tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22755890221496022592024-03-13T22:25:58.575-05:00Gazing UpwardKelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-62349784734311892572012-06-27T15:39:00.000-05:002012-06-27T15:39:30.233-05:00One Year Since Caroline's Gotcha DayClick here:<a href="http://gazingupward.com/2012/06/one-year-since-carolines-gotcha-day/"> http://gazingupward.com/2012/06/one-year-since-carolines-gotcha-day/</a>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-36964175956184879942012-06-04T20:20:00.000-05:002012-06-04T20:20:16.283-05:00Medical Induction Tomorrow - Prayers AppreciatedClick <a href="http://gazingupward.com/2012/06/medical-induction-tomorrow-prayers-appreciated/">here</a> for new post.Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-34022408536288312772012-05-22T08:41:00.002-05:002012-05-22T08:41:22.243-05:00Needing a Pep Talk<a href="http://gazingupward.com/2012/05/needing-a-pep-talk/">New post.</a>... and don't forget to change your blog link on your sidebar. :)Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-22478935118120338652012-04-12T09:33:00.002-05:002012-04-12T09:33:55.593-05:00Happy Gotcha Day, Grace!click to <a href="http://gazingupward.com">new blog</a> for post....<div><br /></div><div>And don't forget to change your links. There are still a lot coming here. :)</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-76342399454857158232012-01-02T20:39:00.001-06:002012-01-02T20:39:51.701-06:00Treasuring TraditionsPosted on new blog <a href="http://gazingupward.com">here</a>.Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-35357282493962423362011-12-31T08:06:00.002-06:002011-12-31T08:08:06.613-06:00Last Day to Enter Giveway!Go to <a href="http://gazingupward.com/">gazingupward.com</a> to enter. <div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year!</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-70917347867557496752011-12-28T18:05:00.002-06:002011-12-28T18:05:53.777-06:00Six Months with Caroline LiYunPost <a href="http://gazingupward.com">here </a>on new blog. Don't forget to change your link! :)Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-78487598936919848842011-12-24T11:00:00.000-06:002011-12-24T11:01:05.379-06:00Seeing the LightNew post <a href="http://gazingupward.com/">here</a>.Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-18232081588634815872011-12-23T07:57:00.000-06:002011-12-23T07:57:00.580-06:00New Blog...and a Giveaway!My new blog is done! You can now follow us at www.gazingupward.com. Isn't that easy to remember? :)<br /><br /><br /><div>And to celebrate Christmas, the new site, and all of you devoted readers, I'm hosting a giveaway with a chance to be one of three winners! Click <a href="http://gazingupward.com/">here </a>to go to the new blog so you can find out how to enter.<br /></div><br /><div>I'd like to thank my sweet and talented friend, Caitlin VanHorn of Lark Creatif, for designing the new blog header. And thanks to Jonathan Stovall of Up Late I Create for building the site and transferring all the content on this blog over to the new one. I'm definitely not tech-savvy enough for that project.</div><br /><br /><div>Warm wishes for a joyous Christmas and holiday season!</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-29702513284348853352011-12-19T12:34:00.004-06:002011-12-19T13:08:09.704-06:00Key Lime and Raspberry Dessert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAjpCzc80KOCIhCv5A7FtE5jLH5M4Z0srLFGzdIHnRvAc3mJKYZJIkK-mUNX_ESE-gg5xDhWj-oAbUID5G9MddikPqRQodZYUf0azYwi5ml4T-BqjWnuhyuKOQhhZUt0zeFfz8uKtBBk/s1600/IMG_9385.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAjpCzc80KOCIhCv5A7FtE5jLH5M4Z0srLFGzdIHnRvAc3mJKYZJIkK-mUNX_ESE-gg5xDhWj-oAbUID5G9MddikPqRQodZYUf0azYwi5ml4T-BqjWnuhyuKOQhhZUt0zeFfz8uKtBBk/s400/IMG_9385.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687914243364105618" /></a><br />While spending Thanksgiving with my inlaws, I was flipping through some of their Christmas magazines and discovered a dessert recipe that not only looked delicious but also <i>looked</i> perfect for the holidays. The Key Lime and Raspberry Dessert was such a hit at a party that I have made it three times since. It's an especially great recipe for this time of the year when so many foods are rich and cheesy. The lightness of the pie and the tartness of the raspberries create a refreshing contrast in taste to all of the heavy hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH_OaURFvKZuRE3qDgL1l9HFxlXEmHlawvSEYM32FhuVSJdeWJtGOVB7nK77u2Icz7dICy_72qOpwVbhTpTQgseG6JmH_UMGjN3557KWTe4EpeKMQaF96ISKWyIg8MKLEQa-zft5zwKQ/s400/IMG_9384.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687914241152388130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Key Lime and Raspberry Dessert</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Makes 1 (9-inch) dessert</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Crust:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> 2 cups firmly packed graham cracker crumbs</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> 1/3 cup sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> 6 tablespoons butter, melted <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I found that using 8 tbsp helped the crust hold together better)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Filling:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1/4 cup cold water</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1 (.25-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1/3 cup Key lime juice</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 3 tablespoons Key lime or lime zest </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(it takes about one lime per tbsp)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 2 cups confectioners' sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 2 pints fresh raspberries </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves, melted</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Garnish: white chocolate curls, lime zest, fresh mint</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly on bottom and halfway up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes; set aside to cool.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine water and gelatin; let stand for 2 minutes. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until dissolved; set aside to cool slightly.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Key lime juice, butter, and lime zest. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until combined.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5. In a separate bowl, beat cream at high speed until soft peaks form. Best in dissolved gelatin until stiff peaks form. Fold together the cream cheese mixture and the whipped cream mixture until well combined. Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over bottom of prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 4 hours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6. To serve, remove plastic wrap, and run a knife around edge of pan. Carefully unlatch ring of springform pan, and remove. Arrange raspberries on top of cream cheese mixture. Brush top of raspberries with melted raspberry preserves. Garnish with white chocolate curls and lime zest, if desired. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(I use a carrot peeler on a block of white chocolate to make the curls.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-<i>Southern Lady</i> magazine, Holiday 2011 edition</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-17512730212743080642011-12-12T19:20:00.004-06:002011-12-12T20:09:30.716-06:00How do you measure His faithfulness?<div>I have a dear friend who is striving to dig deeper in her faith...to figure out what she really believes and why she believes it. In the process, she is struggling with the ever-perplexing topic of prayer. After sharing some examples of conversations, I could completely understand why. </div><div><br /></div><div>You see, in general, our culture has strayed from a biblical perspective on prayer. We've left behind prayer as an opportunity for worship and gratitude to the Lord and whittled the discipline down to supplication alone. In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls us to pray. Often He calls for us to "stand in the gap" and pray on behalf of others. Intercessory prayer is one of the most precious God-given opportunities to take part in His great work on earth. However, I think we've missed that God most often uses prayer to change and mold our hearts, minds, motives, and desires. Because of our genie-in-a-bottle mentality, we expect God to demonstrate His love and faithfulness through answering our requests. This "name it and claim it" approach is not new but seems to be growing subtlely in practice and popularity. (I can go into how this approach evolved from misinterpretation of several Scriptures, but then this post will become too long. Email me or comment if you want me to elaborate and explain.) Let me illustrate the problems this mentality and approach cause.</div><div><br /></div><div>A particular FB thread shared the concern of a new mother whose baby may have some medical issues. Responses included promises that the baby would be healed because God is faithful, a statement to go and receive God's blessing of healing and that the infant would be healed, and celebration of what the doctor will tell them tomorrow at their appointment (predicting positive news.) There are some major issues here. First of all, they are giving this woman false hope. They are claiming to believe that they know best by saying that the baby will be healed. What if healing is not God's plan for this sweet infant? What if He plans to accomplish amazing things through the medical trials of the child and his parents? And is God only faithful if He heals? That seems to be the message implied.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be honest in sharing that this thriving baby inside my womb has given me reason to celebrate and praise God. I feel loved because He blessed us with this miracle. And many have commented on God's faithfulness because He has sustained this pregnancy. However, would He be any less faithful if I had miscarried? Would I be any less loved if He had allowed this baby to join Him in heaven? Did He perhaps demonstrate His love and faithfulness to me even more by carrying me through our previous losses? </div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is that God is faithful. Period. He is faithful through the good and the bad. When He answers our personal prayers, He is not any more faithful or loving than when He reveals a different path or plan. When He allows a tiny struggling infant or a cancer-stricken victim to pass away rather than be healed, He is not any less faithful or compassionate. As long as we're residents on this fallen earth, we will not understand the magnitude and scope of His purposes and plans for our lives. As singer Babbie Mason wrote in one of her songs, "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." Remember who God is and trust His ability to lead us through the valleys. Some of the most mature and godly Christians I know say that they grew most in their faith and experienced God most intimately when in the midst of devastating circumstances. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't mean to sound so negative. There is much power in prayer. By all means, people should be praying for this particular family. Praying for the baby's healing is one request. Praying for peace, wisdom, strength, emotional stability, connectedness for the husband and wife during the wait, a feeling of God's presence, determination to trust Him no matter the outcome, wisdom for the doctor...these are all requests that can be lifted up to God's hearing ears. But we MUST not forget that, as Jesus taught us to pray, we ultimately ask for God's perfect will to prevail. And we must be careful what we say to others. We absolutely do not have the authority to make promises on God's behalf. And while healing is a miracle that will no doubt bring glory to God, potential bad news tomorrow is just as much an opportunity for God to reveal Himself. </div><div><br /></div><div>The largest problem with comments such as I shared above is that a crisis of faith can result when circumstances don't end up as we believe they should. If we claim that someone will receive healing because God is faithful, what does this say about our faith and our Lord when He doesn't choose to heal? Do you see how damaging this can be for a young believer or a curious seeker?</div><div><br /></div><div>So my question tonight is, "How do you measure His faithfulness?" Suppress the Sunday school answer that's popping into your mind and dig deeper into your heart. What do you really believe? I unknowingly struggled with this very issue a couple years ago (read post "A Beautiful Mess" for more details), so I now know that our hearts can harbor convictions that are contrary to what our minds "believe." </div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's so important to encourage each other by sharing our own experiences of God's faithfulness, particularly during past times of hardship. I know my readers air on the private side given my ratio of emails to comments, but I ask that you please consider publicly sharing a brief experience in your own life of when and how God was faithful, through prayers answered to our satisfaction and through realizations that His plans were above ours. When outcomes didn't fit your expectations, how did God become more real to you? I pray our testimonies will bring glory to God and hope to those who may be enduring dark moments. </div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-36566825128101949732011-12-10T18:01:00.004-06:002011-12-10T21:20:45.467-06:00Why I Love Having a Teenage DaughterIf you know me well, it's been no secret that the past few weeks have been challenging. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pregnancy hormones raging.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Constant fatigue.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carter awaking at 4 am each morning (part of his manic cycles).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tough discussions with Caroline and her teachers to get her on track. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Trying to encourage and support Scott in his big trial (and biggest case yet).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Essentially being a single mom for several weeks now.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And striving to make Caroline's first Christmas season in our family a special one even though we're not all together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of you moms know that you don't begin a new day refreshed unless you've had time to actually <i>be</i> refreshed. The frustrations, impatience, and self-control in the midst of defiance or chaotic behavior eventually build and compound internally over the days and weeks until you suddenly find your blood boiling and your temper raging in just a matter of seconds. </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning was such a time as that. Now, I had some good reasons to be angry. But I did not have an excuse for flying off the handle as I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of hours later, we were driving to my inlaws so they could keep the little ones while I took Caroline shopping for a few things. When we parked, she leaned forward and asked, "Mommy, are you okay?" I explained why I was struggling (and added in how pregnancy hormones don't help!). And with sensitivity and compassion, she responded, "I know you want to cry." </div><div><br /></div><div>Boy did my eyes well up with tears then! She got it. With two active and curious toddlers, it was so refreshing to have a (young) adult with whom I could share and converse. To have someone who understood me. Our lunch and shopping excursion were so pleasant that I found myself in a more cheerful mood within minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I have many exasperating moments with my teenager, I also have many times when I am so thankful to have her in our home. She is so helpful with the little ones. (She even changed Grace's diaper tonight for the first time.) And she takes initiative to keep them in line. She is the reason why I've been able to venture out with all 3 kids this Christmas season on different excursions (as a solo parent) with confidence and peace. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not proud of the way I reacted this morning. My parenting goal is to always respond with a firm but calm temperament. And I'm not sure how I feel about seeming so weak to my teenage daughter. But maybe my vulnerability will allow Caroline to feel more freedom to share her emotions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight should be a relatively calm evening. Carter requested that we all put on cozy pajamas, sit on the couch, and watch a movie. So we're watching "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," one of Carter's favorites. Maybe that green joy-stealer will make me seem tame. :) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-10542639570524016332011-12-08T21:24:00.003-06:002011-12-08T21:28:05.646-06:00Around our house...<div><b>I began this post a month ago, so it's about time I publish it. Here are some updates on the kiddos.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Caroline</b>:</div><div><ul><li>She is still enjoying school and earned all A's on her 9-week report card! She's not retaining the information though, so I'm keeping up with all the curriculum so we can review/relearn this summer. </li><li>We had a few difficult weeks during which I began worrying that she may have attachment disorder. However, after talking with beloved attachment therapist and expert Leigh Ann Harrington, I was assured that Caroline is right where most kids should be at the 4-month mark. Leigh Ann reminded me that it takes much longer than 4 months to build trust, and Caroline doesn't yet have the capacity to love us back the way we hope because she's still enduring so much grief and change .</li><li>In a wonderful turn, Caroline has been very warm, engaging, and helpful during the last few weeks. I think the Thanksgiving holidays were a turning point because we had so much family time. She seems more content and receptive now. And she even voluntarily helped me stuff and stamp Christmas cards!</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Carter</b>:</div><div><ul><li>My little boy seems to be growing up. He is at such a delightful age, and he's become very affectionate and thoughtful. My heart melts at each of his impromptu "I love you's."</li><li>He loves to copy Caroline. If she's sitting at the counter doing homework, he climbs up next to her with his own notepad and pen. If she writes, he writes. If she reads, he reads. If she hops up for a bathroom break, so does Carter.</li><li>He may become our little orphan advocate. At least a few times a week, he proclaims that he's leaving for China to get Grant (simply a name we like that he's picked up on). The age of "Grant" changes, but Carter always explains that he's a boy who doesn't have a mommy or daddy. Oh how my heart melts that Carter longs to be a brother to an orphan!</li><li>Carter told Scott one morning that he wasn't scared because he was a superhero. The next day, he was pitching a fit and whining. So in a strategic parenting tactic (so I thought), I told him that superheroes don't whine or fuss. I fully expected him to straighten up and run for his cape. But to my astonishment, Carter claimed in defiance, "Well I guess I'm not a superhero after all." </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><b>Grace</b>:<div><ul><li>Grace has really gotten into board games and loves to play Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders.</li><li>She asks to watch her adoption video at least once a week. And she'll often say to me or to others, "I was a baby and my mommy and daddy came to get me in China!"</li><li>She likes to be right by my side whenever I'm getting ready. So she has been watching me give myself shots every day for my pregnancy. She helps by counting to 3. However, sometimes I chicken out and take a few more minutes to actually perform the injection. One morning, I was feeling particularly whimpy. And this is how Grace's dialogue went:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span> "One....two....three!! One.......two........THREE!! One...two...three....four....FIVE!!!!" (slight pause).... POKE IT!!!!!!!" (in a loud and exasperated voice) Scott and I were so tickled that we've replayed this scene almost every day since. </li></ul><div><b>Baby</b>:</div></div><div><ul><li>Baby #4 is almost 13 weeks! In our last ultrasound, he/she was literally doing somersaults. Last week was my last appointment with our specialist because they've released me to my normal obgyn (whom we love!). It's an exciting milestone, but I'll sure miss my weekly ultrasounds. </li></ul></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-4779759261739722012011-12-06T10:50:00.002-06:002011-12-06T10:53:29.810-06:00Looking for Land?Calling all Birmingham folks!!<div><br /></div><div>With the craziness of our growing family, we've made the decision to stay put in our current home (and possibly add on) and sell our beloved lot. If you're interested in a beautiful lot (with a partial view of the mountains!) in Vestavia, leave me a comment with contact info or email me for details. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just a few great advantages....it's zoned for Vestavia East Elementary. You can bring your own builder if you so desire. And the lot is already flat and perfect for building (unlike some other area lots that are hilly/rocky and would have to be leveled and prepared before you could even start.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Please pass along the word to anyone interested!! Thanks!</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-82251404869028828002011-12-01T08:45:00.001-06:002011-12-08T19:59:01.635-06:00Candid with an "A"<div>I've been working on this post for weeks. This may be alot of info to read, but I really want to share it in case it helps someone else. Since being diagnosed, I've found two other women who also have my condition. And my friend Andrea and I have marveled at the likeness of our symptoms. Both of our homeopathic doctors pretty much gave us the same diagnosis. She has been able to visit a rheumatologist, and you can read that info <a href="http://www.babeofmyheart.com/when-west-meets-east/">here</a>. We're assuming a rheumatologist will give me the same info.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As I've mentioned in a few posts, I've had some health issues over the last few months. Actually, the issues have been going on for several years. But no doctor could piece my symptoms together into a diagnosis. A brief recap of the last few years....we discovered through visiting a GI, rheumatologist, general practitioner, and homeopatic doctor that I had developed a high gluten intolerance, adrenal gland fatigue, and random occurrences of blue hands (suggested to be Reynaud's Phenomenon). I am embarrassed to admit that I ignored the gluten intolerance because I didn't think I ate that much wheat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, fast forward to summer and fall 2011. In an effort please Caroline's palate, I was making all sorts of asian noodle dishes. And I was eating them too. And within a month, I could tell that something was not right. My immune system seemed to be shutting down. Scott and I even thought I might have lupus. Here are just a few of the <b>symptoms </b>I experienced:</div><div><ul><li>bloating and digestive problems</li><li>mouth ulcers called "thrush"</li><li>yeast infections that would not respond to treatment (often one of the last symptoms to appear)</li><li>puffy eyes and eye infections</li><li>chronic fatigue that was worse than ever</li><li>sadness and depression (which had surfaced in May)</li><li>joint pain</li><li>peeling nails</li><li>brain fog</li><li>memory problems</li><li>unexplained weight gain (due to underactive thyroid)</li><li>various other issues that would pop up</li></ul><div>I couldn't get into the rheumatologist without seeing my general doctor first (which I didn't have time to do). In the meantime, I got an appointment with a highly recommended Christian homeopathic doctor (Dee Baudoin) who scans your body with a hand cradle scan that sends data to a computer. She was the first person in years to put all of my symptoms together into one diagnosis. I knew it all had to be connected!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The <b>conclusion</b>? I have a severe form of candida albicans called <b>candidiasis</b>...essentially an auto-immune disease. All men and women have candida albicans (yeast) naturally in their body. Sometimes it gets out of balance and you might develop a yeast infection or thrush (happens alot when nursing babies.) However, sometimes the yeast can begin growing too rapidly and begin causing major problems .Growing mostly in your intestinal track, it can trigger food intolerances, most commonly to gluten. As your body begins failing to properly digest the gluten, it ferments into toxins, causes microscopic tears in your intestinal linining, and leaks out to your body (nicknamed "leaky gut"). The main toxin is akin to formaldehyde and is the toxin that decomposes bodies after death. So essentially, your body begins breaking itself down! Hence the immune issues. Candidiasis, if left untreated, can lead to multiple organ failure, and is detrimental for people who already suffer immune issues (such as HIV patients, etc.) </div><div><br /></div><div>How does this disease <b>develop</b>? It can happen after pregnancies, extreme diets, bites from ticks or insects (lyme disease), overuse of prescription antibiotics, diabetes, birth control use, etc. There has also been a connection to previous users of Acutane. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many doctors are not educated about candidiasis or how to diagnosis it, mainly because there is no pharmaceutical drug to treat it. And medical research is driven by pharmaceutical companies. However, our obgyn specialist said that there are some theories that candida is the root of many diseases since it causes the immune system to be so vulnerable. </div><div><br /></div><div>How to <b>cure </b>it? Unfortunately, this is the tough part. You can take anti-fungal antibiotics for a time. But in order to get rid of the yeast overgrowth, you literally have to starve it. So here is the list of items you must cut from your diet:</div><div><ul><li>gluten</li><li>caffeine</li><li>alcohol</li><li>fruit</li><li>sugar</li><li>dairy</li></ul></div><div>So you CAN eat meats, vegetables, nuts and seeds. But of these, you can't have:</div><div><ul><li>potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, </li><li>peanuts or peanut butter</li><li>cured or smoked meats or deli meat</li></ul><div>In other words, I am starving!! And as you can imagine, it is doubly hard to eat from this limited menu when I have pregnancy cravings and aversions. Sometimes broccoli and hummus just don't cut it. On the occasions when I have cheated, I have a yeast infection within FOUR hours (and this is an ailment I've never struggled with before) and often experience other consequences as well. Pregnancy hormones actually encourage growth of yeast, so that's one strike against my healing. I am still in awe that this baby is thriving in my toxic wasteland of a body!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few <b>links </b>if you want more info. Many individuals feel like hypochondriacs because they experience such a vast array of symptoms. If what I've written about here sounds familiar, if numerous doctors' visits have proven no answers or relief, rest assured that you're not crazy! And there's something you can do about it. </div><div>Links:</div><div><a href="http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/213853-overview">http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/213853-overview</a></div><div><a href="http://www.holistichelp.net/candida-albicans.html">http://www.holistichelp.net/candida-albicans.html</a></div><div><a href="http://www.healthexcel.com/docs/_cand1.html">http://www.healthexcel.com/docs/_cand1.html</a></div><div><a href="http://www.ecandida.com/candida-albicans/">http://www.ecandida.com/candida-albicans/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So this is probably WAY more info than you ever wanted to know about me. But based on my reading and research, there are tons of women (and even men) who suffer from this disease and don't know about it. Feel free to email me if you want to discuss more. I've been discovering lots of great <b>gluten-free products and recipes </b>and would be happy to share!</div><div><b><br /></b></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-14384525573298772282011-11-24T08:00:00.008-06:002011-12-08T19:52:51.682-06:00From My Turkeys to Yours...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8aO7b__izz0auO9Wn-j8NJHKxYoGcKv0-yCzncirGduE2i-GV33C5rcclGEt1jUWzbwERIspH148ipOW-8uGeQPlQR2gfXbpJN18o7AhW6ccdbm4U9ICPNl0adBOydVXKQ14QriqF90/s1600/IMG_9164.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8aO7b__izz0auO9Wn-j8NJHKxYoGcKv0-yCzncirGduE2i-GV33C5rcclGEt1jUWzbwERIspH148ipOW-8uGeQPlQR2gfXbpJN18o7AhW6ccdbm4U9ICPNl0adBOydVXKQ14QriqF90/s400/IMG_9164.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562563263911074" /></a>My mom's side of the family was at the lake yesterday. And maintaining tradition from years past, the youngest kiddos presented a show (with the help and direction of my super talented cousin, Ashley).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvqsHlmJ61fAiVpt7kTq-Wpb_Kq-5whXgm_XT-JUF4ji6Oh1EW-2S1f0lvYTUqXEGtekCOge-N7N5gntiXad4IXNzFCNNlyJgrV2HgDLjfHknqc_6TxOR4WVTI5vK-Q_j1PMkZeAuEro/s400/IMG_9196.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678565087534715602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Fj32B2rdlg7ighryKUvNcoh5dmj2DyqB4n4VkLW09Z8waQqJXmsAWJx2ysufeDiT4ID-Qcxr76VeD9aWErMmXTRNrte6yA4dGXprvuKgPCEVLjB7aFQ7loaUsdRsEQAkpZHjZ0M2EsQ/s1600/IMG_9174.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Fj32B2rdlg7ighryKUvNcoh5dmj2DyqB4n4VkLW09Z8waQqJXmsAWJx2ysufeDiT4ID-Qcxr76VeD9aWErMmXTRNrte6yA4dGXprvuKgPCEVLjB7aFQ7loaUsdRsEQAkpZHjZ0M2EsQ/s400/IMG_9174.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562477724033026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Two cute turkeys are we...."</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNqXTEvCgQP9c5pwKdZTXO2m1m20UwQH7rjMOGoExiuTr56esAqKC20BQ5Nbs3ZNzQe6v64bpkX8o6z43GC-tZ755qwiNovmMrdN_uQgHbMrcBOP3dj_EeRSP1JJFVRHJRNLQZOlgbS8/s1600/IMG_9176.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNqXTEvCgQP9c5pwKdZTXO2m1m20UwQH7rjMOGoExiuTr56esAqKC20BQ5Nbs3ZNzQe6v64bpkX8o6z43GC-tZ755qwiNovmMrdN_uQgHbMrcBOP3dj_EeRSP1JJFVRHJRNLQZOlgbS8/s400/IMG_9176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562464314365874" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3uKKfBcuL807AEhDLJD98eWw4d73SzqHGe5tBUweLTyTtnk9SBS_lIYD8yw_r7eJ7GbztQPljxpuh6PnO8CsbxFQUJKLClDZY0mD7kDjKrGTiU_Y2Xa8ivpYeDvSakzeHwy1bMm_n2M/s1600/IMG_9186.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3uKKfBcuL807AEhDLJD98eWw4d73SzqHGe5tBUweLTyTtnk9SBS_lIYD8yw_r7eJ7GbztQPljxpuh6PnO8CsbxFQUJKLClDZY0mD7kDjKrGTiU_Y2Xa8ivpYeDvSakzeHwy1bMm_n2M/s400/IMG_9186.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562460005439746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"We slept all night in a tree."</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrda9iMepniUlL_-Yk-znd0GGvFvA0XzBfZrRHUv0V0vcjBcM07X8i6fOUAV9HOZUHD7fXbr7d-js4vVBG_9Plq0IoFHDmkgIfRsT6Ar2zuV0vMLP4ttAm36yoyN-PrFfFxaqrliT7q94/s1600/IMG_9190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrda9iMepniUlL_-Yk-znd0GGvFvA0XzBfZrRHUv0V0vcjBcM07X8i6fOUAV9HOZUHD7fXbr7d-js4vVBG_9Plq0IoFHDmkgIfRsT6Ar2zuV0vMLP4ttAm36yoyN-PrFfFxaqrliT7q94/s400/IMG_9190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562454533680354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"When the cooks came around, we couldn't be found."</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEefbRka5kqlxPbbp30fGEHqr_smZyK7jN8bMtjd6crRm4HpGCkKZlc9Hk_ecdzQg5l4Az1bZPStdfAjqaL_ZlKnS6BN3H12gIamjMXDttlmYThjSQICM0996C4UZr0I9o5f4E6QOEfUU/s1600/IMG_9192.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEefbRka5kqlxPbbp30fGEHqr_smZyK7jN8bMtjd6crRm4HpGCkKZlc9Hk_ecdzQg5l4Az1bZPStdfAjqaL_ZlKnS6BN3H12gIamjMXDttlmYThjSQICM0996C4UZr0I9o5f4E6QOEfUU/s400/IMG_9192.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562205108930162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"And that's how we're here you see!"</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYhnFU-pUCVprAGb7PvwyJFNvIbEtXZLEbMRwJc4aBltLZDgoqqKALW-XZS6zyClg61xMIOVtiFvf8yKxKGKRPivTtiu7yV-yeHGXn3oteED3dAROvVttoShqivLPXmvoMH8N8h_fHEo/s1600/IMG_9199.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYhnFU-pUCVprAGb7PvwyJFNvIbEtXZLEbMRwJc4aBltLZDgoqqKALW-XZS6zyClg61xMIOVtiFvf8yKxKGKRPivTtiu7yV-yeHGXn3oteED3dAROvVttoShqivLPXmvoMH8N8h_fHEo/s400/IMG_9199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562194557941650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Carter and Grace performing with my cousin's kids, Cece and Graham.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSv0XFNSQO4tlgCO93sQTrtVMz2apG5ZABfsnmxVETzFv17V-9bmELkZDOx-MSOqosns4rQ8naUeGSi70GTdN0HQ1-LwuFXRNszrAkKlSKa4OWuSGPBEEOxGFvkCyXalltCQZ3zk1l5U/s1600/IMG_9201.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSv0XFNSQO4tlgCO93sQTrtVMz2apG5ZABfsnmxVETzFv17V-9bmELkZDOx-MSOqosns4rQ8naUeGSi70GTdN0HQ1-LwuFXRNszrAkKlSKa4OWuSGPBEEOxGFvkCyXalltCQZ3zk1l5U/s400/IMG_9201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562179660747026" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nf84xAqmK5_nRT1HgCWeJOTFFPVcnXJC868cyzyVD97nmcmY0UEuLBhcL9SE1yCwAa2eA5m0hCUPvIU10ZJ05fGRd-RXlCTjcIfjNwtxewcRJUrlqBxq1vpGLarMokLOByoCwttgRwU/s1600/IMG_9207.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nf84xAqmK5_nRT1HgCWeJOTFFPVcnXJC868cyzyVD97nmcmY0UEuLBhcL9SE1yCwAa2eA5m0hCUPvIU10ZJ05fGRd-RXlCTjcIfjNwtxewcRJUrlqBxq1vpGLarMokLOByoCwttgRwU/s400/IMG_9207.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678562175080591122" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy99dDKPhoyX0H7mbGiaJeiapflhhqxS0KUPgTttY4tsgtb-BE3w66su9czbjt3t1xTneTgzFaF9aAwdqzU8edHrQxRXUfXKSfOQGM_19ujpAeCmgEwWGAZFN91_wYu59DBcCHbvIEK4/s400/IMG_8928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678563471687507634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O7xFGLd0XMiRjw7zJADgcSgx-xt7eYMqqxynxYTsNfqHOvw3OjvBlMQIBoWBLSbfauY8GsGsOse5yvb7-SocSLx7bgw4qHh9Ka2Q074YaV6MUL0AbaNT6JwKpCnbCk5qCCUoCC-jkU0/s400/IMG_8925.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678563467118310130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a joyful, relaxing, and reflective Thanksgiving holiday!</div></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-27912729932202802012011-11-20T16:17:00.003-06:002011-12-08T19:53:16.182-06:00Caroline LiYun's Adoption Video<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32413657?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>It's done!! Here is the <a href="http://vimeo.com/32413657">link</a> to Vimeo if you want to watch the video on a larger scale. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can also click on the 4 arrows button above to take the video fullscreen. However, it gets fuzzy since I didn't upload it in HD. </div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-78253832841215614502011-11-20T08:30:00.006-06:002011-12-08T19:57:05.696-06:00Caroline's 13th bday party!Our 2nd party yesterday (see previous 2 posts for details) was Caroline's celebration of her 13th birthday. We invited the girls in her school class and a few other friends. Since I knew they wouldn't be able to converse much, we held the party at a local Sips n Strokes. Caroline selected a dandelion painting, and the instructor guided them through the painting process. I had forgotten how rowdy and hyper a group of 10 to 12-year-old girls can be in a large group!! But they had a great time. Since Caroline isn't affectionate with us at home (only with the littles), it was neat to see her walk forward and greet each friend with a smile and hug. She seems to have that gift for making every person feel so important and welcome.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr10H5cUgOEiSqQWgN0uqcfdEOeO1wNCzJaYkkQSWsQGwrbtyIQPOpohNdRqoBL9Gyb09M-YwoqYC35yVTyChan8hAyCmv6VfUxx6qB5-iu-1jOrZ2PSL9iTAfDCGqXLAoiikFTJlRUw/s1600/IMG_9078.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr10H5cUgOEiSqQWgN0uqcfdEOeO1wNCzJaYkkQSWsQGwrbtyIQPOpohNdRqoBL9Gyb09M-YwoqYC35yVTyChan8hAyCmv6VfUxx6qB5-iu-1jOrZ2PSL9iTAfDCGqXLAoiikFTJlRUw/s400/IMG_9078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087770994763346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sTJOk7WEaSCpz0pcYv_6k60kSRJcBClrsZjf_k04bQYH01ghGQFP2sjUMKgum-cD6LokD6X8iaf7Vsh30jo7cl2GTEi-cml6OlH-r05PRdRzbuot6rbWCQbvr879naVAj5uaPxt0qQk/s1600/IMG_9079.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4frNVCkElYHt2SDIAiuzT75ij-RbvBzU3PL73krWBqkxq6JOCPaCpM4s7hxbuoCssPaKTAnKOw_bOPCXzV4hKPTbGwc2ffkmyGdPDnSQutfuiuUx4M9oIq7blXq63MUaQGw5S4HIGGLc/s400/IMG_9089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087560280465954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFJ5NkYBhc28K9UF2nShVH0dfkvf1KqTFPnU2QHv8MOqB7G2yBPFTCkLd1O8lAEMtJdkJkTJZltWTnoErwR7ccOauxmG17MprxlJh9hWIb4-4uKxd9TQ86AEZyoIl_AO60iY-Aq-Nn_A/s1600/IMG_9093.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFJ5NkYBhc28K9UF2nShVH0dfkvf1KqTFPnU2QHv8MOqB7G2yBPFTCkLd1O8lAEMtJdkJkTJZltWTnoErwR7ccOauxmG17MprxlJh9hWIb4-4uKxd9TQ86AEZyoIl_AO60iY-Aq-Nn_A/s400/IMG_9093.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087554937546930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI3t0bV4Ns4ZUHhs67B6rRE8_ctaT2nOTbOWuC-vwDT6p6VPguSkTPC2iIOjw7zwr3jiC5GVa2qC-roKh8NiJCL0tVmn1XQV4KAxjtdjHs8FkPXlBsgql3j6k6Kv_yTEHyM6OvZyAsJw/s1600/IMG_9094.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI3t0bV4Ns4ZUHhs67B6rRE8_ctaT2nOTbOWuC-vwDT6p6VPguSkTPC2iIOjw7zwr3jiC5GVa2qC-roKh8NiJCL0tVmn1XQV4KAxjtdjHs8FkPXlBsgql3j6k6Kv_yTEHyM6OvZyAsJw/s400/IMG_9094.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087172618860882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQQSUlBpldH6xhmYQlEG054Em7IP_6ZxMAItOi31F32JtqCAiUoKnQoZr5-YjrmxG-yGUBlyvoEQ2BznzdmaP1wBAhtiRjcpTJqDlo8TFw7-eLtnjTC4yFHlBnM03IQBkqN1ACxM_6X0/s1600/IMG_9106.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQQSUlBpldH6xhmYQlEG054Em7IP_6ZxMAItOi31F32JtqCAiUoKnQoZr5-YjrmxG-yGUBlyvoEQ2BznzdmaP1wBAhtiRjcpTJqDlo8TFw7-eLtnjTC4yFHlBnM03IQBkqN1ACxM_6X0/s400/IMG_9106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087167977705826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSR4ayQIcsOCAwkwmlZ5VTw51kdt0YbmSU7a1EHsjFi7KrBmE5zhdKftf4I_CeIr_v2_xaaMVpml4QBw2-Jd4OCZJFXIGTj8WgVzRgCFeqdUcRbpYfjDkC3HBmKi7O72a4rbUNLLLqsE/s1600/IMG_9107.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSR4ayQIcsOCAwkwmlZ5VTw51kdt0YbmSU7a1EHsjFi7KrBmE5zhdKftf4I_CeIr_v2_xaaMVpml4QBw2-Jd4OCZJFXIGTj8WgVzRgCFeqdUcRbpYfjDkC3HBmKi7O72a4rbUNLLLqsE/s400/IMG_9107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087155482339010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Wcemp9aJbpOV3Sni9x92jFEMBXXmrC8-j6yDMzUhfJGIh4M67rGyLwBG4Fs7XCKBzsdaiNCK2Oj1Z_n5ygRR9eEkYEVCvWJ1ihnS61eftfVRtuFxzwWvIxR0QodXvG3bvrdldU3Df0/s1600/IMG_9110.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Wcemp9aJbpOV3Sni9x92jFEMBXXmrC8-j6yDMzUhfJGIh4M67rGyLwBG4Fs7XCKBzsdaiNCK2Oj1Z_n5ygRR9eEkYEVCvWJ1ihnS61eftfVRtuFxzwWvIxR0QodXvG3bvrdldU3Df0/s400/IMG_9110.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677087154135042930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQMmOG-XYkZBTOZ63LtYrwAPKfZPpleJZ9TG0E8cPbDQEDu_tjOsFwEjUEk8KRQ2IBO4niPHY5uO3-X1dWOjbcq3hzb4uAAnYfuf8lzxLDWxDH8snuWjJZiujmtWVavme5kaBXs7PjzM/s1600/IMG_9111.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdbxEnwlb3mQ401qJ9attzOuzqQ0sOa5WW4exIIZU-qHEARmjQY4-wPpdLoFAisKy5UFxkVcZDzlwVJxO0Aoyt_3qki0ddx8B6IZLSqgFEh5tyVosHmwNcoDPMqGEgM5QTUET9-PiFOo/s1600/IMG_9113.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdbxEnwlb3mQ401qJ9attzOuzqQ0sOa5WW4exIIZU-qHEARmjQY4-wPpdLoFAisKy5UFxkVcZDzlwVJxO0Aoyt_3qki0ddx8B6IZLSqgFEh5tyVosHmwNcoDPMqGEgM5QTUET9-PiFOo/s400/IMG_9113.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677086869119679234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPRZl9ARAKpRumWx7aLi5dEOjLySd4B7U2T1E-39wPRxyXnl3wFMmeVMZnqVAFIo9lU0XuqKZvKTtfEWV_Gl6aLI1nvk2BL3hr3W_7GvFvAgUqBLrDadnHi_Jlq9alYNS_JuEbyhU-QU/s1600/IMG_9129.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPRZl9ARAKpRumWx7aLi5dEOjLySd4B7U2T1E-39wPRxyXnl3wFMmeVMZnqVAFIo9lU0XuqKZvKTtfEWV_Gl6aLI1nvk2BL3hr3W_7GvFvAgUqBLrDadnHi_Jlq9alYNS_JuEbyhU-QU/s400/IMG_9129.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677086863787068802" /></a>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-37043214561514799292011-11-19T17:41:00.010-06:002011-12-08T19:57:05.697-06:00Grace's Sweet Shoppe in Candyland<div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Grace is turning 3 next week!!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W3vvFewZvVH5OKuQkvwved5RRK4bW5dYtsQA1EimE316mdDm5rKgp5hCCABx4s_9wDMQKUw7pizbmCSr2t0QX2j9KDWgaLW-0JTUFmIpTO-j2rZbeDMH0Yi_8gk80PnrwpXH17l4TkQ/s1600/IMG_8951.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnkazicvemKpj3xvhYN6FLssMdpGA5kMJF5NDlb9Z7IxnoamIfCTlSRuksz2rugLf4FnVupTSvsytq2mthGz1W5xn45_1yYXO9NYZ1mQIUJsvTTUAmioF2kdc-rNHbGKzfRiWeOXB5io/s1600/IMG_8949.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4mnOTIPRKzXVPfbug7TXqjKjw6BGulD2XpX2kx8Sot7Y7P9OpfHy3PvTPDkYGAJ8_Wy-e5ayYrS1tDcD6V2hNC7opMiP6r3aQ01zNHHynmByhAbjkrDDbl0e4D4XAFNRWcgKDpJ8YZ0/s1600/IMG_9062.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4mnOTIPRKzXVPfbug7TXqjKjw6BGulD2XpX2kx8Sot7Y7P9OpfHy3PvTPDkYGAJ8_Wy-e5ayYrS1tDcD6V2hNC7opMiP6r3aQ01zNHHynmByhAbjkrDDbl0e4D4XAFNRWcgKDpJ8YZ0/s400/IMG_9062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858952837083154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq5KA3NocKUSn1-SJG8N89_N7Ic9O-E4v1M4V0CGSRQapyMA63ktVnEzQAiBqKxKUM0l-TRRq8vjNPr7tNtUp_8b7QRsrSJMu-UlpVc8dxLIF4aC5yWnsp8P8-DMBap-dBiJh3qi7sco/s1600/IMG_9072.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq5KA3NocKUSn1-SJG8N89_N7Ic9O-E4v1M4V0CGSRQapyMA63ktVnEzQAiBqKxKUM0l-TRRq8vjNPr7tNtUp_8b7QRsrSJMu-UlpVc8dxLIF4aC5yWnsp8P8-DMBap-dBiJh3qi7sco/s400/IMG_9072.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858939013424690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr8qeOvqs5n9yY-OM6-Sz3_eI9XPRAPAZLHjGTWH0wXtap9tNZ3ycyDxTD7e2H80_OqSQCXnGAHTM26468pf3bgjfywhV1VPsgRl1Pdvb9UZzvCHWQ1p-go_sQtSZnsPVBFLWYYT10_s/s1600/IMG_9064.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr8qeOvqs5n9yY-OM6-Sz3_eI9XPRAPAZLHjGTWH0wXtap9tNZ3ycyDxTD7e2H80_OqSQCXnGAHTM26468pf3bgjfywhV1VPsgRl1Pdvb9UZzvCHWQ1p-go_sQtSZnsPVBFLWYYT10_s/s400/IMG_9064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858934928791154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This awesome mural was painted by my friend's MIL last year when she threw a Candyland party for her twin girls. I was thrilled she let us borrow it!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6kvWCpEguePt4qllqrsEBvEpTcbUJR2InPF3kIPDt1OhQWuO_QcrocIcY-bVgW4f0IhUGuuQjUR9C9t3ttxwakTNRP8Q6hOK69mCU_UsL93phU9HMDHCpvDO6BBakzBpJG8RvKhpYCU/s1600/IMG_9075.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6kvWCpEguePt4qllqrsEBvEpTcbUJR2InPF3kIPDt1OhQWuO_QcrocIcY-bVgW4f0IhUGuuQjUR9C9t3ttxwakTNRP8Q6hOK69mCU_UsL93phU9HMDHCpvDO6BBakzBpJG8RvKhpYCU/s400/IMG_9075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858929272149938" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPByXh_WCJo5qR8PLhWZkhEvA_iOTOIwK9zZc8UnZ7wvk-U5jv0SgzCQsHDf9WH9VsvoxR4MRKJM_f0QV5tY87cIQxmo1jTljYaXj9dD4jChwVhzF93OoZgoM76DIgIL65arf8GaSGYU0/s1600/IMG_9014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPByXh_WCJo5qR8PLhWZkhEvA_iOTOIwK9zZc8UnZ7wvk-U5jv0SgzCQsHDf9WH9VsvoxR4MRKJM_f0QV5tY87cIQxmo1jTljYaXj9dD4jChwVhzF93OoZgoM76DIgIL65arf8GaSGYU0/s400/IMG_9014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858593830302130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Ra-DfLS46r4awX3AtywEhs5YovIpPjswodps8TxF7Y1dBJTZjvTQivliENosn1sFSCcI2WgbGZMspYHCj5jGJlZTvZKs0QZ61IthyphenhyphenPab8GykWQPrSaNI3KM8Ap1NITc7F4K8p04rWc/s1600/IMG_9012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Ra-DfLS46r4awX3AtywEhs5YovIpPjswodps8TxF7Y1dBJTZjvTQivliENosn1sFSCcI2WgbGZMspYHCj5jGJlZTvZKs0QZ61IthyphenhyphenPab8GykWQPrSaNI3KM8Ap1NITc7F4K8p04rWc/s400/IMG_9012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858580142343250" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljrpr3KiVomztKcqyvYBDuAkTmqhI2nym8GwOz4c2RcEKWtbQRZeuHs5b2hTiG5GrqzS2RM4PtoXgDC8xgFC6zCUSJH31FW98HQpOQroXQMueGDwM5jFn_WRb5n9F1a23dFJxCZS6bQo/s400/IMG_9006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676856823098897282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkkX0D7HHZLIAYBoBqNw6pyZ2PPtEoKgXPjD6UWFNhqMN2MyJBrqJqHShXy5HKvDmUwXo6hk5yJpmtKZD0Lcklln5Hf2h3uu9EcxbDLLii1Gcix6G-6JCBaitYJdFlFsJ1tVjlMrRNyQ/s1600/IMG_9010.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkkX0D7HHZLIAYBoBqNw6pyZ2PPtEoKgXPjD6UWFNhqMN2MyJBrqJqHShXy5HKvDmUwXo6hk5yJpmtKZD0Lcklln5Hf2h3uu9EcxbDLLii1Gcix6G-6JCBaitYJdFlFsJ1tVjlMrRNyQ/s400/IMG_9010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858193505378178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The kids decorated gingerbread men. This was Grace's finished work.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeg7eXOqUZcgsqkq8av54D8wWf0DtgpaKg2u16oGuEFx0qJhXZjbEb13koDxou_GuPzLLLwcaXfiLPNzn22pNuB5VVvojPgJXRaMxElHjLz852uCozBeEc5cM-3TGec_OisaQ1ettR5g/s1600/IMG_8974.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeg7eXOqUZcgsqkq8av54D8wWf0DtgpaKg2u16oGuEFx0qJhXZjbEb13koDxou_GuPzLLLwcaXfiLPNzn22pNuB5VVvojPgJXRaMxElHjLz852uCozBeEc5cM-3TGec_OisaQ1ettR5g/s400/IMG_8974.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858184332489042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy9fDI3RDKvsHTs_uBM_lBrVzQZOLp4MzP7jh5N2YSVYe8iDBWebgkkqGErsJgaKRW01-v7RD6bPPuu8fFdcHqGNqPqN4jpG3rTHWqJ-CCnptw-EHZcx4FSfyQeqOpoDR27Tci5nh9W8/s1600/IMG_8964.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy9fDI3RDKvsHTs_uBM_lBrVzQZOLp4MzP7jh5N2YSVYe8iDBWebgkkqGErsJgaKRW01-v7RD6bPPuu8fFdcHqGNqPqN4jpG3rTHWqJ-CCnptw-EHZcx4FSfyQeqOpoDR27Tci5nh9W8/s400/IMG_8964.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858177260411058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My MIL made one of these candy decorative trees for every child!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVvyaMVyggCfnumTjyE7RbdNF5qsOq5kYhK5NtDf5O96RvHTBggd8LjHdVaFuGSIpF8cVRzzcQm0XgsL9JXJCjiGdckM3z21qzRkEpB9jcjUiPJEgJPtsKY46a5eYXiLQX2UIp-2u-LA/s1600/IMG_8972.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVvyaMVyggCfnumTjyE7RbdNF5qsOq5kYhK5NtDf5O96RvHTBggd8LjHdVaFuGSIpF8cVRzzcQm0XgsL9JXJCjiGdckM3z21qzRkEpB9jcjUiPJEgJPtsKY46a5eYXiLQX2UIp-2u-LA/s400/IMG_8972.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676858175003818034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6KkUF1VAqwwivz0oifmRtEyBKB5kdWMu0Z2dZtE94w1xS0cBMwMzdmRVVSI60njtbhF_-usP5gAhE48ohXr6zfpEOCiIgXp0Jgo5_3BhFP5xfKDkrHRcFG2eukKr-Vj5t0S1ICUcuaI/s1600/IMG_8962.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6KkUF1VAqwwivz0oifmRtEyBKB5kdWMu0Z2dZtE94w1xS0cBMwMzdmRVVSI60njtbhF_-usP5gAhE48ohXr6zfpEOCiIgXp0Jgo5_3BhFP5xfKDkrHRcFG2eukKr-Vj5t0S1ICUcuaI/s400/IMG_8962.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857770737152098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ_dFEP4LTs013_UY6DDnsz1i4vYEOTDhgOBDYdwZM55TKNY8NLNhk7fwCNohi0qxKaqM069S11jwof8rv_3taYy0dLS69pFG9vUtiN86GYxK32SxeJtQsOzlvQJisC00HCzYAqcovNU/s1600/IMG_8960.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ_dFEP4LTs013_UY6DDnsz1i4vYEOTDhgOBDYdwZM55TKNY8NLNhk7fwCNohi0qxKaqM069S11jwof8rv_3taYy0dLS69pFG9vUtiN86GYxK32SxeJtQsOzlvQJisC00HCzYAqcovNU/s400/IMG_8960.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857755316154818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Candy Buffet</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfu77i7iBZjYmSRr7hhAjmDyDHvb0owbvfQOL0Qe-ghj06BuBS-BqYCIrjj_EkqGEYXQzyzg5z966MEc2AOMKus_muRrNdYnfFwLp055qmzTd4EAEYh-V_abFlImimxUwojC_4dnU5-s/s1600/IMG_8953.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfu77i7iBZjYmSRr7hhAjmDyDHvb0owbvfQOL0Qe-ghj06BuBS-BqYCIrjj_EkqGEYXQzyzg5z966MEc2AOMKus_muRrNdYnfFwLp055qmzTd4EAEYh-V_abFlImimxUwojC_4dnU5-s/s400/IMG_8953.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857756850354818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7tJDb2VuqUYdhn-7Uj3y3zmMr4f3yZ7e637rEEc9EEPlnBsBqufFAKtCFY9JOr-46X1FcdjmJQFjOWkBlljIuyOjMDgkjnEKeXGYzYwR_Y0FCUa-E_PFH-duJEPY9fOAC0JZ2gmeGA8/s1600/IMG_8952.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7tJDb2VuqUYdhn-7Uj3y3zmMr4f3yZ7e637rEEc9EEPlnBsBqufFAKtCFY9JOr-46X1FcdjmJQFjOWkBlljIuyOjMDgkjnEKeXGYzYwR_Y0FCUa-E_PFH-duJEPY9fOAC0JZ2gmeGA8/s400/IMG_8952.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857752925141170" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W3vvFewZvVH5OKuQkvwved5RRK4bW5dYtsQA1EimE316mdDm5rKgp5hCCABx4s_9wDMQKUw7pizbmCSr2t0QX2j9KDWgaLW-0JTUFmIpTO-j2rZbeDMH0Yi_8gk80PnrwpXH17l4TkQ/s400/IMG_8951.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676860849687129490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnkazicvemKpj3xvhYN6FLssMdpGA5kMJF5NDlb9Z7IxnoamIfCTlSRuksz2rugLf4FnVupTSvsytq2mthGz1W5xn45_1yYXO9NYZ1mQIUJsvTTUAmioF2kdc-rNHbGKzfRiWeOXB5io/s400/IMG_8949.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676860468368873474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1EIeopncrKyReFKRgdC7L5MPZbDLuj8JM4JJL5_91XiTCxeuaepv0tKBd-_RtzepmVXDSSZzfbMoBxx2wEzc63WVdvhAKXntSQSFCpVSRUY_LDj5cVD2ItO29177kumd_upV8Tcei9s/s1600/IMG_8948.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1EIeopncrKyReFKRgdC7L5MPZbDLuj8JM4JJL5_91XiTCxeuaepv0tKBd-_RtzepmVXDSSZzfbMoBxx2wEzc63WVdvhAKXntSQSFCpVSRUY_LDj5cVD2ItO29177kumd_upV8Tcei9s/s400/IMG_8948.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857450251044706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj61VghmBUMTiqSpsZLpTnljZQdOdXYy-8lBSVri1_MJ-1zJOsyP0LMX8hz5VYXhkQN4fJpcgp_CcACg-nYkGh0gK5VMSFQzx38ORDU2qg976snhjwJRc5pwIMp4Y7Q_2z2s_QbjORp_g/s1600/IMG_8945.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj61VghmBUMTiqSpsZLpTnljZQdOdXYy-8lBSVri1_MJ-1zJOsyP0LMX8hz5VYXhkQN4fJpcgp_CcACg-nYkGh0gK5VMSFQzx38ORDU2qg976snhjwJRc5pwIMp4Y7Q_2z2s_QbjORp_g/s400/IMG_8945.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857448704567346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7EJpOUjx5DV9ZP-aNj_HdqDG046HOeaDASJTaE0oyoLYqOnBAM1AjVn2nnHcJ61YJ4-i9YGbr45PmCZVtKi5ttHjvXQzmfu918LoMIqAJDs2cPZR6GpztbMvu22HSUDgDEvpC6z6mQ/s1600/IMG_8941.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7EJpOUjx5DV9ZP-aNj_HdqDG046HOeaDASJTaE0oyoLYqOnBAM1AjVn2nnHcJ61YJ4-i9YGbr45PmCZVtKi5ttHjvXQzmfu918LoMIqAJDs2cPZR6GpztbMvu22HSUDgDEvpC6z6mQ/s400/IMG_8941.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857172087462450" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3MFlycPBy7Ub6zvtAgfgGClOy2CzA5YoJQoBdeifUSy2fnufHIIsmUENGv9hCKfkWIzy9cZ3b_T1HKbWrjEdr40AQGSZlC1LGjNeJdzyAFXcuSOc1Wr1mw4qjE_wVX-dpskx93tnvjE/s1600/IMG_8940.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3MFlycPBy7Ub6zvtAgfgGClOy2CzA5YoJQoBdeifUSy2fnufHIIsmUENGv9hCKfkWIzy9cZ3b_T1HKbWrjEdr40AQGSZlC1LGjNeJdzyAFXcuSOc1Wr1mw4qjE_wVX-dpskx93tnvjE/s400/IMG_8940.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857168204234642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjInp3Uc9Ngd8gmklaksh0-2kl0QsW905DQEdoGX6pBmaV71DhGx9c5hOtvjA2fmBOt7t0J4MDzplQ86OswnwXvaicWHlVN7V9BRfSU11n_Ov7BcGfD-wIqtac1XVQ8-ugjRbANxA7BI/s1600/IMG_8937.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjInp3Uc9Ngd8gmklaksh0-2kl0QsW905DQEdoGX6pBmaV71DhGx9c5hOtvjA2fmBOt7t0J4MDzplQ86OswnwXvaicWHlVN7V9BRfSU11n_Ov7BcGfD-wIqtac1XVQ8-ugjRbANxA7BI/s400/IMG_8937.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857155296449890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU2zmbOz-NRavNSI9R-qf8LZvuMykCCdHh4Re2VTi2JTVpa7eq1lov2YE__6kEg46hy7Dbt8Bj_U06wVfBKNoW0Ej0cnL2C5gTNyUFmdSxidaTx_nasyXrq5dFTZlVV9mVaycnzxiQio/s1600/IMG_8932.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU2zmbOz-NRavNSI9R-qf8LZvuMykCCdHh4Re2VTi2JTVpa7eq1lov2YE__6kEg46hy7Dbt8Bj_U06wVfBKNoW0Ej0cnL2C5gTNyUFmdSxidaTx_nasyXrq5dFTZlVV9mVaycnzxiQio/s400/IMG_8932.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676857150122851202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaR4XUyavHHAH3W1R50zdjMCI-6aEmBvm50aT7MGIzUckjMPjBk_Ao2Qg60l9FcjvWBKkCbuIKTbVLj7SjDXUPvhBPs_dnF7xn2a4UlGTZs37iAfqIQZQ7XRG0Fga4-7IFTL1NdkKoJY/s1600/IMG_9025.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaR4XUyavHHAH3W1R50zdjMCI-6aEmBvm50aT7MGIzUckjMPjBk_Ao2Qg60l9FcjvWBKkCbuIKTbVLj7SjDXUPvhBPs_dnF7xn2a4UlGTZs37iAfqIQZQ7XRG0Fga4-7IFTL1NdkKoJY/s400/IMG_9025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676856818801555122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpHFRPAGb9kghMw4QoQjhQlkYZUSsJAQYXFIfCPGk2V5ctxeGlkltaLele-gFHCLq52jujJIHV647sSMlBFNW3HxfpjZ3dLZaSutUou7F6HoplDbBY8vgBC4kFm4im05tB_f2reH6xJs/s1600/IMG_9033.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpHFRPAGb9kghMw4QoQjhQlkYZUSsJAQYXFIfCPGk2V5ctxeGlkltaLele-gFHCLq52jujJIHV647sSMlBFNW3HxfpjZ3dLZaSutUou7F6HoplDbBY8vgBC4kFm4im05tB_f2reH6xJs/s400/IMG_9033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676856806586500706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Av9RS_zPVFhYhyMGOD4DLB9aDkd_FEHFf5zS6WVsIKfz9BWmPxSIPI3wnEmOiqFNubjlyBu1nIxbSMrKTwGj_5HFhcX74PlPGwwlE2lVzUneXwofS3nZex41l4bbI6N4SaAJUeM66mE/s1600/IMG_9047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Av9RS_zPVFhYhyMGOD4DLB9aDkd_FEHFf5zS6WVsIKfz9BWmPxSIPI3wnEmOiqFNubjlyBu1nIxbSMrKTwGj_5HFhcX74PlPGwwlE2lVzUneXwofS3nZex41l4bbI6N4SaAJUeM66mE/s400/IMG_9047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676856803317449810" /></a><br /></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-40966919830572925982011-11-19T17:38:00.002-06:002011-12-08T19:57:05.697-06:00Two Birthday Parties in 1 Day = One Tired MommaBecause both Grace's and Caroline's birthdays are next week, I thought it would be a wonderful idea to just have both of their parties on the same day since my mom was going to be in town for the littles' Thanksgiving program. And because next weekend, people will still be out of town. And then it's December which is full of holiday events. But really....WHAT was I thinking??? :)<div><br /></div><div>But both parties went well and my girls had a blast. I'll post pics in the next few minutes. Now I can hopefully finish and upload Caroline's video tomorrow. </div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-18911194649470363822011-11-17T07:00:00.001-06:002011-12-08T19:54:33.481-06:00Pregnancy Peculiararities<div>1. I must have felt nauseous the day my new gray purse arrived. It's really cute but I have a gag reflex every time I look at it. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. My top cravings are celery, potatoes, hot dogs, and twizzlers. None of which are diet staples for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Last pregnancy, my hair grew in straighter and shinier. This time, it's a frizzy, kinky-curled mess. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Pregnancy dreams are no myth. I have a strange one at least 3x/week. They're so weird, I don't share them with anyone!</div><div><br /></div><div>5. My left eye has been twitching for days. Just so you know that when you're talking to me, I'm not winking at you. Although I do think you're cute. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Last pregnancy, I was sentimental and emotional. This time around, I'm moody and mean. God bless my children who are enduring it all!</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I don't want to find out the sex of the baby. This is SO NOT my personality! My friends think I'm going crazy because they know me better. </div><div><br /></div><div>8. The smell of fresh-scented garbage bags makes me most nauseated. Good excuse for not taking out the trash and leaving it to my hubby!</div><div><br /></div><div>9. I burp. A lot. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. Instead of hot flashes, I am cold and shivering much of the time. (I know what you're thinking... "go put more clothes on woman!") </div><div><br /></div><div>Would love to hear your strangest pregnancy stories!! Maybe they'll make me feel normal. :)</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-83407531118286769922011-11-15T20:47:00.003-06:002011-12-08T19:57:05.697-06:00Grace, Noah, and the ArkFirst of all, thank you SO very much for your comments and emails. My heart swelled with every word of celebration, encouragement, and prayer that you offered. It has been very humbling and exciting to have so many people share in our joy. <div><br /></div><div>Several people had asked who took our picture. The incredible photographer (and editor, as there was a huge newspaper stand between us and the kids that she photoshopped out!) is Heather Knowles. Her business is called <a href="http://www.sproutsbyheather.com/">Sprouts by Heather</a>. We were already doing a family photo shoot, so I asked if we could do a special picture to share the news with family. </div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, I am thrilled to tell you that I am practically done with Caroline's adoption video!! I'm just waiting on a few digital files of our new family pics, and then I'll upload it. So keep checking back!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am working on another post with some updates. Between the pregnancy, my immune issues, and the video, you'll understand why I've been MIA. Oh, and I can't forget that I'll be launching a new version of the blog with a new address: www.gazingupward.com. I hope to have it live and switched over to the new URL in early December. Fun times!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, here is a little video of Grace from a few weeks ago. Her class has been studying about Noah and the ark, and how Noah obeyed God. On the way home from school, she proceeded to tell me the full story with all kinds of cute details. Of course, when I got home and whipped out the camera, she had to be begged. and prompted. and bribed. (just kidding, the candy was from Halloween.) But she finally retold some key parts of the story. I even caught a couple of her funny facial expressions. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32181303?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-51171978973693322282011-11-10T14:06:00.004-06:002011-11-13T18:13:25.158-06:00The "Adoption, then Surprise Pregnancy" Phenomenon<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD5Lo_xzr1TDYH0rg5OEtvI9dbIWlvRfzQf86qWkbNi9v_61CFi6MtB8TX-9echVcTpAD11O2RdP4Jiur6ODYWw1sVHXY3rBxt7zQsXKdWs3bmV3sjL-zNt0jZMhZM4BQmacvDUlwn2A/s1600/Brown_chalk_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;">You hear stories about this phenomenon all the time. You know...that couples adopt and then unexpectedly conceive within a short time before or following the adoption. In fact, after months and months of infertility, a friend of mine was recently matched with a little girl in China. Within the same couple of weeks, they found out they are expecting a baby!! So they'll travel to China in February or March to bring home a sweet toddler, and then welcome a baby in April.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well folks, the phenomenon has struck the Brown household. It is with glee and giddiness (and still some shock) that I announce we're expecting a miracle baby on June 16, 2012!!!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD5Lo_xzr1TDYH0rg5OEtvI9dbIWlvRfzQf86qWkbNi9v_61CFi6MtB8TX-9echVcTpAD11O2RdP4Jiur6ODYWw1sVHXY3rBxt7zQsXKdWs3bmV3sjL-zNt0jZMhZM4BQmacvDUlwn2A/s400/Brown_chalk_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674637634537108658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div><div>While conceiving has never really been our problem, sustaining the pregnancy has. At nine weeks, we've seen the heartbeat 4x and even saw our little bean moving yesterday. We are in awe! As one friend pointed out, this is our 7th pregnancy, and the number 7 is a heavenly and significant number according to Scripture. :) I hope our unexpected blessing will be encouragement to any of you who've experienced multiple miscarriages... a healthy pregnancy can happen! Don't give up hope. And for us, it was even earlier than we ever dreamed, expected, or planned. How's that for God surprising my pants off? (no pun intended) I usually feel like I'm waiting on His timing, but this time, He beat me to it! Ha! I love it. </div><div><br /></div><div>All 3 kids are super excited. Hence why we're announcing earlier than we planned to. They've already made announcements to their school classes, babysitters, grocery store clerks, you name it. So we decided we might as well let everyone in on our sweet news before you hear it randomly through the grapevine. </div><div><br /></div><div>We welcome your prayers as we continue through the pregnancy, particularly the remainder of my 1st trimester. We're not out of the woods yet, but the doctors feel very positive and have been monitoring me very closely. At this point, I'm finally experiencing a release from fear that has felt paralyzing at moments. I know God is good, even if we still lose this baby. But I'm choosing to enjoy every moment with awareness that this little bean is bringing us joy each day of its already precious life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-70480788604888708022011-11-08T13:24:00.003-06:002011-12-08T19:57:42.557-06:00For the Mighty and Royal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B-TuTacVQYEV_XiuIJyTQtLlitAsHoHb_yk2TbVB6oQTdFpUntQIkG9a3VPvMZeKaiQXODzpBGI1nZpS6zuKhBiv0kKQ_lr6veRoyUPfSQoU9bSiH848FUQkoMZTitNImbfasi9Ma-g/s1600/goodnight+warrior.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B-TuTacVQYEV_XiuIJyTQtLlitAsHoHb_yk2TbVB6oQTdFpUntQIkG9a3VPvMZeKaiQXODzpBGI1nZpS6zuKhBiv0kKQ_lr6veRoyUPfSQoU9bSiH848FUQkoMZTitNImbfasi9Ma-g/s400/goodnight+warrior.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672708225097793922" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf-bJRVsb_dYMzAGA5H7CGa5c1Jm8Ke4JhPVul61fvwkr2tOmqz4Ht8Vzb-j8Te4E5iWMErJMXttwhRlvlHKdNRUGJ8FEFo-w6KFcWY9l7Ay_IzHf7bVgr2yTJkvpeeT2RCjtphsUg9w/s1600/sweet+dreams+princess.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf-bJRVsb_dYMzAGA5H7CGa5c1Jm8Ke4JhPVul61fvwkr2tOmqz4Ht8Vzb-j8Te4E5iWMErJMXttwhRlvlHKdNRUGJ8FEFo-w6KFcWY9l7Ay_IzHf7bVgr2yTJkvpeeT2RCjtphsUg9w/s400/sweet+dreams+princess.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672708223078525506" /></a>I found these sweet devotionals last week and had to share. <i>Sweet Dreams Princess</i> and <i>Goodnight Warrior</i>, by Sheila Walsh, provide a precious nightly ritual which includes a brief Bible story, a related devotion, and then a prayer, praise, or promise. While the devotions aren't very indepth or original, the wording is age-appropriate and captivates my little ones. <div><br /></div><div>Just a warning that both books are almost exactly the same in that they have the same biblical stories. But they cater toward boy or girl (oops, sorry....<i>warrior</i> or <i>princess</i>) in the devotion part. The author had my son at the word "warrior." I actually like this format because I can read the story just once to both kids, and then I can spend special time with each one on the devotion. It's a great way to wind them down before bed and bring their thoughts back to the God who loves them. The difference in the content of their prayers is amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and a fun little bonus....the warrior cover glows in the dark!</div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275589022149602259.post-62339916249580395392011-11-02T17:01:00.008-05:002011-12-08T19:57:05.697-06:00And we're back!So sorry for the lack of posts. I promise I have good reasons. Two of which are spending time working on Caroline's adoption video (plan to post next week) and planning a redesign of the blog. I have a detailed update in the works, but in the meantime, here are some pics of pumpkin carving, our finished "masterpieces," and Halloween. It was Caroline's first, and she had a great time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzo5A119IpHFPGIPOOPVQbIvfYE_nDaHu-mu0gnTAvi0es0FS3Lp-1DnpfwTB5O0cVMxOJIMd9b2B6bJZJfe9fyeP-SHmQR4yM4QeouL60t5O_ZZWIRBpFMq9TzTVEI76WkdoUSCX9Ic/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzo5A119IpHFPGIPOOPVQbIvfYE_nDaHu-mu0gnTAvi0es0FS3Lp-1DnpfwTB5O0cVMxOJIMd9b2B6bJZJfe9fyeP-SHmQR4yM4QeouL60t5O_ZZWIRBpFMq9TzTVEI76WkdoUSCX9Ic/s400/IMG_2668.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670525513341140706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj2EmiQgTu9wO3Id6TKT3cfa-33ZCJ3QHF-X0lEblVwMsFuVtFGz9fDfBto6eajlYXltiTUtUUYULO987ZrS5WU7W6Fwaz95uMc_NxQ8OK5A1PPbY8-mAJngasxcxV7RQK9OiZRoi9QY/s1600/IMG_2667.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj2EmiQgTu9wO3Id6TKT3cfa-33ZCJ3QHF-X0lEblVwMsFuVtFGz9fDfBto6eajlYXltiTUtUUYULO987ZrS5WU7W6Fwaz95uMc_NxQ8OK5A1PPbY8-mAJngasxcxV7RQK9OiZRoi9QY/s400/IMG_2667.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670525507134673602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy08Wxx2rghXks7dGgFbvaLs4EYbNDVGUkRGLoeQgbVDeyc8lyaEpyOYRCyolDEigaY_qMUcEh3N6f-Yc9KZPOVFpGUAJX0elXailt1BVDSwfh7erNgMQCRZUv8A6m7Hbvz1H5VbnRAXM/s1600/IMG_2665.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy08Wxx2rghXks7dGgFbvaLs4EYbNDVGUkRGLoeQgbVDeyc8lyaEpyOYRCyolDEigaY_qMUcEh3N6f-Yc9KZPOVFpGUAJX0elXailt1BVDSwfh7erNgMQCRZUv8A6m7Hbvz1H5VbnRAXM/s400/IMG_2665.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670525501069994930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1V57WIYyJUaS1i-egnSNtDhP43A9FcpGUk2Y_N28iH39uJxfWRKCmgk7QAc315ENwsedsSPlsa7GAAKgSzGbNxNZCNYDjhNJYXHgdmd-dR9BPBQAYmswiTP0DyI1mOMvenQidDgpSvE/s1600/IMG_8710.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1V57WIYyJUaS1i-egnSNtDhP43A9FcpGUk2Y_N28iH39uJxfWRKCmgk7QAc315ENwsedsSPlsa7GAAKgSzGbNxNZCNYDjhNJYXHgdmd-dR9BPBQAYmswiTP0DyI1mOMvenQidDgpSvE/s400/IMG_8710.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523788446612786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOkY-hUcp8S-qklKmfFuyI-j9b2mbh5schtGByofgY38uHYNZ0PwSAhxKuCqXK10BRl0pCho5yFsixlmcmueWjD5maPl12jGMm2g9_iK4PNVCax98p1KBAtZ7MYVnkctEL3FPjoqt5bw/s1600/IMG_8715.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOkY-hUcp8S-qklKmfFuyI-j9b2mbh5schtGByofgY38uHYNZ0PwSAhxKuCqXK10BRl0pCho5yFsixlmcmueWjD5maPl12jGMm2g9_iK4PNVCax98p1KBAtZ7MYVnkctEL3FPjoqt5bw/s400/IMG_8715.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523779143215010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejdGhnY2QMhQ0N22gVwWkHlRA7f6W17sq3_9ZMs7qkSSZC5x9oG8g_MA0IB9cAE457Lxbhgj01PUVdv8aubVlpz_XVa2cPX1xN0Yi2JLyZ-L-EY1pBAnIdt8uzO7wsXLI7QHvAaBhteU/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejdGhnY2QMhQ0N22gVwWkHlRA7f6W17sq3_9ZMs7qkSSZC5x9oG8g_MA0IB9cAE457Lxbhgj01PUVdv8aubVlpz_XVa2cPX1xN0Yi2JLyZ-L-EY1pBAnIdt8uzO7wsXLI7QHvAaBhteU/s400/IMG_8738.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523773525120530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgmXL-p1nOx6QsQqiPOATgVL70qV16t0NS7ZVf1rYZ4fa3c3yUD5neqO2ufnqlfy9cSow_DZCmsT7tc3aQo_nn5V-t-ltVSwkfwH9-a35neByqZefj61O92RrwN10T6cdQw0VNlHL-c/s1600/IMG_8741.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgmXL-p1nOx6QsQqiPOATgVL70qV16t0NS7ZVf1rYZ4fa3c3yUD5neqO2ufnqlfy9cSow_DZCmsT7tc3aQo_nn5V-t-ltVSwkfwH9-a35neByqZefj61O92RrwN10T6cdQw0VNlHL-c/s400/IMG_8741.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523535782639634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SR-rfzFyzV21IZeEdt4zn8kuCMmcL_QsLu8S8cWnbv6ymPejj21H34xVzzNDX8KMOps5CCNZb8j15RTJQV7Vw6RjjUKkLeYbp8H95mjvWl3bxt0Lp5h_RyeJ5zMpzbEQaLzMYzOwWIY/s1600/IMG_8761.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SR-rfzFyzV21IZeEdt4zn8kuCMmcL_QsLu8S8cWnbv6ymPejj21H34xVzzNDX8KMOps5CCNZb8j15RTJQV7Vw6RjjUKkLeYbp8H95mjvWl3bxt0Lp5h_RyeJ5zMpzbEQaLzMYzOwWIY/s400/IMG_8761.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523520991690786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0YkWBdH85l8lWZ4pQ5cLG_LFzbq9IrEfqOwfh9QsaZROa8Dkw6JP10FB7Owzj_ugLPugGaJfdw2VdFvAOl5CgvNCVVBe9rkpxr0dzwlh-suTDGbFx1Uk3PfcpzpV8yO9e-doeGThNTQ/s1600/IMG_8788.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0YkWBdH85l8lWZ4pQ5cLG_LFzbq9IrEfqOwfh9QsaZROa8Dkw6JP10FB7Owzj_ugLPugGaJfdw2VdFvAOl5CgvNCVVBe9rkpxr0dzwlh-suTDGbFx1Uk3PfcpzpV8yO9e-doeGThNTQ/s400/IMG_8788.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523508120069250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblRZhBJGbd7clBO-QC3hlcZUHXR9_et65_rCLmQEEJc0iyHb2dF0eKpBaq6rUV4Q1JWDSUpvcK1teWBShQnvbwz73c7gjEDK7lPobYZgA18rwXEWalvE6CDVe0iyuDUOK7w3tnk2UPSg/s1600/IMG_8802.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblRZhBJGbd7clBO-QC3hlcZUHXR9_et65_rCLmQEEJc0iyHb2dF0eKpBaq6rUV4Q1JWDSUpvcK1teWBShQnvbwz73c7gjEDK7lPobYZgA18rwXEWalvE6CDVe0iyuDUOK7w3tnk2UPSg/s400/IMG_8802.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523503386396690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxS0uePGjBflFZ-HsGI8rOQ7h_2eW0Xwo3xifwipbCC0LF1BL-sMTCBkztKSsj2d8mWpekdFUOV84Qg0talz4L3nd2HeJs4zY_nRl1e0tVN8VxVM6ZJrRN18N_5RrTXMpCobz7datT6p4/s1600/IMG_8820.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxS0uePGjBflFZ-HsGI8rOQ7h_2eW0Xwo3xifwipbCC0LF1BL-sMTCBkztKSsj2d8mWpekdFUOV84Qg0talz4L3nd2HeJs4zY_nRl1e0tVN8VxVM6ZJrRN18N_5RrTXMpCobz7datT6p4/s400/IMG_8820.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523231891160626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-A91Stix1BHfvcB8OTg8k44xVR_3objveDtLc8Pzhc2uRjIxTxf-sCSdpDnd7d0WgP1VN-aaaI2_fL-gFqlmTbWH-9siuqaYibCrdH8R-tlH1r7eTRTux7f1QsJCIia-JAUYuiVVfNc/s1600/IMG_8836.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-A91Stix1BHfvcB8OTg8k44xVR_3objveDtLc8Pzhc2uRjIxTxf-sCSdpDnd7d0WgP1VN-aaaI2_fL-gFqlmTbWH-9siuqaYibCrdH8R-tlH1r7eTRTux7f1QsJCIia-JAUYuiVVfNc/s400/IMG_8836.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523214412481602" /></a>Carter had picked out a pilot costume but then decided to be Green Lantern like his cousin, Graham. Ends up that Green Lantern was actually a test pilot before he was a superhero. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH95wrPvHRcXZcx6fN1i7LDyWm03hLudFHY2tuwWwugOj9TCcWw2SHKL8TgS0Dy9XRR_pIuXPQeo3mUdlFA7GkU_Tecuv2Gzjv1mQGU8LRNuo4X0uTIwa9031JO5HzuSlitDCQNsX83c/s1600/IMG_8857.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH95wrPvHRcXZcx6fN1i7LDyWm03hLudFHY2tuwWwugOj9TCcWw2SHKL8TgS0Dy9XRR_pIuXPQeo3mUdlFA7GkU_Tecuv2Gzjv1mQGU8LRNuo4X0uTIwa9031JO5HzuSlitDCQNsX83c/s400/IMG_8857.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523208764404370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Trick-or-treating with cousins Graham and Cece. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWvmo3atD8h7sSn1De0h-iAh1fqsw_kRSXdbNJ7MmeWwUEkvblfBBkvRkQ49Ea1efCa75hAmn1kQ5305hQybWsqXeWs_S_UUw_n1HX5rZtEiPsPxg48f6QL8y8-Y-bbGHpbLOYLVIM9M/s1600/IMG_8867.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWvmo3atD8h7sSn1De0h-iAh1fqsw_kRSXdbNJ7MmeWwUEkvblfBBkvRkQ49Ea1efCa75hAmn1kQ5305hQybWsqXeWs_S_UUw_n1HX5rZtEiPsPxg48f6QL8y8-Y-bbGHpbLOYLVIM9M/s400/IMG_8867.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670522842725081826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We had some fun hats! Here is my Aunt Judi with her hat.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_G7H7obtSY9pHYyXxN4jKxpO9-CVDdVs6eEG2s_dQpFjUS7Xo_YFz1SU42XMDHk5FUTpM17QyyN733XRsaamezngqs9Xtkb-5VaGHW-4DmGTDaZF_NcYbXI6P22AvwkoPugyyuXmRJuQ/s1600/IMG_8873.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_G7H7obtSY9pHYyXxN4jKxpO9-CVDdVs6eEG2s_dQpFjUS7Xo_YFz1SU42XMDHk5FUTpM17QyyN733XRsaamezngqs9Xtkb-5VaGHW-4DmGTDaZF_NcYbXI6P22AvwkoPugyyuXmRJuQ/s400/IMG_8873.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670522841044895074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13.3333px;">And Caroline with hers...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc8rwDsa6TTqBrg7cQW92vbex4bLdQ5g7dT6Qv5qMDZR1S5kMhzyfkBBYXd-LAYZG1ohBDid-S2WKgyEnj6T_S9HIFbXkhXIGVFlViG3_2YwjyQBmMFdwIeLdKWeCTm2W_oWyI7Lu94E/s400/IMG_8811.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670523233625049090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Caroline and cousin Mary Katherine</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOohmETmLgDhNchYWIsoUGqjLHw20QwIh9EPP01uinRW-0Ds1syOjaD1oJ-gOQ4erJo1ySYwMLohX455ZVEfMVS5eKHAiZagvud_F3lZ1p5HpmlJLeyIKoCoWT9NYFl-eMxOkfNl6BKdA/s1600/IMG_8877.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOohmETmLgDhNchYWIsoUGqjLHw20QwIh9EPP01uinRW-0Ds1syOjaD1oJ-gOQ4erJo1ySYwMLohX455ZVEfMVS5eKHAiZagvud_F3lZ1p5HpmlJLeyIKoCoWT9NYFl-eMxOkfNl6BKdA/s400/IMG_8877.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670522832164970002" /></a>And I have to brag on my sister....for the 3rd year in a row, she won her workplace's soup recipe contest!! This year's tastebud pleaser was a roasted tomato and basil creation. Yum..... congrats lil sis!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho70fmjpcAxjfH-IfEXMvkfOHMGuAJ6hzAyyuVVIWWwV36fT-mJha6ALvmCKpa0vIhpIzSaB68bliy02G-Wt_Cpa6sV7nvgXxg-4-0_f1UL62skiMi6fK7-rmo0tXSLpFgZtor6rUBMwM/s1600/IMG_8880+-+Version+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho70fmjpcAxjfH-IfEXMvkfOHMGuAJ6hzAyyuVVIWWwV36fT-mJha6ALvmCKpa0vIhpIzSaB68bliy02G-Wt_Cpa6sV7nvgXxg-4-0_f1UL62skiMi6fK7-rmo0tXSLpFgZtor6rUBMwM/s400/IMG_8880+-+Version+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670522824479404690" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Kelley Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03392265663917699456noreply@blogger.com2