tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054949351355830572024-03-12T22:31:35.883-04:00My Cup of TeaSomewhere along the way, I've learned that having a good friend and a cup of tea can lead to truthful conversation that is good for the soul.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-25064781491693091392015-09-16T12:21:00.001-04:002015-09-16T12:21:17.795-04:005K Queen ContinuedA list of my races:
Jan: Fremont Frostbite
Feb: Grand Rapids, Dash Down Division
Mar: Kent City, Ridge Run
Apr: Grand Haven, Katty Shack
May: Holland, Tulip Time 5K
Jun: Zeeland, Zeeland Zoom
July: Grand HAven, Coast Guard 5K
Aug: Grand Rapids, The Color Run
Sept: Holland, Park to Park
Oct: Zeeland, Pumpkinfest
Nov: Holland, Turkey Trot
Dec: Holland, New Years Eve Run
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-22903163832901061492015-09-16T12:10:00.001-04:002015-09-16T12:10:16.818-04:00TerribleSo I've got a problem. I can't seem to take care of myself. I put reminders on my phone to try and remember to do things like the my meds, check my sugar and get stuff done. I snooze, ignore, and can't be bothered since I am driving, running errands or somewhere where I don't want to bring that kind of attention to myself. So I sit at another dr appointment where I'll get yelled at, not really, and wonder how I can get better even with Drs trying to keep me accountable. I love my kid and my husband. I know that they will be the ones to suffer. So why can't I get on the ball?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-80454025782569229482014-03-25T17:53:00.000-04:002014-03-25T17:53:10.557-04:00Snow in MarchYes, today is March 25 and it is snowing. Not just a couple flakes, but a million that is making the world white again. Sigh. This has been the LONGEST winter ever. We had a zillion snow days (ok 6) and had enough snow that we had to buy a snow plow for the truck to be able to get in and out of the driveway. Just when we thought spring would finally come, there is no sun or even rain. Just snow and a strong wind.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AUqjv4PMLI/UzH6al111ZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/7pvKPaw5L1E/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7AUqjv4PMLI/UzH6al111ZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/7pvKPaw5L1E/s320/14+-+1" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-53528676624180807952014-03-04T14:23:00.000-05:002014-03-04T14:24:49.417-05:005K QueenI'm laughing just thinking of the title of this post.
For new years I decided to give myself an "Out of The Box" resolution. Something so out of my comfort zone that it would practically be a joke.
I decided to run a 5K every month for the whole year of 2014!
The only sucker who took the bait was my husband who I think has to take the bait whenever I offer it, due to contractual obligation implied from our wedding vows.
The first race was in Fremont Michigan. We barely made it out of the drive way because of snow and actually got stuck on our way home. <a href="http://">The Frostbite</a>. <a href="http://"><a href="http://fremontxc.com/index.php?id=517&The-Frostbite---5k-and-10k"></a></a>
To my surprise, I loved it. I loved doing something with my husband, knowing that this was my first step, and when I finished, I couldn't believe that little old me could do it.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-73165554558055938072013-11-15T13:01:00.001-05:002013-11-15T13:01:35.830-05:00November 15, 2013Seriously, time has been flying.
I imagine that working, being a mom, being a wife, GEMS leader, friend and taxi driver to the kiddos has made time for reflection pretty non-existent.
T1 is 13. A sassy teenager who is never far from his ipod touch. He did football last fall and is going to try swimming later this month. My heart hurts for him as I know that rough times that he wont want to share with mom will be coming soon. I adore that he still hugs and kisses me.
T2 is 11 and to look at her you would assume she is older than Tristan. Her heart is helpful and her struggles are not as apparent as Tristan's. She decided to try out for the school musical and tonight I should know if she made it. I am so nervous for her. I see that she struggles to live up to her "determined stereotype". I try to encourage her to not live between those limits. I need to spend more time with her.
T3 is 8 and a diva. "I know, right" is the phrase that comes out of her month more often than not. She struggles with being the follower when it comes to friends. I just want her to learn to stand on her own, but she looks for the approval of others. Super talented as well. Dance has been new this year and she excels in that like she did in gymnastics.
J and I have celebrated 16 years of marriage this summer and celebrated it by taking our son to an airplane show. Family is still a priority and we stand united in the messy laundry, dirty dishes in the sink, racing to and fro pace of our life.
I'm so afraid that life will pass us by and I will be left saying "I thought we were going to put a stop to this craziness."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-43285788042857355482012-10-04T04:32:00.001-04:002012-10-04T04:32:16.355-04:00BreatheWould you believe it is 4am?
I can't even try to remember how summer was this year. The only thing that comes to mind is hot.
September brought the craziness of school, football, soccer and of course gymnastics. Tristan is having a wonderful transition to middle school. He plays trumpet, plays rocket football and is doing so well in school. I have been impressed with the responsibility that he shows. He is no means perfect, but homework is no longer that big of a struggle and the discipline he learned from GT is such a blessing.
Trinity is enjoying being top dog in elementary. She is a safety and enjoys the power a fluorescent belt can wield. LOL! Her beauty and "mothering" amazes me daily. She is no longer a little girl and while she has always been tall for her age, I swear she is growing out of the girls clothing department. Im going to turn around and see a young woman soon.
Tessa still adores her siblings. She has been doing well at gymnastics. She will be going to her first meets soon. She is my fashion diva, refusing to wear the hand me downs I saved from Trinity. Justice is her store of choice and dolls and stuffed animals still top her list.
The farm is going well. We get six eggs everyday from our chickens and Tommy has been our lesson horse for Jeff and now for Trinity. The alpacas still don't trust us but seem to be happy together. We recently bought hay for the winter which set us back a pretty penny (and more since the price was driven up by the harsh summer and drought.)
The garden survived thanks to faithful watering and aside from plenty of weeds, we got zucchini, tomatoes, corn, beans, watermelon, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and pumpkins. The apple trees gave no fruit because of an untimely frost after it had already started budding. Much of the landscaping plants we bought on memorial day were hastily planted wherever we found a spot. The heat was a huge factor in our "laziness" in being outside. Mom brought more perennials over from the condo and Jeff and I continued to trim back the overgrown plants that were left by the previous owner.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-32905880135420183182012-06-28T05:09:00.000-04:002012-06-28T05:14:49.896-04:00Quick catchup- summer is hot, thanking God for our mini pool.
- Tristan graduated from elementary school. Cried like a baby!
- Tessa made PreTeam for gymnastics.
- Trinity made the best friends ever this year.
- Taking Thursdays off of work for summer.
- have 6 chickens, 1 horse, 2 alpacas, 2 barn kittens, 2 dogs and 1 turtle.
- have the best assistant ever at work.
- spending lots of time with my nephews Brevin, Ian and Alex (at least more than usual)
- my 4runner is still holding up woohoo!
- started a garden.
- love my pitchfork, mower cart and iPhone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-71818252507133695462012-05-03T22:22:00.001-04:002012-05-03T22:22:51.302-04:00Dirty bathtubAs I walked into my bathroom I couldn't help but notice that my bathtub was sporting some good old fashioned dirt in it. The kids took a bath and left muddy prints by the knobs and dirt in the tub.
I made the decision to be blessed by my dirty bathtub. :)
It meant my kiddos had fun in the world that God created for them.
That they were healthy enough to play.
That they didn't sit in front of the tv or computer tonight.
That tomorrow we will celebrate my sons 12th birthday when I know of a family who wishes they could have celebrated their sons same birthday.
I could go on and on because I am blessed more than I deserve. Humbly I bow my head and say...
Thank you Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-50438951592044201702012-04-27T16:08:00.000-04:002012-04-27T16:08:04.106-04:00The crossToday on my way to pick up a prescription at the doctor, I approached the front doors behind a family.
There was a woman wearing her food service uniform with two young children who ran to the kids waiting area to watch tv. There was also a young man with them. He had cargo pants on with a pack of smokes in the side pocket. He looked too young to even be able to buy them legally.
By the time I caught up with them at the second set of doors, I noticed the upside down cross he wore around his neck while he held the door open for me. My usual response is a smile and a quiet "thanks".
The woman told the receptionist that they were there for an appointment, but then she stepped aside to let the newly 18 year-old deal with the rest. He had to sign his own forms and learn about HIPA laws. She didn't offer help and he just signed whatever the receptionist put in front of him.
I soon moved on and did what I went there to do and said a small prayer for that young man. Especially when I went back to my own children.
Now I am not super worldly so I didn't think too much about the upside down cross until later when I googled it for my own knowledge. Aside from being the name of a band it is a sign for followers of Satan.
Did this 18 year-old mean to portray his allegiance for the Evil one? I immediately sensed a battle for this young mans soul. My prayer for him went from little to the magnitude of putting him on the top of my prayer list.
How many battles are being fought for our souls and the souls of our loved ones? Of total strangers who take the time to open the door for you?
Was my smile enough to tip the scales for our side? What else could I have done?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-18186017993529479362012-04-21T22:52:00.001-04:002012-04-21T22:52:32.718-04:00Dump day!You would swear it was a holiday.
Ever since I've been married and we owned a house, there was a special day on the calendar.
From April to October, the third Saturday of the month is dump day.
The day you can fill your car, truck, trailer and throw it away for free.
Maybe we just have lots of junk or it is like a coupon for a freebie... You have to take advantage of it!
Today was an old dishwasher and part of a dog house that turned into a chicken coop.
Packed it into the car and got a cup of coffee to drink while we waited to get into the dump.
Usually the first one of the season causes huge lineups. (we are experienced in this remember)
But we did have a productive day getting things marked off the project list. The bonus of having decent weather lately.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-44796472472317342092012-03-07T21:10:00.001-05:002012-03-07T21:10:06.795-05:00No one has the right to abuse you!!!Tonight I have a heavy heart....
You see, I went with a young girl who I work with to the emergency room to get X-rays and report an abusive boyfriend. It wasn't the first time and while he did get arrested, she still is struggling with feelings of guilt for doing the right thing and reporting his abuse. This time was bruises and scrapes from punches, kicks and choking, but the doctor, nurse, police and social worker all stressed that next time would be worse.
Maybe I'm too idealistic and like to pretend that this stuff doesn't exist. I am sitting here crying because if it happens this close to me, how many other places is it happening that I don't know about?
No matter what your situation is, it is not right to have someone physically, emotionally or sexually abuse you. YOU don't deserve it and don't need to live with it. No matter how much they say they love you. Please don't let anyone make you think that you are worthless. Our God loves you so very much and didn't make you to be treated that way.
If it happens around you, remember that God loves that child and wants you to do something about it. Don't stand by and let it happen. We are on this earth on a mission from God. To be His hands and feet... Don't take that job lightly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-30695694227300669802012-02-23T22:53:00.001-05:002012-02-23T22:53:04.163-05:00Hugs and making a connection....So I lead GEMS at church and I have about 9 beautiful girls who I get the pleasure of spending time with on a weekly basis. They bless the socks off of me. I try to see them as God would see them and try to make them feel special in little ways. One little girl who I met this year seemed so foreign to me. I wasn't sure how to reach out to her. But God gave me the words this week.
To keep things simple, it boils down to taking the time to let her know that I wanted to help her and I did such a small thing for her. Tiny effort really. But the rewards were huge. I got a hug and thank you in the middle of class when i least expected it and a question of whether I would lead again next year.
These girls are so precious. I can't express how much I love being with them and worshipping with them and gaining their trust. Don't ever think that getting involved and investing in these kids is not worth it.
Tonight I pray for the leaders who volunteer to spend time with my children. May God bless them richly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-37671844639135505152012-01-12T22:40:00.000-05:002012-01-12T22:40:50.780-05:00Deep thoughts11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
You see I just found out some news that left me sitting in a cloud of sadness tonight. The specifics aren't important but I know that as I turn my attention to God and look for His presence in all of this, I feel a clarity that leads to peace.
The only way this could happen is because I trust my Lord. I just need to remember to look for Him with all my heart.
This might be very elementary to many of you, but this is new for me. Having God speak to me with memorized bible verses. I feel like a character in a Karen Kingsbury novel. :)
Thank you God for loving me.
AmenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-42747291385340935522012-01-11T21:49:00.001-05:002012-01-11T21:49:56.268-05:00No apologies...Yes, I am a hugger.
Considering that I am of Peruvian descent, all of you should be happy that I gave up kissing as well!
I grew up kissing my loved ones hello and goodbye.
Total strangers who I never met got kisses if they were older and deserved respect.
Kisses on the cheek, nothing gross!
Christmas and New Years were hug and kiss-fests with my Peruvian-American family.
So if I see that someone in need, they get a hug or a reassuring touch.
No apologies, just a gesture of love and care.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-74734713662148636622012-01-08T21:47:00.001-05:002012-01-08T21:47:51.522-05:00Little manTristan came home this weekend with a homework assignment of having to find 100 adjectives that describe him. They had to be positive, not physical traits and words he has never heard before. We had so much fun doing this together. Not only that but it brought a closeness for the rest of the weekend. We had great talks about serious subjects and I was blessed to realize that my son is maturing into a thoughtful young man who is learning to have great insight. We also played some computer games together, simple ones that his old mom could understand. My prayers tonight will be that he continues to mature into the best person he can be, that is remains close to the Lord and that whatever struggles he faces, he turns to the ones who love him... God, his parents and his family.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-53239455601708883882011-12-21T23:40:00.001-05:002011-12-21T23:40:20.269-05:00ShoppingToday I got the opportunity to Christmas shop with my favorite 11 year old. It was such a treat to be able to talk with him and give him my complete attention. He shopped for the rest of the family and it was great to see how he wanted to make everyone happy but choosing items that fit their interests. I always knew he was thoughtful, but to see it in motion and be able to experience it was a blessing. We sang Chriatmas songs honoring God on the way home and I took the opportunity to allow him to ask me any questions about anything. I brought up some touchy subjects and he reassured me that all was good. I love my little man so much. I know someday he will choose other peoples company to mine, but I will cherish what he does give me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-1651815929932475432011-12-09T22:31:00.001-05:002011-12-09T22:31:52.425-05:00Smile<div></div><div><a href="http://instagr.am/p/YPmoU/"><img src="http://distilleryimage8.instagram.com/5d5d933622df11e19896123138142014_5.jpg"></a><br><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-85095429284739855962011-12-04T22:29:00.001-05:002011-12-04T22:29:04.527-05:00Michigan adventure 2010<div></div><div><a href="http://instagr.am/p/XE3eI/"><img src="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/f52724d41d8f11e19896123138142014_5.jpg"></a><br>The funny thing is that Trinity is afraid of heights and Tristan is pretending to be terrified</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-908986938788764562011-11-30T22:28:00.001-05:002011-11-30T22:28:27.151-05:00Grandpa B and Tessa<div></div><div><a href="http://instagr.am/p/VXX0s/"><img src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/ab77adb8157e11e1a87612313804ec91_5.jpg"></a><br><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-55896989113619110182011-11-28T22:59:00.001-05:002011-11-28T22:59:58.701-05:00Tommy and Tristan<div></div><div><a href="http://instagr.am/p/VkKyf/"><img src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/3a678188168811e180c9123138016265_5.jpg"></a><br>(<a href="http://instagr.am/p/VkKyf/">see full image</a>)</div><div><br><br>Sent from my iPad</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-55237333130009176712011-11-14T19:50:00.000-05:002011-11-14T19:50:47.212-05:00Lurking in person...So while reading friends blogs, I found a woman who touched my heart. She is struggling with so much. I lurked for months reading about her pain, until she decided to add an invite only status to her blog. Since I don't personally know her, I figured I would just have to pray for her without any specifics from her posts.<br />
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But lo and behold, she has children at the same school as I do. So I see her almost everyday now. I've made excuses to talk to her and offer a smiling face when I can.<br />
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I just keep hoping that God will use me if He needs me in her life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-55826605253182979962011-09-01T07:06:00.000-04:002011-09-01T07:06:01.547-04:00Open house WednesdayThe week before school on Wednesday is always the day the schools have open houses. So from 4:30pm until 7:00pm we made the rounds to three schools all over the district. <br />
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Tristan was the easiest because since he is in GT his entire class moves from one classroom to the one next door. The teacher knew him on sight and of course his paranoid mom wondered if last years teacher had given the new teacher a warning about him. Ahhhh! He travels the farthest from the house with a trek on 3 buses to get to and from school.<br />
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Next was Tessa who is starting first grade. She was added to her class last week so I was hoping the teacher was prepared for her (and she was). the principal greeted us at the door, knew we were a NEW family and sent us to the sunshine room. I feel so bad because I'm sure I prepped the other kids at first grade to learn the teachers name and classroom name, etc over the summer. She is getting a crash course this week. Tessa only rides one bus to and from school since she is at our HOME school.<br />
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Trinity was next and she is going to the school we know the best since it was our home school when we lived at our old house. The kids and teachers are familiar and while she could have moved to Tessa's school. She would rather end her elementary years with her friends. She only has to take two buses to and from school.<br />
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Praying for a great year for my kiddos and that God gives me strength and ability to keep it all together.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-18372697731333483682011-08-30T05:01:00.000-04:002011-08-30T05:01:55.538-04:00House and homeSo much has happened in these past months...<br />
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We moved into what we can only say is our dream house. Jeff and I have been dreaming of moving back out in the country and by the grace of God, it happened!<br />
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We found a home that seems to to fit all our needs including some extra room for my mom when she stays with us for 6 months. The only thing missing are some animals to eat down the two pastures that we have!<br />
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I can still hear my own words saying that "I don't think I could ever live that far out" but the drives to work and the "city" have been fine (so far). We will have to see what winter brings us but I am not too concerned. Funny how a 15 minute drive could be so intimidating when you are so spoiled to have everything at your fingertips before!<br />
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I hope to post more pictures soon. I've downgraded my phone from smart to simple and even pictures are a luxury nowadays. I miss being able to record life on the fly so I think I will have to go back soon!<br />
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Tristan is in football (a post of that experience is soon to come) and Trinity is going to start soccer soon while taking a few months from horseback riding. Tessa took a month off from gymnastics and is on a waiting list for soccer (Mom was bad this year).<br />
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Looks like we wont have any boredom until November probably! LOLUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-67090024670114653852011-08-14T22:00:00.000-04:002011-08-14T22:00:48.186-04:00GoodnessToday at church we heard a sermon on goodness, one of the fruits of the Spirit. It really touched me and gave me a tiny bit or reassurance that I was on the right track sometimes!<br />
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This past week I passed around a birthday card for an ex-coworker of mine that is in federal prison. It has something to do with child pornography but I don't know the details and I don't really think I need to.<br />
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I got the strangest reactions when I asked a few people if they were interested in signing the card. Lots of "Have you heard from him?" (the answer is no), some enthusiastic "Yes"es and definite "No"s. When asked why, I told them that I wanted to send him encouragement for when he was released and that I would hope that someone would remember me if the tables were turned.<br />
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Pastor Steve says that Goodness is drawn to Brokenness. I guess I can relate to that very easily. My heart is drawn to the hurt. I write letters to people I know in prison and to kids of my old high school classmates who are in a National Guard youth program as a last chance.<br />
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I have mentored teen moms and I recently got in touch with an old high school classmate on Facebook who I tutored through Government class so he could graduate. He says he appreciated my help and has never forgotten me. The biggest thrill is that asked God to bless me and for that I am grateful.<br />
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I will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit leads me to do these little things that cost maybe a stamp and 20 minutes. This is a fruit of the spirit that I'm so glad to have in my heart.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-505494935135583057.post-41029249304180817372011-06-19T22:28:00.000-04:002011-06-19T22:28:50.749-04:00Father's Day 2011We spent this fathers day weekend with a start at Holland Hospital. Jeff had shoulder surgery scheduled for Friday. He was quite nervous about going under the knife. While I know all the things people say to calm one's nerves before surgery, it is quite different when it is your best friend and partner in life.<br />
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The surgery went well and while the doc found a little something, he thought that what he planned to do in the first place would be enough to get rid of the pain. The recovery is going well. No nausea and the nerve block worked wonderfully!<br />
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Saturday was a trip to an open house for a niece and a small trip to Lowes for grilling supplies! We went to red box and got a family movie as well as a parent movie, which I fell asleep through.<br />
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Sunday morning we skipped church and Jeff got treated to a shower. He got a pair of hand weights for father's day along with breakfast from Trinity and Tessa. We went to Butch's Beach Burritos for lunch and then came home to make Beer Can Chicken.<br />
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Jeff makes the best beer can chicken. The kids were so excited and we were treated to a gourmet meal.<br />
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I am always proud of my husband. He amazes me often and is a good man. I am blessed to have him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0