school. Its a new beginning for us. I'm still trying to get the house arranged the way I want it. Thank goodness for paint + primer and a husband who will move furniture over & over for me! I promise pictures are coming! </div>
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There have been so many changes in the last couple months for us and I am very sorry to say that they have taken a major toll on me. I miss our old life a lot and I am having a hard time starting over here. I hope you all can bear with me as I restart this blog and try to help it grow. As I try to restart my life and help it grow. I know we will continue to move forward as a family and the hard spot we found ourselves thrown into with retirement will pass. Patience is not my finest quality though so I ask all of you to pray for us as we embark on this new part of our lives. Thank you for being part of our journey. </div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-91825989906878280612012-10-08T18:56:00.001-07:002012-10-09T07:07:15.818-07:00Monday funday <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ok ok ok, got a little off track, again. Going to 4 posts a week to try and keep up better. So today is Simon Says Monday. And I say educate yourself. Before you post anything political or start bad-mouthing a candidate please do your honest research. And really, name calling? Ok, so that's my soapbox for tonight. Have a fabulous week! <br />
Here's what's coming up this week: <br />
Wednesday Crafts: interchangeable frames (see below)<br />
Yum-o Friday: Banana pancakes <br />
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-55073778979546981452012-10-03T06:27:00.001-07:002012-10-03T06:27:11.748-07:00Food Junkie Wednesday ~ Broccoli Cheese soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Wednesday y'all! As you will hopefully come to learn, I LOVE to cook. However, I do not like cleaning up after my creations are made. So one pot dishes are by far my favorite. I cant believe I am sharing this one as it is a family recipe handed down to me from my grandmother. Its fairly cheap, easy, and a huge hit with my kids. Plus the leftovers are fabulous. I plan on tweaking this in the near future to make it less "processed" but for now I am giving you my current version of the recipe. Enjoy!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
olive oil<br />
1/2 medium onion diced<br />
2-3 large carrots diced<br />
2-3 ribs of celery diced<br />
1 clove garlic finely chopped or grated<br />
1 carton (26oz) Chicken stock (or veg if you want to keep it vegetarian, never tried though!)<br />
1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />
1 bag of baby broccoli florets <br />
1 qt milk<br />
2-3 cups of dry mashed potato flakes (do not use "buds", wont work!)<br />
2 cups shredded white cheddar + more for topping if desired<br />
1/2 tsp salt/pepper (or to taste)<br />
optional: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken<br />
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Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 30 min Start to table: approx 45 min<br />
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After dicing veggies, sautee in a couple tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat with a 1/2tsp each of salt and pepper until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic during the last minute to prevent from burning. <br />
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Add the carton of chicken stock and bring to a low boil. Simmer on low-medium for 10 minutes. <br />
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Add frozen broccoli and cream of mushroom soup. Stir to combine. Bring to simmer and cook on low for 5-10 minutes or until broccoli is hot and begins to get tender. <br />
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Slowly add in 1 qt of milk (I use 2%). Stir to combine. (Add in shredded chicken here if desired) Continue to cook on low stirring often for 10 minutes until all veggies are tender (not mushy).<br />
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Add in shredded cheese and stir until totally incorporated. Add in mashed potato flakes one cup at a time and stir until well combined. I use about 3 1/2 cups total flakes. Make sure to wait a minute between adding each cup in to allow it to thicken up. Much easier to add in more flakes for a thicker texture than to try and thin it out.<br />
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Allow to thicken/cool for a couple minutes before serving. Top with more shredded cheese if desired. Serve with warm bread.<br />
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So there it is. Hope you enjoy this warm, thick, and creamy soup on a cool fall night soon! If you have any questions please feel free to ask! </div>
Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-40915507340457475112012-10-02T06:54:00.000-07:002012-10-02T06:54:00.626-07:00Halloween Frame on Kid Craft Tuesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I love the Halloween craft the kids and I made last year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My inspiration came from this blog last year: </span></div>
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<a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/googly-eye-halloween-frame.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A Diamond in the Stuff - Googly Eye Halloween Frame</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I cant begin to tell you how easy and fun these were. We added something else to ours. Thumbprint spiders! I believe I found the idea for those in a magazine last year though for the life of me I cant find the exact source! (If you know it please tell me so I can update!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Since I used the above link to make mine I wont go into details on how to paint/glue on the eyes. Its pretty easy to follow. The thumbprint spiders were just as easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Cut the cardstock to fit inside frame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have little ones dip their thumb into desired paint color and press onto center of paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let dry! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Using a ball point pen (or in our case a Sharpie no-bleed fine tipped pen), draw on the string and all 8 legs. I did the one on my 3yo's but I let my 6yo do his own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> Finally glue on the google eyes and let dry. Place in your finished google eye frame and enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">FYI: The spiders in the frame are from this last week. I decided I will let the kids do new ones every year. Last years were just as cute though!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween crafting! </span></div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-36042607948057315442012-10-01T09:52:00.003-07:002012-10-01T09:53:06.449-07:00Faith Monday 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here goes nothing! Again, my apologies about basically shutting down this blog for the summer. Things here have been CRAZY! So as per my posted schedule, today is all about my faith and what I have learned over the past week. hmmmm. Where to begin?<br />
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I learned a lot about my faith in the last few weeks really. God has been challenging our family hardcore. We have been forced to make big decisions in a very short period of time. We have been required to trust how God is working in our lives, even without being able to see where that is leading us. Part of me has wanted to just crawl into bed, not deal with anything, and let my depression cloud get the better of me. The other part is reminded, especially this last 2 weeks, that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. Did I want Jeremy to be injured? Heck no! I wouldn't wish this journey on anyone....wait. maybe I would. This whole terrible, traumatic, painful journey has forced us to take a hard look at what we believe to be true, to trust like never before, and to be blessed with riches far greater than we hoped. So many prayers were answered in this last year for us.<br />
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some small, some big, some selfish, some honest, some just because.<br />
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We have been so blessed. People are honestly still amazed when I say that. Why? Why cant we take the pain and hurt and turn it into something good that glorifies God? This IS our testimony. This is our chance to show others how much God cares, how He loves, and how we are to love. I admit, I am amazed that we made it to the year mark. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking in his ICU room praying that he would be okay. <br />
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I think the fact that this year has gone by so fast is part of the reason I am so scared to move away. I'm worried I will lose sight of the God I have come to know and love so much more deeply when we leave here. His presence is very evident here to me. This is the place where I have developed my strongest relationship with both God and my family. I know in heart though that I have to keep trusting Him. I have to keep trusting that everything we are going through now is part of the same great plan that I trusted him through a year ago. I knew then that God was taking care of us in the midst of the storm. And He still is. He will forever. I just need to continue to seek His face and trust that there is purpose in our lives, and we will be provided for. <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hear my voice when I call Lord; </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">be merciful to me and answer me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your face Lord, I will seek.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Psalm 27: 7-8 NIV</span></div>
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Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-65703602207947568712012-09-29T18:14:00.001-07:002012-09-29T18:14:23.500-07:00Did you miss me? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sorry folks. Summer fun and the stress of the 1-year anniversary of Jeremy's injuries got the better of me. I really really REALLY want to make this blog work. I think it can. I have been blessed to follow some other amazing bloggers and the guilt I have felt over not posting anything has been eating away at me. I am so sorry that I have not been updating it. <br />
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This month has been especially hard. Not only did we have some added stress of things going wrong with the property we own in another state (UGH!), both children being in school 5 days a week for the first time, but we also made it to Jeremy's very first "Alive Day"! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WOOHOO!!!</span><br />
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By far its been the biggest hurdle. He is doing AMAZING. The difference a year makes!!! He shocks me on a regular basis with just how much he can do now that he couldn't do even 6 months ago. We are so blessed. The other news that goes along with this is that he finally got his retirement/disability ratings. It means we are leaving. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon...</span><br />
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Too soon for me. I love our life here. And I have been praying hard for strength and clarity through it all. The direction God wants us to go in still seems so foggy. I feel like most days I am still stumbling around in the darkness. That darkness is filled with an ever growing to-do list, a house that never seems to stay clean, and all the worry that comes with any Army move times like 1000. The darkness sucks. Not being able to see what the next step is sucks. Thank God I have a strong, amazing, supportive husband who puts up with all my complaining. Thank God I have wonderful, just-as-nutso-as-me friends who remind me that we WILL get everything done. And Thank God I have beautiful children who keep me going everyday. <br />
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Which brings me to our adventures today. I had a to-do list that was a mile long this morning. We should have stayed home. I would have ended the day frustrated. There would have been whining, kids fighting, yelling, and feeling guilty cause I hadn't gotten as much done as I liked and yelled too much and didn't pay enough attention to the kids......and on and on and on. It would have been like far too many days lately. <br />
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This morning was different. While we were all still in pj's (don't think this was early, it was like 10am!) I made the crazy suggestion that we go to the zoo. No, not the one 10 min from our house that we can walk through in less than 30min, the one that's an hour away that costs us double to go to thanks to gas prices. Thankfully my husband saw that I was serious. See my kids were sad because we couldn't go to the Georgia Aquarium and see the dolphins. This was thanks to the program we saw on tv about how they built it, trained the dolphins, etc. Man do we miss the aquarium something awful!! So the zoo it was instead. Checked the banks account, yep we can go! Checked the fridge, yep we can take a lunch with us! Checked the weather, yep we are outta here! I am so glad we went. The kids had a fabulous time, I go to hold hands with my fella, and I got some super cute shots of some of our favorite friends. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6y4Xlbu5Ns/UGeV1fB5IhI/AAAAAAAAAUU/gn2_7QbgH2g/s1600/IMAG0796-1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6y4Xlbu5Ns/UGeV1fB5IhI/AAAAAAAAAUU/gn2_7QbgH2g/s640/IMAG0796-1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are you looking at? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KzRIV_EMKQ/UGeWtzrPDxI/AAAAAAAAAUc/ddviZH-HreA/s1600/IMAG0805%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KzRIV_EMKQ/UGeWtzrPDxI/AAAAAAAAAUc/ddviZH-HreA/s400/IMAG0805%5B1%5D.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little animals</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_xjDAtGcU/UGeWzBo623I/AAAAAAAAAUk/WrNA7WyB11o/s1600/IMAG0819%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S_xjDAtGcU/UGeWzBo623I/AAAAAAAAAUk/WrNA7WyB11o/s400/IMAG0819%5B1%5D.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siri posing for the camera</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrEfMdudV0/UGeW8uA9joI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QVJw8FgAi6I/s1600/IMAG0848%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrEfMdudV0/UGeW8uA9joI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QVJw8FgAi6I/s640/IMAG0848%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its a rough life just lion around. </td></tr>
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As per tradition, we just cant go to Syracuse without headed to the mall. This time we finally got to see the new wing that was added. And the kids rode the Carousel with daddy. Who knew riding around in circles could make them so happy. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxlv9ZyPArY/UGeXI2iNS3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/BplRU4U10x4/s1600/IMAG0860_BURST009%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxlv9ZyPArY/UGeXI2iNS3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/BplRU4U10x4/s640/IMAG0860_BURST009%5B1%5D.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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After we got home, I realized there were still dishes to do, and laundry to fold, and a child who needed a bath (well they both do but the princess was passed out). While J was in the shower I took a moment to try and catch up on my pinterest page. I came across this blog, <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/09/25/what-a-hands-free-fall-looks-like/#comment-7643" target="_blank">Hands-Free Mama</a>. I was in tears.<br />
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THAT WAS IT! <br />
We needed today. Was there whining and crying today? Yes. My kids are 6 and 3. Someone is going to cry or whine, that's just a given. Was there grown-up stuff that could have been done today? Of course. I wouldn't trade today for anything though. I got to laugh at my daughter for being fascinated with the "poop beetles" (dung beetles), and watch my son have moments of such maturity that I forgot he is only 6. It was perfect chaos and I loved it. SO much better than a year ago. A year ago I was headed to Germany. A year ago I didn't know if my husband was going to recognise my face when he woke up. This year is different. This year is ours. <br />
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My challenge to you is to put down the phone, the remote, the to-do list and just spend a few minutes with your family. Go do something fun. Just because you CAN. </div>
Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-52488179361224508292012-06-18T13:54:00.000-07:002012-06-18T13:54:22.611-07:00Faith Monday 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #073763;">Ok time to try out the new schedule! woohoo!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">im totally trying to wake myself up here can you tell?! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">B and I spent the morning at the gym then had a lunch date with a good friend. B of course fell asleep on the way home which made me soooo sleepy too. I ended up spending an hour and a half in bed watching tv while she napped. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">(of course now that I am trying to knowck out this post she is waking up!). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Im so glad I got up when I did though. I was able to see one of our neighbors take in a new foster child (at least Im 99% sure thats what was going on). At the time I was working on a devotional made especially for busy moms. I couldnt help but prayer for the girl, this new family, and her own family that she is currently seperated from. I dont know her story and probably never will. Thats ok. But it did get me thinking about just how much I want to someday foster/adpot. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Seeing a very nice family take in a child who needs a home only strengthened my desire to be able to be a part of this world. This world of kids who need to be shown unconditional love, covenant love, Godly love. I am so blessed to have a husband who supports this desire that God wrote on my heart so many years ago. We both know that getting into it is still at least a couple years away if not longer depending on the other things that God lays out for us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><em><strong>Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after oprphans and widos in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><em><strong> James 1:27</strong></em> (NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">It also made me think about WHY we want to get into fostering or adopting (or both). And it has nothing to do with being religious, or looking good to others, or because we have to to be Christians. It has EVERYTHING to do with just being the right thing to do. To care for those around you that need to be cared for. Because no matter what religion you are, that is right. It is 100% what I would want for our own children if something happened to us. For them to be taken in by people who can love them. I am so thankful that God has given me this desire and I cant wait to see how he is going to move and make it happen. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">What big challenge/desire has God laid on your heart? </span></div>
</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-58656260487074417752012-06-17T07:24:00.002-07:002012-06-17T07:24:57.169-07:00BLOG HOP!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">So since I am trying to get more readers, I am inviting yout to join this awesome blog hop today! Check out how many awesome blogs have already linked up! I have already found so many amazing crafty ideas and gotten inspiration for my own blog. YEA! Happy hoppin! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=163079" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-89565596471152870722012-06-15T07:29:00.000-07:002012-06-15T07:29:09.478-07:00Part 4: our little backyard garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our little backyard garden is growing so well! I didn't think it would take off but we have already been able to enjoy some of the lettuce and green beans from it. hopefully my carrots will be done soon so we can enjoy those too. this makes me hopeful that when we move back down to warmer climates I can have a real garden, not just a container one. </div>
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So here are some pics from last month:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr5iwC8g1oo/T9tCwmK_LAI/AAAAAAAAASc/Twl-oAApEr0/s1600/IMAG1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr5iwC8g1oo/T9tCwmK_LAI/AAAAAAAAASc/Twl-oAApEr0/s640/IMAG1182.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after I got everything transplanted outside and new seeds planted. <br />
Back row is all green beans, middle blue ones are carrots, middle red is lettuce, and front has basil and garlic. and yes that's my giant 7yo chocolate lab Bailey who just had to be in the picture! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij_r49rg7dU/T9tC2Q7kd_I/AAAAAAAAASk/yEB0byyi6_c/s1600/IMAG1189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij_r49rg7dU/T9tC2Q7kd_I/AAAAAAAAASk/yEB0byyi6_c/s640/IMAG1189.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first flowers on the beans</td></tr>
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and more current ones: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZCeJq2teu0/T9tD5Z_jkEI/AAAAAAAAASw/MAsp6RoMh3w/s1600/IMAG1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZCeJq2teu0/T9tD5Z_jkEI/AAAAAAAAASw/MAsp6RoMh3w/s640/IMAG1436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look how much its grown! not a great pic i know and please excuse my very messy porch!!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRX9rjAFv7E/T9tD9aTgOdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/jKmlfqbEup0/s1600/IMAG1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRX9rjAFv7E/T9tD9aTgOdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/jKmlfqbEup0/s640/IMAG1437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 types of romaine lettuce. i had my doubts if it was going to transplant well and apparently it just needed to be outside! they are so yummy!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYxz62jdu4A/T9tEDov_BuI/AAAAAAAAATA/sp94DgvM-hE/s1600/IMAG1438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYxz62jdu4A/T9tEDov_BuI/AAAAAAAAATA/sp94DgvM-hE/s640/IMAG1438.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these are the carrots i planted outside as seeds. they are as big as my ones that started inside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ-8sboeDb0/T9tEGsgiHwI/AAAAAAAAATI/3SDG1MN4O_c/s1600/IMAG1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ-8sboeDb0/T9tEGsgiHwI/AAAAAAAAATI/3SDG1MN4O_c/s640/IMAG1441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see all the baby green beans in there too?! the next few warm days should give me enough to use in a meal! </td></tr>
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So I don't have any fabulous advice about planting a container garden. Especially because the growing season here is so weird, and because this is the first year I have really been able to grow anything other than pumpkins! I will say that I am glad I did start indoors because its given me some plants that are at various stages of development and so I will have a slightly longer season. The kids have really enjoyed watching them grow. They always let me know when there are beans that are ready to be picked and both kids will eat their salad if I put even just 1 piece of lettuce from the garden in it! Quite honestly the plants just make me happy. I feel accomplished knowing that I can grow food for our family, even if its just this tiny amount for now. Somehow it makes me feel a litle closer to God. Like watching this creation happen before my eyes is one way He is just reminding me thats everything is going to be ok. See how he cares for even the tiny plants? <br />
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So what are you growing this year?! Any veggies? Flowers? Tell me! Got any advice to help me make the most of this tiny garden?</div>
</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-46076518808339685052012-06-15T06:59:00.002-07:002012-06-15T06:59:51.925-07:00part 3: 2-87 Summit Ball<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
well the end of deployment is official. We attended our final military ball on May 4th. It was wonderful! we had a great time with awesome friends and got to honor even more amazing soldiers. I feel so blessed that we were part of a unit that would care so much. They are family. I cant even begin to express how much I am going to miss my Catamount girls!!!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYgDLbBFX2s/T7O5qJ1pB7I/AAAAAAAAARY/a5sZKF9o4mQ/s1600/ball+pic+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYgDLbBFX2s/T7O5qJ1pB7I/AAAAAAAAARY/a5sZKF9o4mQ/s320/ball+pic+8.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me getting ready. i totally went to set up the event like this only with a scarf covering the rollers. it was awesome. my husband claimed he didn't know me while setting up. but my bff did so its all good! lol! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYK4-KjsZxg/T7O5rsiJS-I/AAAAAAAAARg/GH1gu5npB2U/s1600/ball+pic+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYK4-KjsZxg/T7O5rsiJS-I/AAAAAAAAARg/GH1gu5npB2U/s320/ball+pic+9.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beautiful early mothers day present I got from hubby right before the ball. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A7tEg1pIRY/T7O5kpJpWtI/AAAAAAAAARA/1tMvTYb-bZE/s1600/ball+pic+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A7tEg1pIRY/T7O5kpJpWtI/AAAAAAAAARA/1tMvTYb-bZE/s400/ball+pic+5.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving for our last ball. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeTry46emRU/T7O5pivnJYI/AAAAAAAAARQ/rmw5uhA6soQ/s1600/ball+pic+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeTry46emRU/T7O5pivnJYI/AAAAAAAAARQ/rmw5uhA6soQ/s400/ball+pic+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. V and his minions. Lt. V, Carman, Dutton, and hubs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lS-igd3D-0U/T7O4uru3HLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BvP-ox5osIk/s1600/ball+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lS-igd3D-0U/T7O4uru3HLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BvP-ox5osIk/s400/ball+pic+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">centerpieces. we had to scrub all the old wax off these before the ball. it was FUN! :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHx-86fzHdg/T7O4xRPsY1I/AAAAAAAAAQo/qAF7l4Bqb5c/s1600/ball+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHx-86fzHdg/T7O4xRPsY1I/AAAAAAAAAQo/qAF7l4Bqb5c/s400/ball+pic+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the ballroom. man was it HOT in there!!!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-II4WiKkiDpI/T7O4zjpeayI/AAAAAAAAAQw/3Rk8GyVMZoM/s1600/ball+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-II4WiKkiDpI/T7O4zjpeayI/AAAAAAAAAQw/3Rk8GyVMZoM/s400/ball+pic+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my other half Jess G. Her dress was AMAZING! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qre5O7J84-0/T7O407nrQdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/hB5m-h4aIWE/s1600/ball+pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qre5O7J84-0/T7O407nrQdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/hB5m-h4aIWE/s400/ball+pic+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jess and her hubby Kell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gg95gTH2iOU/T9s8zPj3MiI/AAAAAAAAASQ/aTKhz3gFRR0/s1600/ball+pic+jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gg95gTH2iOU/T9s8zPj3MiI/AAAAAAAAASQ/aTKhz3gFRR0/s400/ball+pic+jake.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my fav pic of the night. This is the Lieutenant Jeremy had when they left on deployment and his fiancee Lisa. Jake was injured by an IED last summer and lost both of this legs. I think I cried just as much when I got the news about Jake as I did when I first got the call about Jeremy. His strength and determination is nothing short of amazing. We are so proud of how far he has come and cant wait to see what life has in store for these two! </td></tr>
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So there it is in a nutshell. We had so much fun. It was over a month ago but I know I wont forget that night. It was a great way to leave the Catamounts. </div>
<br /></div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-75418456701055200192012-05-21T06:42:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:42:12.289-07:00parts 3&4 will just have to wait<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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so I should have been working on the rest of our story from the first part of the month. SORRY! Its just going to have to wait a little bit. I promise some super awesome pics (ok they are just ok pics but the people in them are amazing!) are coming from our ball and I have some super cute pics from our ever growing garden to share too. But It seem slike this week, God has been tugging on my heart in a new direction. </div>
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We have TONS going on right now. This month is flying by so fast. It makes me really sad. I have been begging for warmer weather, and nicer days, and all the things that come with a North Country summer but the sooner it gets here, the sooner it will be gone...and we will move again. So I am trying to savor every moment. </div>
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So far this month we have attended our last military ball, raised money/walked 3 miles for March for Babies, planted our garden outside, helped our bff's demolish their kitchen (the renovation is going awesome! pics of it to come later too!), made gifts for teachers, spent more days playing outside than inside, attended a Mothers Day tea at J's school, started tball games, attended J's spring concert, helped at church during District Assembly, had the washing machine quit, nursed J back to health after a nasty cold (over mothers day no less), played in a church league softball game, found out our tenants at our rental moved out with no notice 3 months early, and learned more than I could ever imagine duirng it all. </div>
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I think I learned more in the last 3 weeks than I have in months. For the first time I am starting to see the fog lift. Starting to feel like things are really falling into place. And amazingly I am not freaking out about them. Even the renters moving out. Dont get me wrong I had my moment of panic when I first got that phone call from our property managers, but thanks to my amazing husband, good friends, and my faith that God WILL provide for us, I made it through that "moment" with no lasting anxiety. Where did all this calm come from?! I havent been getting up to do my yoga in the morning like I wanted to, my house is no where even close to being as clean as I would like, I feel like most days I have a bigger to do list than time to do it in, and have had plently go wrong. I shouldnt be so calm, I shouldnt be so ready to just keep moving forward. But thats right where I am. cause the one thing I did change was to pray about it, and give it up to God.</div>
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For months I kept my depression/trauma/anxiety a secret (as best I could). My closest friends knew something was up and have done the best they could to see me through it. My husband knew and did all he could to stand by me and let know that he was there for whatever I needed. Turns out I needed more sunshine, more open prayer, and some awesome sermons from Pastor Chad and Life church. I needed to hear that it was ok to not be ok. I needed to be reminded that God KNEW. God saw everything that was going on in my life and KNEW what I needed, what was good, and wanted nothing but that good for me. I needed to be told that I need to let go of my nets around me. Those ones I keep tripping over (those things I keep holding onto as if they are going to sustain me the way only God can). I had to let go of the financial worry, the "after the army" worry, the body image issues, the "what will so-and-so think" attitude, and just give it all up to Jesus. I cant handle those kind of nets, those burdens. I just cant. and let me tell you what, its freeing, its amazing. Do I still have times when I feel overwhelmed and anxious or sad or scared? Damn straight I do, but I remind myself that God is so much bigger than this. He WILL provide exactly what we need. Might not be what I want (case in point: I wanted my husband home from deployment, but not the way it happened. God knew I needed him home and how it was going to happen to bring us both closer to Him). I NEED Jesus. I need bringing glory to Him to be the top thing on my mind everyday, top of my "to-do" list. Cause then everything else just falls into place, the way He wants it to. </div>
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I have purposely spent more time just trying to enjoy small moments with my children and husband this month.</div>
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Walks through the trails with B</div>
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hubs coaching J</div>
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watching the joy on my husbands face when he see's that I am washing his truck for him</div>
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just enjoying this AMAZING life we have up here. </div>
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Thank you God for giving us the chance to grow closer to you. </div>
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</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-74582690224937640552012-05-15T17:43:00.001-07:002012-05-15T18:49:49.321-07:00part 2: teacher appreciation gifts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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yes i am aware that teacher appreciation was last week. my life seems to get more and more insane by the minute. the good thing is, all of these ideas could be used as end of the year gifts too. =D </div>
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each day has the teacher gift as well as the gift for the aide in his classroom. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monday: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Cup & notecards</span></span></div>
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The original idea for the cup came from pinterest and this blog:</div>
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<a href="http://lisastorms.typepad.com/lisa-storms/2011/05/teacher-appreciation-week-part-3.html" target="_blank">lisa storms: teacher appreciation week part 3</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JfyBVZl_sI/T7LuImDM1lI/AAAAAAAAAN8/u8XyoDb0MpU/s1600/IMAG1152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JfyBVZl_sI/T7LuImDM1lI/AAAAAAAAAN8/u8XyoDb0MpU/s400/IMAG1152.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You have all the 'write' stuff!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for quenching my thirst for knowledge!"</td></tr>
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J's teacher LOVED it. She was so excited! With as many times as the original link had been pinned I figured for sure she was going to get 4 of them. NOPE! Inside is just a piece of scrapbook paper rolled up as a filler and 4 packets of crystal light drink mix. His teacher aide got the set of notecards. I never really got to see her reaction to gifts since she was usually helping get kids off the bus when we went to his classroom. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Stamps & Candy</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for being an A+ teacher!" </td></tr>
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This was just a set of 4 wooden stamps and 3 ink pads. total cost: $4!!! </div>
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his teachers aide got the small container of candy pictured in the group pic at the top. Apparently I didnt take a picture of it by itself! Whoops! =D More info on it later. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Candy & Notepad & Soap</span></div>
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3 GIFTS! Yep, Wednesday was also School Nurse appreciation day! So they got a wonderful foaming hand soap from B&BW! (I adore their 6/$20 specials!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"to help you 'escape' all those nasty germs! thanks for all you do!"</td></tr>
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His teacher got candy and the aide got the notepad and pencil. Total cost for these 2 projects: $5! The containers with candy came as a set of 3 for $1. So I used one for his aide and the other 2 for his teacher. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for being so sweet!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for being an A+ aide!"</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Thursday: Frame & Lotion</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for helping handle the stress of our class!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for being so amazing!"</td></tr>
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$3 frame from wallyworld, scarpbook paper, & a cricut = love! And a $4 bottle of lotion and a $.50 nail file make for EASY stress relief! =D</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Friday: FLOWERS!</span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thanks for helping me grow"</td></tr>
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I think I spent more time and energy on these than all the others combined. First the pots I bought for J to paint were not working at all. BUMMER! So we ended up at the PX to get new ones (and flowers!) on Thursday night before tball. He had fun painting these though. The signs took me forever to make. Thats what I get for waiting til the last minute though!!! I had all the other gifts ready to go the week before. Oh well. They loved them! Mrs. A even put hers on the table during our Mothers Day tea at school Friday afternoon! <br />
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Oh but wait there is more! On Tuesday I gave Brooklyns teachers at her pre-k (its really daycare but more structured) gifts as well! I <3 the dollar section at target.....<br />
Each one included a slinky, a flower growing kit, drink mix, a notepad and pencil, star stickers, gum, and chocolates. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">card said: "A special gift for an EXTRA special teacher! Thanks for helping to QUENCH MY THIRST for knowledge! you are a SUPER STAR teacher, with all the WRITE stuff! Its been so much FUN learning to GROW in your class! HUGS AND KISSES!"</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed all the gifts and found some inspiration to show your kids teacher just what they have meant to you! </div>
</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-54305068326609105632012-05-09T09:25:00.000-07:002012-05-09T09:25:36.316-07:00playing catch up.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been bad. SOOOO much has been going on in the last few weeks that I can barely begin to get my head around it all, let alone blog about it. I really do want to get better about posting on here at least 2-3 times a week. I know that I woul love to see expansion in my number of followers and who in the heck is gonna follow someone that doesnt ever post!? :) So I am very sorry readers. I am now going to attempt to play catch up. I will try to make this into several posts instead of one long one. HERE GOES NOTHING!</div>
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Part 1:</div>
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The weather here cant make up its mind. one day its like this: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxSba7DsPAo/T6qRDIr1EgI/AAAAAAAAANg/4YVyzDn-ZIw/s1600/daddy+b+fly+kite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxSba7DsPAo/T6qRDIr1EgI/AAAAAAAAANg/4YVyzDn-ZIw/s320/daddy+b+fly+kite.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daddy and B flying her barbie kite. </td></tr>
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And the next its like this: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from inside my car after PWOC (bible study)</td></tr>
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I think its the one part of the North Country I will never ever get used to. </div>
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Next on the agenda is my rededication to my yoga mat. Ok dedication is a STRONG word. But I am really really really trying to get on it more. including weekly yoga class with my favorite Jessicas (yes I have SEVERAL and they are a-maz-ing) once a week at the Y. I so wish I had a picture of us trying not to laugh at our instructor Michele when she reminds us during savasana that "you are beautiful, you are good enough, and gosh darnnit people like you!". I think its our favorite part. </div>
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And last but certainly not least on this post is part of the reason I have been so absent. I have realized in the last few weeks that I was more traumatized by my husbands injuries than I ever though possible. I have been dealing with major emotional stress and trying to just "deal" and of course thats not working. I am in the process of finding a counselor I like and working with my doctor to manage my hormones so that maybe just maybe I can stay off antidepressants/antianxiety meds. Ive gone that road before and really really dont like the way I feel on them. I never though homecoming and the end of deployment would trigger such feelings of trauma. I expected it to be the release, the end, the chance to finally really start putting everything that happened in Sept/Oct behind me. It was literally the opposite. It was so unexpected that it actually took quite a while for me to figure out what in the heck was going on. Can I just say though, I have the most amazing support system. First my husband who has stuck by my side through all my crappy moods, random crying episodes, and held me after each and every nightmare. And next to my amazing Army family. Since my own family cant be here to help us out, they are my amazing support friends. I dont know how to ever thank God enough for putting the people in my life that he has. Between my amazing friends and even more amazing husband reminding me that God has a plan for us, that it is Him that I need to put my trust and focus in, I know that I will make it through this. My family has done what they can from far away but there is only so much that they can do from there. </div>
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Its been a rough road with both my husband and I realizing that we were not doing everything we could to make things better. I know we will get through this rough patch. Thats the kind of marriage we have. Its forever. Good AND bad. Thank you Jesus for teaching me what that means. </div>
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The other things that have gotten me through are some awesome blog posts. Seriously I love these women. They are amazing writers who share their lives on their blog and make us feel welcome. I have to share some of my favs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.binreallife.com/2012/04/breakthrough-with-miss-q.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">B in Real Life: breakthrough with miss q</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://gallamorewest.blogspot.com/2012/05/mamas-need-sunshine-too.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Gallamore West: Mamas need sunshine too</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeinthegreenhouse.com/2012/05/letting-it-go.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Life in the Green House: letting it go</span></a></div>
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So there it is. The general mess that has been our life the last few weeks.</div>
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Coming up in parts 2-4 are as follows:</div>
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2~ Teacher Appreciation gifts</div>
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3~ Battalion Ball</div>
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4~ My little backyard garden</div>
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and now for a good laugh. this is video of my darling 3yo daughter last night. I found her an awesome t-shirt at Target yesterday and couldnt resist. We have gone Avengers crazy in this house the last 2 weeks since we are planning an Avengers bday party for J next month (lots to come on that!!!). B has a fav character....... its sooo cute! enjoy! </div>
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</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-23531227747128101612012-04-16T06:49:00.001-07:002012-04-16T06:50:22.015-07:00ahhhh spring.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow I will probably regret writing this. I will wonder why on earth I claim to love this area so much when the gray and dreary rainy days come back. But for now I am going to just enjoy the days we have had with beautiful, sunny(ish), warm days. ahhhhhh spring. <br />
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We took the kids to the New York state Zoo at Thompson Park on Saturday. We adore Thompson Park. not only is it over a century old, its still so beautiful. The kids love playing on the giant wooden playground and getting to enjoy a picnic lunch with the family is always a plus. Biggest bonus: it ALWAYS wears the kids out and they fall asleep on the way home!!!! ;-) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J with one of the snakes. He LOVES those things</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see the crazy horn on this goat!!!!?? its INSANE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meet the newest "catamount"!! My husbands previous unit (known as the Catamounts) sponsors this exhibit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J in the eagles nest. seriously kid stop growing!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B didnt quite get the whole put your arms out thing.</td></tr>
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Yesterday we had another awesome service at Life Church. Me and my bff were both in tears at different points of the service. I got to be reminded (again) that God is in control, He wants to help me, wants to see me bring glory to Him, and will be faithful to us no matter what. I just have to trsut Him 100%. Man is that hard. I am so thankful that I have some amazing friends here though that can help see me through my darkest days. We spent lunch out with my bff and her hubby and kids. We had a great time and got to laugh a lot. Thankfully our kids do so well together that it isnt even that stressful to have a table of 9 where the kids outnumber the adults!<br />
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But the best part of all about yesterday was that JACKSON LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH! AT TARGET! Thankfully our Target has the most AMAZING pharmacist who was able to give me a baggie to put it in. She also gave J a lollipop for being so awesome (B got one too cause she has Miss Barbara wrapped around her little finger!) He is so excited! Tooth Fairy came and went last night and left $5!!!! LUCKY! <br />
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Today B and I are rocking out at home. I have some usual stuff like laundry and dishes to do as well as about a zillion phone calls to make! J and I are overdue for dental cleanings (and he needs x-rays), and I hate hate hate going to the dentist. Also need to make lots of March for Babies fundraising calls. We are not even close to meeting our goal yet and I am bound and determined to get there! Wanna help?! Visit <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org./" target="_blank">www.marchforbabies.org.</a> Ok Time to put on my big girl panties and work on the house and phone calls. Wish me luck!!! </div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-56817521383988172902012-04-09T15:32:00.000-07:002012-04-09T15:32:33.230-07:00STOP IT!!!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Kind of a crazy title I know. Just hang with me for a minute. Our church us going through the book of Psalms this year....in the order they were written. What a task!! But thanks to the amazing talent God has given Pastor Chad and the other pastors at <a href="http://www.life.io/" target="_blank">Life Church</a>, we are learning a LOT! </div>
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So yesterday we landed on Psalm 69. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not exactly the Easter story. Not exactly the call to worship a risen king.</span> </span></div>
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<em>But some where in there is that exact call.</em> </div>
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In Psalm 69 David is crying out. He is lost, feels totally down, like every enemy is against him. And he asks God to strike them down, to punish his enemies. Then the Psalm takes a turn. David remembers that though</div>
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"I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. </div>
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The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people, </div>
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Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all hat move in them, </div>
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for<em> God will save Zion</em> and rebuild the cities of Judah." (Psalm 69:29, 33-35 NIV)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">That salvation came when Christ died on the cross and rose again. It was the perfect sacrifice so that our sins (all the stuff that makes us feel worthless, unlovable, undone) are forgiven. So we were challenged to </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">STOP IT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Stop making excuses about our walk with Christ.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Stop making excuses why we can't be a living, breathing, walking testimony to the love of God.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">Just Stop It.</span> </span></div>
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This rang so true for me. The demons I feel like I have been battling have been strong (stupid depression), but you know what, God is <em>stronger</em>. He is<em> love</em>. He is alive. He is <strong><em>RISEN.</em></strong> </div>
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After church we spent the afternoon exploring one of the trails and a park by the pond on post.</div>
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I loved getting to watch my children just run and play in the sun. </div>
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See how He is renewing the earth and growing new life.</div>
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I got to see once again how God is MOVING through our family. </div>
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Not everyday is gonna be great or perfect or even good. (ie: the major tantrum J threw downstairs because he was tired and had WAY too much sugar yesterday.)</div>
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But through it all, I know that its going to be ok. My purpose on this Earth is not to feel sorry for myself, not to hate those who persecute me, not to be down, or discouraged or anything remotely even close. My purpose on this Earth is to love and serve God, worshipping Christ my savior and bringing Him glory by sharing the gospel. It is what I intend to do from this day on. </div>
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Am I a perfect Christian, NO WAY!!!! Never could be. I know though that God will bring me through the darkest days, He will use my pain to bring healing and I have to trust him 100%. </div>
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Thank you Jesus for taking my sins on the cross and giving me the chance to worship you now and forever. </div>
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</div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-4851648101346047262012-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:002012-04-06T12:12:01.813-07:00Easter Eggs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well trying to make the best of this very Good Friday here at the Simon house. Ran to Wmart to get dye so we could (finally) do eggs. They were seriously OUT! Ok so thanks to the fabulous Pinterest I was saved. KOOL-AID! My house doesn't reak of vinegar (although I may do that kind tomorrow) and the kids had a blast helping me set it all up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best of all, THIS is what we ended up with!!!!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here is the original tutorial I used from </span><a href="http://www.heyjenrenee.com/2011/04/kool-eggs.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hey! Jen Renee</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It was so easy!!!!!!!!</span> </div>
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It smelled like summer! I love having lots of craft supplies He was way too excited<br />
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Some of the coloring came out A.MAZ.ING! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how they turned out. Well onto my next adventure of the day. Braving the Commissary for milk. Remind me why I forgot to get it at Wmart? Have a very blessed weekend!!!!!!! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64516674509798113.post-60834410442571416542012-03-30T12:06:00.000-07:002012-04-04T09:40:44.617-07:00Growing in Gods perfect grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A couple of weeks ago (when the weather was amazingly warm) the kids and I planted some seeds for our garden this year. Since we live in on-post housing we have to do all container gardens. This makes my selection of things to grow a bit smaller but fun anyways. I love watching these tiny plants grow as much as my kids do. And its such an awesome tangible way to show them how awesome God is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So this year we have planted carrots, lettuce, green beans, sweet basil, oregano, and lavender. I also plan on planting blue potatoes if I can ever get around to going back to Lowes to pick up the starters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have been in awe of just how fast they are all coming up!!!!! It has been a reminder to me this past week of just how quickly god can change something in our life. How one tiny seed of an idea, or thought, or emotion, can be so quickly transformed into something useful in His kingdom. <em>How awesome is our God?!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For me, I see God really growing our faith as a family. I see Him really starting to use us for things that have been in the works for months. I am so proud of how our family has changed and grown. I am so proud to say that I know we will be ok.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How is God growing in you this week?</span></div>Erica - Life at the Clubhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08535121724028287582noreply@blogger.com2