tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25575242674483430482024-03-12T17:00:04.165-07:00The Reed LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.comBlogger719125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-30339827537952772262015-06-23T11:25:00.002-07:002015-06-23T11:29:08.270-07:00why am i schooling at home, you ask?why am i doing school at home?<br />
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lots of you have asked.<br />
(lots of you haven't asked.)<br />
i also ask myself this question all the time.<br />
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why am i doing it?<br />
it's not like i couldn't really benefit from a few hours of quiet everyday.<br />
we all know i love silence.<br />
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i am not anti-public school.<br />
i am not anti-private school.<br />
i am not anti-social settings (well maybe sometimes).<br />
i like people.<br />
my kids like people.<br />
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so here is my place.<br />
right now, my place just for today.<br />
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i started teaching them in hawaii from (in my mind) necessity.<br />
it started with me thinking, "i really don't think i can handle this, but i'm going to try. I'm going to do it anyway".<br />
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and it somehow (surprisingly for me) turned into me liking it!<br />
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i realized so many things about myself and my children.<br />
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i started learning things with them.<br />
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i realized that they are learning possibly just as much from watching me learn things and modeling an open interested mind as actually learning the thing.<br />
we read the little house on the prairie series.<br />
they begged for next chapter after next chapter.<br />
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my mind had never really wrapped around the story of our country, but we all read our history book and were inspired with patriotism as our founding fathers wrestled with the declaration of independence.<br />
we learned and cringed over their first exposure to the horrors of slavery.<br />
we talked and discussed wars and national struggles.<br />
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we hugged little bodies when math was so so incredibly hard and helped them realize that they truly must try again.<br />
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i watched them get mad when i edited first drafts of papers.<br />
i smiled and kept my chin up after more anger at the second draft edit.<br />
i sighed as they REALIZED that that's just how you do it. It's NEVER perfect the first time. or the second. or even the third.<br />
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i read journal entry after journal entry and watched them morph and from crumpled, mis-spelled fragments to confident strong strokes of hilarity.<br />
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i started by doing parent led art projects and watched their love for artistically expressing themselves (through whatever art supplies we had lying around) become part of our daily lives.<br />
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they pretend all day long.<br />
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they argue, but then they work out problems on their own.<br />
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they have responsibilities.<br />
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they are getting older and their chores and jobs really do help me and make our home a place i want to be.<br />
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i could go on and on, but i think you get the picture.<br />
our family dynamic completely changed.<br />
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and now we live in a place that has many many good school options. public, private, charter…you can send them anywhere you want.<br />
i was ready to do that.<br />
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but, now i have to ask myself if i even want to?<br />
is that best?<br />
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i mean, it might be nice.<br />
the good part would be to have quiet space.<br />
to be able to think on my own.<br />
to be able to have a little bit of time for myself.<br />
but in thinking about those good parts, i sometimes forget to think about the challenges of putting my kids back into (possibly 3 different) schools.<br />
i don't really need to do a list do i?<br />
(homework, teacher's ideas, fast paced schedules, social dynamics….)<br />
the challenges aren't impossible.<br />
i'm not afraid.<br />
i just add up the pros and cons on both sides, for US and…..<br />
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i pick school at home.<br />
and let me add, so do my kids.<br />
if they were begging to try out school, i don't think i'd say no.<br />
i'd let them go.<br />
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i am not interested in forcing this.<br />
i don't think homeschooling is the key to life.<br />
in fact those that do are the reason i hesitate to get involved with homeschool groups.<br />
(even though I DID just sign up for one to start into in the fall…pray for me)<br />
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<br />
we are all just figuring out this parenting gig.<br />
no one is an expert.<br />
our story is different from yours and homeschool fits for us.<br />
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reedo travels a lot. and we have been asked to move around a bit and that part of our story probably isn't over.<br />
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the homeschooling works with that.<br />
if i have to follow verizon wireless around the country so that my husband can provide for me staying home and being the mom to our children, then i don't need teachers and principals and schedules in the mix too.<br />
i start to feel too smothered.<br />
and when i know i can just teach them myself and that it is actually great for us, is there really any other choice?<br />
is there something ELSE that i ought to do?<br />
i don't think so.<br />
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for now, this is my place.<br />
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i am always looking for my humble place.<br />
and this is it today.<br />
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ask me again tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-43361281418060469732015-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:002015-06-05T08:00:07.035-07:00my little mermaid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-64879314634359077602015-06-03T16:04:00.000-07:002015-06-03T16:12:54.573-07:00the reeds get settled in arizonaso, usually when i start to feel annoying by posting so many words or even pictures onto instagram, i end up coming back to the old reed life blog.<br />
i feel like that today, but i also have some things to consider regarding this little share space.<br />
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we really live in Arizona now.<br />
we left behind the ocean and the tropics for the desert.<br />
we ditched the tiny temporary apartment.<br />
we found a lovely spanish, santa barbara style home that i LOVE.<br />
so far so good, but i mean, it's the FIRST hot week of the season, so….<br />
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we've decided to continue homeschool for the time being, but my mentality is changing.<br />
instead of feeling like it's sorta my only choice ( like its the lesser of a few evils), this year i am feeling like i have a million options and the best one for us is learning at home.<br />
just typing that feels sorta crazy.<br />
but it is true.<br />
this year, instead of feeling terrified i feel pretty excited.<br />
this year, i've made some good connections with some rad, humble, "non-bossy" homeschool moms that are just willing to share and have good honest conversations ( like texting in between business) about things to make teaching three grades without going insane possible.<br />
it's helping me have courage.<br />
it's helping me take my place as the boss of my kids learning.<br />
i like it.<br />
(i mean i'd love to go get a pedicure right now, but this is good too.)<br />
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and yet again, i am reminded that my hopes about my own certain needs may be a little off.<br />
i'm reminded that i CAN survive without alone time as often as i'd like.<br />
deep breath.<br />
with out a quiet house.<br />
deep breath.<br />
God will provide what i truly need in the midst of this.<br />
i can lean on him, right?<br />
right.<br />
<br />
so, all of that said, here are some photos of fun things that we've been doing around here.<br />
and, you know, the old snapshots that i've always done of the crazy reed life…<br />
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Jake says goodbye to surfer hair</div>
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the kids are all getting used to their new chores and jobs in our new house</div>
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reedo takes us for a spin in his fresh car</div>
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(he's not nervous at all)</div>
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i've been trying to be more fun and willing to do science related activities.</div>
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we tried making dry ice filled bubbles.</div>
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it was very cool.</div>
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we live in the desert, but our house has a crazy amount of potted plants that need water constantly.</div>
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ella and ty help me get to them all regularly.</div>
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i wish you could hear ty talk about his plants.</div>
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he tells them his memory verses. </div>
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he told me he feels like they have their own way of talking to him</div>
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like, if they've had enough water, then it starts to pour out the bottom of the basket </div>
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and if their leaves turn brown he has to snip them off with his pocket knife to let the plant send it's energy to the new buds.</div>
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he says they are like his treasures.</div>
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and i just stare at hime with those little emoji heart eyes...</div>
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today, we did this rainbow milk experiment.</div>
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i followed the directions from <a href="http://artfulparent.com/2014/07/awesome-rainbow-milk-science-experiment.html" target="_blank">this</a>.</div>
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my favorite part was making all different hues and tints in the swirling milk….</div>
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not sure if this is really science but i don't really care.</div>
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maybe it's more in the art department.</div>
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which is fine with me.</div>
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so, that's what we've been up to.</div>
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thanks for keeping up with this little on again off again sharing spot of mine.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-91942672093973684062015-02-15T19:07:00.000-08:002015-02-15T19:07:37.750-08:00hello<br />
i live in arizona now.<br />
we live in a tiny apartment.<br />
we are buying a really lovely home in scottsdale.<br />
i am so excited to get in there.<br />
it's hard to describe how much it already feels like our home.<br />
you'll see, it just fits us like a glove somehow.<br />
it's not even my normal style, but it somehow feels like our home.<br />
but, it's not even a red and aqua 50s style kitchen at all….you'll just have to see.<br />
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for now, i am trying to be grateful for today.<br />
to breath deeply through the daily mess that happens from schooling and living in a tiny space without our things.<br />
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these photos are the start of a little series of photos i call "apartment living".<br />
when i feel like i want to scream, i take a picture instead.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-45813632128930003142015-01-06T22:14:00.000-08:002015-01-06T22:14:02.315-08:00are we there yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
tonight i am packing up all the school books we will need for the next few months.</div>
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we are leaving soon to move into temporary housing in the phoenix area.</div>
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we will look for a home once we get there.</div>
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one good part about moving with a big company is that they have a system down for moving their people.</div>
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they help us sell our house.</div>
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they help us ship our cars.</div>
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but even a big wireless phone company can get a little thrown by hawaii.</div>
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it's just a little farther and a little more complicated.</div>
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my head is spinning.</div>
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there are still kids to pack for that haven't worn shoes that aren't flip flops in a while.</div>
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figuring out what to pack and what is not longer needed.</div>
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i'm ready to go.</div>
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the drawn out part of moving on is….rough.</div>
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but i don't want to forget to have fun with them!</div>
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as we try not to get too behind in school to allow time for house hunting once we get there.</div>
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deeeeep breaths.</div>
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i have to take them to say goodbye to the places that they love.</div>
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all while trying to keep the house spotless for potential buyers that want to have a look.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-iIvmHTzVM/VKjGeWHbYNI/AAAAAAAAo9c/l7-UWTpCfk0/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-iIvmHTzVM/VKjGeWHbYNI/AAAAAAAAo9c/l7-UWTpCfk0/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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when we get to arizona, we will have been apart from reedo for almost a month.</div>
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ouch.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GC0x8w704Y/VKjE6DPTJBI/AAAAAAAAoz0/Yvno_yQ0Uvo/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GC0x8w704Y/VKjE6DPTJBI/AAAAAAAAoz0/Yvno_yQ0Uvo/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the best part of this new chapter and the light at the end of the tunnel is that reedo's new job will not require as much long travel time.</div>
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that is why we are making this investment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that is what is getting me through tonight. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-39181460848508310882015-01-04T21:03:00.000-08:002015-01-05T00:58:02.660-08:00moving onwe did it.<br />
we lived for two years, almost exactly, on an island.<br />
there were such amazing things about it.<br />
i've never felt more brave than when i moved away from the place i'd always known.<br />
i've never felt my patience grow as much as when i homeschooled my children while my husband was gone half the time.<br />
the ocean! i like the ocean so much more after living here in hawaii.<br />
my kids are thriving and expressive and growing and bonded in such a new way and i know that this adventure has been so good for us all.<br />
i wouldn't change it for anything.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyOqBapGadg/VKjGA_wiN-I/AAAAAAAAo7E/vecdfnglgWk/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyOqBapGadg/VKjGA_wiN-I/AAAAAAAAo7E/vecdfnglgWk/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and now my reedo has a sparkly new job in arizona.<br />
what a gift to have a good job.<br />
a job that my husband wants and is good at.<br />
arizona, huh?<br />
ok.<br />
sounds hot. and sandy-ish. and brown.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou7Hj4iaqT0/VKjGh1iuJiI/AAAAAAAAo9s/3XDraY82I5E/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou7Hj4iaqT0/VKjGh1iuJiI/AAAAAAAAo9s/3XDraY82I5E/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
i'll be honest, though. i didn't really feel excited about hawaii either.<br />
i think i may be a piece of work.<br />
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the strange thing about me, lately, is that as we drive around the island doing our "last time on the north shore" and "our last time" at this place or that place i start to feel oddly comfortable in this phase of leaving. i haven't held on very tightly to any of this. i remember the music that i listened to as i left california and the feeling of loss is bizarrely comforting. weird, huh?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5SzQiUW3Lg/VKjHAdjPp5I/AAAAAAAAo_c/r0kpd4vW0AE/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5SzQiUW3Lg/VKjHAdjPp5I/AAAAAAAAo_c/r0kpd4vW0AE/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
i'm ready for this next place.<br />
i'm ready to be surprised.<br />
i'm ready to see what the Lord has got for us.<br />
i'm sure it won't be what i would pick, and i think that may be best, ya know?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwvhhFYOh-Q/VKjGyPwEjGI/AAAAAAAAo-M/tY7Q2lap7d4/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwvhhFYOh-Q/VKjGyPwEjGI/AAAAAAAAo-M/tY7Q2lap7d4/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-59475277755800989132015-01-03T20:26:00.001-08:002015-01-03T20:26:02.985-08:00and then over a year went by….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i am still here.</div>
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on our little island.</div>
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my hair is longer.</div>
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my kids are still my favorite and also with me all the time.</div>
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which is challenging.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VE__v-lcWe4/VH9jZ1n9CoI/AAAAAAAAoqk/lHe47JJ_9mc/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VE__v-lcWe4/VH9jZ1n9CoI/AAAAAAAAoqk/lHe47JJ_9mc/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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jake is practically a teenager and also nowhere near a teenager.</div>
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we are super beachy and tan and full of aloha spirit.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzNssKL8_aA/VH_jRbmL6_I/AAAAAAAAots/OyBlK7EN5T8/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzNssKL8_aA/VH_jRbmL6_I/AAAAAAAAots/OyBlK7EN5T8/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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ty is still amazingly kind and patient and thoughtful.</div>
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he's one of those people that makes you realize how mean you really are in comparison.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqrKNFXjUGg/VH_jUK6cPbI/AAAAAAAAot8/mTncplo25fU/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqrKNFXjUGg/VH_jUK6cPbI/AAAAAAAAot8/mTncplo25fU/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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ella is amazing and strong and won't take….crap from anyone.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
so…</div>
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now we are moving.</div>
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to arizona.</div>
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california to hawaii to arizona.</div>
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i thought i should try and blog a little so as not to overwhelm instagram with my information and words.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V8LUFxKVbg/VH4pShJrSKI/AAAAAAAAol4/2i_mCDXnoKM/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V8LUFxKVbg/VH4pShJrSKI/AAAAAAAAol4/2i_mCDXnoKM/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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remember how when i used to blog i was terrible at responding to your commentary, but still really liked reading it?</div>
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that will be the same and maybe worse since i will be moving and stuff.</div>
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if i was ty, i would respond to everyone, but there can only be one ty in the world.</div>
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maybe i should teach him to blog….</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-63325823125626534372013-11-15T17:47:00.000-08:002013-11-15T17:49:46.063-08:00books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i love reading</div>
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we all love it over here.</div>
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my favorite part of homeschooling is the reading part.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYVAWD2THrM/UnQb1qSr6RI/AAAAAAAAk7M/xY5Rg8TPY0g/s1600/IMAGE_269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYVAWD2THrM/UnQb1qSr6RI/AAAAAAAAk7M/xY5Rg8TPY0g/s400/IMAGE_269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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this year we are reading the Little House on the Prairie books and i had no idea how hooked we ALL would be.</div>
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it's amazing.</div>
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i really believe that God speaks to me through books.</div>
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i mean....the Bible, of course.</div>
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but i have found that he can use any book. (and anything!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwqpHkKYFk/UlcYk28RK8I/AAAAAAAAkzM/Z9rXZefqhc8/s1600/IMAGE_249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwqpHkKYFk/UlcYk28RK8I/AAAAAAAAkzM/Z9rXZefqhc8/s640/IMAGE_249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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these books are written for chidren, but they are for everyone.</div>
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and they are especially for us reeds this year.</div>
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we are not going west to homestead, </div>
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but we are traveling to different homes with only really our family as a constant.</div>
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we aren't fighting prairie fires, </div>
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but we are learning to make a home somewhere unfamiliar.</div>
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our "pa" isn't going off to harvest in neighboring counties for the summer and coming back on foot in the snow,</div>
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but we all know JUST how the Ingall girls felt when we find ourselves listening for reedo's footsteps and counting the days until his return.</div>
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it's just a gift.</div>
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the kids beg for more every night.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9kfDdS7EAQ/UlcV5mVXJMI/AAAAAAAAkrI/LLkisqLknJA/s1600/IMAGE_185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9kfDdS7EAQ/UlcV5mVXJMI/AAAAAAAAkrI/LLkisqLknJA/s640/IMAGE_185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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the more i read to my kids </div>
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the more they seem to love reading.</div>
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to me and to themselves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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and just one more thing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnwZiJg2KU/UlcYkKpDcDI/AAAAAAAAkzE/DRis97ESeHk/s1600/IMAGE_248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnwZiJg2KU/UlcYkKpDcDI/AAAAAAAAkzE/DRis97ESeHk/s640/IMAGE_248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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i have found that reading something they are enjoying to them </div>
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while they sketch or do quiet legos has made me feel like a really good mom.</div>
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do your kids ever just really want you to "play" with them and you just don't have it in you?</div>
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you want to be with them, but you just can't pretend to like legos or barbies right now?</div>
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well, that happens to me a lot </div>
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and i've found that if i first just volunteer to read while they play it still counts as playing to them!</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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yesssssss.</div>
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just a thought.</div>
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you should try it.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-24242665474673352612013-11-01T15:01:00.000-07:002013-11-02T11:51:20.200-07:00tee-pee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
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if you live on our street you will know us because we have a tee-pee on our porch.</div>
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<br /></div>
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this is the story.</div>
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<br /></div>
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we are studying early american history.</div>
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i am a newly homeschooling mom, who has a good amount of over confidence in my creativity.</div>
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it thought about what i wanted to do for our first homeschool art project and a tee-pee was the obvious choice.</div>
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patterns and DIYs are all over pinterest so, why not?</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Uv86gkPMQ/UnQerynghqI/AAAAAAAAlCo/hj_RIA7xBDQ/s1600/IMAGE_326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Uv86gkPMQ/UnQerynghqI/AAAAAAAAlCo/hj_RIA7xBDQ/s640/IMAGE_326.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br /></div>
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i got the pattern <a href="http://www.makesmesmile.org/?p=8110" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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i liked it because it was a big one.</div>
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but the pattern has the words "bad ass" on it which jake thought was pretty edgy, for me...</div>
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you've been warned.</div>
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<br /></div>
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this is how it went down.</div>
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i gathered up a bunch of example patterns for them to look at and</div>
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they each designed a panel on paper.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9mf1QCwuqA/UnQdxfdh_aI/AAAAAAAAlCY/GpzQlFPBBQc/s1600/IMAGE_325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9mf1QCwuqA/UnQdxfdh_aI/AAAAAAAAlCY/GpzQlFPBBQc/s640/IMAGE_325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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i drew out the panels on the canvas and</div>
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we cut out all the pieces</div>
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there were some mistakes.</div>
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but i knew that would happen.</div>
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i had purchased an extra drop cloth for that reason.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_O_9bxg1PM/UnQdAJRVnZI/AAAAAAAAlB4/0gM6fszM5qg/s1600/IMAGE_323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_O_9bxg1PM/UnQdAJRVnZI/AAAAAAAAlB4/0gM6fszM5qg/s640/IMAGE_323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i let jake man the drill</div>
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that was hard for me.</div>
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but he was fine.</div>
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and we all sanded the wood.</div>
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i let them all sew a few of the seams, but that is not pictured since i was too stressed...</div>
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and i finished up the sewing part by myself after loosing my cool a few too many times.</div>
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yep.</div>
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and then the best part came.</div>
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the part where it turned into "the best homeschool project ever in the world".</div>
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after i transferred their designs onto their panels in sharpie, we set the whole thing up and everyone began to paint.</div>
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it was good.</div>
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everyone (including me) was relaxed and happy.</div>
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we worked on it in the garage at night, while reedo was away on a trip.</div>
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it was probably 89 degrees in there, but no one cared.</div>
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everyone was focused.</div>
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when we finished i gave them each a toy bow and arrow to play with in it and it has been quite a hit.</div>
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it even inspired some of our halloween costumes</div>
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i think it will go down in history as a very cool part of our time homeschooling.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-71079117312057991632013-10-14T23:27:00.000-07:002013-10-14T23:27:01.305-07:00why o why do i homeschool?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
first of all, thanks for still being my friends.</div>
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even after i ditched you for a time.</div>
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you guys are the best.</div>
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so, i guess i'll just start at the beginning.</div>
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why did we choose homeschool?</div>
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if you are hoping that this is going to be a rant about how homeschool is the only way to raise kids properly, click away....</div>
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homeschool is what WE chose for our unique circumstances. </div>
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it is hard.</div>
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i sorta hate it.</div>
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i sorta love it.</div>
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i am very very tired all the time from it.</div>
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i am also amazed at the amount of really truly good times i can have with my favorite ever people.</div>
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we chose to do it when reedo got a great job opportunity in hawaii.</div>
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it is a two year commitment but it COULD be less than that. </div>
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we don't have much say about the timing for our next move OR where we will go next.</div>
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we moved to hawaii in the middle of the school year, last year.</div>
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so as you can see there are a large amount of unknowns.</div>
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but we decided that we could do it and that it might even be good for our family.</div>
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and we decided that it'd be a great opportunity to try out homeschooling since it might make a bit of a more stable environment while moving our little guys all over for the next few years.</div>
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it's not like hawaii is super well known for it's amazing schools either.</div>
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(although i am sure there are some great ones out there) </div>
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and we are just not going to be here long enough to figure out where we'd need to be to go to the good schools.</div>
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so that's kinda it.</div>
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i haven't been pining to homeschool all my life.</div>
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i WAS homeschooled until I was in third grade, so i think there was a part of me that thought i could probably do it because it's not completely unfamiliar.</div>
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when we move to our next place, i do not know what we will do for schooling.</div>
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we just have to see.</div>
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but i will tell you this.</div>
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i DO NOT regret choosing it.</div>
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it is such an incredible learning experience for me.</div>
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i feel light years ahead of the mommy who felt at the mercy of the public school teachers and the whole set up over there.</div>
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i feel in charge of my kids education.</div>
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i feel well educated MYSELF (and still growing) on the fact that i can choose what is important and needed for my kids to become intelligent well rounded human beings.</div>
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and when/if i do go back to sending them away to school, i will feel a good kind of power and understanding while dealing with their teachers.</div>
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i'll hopefully know when to just let things go.</div>
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i'll know when to push for things and how to better help my kids.</div>
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having your kids with you ALL the time is hard, my friends.</div>
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but so is letting them go.</div>
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so i can't wish any of it away, by reaching for the other.</div>
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it's all hard.</div>
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this parenting gig is not for the weak of heart.</div>
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it is heart wrenching.</div>
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and just when you think you've got it down...</div>
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you WILL get a reminder (somehow) not to get up on your high horse.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-84959479982071168122013-10-10T14:37:00.002-07:002013-10-10T14:37:45.677-07:00oh my gosh, hey!i just sat in front of my blogger dashboard for a few seconds trying to remember which button to push to start a new post.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeRNPDJIh9g/UlcV4MVN6UI/AAAAAAAAkq4/5XnKXYUD7ZM/s1600/IMAGE_184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeRNPDJIh9g/UlcV4MVN6UI/AAAAAAAAkq4/5XnKXYUD7ZM/s640/IMAGE_184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i think if i picked up my cannon, i'd have to do the same.<br />
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things in this reed life are different.<br />
just different.<br />
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homeschooling is different than not homeschooling.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGSYe-ppgxE/UlcV3c9nNdI/AAAAAAAAkq8/rLcP1QKYKl0/s1600/IMAGE_183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGSYe-ppgxE/UlcV3c9nNdI/AAAAAAAAkq8/rLcP1QKYKl0/s640/IMAGE_183.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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living in hawaii is different from not living in hawaii.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iMWLAZEtNAw/UjaVkoK0uRI/AAAAAAAAkYo/WI_fD7k0pMo/s1600/IMAGE_55.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iMWLAZEtNAw/UjaVkoK0uRI/AAAAAAAAkYo/WI_fD7k0pMo/s640/IMAGE_55.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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starting from scratch with relationships and personal connections is different than dealing with them after years and years of history.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNpFLZxU-w/UjaWDxIAmBI/AAAAAAAAka4/dNBPms227E8/s1600/IMAGE_73.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNpFLZxU-w/UjaWDxIAmBI/AAAAAAAAka4/dNBPms227E8/s640/IMAGE_73.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and because the is so much work, blogging has lost it's luster for me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhE1doUcFQA/UjaY0Yx8BVI/AAAAAAAAkgM/1NAstVOzFFs/s1600/IMAGE_115.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhE1doUcFQA/UjaY0Yx8BVI/AAAAAAAAkgM/1NAstVOzFFs/s640/IMAGE_115.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i am still on instagram, with a tiny community of people that i already know, but not wanting to expand it past that since i have a hard time keeping up with what i already have.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlC5buagnNM/Uj0La9xei4I/AAAAAAAAkis/UEoVIsuHh3A/s1600/IMAGE_125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlC5buagnNM/Uj0La9xei4I/AAAAAAAAkis/UEoVIsuHh3A/s640/IMAGE_125.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but i do feel a pull every once in a while to share.<br />
the things that i've been learning about life and homeschooling and friends and kids.<br />
i don't get my camera out much at all lately though, so phone pictures is it for today....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faxf0aPLiuU/Uj0Lrmku6OI/AAAAAAAAkjo/pOJfNOefPXo/s1600/IMAGE_133.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faxf0aPLiuU/Uj0Lrmku6OI/AAAAAAAAkjo/pOJfNOefPXo/s640/IMAGE_133.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i may have lost all my blogging friends by now, but i am feeling like i want to try and get back into it, so if you are still out there, do you have any questions that you've been wondering since i've been gone?<br />
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my list, so far, for ideas for sharing:<br />
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1. why we chose homeschool<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfPV69aOcK8/UlcWRbDuUEI/AAAAAAAAkto/uo2_9yiLCUE/s1600/IMAGE_203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfPV69aOcK8/UlcWRbDuUEI/AAAAAAAAkto/uo2_9yiLCUE/s640/IMAGE_203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. our teepee that we made<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhHxmsBT-pE/UlcYD3e-5mI/AAAAAAAAkuw/lhD-BwSBoLQ/s1600/IMAGE_212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhHxmsBT-pE/UlcYD3e-5mI/AAAAAAAAkuw/lhD-BwSBoLQ/s640/IMAGE_212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. the books we are in love with<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydlTdJPcDG0/Uj0MsZKwXqI/AAAAAAAAknY/ellrvckD0xg/s1600/IMAGE_162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydlTdJPcDG0/Uj0MsZKwXqI/AAAAAAAAknY/ellrvckD0xg/s640/IMAGE_162.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. what moving has taught me<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwSquvYiGDI/Uj0NKMTXBRI/AAAAAAAAkpA/2-UmAhLxF7s/s1600/IMAGE_176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwSquvYiGDI/Uj0NKMTXBRI/AAAAAAAAkpA/2-UmAhLxF7s/s640/IMAGE_176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. my feelings/thoughts about living in a place that we know is temporary<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LjnMNu7K1w/Uj0MbnCsvsI/AAAAAAAAkmY/E6QQbx-uz8k/s1600/IMAGE_155.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LjnMNu7K1w/Uj0MbnCsvsI/AAAAAAAAkmY/E6QQbx-uz8k/s640/IMAGE_155.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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6. my understanding with God that he is giving me a time of a sort of isolation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sz3Ar8vYA0/UlcYjpptwCI/AAAAAAAAkzA/ai26Jay8ocI/s1600/IMAGE_247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sz3Ar8vYA0/UlcYjpptwCI/AAAAAAAAkzA/ai26Jay8ocI/s640/IMAGE_247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. how my kids are swimmers now.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IiAAhKsl-U/Uj0NB8u3pDI/AAAAAAAAkoY/zZGGCAih8dI/s1600/IMAGE_171.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IiAAhKsl-U/Uj0NB8u3pDI/AAAAAAAAkoY/zZGGCAih8dI/s640/IMAGE_171.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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8. how homeschooling will change my outlook on my kids future teachers<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awoCLJbum4c/UlcYmu5wqCI/AAAAAAAAkzc/SyfwoyU9A_I/s1600/IMAGE_251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awoCLJbum4c/UlcYmu5wqCI/AAAAAAAAkzc/SyfwoyU9A_I/s640/IMAGE_251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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9. my trip to portland and bend<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pkTUAkr_b0/UjaVFU12eGI/AAAAAAAAkWg/PEi-M31K7FU/s1600/IMAGE_38.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pkTUAkr_b0/UjaVFU12eGI/AAAAAAAAkWg/PEi-M31K7FU/s640/IMAGE_38.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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10. how it's so awful to have to teach your kids about gross stuff like war and cruelty and hate since it's best for them to be aware of some things from you instead of others and when you send them to school you can sort of distance yourself and be a little mad at the school or the teacher (or something) about telling them, but it's different when you have to choose to tell them....to take a certain amount of innocence.(wow, maybe i should start with that.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz5kPt64CtI/UjaVZ6rouzI/AAAAAAAAkXw/1oxpeqP3twQ/s1600/IMAGE_48.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz5kPt64CtI/UjaVZ6rouzI/AAAAAAAAkXw/1oxpeqP3twQ/s640/IMAGE_48.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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11. how i struggle with long distance friendships since i am not a phone person.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwUYrDNp5rE/UjaVr-BFUzI/AAAAAAAAkZQ/svrZ0zXVeEQ/s1600/IMAGE_60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwUYrDNp5rE/UjaVr-BFUzI/AAAAAAAAkZQ/svrZ0zXVeEQ/s640/IMAGE_60.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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12. food in hawaii<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDUhzgdwYLw/UjaYLHpeFKI/AAAAAAAAkck/OHh2GCrme-s/s1600/IMAGE_86.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDUhzgdwYLw/UjaYLHpeFKI/AAAAAAAAkck/OHh2GCrme-s/s640/IMAGE_86.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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13. discipline, chores, allowance and manners with my homeschoolers<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSlQfSWnazQ/UlcVv4PcMvI/AAAAAAAAkqQ/qssbgl8WMvk/s1600/IMAGE_178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSlQfSWnazQ/UlcVv4PcMvI/AAAAAAAAkqQ/qssbgl8WMvk/s640/IMAGE_178.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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14. the bond that our time here has/is creating between the reed kids<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohzspCCK8-k/UlcWDbhywDI/AAAAAAAAkr4/vOVNR9uK6y4/s1600/IMAGE_191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohzspCCK8-k/UlcWDbhywDI/AAAAAAAAkr4/vOVNR9uK6y4/s640/IMAGE_191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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15. how reedo and i have dealt with the stresses that come with his traveling back and forth to the mainland and the move and all...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XoWTbaSZhI/UjaVhhdAgzI/AAAAAAAAkYQ/b_2la0vDOh0/s1600/IMAGE_52.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XoWTbaSZhI/UjaVhhdAgzI/AAAAAAAAkYQ/b_2la0vDOh0/s640/IMAGE_52.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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16. some of our favorite places on Oahu, so far<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWrFSsfwXrQ/Uj0MtrIG15I/AAAAAAAAknU/yp-6QuiKR_4/s1600/IMAGE_163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWrFSsfwXrQ/Uj0MtrIG15I/AAAAAAAAknU/yp-6QuiKR_4/s640/IMAGE_163.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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16. me and my reading glasses, and how i am (only) 34, but i really needed them and didn't realize how much my eyes were straining until my face started twitching and my head started aching....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnwZiJg2KU/UlcYkKpDcDI/AAAAAAAAkzE/DRis97ESeHk/s1600/IMAGE_248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnwZiJg2KU/UlcYkKpDcDI/AAAAAAAAkzE/DRis97ESeHk/s640/IMAGE_248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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17. the reed PE class<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50hmlsXrdaU/UlcYiDVnTTI/AAAAAAAAkys/ESgQZifZfIo/s1600/IMAGE_245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50hmlsXrdaU/UlcYiDVnTTI/AAAAAAAAkys/ESgQZifZfIo/s640/IMAGE_245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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what do you think?<br />
any input?<br />
i can barely even remember what i've last shared...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-22013441386568275572013-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:002013-08-15T22:44:51.784-07:00botanical gardens<div style="text-align: center;">
one of the best parts about this time in hawaii </div>
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is that we know it's not forever, </div>
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so we really try and explore the island.</div>
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now lots of time i'm a little limited since it's usually just me and the kids </div>
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and this time of year gets pretty crowded around here.</div>
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but, reedo's parents have been visiting and so it's been very fun to have them try out new places with us.</div>
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this week we explored the botanical gardens in the manoa valley.</div>
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it was breathtaking.</div>
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i need to go back with my real camera.</div>
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here is our fun through my iPhone lens...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N5BOIHAq7U/UgwjwkVHJTI/AAAAAAAAkPw/1ynT_NSqTyI/s800/IMAGE_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N5BOIHAq7U/UgwjwkVHJTI/AAAAAAAAkPw/1ynT_NSqTyI/s800/IMAGE_7.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OknbC5XP1t8/UgxxOhCJmVI/AAAAAAAAkTo/8PJFaIjJ5T0/s800/rose+protea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OknbC5XP1t8/UgxxOhCJmVI/AAAAAAAAkTo/8PJFaIjJ5T0/s800/rose+protea.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-1828984176026585952013-07-24T18:17:00.002-07:002013-07-24T18:17:39.584-07:00ten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my first born child is ten years old.</div>
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we looked back at pictures from his birth-day.</div>
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(giving birth was not my favorite.)</div>
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but getting him certainly was.</div>
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and as much as i love looking at those old pictures and remembering how sweet and tiny he was, and how young everyone else was in the pictures, i have to tell you that i <i>love</i> having a ten year old jake.</div>
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i guess i can't speak for every ten year old, but this one is just really really great.</div>
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i love having conversations where i realize he knows more than i do.</div>
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i love when he has ideas that are brilliant.</div>
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i love seeing him discover how great it feels to give to others of our time and energy.</div>
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i love that he loves to read like i do.</div>
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i just think i was made for this stage.</div>
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at least that's how i feel today.</div>
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so, to celebrate a decade with this brilliant fella, reedo and i SECRETLY planned a family get away to our favorite family happy place in maui.</div>
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the little kids ended up giving it away about 5 minutes from the airport.</div>
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while we were there, my big ten year old guy decided to treat his brother and sister each to a fancy souvenir with his own allowance money (he's a saver).</div>
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and the by the time we were there for one night, reedo and i agreed that parasailing would be the perfect memorable antic to remember this very special trip by.</div>
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parasailing.</div>
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with a parachute.</div>
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1200 feet in the air.</div>
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ok, so i agreed to it, but it was not easy for me.</div>
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but once they were up there and i was feeling good about the boat and the fellas running the whole deal, i was just so proud.</div>
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all three of my kids did it.</div>
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i still can't even believe it.</div>
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it was a very lovely relaxing time for us.</div>
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with reedo traveling more than we are used to, back and forth from the mainland, we really soak up those moments that we all get to be together.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-36545673862050257632013-07-22T17:44:00.001-07:002013-07-22T17:44:08.287-07:00the reed's underwater camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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a few of you have expressed interest in our family's underwater camera.</div>
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it actually is ty's camera.</div>
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he got it from his uncle and aunt for his birthday.</div>
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but we all love it.</div>
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it's from costco</div>
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Fujifilm FinePix XP60 Weatherproof Digital Camera Bundle</h1>
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<a href="http://www.costco.com/.product.100032443.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop%7CPopularProductsInCategory" target="_blank">(click here to get to costco's website)</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-13008702800045277052013-07-05T23:40:00.001-07:002013-07-05T23:40:20.580-07:00tiny date night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it took three hours, tops.</div>
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he is the sweetest, most thankful person i know.</div>
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we fulfilled a few of his little dreams.</div>
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he makes my heart feel like it will explode.</div>
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ski ball</div>
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winning the monkey</div>
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mommy having a go</div>
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"chicken dinner" at farrell's </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABj2yK6JtmU/Ude6Y8FhuyI/AAAAAAAAjVw/hneVThefm-k/s1600/IMAGE_642F96D4-71CC-4A11-8CC2-8C994C8365DD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABj2yK6JtmU/Ude6Y8FhuyI/AAAAAAAAjVw/hneVThefm-k/s640/IMAGE_642F96D4-71CC-4A11-8CC2-8C994C8365DD.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(that is all candy and ice cream)<br /></td></tr>
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it really didn't take much</div>
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why don't i do this more often?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-60523550475080405312013-07-04T01:19:00.003-07:002013-07-04T01:29:48.287-07:00lil' water ballerina <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after a few months with no time with my big girl camera, </div>
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ty and i decided to make a little photo shoot of our own with our favorite lil' darlin.</div>
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clearly she enjoyed it too....</div>
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our lil' water ballerina.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-84958157312080625992013-07-01T19:58:00.001-07:002013-07-01T20:02:26.518-07:00o hello again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
without even meaning to</div>
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i took some time for quiet</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hIV598Wk-Q/UcuBdnX1WMI/AAAAAAAAjEs/SMHZ4gWrkA8/s800/IMG_7711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hIV598Wk-Q/UcuBdnX1WMI/AAAAAAAAjEs/SMHZ4gWrkA8/s800/IMG_7711.jpg" /></a></div>
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instead of blogging, </div>
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i've been swimming and reading and sleeping</div>
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and thinking and instagramming </div>
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and being sick a lot and wondering and spending time with visitors </div>
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and listening and watching and cleaning....</div>
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you know?</div>
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just the normal stuff that you do.</div>
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i just haven't much felt like sharing.</div>
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generosity, with yourself, goes through waves i guess.</div>
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and, like i've mentioned before, my time is less my own than ever before.</div>
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i guess that makes me a bit more careful in how i spend the moments that are left over.</div>
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i'm sure it's just a season.</div>
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but today, as i am watching the wind blow droplets of sparse raindrops on my bedroom window and the palm trees flop back and forth, i feel like sharing.</div>
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i've been reading some good books.</div>
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wanta hear?</div>
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right now i'm reading "the last telegram". </div>
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just 6 chapters in.</div>
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but so far, i'm hooked.</div>
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it could get super sad, it's set during world war 2....just to warn you.</div>
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i just finished these three little numbers too...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2ydNK7ssl4/UdI-ki7TgiI/AAAAAAAAjQg/022cGidxCdE/s800/IMAGE_0A01CE2F-A44E-4E65-A79F-AF8C4E1E2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2ydNK7ssl4/UdI-ki7TgiI/AAAAAAAAjQg/022cGidxCdE/s800/IMAGE_0A01CE2F-A44E-4E65-A79F-AF8C4E1E2145.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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i told you i've been reading.</div>
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sometimes i just need to take words and ideas and photos IN instead of spitting them out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i hadn't done any photography since we first got here and we went to the north shore with phoebe, until the other day.</div>
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Ty and I decided to do a little photo shoot with our favorite beach darlin'.</div>
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here's one of my favorites.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W43C2mq8aZI/Uct9s9nSqzI/AAAAAAAAjD0/wHkeLV8I1U4/s800/IMG_7877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W43C2mq8aZI/Uct9s9nSqzI/AAAAAAAAjD0/wHkeLV8I1U4/s800/IMG_7877.jpg" /></a></div>
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i will share the rest soon.</div>
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just let me get warmed up back into blogging, ok?</div>
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<br /></div>
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we've been really into snorkeling.</div>
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well the kids have.</div>
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i've been into supervising.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPoC1GX6abI/UdI-PXV3mqI/AAAAAAAAjQY/r8d6Q7qDFcY/s800/IMAGE_B6C3FFBE-59A3-4043-AF36-D6FC87C31134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPoC1GX6abI/UdI-PXV3mqI/AAAAAAAAjQY/r8d6Q7qDFcY/s800/IMAGE_B6C3FFBE-59A3-4043-AF36-D6FC87C31134.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
and ty taught ella to ride her bike with no training wheels the other day!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZrNgQ4-mmE/Uc30qaNg4-I/AAAAAAAAjHE/lBRtduWkJvs/s1600/IMAGE_C57B3C00-CEF9-4AB9-8180-F6BFB00A2C6A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZrNgQ4-mmE/Uc30qaNg4-I/AAAAAAAAjHE/lBRtduWkJvs/s640/IMAGE_C57B3C00-CEF9-4AB9-8180-F6BFB00A2C6A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-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="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_ljV6Osh4CA/Uc30kCD3AXI/AAAAAAAAjG4/nm17bpz4xS8/s532/IMAGE_9A227A50-94FA-49A4-823B-C6D6E157706B.mov" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D7095115b7326404a%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1375325566%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D1CE3B995062B24FC38DAFFC7364B573D2DC669D3.BAFD2566006AD327A5455C99D43A6F05B7FB7B37%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D7095115b7326404a%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1375325566%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D1CE3B995062B24FC38DAFFC7364B573D2DC669D3.BAFD2566006AD327A5455C99D43A6F05B7FB7B37%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
it was THE sweetest ever in the history of the world.<br />
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eppO3j3k5QQ/Uc30npEFGpI/AAAAAAAAjGs/OpiFYkEZNHo/s1600/IMAGE_80EA7736-ACFE-4B52-8AB3-559749AC0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eppO3j3k5QQ/Uc30npEFGpI/AAAAAAAAjGs/OpiFYkEZNHo/s640/IMAGE_80EA7736-ACFE-4B52-8AB3-559749AC0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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of course there's more...</div>
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there's always more.</div>
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but this is what i've got today.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-39159669235641381552013-05-18T03:09:00.000-07:002013-05-18T03:10:00.989-07:00i'm going with that, a leap of faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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my life has never been this full.</div>
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this recent shift in my jobs, where, already seemingly busy, i've taken on yet another role with my children is breathtakingly....full.</div>
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i wake up each morning and spend every waking hour with my children.</div>
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i give them every meal, i teach them to take care of what we have, i teach them to take care of their bodies, i teach them their school work, i teach them to treat each other with kindness, i teach them how to manage their time.....all day. everyday.</div>
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those of you who still send your children off and miss them while they are gone for 6 or 7 hours, </div>
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you have a different can of worms, but this is mine.</div>
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it is lovely in it's way.</div>
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as lovely as a can of worms can be.</div>
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but it is truly all i can manage.</div>
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it's a struggle to do any "me things".</div>
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and it feels right to just stop struggling and let that go for now.</div>
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it seems completely off priority to think about making many friends.</div>
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i look at other ladies who fit in those things and its hard to imagine being there.</div>
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i have my jobs, i have my children, i have my husband, and i have my slowly becoming neglected friendships with my close friends and sisters and i can barely even do this.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-bSm37nPTU/UY36ek4ChWI/AAAAAAAAifA/1oBf95Ubmkk/s1600/IMAGE_D542ABC3-10AF-4F74-A51F-19F3A1AA4E3B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-bSm37nPTU/UY36ek4ChWI/AAAAAAAAifA/1oBf95Ubmkk/s640/IMAGE_D542ABC3-10AF-4F74-A51F-19F3A1AA4E3B.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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this chapter is temporary, i know.</div>
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which keeps me from panicking,</div>
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from worrying too much about all the things that surely i should be striving for.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5y2MIYoq680/UYn5s0iUXGI/AAAAAAAAiY8/SGSARGxxHCs/s1600/IMAGE_E9ECE972-3D3C-47A2-AF38-361D62CD564E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5y2MIYoq680/UYn5s0iUXGI/AAAAAAAAiY8/SGSARGxxHCs/s640/IMAGE_E9ECE972-3D3C-47A2-AF38-361D62CD564E.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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it feels like faith</div>
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to keep leaning in to something that on paper doesn't seem to add up.</div>
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to just trust that my needs will be provided for.</div>
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even when i can't really imagine what that might look like.</div>
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to believe that i am seen, right here, in this unique place and provisions are being made for my life.</div>
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that i am special to someone.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP7CssEFBfc/UY36by0s8AI/AAAAAAAAiew/0Ybb__9cnlk/s1600/IMAGE_F562965E-8137-4745-AF54-76582FF9046B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP7CssEFBfc/UY36by0s8AI/AAAAAAAAiew/0Ybb__9cnlk/s640/IMAGE_F562965E-8137-4745-AF54-76582FF9046B.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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some of you may hear my words and see my place and remember what it was like back when, and sigh with nostalgia and a little understanding</div>
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some may be mystified</div>
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still, some have even told me that they could not do what i am doing</div>
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that they are not cut out for....</div>
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homeschooling, being a parent, picking up and moving far away</div>
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and to you i say, "neither am i"</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-DepLP-fGE/UYn5miqFnYI/AAAAAAAAiYk/xJFLrbjVzfo/s1600/IMAGE_D2F08CD5-FFAF-480B-8F42-8A8DEA38C8D6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-DepLP-fGE/UYn5miqFnYI/AAAAAAAAiYk/xJFLrbjVzfo/s640/IMAGE_D2F08CD5-FFAF-480B-8F42-8A8DEA38C8D6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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i'm just doing it.</div>
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i'm leaning into something that doesn't seem to add up</div>
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i'm not cut out for this.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoQQWrfOfp4/UY36iy1iFbI/AAAAAAAAifY/BAcQKQvanc4/s1600/IMAGE_76882912-7B58-46C3-92BC-C2E214FCB75D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoQQWrfOfp4/UY36iy1iFbI/AAAAAAAAifY/BAcQKQvanc4/s640/IMAGE_76882912-7B58-46C3-92BC-C2E214FCB75D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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at times i am in awe of the beauty of this great, painfully beautiful responsibility.</div>
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and other times i just wish to hide. </div>
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to get a break.</div>
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to have my mommy come and take over my job so i can be a babygirl just one more time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-5OqySyFHw/UY36lRSSFMI/AAAAAAAAifo/jkeQ2OJccjY/s1600/IMAGE_C33CAB05-1D8F-4149-8C36-AE69EA7A230B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-5OqySyFHw/UY36lRSSFMI/AAAAAAAAifo/jkeQ2OJccjY/s640/IMAGE_C33CAB05-1D8F-4149-8C36-AE69EA7A230B.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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but,</div>
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one thing i <i>do</i> know is that i"ll wake up a few hours from now and help my kids build a fort that they can listen to their audiobook of "the hobbit" in, and i will do some laundry, and i will wait for reedo to return from his business trip, and i will debate with myself whether or not it's worth it to apply eyeliner when no one but i really notice it, i will do some dishes, and i will pick up 52 things left on the ground or out of place, and maybe plant some flowers while the kids ride their bikes in the front yard.</div>
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and my day will fly by, and i'll wonder what i even did.</div>
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and i'll just have to trust that that little non-eventful saturday will be added to others like it as well as the hundreds of other days and weeks and years and that it will mean something to someone.</div>
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yep, i'm going with that.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-85479421962240907502013-05-11T01:19:00.000-07:002013-05-11T01:19:06.941-07:0010 on 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8am</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EANrXaK03Yc/UY36pG6R39I/AAAAAAAAif4/Al0tWc_zDn4/s1600/IMAGE_667B8AF0-6E91-48C6-A790-EA8831399FF9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EANrXaK03Yc/UY36pG6R39I/AAAAAAAAif4/Al0tWc_zDn4/s640/IMAGE_667B8AF0-6E91-48C6-A790-EA8831399FF9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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9am</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jb4UJle-gAU/UY39ZbKgfUI/AAAAAAAAihM/BNc2BmAGbdM/s1600/IMAGE_55816A02-402E-4005-8EAA-BBDC11299824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jb4UJle-gAU/UY39ZbKgfUI/AAAAAAAAihM/BNc2BmAGbdM/s640/IMAGE_55816A02-402E-4005-8EAA-BBDC11299824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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10:30am</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Njox7CKALU/UY36qy7Z4BI/AAAAAAAAigA/TSsJrgbEFUw/s1600/IMAGE_518AA11A-89B8-4A91-86B9-51CD245BCF50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Njox7CKALU/UY36qy7Z4BI/AAAAAAAAigA/TSsJrgbEFUw/s640/IMAGE_518AA11A-89B8-4A91-86B9-51CD245BCF50.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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11am</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrcPA6dpYvI/UY36svFSYPI/AAAAAAAAigI/JiGVHlMqazI/s1600/IMAGE_F04CC573-635E-419C-9A23-BE10BE0A3DEE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrcPA6dpYvI/UY36svFSYPI/AAAAAAAAigI/JiGVHlMqazI/s640/IMAGE_F04CC573-635E-419C-9A23-BE10BE0A3DEE.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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1pm</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1uB1JyYlAo/UY36tif-X0I/AAAAAAAAigQ/LftOfF3SETE/s1600/IMAGE_7B7B966F-BDB6-4483-800F-1A04160832B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1uB1JyYlAo/UY36tif-X0I/AAAAAAAAigQ/LftOfF3SETE/s640/IMAGE_7B7B966F-BDB6-4483-800F-1A04160832B9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2pm</div>
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4pm</div>
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6pm</div>
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7pm</div>
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9:48pm</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-32621105219058352072013-05-08T00:39:00.000-07:002013-05-08T00:39:19.770-07:00a tiny list of gratefulness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
tonight, as i reflect on my day, i am grateful.</div>
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it was a good day.</div>
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tuesdays usually are, since they are my day that i get a few hours to myself.</div>
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i feel a little embarrassed at how much i enjoy my own company.</div>
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is that just so obnoxious?</div>
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i mean, i'm never REALLY alone.</div>
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so maybe i justbfeel a little less scattered and able to really think and listen to the Lord in my heart when i'm on my own.</div>
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so anyway, as i drove around form chore to chore, first dropping my sewing machine to be serviced (they quoted me $169.00 for a full service!!??? is that normal?!) </div>
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then to walmart for some grocery and birthday shopping </div>
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i was just felt like there were some things to inventory that i need to be grateful for.</div>
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things that i now realize are not a "given"</div>
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1. i am thankful for the opportunity to teach my kids to clean<br />
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2. i am thankful for<a href="http://picky-palate.com/2011/04/07/brown-butter-and-fleur-de-sel-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> browned butter chocolate chip cookies</span></a><br />
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3. i am thankful for how we are all growing together, painful or not.<br />
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4. i am thankful for how they can be "little" together.<br />
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5. i am thankful for ALL the time i am gettting with my children during the day.<br />
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6. i am thankful for jake's leadership.<br />
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7. i am thankful for swimsuit weather all year round.<br />
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8. i am thankful that ella and i are getting some time, just us this month while the boys do a football clinic. so needed.<br />
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9. i am thankful for ty's consistant good attitude. it is a gift to me.<br />
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10. i am thankful that he is not too big for his daddy's old cabbage patch kid, rather he is thrilled to have it passed down.<br />
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11. i am thankful for <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/05/brazilian-lemonade/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">brazillian lemonade.</span></a><br />
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12. i am thankful for his brain. he is really smart. the detail he retains is almost scary.<br />
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13. i am thankful for my own tiny little daffodils, right here in "paradise".<br />
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14. i am thankful for my husband. he is the only friend that i got to take with me into this new life, and i am grateful to not be alone.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-53150399343372461142013-04-28T23:56:00.002-07:002013-04-28T23:56:49.554-07:00unsearchable things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
it's interesting to me to see how in love with certain places people can be.<br />
maybe it's the tropics or their momma's kitchen table or the mountains or out on the ocean or anywhere...<br />
but we all have what we'd call our happiest place.<br />
and because many people have indicated that i now live in their happy place it makes me really think.<br />
because i DO love God's beautiful ocean and the amazing surroundings that are now close enough for me to drive to in an afternoon.<br />
but, i had that in california too.<br />
and it makes me wonder if you, who live in oregon or illinois or texas or new york or montana or washington or <i>everywhere</i>, have that close enough to drive to in an afternoon, too.<br />
i just wonder if what we <i>really</i> love is actually the place that we happen go to to recharge.<br />
our vacation place.<br />
our sabbath.<br />
the place where we take a break from our everyday stress and worries.<br />
because i have been living in the state of hawaii for four months now and i just this weekend really felt like i loved it for the first time.<br />
and it was when we took a family sabbath to maui.<br />
now, it's tempting to think that we should live there instead of where we DO live.<br />
you see?<br />
even for the girl who lives in paradise, there is still something to wish for....<br />
but i realize that what is so great about maui or wherever you are wishing to be, is that it's vacation.<br />
us reeds can be living right in the middle of what you may call paradise and not see it because of our jobs, our lives, or responsibilities.<br />
we have to leave to get our rest.<br />
it makes me wonder if that is a lesson to take with me from this adventure through paradise.<br />
we won't be here forever.<br />
this job assignment isn't permanent.<br />
we may end up someplace that some may call ordinary.<br />
but i just wonder if there will be places of sabbath all around just waiting to be enjoyed.<br />
i wonder if you have them too....<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-21303488961146263082013-04-17T13:50:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:53:06.483-07:00o, well hello...i took a month to collect myself.<br />
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moving is craaaaaaazy.<br />
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homeschooling is...challenging.<br />
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hawaii is...very different than i am used to.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMJRg1Z1RWk/UW8Ge3_S39I/AAAAAAAAiKM/Y3XnwLKtALc/s1600/IMAGE_ABEAAC5C-32E2-473E-93E1-BA32C3B19491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMJRg1Z1RWk/UW8Ge3_S39I/AAAAAAAAiKM/Y3XnwLKtALc/s640/IMAGE_ABEAAC5C-32E2-473E-93E1-BA32C3B19491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7M2J0tKLzXE/UW8GeERkGtI/AAAAAAAAiKE/g5JoirM_xTM/s1600/IMAGE_49A70763-2AF8-44F5-AE36-63BE56F1639A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7M2J0tKLzXE/UW8GeERkGtI/AAAAAAAAiKE/g5JoirM_xTM/s640/IMAGE_49A70763-2AF8-44F5-AE36-63BE56F1639A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
but overall, this has been a good month.<br />
the hard ones usually are.<br />
good, not easy.<br />
one of my favorite parts was this....<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN0e1auU1sM/UW73wxVg21I/AAAAAAAAiHs/ybIietrbdiQ/s1600/IMAGE_3CCCA06C-2BD9-41C3-8F11-EB3C5275101E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN0e1auU1sM/UW73wxVg21I/AAAAAAAAiHs/ybIietrbdiQ/s640/IMAGE_3CCCA06C-2BD9-41C3-8F11-EB3C5275101E.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
she came to celebrate our birthdays together.<br />
it was a relief, ya know?<br />
just to have your friend with you for a few days.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCOwLXQUJf8/UW73y8wlHBI/AAAAAAAAiH0/qYh_jxaAbM8/s1600/IMAGE_4688BB41-DFA4-4E9C-9890-8F07C6A95E57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCOwLXQUJf8/UW73y8wlHBI/AAAAAAAAiH0/qYh_jxaAbM8/s640/IMAGE_4688BB41-DFA4-4E9C-9890-8F07C6A95E57.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and reedo treated us to the James Taylor concert in honolulu<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4EIEdZHoQY/UW733yhMpUI/AAAAAAAAiIU/X8B6xR12kS0/s1600/IMAGE_62E9A270-7BD1-4F43-875E-34873F4D2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4EIEdZHoQY/UW733yhMpUI/AAAAAAAAiIU/X8B6xR12kS0/s640/IMAGE_62E9A270-7BD1-4F43-875E-34873F4D2399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"> it was very sweet.</span><br />
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my siblings and i grew up listening to him.</div>
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i knew the words to every song.</div>
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we sang along and called my other sister to listen together.</div>
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james taylor is 65 years old and he sounds just the same as he ever has.</div>
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he is such a romantic and i just love him.</div>
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my kids fall asleep to him singing to them "carolina in my mind" and "sweet baby james."</div>
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what a treat to see him in person.<br />
it was familiar.<br />
and that is just what i needed.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oCBRLMZL6M/UW734aS0TWI/AAAAAAAAiIc/HlIvG9LrYws/s1600/IMAGE_AFBD988E-1650-459B-A072-2B4DCE40B06A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oCBRLMZL6M/UW734aS0TWI/AAAAAAAAiIc/HlIvG9LrYws/s640/IMAGE_AFBD988E-1650-459B-A072-2B4DCE40B06A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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on my birthday we celebrated by hiking through beautiful trees and tropical loveliness to a little waterfall.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27YbINOI6og/UW732jNajwI/AAAAAAAAiIM/24--5TNBv0Q/s1600/IMAGE_31B63839-58BF-4DE5-B852-892C05E259DF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27YbINOI6og/UW732jNajwI/AAAAAAAAiIM/24--5TNBv0Q/s640/IMAGE_31B63839-58BF-4DE5-B852-892C05E259DF.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
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sweatiest day of my life.</div>
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but so great.</div>
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really.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM-iXiB1rWY/UW8Ga7iH8jI/AAAAAAAAiJ0/kcsnYSZRebo/s1600/IMAGE_E75313E1-ECF1-470D-9B2F-3FC324175A7A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM-iXiB1rWY/UW8Ga7iH8jI/AAAAAAAAiJ0/kcsnYSZRebo/s640/IMAGE_E75313E1-ECF1-470D-9B2F-3FC324175A7A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>a few things you may not know about my new home </b></div>
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<b>(i certainly didn't)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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1. things take a little longer here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Irj8wPbik/UW8GUAhN40I/AAAAAAAAiJE/zc7cSDBF0D8/s1600/IMAGE_9F4C3F1A-CC2E-44B4-9836-583F763A388B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Irj8wPbik/UW8GUAhN40I/AAAAAAAAiJE/zc7cSDBF0D8/s640/IMAGE_9F4C3F1A-CC2E-44B4-9836-583F763A388B.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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not sure if it's the aloha spirit or the fact that it is an island 2500 miles away from anything else...but yep, you need patience here. </div>
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what seems awesome and "kick back" on vacation is not as cool in real life :)</div>
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but i'm learning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2. i do not need half of my clothing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PbDuN9X-ak/UW8J4qlIpOI/AAAAAAAAiKs/mRKYcCa2p7E/s1600/IMAGE_AD540BAE-2F0B-48FA-9062-7C637518BAA5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PbDuN9X-ak/UW8J4qlIpOI/AAAAAAAAiKs/mRKYcCa2p7E/s640/IMAGE_AD540BAE-2F0B-48FA-9062-7C637518BAA5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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it is hot here. </div>
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not burning hot. </div>
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the weather forecast for as far as the eye can see is 81 degrees. and that is a sweaty 81 degrees.</div>
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all we ever want to wear is bathing suits, sundresses or shorts and tank tops.</div>
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all day.</div>
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til bedtime when it gets down to like 77 degrees. </div>
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so my jeans and boots and sweaters and even long sleeved shirts? going bye bye until the next move.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. the beach here is much more comfortable than the california beaches.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6FznyCmOk/UW8GgiM1mbI/AAAAAAAAiKc/UC6cAIEGFEs/s1600/IMAGE_46000AC9-8484-48E9-90B6-B20D962515B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6FznyCmOk/UW8GgiM1mbI/AAAAAAAAiKc/UC6cAIEGFEs/s640/IMAGE_46000AC9-8484-48E9-90B6-B20D962515B6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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the water is so warm.</div>
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the air is so warm. </div>
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less people are looking at each other and comparing.</div>
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there are tons of lagoon type beaches where mommies don't have to stress as much. </div>
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the beach is definately growing on me.</div>
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the hawaiian beach, that is. </div>
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i was never that much of a fan before.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yV21t6LKDUw/UW73qRjF1_I/AAAAAAAAiHk/VgTdKowYS5I/s1600/IMAGE_41422308-9ECE-4470-8EAA-62AB21A1C741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yV21t6LKDUw/UW73qRjF1_I/AAAAAAAAiHk/VgTdKowYS5I/s640/IMAGE_41422308-9ECE-4470-8EAA-62AB21A1C741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-34968084291800670232013-03-15T01:32:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:53:19.449-07:00here i am, givin' what i've got (framing my moments)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
if you don't recognize that title reference.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then you obviously aren't watching as many barbie movies as i am lately.</div>
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just be thankful.</div>
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but, i am here, giving what i have left and that is just not much right now...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i am running around like a wild woman lately.</div>
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we have our house, we're painting our house, we are scheduling deliveries and set ups and tons of details.</div>
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and i missed wednesday to do "frame this moment" again.</div>
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but i have been doing it.</div>
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in fact i have three.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFKvRniT4P0/UULY1kStSHI/AAAAAAAAiHA/VjQhaaJ1K3g/s1600/IMAGE_9F20BADB-3C22-4ED0-8468-7359A2C387AF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFKvRniT4P0/UULY1kStSHI/AAAAAAAAiHA/VjQhaaJ1K3g/s640/IMAGE_9F20BADB-3C22-4ED0-8468-7359A2C387AF.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the moments she's learning to read</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92iHpGGJOsk/UT2VzR2craI/AAAAAAAAiGw/cIQCTPLWJfI/s1600/IMAGE_5F861773-0D5A-4BB7-967D-5BB61E3D97F7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92iHpGGJOsk/UT2VzR2craI/AAAAAAAAiGw/cIQCTPLWJfI/s640/IMAGE_5F861773-0D5A-4BB7-967D-5BB61E3D97F7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the moment he decided against the high dive<br />
(i didn't get to capture the moment he DID, but there was that moment too)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATRQNkqWxxM/UT2Vs989z8I/AAAAAAAAiGo/F8NIbqNQB-I/s1600/IMAGE_0B727271-C996-4925-8D53-C1DBDC643325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATRQNkqWxxM/UT2Vs989z8I/AAAAAAAAiGo/F8NIbqNQB-I/s640/IMAGE_0B727271-C996-4925-8D53-C1DBDC643325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these two have too many moments to keep track of.<br />
it's true love, i tell you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
that's what i've got.<br />
and i'm givin' it.<br />
join me, if you can.<br />
<br />
<br />
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this moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's not that flattering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's not a great picture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you know?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where you just feel like you wanta freak.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had done everything i could do for my kids that day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried to teach them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried to play with them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried to do special things</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried to listen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried to be so so patient</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i had nothing left</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and as i sang them to sleep with the last breath in my body (i know, i know, DRAMA)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i heard the first born softly crying and telling me how it was so unfair that he had to go to bed<br />
and that it was "baby bedtime".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
baby bedtime apparently was 9:45 that night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all i heard was "blah blah blah, what you've done for us today was not enough"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i considered screaming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i considered kicking and punching things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i considered crying and yelling at him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
instead i walked quietly out in the middle of my nightly lullaby</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they complained.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i told them in the VERY quiet super scary voice </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that if they get out of bed one time things would get very very bad for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i sat down by myself against the wall and pushed down resentment that i was alone with my kids all week again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i thought, this moment needs to be framed too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this just shows you that no matter how fun and patient and loving and energetic and interesting you are, it really is never enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i can't be everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
people still have a choice (not naming names)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if they want to feel ungrateful there's not much i can do about it.</div>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9c2BtBECWzs/UTkW3tjAhDI/AAAAAAAAiF4/1jV_K26Yk7Y/s1600/IMAGE_9B994CD7-0D42-47CB-B741-5994A3305142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9c2BtBECWzs/UTkW3tjAhDI/AAAAAAAAiF4/1jV_K26Yk7Y/s640/IMAGE_9B994CD7-0D42-47CB-B741-5994A3305142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then it hit me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i do the same exact thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
great.<br />
i feel like an ass.<br />
<br />
so that's my moment.<br />
please tell me yours is better....</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557524267448343048.post-27244127821365754512013-03-04T21:56:00.004-08:002013-03-04T21:57:26.967-08:00waves and the long long escrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sometimes it's hard being the little brother.</div>
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you just want to do stuff that you are a little bit too small for.</div>
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but sunday was the day of the little brother here with us reeds.</div>
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the tiny guy caught his first wave by himself.</div>
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he's surfed with his daddy before, but was just a little too scared to ride waves alone.</div>
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but after a rough previous weekend where jake got a new soft top board to ride, ty was motivated to just do it!</div>
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he did, and he was so proud of himself.</div>
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in other news we did our final walkthrough for our new house on saturday.</div>
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we are "supposed" to sign the final papers this week.</div>
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but hawaii is not known for super fast movers, people, so i just have to sit back and wait....</div>
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it's like slow motion, when all i want is to be in our house </div>
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and all i can do is deal with what i've got.</div>
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patience, patience, patience.</div>
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i'm sure you know what i mean.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497663893256700064noreply@blogger.com7