tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27983009816840225552024-02-19T00:18:00.158-06:00Enjoying MotherhoodStacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-46998841771022951292018-11-04T11:56:00.000-06:002018-11-04T11:57:10.001-06:00<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; "> <br><br> </div> <div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">https://goo.gl/Vp2ufU <br><br><br><br><br> </div> <div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; "><br> </div>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-85134903527949951242018-02-20T04:40:00.001-06:002018-02-20T04:40:22.560-06:00<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'>Hi <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><a href="https://goo.gl/o5TkY2">https://goo.gl/o5TkY2</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>stacyathope<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.1pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-76764904827567705132016-04-17T20:10:00.000-05:002016-04-19T10:53:14.341-05:00Apologies and SheepThis is Alta.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5PG-wLhQCkxiBHafViJZihDtUXSqmZDnUSlNXTwe-bjg-DobhNEpdlaeuClZ_B91LNUnBSqKGfn0AOcRUUAx713MpuyMHWZtypJADujXPu6HNl5E-Dnf9ruewRgK-yz_gnjVWYWqODy3/s1600/Alta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5PG-wLhQCkxiBHafViJZihDtUXSqmZDnUSlNXTwe-bjg-DobhNEpdlaeuClZ_B91LNUnBSqKGfn0AOcRUUAx713MpuyMHWZtypJADujXPu6HNl5E-Dnf9ruewRgK-yz_gnjVWYWqODy3/s320/Alta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alta and I at my brother, Kory's Wedding in December 2000. <br />
There was a RAGING snow storm, but that didn't stop Alta from <br />
making sure she was there for that important ceremony...<br />
and she stayed for the Reception and Dance after wards! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've spent any amount of time having REAL conversations with me, she's probably come up...she's in a bulk of my childhood memories and had an impact on me in ways I'm STILL realizing.<br />
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I think part of the reason Alta had such an impact on me was that Alta wasn't like any of the other adults I knew growing up.<br />
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First off, her hair was a pinkish hue...I think it was naturally red and she dyed it and it sorta got mauve. I thought it was lovely...you can see in the photo she always styled it so prettily and loved a good hat or head piece. I never thought her to be vain, but rather respectful in making sure she presented her best self. <br />
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Second, she never really <u>walked</u> anywhere...she always sort of scampered and when she was out and about she wore sensible heels all the time. (At home, she wore pants, button down shirts, hankies over her hair, and off-brand KEDS, but that's another story).<br />
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Finally, she just DID things differently than other people. She was beyond frugal; writing down every mile driven, gallon of gas put in, and using a decrepit wallet that she held closed with a rubber band because it was still quite good except for the zipper. She called at the break of dawn to run ideas past people or make sure things were in place for whatever WELCA activity was happening next. She didn't dilly-dally on the phone gossiping or taking up your time; she'd simply say, "Thank you for now" and she'd be off. She typed EVERYTHING...lists, letters, notes...always typed perfectly on her typewriter. Her house was tidy as could be, but it was like a museum...she had curiosities all over...shells, shark teeth, rocks, etc. She would take time to talk to you about each item, but if she was busy getting your snack together you could learn about them yourself because they each had a little typed note either on, or near them, that told you what it was, where she'd gotten it, and any other interesting tidbit. She'd always let you touch them. She was our church organist and she was so great...no dragging hymns for us! Her preludes were timed and started EXACTLY that many minutes and seconds before the service was to commence. She wrote on her hymnal the dates of when the hymns were sung...I'm not sure if she helped plan the services and wanted to make sure we didn't "over sing" anything or if she just liked to know. Her postludes were always spunky and reminded you of a carousel or old-time skating music. She talked so fast that she lost most people in the process and would talk of good stewardship, justice for others, and how we might care for "the least of these". She remembered every story and could recall who she had given piano lessons to and when. She called me her "Young Friend" and while I'm sure there were times my teenage self wasn't totally "into" going to an organ concert or other outing with Alta, I always went and enjoyed myself immensely.<br />
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Sadly, she <a href="http://www.inforum.com/content/alta-dewar-hermodson-crookston-minn" target="_blank">passed away</a> October 4, 2002. She was sick and I happened to be home from Southern MN. I called her in the hospital and told her I wanted to come see her, "No need!" she'd said. "I'm heading home tomorrow!" Instead, she ended up getting worse, being taken to Fargo, and passing away in the night. I was devastated. I stayed and went to her funeral. I remember sitting up in the balcony; our little country church was PACKED. The sermon was the story of Dorcas/Tabitha from Acts. Pastor Smith correlated Tabitha and Alta...her mission work and sewing she'd done for the Hospital Auxiliary, her work on the Historical Society for Polk County, her service at the church and the countless ways she had worked to make our community better. He talked that although Peter raised Tabitha on the spot, Alta would need to wait, but SURELY she would be raised again and would continue to testify to the world about the greatness of her God. Since that day, that story has been my favorite...and, like Alta, an inspiration and encouragement about how I want to live my life.<br />
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If you're in an ELCA Congregation, your first lesson today was Acts 9:36-43; the story of Dorcas/Tabitha. As I sit in my chair this morning at our church in West Fargo, ND, I couldn't help but grin and think of Alta. Yes, I got a little sad as there are still times I sob as I miss her so terribly...but mostly I smiled to myself about KNOWING someone who was so much like Tabitha...someone who helped the poor and gave of herself so fully. As I was listening, I realized something about Alta that I had never realized before--<i><b>Alta didn't apologize about who she was</b></i>. Yes, I'm sure she apologized when she did wrong, but I don't ever recall Alta apologizing for who she was...for her quirks or how she did her life.<br />
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As a woman who works part time at the church, juggles 4 kids, a husband, an established business, a fledgling business, and the roles of sister, daughter, friend, and confidant; I find myself apologizing a LOT....for things I can't really control, for having an opinion, for being convicted in a certain way about topics. Should I apologize when I do wrong? Absolutely! Should I apologize for who I am? For what I believe God has put into my heart? Uhhh.....<br />
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I've been thinking about this all day today...while I finished up services, got the kids in the car, had lunch, drove them to music lessons, got groceries, drove home, helped with homework, read books, made supper, did laundry, and the myriad of other Sunday afternoon activities I do to make sure the week runs a bit more smoothly and I think I realized WHY Alta didn't apologize for her quirks....<br />
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I don't think it was the fact that she had gotten old enough <u>not</u> to care. I don't even think that it was the fact that she knew that she KNEW herself. Rather, I think it was the simple fact that she and God had spent enough time together that she KNEW His voice. (If you're ELCA; the Gospel in John was about this today). She knew who He'd made her to be, she knew what He needed her to do, where He needed her to serve, and how He had equipped her to do it. And she did it. Sure, what she told you might sting a little, but not out of malice; Alta was one of the first people to tell me that being honest with someone can be done in love...if it is received it in a different way that isn't yours to control.<br />
If you know the Shepherd's voice, you don't need to apologize about being His Sheep.<br />
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Today, at the end of worship, a couple came up and told me how much they enjoy my accompanying the services, "You play with such zest, we just love how you spice up those hymns". I admit I beamed as I thanked them, after all, I learned from the best how to play a good hymn....but tonight, <i>Lord, I pray that I will know you SO fully that I need not apologize for being your Sheep; for doing your will and helping those in need continually. And...if you can, when you come to raise us all, can you make sure Alta and I get a seat at the table near each other? I cannot WAIT to spend eternity in your presence with her....we've got SO much to catch up on! Amen.</i>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-87440405076642588412016-03-14T11:31:00.000-05:002016-03-14T11:31:11.364-05:00Rooms of RealityIt's no secret that I adore decor, styling, and making a space completely unique to an individual...when I had two tiny baby girls I had a BLAST decorating their nursery with a gorgeous vintage floral motif. I imagined what I would do when they got older; something sort of like these:<br />
(all images from Pinterest)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iJRN1Hl5I-P5fZqfjimlGO-aCDuL1QEOC_HhTsLzJ0XWnUvH2SzSUC2GwDlKBoVhBmln3CncQd6F_3f09ZqzrW-2-qwS1C-PN5z2rCOXBm8V8Qna15rDW_hb_G2QU1yktVRfTRL_fRDb/s1600/Dream1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iJRN1Hl5I-P5fZqfjimlGO-aCDuL1QEOC_HhTsLzJ0XWnUvH2SzSUC2GwDlKBoVhBmln3CncQd6F_3f09ZqzrW-2-qwS1C-PN5z2rCOXBm8V8Qna15rDW_hb_G2QU1yktVRfTRL_fRDb/s320/Dream1.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP1cWK1NvUSg1U6gjV_vb7nD0uA5h70eqjHWC2ADVG1DXQrUu3Ecoq_itFadgpvkqsAXWAYKX7GceORxMt6rPlVLsA93iPBHZmg4b6CAxDXgHOdKbw-yJ8IMJNDgy45iv0Rn5bOPK_fTM/s1600/Dream2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP1cWK1NvUSg1U6gjV_vb7nD0uA5h70eqjHWC2ADVG1DXQrUu3Ecoq_itFadgpvkqsAXWAYKX7GceORxMt6rPlVLsA93iPBHZmg4b6CAxDXgHOdKbw-yJ8IMJNDgy45iv0Rn5bOPK_fTM/s320/Dream2.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiJz3iqxVKG2VviKGcMMM4MgFw98teMAaF4k35hW-KTG_kd_0bHcYPsBhUeIgHR14Y79xF2OZrkMchWRB4j39GicyOXx3ftxAvtezV_IAYRThL4Ae8veA7mYPLn9g4nebaI-TN-NtLheQ/s1600/Dream3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiJz3iqxVKG2VviKGcMMM4MgFw98teMAaF4k35hW-KTG_kd_0bHcYPsBhUeIgHR14Y79xF2OZrkMchWRB4j39GicyOXx3ftxAvtezV_IAYRThL4Ae8veA7mYPLn9g4nebaI-TN-NtLheQ/s320/Dream3.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5Fdahs4a03CjgW7WulYjoIg-ZaLsh8EwHjKznLxjfR0M1ahapH7AA4Fne9jAGpjcnTHRYjmtEVi7FUQAmGhE1qsZZx1X2rXAmYZGSKX2afUUlu6ln3p2usoEQOYeGe5ilZm31Un-OMyG/s1600/Dream4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5Fdahs4a03CjgW7WulYjoIg-ZaLsh8EwHjKznLxjfR0M1ahapH7AA4Fne9jAGpjcnTHRYjmtEVi7FUQAmGhE1qsZZx1X2rXAmYZGSKX2afUUlu6ln3p2usoEQOYeGe5ilZm31Un-OMyG/s320/Dream4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJc5GsGHARJsamErC-tuB2sWw58qQ1ADwZ2dLV_J8xTWbEk2vibi8pAgX7Lj8gvORpi5oHmMPongJL8wpw6U85sDZhJ_acRN9Q9Dm8dA3-Hdg8Rg6gSyTLf3tV97yzgOMAR4YaDxpS01C/s1600/Dream5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJc5GsGHARJsamErC-tuB2sWw58qQ1ADwZ2dLV_J8xTWbEk2vibi8pAgX7Lj8gvORpi5oHmMPongJL8wpw6U85sDZhJ_acRN9Q9Dm8dA3-Hdg8Rg6gSyTLf3tV97yzgOMAR4YaDxpS01C/s320/Dream5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And if there needed to be a LOT of STUFF it could look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie31-f-_Vwhxgwe03nfoKYga0axMFN8yZWEdGJjmi1mxBrW-TVXG_FlLYQsoeDZiCYc45Vr_6Z9fMuZltM-csRriidChqSI5i_ldDTEby-_naB7G226ttin3yPxEYj_apblwymW0IrTyC-/s1600/Dream6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie31-f-_Vwhxgwe03nfoKYga0axMFN8yZWEdGJjmi1mxBrW-TVXG_FlLYQsoeDZiCYc45Vr_6Z9fMuZltM-csRriidChqSI5i_ldDTEby-_naB7G226ttin3yPxEYj_apblwymW0IrTyC-/s320/Dream6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DBkl06nqaPlJqxtxWZaq7edjZA5yEIku-41-kBdevFxyoay6rSjKqSiYyhhCSGECw9iagQPwQ5QWiacgTa30F5nTnpWr2KesfYUpkET0Bm6ua1JXTRnAb-g33N8-AOdYLJho_Vx0RVaN/s1600/Dream7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DBkl06nqaPlJqxtxWZaq7edjZA5yEIku-41-kBdevFxyoay6rSjKqSiYyhhCSGECw9iagQPwQ5QWiacgTa30F5nTnpWr2KesfYUpkET0Bm6ua1JXTRnAb-g33N8-AOdYLJho_Vx0RVaN/s320/Dream7.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLT_ExrhwChnHVnDQLP7sxar9w8G6LRsO3y1RJ7Nm7KheTyPPJETAii_yxYtYxdOn1OQ-M8-4NEbEfSbGNkf6YmlkujW87RE6BnZ7dh69jLsFOx6UzAyV0WKD8NQsoZM43I8BTQbF9C71/s1600/Dream8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLT_ExrhwChnHVnDQLP7sxar9w8G6LRsO3y1RJ7Nm7KheTyPPJETAii_yxYtYxdOn1OQ-M8-4NEbEfSbGNkf6YmlkujW87RE6BnZ7dh69jLsFOx6UzAyV0WKD8NQsoZM43I8BTQbF9C71/s320/Dream8.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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Or if my girls wanted lots of colors, we could do this: </div>
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Oh, silly, silly, rookie-Mama Stacy. I have been blessed to raise some girls who KNOW themselves. And while they are both such kind and good-hearted individuals that I believe they WOULD likely give in to my desires if I pushed them hard enough, one of my rules is that the space MUST reflect the person.</div>
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We've moved to a new home over Christmas and Leve could NOT take another moment of not having her room 'DONE'. So, a few weekends ago we got it done. As we worked side by side I thought about what I would do for her space if I were doing it alone...toys that I would donate, old pictures that I would <a href="https://www.artkiveapp.com/" target="_blank">Artkive</a> and then toss, bedding that would be more feminine.</div>
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Thankfully, I could see the complete joy and blessing of working along side my daughter and HER making decisions of where to hang her "art", how things should be laid out, where she wanted her toys to be located...how each item she determined to keep meant something important to her and reminded her of the people and places she has loved in her eight short years. So, instead of the fantasy rooms I've dreamed of, we have this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ79tOO7UzERuMGfbZWvLswNp3XtIyrXiq36QanYQnlIdhu1t_-dhnuNgX7mtuZHDWgtyp-sAZgqnW9rx8wc72mSzRzm-tzDvu7-xqJoWdyJwY632eDpZvc9LsOT9EqX7KEqDMLA-szqQ/s1600/Reality1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ79tOO7UzERuMGfbZWvLswNp3XtIyrXiq36QanYQnlIdhu1t_-dhnuNgX7mtuZHDWgtyp-sAZgqnW9rx8wc72mSzRzm-tzDvu7-xqJoWdyJwY632eDpZvc9LsOT9EqX7KEqDMLA-szqQ/s320/Reality1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBbRQTxFbSMZCFXrl1H2jg-MqLtc2IYxSCdIE19ohw-Dg5mLqzzaRRx72Q9XrK4AKGLGa1MPZPSwCiUdGREmqfTOxWpgxmvswyl8YuOBxz6pE0x7WLpVKPhmB08BO5nbk6KLCz-QDvetx/s1600/Reality2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBbRQTxFbSMZCFXrl1H2jg-MqLtc2IYxSCdIE19ohw-Dg5mLqzzaRRx72Q9XrK4AKGLGa1MPZPSwCiUdGREmqfTOxWpgxmvswyl8YuOBxz6pE0x7WLpVKPhmB08BO5nbk6KLCz-QDvetx/s320/Reality2.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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While we do plan to do some painting to get rid of the WHITE walls, this is her space...and I wouldn't give up that content and happy smile for any Pinterest image in the world! Praises for a little girl who KNOWS herself! </div>
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<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-18073865320152795882015-11-19T22:07:00.002-06:002015-11-19T22:07:26.590-06:00I'm Still MeI just need to say this to the world and to myself: I'm still ME.<br />
Little things may change, but in the real ways; the ways that count and make up the core of who I am. I'm still ME.<br />
Am I a little wounded and broken hearted? Yes.<br />
Have I found that I have a "dark and twisty" place? Yes.<br />
Do I still giggle, laugh, and act like a silly goon? Yes.<br />
Do I try too hard and have a preference for perfection? Yes.<br />
Do I look for the right thing to do in a situation and do it? Yes.<br />
BUT, I've found that with the dark and twisty places in the hearts of others, doing the right thing isn't always the most popular thing. I've found that people will believe what they want to believe no matter what you say or do. Your words, no matter how honest and pure can still be twisted.<br />
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It has shattered my heart to find out those you love will twist those words. Misinterpret those actions. Not even take the time to ask YOU for an explanation. The mis-information of people who are practically strangers will take the place of asking for YOUR truth; to strive for understanding and reconciliation.<br />
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I don't know what to do with that. I don't know how to handle it, how to make sense of it, how to find a common ground with people who won't talk to me. I don't know because I'm still me.<br />
Me. Who loves her family with all their quirky-ness and cannot fathom this hurtful behavior.<br />
Me. Who loves her friends as if there were family and misses the intimacy that was once shared.<br />
Me. Who loves her God and is struggling to live out His call in her day to day in the midst of this sadness and hurt.<br />
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I'm. Still. Me.<br />
Me. Who will keep on loving, praying, and smiling.<br />
It's just who I am.<br />
<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-31556146946631207022013-02-14T09:21:00.000-06:002013-02-14T09:21:22.188-06:00Happy Valentine's Day 2013No matter what your relationship status is, we wish you love today...be it from your Mom, a friend, your child, or a lover...we pray you feel it's magic today.<br />
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Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-84548062768307559622013-01-28T21:53:00.001-06:002013-01-28T21:56:48.910-06:00International Book Giving Day--February 14, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So Valentines is RIGHT around the corner...and you've "pinned" some fun ideas on Pinterest but are looking for a way to celebrate in a way with a little more "meat" to it....how about celebrating International Book Giving Day?!?!<br />
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Back story: Finn's best friend in D-town came up with this neat idea of having friends and family share books on Feb. 14th. (Smart kid, no?) AND his great idea has blossomed into a real thing...INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVING DAY!!! What a neat initiative to share books with kids who may not have access. PLEASE check out <a href="http://bookgivingday.com/">their website </a>to find out more about how you and your little readers can share the love on Feb. 14th. :) <br />
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Leave a comment and share some ideas!<br />
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Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-13366864260991628742013-01-12T00:52:00.000-06:002013-01-12T00:52:00.440-06:00Another Year Older...So, it was my Birthday yesterday...34 years...<br />
<br />
It was a good day...my kids brought me breakfast in bed. My husband made me a fruit breakfast and juice in my favorite cup. Anne and her family sent me beautiful flowers. Lots of people wished me well on Facebook. I got several cards in the mail. Some sweet texts. A few emails. My Mom called. We had supper out as a family. Otherwise, it was a normal day filled with changing diapers, school, naps, making lunch, running kids to activities, etc. A good, happy day.<br />
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I did note however, that my girls were kinda bummed with it. They wanted MORE...a fun activity, a cake, something SPECIAL. I, suppose, something closer to what they are accustomed to for their Birthdays. I assured them that I was okay.<br />
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Because, really, it WAS okay. I don't know how you handle Birthdays...maybe you love them? Maybe not? Maybe it bums you out to be a year older? In the past I've always wanted to make a big deal of my Birthday. I liked the big fuss because it made me focus more on my friends and family that were near me instead of having to deal with the fact that I am another year older. This year was different.<br />
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We were in D-town. It was the middle of the week. No friends were near. This year I faced the fact that I had grown a year older head on. No games. No distractions. I'm 34 and what do I have to show?I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I let myself get a little negative....there's a lot I THOUGHT I'd have done by now. <br />
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In the afternoon I drove the kids over to swim team practice...and the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOFAaUGfRE" target="_blank">"Blessings" by Laura Story</a> came on...and I REALLY listened. And pulled the car over. And bawled. It's not the first time that song has reduced me to tears. But on the day of my birth, I heard it in a different way. <br />
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<em>What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life<br />Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy<br />What if trials of this life<br />The rain, the storms, the hardest nights<br />Are your mercies in disguise</em><br />
<em>What if your blessings fall through raindrops?</em><br />
<em>What if your healing comes through tears? </em><br />
<em>What if thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near? </em><br />
<em>What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise? **</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Some areas where I feel discouraged or disappointed: <br />
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We have had to leave communities we've loved; friends who had become our family.<br />
<em> We've also been brought to new communities with new individuals to love and serve. We've been blessed to maintain many of those important relationships.</em><br />
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I have not made any huge contributions to those in need. I have not started a non-profit or adopted any children. I have not eradicated a disease or abuse.<br />
<em> I do the best I can to help those around me when I see a need. </em><br />
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I don't have a Masters in Education.<br />
<em> I DO have a business that I am proud of and that allows me to be home and raise my children.</em><br />
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My business is not as large or successful as I would like it to be.<br />
<em> I am blessed to be able to homeschool my children and focus on their growth for now. All things in their season. </em><br />
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I not received any sort of award or honor for my career.<br />
<em> I have been blessed to be Mom of the Year to 4 really amazing kiddos...and my husband thinks I'm pretty cool too. :)</em><br />
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I am not as thin or fit as I wish I were.<br />
<em> I have birthed four children. I have enjoyed my meals and have been blessed with adequate food. I have also found a path for my eating and health that steadily is giving me results and making me feel healthier and stronger than I have ever been.</em><br />
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My home is not as clean or organized as I would like it to be.<br />
<em> I enjoy my days within my home. I create, play, and relax with my family. We work together to make it a comfortable place to live. I have learned that keeping the sort of house I desire comes at a price and the person I become is not kind, patient, or grace-filled. I have let it go.</em><br />
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I have not done as much with my photography, crafting, writing, other creative pursuits as I would like to.<br />
<em> I HAVE had opportunities to be creative and as I still breath on this earth I have future possibilities. All things in their season. </em><br />
<br />
I am sad beyond words at so many things that have happened in my life and in the lives of those I care about.<br />
<em> I am beyond thrilled to know that <u>this is not it</u>. There IS another place where contentment, happiness, and joy will be the only emotions we know. My task until then it to be faithful, steadfast, and love those around me.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
You see, it WAS a good birthday...even with the weird hairs I found that I am told WILL be turning gray soon.<br />
Awesome.<br />
Bring. It. On.<br />
Because this isn't ALL there is....if I never cross things off my 'bucket list', if I never do all the neat things I thought I would...God has a plan for me...and ultimately only when I am with Him will I ever be truly satisfied. Thank you, Jesus!!!<br />
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**Please understand that I recognize that my trials are MUCH less serious than others around me and I do not even pretend to compare my situation to those facing much more serious situations. Please respect, however, that my situation is mine to work through and to me it does seem like a trial at times.Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-3626910910320128252012-10-17T00:05:00.002-05:002012-10-17T00:05:40.968-05:00Kiki's CocoaThis evening I got a chance to go on a walk with TJ & Kiki to the Rose Gardens...it is one of our favorite places to go. Sadly, when we arrived today we found that the roses have all been pruned and tied in preparation for winter. Kiki and I talked at length about our sorrow over summer ending. We decided, however, that there is nothing to be done and we'd best focus on the GOOD things about winter, instead of making ourselves sad. #1 on Kiki's list? HOT COCOA!<br />
We're all out at our house, so we made a trip to the grocery store immediately and gathered up the supplies to make our own. Kiki hadn't done this with me before and it was a fun, easy project to do together...plus, if she's goign to be the one drinking it, it gives her ownership. Here's our (super simple) recipe:<br />
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SUPPLIES:<br />
24 oz. box of dry/powdered milk (we used a 25.6 oz. box)<br />
1 c. non diary creamer<br />
2 c. powdered sugar<br />
16 oz. instant chocolate drink mix<br />
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In a LARGE bowl (in our case, an icecream bucket) mix all the items together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a little help from TJ!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was pretty sure it was going to overflow!</td></tr>
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Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-76107098322426778472012-10-08T23:54:00.001-05:002012-10-08T23:54:44.220-05:00Applesauce SeasonIn W-town we are blessed with one apple tree...normally that wouldn't work in terms of pollination, but, thankfully, the neighbors also have an apple tree so we're good to go. <br />
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The interesting thing is that our tree has a cycle of producing every-other-year. Last year we had about 4 apples on the entire tree. This year the tree was so laden with apples that the branches were laying on the ground...a very good problem to have. Many people stopped and asked if we were going to do anything with the apples...I think the for-sale sign made people think we weren't planning to use them; but, trust us, we were! (Of course, we told the people who asked that they were welcome to help themselves...there was PLENTY to go around!) Even with sharing, we still picked around 5 buckets full, plus the hundreds that the kids ate straight from the tree!<br />
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The first year we had apples I made apple pies like a crazy-person; even prepping apples and freezing them to make apple pies in the winter! That was a fine way to use them, but, unfortunately, only The Spouse likes apple pie! This year I decided to make something that more of my crew likes...Apple Sauce! I did some researching around on the Internet and also tried to remember what I'd seen my Mom do....she used to make no-sugar-added-applesauce for my kids when they were babies...always helping me save money. Love her!<br />
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The link I most often referred to can be found <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/applesauce.htm">here</a>. It's from Pick Your Own.Org and it has a lot of great info, as well as awesome answers to a lot of FAQ (many of the same questions I had!)<br />
I did NOT have many of the supplies they suggested, however, so I thought it might be helpful to share how I made applesauce using just what I had on hand...I'm willing to bet there are lots of people like me out there. :)<br />
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So, here you go:<br />
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SUPPLIES<br />
Apples...I just used the ones off of the tree; which are quite tart.<br />
2 large pots (1 for cooking apples. 1 for holding processed apples)<br />
1 super-large pot (for boiling water and putting the jars into to seal them)<br />
Sugar to taste (because of the tartness I used around 1.5 cups per pot...The Spouse kept tasting until we found the right amount)<br />
Cinnamon to taste<br />
Water<br />
Cutting Board<br />
Knife<br />
Tongs<br />
Blender<br />
Slotted spoon<br />
Ladle<br />
Jars with lids<br />
Wire cooling racks<br />
Oven Mitt<br />
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STEP 0<br />
Sterilize your jars...you can do that in the dishwasher if you have a 'sterilize' setting or you can clean them and then boil them in a pot of water. Keep them in the dishwasher or in the pot until you actually use them to minimize exposure/germs.<br />
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STEP 1<br />
Wash your apples<br />
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STEP 2<br />
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Cut your apples up; you do NOT want the stem or the seeds. They can be sent to compost. I left the skins on.<br />
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STEP 3<br />
Put the apples into a pot with a little bit of water in the bottom. Cover the pot and turn the burner on "high". Let the apples cook until they are soft and mushy...it took about 8 minutes. Watch to make sure you have enough water to cook the apples. While I was waiting I cut the next group of apples for the next batch.<br />
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STEP 4<br />
Use your slotted spoon to scoop the cooked apples into your blender...you want to leave as much of the water behind as you can. I kept using the same water for each batch; it got appley goo in it and I felt like I wasn't wasting that way!<br />
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STEP 5<br />
Blend your apples to your desired consistency...because the peelings are still in there, you might want to blend longer than normal.<br />
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STEP 6<br />
Pour your blended apple into the 2nd large pot.<br />
I did not have enough at that point to fill my pot, so I did another batch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0LJb5CptpsV0s6Ur3vEbr1Xniba-IngQQXLzOv4QA6e2UBmE1wGGv6WtHmsqaC7zBD9kqKPtFlRYz-WPEsr6T932SpCDkwN80pVzk_AY-SdKkB4TjkR9u4FPpfYGZQQ3tx00fEE9QvGe/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0LJb5CptpsV0s6Ur3vEbr1Xniba-IngQQXLzOv4QA6e2UBmE1wGGv6WtHmsqaC7zBD9kqKPtFlRYz-WPEsr6T932SpCDkwN80pVzk_AY-SdKkB4TjkR9u4FPpfYGZQQ3tx00fEE9QvGe/s320/IMG_9834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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STEP 7<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJRm5TOAGKUeN_As8GxQx5Y7NRjaX8YFUddHC_65hZK59VLTke1EUP_-QoI66fXQwX_kgI9HDrZJL-dSa1MKmo79KQcOPm1HY0HxQgS4ZZADfGMg_urqRurdtXCYHTbhW5Njg1OsBMcbk/s1600/IMG_9847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJRm5TOAGKUeN_As8GxQx5Y7NRjaX8YFUddHC_65hZK59VLTke1EUP_-QoI66fXQwX_kgI9HDrZJL-dSa1MKmo79KQcOPm1HY0HxQgS4ZZADfGMg_urqRurdtXCYHTbhW5Njg1OsBMcbk/s320/IMG_9847.JPG" width="213" /></a>Add the sugar and cinnamon to the mixture, making sure to stir it completely. This is where you need some extra clean spoons so you can taste test your mixture. I liked it plain, so I canned some jars that way. The Spouse liked it plenty sweet, so we did some that way too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkfpio6IBXdyqA8Uisn8x1JRvBghMgloX4GRX8eK11sVOlc1s_9ueyYDR9oGE2CnuanFjzkjHGWEQcq9FfY7MgT3Z4MDzsf0hLeP5Fy7EANH05nbH2A9op896IGH6vamDS_IC3sbGY9lM/s1600/IMG_9850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkfpio6IBXdyqA8Uisn8x1JRvBghMgloX4GRX8eK11sVOlc1s_9ueyYDR9oGE2CnuanFjzkjHGWEQcq9FfY7MgT3Z4MDzsf0hLeP5Fy7EANH05nbH2A9op896IGH6vamDS_IC3sbGY9lM/s320/IMG_9850.JPG" width="213" /></a>STEP 8<br />
Using your ladle, put the applesauce into your jars.<br />
Leave about a 1/4" of space.<br />
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STEP 9<br />
Put the lid and ring on your jars.<br />
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STEP 10<br />
Put the closed jars in your Super Large Pot of boiling water. For pint jars you want to let them boil for 15 minutes; quarts for 20.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B_tGTIuJqKKIWsvvzRRPwdzbvhuyRou5tR24UCtfv8QGxlwGm5JcKNjF1Q71k7UxfoJoj58eCDsGV7TNP2JfYKx4kiye15bRtKzFg6Kwoi7HJTP_fJkS92tkWJ4cJp3CdB4WDElMJwFp/s1600/IMG_9854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B_tGTIuJqKKIWsvvzRRPwdzbvhuyRou5tR24UCtfv8QGxlwGm5JcKNjF1Q71k7UxfoJoj58eCDsGV7TNP2JfYKx4kiye15bRtKzFg6Kwoi7HJTP_fJkS92tkWJ4cJp3CdB4WDElMJwFp/s320/IMG_9854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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STEP 11<br />
Use your tongs and oven mitt to take them out. I found that if I lifted them out with the tongs and set them on the cutting board that was right next to the pot, I didn't have to worry so much about the hold the tongs had. Once they were out, I used my oven mitt to pick up the jars and place them on the wire cooling racks.<br />
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STEP 12<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike4RTet-yotxmwN_Z9Zgg32TgvLJbn0ZicXh1qlTUJ_KjHb1LiRw3OIYUv7hCRjDNEM8qwpCnB3CxpKVtHAhWKaA8M6i934C4LuLZKEjrloHhP_UkYgXenpyVp6mB66T_b7vlObAAOKya/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike4RTet-yotxmwN_Z9Zgg32TgvLJbn0ZicXh1qlTUJ_KjHb1LiRw3OIYUv7hCRjDNEM8qwpCnB3CxpKVtHAhWKaA8M6i934C4LuLZKEjrloHhP_UkYgXenpyVp6mB66T_b7vlObAAOKya/s320/IMG_9855.JPG" width="320" /></a>Let the jars cool. In the cooling process, they will seal themselves; you'll be able to hear them "pop" when they do and you'll see that the center of the jar is pulled down. I finished this project right before bed and got several starts while I was falling asleep as the jars "popped"!<br />
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STEP 13<br />
Unscrew the outer ring of the jar to let the water that is trapped dry. If you don't do this it will rust, which would be a bummer. I let mine dry and then put them back on; I've read that you could leave them off, but I figured why have to remember where I stuck the rings?! I'll just keep everything together until I use the applesauce and THEN put the jars and rings back into the box they came in. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9j-Z9pi7PV_NI8Y17WA2KrRSUXdRukFxrlLcgWM585BEwcta47iSOyG7bJQL3oMp_uJs_YBG3pIyVUDUw_MxvtnQTf14IsSTa14ua-gvH0sWbfjH26aumunqTf1pdcHE9SMyMfhXqkYm/s1600/IMG_9845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9j-Z9pi7PV_NI8Y17WA2KrRSUXdRukFxrlLcgWM585BEwcta47iSOyG7bJQL3oMp_uJs_YBG3pIyVUDUw_MxvtnQTf14IsSTa14ua-gvH0sWbfjH26aumunqTf1pdcHE9SMyMfhXqkYm/s400/IMG_9845.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
NOTE: In reading I found out that the inner part that goes on top of the jar is NOT reusable. Once it has done a seal it should be discarded; you can purchase JUST that part for future canning. <br />
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Happy Applesauce Season!<br />
Stacy<br />
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My little helper who woke up in the middle of the night to cook with me. :)<br />
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<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-84414993368270328702012-10-04T23:52:00.001-05:002012-10-04T23:53:06.868-05:00Vinyl Cutting Simple and EasyHave you seen all the neat projects you can do with a Silhouette or the Cameo? Yup, me too. Do you have a Silhouette or Cameo? Me neither. (If you do...lucky you!) ;) I decided to figure out how to make neat things without one...and without the fancy supplies. Tonight's project was a little gift for a friend who is very passionate about a certain vote happening in Minnesota.<br />
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Here's the steps:<br />
1. Find a logo or design you want to create.<br />
2. I put mine into a word document and printed as a "mirror".<br />
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3. You hear a lot about "vinyl"...essentially? It's CONTACT paper. For reals. You can get it at the Dollar Tree...and in a lot of really neat prints...I chose to use a "stainless steel" I'd picked up awhile ago.<br />
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4. Cut your vinyl to the right size and feed it into your printer. <br />
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5. Print the image<br />
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6. Using an Exacto Knife, cut out your design. Depending on the size of your design, your steadiness of hand, and your desires you can decide if you're cutting out each letter to peel and stick on the item or if you're cutting away the letters from the overall design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYw9emNPwM8ZM9-YC0qFk6tF5fozatSKNTgdVbB3kL22FoEti0rrACjCpG2evqy5DRuEL6xkXq-GtTk4iD6R6NAsXQ6J1Nm-J-vNjoqhDUF4DdY8IX63h-Oh1L9OiOUBKJjldXdRA6vsl/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYw9emNPwM8ZM9-YC0qFk6tF5fozatSKNTgdVbB3kL22FoEti0rrACjCpG2evqy5DRuEL6xkXq-GtTk4iD6R6NAsXQ6J1Nm-J-vNjoqhDUF4DdY8IX63h-Oh1L9OiOUBKJjldXdRA6vsl/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
7. Clean the item you plan to adhere your vinyl to. In my case, I cleaned the glass with rubbing alcohol to give the image the best possible chance of sticking. A more common location to stick your vinyl might be pieces of wood, or even right to a wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyv8xRGNGXuALthgWl-DdEKto25aMo3BWCXmX2QxruRHh1iQmsHRYlPuiit3Ti7a3l1CxR-5I8qEcqOVE5pcC1-8mJq4pcxbCC8ftqctl3LrK4gXjJCPs6YvGojnMc1ljoWbMx5nlPBjF/s1600/IMG_9823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyv8xRGNGXuALthgWl-DdEKto25aMo3BWCXmX2QxruRHh1iQmsHRYlPuiit3Ti7a3l1CxR-5I8qEcqOVE5pcC1-8mJq4pcxbCC8ftqctl3LrK4gXjJCPs6YvGojnMc1ljoWbMx5nlPBjF/s320/IMG_9823.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
8. Adhere your item.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJt3JqrMuFU_S97DRXHcDkSZ5k1mHiJNBinee-kOAoK3Rbhyphenhypheno249UIAMZL6kSxF2Zd_crKnnG4SFEL1rBEhi60fGxGrh2mvfnWyCLdUI6lJULYN3XCuyNSSaM9woAoTJGiCnsk0nNtX24/s1600/IMG_9822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJt3JqrMuFU_S97DRXHcDkSZ5k1mHiJNBinee-kOAoK3Rbhyphenhypheno249UIAMZL6kSxF2Zd_crKnnG4SFEL1rBEhi60fGxGrh2mvfnWyCLdUI6lJULYN3XCuyNSSaM9woAoTJGiCnsk0nNtX24/s320/IMG_9822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
*Obviously your item is not water-proof and the vinyl should only be wiped gently if cleaning is needed. This jar is from the Dollar Tree.<br />
<br />
OPTIONAL step 9:<br />
I *finally* used my 40% off coupon for some etching cream at Michael's....I LOVE IT!! I still have 1/2 a bottle and have done a TON of projects...showing that despite the high cost, you do get a lot of miles out of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqg60cqCmHbGZyXAZt9EtTnDKZcYInGJ7d1oWp3SeVEFVvlCS8j-uK3s877uRnc8dFCbIqrLSgvGdXW36j9SoKYW8iQqVkNYLmFw7eaz81fV9z-uWLxE9BogF8sS4FcZmF6cLWdU753cG3/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqg60cqCmHbGZyXAZt9EtTnDKZcYInGJ7d1oWp3SeVEFVvlCS8j-uK3s877uRnc8dFCbIqrLSgvGdXW36j9SoKYW8iQqVkNYLmFw7eaz81fV9z-uWLxE9BogF8sS4FcZmF6cLWdU753cG3/s320/IMG_9825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To finish the project I washed the design one last time with rubbing alcohol, then gooped on the etching cream. I left it to set for around 10 minutes; I like to let the cream get to a nearly dry state before I rinse it off with warm water.<br />
<br />
10. Once rinsed off I took the vinyl off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObofyBPqbXi-KnkEzevO5AG8yzihymy1cfXLoWv3PeaPMGgbbrdMtZVxn_EZ0osj_szWCOs26Zc8g7lKTqUokqzhWpWXuxm9P8JIZ09DtuuDldZsn3jvxdny4csfFxNIhDcJv2893eKU1/s1600/IMG_9832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObofyBPqbXi-KnkEzevO5AG8yzihymy1cfXLoWv3PeaPMGgbbrdMtZVxn_EZ0osj_szWCOs26Zc8g7lKTqUokqzhWpWXuxm9P8JIZ09DtuuDldZsn3jvxdny4csfFxNIhDcJv2893eKU1/s320/IMG_9832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ready for sending. :)Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-63273507704629933842012-09-22T23:18:00.002-05:002012-09-22T23:21:13.412-05:00TJ Is On His WayFor posterity's sake I need to make it known:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">TJ jumped with both feet today.</span> (Read why it matters <a href="http://letsenjoymotherhood.blogspot.com/2012/09/potty-training.html">here.</a>)<br />
Totally got air.<br />
He is full-on ready to be trained; no holding back now.<br />
To be honest...we've been working on it all week and he's doing really well.<br />
The best was when he was playing with Leve and sudden ran screaming from the room, "AHAHAHAHAH!!!" to the bathroom where he proceeded to take care of business. LOL!<br />
<br />
I am proud of him. In theory I'm excited about having NO ONE in diapers for the first time in NINE years, but I'm also sad that he's THERE.<br />
<br />
Along with the jumping has come WORDS...lots and LOTS of WORDS....and a desire to sleep in his big-boy bed (aka Quinn's bed). I've got a little MAN on my hands and since he is our 'baby', I get a little weepy when no one is looking. Alas, I shall try to buck-up and remember that God's timing is perfect; including how long He allows little ones to be little.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeMRW_I-90ihOoB8smG-HWeAn59Qwk_g_WVGR_QBMnTPj7l2q1zn-_bs7bQ1y_GWwn9zPJEK7hCUtRIFYp6d3NUk9CWNAdv45Z5jrIs6Ttt6vRLYANAWuVsOyoZMbUvv_Gt45A2m4bi3O/s1600/IMG_9510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeMRW_I-90ihOoB8smG-HWeAn59Qwk_g_WVGR_QBMnTPj7l2q1zn-_bs7bQ1y_GWwn9zPJEK7hCUtRIFYp6d3NUk9CWNAdv45Z5jrIs6Ttt6vRLYANAWuVsOyoZMbUvv_Gt45A2m4bi3O/s320/IMG_9510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My on-his-way-to-being-a-big-boy-as-quickly-as-he-can in a hammock while camping last week.</div>
<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-89802496602089864322012-09-12T00:08:00.001-05:002012-09-13T23:39:36.456-05:00Potty TrainingI'm going tell you something that might come off as a little harsh, but it's absolutely true.<br />
In terms of developmental milestones, my kids aren't breaking any records.<br />
Now, before you TOTALLY take away my status as Mother of the Year, hear me out.<br />
<br />
Finn walked at 16 mo.<br />
He potty trained initially at 18 mo...and then decided it wasn't worth the hassle, gave it up, and was finally fully potty trained at 3.5 years.<br />
<br />
Kiki walked at 15 mo.<br />
She was fully potty trained at 3.<br />
<br />
Leve walked at 17 mo.<br />
She was fully potty trained at 3.5.<br />
<br />
TJ walked at 21 mo.<br />
At 2.5, he's not potty trained.<br />
<br />
I admit to having a pretty "go with the flow" attitude toward parenting. My philosophy is that they're only little for such a short while, why rush the process? It's worked alright for me. Don't get me wrong, I've TRIED to get the kids to walk. We've stood with them between us. We've held their fingers. We've encouraged. Nothing. I've spent time trying to toilet train each of them when I felt they were showing interest. Nothing. I refuse to bash myself over the head with it and have just let it happen. Not so surprisingly, they all figured it out and with minimal muss and fuss. <br />
<br />
After getting his hair cut very short and being told what a big boy he looked like, Finn asked me for a pair of underwear one day and "training" was over. Kiki wanted a particular doll. "Get potty trained and I'll buy it for you", I said. Done. 2 days later she had it locked in and was playing with the doll. Leve decided that she couldn't possibly go to the Fair with diapers on and trained herself with a little help from Daddy and her siblings.<br />
<br />
I've been introducing the potty and encouraging TJ for the last month or so. He seems to "get" what it's all about, but hasn't done much about it. Until last week. <br />
<br />
I was laying him down for a nap and he said, "I pooped."<br />
"No you didn't, I just changed you."<br />
"I poop my butt."<br />
"Do you need to go potty?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
I take him and set him down. He says, "I get a treat?"<br />
"Of course. If you go potty you get a treat."<br />
"Shut the door."<br />
<br />
Now, I'm not sure what was funnier...that he negotiated the treat BEFORE going to the bathroom, or the fact that he demanded privacy, but I giggled pretty hard outside the bathroom regardless. And he did a nice number in the potty, so it was a good thing. He got lots of praise from me, but the biggest high fives came from his siblings. Why?<br />
<br />
THEY GET A TREAT TOO.<br />
<br />
I started it with Leve. At the time Kiki was 6 and Finn was 8...old enough to be potty-experts. I decided instead of making potty training a Mom/Kid thing we were going to make it a family thing. With the lure of a treat, I suddenly have 3 people asking if Leve needed to go to the bathroom instead of just me doing it. PERFECT!<br />
<br />
I'm doing the same with TJ...and it's going well. Leve is especially helpful, even asking and helping him at church! (Note to self; Bring treats WITH for jobs well done outside the house. Leve was NOT impressed that there was no treat until we got home. Oops.)<br />
<br />
He is not breaking any records, but we're definitely on the right path. We seem to have #2 taken care of, so it's just to make sure #1 always happens. <br />
<br />
I have noticed that he cannot jump with both feet yet, and, according to a Mom of 7 that I used to give piano lessons to, that is a key developmental milestone for being prepared to do #1 on the potty...something about brain/body connections...hey, she's trained 7 kids, I figured I'd trust her! ;) So, we'll give it time.<br />
<br />
In the mean time I get to see this cute mug more and more. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7i8Uy1yPgrINBrDmBYx55Vc7LFzTIPfomqO4j4VHOQLXAxJelUJbhbJbZ8cWsPbn1hpZgso2kWfQreAS8M_maNTLr72s3dD7hJz2s4H7-CH-zMfgKp4QeJc3aPq0L9hYiWaqnbWkRJ9h/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7i8Uy1yPgrINBrDmBYx55Vc7LFzTIPfomqO4j4VHOQLXAxJelUJbhbJbZ8cWsPbn1hpZgso2kWfQreAS8M_maNTLr72s3dD7hJz2s4H7-CH-zMfgKp4QeJc3aPq0L9hYiWaqnbWkRJ9h/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="254" /></a></div>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-65838067844148357462012-09-11T23:46:00.001-05:002012-09-11T23:46:53.483-05:00Dana Carvey Makes Bedtimes Better
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever watched <strong>The Master of Disguise</strong>? It is one of
the movies that our family really gets a kick out of. Last fall the kids got
into quoting part of the movie where Dana Carvey dresses up as an older
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV6664NVtoQ"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV6664NVtoQ</span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Now, I'll agree that some of the language was appalling, but hearing my 3 year old say, "We’ll never make bay-bees.” or “I’m
Gammy, Gammy Num, Num” or "I'm not going anywhere with YOU, Melon Head" struck me as pretty hilarious....for the first 50 times. After that, it started to wear on my nerves. But, as they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One night I wanted the kids to get to bed quickly and without a fuss. I didn't want a million trips out of their rooms after they were there. SO, I informed them about the "Gammy Num Nums" Award. They were intrigued....the rules were simple. The award goes to the person who:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Gets ready for bed without having to be told to hurry up or stay on task.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Is ready and in bed first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Does NOT come out of their bed for any reason.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This person will then receive a card that says, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gammy-Num-Nums Award</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner can then use that 10 minute award to stay up an extra 10 minutes any time they'd like, except on no Num-Nums Nights (night when we're all up late anyhow OR a night when they have something happening early the next morning.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't offer the Gammy Num Num each night, but a couple times a week I'll announce that it's time to get ready for bed and a Gammy Num Num will be awarded. My kids ALL hustle. Which brings up the question...can there be more than one awarded? Yes. I will award one to anyone who didn't dawdle, went right to sleep, and did not come out. We've had instances where they've gotten the award, but then come out...and they've had to forfeit their award. (If they got ready for bed the right away they shouldn't need potty, water, hugs, kisses, etc., right?!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's how Dana Carvey has made bedtimes better around our house. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-1448318952506920772012-09-04T22:54:00.002-05:002012-09-04T22:54:25.772-05:00Follow Your Path<br />
We started our school-year off with a camping trip. One of the perks of homeschooling, right?! We wanted to go to a State Park and found that if we waited until Labor Day to actually START camping we could get a stellar spot. It was a great way to start the year. :) <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6heql0K5fHdcMyyjKrHwEDm47j3NvRLb0toHxGeXcS5-RQgv_QKwDnr7_ZJ14mCu3DgwM7UY-RdZiFvCuw2gmN84ViZ4CCOZ2iAZtZ2zFGicPhaPz4wjgQK9v9aXZViB-bMbC5OAugOx1/s1600/IMG_8784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6heql0K5fHdcMyyjKrHwEDm47j3NvRLb0toHxGeXcS5-RQgv_QKwDnr7_ZJ14mCu3DgwM7UY-RdZiFvCuw2gmN84ViZ4CCOZ2iAZtZ2zFGicPhaPz4wjgQK9v9aXZViB-bMbC5OAugOx1/s320/IMG_8784.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had a perfect campsite, perfect weather, and a really great time with our kids. This morning, after breakfast, we had everybody put on a bathing suit and headed out to swim/hike. We saw some amazing scenery and Leve reminded me of an important truth. Kids do that, don't they?!<br />
<br />
We went to a very secluded area of beach and decided to swim. The beach was filled with tiny little rocks, you know the kind...the ones that get in your shoes and drive you crazy. When it was time to go, we had everyone go over to a large rock away from the small pebbles to clean off their feet and put their shoes on. Once they were on the large rock they could easily walk to the path out of the beach and avoid filling their shoes with rocks again. Kiki and Finn did this perfectly. Leve seemed to be doing great too. I turned to put on the backpack I was hauling and heard Leve call, "Help!" with a sound of panic. I turn to find her clinging to the rockwall...she was stuck and too scared to go forward, back, up, or down! I went over, climbed up a few feet, picked her up, and helped get her down to the trail. Once she was safe I said, "Why didn't you take the path? WHY would you think you should climb the rock out of here?!" <br />
<br />
She pointed ahead of her and said, "That's what Kiki DID!" <br />
<br />
Ahh....the good 'ol doin' what your sister does rational. She could just have well have said, "Someone I love, trust, and look up to was doing it that way, so I thought I'd do it that way too." Never mind that she's 3 years younger, 2 feet shorter, and not nearly as agile on her feet. When I was looking at it from the outsiders perspective I thought how silly and foolish it was. That is, for a split second, until I realized the truth in the statement. The reason it hit me folks, is because I am SO guilty of doing just that...and have to struggle at times to stay true to what I know is right for me. <br />
<br />
In fact, I've been doing a lot of that lately. You see, for Minnesotans it's the first day of school. <br />
<br />
I grew up going to public school. I trained to be a school teacher. I'm used to getting up the day after Labor Day and going off to school. I have been called to a different path with my children. In my heart of hearts I KNOW that path is the right path for us. I KNOW without a doubt that we're doing the right thing for our kids and for our family.<br />
<br />
But, I admit that there are days, like today, that I want to do what other people are doing. I have twinges of envy when I think about the Moms who are getting a tiny break while their kids are off at school. I get a little nostalgic for my own school days and wonder how my children will look back on their childhood and if they'll feel they "missed out" somehow. A tiny bit of me wishes that sometimes someone ELSE was having to deal with curriculum decisions for them and bearing the weight of this tremendous responsiblity. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQniMhdLCcGac9HNepQqNbt7RY8Zu-4NdAFQAjyV3dEJrCVptvFxhq8saTN8giFoHnlq-ocFZW_ElCQM7scPxFZm2uVbokQ3CTPklEiOGbDDKQrJx41zTFBK_xUiYpJml5mYSMnajE-3q1/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQniMhdLCcGac9HNepQqNbt7RY8Zu-4NdAFQAjyV3dEJrCVptvFxhq8saTN8giFoHnlq-ocFZW_ElCQM7scPxFZm2uVbokQ3CTPklEiOGbDDKQrJx41zTFBK_xUiYpJml5mYSMnajE-3q1/s320/IMG_8903.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
In short, I could TOTALLY identify with Leve's desire to do what Kiki was doing. And I was jolted back to the reality that doing what others are doing if it's not right for you will get you stranded on a rock wall calling for help...or some sort of equivalent! <br />
<br />
Each of us needs to do what is right for us and for our families. We need to live an examined life. How can we truly be doing God's will in our lives if we don't? We're not all called to do the same thing and we do ourselves, our families, and our world a dis-service if we try to do things like our neighbor. It was awesome to be reminded of that today and encouraged to stay the course.<br />
<br />
Blessings to each of you as you follow your paths.<br />
<br />
StacyStacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-33131068879977194582012-09-02T23:31:00.001-05:002012-09-02T23:31:17.570-05:00Kids Say the Darnedest Things* During reading I ask the kids to give me examples of new words in a sentence. The word was "over"...expecting Kiki to say something about something going 'over' something else she elicited a giggle when instead she held her hand to mouth and said, "Crsh. Over. Crsh." in true trucker fashion.<br />
<br />
* The Spouse and I decided to fix our bed.<br />
It wasn't going well so I said, "This stinks!"<br />
In the background I hear Leve sheepishly say, "Sorry. I farted."<br />
<br />
* One day we were driving and, in true, Minnesota fashion, the weather was sunny, but raining. I made a comment and Finn said, "Well, MOM. What did you expect?! When you sing the Johnny Appleseed you thank God for giving the sun AND the rain."<br />
<br />
The list goes on and on of hilariousness...what funny things have YOU heard lately?!Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-18408424544558170022012-09-01T09:15:00.000-05:002012-09-01T09:15:07.171-05:00It's Not a Question!!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you live
with kids you’re used to lots and lots and LOTS of questions. “Why, Mommy,
WHY?” If you’re like me, you feel like you spend most of your time answer
questions OR saying, “I think you already know the answer to THAT, don’t you?!”
It’s no wonder, then, that as parents, that we sometimes get caught in the
“Question Trap”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re
not sure what I’m talking about. I’ll give you a few examples:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How about
we have some supper?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can you go
and find your blankie?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Should we
go and brush your teeth?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go to
the car, okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re
like me, those questions really AREN’T questions….they are things you are
expecting your child to do NOW. But we’ve asked a question…and our children
don’t always answer the way we’d like them to. Shortly,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we get frustrated, our children get
frustrated, things escalate and pretty soon we’re dishing out time outs,
raising our voices, and wishing Grandma would call to take them off our hands.
Crazily enough…IT’S OUR FAULT!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I caught
myself doing it just the other day. I was in a hurry and trying to be patient
with getting out the door. I said to Leve, “Would you please go and put your
swim suit on so we can go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No. I’m
playing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Leve! Do it
now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was
already on the edge. We were late. I was irritated. AND I MADE IT WORSE by
asking her a question! She’s 4…the world is pretty literal for her...of course she’d rather finish playing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, I had
a chance at a re-do. We were on our way out the door for a 2.5 hour car ride.
“Leve. Please go to the bathroom now so you don’t have an accident in the car.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,
Mommy. “ She dropped what she was doing and took care of business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sure, there
are certainly times when kids won’t be compliant; that’s a whole ‘nother
parenting issue. AND as they grow older they come to understand that those 'questions' aren't questions, but until our children are there developmentally we need to remember...IT'S NOT A QUESTION!!! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Saturday, Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-32552334545558236532012-07-25T00:17:00.000-05:002012-07-25T00:17:19.078-05:00Too Long a StrangerHello, dear friends.
It has been a long, long time. I always hate it when bloggers make excuses as to why they have been MIA...honestly, we all "get" it...life happens and when it does something has to give...and if blogging isn't your bread and butter, it is the first thing to go. But, to be honest...I haven't been any more busy than I usually am, well, at least not TOO much more than normal. I have been sad. Not the kind of sad that anyone really notices or the kind of sad that holds up my day. Just the kind of sad that I feel in my bones and keeps me from wanting to write very much. I used this blog during my Grandpa's illness and to pay tribute to his passing. I shared in one of the last posts that I we had sung, "It is Well With My Soul" and wanted to believe that. I prayed that someday I would....I think I have been waiting until it was to start writing again....and a few days ago I realized a startling truth, IT MIGHT NEVER BE WELL FOR MY SOUL. Today I went to the Doctor to have an ankle that i turned over the weekend looked....they went through the usual questions of my phone number, address, insurance, and then she said, "Walter is listed as your Emergency Contact." That one sentence knocked the wind right out of me. I barely whispered, "He's deceased." and gave her my parent's number. I limped to the waiting room with tears in my eyes. It seems too crazy that he's gone. Too crazy that he can't be my emergency contact. It is most definitely not well with my soul. BUT, I know he'd be shaking his head and wagging his long pointer finger at me for making such a 'big deal' out of his passing...so I've decided to chin up, get back on the horse, and start writing again. He'd be saying, "That's ENOUGH now." So, here I go. Thanks for being here and reading.Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-40660348290520631682012-05-17T22:25:00.000-05:002012-05-17T22:25:11.656-05:00Syttende Mai 2012Lest you worry I forgot about my holiday, never fear! The Spouse was in charge of the card again this year...he claimed he was looking for trolls, found Squinkies instead, and took it as a sign. I reminded myself, "You get what you get...." The sentiment is still the same!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSx3BToyiyCbNC5iEfditYYm9yxLZYoax6erX30qjZv-jWlbHDjDbN3ahaYzEQmEFVrzDdNYkMJqx1YwXkQpipA9TABttcl3TbhkY-SaqwpPUdEwOpcBtN8VV1iL7Sq_PK_EeSgLHb9HJ/s1600/Syttende+Mai+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSx3BToyiyCbNC5iEfditYYm9yxLZYoax6erX30qjZv-jWlbHDjDbN3ahaYzEQmEFVrzDdNYkMJqx1YwXkQpipA9TABttcl3TbhkY-SaqwpPUdEwOpcBtN8VV1iL7Sq_PK_EeSgLHb9HJ/s400/Syttende+Mai+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-19711327769025055742012-04-06T00:54:00.001-05:002012-04-06T00:58:19.415-05:00Celebration of LifeFriends and Family,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your prayers, love, and encouragement these last few weeks. It has been bittersweet in so many ways.<br />
<br />
As my Grandma put it, "If a funeral can be beautiful, this one certainly was." The church was filled with dear people we love and who love us. The scent of lilies filled the air. My Dad played Grandpa's favorite piano pieces. My Aunt sang the Lord's Prayer with her strong soprano voice. The Lord was near. <br />
<br />
Sure, we cried. Some of us sobbed. At the end of the service we sang <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vkgInKGEwY&feature=fvwrel" target="_blank">"It is Well With My Soul"</a> If you're not familiar, take a look at the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vkgInKGEwY&feature=fvwrel" target="_blank">lyrics</a>. I have never been part of a more convicted choir; it felt as though our voices would shake the entire foundation of that little church; we belted the words. Even as I knew that his passing wasn't well with my soul, I belted it anyhow; the words made me brave. They encouraged me to believe that someday, hopefully not too far in the future, it really WILL be well with my soul. <br />
<br />
My Mom and I got to do our own sort of therapy; we decorated the church for Grandpa. We dug around the farm and used whatever we could find. My Grandpa adored music, so we made a CD of he and Grandma's favorite songs to share with our dear ones. We went through photos. It was a good way to start to grieve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXrVXB6UoXHqosQim0JfrvEfocEQNTj2yCgiOh9ADyrUn_OoCHBjBCQoa4HdpaBSb28a-QPKp2_CFwWsE8KoI-jQXvqLstfwzyyOH500HAqRM5Nw-udlgxaXdvaexfg2Pc0qLzE0_yT3S/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXrVXB6UoXHqosQim0JfrvEfocEQNTj2yCgiOh9ADyrUn_OoCHBjBCQoa4HdpaBSb28a-QPKp2_CFwWsE8KoI-jQXvqLstfwzyyOH500HAqRM5Nw-udlgxaXdvaexfg2Pc0qLzE0_yT3S/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As people entered the church they were met with photos of Grandpa's adult life...as well some of the farming machinery that he once owned; miniature, of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCJV6PnvtvMlZBNb467p29N-hln9jMA8HswCebUEPXdnlENzD3PTDcd9BH3K1ZrP-Orv2Idx-wNz_whFVUP_rvwPJDA08SgHJ91Di7ji8xzPruBG18hNTPkOh6sVYuMdq3UuSmLsv7w5H/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCJV6PnvtvMlZBNb467p29N-hln9jMA8HswCebUEPXdnlENzD3PTDcd9BH3K1ZrP-Orv2Idx-wNz_whFVUP_rvwPJDA08SgHJ91Di7ji8xzPruBG18hNTPkOh6sVYuMdq3UuSmLsv7w5H/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me O God, until I have shared your might with the next generation." <br />
Psalm 71:18</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CDs...we used kraft paper and sewed sleeves for the CDs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-AWAeOOv4Vq0Jhvli2ZSFUoKRNXPpUYbO1Nike8rlThtRlij_5UWaqJQyU1y-asNPj3kBfstUU70n36TU02rkWYwUs-AxILIYFMxAvUZ441G1D40ERwtcPV2iWUYUS8hBvDOBTmkKb2C/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-AWAeOOv4Vq0Jhvli2ZSFUoKRNXPpUYbO1Nike8rlThtRlij_5UWaqJQyU1y-asNPj3kBfstUU70n36TU02rkWYwUs-AxILIYFMxAvUZ441G1D40ERwtcPV2iWUYUS8hBvDOBTmkKb2C/s320/3.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crops in the jars and the wheat stalks were all from his farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pilings that we made into candle holders were from near our farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom and Grandma had oil lamps that we used throughout the space.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I reused escort card holders from a previous wedding to hold a Bible verse that<br />
each person was encouraged to take home and learn as a way to remember Grandpa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old windows from a building held aerial photos of the farm through the years. <br />
I cannot even begin to imagine the number of hours my Grandpa spent working<br />
on that farm throughout his 90 years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCoNzk3BiANziXt-TejtwRB6BbZHpzt8Wzeqymg8LNrsmr-0Cf4DEGo_vZTWDN7HjK8TC35_QmyKnuKUimc8O-G34-yjQMv_IVBaX_J7QphZ6xOEV9AFJnumqvtMJOfFKN1HhzZ0M7gRY/s1600/10e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCoNzk3BiANziXt-TejtwRB6BbZHpzt8Wzeqymg8LNrsmr-0Cf4DEGo_vZTWDN7HjK8TC35_QmyKnuKUimc8O-G34-yjQMv_IVBaX_J7QphZ6xOEV9AFJnumqvtMJOfFKN1HhzZ0M7gRY/s320/10e.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found re-production lanterns that we lit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv_zpBSaC24otniYGA5TR3sZTeThohdD-vzAIK2nLzFrKPgYy8o7ksqKFYaHQm_DDclLQvbjac6JzGGfUAxEAdHeUoVjBsqYO2oxr1ONUfC5Jt8qoD_StQfL5-3fXK_2aG050hq_DiFaD/s1600/Grandpa+and+Grandma+dating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv_zpBSaC24otniYGA5TR3sZTeThohdD-vzAIK2nLzFrKPgYy8o7ksqKFYaHQm_DDclLQvbjac6JzGGfUAxEAdHeUoVjBsqYO2oxr1ONUfC5Jt8qoD_StQfL5-3fXK_2aG050hq_DiFaD/s320/Grandpa+and+Grandma+dating.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of the treasures that was found; Grandpa and Grandma the year before they were married.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPP-TuD3M12YEpJOGv0d4DUNbyel8Tunyk2hB-g_AL7hN3lMQl1mkHRYZGNL3JjCfvpiKq1KLb123Z6jesyK_pzmSOz6FaiFuTSTJRBn6BnDXcPrhDWZod79q7MrP1ZIUlieoJLkJA0qw/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPP-TuD3M12YEpJOGv0d4DUNbyel8Tunyk2hB-g_AL7hN3lMQl1mkHRYZGNL3JjCfvpiKq1KLb123Z6jesyK_pzmSOz6FaiFuTSTJRBn6BnDXcPrhDWZod79q7MrP1ZIUlieoJLkJA0qw/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dear family friend put together a photo tribute to Grandpa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection of old photos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiLnBxTTVEtdf-3Sj26nUfsTDT1pw1wO27k7zwDu0gXV55qPZm8YJYi5Ecp7fjU3KJx94p6jwUOoK3VYtvOGeu9mxX2IpbFe9334Y11zAoxNVBbDlM1RsDd43Isi7LSn9RMTSc8vUF1Vf/s1600/In+my+heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiLnBxTTVEtdf-3Sj26nUfsTDT1pw1wO27k7zwDu0gXV55qPZm8YJYi5Ecp7fjU3KJx94p6jwUOoK3VYtvOGeu9mxX2IpbFe9334Y11zAoxNVBbDlM1RsDd43Isi7LSn9RMTSc8vUF1Vf/s320/In+my+heart1.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a piece of wood found on the property I made a piece of art with the words to one <br />
of Grandpa's favorite hymns, it is also one of the first hymns my Dad taught me as a little girl. <br />
#111 in the Brown Hymnal. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtgmFUqgEUrbqkKdIgaTnIuycDz0ishvN7tCQpR_U39qNpVVJrvysCnkhYj-9bv6SotP3NGKCdyNcItZifjOHYE6d0P2Ob5-jAmf2vHl8oSAakfYpuXl3Ddg37tXcuM3t_KPias2Qe3PS/s1600/j.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtgmFUqgEUrbqkKdIgaTnIuycDz0ishvN7tCQpR_U39qNpVVJrvysCnkhYj-9bv6SotP3NGKCdyNcItZifjOHYE6d0P2Ob5-jAmf2vHl8oSAakfYpuXl3Ddg37tXcuM3t_KPias2Qe3PS/s320/j.JPG" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Leve in her Great-Aunt's dress at the Family Service.<br />
She insisted that she go with me to visit him the evening before he passed. We stayed quite late that night. <br />
She just wasn't "done" seeing him. When we left she gave him a kiss and told him she loved him.<br />
We all do.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-75887839335285035382012-03-28T00:28:00.002-05:002012-03-28T00:28:32.953-05:00The Heavenly ChorusToday the heavenly chorus welcomed it's newest member. My Grandpa passed away peacefully this morning at 12:30 a.m. My Dad was with him. We are rejoicing that he has found his final place; we are devastated to be left behind.<br />
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My friend Anda told me earlier this week about the passing of her Grandmother and how, despite her age, it was still difficult to say goodbye. "I think the hardest part was that it was the end of an era." I think she is right. Somehow it seems odd that my Dad will now be the oldest male for our family....Grandpa has just always been there. They have farmed together for the last 40 years...shared every holiday...talked every day. My heart aches for my Dad, my Grandmother, my Aunt. Moreover, it aches for my children.<br />
<br />
I ache that because of their age they won't remember him very well when they are older. I ache that they won't be able to hear his voice in their ears reminding them to pray and be kind. I ache that they are learning about death in a very vivid way. Our Leve is especially struck by what is happening. I have been honest with her and have tried to sooth her when she cries. I don't blame her for crying. It IS confusing....why would a God that loves me so much take away someone I love so dearly, especially after I prayed that He wouldn't? If Jesus is everywhere why does Grandpa need to die to go and see Him? You can try to explain theology all you want, but this is kinda tricky stuff.<br />
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So, for now we are thankful for the time we had to kiss and hug Grandpa. Thankful for songs that we sing to remind us of him. Thankful for the blessing his presence was to us and all that we learned from him. Thankful that we have an opportunity to have very important conversations with our children about the importance of believing in Jesus and the concept of eternity. Thankful that we have one another to lean on.<br />
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I do ask that you please continue to pray. For hearts to find peace and understanding, for strength for tomorrow, for the ability to love one another even more in the midst of our grief....we are thankful for all those prayers and the loving God who answers them.<br />
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HUGS,<br />
Stacy<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-24275737905024065282012-03-25T09:11:00.005-05:002012-03-25T09:11:56.014-05:00Happy Birthday, Finn!!!Nine years ago this amazing boy came and stole my heart.<br />
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And filled my world with laughter, hugs, and cuddles.<br />
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I am blessed to be his Mom. Happy Birthday, Finn!<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-2883795777891653962012-03-24T15:54:00.002-05:002012-03-24T15:57:02.084-05:00Encouraging a Friend<em>**THIS BLOG IS NOT MEANT TO BE A POLITICAL FORUM. IT IS A BLOG ABOUT ENJOYING PARENTHOOD. AS SUCH, PLEASE READ AND CONSIDER THIS REQUEST FROM THAT POINT OF VIEW, NOT AS A POLITICAL AGENDA.**</em><br />
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I want you to meet April. She has been a friend of mine since Kindergarten; one of my best friends in high school. She held the first party where I kissed a boy. We've shared secrets too numerous to count. We have laughed late into the night and eaten gallons of icecream. We've shared the bond of each having a diabetic sibling. We have incriminating videotapes of us lip syncing to mid-90s hits. She taught me about clothes and makeup and hair. As an adult she has continued to teach me.<br />
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You see, as a child, April was the only person I knew who talked about "pro-life"...in my world I hadn't heard the term. I didn't know what it meant. April made sure I did. She made sure a lot of people did. She never backed down. Never waivered. I think at the time there may have been a lot of people thought she was an idealist 'child' who really didn't know what she was talking about. How wrong they were. And how badly I wished she hadn't had to live what she believed.<br />
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April and her husband found out early in their pregnancy with Austin that he had <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002547/" target="_blank">anencephaly</a>. The Doctors encouraged April and Aaron to terminate their pregnancy. They held strongly to their beliefs and carried Austin to term. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB8Ti-Dhpco" target="_blank">Here</a> is a beautiful tribute to Austin.<br />
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April and Aaron have not ended their teaching by living out their beliefs...they continue to encourage others through difficult pregnancies, share information and educate individuals who don't think they can chose pro-life. In short, they encourage others to respect life. <br />
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April is up for an award through the Catholic Diocese. Would you please take a moment and encourage April by <a href="https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=90970&u=17056&a=177914495580579&p=124626320898336&v=Entry&id=284948&rest=1" target="_blank">voting</a> for her? The Award comes with a monetary gift that would be used in my hometown community by April and her family. It is a simple click to "like" Catholic Extension (feel free to unlike after you've voted) and then a click on "<a href="https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=90970&u=17056&a=177914495580579&p=124626320898336&v=Entry&id=284948&rest=1" target="_blank">vote</a>" on the left side, then a click on "April Swenby" and a scroll down to the big "<a href="https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=90970&u=17056&a=177914495580579&p=124626320898336&v=Entry&id=284948&rest=1" target="_blank">vote</a>" button to <a href="https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=90970&u=17056&a=177914495580579&p=124626320898336&v=Entry&id=284948&rest=1" target="_blank">vote</a>. You can only<a href="https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=90970&u=17056&a=177914495580579&p=124626320898336&v=Entry&id=284948&rest=1" target="_blank"> vote</a> once, but we'd appreciate you "sharing" to your Facebook, if you feel inclined.<br />
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Thank you so, so much for encouraging April and Aaron as they work to enjoy parenthood in the way that best suits them. <br />
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Stacy<br />
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<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-75231913821064701112012-03-23T23:18:00.001-05:002012-03-23T23:18:33.505-05:00When It Rains, It PoursWe've all heard the old adage...and, unfortunately, it's all too often true.<br />
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You've read about my Grandfather....he is currently receiving hospice care....things were up and down...he was getting better and they had planned to transfer him to a hospital closer to home and start him in rehab care. It didn't go as planned. Please continue to pray.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2012. 93 Years Young</td></tr>
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A few days ago I made my nightly call to my Maternal Grandmother...she said she didn't feel well and I could tell it was different from other times. She said she was sure it was just the flu. I called and alerted my Mom...the next day my Mom called to let me know that my Grandma had suffered a stroke. Flu symptoms are some of the same symptoms as strokes. Blast!<br />
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She is now in the hospital getting care for her left side; the connections are all there, but need to be strengthened. She will be looking at staying in the hospital another few days, then going on to the nursing home to get additional care.<br />
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You know what she told me that night when I asked if I could call one of my aunts who lives nearby? <br />
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"You have four little ones...you take good care of them and don't worry about me." <br />
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Spoken like a true Grandmother. Please add her to your prayers, as well.<br />
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Thank you for your faithfulness.<br />
Stacy<br />
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<br />Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798300981684022555.post-78770287914509920372012-03-19T00:37:00.001-05:002012-03-19T00:37:58.906-05:00Thy Will Be DoneI ask for prayers a lot....it's just how I am. <br />
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This time it's for me...and my family...you read about my Grandparent's 65th Anniversary<a href="http://letsenjoymotherhood.blogspot.com/2012/02/all-because-two-people-fell-in-love65.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. At that party my Grandfather didn't feel 100% and actually had a bit of a cough. Last Saturday, March 10th, he was taken to the hospital by my Grandma and was diagnosed with pneumonia, a UTI, and a possible heart attack. Since then we have been on a rollercoaster of him feeling good enough to laugh and make witty remarks to him shaking and being as white as a sheet to him sitting up and eating and possibly getting moved to a rehab bed to him being too weak to even want to talk. He's exhausted....his diaphragm and stomach muscles hurt so badly from struggling to breath and handling the coughing. His bottom is terribly sore from sitting in the bed for the last 8 days. He is frustrated that he doesn't feel better and is sick of being in the hospital.<br />
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I won't even begin to talk about the exhaustion my Grandmother, Aunt, Dad, and our families all feel...it is a different sort of anxious-exhaustion that is clouding our world in the most foreign way. My Grandmother and Aunt spend the days with Grandpa, then my Dad comes and spends the evenings and overnights with him. The rest of our family and friends fill in whenever and wherever we can. We are blessed to have one another. We text and call...we try to keep one another in the loop of where we are on the rollercoaster. We are thankful for time together; even in these circumstances. <br />
Yet, we still want to be able to DO something...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa holding my sweet nephew at Christmas...he LOVES babies. <br />
TJ kept giving Grandpa kisses when we visited him last week; even snuggled up with Grandpa in his bed. Precious.</td></tr>
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Today my Aunt texted "pray that God's will be done"...my Grandpa is not afraid to die....he actually told me he was hoping to see his daughter who passed last year, his parents, and some dear family friends. I think, he knows, however, how much he would be missed. How sad we'd all be without him. So, friends, please pray that God's will be done...and that we each might be filled with God's peace.<br />
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Thank you so much.<br />
Stacy & Family<br />
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</div>Stacy L.S. Christiansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12778854782105905255noreply@blogger.com1