tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11916118776941575332024-03-05T17:37:40.838-06:00You Are My... Happily Ever AfterAccounts of the many adventures of the Kidder FamilyBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13001181487801999638noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-49773646845534983382017-05-18T17:47:00.000-05:002017-05-18T17:47:10.513-05:0010 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To see Lucy at 10 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-months.html" target="_blank">click here</a></div>
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To see Michael at 10 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/10/ten-months.html" target="_blank">click here</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-37139448789474996392017-05-18T17:46:00.000-05:002017-05-18T17:46:42.067-05:009 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To see Lucy at 9 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2011/03/nine-months-old.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
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To see Michael at 9 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/10/nine-months.html" target="_blank"> click here. </a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-27983259150967465322015-01-31T14:38:00.002-06:002015-01-31T14:38:53.940-06:008 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To see Lucy at 8 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2011/02/eight-months-old.html" target="_blank"> click here.</a></div>
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To see Michael at 8 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/10/eight-months.html" target="_blank"> click here. </a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-45856216885722293692015-01-31T14:38:00.001-06:002015-01-31T14:38:41.514-06:00#TheKiddersGoCamping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last summer, we dusted off our tent (which was still in it's original box from when we received it as a wedding gift), borrowed a few marshmallow roasting sticks, packed up our van (thank goodness for stow and go!) and headed "Up North" to Interlochen State Park with excitement and optimistic thoughts about the week ahead. </div>
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We had reserved a rustic campsite (because who needs power or modern bathrooms close by?!) for 5 nights and when we arrived we were met with beautiful views. </div>
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What do you do with a 7 1/2 month old who is almost crawling while camping at a sandy campsite? (Maybe a better question is "Who takes a 7 1/2 month old camping?") You bring a clip on seat and attach it to the picnic table and move the child from their pack-n-play to their seat and then to a carrier (I used my Ergo so much on this trip!) then start the rotation again. :) </div>
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I know you are thinking: "What about a blanket on the ground?" Well, we tried that... a few things made it not work so well. 1) Our campsite was very sandy and Gordon loved to pull whatever blanket he was on to investigate what was underneath - usually by putting things in his mouth. 2) There were lots of ants. 2) There were these caterpillars that fell from the <strike>sky</strike> trees, scaring the children and startling the parents... and they would bite. </div>
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So we did our best to situate Gordon in places where Gipsy Moth Caterpillars wouldn't fall from the sky and ants wouldn't bite and he wouldn't eat sand... thus no blankets on the ground. </div>
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We set up camp and ate dinner at the campsite - bathing the kids in a plastic tub before bedtime. We felt so accomplished with ourselves.</div>
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And then came night. When children fight sleep because they are so excited/sleeping in a tent. When parents realize that this might not be the best idea. When babies are tired and just want to sleep and older siblings can't stop talking. When parents just want to sit by the fire and enjoy time together but have to be constantly telling the kids to "be quiet" and "go to sleep." When parents give up and let kids come out of the tent and roast marshmallows and play with glow sticks instead of going to sleep. </div>
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After two nights of struggling with sleeping arrangements (a 6 person tent doesn't fit 5 people very well) we bought another tent and things went a little better the next few nights. </div>
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The way that the Kidders camp is this: We camp for cheap lodging and memories. We pay for showers every day. We eat at a restaurant at least one meal a day. Brad makes French Press coffee every morning. We play tourist during the day time - visiting breweries, beaches, wineries, the closest Target, playgrounds and local shops that sell spices and vinegar. Admittedly, we are a strange breed. </div>
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This selfie was taken while all three kids were zonked out in the car - we found beach and took a picture in the rain. #Romantic </div>
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We found some beautiful grass at a Michigan Winery and Gordon was so happy to not be in a baby-holding piece of equipment for a bit. :) </div>
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And after doing a fantastic job sitting in the car/stroller for hours - Lucy and Michael got to run around too. </div>
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Hahaha! I can not look at this picture without laughing! I tried to take a picture of the kids laying in the beautiful grass - but the sun was so bright all I got were squints and funny faces, from Lucy at least. </div>
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Playing at the campsite: Dirty faces and all! Oh the joys of camping. :) </div>
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Waiting in the car while Daddy took a shower - we drove to the "modern" side of the campground every day for showers. Brad would wait in the car with the kids while I showered and then we'd switch. It worked best to bathe the kids at the campsite (we didn't have "neighbors" so it was very private) but they did join us one day for showers (Michael HATED the "rain" but Lucy did well). </div>
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There was ONE night that we got to have some grown-ups only time. The kids were exhausted, Lucy and Michael went to sleep in their tent (the red one on right) and Gordon fell asleep too - Brad and I played Yahtzee, drank wine and enjoyed the campfire. It was wonderful. </div>
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Sugary cereal: The kids favorite part of camping. Haha! </div>
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"Look mom! Ellie is my hat!" </div>
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One day, <i>someone (</i>I'm ashamed to say it was <u>me</u> - Sarah) forgot to zip the window in the tent closed... we returned, after a day of enjoying Traverse City, to wet pillows and bedding. It had rained. Brad kindly took the wet stuff to a laundromat and washed/dried them while I put the kids to bed and read by flashlight-light. </div>
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The day to head home arrived and the kid's "helpful" actions were not helping us pack up camp so I took the three of them on an "adventure" while Brad got everything loaded into the van. We had a really fun time exploring the woods around our campsite! </div>
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The drive home was a quiet one... all three kids slept the entire 3 hour drive home (and I snoozed for the majority of it too!).</div>
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Despite the biting caterpillars, difficult sleeping arrangements and mishap with wet bedding - we had a great time. (OH! Brad broke a tooth during our trip too! - it was an adventurous week) It was a lot of work, but we think it was worth it for the memories made. We learned a lot and will do a few things differently next time (like buy our food after setting up camp instead of bringing it with us from home). Keep your eyes out for #thekiddersgocamping2015!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-16344304839069213802015-01-31T13:22:00.003-06:002015-01-31T13:22:32.333-06:00Lucy's 4th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post was written in November and somehow it never got published! </div>
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<i>I thought it would be fun to hear what Lucy remembers about her birthday - 5 months later - she has a great memory and I love to hear how she processes memories and verbalizes her thoughts. The captions below are her words <u>exactly</u>. </i></div>
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This is me when I was having waffles with strawberries on my birthday, when I poured the syrup on my plate all by myself.<br />
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And then, a little bit later, I opened presents. One of them was a new bubble machine. </div>
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Then when I opened the next one there was a sleeping bag in it! And I love the sleeping bag. </div>
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And then, I unwrapped my next present on my new sleeping bag I got. I laid it out so I could try it out. </div>
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Then I got a new sleeping bag for Ellie. I still have it. </div>
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And then, a little bit later I stood behind my poster and saw pink.<br />
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A few minutes later I had cake, after I had my lunch, with twirly flowers on it! It was all pink-pink. </div>
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The table was all pretty, like I wanted it to be, it was all pink. (What did we eat?) Um we ate Peanut Butter and Jelly. WE had little things on the table - some breads, some peanut butters, some jellies, noodles and there was pink plates and pink cups and pink napkins AND pink cake. </div>
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And we had pink lemonade and water too. And wine for the grown ups. And a pen that showed up black so we could write our name. </div>
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We had a making necklaces area on my old rug with signs. </div>
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And we had a princess crafting stuff so we could make princesses. My friends really wanted to do those things. </div>
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Great Grandma came, Grandma came and Selah and Kayah came with their mom. And Mrs Michelle came too from Texas. </div>
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My friend Lorelei and my fried Tamara ate by me. I was in the middle of them. </div>
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Eating their food. </div>
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The boys were on a blanket with Gordon, playing toys. Kayah played with Gordon a lot. </div>
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Miss Kelly came and Aunt Amy had an elephant necklace on. </div>
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I blowed out my candles and I ate my cake.</div>
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I was like ((blowing))</div>
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And I got a new slap bracelet watch, which I loved because it slapped on my arm. Can we look for my slap bracelet mom? I wanna wear it. </div>
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Lorelei and Me, for a little bit, we did necklace making. </div>
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And I got a new crown and did bubbles.</div>
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There's my new bubble machine!</div>
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When I got my ears pierced! I cried, it was sad... Haha Ellie's eyes!</div>
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~~~</div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucy Jo, </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are always the most friendly person on the playground and one of the most particular little person I have ever met. You have a compassionate heart and are attentive to the needs of those around you. Being your mom is a full time job that has made me cling to Jesus. You bring me so much joy. You are quick and smart like your daddy. You think well on your feet. You glows when Gordon smiles at you and call Michael “Sweetie.” Time with you</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">r daddy changes your demeanor. You and I love to read together and do crafts. I pray that your love for Jesus will overflow into a genuine love and concern for others. I love you so much sweet girl.</span></div>
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Xoxo,<br />
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MommySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-72439727354787896962014-10-25T19:10:00.002-05:002014-10-25T19:10:47.828-05:00Michael at 2.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Michael Bradley, my son. He has grown and changed so much in the six months from December 2013 to June 2014. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">He LOVES people, in fact he likes to know where all family members are at all times, ("Where daddy go?") and doesn't like playing by himself. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dVIUqNhYYybgoz4lbo21W5VNzrVjwYZapjT7T1NQgFv5G5Qr0PfpMYfK2uX3_jgfSTPoocPdq9lGg5gdXlbDemWEkQlxdxoCUfPhzGxxL2MCWj2AeJwMZsqOmMTgzAMbFloIFByM96Y/s1600/DSC_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dVIUqNhYYybgoz4lbo21W5VNzrVjwYZapjT7T1NQgFv5G5Qr0PfpMYfK2uX3_jgfSTPoocPdq9lGg5gdXlbDemWEkQlxdxoCUfPhzGxxL2MCWj2AeJwMZsqOmMTgzAMbFloIFByM96Y/s1600/DSC_0604.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Michael recently told his Sunday School teacher that his favorite thing to do is "run with Lucy" and that he wants to "race cars" when he grows up.</span><br />
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Michael always acknowledges Gordon's presence ("HI Doo-done!") and is learning what a knock knock joke is, his favorite joke (recently featured in Kidder Kid Conversations) is this:<br />
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Knock knock</div>
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Who's there?</div>
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Mickey Mouse!</div>
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Mickey Mouse who?</div>
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EAT BUGS! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">His vocabulary grows every day, a great joy to his mommy and daddy. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"> He and Lucy are best friends (although she denies it fervently), he follows her lead (she doesn't mind that!) and they play house, read books, build with blocks and do "Homework" (aka art projects). Michael loves balls, wrestling, reading, his movies (special "blankets" - they are old burp cloths), running, jumping, baths and Mickey Mouse (he LOVES Mickey).</span><br />
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(The above pictures were taken right before mother's day)<br />
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He LOVES to wear bow-ties and looks pretty dapper in them!<br />
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Michael is a physical boy - he loves wrestling with daddy and cuddling with mommy.<br />
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We've decided to cut Michael's afternoon nap, on most days (on the day the above picture was taken - our attempts to keep him awake failed), this has helped the difficulty we were having at bedtime but has added a challenge... what do I do with him all day? :) He's learning about self control and how to play by himself (a challenge for my social boy!) during his daily "quiet time." </div>
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Michael enjoys sports and outdoor play - here's his latest accomplishment in baseball! </div>
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I love this video because it showcases Michael's goofy personality and captured some of his amazing giggles. :) </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-677646009575701192014-10-25T18:17:00.000-05:002014-10-25T18:17:20.100-05:007 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbiAA0Y5e_h5XWMzcz7bsn4DRQGanXNzRrIFYi24ZaLPej5NIJWb0pcTPhK6KF72VjsWmmNTZhthscnHYt0r8ia8DKKk1wO7xn1GR5P-WGkQRbry8eKnZe9UdxAcoMduF7kiN1x1vL98/s1600/GOrdon+at+7+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbiAA0Y5e_h5XWMzcz7bsn4DRQGanXNzRrIFYi24ZaLPej5NIJWb0pcTPhK6KF72VjsWmmNTZhthscnHYt0r8ia8DKKk1wO7xn1GR5P-WGkQRbry8eKnZe9UdxAcoMduF7kiN1x1vL98/s1600/GOrdon+at+7+months.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZQSAovZ2b6IuCHHCW-x2hPzzeYoPTjCu_ZDWa58ArfJPEHGb5qlgt58HT2PNwUsMf3Mdi6yoDAzHJ1xBAfYT5GJ9wsEcfP4sZY2MNh2Mr6xTws8Yh_KVGdD4hY2AHA07Ip7RWjlJBa8/s1600/Gordon+7+months+multiples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZQSAovZ2b6IuCHHCW-x2hPzzeYoPTjCu_ZDWa58ArfJPEHGb5qlgt58HT2PNwUsMf3Mdi6yoDAzHJ1xBAfYT5GJ9wsEcfP4sZY2MNh2Mr6xTws8Yh_KVGdD4hY2AHA07Ip7RWjlJBa8/s1600/Gordon+7+months+multiples.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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To see Lucy at 7 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2011/01/seven-months.html" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
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To see Michael at 7 moths, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/09/seven-months.html" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-61339098303733242182014-10-25T17:58:00.001-05:002014-10-25T17:58:20.799-05:006 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYGZHGiuCuXbQWOkf9P7vzq_sSbXLuT7NBIa4G4fhBf4S-VjqBrBUeFjpfTsdewb0ULIlaECjzrXBJfqE8dM6PgyBL84pO3S-bUhUatbbV2kZ5BGOVtJv6z2B2Dq-53udTP617EHVhbE/s1600/Gordon+6+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYGZHGiuCuXbQWOkf9P7vzq_sSbXLuT7NBIa4G4fhBf4S-VjqBrBUeFjpfTsdewb0ULIlaECjzrXBJfqE8dM6PgyBL84pO3S-bUhUatbbV2kZ5BGOVtJv6z2B2Dq-53udTP617EHVhbE/s1600/Gordon+6+Months.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYGZHGiuCuXbQWOkf9P7vzq_sSbXLuT7NBIa4G4fhBf4S-VjqBrBUeFjpfTsdewb0ULIlaECjzrXBJfqE8dM6PgyBL84pO3S-bUhUatbbV2kZ5BGOVtJv6z2B2Dq-53udTP617EHVhbE/s1600/Gordon+6+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZUyMF5pwQcsibK4ZxuLnXsFKlZAPYB8nBJew74fYR9vkGQc1_S-cB45DRh66ooy5rhphA2l9WUHu6S9ro9eJU2UPFmqO3Vu6tSBpasnb47qsl87qK6KgPua3aPmr2lrJbXs3dyzCXdw/s1600/Gordon+6+Months+Multiple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZUyMF5pwQcsibK4ZxuLnXsFKlZAPYB8nBJew74fYR9vkGQc1_S-cB45DRh66ooy5rhphA2l9WUHu6S9ro9eJU2UPFmqO3Vu6tSBpasnb47qsl87qK6KgPua3aPmr2lrJbXs3dyzCXdw/s1600/Gordon+6+Months+Multiple.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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To see Lucy at 6 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/12/six-months-old.html" target="_blank"> click here</a></div>
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To see Michael at 6 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/07/six-months.html" target="_blank"> click here</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-46496090282472395772014-10-25T17:58:00.000-05:002014-10-25T17:58:04.454-05:00Easter 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG12Vt9qzyrC4-lOHA32BCK7GoAaZmh1ooXtoY6LVM8LNTZ62FS114KXlxwZ3dc-Wf-k2ilEoEtftDV7hmhurYzxRfSh8m7dT8Br8HvS-XFEeQEd8QcJCOX1hS_GtItiV32K5k-JUXTrA/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG12Vt9qzyrC4-lOHA32BCK7GoAaZmh1ooXtoY6LVM8LNTZ62FS114KXlxwZ3dc-Wf-k2ilEoEtftDV7hmhurYzxRfSh8m7dT8Br8HvS-XFEeQEd8QcJCOX1hS_GtItiV32K5k-JUXTrA/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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The good lookin' Kidder Kiddlets</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdRH85Vu-O3D9ZvypAHRcPn74QnFRwch5438PRxUzsH0l3Jh1h_a4N19o66eco-tQsPvoT6RswD3boYkkSH4Sxtd0MjJO1WUevXdkLw20pmhd8EnmN87yXycIdBD0ExAxXR3H6IznhVc/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdRH85Vu-O3D9ZvypAHRcPn74QnFRwch5438PRxUzsH0l3Jh1h_a4N19o66eco-tQsPvoT6RswD3boYkkSH4Sxtd0MjJO1WUevXdkLw20pmhd8EnmN87yXycIdBD0ExAxXR3H6IznhVc/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lucy wore a flower girl dress from our wedding - she looked so grown up, absolutely beautiful. </div>
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While Lucy and Michael took naps (I don't remember how that happened, only that it did) I had a little photo shoot with Gordon, he wasn't too thrilled about it at first, but he warmed up to the concept. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z2ZeRIRfl21JZzHGWvipjoCkR2peGQ6pH1w1WlEeSQuKLETzEDVFiAXL2tAY4lTkeCaUNR2meC5CsGikUeppASJaricpbny4jkhcELVUhI4PN5xt7Kcy0f_XcxS600POfPuE3oOxkfI/s1600/IMG_6062.JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z2ZeRIRfl21JZzHGWvipjoCkR2peGQ6pH1w1WlEeSQuKLETzEDVFiAXL2tAY4lTkeCaUNR2meC5CsGikUeppASJaricpbny4jkhcELVUhI4PN5xt7Kcy0f_XcxS600POfPuE3oOxkfI/s1600/IMG_6062.JPG.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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And just to keep things real... we dyed Easter Eggs two or three days AFTER Easter... :) It was a late, but fun activity. We tried a homemade vinegar dye and the whisk trick (what did we do without pinterest?!) and it worked out well! </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-1041171913639446582014-10-25T17:48:00.000-05:002014-10-25T17:48:17.281-05:00We Made It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...through our first Michigan winter! It felt long. Everyone agreed with us. It felt cold. Bitterly cold. And it was.</div>
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Getting to know this blue-eyed boy filled a lot of our time, day and night! </div>
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We ventured outside when the temps were above 20 degrees but never for long - Lucy wanted to stay outside longer, Michael was (usually) in tears within 3 minutes of being outside (Texas born?!) and we had to go out during Gordon's naps - he wasn't a fan of the cold ether. </div>
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(We have better hopes for outside play this upcoming year... proper coats and boots have been purchased)</div>
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We had a lot of PJ days in the house (more than I'd like to admit). </div>
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This kid didn't complain about staying in his PJs all day. :) </div>
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When we did venture out of the house - one of our favorite places to go was Impression 5, the children's science museum here in Lansing. They have such fun indoor (warm) activities for the kids to do. Always a fun way to get out some wiggles and run around. </div>
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Gordon - the third wheel on a few date nights! :)</div>
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Painting was a favorite activity of the kid's - here they wanted to paint paper bowls to make leprechan hats (what? - where'd they get that idea I'll never know. I love their creativity.)</div>
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When the snow started to melt we raced outside as fast as we could!</div>
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Lucy and I went to our first Play together with some friends of ours, it was a Jr High production of Pinkalicious. Here's Lu with her sweet buddy Lorelei, all decked out in PINK! </div>
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Snuggling with this kid was a highlight of the winter. Body heat? Happy heart? Yes. </div>
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The kids dreamed of the summer-time! Playing "beach" was something that happened often.</div>
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Another indoor activity: Fort building! Our living/dining room and kids bedroom were often commandeered for this creative play. :) </div>
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I made these cool "fort blankets" out of an old sheet and a few baby blankets - they've made the actual "fort building" process much easier for the kids! :) All it is is a button hole and ribbon - try it!</div>
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Snuggling in blankets was encouraged - passing time in the winter cuddled up on the couch was wonderfully relaxing. Especially when there was a book or two involved. </div>
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Mommy and Daddy's bed was also a fun place to cuddle up as a family. These kiddos... so sweet. I love how they love each other. </div>
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We explored the Fredrick Meijer Gardens during their butterfly exhibit in the early spring during a visit to Grand Rapids. </div>
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Michael insisted on wearing his rain coat, which was 3/4 sleeved length on him! Ha!</div>
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It felt heavenly inside the humid and warm room where the butterflies were. Haha - never thought I'd say that humidity was heavenly. :) </div>
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During that same trip to Grand Rapids we also visited the Children's Museum - it was a fun day. </div>
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The arrival of spring gave everyone in our family a renewed excitement about life! The winter blues aren't a joke friends! (vitamin D is on the strategy list for this upcoming winter!) </div>
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I'm writing this in late October and as our second Michigan winter approaches, I'm gearing up for it with a sometimes pessimistic but trying to be optimistic attitude. We'll visit the library and Impression 5 often - and bible study is a weekly time to get out of the house. I feel more settled in our house this year and don't have an infant in the house anymore. I feel a little more confident in our routine and my ability to corral three kids out of the house. We'll survive, I'm confident of that. :) Do you have any make-it-through winter tips?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-41184015682259303922014-10-24T17:44:00.002-05:002014-10-24T17:44:43.694-05:005 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To see Lucy at 5 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/11/five-months-old.html" target="_blank"> click here.</a></div>
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To see Michael at 5 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/07/five-months.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-27199498890521847212014-10-24T16:27:00.001-05:002014-10-24T16:27:40.599-05:00Our First ER Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">**Warning, there are some "injured finger" pictures below... just wanted to give you a heads up!**</span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would have told me that my first trip, as a mom, to the ER would have been with my daughter and not one of my sons - I would have thought you were crazy. Lucy has always had a healthy level of independence tempered by caution. And the boys... well they are boys and have tended, so far, to jump before they look. </span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But one Thursday, in March, we were at Bible Study and there was an accident during a friendly game of Hide and Seek. Lucy's left pinky finger got pinched in a door. After a few of us mom's looked at it, we decided I needed to take her to the ER. By the time I got downstairs with Lucy, my sweet friends had Gordon strapped in his car seat already and my diaper bag packed for me to grab on the way out - one friend even slid my phone in my back pocket! Knowing Michael was in good hands (one friend volunteered to watch him), I took Lu to the ER. While driving there, I called Brad - after I let him know what was going on and he said he'd stop by home on the way to the hospital to pick up Ellie. (Such a good daddy!)</span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point, Lucy was crying, but as long as she couldn't see her finger she wasn't freaking out. </span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".n.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We pulled up to the ER, and I loaded Lu and Gordon into the stroller. We were directed to the pediatric ER and were brought to a room almost immediately. Overall, I was thrilled with the hospital staff - the nurses and doctor we interacted with were sweet and gentle toward Lucy, clear with us and upbeat in their demeanor. After an x-ray we confirmed that Lucy did have a fractured finger, and needed multiple stitches. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I was SO thankful that Lucy has been OBSESSED with anything and everything hospital/doctor/nurses related for the months before this. Doc McStuffins, "Curious George Visits the Hospital," Dr pretend play and dress up - it had been the topic of conversation and the fuel to imaginative play for months. Because of this, I had a reference point with which to explain to her what was happening, what was going to happen and reassurance that she was going to be ok. </span></span></div>
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Watching Disney Jr (this pediatric ER was amazing) while waiting to go get an X-ray.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Gordon did an amazing job, he fell asleep soon after we got to the hospital (even though it was time for him to eat - an answer to prayer!) so I was able to focus on Lucy until Brad arrived. He smiled at hospital staff and hung out in his car seat for 3 hours while we were at the hospital (with one break to eat). What a sweet and sensitive little brother already! :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">We picked up Michael on the way home and all took naps that afternoon. I don't think I've been that tired since labor and delivery. The adrenaline wore off and I was exhausted emotionally and physically.</span></span></div>
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Lu got many care packages and letters from friends and family in the next few days, including flowers from her daddy and this Playmobil hospital from Grandma Lori and Grandpa Wayne. (Notice her bandaged finger - buddy taped to her ring finger. They don't make splints tiny enough for her little finger! FYI: Lucy and Michael were playing "Beach" when the mail man dropped of her package - that's why they're both dressed in their swim suits ha!) </div>
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For those who are interested! Here are some pictures of Lu's finger:<br />
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She did end up loosing her nail, but it grew back just fine (that process took 6 months!). But she healed up really well with no complications! I'm so thankful for modern medicine and a God who lovingly prepares us for difficult situations in ways we don't even realize and gives us strength in the midst of stressful times. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-61895990855083322482014-10-24T13:51:00.001-05:002014-10-24T17:46:31.430-05:004 Months<br />
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To see Lucy at 4 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/10/four-months-old.html" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
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To see Michael at 4 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/06/4-months-old.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-91089339839212777742014-10-19T13:00:00.000-05:002014-10-19T13:00:00.513-05:00Photo Journal: Can we be in the pictures too? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-66168064511772722132014-10-18T19:19:00.000-05:002014-10-18T19:56:30.013-05:003 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To see Lucy at 3 Months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/09/three-months-old.html" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
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To see Michael at 3 months,<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/04/three-months-old.html" target="_blank"> click here. </a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-7945167033966459192014-10-15T15:42:00.001-05:002014-10-15T15:42:47.407-05:00Kidder Kid Conversations<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Lucy, after dropping a breadstick on the floor and retrieving it, "Haha, sorry Baxter. Maybe another day you can have one of these!" </div>
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As I was listening to the song "Oh Church Arise" Lucy came in and asked, "Why do we need to change out our eyes?"</div>
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Lucy: "See my wand? I can do magic spelling!"</div>
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B: "Why did we choose to have a cross shape in with our Christmas cookies?"</div>
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L: "Jesus died in the cross"</div>
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B: "Why did he die?"</div>
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L: "To take away our sins"</div>
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B: "W<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">hat are our sins?"</span></div>
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L: "Disobedience."</div>
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B: "What else is a sin?"</div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">L: "Consequences."</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">B: "Well, consequences are things we deserve after we sin. What are some other ways we sin? </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">L: "Hitting our brother." </span></div>
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Overheard Lucy singing, "I stand alone on the word of God E.I.E.I.O BIBLE!!!" </div>
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I stopped reading the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and asked Lucy how she thought God was going to save them - pharaoh and his army behind and a huge sea in front of them - she answered, "God won't let them die!" I asked "What is he going to do to keep them safe?" "God will send boats so they can cross the sea!" :) </div>
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The kids were playing doctor and Lucy was administering a shot:</div>
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L: Close your eyes for me. Think of something happy. What are you thinking of? Are you thinking of Grammy? </div>
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M: Yeah</div>
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Trying to convince Michael to finish his dinner,</div>
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B: "Can you take a football bite Michael?"</div>
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M: "Yeah....[takes bite] TU DUN!!!!!!" (Touchdown!) </div>
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Lucy’s song: "I would like a home eventually, I would like a home eventually.... inside a deep blue sea.... With some blue birds, and another blue and some purple toys. And some pink elephants, to be a buddy for your children. For your girl, your big girl's buddy." </div>
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Lucy, excitedly running by me: "I have to go get my baby a hat because daddy showed me something crazy! He threw the water in the air and it turned into snow! It was magic!"</div>
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Lucy wanted to give Gordon a piece of candy, and was told he is too little. </div>
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L: "Can we save it for him for when he's bigger?"</div>
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B: "No sweetie, it will spoil and go bad."</div>
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L: "<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">Well how about this? We put it in the refrigerator!" </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">I was brushing my hair in the bathroom, looking in the mirror and Lucy says, on her way out the door, "On your busiest day, you see the gray.</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">”</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> (She must have overheard the hair </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">commercial… but her timing was hilarious!) </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">Asking a question about her new cereal, Lucy: "Mommy, is that man on the box named Lucky Charles?"</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">Lu, when looking at the 10 day forcast with Brad and discussing the weather for the day, "Can you show me where summer is?</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">”</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> (Winter was long for us</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">…</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">) </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">Michael's rendition of Twinkle Twinkle: "Tickle tickle tar, uh ta ta ta da da da, up da da da da da high," </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Lucy: <span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">"Mommy, when I'm older how will I get kids from Jesus?</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">”</span><span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: knock knock</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Anyone: who’s there?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: Mickey Mouse</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Anyone: Mickey Mouse who?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: EAT BUGS!! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: Mommy can you pray that God will give me 4 children?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: What that?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: It's an iPass</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: What's - an iPass?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: It pays so you can drive on roads that cost money. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: Is that like an iPad?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: No, but they start with the same few letters. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: You don't always have to tell everyone what to do ok? </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: Ok...</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: I know how that feels. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: It feels happy. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: For you...</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Michael, talking on his hand-phone: "Hi babe, hi Brad.... Yeah"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Lucy: "Michael did you know that when you spit, your mouth toots?"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
(Bringing me a Playmobil book)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Michael: "How open this?"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Sarah: "That's not one that opens buddy."</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Michael: "Need screw driver open it?" </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Sarah: "Buddy, it doesn't open."</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Michael: "Hammer open it?" </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: "<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">Tomorrow will be another head."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: "What"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: "Tomorrow will be another head!"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: "I don't understand what you are saying Lu."</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L: "I'm saying, like, tomorrow is a head." </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: "Oh!! Ahead!"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: Those are Cranes!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: Crayons?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: No cranes. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: Oh, markers?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: No, Cranes!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
M: Oh! Birds?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
S: Yes. Birds. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
B: "Lucy, I'll help you with your phone later." </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
L (exasperated): "I'm 4 years old, I should be able to figure it out!"</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
(While playing restaurant) </div>
<div>
Lu: what do you want to eat sir?</div>
<div>
M: hamster</div>
<div>
Lu: that comes with fish</div>
<div>
M: yuck </div>
<div>
Lu: mommy! How do you spell hamster with fish?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
B: Michael, when did you get so big?</div>
<div>
M: 15 minutes! </div>
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-14250029689903040632014-10-15T15:29:00.000-05:002014-10-18T19:55:12.021-05:002 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Because Gordon's 2 Month Pictures are missing, we'll review this month with pictures from my phone!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3HLXWIiyeteIoC7aDGVim_w-yspFm0dST1jKDo0LXa6vc1lhBMfhWEHec_VdMdqr43Ue_tcc78x7ci5-HiiC9aRDgxanywEyZQRmcmL3iMU052vf5Y7-SzQEJU3ocaaxmjW55LispnU/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3HLXWIiyeteIoC7aDGVim_w-yspFm0dST1jKDo0LXa6vc1lhBMfhWEHec_VdMdqr43Ue_tcc78x7ci5-HiiC9aRDgxanywEyZQRmcmL3iMU052vf5Y7-SzQEJU3ocaaxmjW55LispnU/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Gordon attended his first conference, Sola, this kid is going to be so smart. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xi6QVsuASAbCtEkEsd1efRqAShmq2LJ6xZSFnWXLsO8fbI5SN9G2cV0xrmFG_YB3GWvQ5NeXiiN92bCtV15kTWs7Tsc3HwEs0sbF4ACXWt9Kid5igS_h-l7jVElYthZJROhCnY1h7WU/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xi6QVsuASAbCtEkEsd1efRqAShmq2LJ6xZSFnWXLsO8fbI5SN9G2cV0xrmFG_YB3GWvQ5NeXiiN92bCtV15kTWs7Tsc3HwEs0sbF4ACXWt9Kid5igS_h-l7jVElYthZJROhCnY1h7WU/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNN7JpSwvn3DrJQAAA-iQXMjXNpNPYotzSRRAY8YPlvOdTxvhDX87XTlO8yrCpRSvSKlsiRRb1C1XZbIgRUs3pmMLciUSvPQqOx1vhT0rJipEKq7fBU8Jydg1hj3Aqw7r9M2tHO4RVE8/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNN7JpSwvn3DrJQAAA-iQXMjXNpNPYotzSRRAY8YPlvOdTxvhDX87XTlO8yrCpRSvSKlsiRRb1C1XZbIgRUs3pmMLciUSvPQqOx1vhT0rJipEKq7fBU8Jydg1hj3Aqw7r9M2tHO4RVE8/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO_VAn0s5zesiKQ7PkK4UyY_ATLM6dMGkjBHvlVS9maBhGwPrLN48IkNt16y2NeurDwGmX4tHGAYa6-fF_gQ8KdNqqkPh5BYiofE6OnO2Q2-i9mRuUQjJs3nVa_meP84BY56faQQChhg/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO_VAn0s5zesiKQ7PkK4UyY_ATLM6dMGkjBHvlVS9maBhGwPrLN48IkNt16y2NeurDwGmX4tHGAYa6-fF_gQ8KdNqqkPh5BYiofE6OnO2Q2-i9mRuUQjJs3nVa_meP84BY56faQQChhg/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICkpxEkQ_c_Q7IvbZAAy4hs2_WhmPx8z3ZUaPZ5eXlI6fRENHZtOFT8ERoq34Zy6KUg6_lLEoQrM6onrFaSmJ0JnlkgJoaUHJLL3BwaPZSBN032KrHo_luZfwXaBEbynlM106-XaK5b8/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICkpxEkQ_c_Q7IvbZAAy4hs2_WhmPx8z3ZUaPZ5eXlI6fRENHZtOFT8ERoq34Zy6KUg6_lLEoQrM6onrFaSmJ0JnlkgJoaUHJLL3BwaPZSBN032KrHo_luZfwXaBEbynlM106-XaK5b8/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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He started smiling in response to us (and not just in response to bodily functions)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyleOtJIQkmmfHf3fqEBB-EjO4tlwkBLZ582Z1I-AK5tZb7sspq0bdrhI4CC6u75H9V3DH5JfdpSETJkpPRYWJovUGfwx1R8NtJmHgZ-6i60ugfeJxO71a1YhwDhW3TnnMQ7KlxTEAa4/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyleOtJIQkmmfHf3fqEBB-EjO4tlwkBLZ582Z1I-AK5tZb7sspq0bdrhI4CC6u75H9V3DH5JfdpSETJkpPRYWJovUGfwx1R8NtJmHgZ-6i60ugfeJxO71a1YhwDhW3TnnMQ7KlxTEAa4/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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His eyes show no signs, as of yet, of changing - maybe they'll stay blue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj-F4XFOlX68tsrE7TuFglhTEWmaN5eCuwUM_SBWEZoWX9ryAhHpVh04BuHNsyZXzLn2ELdFGpUVVaguPsLCLmDR2BKr8p7kLfLylWiKoY6lhQtYzTVQVAmMgIg5FN1uYNAnnT-_7Jss/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj-F4XFOlX68tsrE7TuFglhTEWmaN5eCuwUM_SBWEZoWX9ryAhHpVh04BuHNsyZXzLn2ELdFGpUVVaguPsLCLmDR2BKr8p7kLfLylWiKoY6lhQtYzTVQVAmMgIg5FN1uYNAnnT-_7Jss/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Visiting the Doctor - he weighed in at 12 lbs, 5 oz and measured 24 in!</div>
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To see Lucy at 2 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/09/two-months-old.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To see Michael at 2 months, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/03/two-months.html" target="_blank">click here. </a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-855970236294371442014-10-15T15:28:00.003-05:002014-10-15T15:28:43.455-05:00Christmas 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9nI113jHy-vV-QUo4PnnMWjU7QRE4x7Rdt1HdQTNanpe8KLw4at4XGvA5KmLhM3vbcFoijnsEMj3xlKTWylv80flqpY3OwuSl06YGP8AMOEaOg4orbTwq7IyolseJXdqnjUesqKI94/s640/blogger-image--2144623203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Christmas 2013 went differently than we anticipated, we had a power outage that left our house dark and cold for 10 days so we had to be flexible with our plans and expectations. I am so thankful we live a short hour away from family who welcomed us (and our pets) with open arms and excitement! </div>
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But before we lost power: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0E_UsceZqg7kTqnuYTfyYI1grGEGFPBpe-O3wOQWwbDUhHMsj5kd0aIr2FYX4lrPOKqapmGILxA5TQ33DCFXP_PEBu3KRBajzO0dmeEu9OCAVNw8pP4qysHpm49gEuFcfKm6QwF8N1U/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0E_UsceZqg7kTqnuYTfyYI1grGEGFPBpe-O3wOQWwbDUhHMsj5kd0aIr2FYX4lrPOKqapmGILxA5TQ33DCFXP_PEBu3KRBajzO0dmeEu9OCAVNw8pP4qysHpm49gEuFcfKm6QwF8N1U/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We decided to get a live Christmas tree this year! We had so much fun wandering Horrocks, a fun local grocery store, and picking one out. </div>
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We had to do some rearranging in our living room to make it fit! But we made it work. :) Lucy and Michael were SO excited to decorate the tree - it was an "interesting" event to say the least... decorating a tree with toddlers isn't as romantic as it sounds. haha</div>
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We decorated and ate Christmas cookies together! What? Your Christmas cookies don't usually include dinosaurs?! :)<br />
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And then, on Sunday, December 22nd we woke up to a dark house and quiet city. There had been an ice storm the night before leaving the majority of Lansing (and much of mid Michigan) without power. Church was canceled (the building had no power) but we made the most of our Sunday, assuming the outage would be a short event. Friends from Life Group brought over a generator, we ran space heaters and had enough power to watch the Lions play football.<br />
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The temperature in the house stayed above 55 degrees that first day.<br />
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It was beautiful outside, everything was white and icy. </div>
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We woke up the next day and the temperature was right at 50 degrees inside. The electrical company's early estimates were really vague but were predicting that the majority of Lansing would be out of power until after Christmas. The "fun" and "adventure" had worn off, we were cold and grumpy (just being honest). We decided to pack up and head to Hastings (they had lost power early on the 22nd also, but it came back on about 18 hours later) where we knew we would be warm. </div>
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We had a really nice Christmas with family (most of our day of pictures are on the hard drive).</div>
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Gordon's First Christmas<br />
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In the week following Christmas, we filled our time with: </div>
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Playing with new toys, games and puzzles.<br />
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arts and crafts,<br />
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Cuddling and resting,<br />
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Comparing Gordon with Brad's baby pictures (too bad he doesn't look like his daddy :) ),<br />
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Soaking in smiles,<br />
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visiting Grandma's classroom (a welcome outing!),<br />
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and waiting... lots of waiting! We were finally able to head home on December 31st, New Years Eve, after our power on our street was restored. That evening I posted on Instagram:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJCKS6VWO4h9I5UyxjVqxcJTAInbvmEqL-J87z-Xbb7-Jslqv1alovcjHYmZQVVbRgh-GOpVQhI9wvbFNsSDXCXg4ENmqtRuFK7JjmRaRbPBTH3Ie_83NcZiT79MJPQ7431iqOjBFmew/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJCKS6VWO4h9I5UyxjVqxcJTAInbvmEqL-J87z-Xbb7-Jslqv1alovcjHYmZQVVbRgh-GOpVQhI9wvbFNsSDXCXg4ENmqtRuFK7JjmRaRbPBTH3Ie_83NcZiT79MJPQ7431iqOjBFmew/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #222222; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i>"Not much went according to plan this holiday season, but tonight, as we celebrate Christmas as a family, I'm reminded where my longings - for love, security, comfort & home - are fulfilled."</i></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-36401735840447048582014-10-15T15:26:00.001-05:002014-10-15T15:26:15.661-05:00Michael's 2nd Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Michael's second birthday was a lot of fun - low key, full of family and smiles from the birthday boy. </div>
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The day before his birthday, we went to get balloons for decoration - to say Michael was thrilled would be an understatement... he was ecstatic (and his hair full of static - haha - winter in Michigan left my kid's hair so crazy - until someone told me about leave-in conditioner solving all our problems). If all we did for Michael's birthday was buy him balloons he would have been a content kid, but there was more to come. :) </div>
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The sleepy eyed but happy birthday boy. </div>
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Grandma Lori, Grandpa Wayne, Aunt Amy, Great Grandma Buning and Great Grandma Kidder joined us for a lunch of Mac and Cheese (Michael's favorite), green beans, salad and fresh bread. </div>
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Michael choose to have BOTH Moose and Football cupcakes :) well... maybe I decided, but only after he kept changing his mind about what he wanted! I showed him the picture below before Gordon was born and asked him what he wanted, he chose the Moose, but then later he told me he wanted "fooba." No consistent answer was ever given, so I just chose to do both. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZNzUsAC0m1A-ODFnsHuR0vWcJ7e1M8Q1icW-0rsHxK8ta4IEldzfpg3vqE6xSvRAwKBNIyF2roZ1Amk0wlalXI_MbJNpDh8VtVU2AmYe_RkKb7VvQsWOn3wPF0Y-Tt9LcJJ9ZL_qZdY/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZNzUsAC0m1A-ODFnsHuR0vWcJ7e1M8Q1icW-0rsHxK8ta4IEldzfpg3vqE6xSvRAwKBNIyF2roZ1Amk0wlalXI_MbJNpDh8VtVU2AmYe_RkKb7VvQsWOn3wPF0Y-Tt9LcJJ9ZL_qZdY/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't have pictures of the moose cupcakes or detailed pictures of the football ones (silly hard drive) - but here are my inspiration pictures, found on Pinterest. The moose ones turned out super cute, the football ones... looked a little strange, but Michael didn't care. :) </div>
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Michael received so many fun toys and books. It was a great birthday for our sweet boy. A new fire truck, books, puzzles and clothes from Michigan family and a trampoline from Grammy, Papa and Uncle Sam - hurray! A great way to get wiggles out during our first Michigan winter. </div>
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(little did we know what Michigan's Winter was going to bring us...)</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-68700279347069360892014-10-03T21:47:00.001-05:002014-10-03T21:47:19.433-05:00Long time no see! <span id="goog_467481738"></span><span id="goog_467481739"></span>Hi friends,<br />
<br />
It's been a long time! What? Like 7 months? No wait... it's been 10....<br />
<br />
So, a few things have kept me from posting.<br />
<br />
First, life. Other tasks have risen to the top of the list of priorities and have been a little more pressing to complete (aka: laundry, feeing my kids and staying sane). Though, I have missed writing in this space.<br />
<br />
Second, our hard drive crashed. The one with ALL our pictures/videos on it. We hope (really really hope) it can be fixed but we've chosen to wait for a bit to try (mostly because of $... being wise responsible adults is hard). I only lost-lost 2 months worth of pictures (Decemberish-Early February) - really, it was everything from the past 6 years. BUT thankfully, I still have these records that are on the blog and had the past 9 months still on the camera card. Thanks to the technology we have at our finger tips - I have picture/video records of Michael's 2nd Birthday and Christmas. Gordon's 2 Month pictures will have to wait :'( :'( I'm choosing to look on the positive side of this and not be too sad about what is lost and hoping that the documents on our hard drive are salvageable.<br />
<br />
So it's been a combination of life's activity and sadness that has kept me away. But I'm back with a goal to get you updated on Gordon's first year before his 1st birthday (Haha - we'll see if that happens!). And because I'm a crazy person and like to go in order, I'll update you on the other big happenings of the past 10 months too. :)<br />
<br />
But let's smile at the new blog header - it includes Gordon now! And get this marathon started! :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-54377824077876666462014-01-30T13:52:00.000-06:002014-01-30T13:52:00.344-06:00One Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY783GuiLrzONl4ntoLofyH7KKdVyRxrD_126tJsLeve9ILZwyVBN8dEgHWiL7vBd19V3TNMNBUkBjP61ihltqVjwUPPhgXUTAbr9HbopYg9qKnVAY0n0fb8WLHkkDQGCpFdBlmCYSs4/s1600/December+2013+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY783GuiLrzONl4ntoLofyH7KKdVyRxrD_126tJsLeve9ILZwyVBN8dEgHWiL7vBd19V3TNMNBUkBjP61ihltqVjwUPPhgXUTAbr9HbopYg9qKnVAY0n0fb8WLHkkDQGCpFdBlmCYSs4/s1600/December+2013+30.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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December 4, 2013</div>
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Gordon at 1 Month:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nurses like a champ.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loves being swaddled. Wrapping him up nice and snug calms him and helps him fall asleep. Often, if he's fussy (and it's not time to eat) if we swaddle him he'll calm down and fall right to sleep.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will take a bottle. Making errand running/date night </span>easier<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on mommy and daddy (he was our third wheel on two dates in November!). </span></li>
<li>Likes to be sung to (Lucy helps out with this!) and being snuggled (Michael loves to hug his brother!).</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0zLxHmMhRs_3RVHN2WKtbdq13VowU6hyphenhypheniwq0K9SZa_ZUpTEah3HDA9srxQ-58dP_JmT6D0YhNdSRLo2uLcbnzCru2MYuYUM0qrFxgbDFiAU3AVIrvuvGnPCT1OPrIgxRLF_uCRIEi3U/s1600/Gordon+1+Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0zLxHmMhRs_3RVHN2WKtbdq13VowU6hyphenhypheniwq0K9SZa_ZUpTEah3HDA9srxQ-58dP_JmT6D0YhNdSRLo2uLcbnzCru2MYuYUM0qrFxgbDFiAU3AVIrvuvGnPCT1OPrIgxRLF_uCRIEi3U/s1600/Gordon+1+Month.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a><br />
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(Click on the above image to see the captions)</div>
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<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-month-old.html" target="_blank">To see Lucy at 1 Month click here</a></div>
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<a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/02/one-month.html" target="_blank">To see Michael at 1 Month click here</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-10472711225102647322014-01-28T12:57:00.000-06:002014-01-28T12:57:12.373-06:00A Change of Plans<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thinking back to when <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/05/texas-sized-changes-ahead.html" target="_blank">we moved to Pampa</a> and when <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2013/05/big-changes-ahead.html" target="_blank">we came to Lansing</a> our family’s “mission” or desires have stayed the same: We want to build authentic relationships with people and help individuals grow in their understanding of the gospel in order to deepen their love for Jesus. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">We’ve had different settings in which these desires have worked out: The big city of Chicago, and, in comparison, the small town of Pampa. Here in Lansing and, we anticipated, in a location where we would start a new church.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s back up a bit… to mid-October, when we only had two kids, when I was hugely pregnant and when we were trying to decide where we would move and plant a church in the Summer of 2014… </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Brad was approached and asked if he wanted to apply for a full time position at Riv. The position was the Senior Director of Youth and Students and entailed leading a team of 7 staff members and countless volunteers that teach over 700 kids and students each week, providing overall vision and helping these ministries transfer to new venues. This request shocked both of us, honestly we shook our heads in confusion/excitement/surprise for a few days. If we did apply for the job and get it, the implications would completely change the trajectory of our lives (we’d stay in Lansing and not need to move, we’d be employed by a church and not need to fund raise, Brad would work alongside the staff at Riv and volunteers instead of with a core group of lay-people). After praying about it we decided to apply and see what God would continue to do. It dawned on me as I was processing through all this that our family’s mission would stay the same if we stayed, only the location and some methods would change. This was a reassuring thought for me, realizing that God could want to use us in a different way than I anticipated but that I could still pour out my life for the gospel was helpful. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few stages of interviewing and completing a project, Brad was offered the job and we accepted the position. He started the Monday after Thanksgiving. We are staying in Lansing! I feel like this news is still sinking in for me personally, over 2 months later. We really enjoy Lansing and have found community in so many areas - through visiting the park, a women’s bible study, our life group and spending time with other church staff and their families. God has been good to us. </span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Want to know something else? There is another couple who was able to step into the residency program. The timing of the current training works perfectly with the stage of planning and preparation they are in as they prepare to plant a church. Isn’t that cool?! </span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God’s leading is a strange thing. I truly believe he works in our hearts, guiding our desires to bring us to a place of rest and deepened trust. He has been faithful to our family and I am so thankful. </span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have not completely ruled out the option for church planting in the future and we’ve been told that the option for us to church plant in partnership with Riv is still open. But for now, we are where the Lord wants us - even though it's a different place than we thought he was directing us to in the first place. </span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" </span></span>James 4:13-15</i></div>
How fitting is that verse to our current situation! (Although, we didn't come to Lansing to make a profit! Ha!)<br />
<br />
So, w<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">e are here in Lansing. </span>Brad says that he is leading a team that teaches 700+ potential church planters every week. :) <span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">We have three kids. We are seeking to live authentically with those around us in the hopes that they grow in their understanding of the gospel and have a deepened love for Jesus.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonus! You can hear a bit of Brad’s vision for the students and kids at Riv yourself! This video was played during services this last weekend. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RscUqehbCgs" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-22731049380417453392013-12-28T09:00:00.000-06:002013-12-28T09:00:02.851-06:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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(Okay okay, so I know we JUST celebrated Christmas and I'm about a month late but stick with me while I catch us up! :) If you need a refresher about my goals for this blog, feel free to <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/p/who-are-kidders.html" target="_blank">read this</a>.) </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We spent Thanksgiving 2013 in Hastings with Brad's immediate family and Great Grandmas. Contrary to Michael's face above, we had a great day. (I'm learning that with every child added to the scenario it becomes increasingly difficult to get a good picture)</span></div>
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Mama forgot her camera, but thankfully camera technology on cellular devices is pretty great these days! :) Gordon celebrated his first holiday, at 3 1/2 weeks old, and enjoyed all the cuddles and coos that were freely given him. How cute is he?! Answer: Adorable. </div>
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Side Note: Looking back on these pictures a month later... </div>
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I can't believe how much he's filled out!</div>
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Our daddy cooked us an equally yummy and beautiful turkey... </div>
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...while we watched the parade and goofed off. </div>
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I had a lot to be thankful for this year.</div>
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A God who loves me, more than I realize. </div>
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Jesus, through whom the <i>steadfast</i> gospel is applied to me. </div>
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A husband who works hard to provide for our family and values time with me. </div>
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THREE kids who are healthy and all-around wonderful (even though their "wonderfulness" is sometimes hard to spot).</div>
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The fact that "the Church" is a global entity of people who follow Jesus and is not contained to one location.</div>
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A safe move to Michigan from Texas. </div>
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The Lord's provision, in so many ways, as we await the sale of our Texas home. </div>
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Our rental house in Lansing. </div>
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A community of believers in Lansing who love Jesus and live out grace. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-38639901276099219672013-12-18T10:43:00.000-06:002013-12-18T10:43:21.922-06:00Transitioning to ThreeI was a little worried after having Gordon that Michael, who has always been a mamma's boy would respond negatively to having a new baby held by mamma so much of the day. I have been so surprised and pleased with how Michael has responded to Gordon - he truly loves him. His favorite question for the weeks after Gordon was born was "Hug?" He wanted to hug, kiss and hold his brother all day long - it made this mamma's heart so happy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mA3l_fnBORto638z6elivMF6i11Mr-YIglVlg4o8MHz9w_Rg8wvi-RQns-3tTJEGunVw-_6VgPRlPtC1VGIHyaqvuzzySMsvgEgMQ5-lMC1DCYxpKLTp6Gh54u3tUOqbVwH9P2Flh_M/s640/blogger-image-2024200648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mA3l_fnBORto638z6elivMF6i11Mr-YIglVlg4o8MHz9w_Rg8wvi-RQns-3tTJEGunVw-_6VgPRlPtC1VGIHyaqvuzzySMsvgEgMQ5-lMC1DCYxpKLTp6Gh54u3tUOqbVwH9P2Flh_M/s640/blogger-image-2024200648.jpg" /></a></div>
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The first week of transitioning to three kids was relatively easy, I had constant help from Brad or my mom. My goal on my first day alone with all three kids was to get ready for the day at some point (Brush hair, make up, brush teeth, get dressed) and to care for the kids. I had no other agenda - the day went pretty well (like I said in previous posts, my mom set me up for success before she left!). </div>
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Since that first week, we have had many highs and lows. Yesterday was a definite low. Lucy was being super sensitive, Michael fussy and moody (we think he has an ear infection) and Gordon wasn't quite right. Added to the mix was a tired, congested mamma. Oh and tears - everyone had tears at one point or another. Honestly I didn't respond well to the kids attitudes, I matched their bad moods with a worse one and had to apologize for the way I spoke to them later in the day. We made it to nap time and I joined them in sleeping for 45 minutes. Naps were shorter than normal but we all had a snack of cookies and milk after we woke up and our afternoon outlook seemed a bit better. I gave the kids separate activities (they were still picking on each other) and we made it through the afternoon. Daddy to the rescue, Chinese delivery and a glass of wine helped the evening end well.<br />
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One of my favorite "high" moments thus far with three kids happened right as our Life Group was starting, we were all set up and ready but then Gordon decided he was hungry and Michael had a melt down. I took both boys upstairs (our house is small and two fussy boys makes it feel smaller) and gave Michael some books on my bed while I sat down to nurse Gordon. Usually looking at books quietly helps Michael calm down but this particular evening he was really upset. Lucy came in and I got to witness a super sweet sibling interaction,</div>
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L: "Michael are you still feeling upset?" </div>
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M: (Through tears) "Yeah"</div>
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L: "Can I read you a book?"</div>
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M: "Yeah"</div>
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Lucy proceeded to "read/recite" him two or three books and Michael calmed down. </div>
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L: "Are you feeling better now?" </div>
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M: "Yeah" </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49030844@N05/10071101475" title="2 Thessalonians 3:5 by joshtinpowers, on Flickr"><img alt="2 Thessalonians 3:5" height="469" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/10071101475_6000e992ed.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49030844@N05/10071101475/in/photostream/">(source)</a></div>
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Any transition comes with highs and lows. As we settle into parenting three kids and finding our new normal (what used to work just won't anymore) I'm so thankful for the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. I keep being drawn to 2 Thessalonians 3:5 and thinking of the love that God has for me and what that love produces in me - in thought or action. How does the knowledge of how much God loves me help me better love my husband and kids? I've also been thinking about the phrase "steadfastness of Christ" - I am anything but steadfast these days, maybe that's what's drawing me to it. I'm a mess. But knowing that my Savior is steadfast in his love for me, that my salvation - bought by his blood - is steadfast, has been a calming reassurance in the midst this transition.</div>
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I've also found this verse to be a wonderful verse to pray for friends - what better request could we offer up for those we love? </div>
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How does this verse impact your thinking today? </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191611877694157533.post-27827720624321787842013-12-11T09:47:00.003-06:002013-12-11T09:57:38.230-06:001 Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Much like I've done with our two older kids, I'm looking forward to taking monthly pictures of Gordon. To start us off, here are some shots I took when he was 1 week old - I took them right after breakfast when he happened to be awake, I wasn't sure if I'd see his little eyes again for the rest of the day! (This boy sleeps all. day. long!) </div>
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1 Week:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Does a great job nursing! After working and working on getting the "perfect" latch (including some worrying, tons of un-helpful internet searching and talking to friends) we decided that Gordon was getting food, I was feeling fine and we were going to give ourselves grace and let the issue rest. "Do what works for mama and baby." was wonderful advice. :) Gordon nurses every 3 hours. </li>
<li>Sleeps really well! Gordon has slept a few 4 hour stretches at night (What? Aren't you just days old child?!) and stays awake relatively well to eat during the day and in the middle of the night.</li>
<li>First outings: We went for a drive to get a special coffee treat for mommy and daddy (we all stayed in the car for this one) and went out to lunch at Chipotle and then walked around Horrocks (our favorite grocery store in Lansing) a few days later. :) I had pretty low expectations for our first week with a newborn in the house but Gordon has been such a good baby we've been able to do some fun things - in addition to resting a lot.</li>
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To see Lucy at one week, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-week-old.html">click here</a>.</div>
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To see Michael at one week, <a href="http://bradandsarahkidder.blogspot.com/2012/01/michaels-first-week.html">click here</a>. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18180785277514225607noreply@blogger.com0