tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22345467882173889002024-03-12T21:09:39.861-05:00All My SonsFive Times the Love, Five Times the Laughter, Five Times the Fun!Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-70077357088226844632011-05-24T23:54:00.006-05:002011-06-05T12:57:24.646-05:00A New Chapter: Our Wonderfilled LifeI am so excited to share my new blog with you. Hope to see you there! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">{click button below}</div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ourwonderfilledlife.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g400/tankandtink2/michelle-blogbutton1.png" /></a></center><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-24624674785099251252011-05-14T11:41:00.001-05:002011-05-14T11:42:29.868-05:00Belly Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Summer weather was here the past few days *and gone again* and some sweet bellies got to see the light of day. Love these little tummies!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Aiden Liam</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxAxB9qdywc/Tc6ZJ7qgPpI/AAAAAAAABjY/t73hNW110gY/s1600/DSC09449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxAxB9qdywc/Tc6ZJ7qgPpI/AAAAAAAABjY/t73hNW110gY/s320/DSC09449.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ebDwN_RwA/Tc6Z_5gItoI/AAAAAAAABjc/kdy20TrKW0E/s1600/DSC09446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ebDwN_RwA/Tc6Z_5gItoI/AAAAAAAABjc/kdy20TrKW0E/s320/DSC09446.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Beckham Griffin<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-78637279570522900012011-05-11T15:16:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:52:33.617-05:00Lost in Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For E's last half-birthday we gave him a certificate to use for a night out with mom and a night out with dad. So, last Friday E and I seized the opportunity to attend the Adler Planetarium's Overnight. <i>We didn't actually spend the night, </i>yet we managed to do all the activities, fun, and even the nighttime snack. We scooted out at about 10:30pm and after I asked him a few questions on the car ride home with no response I knew my sweet little space boy had drifted off to the stars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had such beautiful weather, oh how I love driving into the city on a Friday night, <i>not the traffic part</i>, but just the energy, and it's the same drive he took with his Dad to Rush countless times so he knows it way too well. He always keeps me laughing, <i>bad mommy moment, </i>I commented *ahem* on a driver that was from Michigan *we do love Michigan* and he said, "Mom how come they can make cars but they can't drive them *eye roll*? I didn't really have an answer for that one except to yep watch what I say!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took lots of pictures *surprised?* and we had a blast. In addition to featured stations on how to grow food in space and experimenting with water filtering techniques for astronauts, <i>they made it super kid friendly, age ranges 6-10, </i>almost all of the exhibits were open too so we were roaming the planetarium after hours and that part was very cool, very <i>Night at the <strike>Museum</strike> Planetarium. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We each had a favorite part of the evening. Ethan's was during the night sky show in perfect 5-year-old humor the "intern" took us on a Mission to Mars and developed space madness and nearly ate the brains of the entire first row....brains...brains...brains she kept saying with her zombie walk. E was in hysterics. We still walk around saying...brains...brains...brains!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite part was as the kids there gathered around the indoor firepit under a very cool dome for a story about the Big Dipper. In this tale there were five wolf brothers that helped form the Big Dipper, so now every time we see the Big Dipper in the night sky we'll think of them representing the five brothers Krol *awww*. Here's the Native American tale. <i><a href="http://www.oocities.org/shadowfaux.geo/dippers.html">http://www.oocities.org/shadowfaux.geo/dippers.html</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my little astronaut</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAoTA_2VINw/TcsBLQXLmLI/AAAAAAAABjE/NxLNRjwoPAA/s1600/DSC09348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAoTA_2VINw/TcsBLQXLmLI/AAAAAAAABjE/NxLNRjwoPAA/s400/DSC09348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">yes that is a chimpanzee on his shirt, maybe Planet of the Apes? ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUdEShUfbJU/Tcr4mLL43OI/AAAAAAAABis/NTbIOakxhIw/s1600/DSC09309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUdEShUfbJU/Tcr4mLL43OI/AAAAAAAABis/NTbIOakxhIw/s320/DSC09309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">mom & E</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUY6AQWOFM4/Tcr5cd4UfeI/AAAAAAAABiw/zDT3kaoz_KM/s1600/DSC09312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUY6AQWOFM4/Tcr5cd4UfeI/AAAAAAAABiw/zDT3kaoz_KM/s320/DSC09312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">filtering water and growing food</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIQnzn9Y3BQ/Tcr31PzUQBI/AAAAAAAABio/HGQytzj4SFk/s1600/DSC09380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIQnzn9Y3BQ/Tcr31PzUQBI/AAAAAAAABio/HGQytzj4SFk/s320/DSC09380.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cA-7zmlWdCQ/Tcr7JF2Kz0I/AAAAAAAABi0/Fbhy19utSQc/s1600/DSC09316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cA-7zmlWdCQ/Tcr7JF2Kz0I/AAAAAAAABi0/Fbhy19utSQc/s320/DSC09316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunar Leap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfKWRexYvAw/Tcr-D_nWiAI/AAAAAAAABi8/ex6kOv_377E/s1600/DSC09330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfKWRexYvAw/Tcr-D_nWiAI/AAAAAAAABi8/ex6kOv_377E/s320/DSC09330.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOIfEQ7etKQ/Tcr7tlbuzLI/AAAAAAAABi4/qWJA4n5G5o0/s1600/DSC09329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOIfEQ7etKQ/Tcr7tlbuzLI/AAAAAAAABi4/qWJA4n5G5o0/s320/DSC09329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he has the moon in his hands</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE-gIRkUrZE/Tcr_lnd6cxI/AAAAAAAABjA/z3CLteqJAEo/s1600/DSC09335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE-gIRkUrZE/Tcr_lnd6cxI/AAAAAAAABjA/z3CLteqJAEo/s320/DSC09335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">on a clear night you could see Saturn, on a not-so-clear night...clouds!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/experience/points/doaneobservatory">http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/experience/points/doaneobservatory</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJoP15DtR74/Tcw05EJg2MI/AAAAAAAABjM/B9On3a_gDEw/s1600/DSC09353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJoP15DtR74/Tcw05EJg2MI/AAAAAAAABjM/B9On3a_gDEw/s320/DSC09353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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some wonderful memories, can't wait to take all of the boys together someday!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-43602719078008391742011-05-03T21:56:00.008-05:002011-05-04T14:38:08.865-05:00Motherhood to the 5th Power<div style="text-align: center;"></div>As Mother's Day nears it is always a sweet time of relection. I never knew my heart could hold so much joy and love, and knowing in all the struggles that I had no idea what was in store, well it's simply beyond words for me. While I am not often in pictures b/c I am usually the one taking them, I found these from some sweet moments between me and my boys. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABlppmVzH04/TcC2ECiwyrI/AAAAAAAABh0/A1PZzmsi8cg/s320/eandme.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Taken by me (the ol' hold the camera out hope you're in it and smile) my little<br />
sidekick Ethan and I on his big first day of preschool (2008)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgMdhjFcD7k/TcC7eT_PuZI/AAAAAAAABig/PbuJb5HuRJ0/s320/meandliam.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Liam and I taken by Matt, our first trip to the pumpkin farm with the babies (2010)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsLGkJIeeIk/TcC9VV0UkAI/AAAAAAAABik/f8gzqSYUaGg/s320/DSC00017.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">holding sweet Beckham in the NICU, he had the most trouble early on and I just wanted to hold him, gaze into his gorgeous eyes and make it all better (2009)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0tJE_5Lib0/TcC2gaAuvcI/AAAAAAAABh4/KgwzOvoRlJ8/s320/DSC00051.JPG" width="240" />Aiden's first day home after 3 weeks in the NICU, he is such a little lover and wanted to be home first :) (2009)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewjIV9PmUsM/TcC7FJopl6I/AAAAAAAABic/uA0uvdTorHY/s320/meandgriffin2.JPG" width="163" />Griffin at his first birthday party, while he looks a little worried, I love that I have a picture from that day with him, my little sweet cheeks. (2010)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-rfZtcbtj8/TcC3C2ZG2yI/AAAAAAAABh8/u4EgUGD9f9g/s320/DSC00003.JPG" width="320" />how I envisioned this moment, prayed for it endlessly...holding all four of my healthy baby boys...L-O-V-E! (2009)</div>Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-48354271088427496202011-04-30T14:29:00.006-05:002011-05-02T23:23:06.893-05:00Another First...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to celebrate E's *insanely windy!*soccer game (they didn't win but hey it's good to still celebrate!) and Matt stepping in as coach and the boys being awesome at cheering them both on, we took an unexpected trip out for first Happy Meals *gasp, not McDonald's*. Of course Portillo's is still number 1, but we didn't hear too many complaints :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and yep they need to invest in another high chair ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Beck's perfect *whoosh* face, they love making plane sounds...and train and car...yep all boy :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQw--BVTW18/Tbxh_6ZZjII/AAAAAAAABhY/gIe5IaKerSE/s320/DSC09291.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-28708958487685129202011-04-30T14:16:00.002-05:002011-05-04T15:50:07.118-05:00Let's Go...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>fly a kite...</i>on this perfectly windy day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-83812285855509964212011-04-29T14:39:00.001-05:002011-05-03T00:04:53.270-05:00Guess what?Chalk butt. :)<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-55653712361320059692011-04-28T19:57:00.002-05:002011-04-28T20:09:00.843-05:00Michelle in Real LifeToday, linking up to Ann Voskamp's, <i>One Thousand Gifts, </i>my gratitude list continues and these two are on my mind...<br />
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<i>77. a treasured REAL life</i><br />
<i>78. the bumps that make the good stuff so much sweeter</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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I remember before Elizabeth Edwards passed away she quoted, <i>there is a crack in everything...that's how the light gets in." </i>Here is a little more from <i>Anthem by Leonard Cohen. </i><br />
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</i><br />
<div class="photo-desc" id="description_div4100272607" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The birds they sang<br />
at the break of day<br />
Start again<br />
I heard them say<br />
Don't dwell on what<br />
has passed away<br />
or what is yet to be...</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ring the bells that still can ring<br />
Forget your perfect offering<br />
There is a crack in everything<br />
That's how the light gets in.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_1_13040344214451314" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We've had our share of cracks, and it is how His light has gotten in, broken, bruised, He is there covering us with His goodness and light, all the time. Within just the past 5 years, some of the big ones...<br />
<br />
a son is born after years of infertility<br />
<i>he is diagnosed with cancer</i><br />
a home is purchased, a fresh start<br />
<i>medical bills have piled up, the real estate market plummets</i><br />
a pregnancy after years of struggling again<br />
<i>fears and realities of a quadruplet pregnancy</i><br />
a husband and father has work every day<br />
<i>his company goes through major layoffs including his position during the pregnancy</i><br />
<i>yes, again this past winter</i><br />
a time together to reflect before adding 4 more to our family<br />
<i>a husband and father is in a car accident on the way to the hospital </i><br />
our babies are born healthy at 33 weeks<br />
<i>another son is diagnosed, this time with a life-threatening heart defect</i><br />
our focus is on our family and adjusting to our new life, guardian angels step in<br />
<i>outer relationships are strained</i><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
And through it all we are here, we are standing, and we are humbled by Him seeing us through it all, the darkest deepest moments of despair, fear, anxiety. We have no idea what is to come and we know many have endured so much more...yet this is us. Does it define us? No, but the light that has seeped in has done some changing, rearranging, faith-building. <br />
<br />
Another look...<br />
<i>a son is cancer free</i><br />
<i>financially it works...somehow...by the grace of God</i><br />
<i>time with no work, turns into time taking care of our son </i><br />
<i>a husband gives it to God the second time around, a job just happens to be found so quickly, a better job</i><br />
<i>a son is given time before making any decisions about his heart and he thrives meanwhile</i><br />
<i>a life is thrown out of balance and then righted again with new perspective and faith rooted even deeper</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
We have been taken care of and none of it has been by our own doing, other than turning it over to Him. All glory is His.<br />
<br />
While this is of course about my family, I make no qualms about this...it's easy to have faith when things are going well. When I just found out I was pregnant with our quadruplets, someone had told me she needed to give me some tough love, I just needed to have more faith. It made my belief in this even deeper...We are not here to question someone else's degree of faith, especially if in our own life we have had little to challenge our faith. <i>(And tough love is never a good idea for those who are tough enough on themselves). </i> All of our stories are different. I take comfort and growth in those who share the REAL, and am thankful for all those in my life who do. </div></div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-34821694067562960842011-04-26T19:59:00.004-05:002011-04-26T20:34:34.099-05:00Red Flyer Gang Strikes AgainI have told you all how much the boys love these Radio Flyer Scoot n' Zooms. This is how we start out our morning before bringing E to school. They now have perfected the art of drifting, and love big bro chasing them. All would not be complete without a little dance from Liam. <br />
<br />
Enjoy ;)<br />
<br />
<i>Griffin is awesome on his scooter too but our little techie (mini-Matt) was much more interested in how the video camera works...why I don't get video too often!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/u1_tsnQIWmI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u1_tsnQIWmI?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u1_tsnQIWmI?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9JlokQsLHQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-80806146921609390842011-04-26T16:01:00.007-05:002011-05-04T15:49:28.450-05:00Easter Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb_E0azfEAE/Tbcr3tMO7II/AAAAAAAABhE/SKLH7GZxQj4/s320/easterbaskets6.jpg" width="320" />We host Easter and I am so happy that this year is probably the smoothest it has gone despite being caught in a hailstorm and a last minute trip to urgent care Friday for E's asthma. We're a pretty awesome team. While it was a ton of work, it was so worth it just to see the look on these five little faces. We enjoyed time with family, especially great-grandparents, who so enjoyed time with the kids. And yes we did make it through church <i>with a bit of help you know who you are thank you!</i> We did a lot of prep, we don't have a cry room or nursery, after a little snafu heading in, not so thrilled with all the people, they quickly overcame it and stayed in the pew for over an hour and did beautifully, so proud of them!!!! Alleluia! Grandma Marion says her prayers that morning helped and I sure agree! <i>This pic is of half the car, if I took the other half, we definitely would have been late ;)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Easter morning sweetness, my favorite part of the day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BbmD-fsg7M/TbcY642trpI/AAAAAAAABeg/FlMKLK2RdyY/s320/easterbaskets.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BbmD-fsg7M/TbcY642trpI/AAAAAAAABeg/FlMKLK2RdyY/s1600/easterbaskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy7Zm_7lmzo/TbcqvLROy7I/AAAAAAAABg4/8Hv5Ta_K2Dw/s320/easterbaskets3.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aiden loving his new pillow pet (these are smaller versions from Cloud B so cute)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8Qj2WThwgs/TbcrIEEoHSI/AAAAAAAABg8/Dk6FZ_hEQxg/s320/easterbaskets4.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Griffin and all the dump trucks (they are from Green Toys-we have an eco-conscious Easter Bunny)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6z4NYAX-Pn0/TbcreeVBypI/AAAAAAAABhA/j-7Y-27xEq0/s320/easterbaskets5.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy and E makin' the punch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTBLY54yZJ0/TbcZatHpyMI/AAAAAAAABek/69Qzrekn6FQ/s320/easter8.jpg" width="256" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">E's loot</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZSCCgaYq9E/TbcZxT8grlI/AAAAAAAABeo/pmZUch33S5Y/s320/easter9.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">yes everyone is smiling and good except mommy, darn closed eyes again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoggVg9yEXE/TbcZ6MhADMI/AAAAAAAABes/lVFkNvNmQ9Y/s320/easter10.jpg" width="253" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">more loot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khosgnUUIN0/TbcaJo33AYI/AAAAAAAABew/WtIwghkRlsk/s320/easter11.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">a very sweet pic of Griffin and his sweet cheeks by Daddy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw6YVzXrZXk/TbcanjUYsnI/AAAAAAAABe0/-wrZvHQnwU4/s320/easter13.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">champagne punch so yummy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRLM8vU6qWE/TbcbCK4M8nI/AAAAAAAABe4/8uaDv4RtjeA/s320/easter15.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">homemade, from-scratch cinnamon rolls, should have taken a picture of the kitchen b/c then you would have believed me :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Tl4gVPcyc/TbcbbjA-DQI/AAAAAAAABe8/aoKy0x2rqhM/s320/easter16.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2oMYpEHl7A/Tbcb_VHX_vI/AAAAAAAABfA/Gpd6bTXSXcM/s320/easter17.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">more yummy food (donut muffins)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">quiches, asparagus parmesan, scalloped au gratin potatoes, muffin frittatas, </div><div style="text-align: center;">waldorf chicken salad, dilled egg salad, hashbrown casserole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dUDVYqqAxic/Tbcc-Hgj7aI/AAAAAAAABfI/sBE6NTUXVi0/s320/easter19.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CUgye_5-rc/TbcdXiRD3CI/AAAAAAAABfM/94R4MLrKVRU/s320/easter20.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Egg Hunt, the boys so loved it this year!</div><div style="text-align: center;">E and I found these massive eggs, Liam was hysterical with his!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jImkg_uvUSU/TbceIJijbNI/AAAAAAAABfU/4gDq_ekNm4w/s320/easter22.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jImkg_uvUSU/TbceIJijbNI/AAAAAAAABfU/4gDq_ekNm4w/s1600/easter22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-4yc60OWxs/TbcdmJvbrgI/AAAAAAAABfQ/wfZKiwP_uPs/s320/easter21.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Griffin and his Elmo egg, they loved these too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKp2lkg9xeI/TbcfWbtn7AI/AAAAAAAABfY/4hNb3zjePzM/s320/easter24.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Beckham, more Elmo love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyGagCEX9s0/TbcfuXFTyrI/AAAAAAAABfc/S-Y_2rPYeSI/s320/easter25.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">no matter what, boys will always find the mud</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtjPfqdfVDk/TbcgKZHHIjI/AAAAAAAABfg/BZLtkR-MhoQ/s320/easter26.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">sneaking chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">so funny he didn't eat it just wanted to unwrap it </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-no_AwKuctZo/Tbcgi6rFDtI/AAAAAAAABfk/drLbeQ5tBKM/s320/easter28.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Aiden was more ready for a round of golf<br />
and the tongue is sticking out again ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RrNwXypKu8/TbcgzondmKI/AAAAAAAABfo/XWau_WBDdQM/s320/easter29.jpg" width="312" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and still more Elmo love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnH6OkIr7ao/TbchscQj2dI/AAAAAAAABfs/Y8amyQ3zd3o/s320/easter30.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Griffin so dapper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeKu4Yak7GE/TbciD79DhMI/AAAAAAAABfw/dPzsYBiafcA/s320/easter31.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">E and his cousin Mikayla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UM61Fc6_meg/TbciZ0wGDAI/AAAAAAAABf0/BAmTr2dK1VQ/s320/easter32.jpg" width="214" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beck and his buddy Grandpa Jack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50aSsqULcAk/Tbcixqelp4I/AAAAAAAABf4/ahQkq_IeK2s/s320/easter33.jpg" width="214" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Aiden, my little helper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3w6_WJFEH4/TbcjJFiTQeI/AAAAAAAABf8/tM47S3V4SIw/s320/easter34.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">not sure if Griffin is believing what Grandpa Jack is telling him </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ_PKQ76EAA/TbcjTaDVcsI/AAAAAAAABgA/egNbMrrPWVA/s320/easter35.jpg" width="252" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Liam loved the bunny</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNnmOLv49gM/TbcjqT8gDrI/AAAAAAAABgE/-vMCzS7UxMg/s320/easter36.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">cheesy Aiden stepping right in front of the camera</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKv5Sl9LvQ8/TbckJ6yF42I/AAAAAAAABgI/faLI6O46bsY/s320/easter37.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Liam just had to show Grandma Marion something outside</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLUfRgKIerc/Tbckqg_e3YI/AAAAAAAABgM/aNls79CJtgk/s320/easter38.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Beck lovin' on his teddy bear</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLDQv1gUQw0/Tbck3Cdf9wI/AAAAAAAABgQ/JY__vH7YGxE/s320/easter39.jpg" width="251" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">an attempted picture of all 5...church, no nap...yeah right! </div><div style="text-align: center;">stay tuned for a better shot ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WN1Okliev00/TbclWQQ_fcI/AAAAAAAABgU/KPlgw0-3pZM/s320/easter40.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">thanks to our guests for bringing dessert, </div><div style="text-align: center;">make your own sundaes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJEe6xQlMUk/TbclwerZstI/AAAAAAAABgY/laHF82CZ_Zo/s320/easter41.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a sweet moment Grandma Marion and her Godchild</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNNQ5UlVHdc/TbcmcKm4j0I/AAAAAAAABgc/yfxZ2BKoM1E/s320/easter42.jpg" width="214" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Yes Beck put this on his own head...Grand Poohba! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBqLTa-h6E/Tbcm6jk_-fI/AAAAAAAABgg/kzyK0-9rR3k/s320/easter43.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">E "teaching" them his new game YamSlam</div><div style="text-align: center;">he says to Grandma Farinella, </div><div style="text-align: center;">"you could try that OR you really could go for the flush"</div><div style="text-align: center;">yep 5 and giving tips on playing poker</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lcK-TruBS0/TbcnRDSlwvI/AAAAAAAABgk/sv0eTMdrg0M/s320/easter44.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">E going through the Resurrection Eggs</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MY2V5oCkbH4/TbcnkaSKrqI/AAAAAAAABgo/pETGdbD_43I/s320/easter45.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">awww</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paHXkhQtch8/Tbcnyz_rJtI/AAAAAAAABgs/LvpuoZSQmrM/s320/easter46.jpg" width="307" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And after all of our guests left and the over-sugared exhausted little guys were put to bed it<br />
was time for a special Nighttime Egghunt for E with glow in the dark eggs I bought on<br />
clearance after last Easter and E couldn't wait to do :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwlp_AKtKS8/Tbcoe7jzRwI/AAAAAAAABgw/bMCwLZrK6K0/s320/easter47.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKW_LCNwAx0/Tbcpy71Np_I/AAAAAAAABg0/ZSSKT5YIMNE/s1600/easter49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKW_LCNwAx0/Tbcpy71Np_I/AAAAAAAABg0/ZSSKT5YIMNE/s320/easter49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finally before bedtime were talking about what to do with all the candy. Matt says, "I think we'll just file it" to which E replies, "IN MY STOMACH!" He just keeps getting funnier ;) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> We hope your Easter was beautiful and joy-filled too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-27288300374041060182011-04-22T15:35:00.002-05:002011-04-22T15:42:44.361-05:00A Few of Our Easter Faves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few Easter favorites for our boys...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Resurrection Eggs</u> - for years we made our own but I couldn't find all the pieces this year, so I purchased a set from Hobby Lobby 1/2 off and we always go through them before Easter brunch with our family and our guests. They go through the story of Easter in a very kid-friendly format.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Books </u>- <i>The Story of Easter</i>, <i>What is Easter</i>, and our absolute favorite, maybe my favorite book ever, <i>The Tale of Three Trees. </i>It is absolutely beautiful. Ethan reads the story too sometime during our Easter gathering here. If you haven't read it, you will probably shed a few tears when you do, it's just so meaningful. Three trees, plain ol' ordinary trees dreamed of what they wanted to be and their dreams are fulfilled in the most amazing way...greater than they could ever have imagined for themselves. I love giving this book as a gift, and you bet I will buy one for every single grandchild of mine too. It encompasses everything about God's plan for us, it's just divine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ethan was also gifted some mass books that he enjoys learning about different parts of mass and their meanings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>DVD</u> - while we love our Veggie Tales DVDs (E at the moment, and I am sure the little boys will too), I think the best explanation of Easter in DVD format is the <i>Read and Share Bible DVD: EASTER. </i>It is in a way that is appropriate and just on for explaining Easter to kids. It is so hard for us all, especially kids, to think of Jesus' suffering, and I like how this DVD puts it and the focus on his resurrection and our joy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgMCFdw5k18/TbHjfHigJqI/AAAAAAAABeQ/RijwVYMiJWo/s1600/easterdvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgMCFdw5k18/TbHjfHigJqI/AAAAAAAABeQ/RijwVYMiJWo/s1600/easterdvd.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-69098172957056063742011-04-22T14:46:00.003-05:002011-04-22T15:52:49.052-05:00My Good EggsPhew, I feel like it should be 8pm! We had such a fun artsy crafty morning (while fully aware though of the meaning of today being Good Friday). E is off school and we decided to enjoy it in slow mode in our morning in pjs showing the boys our Easter egg traditions. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUm2MY5GuLc/TbHWody6lgI/AAAAAAAABeI/R42HP1k1NII/s1600/dsc_0968+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUm2MY5GuLc/TbHWody6lgI/AAAAAAAABeI/R42HP1k1NII/s320/dsc_0968+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">our colorful dot paint Easter egg playroom decorations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJwTYByJ_BQ/TbHPGV023aI/AAAAAAAABdE/KwqnfQOWoIA/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJwTYByJ_BQ/TbHPGV023aI/AAAAAAAABdE/KwqnfQOWoIA/s320/DSC_0913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> E still loves the dot paints and I love they don't make such a mess</div><div style="text-align: center;">and are fun to use. He made his all on his own, it says, <i>"We Love You Juesus (Jesus)!"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvQb5nAayys/TbHQEhih_JI/AAAAAAAABdI/L90m1Ob8wy8/s1600/dsc_0916+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvQb5nAayys/TbHQEhih_JI/AAAAAAAABdI/L90m1Ob8wy8/s320/dsc_0916+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNG4spHzcPo/TbHSIrCfedI/AAAAAAAABdc/q6WaMN8fZaA/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNG4spHzcPo/TbHSIrCfedI/AAAAAAAABdc/q6WaMN8fZaA/s320/DSC_0891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E enjoying be the Art Teacher ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNG4spHzcPo/TbHSIrCfedI/AAAAAAAABdc/q6WaMN8fZaA/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYcR1gZMR2E/TbHSwbtWeuI/AAAAAAAABdg/QQDMccoKpSA/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYcR1gZMR2E/TbHSwbtWeuI/AAAAAAAABdg/QQDMccoKpSA/s320/DSC_0903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys were saying dot, dot, dot, dot, so cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dot paints are non-toxic, washable (awesome!) and scented although the little guys didn't get that yet and I wasn't too keen on them shoving the paint up their noses, maybe next time ;) There are so many projects you can do with these paints. I purchased them individually at our local Chalkboard store but you can buy a set a Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, probably any crafting store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYcR1gZMR2E/TbHSwbtWeuI/AAAAAAAABdg/QQDMccoKpSA/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj08GCE5DwM/TbHTwlDTQQI/AAAAAAAABdo/PukDB5YCSoU/s1600/DSC_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj08GCE5DwM/TbHTwlDTQQI/AAAAAAAABdo/PukDB5YCSoU/s320/DSC_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then it was time to dye Easter eggs! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E reading the instructions and trying to figure out the tablet color, we try every year and I think have gotten it completely right once, tricky little things ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">close! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Del8iOpEk6s/TbHWTFrj3QI/AAAAAAAABeE/YxT-XB4lpvQ/s1600/DSC_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Del8iOpEk6s/TbHWTFrj3QI/AAAAAAAABeE/YxT-XB4lpvQ/s320/DSC_0953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E wanted to help his brothers drop the eggs in..what a sweet big bro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They loved it! Can't wait for next year when they can be even more involved! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj08GCE5DwM/TbHTwlDTQQI/AAAAAAAABdo/PukDB5YCSoU/s1600/DSC_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uS1_RWw7sMc/TbHQgjMGy0I/AAAAAAAABdQ/udeZ_3-_rDk/s1600/dsc_0941+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uS1_RWw7sMc/TbHQgjMGy0I/AAAAAAAABdQ/udeZ_3-_rDk/s320/dsc_0941+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">aren't they beautiful?!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>E did a little experiment, these were with vinegar, we're fans of dark bold colors, but we did some with lemon juice too for lighter springy colors. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-54730939053756925172011-04-21T17:03:00.001-05:002011-04-21T22:59:56.184-05:00Preparations for 5 Little Bunnies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5zZhNLvmb8/TbCjYzdXbjI/AAAAAAAABc8/4tY5udA9nrI/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5zZhNLvmb8/TbCjYzdXbjI/AAAAAAAABc8/4tY5udA9nrI/s320/DSC_0851.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6YjIPj0smw/TbCjulXVt_I/AAAAAAAABdA/gcmW5AVDylc/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6YjIPj0smw/TbCjulXVt_I/AAAAAAAABdA/gcmW5AVDylc/s320/DSC_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ku8qoBGRcU/TbCjDzJqESI/AAAAAAAABc4/CJi76GmFEqI/s1600/DSC_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ku8qoBGRcU/TbCjDzJqESI/AAAAAAAABc4/CJi76GmFEqI/s640/DSC_0856.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The iron-on transfers are from Print Your Own Tees (ETSY). You pick out your design, have it customized, print, and iron on, such a money saving move and the designs are so cute. </span></i><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-5090071305850378812011-04-19T15:41:00.000-05:002011-04-19T15:41:10.939-05:00Still Counting the Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am grateful...see my earlier posts </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">here <a href="http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/grateful-home.html">http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/grateful-home.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">here <a href="http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/grateful-home-ii.html">http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/grateful-home-ii.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and here <a href="http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/list-continues.html">http://allmysons-krol.blogspot.com/2011/04/list-continues.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's beautiful and contagious and so meaningful especially this Easter week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>54. storytime sweetness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>55. sunnier days</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>56. super powers </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>57. little boys who I still qualify as babies because they still grab their feet and stick their bottoms in the air while they sleep</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>58. shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes...oh the places they'll go! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-27920200276509565092011-04-19T14:19:00.002-05:002011-04-19T14:23:48.015-05:00Me Against Mother NatureWhat do you do when you have 5 little boys itching to get back outdoors? When mid-April looks more like mid-February and the winds are strong enough to blow us all the way to Kansas?....<br />
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You turn your living room into Jump Zone and have fun anyway! <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-75825547945315293322011-04-18T23:18:00.001-05:002011-04-18T23:23:44.798-05:00The List Continues...Last Monday I shared the beginnings of my list...here are some of my additions since then...<br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<i>32. sneaky boy smiles</i><br />
<i>33. Elmo cuddles </i><br />
<i>34. four different ways to say ELMO (melmo, elmo, eye-eye, elbow)</i><br />
<i>35. boys in dad's hat</i><br />
<i>36. more toothless grins</i><br />
<i>37. sunglasses worn with attitude</i><br />
<i>38. footie-pj'd days</i><br />
<i>39. little boys clinging to my legs</i><br />
<i>40. a lineup watching big bro play outdoors</i><br />
<i>41. a harvest of fruit for the week (and organic too on sale!)</i><br />
<i>42. cars, wheels, all things facinating</i><br />
<i>43. a night of coffee-shop talking</i><br />
<i>44. a divine morning out...friends at every errand stop just for me (or so I'd like to think!) :) </i><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-48904430173862075312011-04-18T14:09:00.008-05:002011-04-18T14:20:01.799-05:00Slowing Down<div>I am easily distracted...there I said it...</div><div><br />
</div><div>...wait what was I saying? ;) So I decided to do something about it. For those of you who aren't, I applaud you. It's a well-honed skill to be able to tune things out. Me, I have stubborn, determined blood running through these veins and by the grace of God that's clearly what sees me through to the finish at times. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I have given up Facebook for Lent, and while you're not supposed to shout it from the rooftops when you do give something up, I am saying it because I really don't miss it <i>much. </i>I miss the quick connections and keeping up with friends, knowing how they are doing, but that's really all. I have been keeping my laptop upstairs, <i>it is deciding to have a meltdown of its own anyway</i>, and only use the desktop. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I won't go as far to say that it has made me a better parent. I think having the connection to others even in the virtual world can be a very good thing. I am certainly not one to stand in judgement or suggestion, but I will say I have done more with the little free time I have. So like everyone I am just trying to find that balance and sometimes stepping away completely helps you do it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>From the time I became a mother I was always looking for ways to capture, slow down, be in the moment; but my perfectionist self then made it my personal quest. Find out how to slow down, like it is another thing to do on my list, as if there were a science to it, an answer. Instead during this Lent I am finding the truth. While I am so good at preparing, organizing, getting ready for the moment and trying to remember to be in the moment, sometimes I just don't let go and do it. Yep that Type A personality gets in the way. While it has served me well and is what God gave me, I am now learning how to work it more in my favor. I was really good at it when it was the three of us, but our world turned a very good but crazy topsy-turvy (and we needed a ton of structure and routine with four babies), but now I am centering it again, lightening up, and <i>it feels good. </i></div><div><br />
</div><div>In this area I will always be a work in progress, but surrounding myself with other women and moms who feel this way, reading books and blogs with wisdom I treasure definitely helps. I love Katrina Kenison's books and blog. Stop by for a visit and enter a book giveaway she is hosting and read some of her inspiring words. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I stop to think about the truth, all I really want is to create a home as a family, a home we love, a place that is God-centered, faithful, safe, secure, thoughtful, empathetic, kind, joyful, fun, silly, and more <i>seven times over. </i>Sometimes the rest is just noise, gravy, embellishment, and when you take time to think about it, simple looks pretty darn good. </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><a href="http://www.katrinakenison.com/2011/04/18/simplicity-parenting-and-books-to-give-away/">Simplicity Parenting and Books to Give Away</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" /></div>Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-42894435982643598762011-04-16T23:08:00.003-05:002011-04-16T23:31:26.554-05:00Taking Down the Big GuyIt's our very own Liliput. While our tiny citizens aren't exactly one-twelfth his size, they can still pin down their big brother! (Of course they have to catch him first!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqmactXSRg0/TaptEoxx36I/AAAAAAAABbQ/hwUuRDvwPHE/s1600/gulliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqmactXSRg0/TaptEoxx36I/AAAAAAAABbQ/hwUuRDvwPHE/s1600/gulliver.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYkeec6qbNU/TapnLaWo0cI/AAAAAAAABbM/75ZyjXnAN6E/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYkeec6qbNU/TapnLaWo0cI/AAAAAAAABbM/75ZyjXnAN6E/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-70582873174978340222011-04-15T14:42:00.001-05:002011-04-15T14:44:47.270-05:00An Epic Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpH6MUTbsZI/Taic1gJ-E1I/AAAAAAAABbA/bX8fn5sffZU/s1600/dsc_0694+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpH6MUTbsZI/Taic1gJ-E1I/AAAAAAAABbA/bX8fn5sffZU/s320/dsc_0694+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Good gravy, it was a ton of work, but sooo very worth it! A sale of all sales, more than a year in the making, sorting, organizing, laundering, donating, donating, donating, pricing, hauling, parting, remembering, all things baby boy. Trying to squeeze in time on weekends, nights, etc. when there really isn't any time, but we did it, yahoo! Matt and I had everything coordinated, ready, organized, and clean, go Team Krol! We have hung on to the special outfits and toys and probably still too much but oh I have a memory for almost everything. While it was tough to part with some of it (I still could not give up a few things maybe next time), it feels good to have our basement back again and a fresh start and some funds to put toward something we have been working toward for a long time and praying for to work out! You'll have to stay tuned for more on that! <br />
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Friday started out blah, but we're used to that weather here in April so we are so grateful for all the buyers who were out that morning waiting for us to open! Thankfully Matt was home, Tia Irene was over to help and we were able to open and get E to school on time ;) Saturday big thanks to Tia Irene again and Grandma Helen for helping us out. <br />
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Saturday's weather was so much nicer and E ended up selling $50 worth of lemonade thanks to some sweet customers and generous donations from 2 Grandmas. He is quite the salesman, people would say, "how can you say no to him?" He was relentless. Today he made his donation to the Red Cross. He even came up with a joke and we wrote it with chalk..<i>What kind of playtime do lemons have? Squeeze-Time!" </i>:)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aiden's pouty and at the same time threatening do not dare sell this chair face...<br />
if only there were 4 my dear! :)</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">E making his donation!</div><br />
And as I am looking out the window today, I am so glad we did the sale last weekend!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-68709697250284706462011-04-14T21:59:00.001-05:002011-04-14T21:59:55.357-05:00Dear Mom...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZS3Qq0Y8Gs/Taez75p1pPI/AAAAAAAABaw/c16lXFG2MwU/s1600/miracle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZS3Qq0Y8Gs/Taez75p1pPI/AAAAAAAABaw/c16lXFG2MwU/s640/miracle.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-15762940390196334242011-04-14T15:09:00.007-05:002011-04-14T21:28:07.816-05:00All We Could Think About 5 Years Ago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuR9mhdSCPs/TaetMAV8A3I/AAAAAAAABas/qU8ZTkNtbwA/s1600/BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuR9mhdSCPs/TaetMAV8A3I/AAAAAAAABas/qU8ZTkNtbwA/s320/BG.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>was our adorable little E making it one day, one week, one month, one year, FIVE YEARS free from his cancer. It seemed like eternity. I remember walking the survivor lap with him at Relay for Life, him swimming in his shirt because he was so little and praying with every bone in my body that he would see 5, and simultaneously my heart breaking for the parents who were losing their children. To me, the greatest heartache Earth could ever hold.<br />
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Yesterday E had his bloodwork done and his tumor marker is super low, the most wonderful news!!! So much has happened in the past 5 years, but we are so determined to honor E and his amazing spirit by never taking one single moment for granted. And he is now part of the fight against cancer as he understands more and wants to do more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QobTfJWo3xs/TadS_i9DmRI/AAAAAAAABao/DZJUV4DzFcU/s1600/DSC_0250bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QobTfJWo3xs/TadS_i9DmRI/AAAAAAAABao/DZJUV4DzFcU/s320/DSC_0250bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year we are again part of Relay for Life, and have been for 5 years now. We continue to share E's story of hope and embrace his journey as a survivor. We continue to fight this disease because we will never forget what this disease is, what it can do, and much more importantly <i><b>what it cannot do</b></i>. It cannot keep people from coming together to raise funds, honor their loved ones, and keep hope in their hearts. If you would like to donate to our team, E-Strong, you can do so at this link. Thank you ever so much. <br />
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<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=30727&team_id=823981">http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=30727&team_id=823981</a><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-48537617104411265472011-04-11T23:31:00.002-05:002011-04-11T23:35:00.391-05:00A Grateful Home II<i>And the list continues (see previous post)...</i><br />
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<i>26. dandelion "flowers"</i><br />
<i>27. Liam saying yeyyow </i><br />
<i>28. a full picnic table</i><br />
<i>29. the entertainment value of a water spigot </i><br />
<i>30. Tarzan boy</i><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-47967341161448987272011-04-11T14:18:00.002-05:002011-04-11T14:47:10.908-05:00A Grateful HomeLast fall I came across a book by Ann Voskamp, <i style="font-weight: bold;">One Thousand Gifts, </i>and from the description provided alone I pre-ordered it. I am so glad I did because this book, now on the New York Times bestseller list, is changing lives including mine. <br />
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I have started my own gratitude journal, my own version of <i>Polyanna's</i> glad game. It's a way to center me in these full, intense days of raising 5 boys 5 and under (4 the same age). It's a way for me to stay focused on the joy, the present, the gift He has given me. <br />
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<i>1. a life encompassing all things boy</i><br />
<i>7. lightening up</i><br />
<i>11. a son's intent to save the world</i><br />
<i>13. tears while writing heartfelt words</i><br />
<i>14. a husband deep in the trenches with me</i><br />
<i>18. 5 boy wonders</i><br />
<i>19. a toothless grin</i><br />
<i>21. E's rendition of "Here Comes the Sun"</i><br />
<i>25. the gentle reminder that tomorrow is a day filled new again with His blessings and joy if I am only open to receive them</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Not only am I starting a gratitude journal, but we are focusing more on gratitude as a family and I will share soon. I hope it will help us as parents and our boys to grow our family roots deeper and stronger. In my heart I cannot come up with anything more meaningful to give your children, especially in this world, than the ability to slow down, take it all in, cherish, savor, bond, and grow their little souls. <br />
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</center><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-91278582941950011262011-04-10T19:59:00.005-05:002011-04-11T14:06:12.158-05:00The Red Flyer Gang and more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our garage sale was a big success in our opinion and I will write more on that this week. In the meantime, here are a couple fun videos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Red Flyer Gang...since Santa brought them at Christmastime, they have really mastered their little scooters and have formed their own little gang. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">We've been talking about colors and shapes for a long time now, and they now try drawing circles and they are starting to get it! That is when they keep the crayons on the paper ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Kids pick up on so much if you just sit down, take the time, and keep it fun. Recently I took the grippy, non-slip rubber shelf liner (you can buy a whole roll for $3 at Target) and cut out shapes in a few different colors, we turn on some music and I have them stand on the shape. They are getting the hang of it, except Griffin never wants to leave his green circle ;) I will post some more ideas soon (and hopefully a video too)! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">*pay no attention to my voice, I am so not a fan of hearing myself on video*</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234546788217388900.post-22286919243815244702011-04-07T14:00:00.003-05:002011-04-07T15:53:40.991-05:00Busy Humble BeesSpring is in the air...ahh!!! We are busy bees around here getting ready for a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday. We are hoping these funds will help with all the new gear, etc. the boys need, especially a new stroller! <br />
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Yet in the midst of the never ending pile of prepping that I am finding myself under, even with my love of all things organized, God always has a way of sending the <i>make sure you stay focused on what is important </i>message.<br />
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Last week Ethan asked how he could help the children in Japan and the idea he came up with is having a lemonade stand at our sale. He heard of the Red Cross and their helping in Japan and we talked about how they help everywhere, even in the U.S., even right here in Illinois. So, if you're in the neighborhood, stop on by for a glass of lemonade being served by the boy with the heart of gold. <br />
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Then today I received a call from a breast cancer charity, while I told them how I would love to help, right now we focus on raising money for Relay for Life and that Ethan is approaching (next month) his 5 year cancer-free milestone. Her response could have come in 800 different shapes and sizes, but she chose...GOD bless your son m'am, bless your whole family and it came from her heart.<br />
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Yes it's springtime and yes we're working hard in the Krol home, but not too hard to let the goodness He so freely gives pass us by. <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/oneblessedmamacopy.png" />Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427838151333552702noreply@blogger.com0