tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60084266045601094712024-03-13T22:58:09.100-07:00Joy's HopeJulie {Joy's Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08931142546640046509noreply@blogger.comBlogger1333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-2721354327144958992016-12-11T12:39:00.001-08:002016-12-11T12:41:18.957-08:00Eleven things.It's my birthday, and I wanted to pop in to share some things that I just adore right now.<br />
Each of them would make amazing gifts, to a friend, or even to yourself.<br />
You'll see a theme through them all, beautiful, cozy, happy, and healthy (besides the cake and the coffee, but it's my birthday and I can choose cake, and I need coffee). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goEoEddgPgY/WE2xvqlAN7I/AAAAAAAANcQ/gjSujIx5B9ILElHod5dj7q8pnVXUPBQMACLcB/s1600/bday11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goEoEddgPgY/WE2xvqlAN7I/AAAAAAAANcQ/gjSujIx5B9ILElHod5dj7q8pnVXUPBQMACLcB/s640/bday11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/espresso/holiday-spice-flat-white" target="_blank">Starbucks holiday spice flat white</a>.<br />
I am a die hard black coffee girl. Add a splash of almond milk or half and half and I'm good. I have never been a card carrying member of the pumpkin spice club. I did not want to like this drink. I did not want to dream about this drink. It is made of magic and unicorns and I cannot quit it.<br />
2. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-faux-leather-jacket-with-knit-sleeves-black-xhilaration/-/A-50946609" target="_blank">This faux leather hoodie from Target.</a><br />
If I could sleep in this jacket I would. It is basically a cozy hoodie masquerading as a very polished and intentional leather jacket. I wear it nearly every day. Nearly every day I get stopped and asked about it. I also get asked if I am headed somewhere special. It is a brilliant way to trick everyone into thinking you are put together when really you are wearing a hoodie.<br />
3. <a href="http://bambuearth.com/" target="_blank">Bambu Earth</a><br />
I am not 21 any more. Nor am I 21 times two. I finally decided to get serious about taking care of my skin, and Bambu Earth has been a game changer. I could go on for one million sentences, and I will share more about it soon, but I feel like my skin looks better than it did years ago. I feel better about it too, knowing that each ingredient I am putting on my skin is safe, holistic, and sustainabily sourced. Right now the petitgrain moisturizer is LIFE.<br />
4. Little sheet cakes from Trader Joe's.<br />
No words. They are not pretty. I would never pick them up on my own. A friend raved about them and I didn't believe her. Until I tried them. Now I cannot stay away. Coming from a proud and professed frosting snob, this is huge. <br />
5. <a href="http://www.joycharee.com/" target="_blank">Joycharee</a><br />
Right up there with cleaning up my skin care, I have slowly begun to clean up my makeup. This will be a little bit of a slower process and investment, but I know it will be well worth it. I'm starting with the undereye concealer because life. <br />
6. <a href="http://sandandstarfish.com/" target="_blank">Sand and Starfish bracelets</a>. <br />
Each Christmas I buy a huge bunch of these diffuser bracelets from Sand and Starfish, and each year I wish that I bought more. They are beautiful and functional. Love.<br />
7. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shoplularoejillprimm/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lularoe leggings</a>.<br />
If you haven't drank the koolaid yet, do it. Can leggings change your life? Yes.<br />
8. <a href="http://amzn.to/2gpAlNk" target="_blank">Cholula hot sauce</a>.<br />
This lady and her hot sauce will always be my favorite. The Tapatio guy is more famous, but I'm with her. I start to panic when the bottle gets below half full. Running out is a red level emergency. I put it on pretty much everything.<br />
9. <a href="http://amzn.to/2gpyLLk" target="_blank">Accupressure mat and pillow.</a><br />
I had a significant work related injury in my early twenties, and I have been dealing with chronic neck pain for nearly half my life. I recently tried an accupressure mat, and now I wish my world was made from those little spikes. I don't know how it works and I don't care. I just know it is helping me immensely.<br />
10. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/laurane?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">Laurane Elisabeth Designs</a>.<br />
Laurane has been my jewelry crush forever. I invited here to sell her creations at a pop up shop at my house just so I could shop. Here earrings are handmade, lightweight and stunning. They are part of my daily uniform, and I will sob ugly tears if I ever lose one.<br />
11. <a href="http://mindymaesmarket.com/search?type=product&q=doublehood" target="_blank">Doublehood sweatshirts from Mindy Mae's Market</a>.<br />
Circling back to hoodies. They are my everything. These doublehoods from Mindy Mae's Market take hoodie fashion up a notch. Beautiful, flattering, long enough to wear with leggings, and thumbholes. They had me at thumbholes.<br />
<br />
Find a treat for yourself, find a treat for a friend, eat some cake... I'm off to celebrate.Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-59270985712291279132016-10-12T18:00:00.001-07:002016-10-12T18:14:18.209-07:00Love God. Serve others. Tacos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y98SR9rRHyg/V_6vjA48wXI/AAAAAAAANW0/LtFgmGBqcDEmuO4Qp9MewAkuMGZHBkBxwCEw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y98SR9rRHyg/V_6vjA48wXI/AAAAAAAANW0/LtFgmGBqcDEmuO4Qp9MewAkuMGZHBkBxwCEw/s640/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Chalk art by the amazing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shopkindylparis/" target="_blank">@shopkindylparis)</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you come visit our church chances are we will invite you over for tacos. It has become sort of our thing. I blame <a href="http://www.smallthingsarebigthings.com/" target="_blank">Brad & Kara Noel Lawson</a>. When we were in the baby stages of planting <a href="https://encountermv.com/" target="_blank">Encounter</a>, they shared with us that nearly every Sunday they meet a new family at church and invite them over to Monday night dinner. That blew open my already burning heart for hospitality (read about our <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2014/10/dinners-at-six.html" target="_blank">pre-taco table nights here</a>). We knew right then and there that if we wanted a church full of Brad & Kara Noels, it would have to begin with us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suyqLMe437U/V_6uY1Vl1wI/AAAAAAAANW4/w5mSUAJuJ60rJt3WueW9mhlshAA8Ug-3wCEw/s1600/IMG_2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suyqLMe437U/V_6uY1Vl1wI/AAAAAAAANW4/w5mSUAJuJ60rJt3WueW9mhlshAA8Ug-3wCEw/s640/IMG_2973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Jason grew up with the glorious weekly taco night tradition, and his mother taught him to fry corn tortilla shells. We occasionally made them for friends and family, but most Tuesdays you could find us at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants letting someone else do the cooking.<br />
When we began to dream of what it would look like to fill our table each week, tacos seemed to be the only option even worth considering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg17X9WFJ0k/V_6ugyC_jwI/AAAAAAAANWY/7OZL_8-tO7MJa9Y_XaKPyGOO9JLa-VaAQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg17X9WFJ0k/V_6ugyC_jwI/AAAAAAAANWY/7OZL_8-tO7MJa9Y_XaKPyGOO9JLa-VaAQCLcB/s640/IMG_2986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you think about it, they are the perfect food. Unless you are a robot, I am pretty sure you have no ethical or emotional objection to tacos. They are fully customizable, gluten free, and just basically bring happiness to one and all.<br />
<br />
I have a shelf in the pantry for taco staples, and everything else we
need can be grabbed in a five minute grocery trip. It's not fancy, but
it is easy, and the prep has become part of my muscle memory.<br />
<br />
Pull the meat out of the freezer, pick up sour cream, avocados, tomatoes, lettuce and Mission
white corn tortillas (there is no other choice, no other brand. Ride or
die.) Open the pantry and gather a can of beans for <a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/cheater-restaurant-style-refried-beans/" target="_blank">cheater restaurant beans</a>, taco seasoning, and Rice-a-Roni Mexican rice (never ever Spanish, we only made that mistake once.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0vFjgdzGWI/V_6u7lR5UmI/AAAAAAAANWo/XUg31qwAXV0CGeN4L6VGsS3sPNZeGZD5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0vFjgdzGWI/V_6u7lR5UmI/AAAAAAAANWo/XUg31qwAXV0CGeN4L6VGsS3sPNZeGZD5wCLcB/s640/IMG_3091.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Half an hour before our new friends are coming over I start the rice and beans. Then when the doorbell rings Jason starts making chips and shells. Bar stools at the kitchen island are pulled out, water glasses come down from the cabinet, I start the chopping and guacamole, we share stories and ask questions. Sometimes the kids are sent out to the trampoline or pool, sometimes they are in the other room playing the Wii. Every time small hands walk by for handfuls of chips. So many handfuls of chips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhrxjM6e034/V_6up-VK6yI/AAAAAAAANWc/XZs-G2Xe2JsdOz6nuyJ-1ptnXY1tBbqpACLcB/s1600/IMG_3022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhrxjM6e034/V_6up-VK6yI/AAAAAAAANWc/XZs-G2Xe2JsdOz6nuyJ-1ptnXY1tBbqpACLcB/s640/IMG_3022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This taco ritual involves everyone. There is chopping, grabbing the arsenal of hot sauce choices, the filling different taco combinations for each kid. All the while life is being lived. We find out how people met, what they dream about, and how they wandered into the school auditorium one Sunday. We laugh, we cry, we make a mess, we pile the dishes in the sink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcBfkczTJn4/V_7fqaearRI/AAAAAAAANXg/UamVX2fIozo78TLHqWerM2bl7idwXz3-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3053-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcBfkczTJn4/V_7fqaearRI/AAAAAAAANXg/UamVX2fIozo78TLHqWerM2bl7idwXz3-ACLcB/s640/IMG_3053-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
It is by far my favorite night of the week. It is chaotic, often
noisy, and it is the good stuff. Before we know it bedtime creeps up on
us and we say our goodbyes. Knowing that every taco shared that night
is part of the story of our family's life. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During
summer we joked that our family purpose statement would somehow involve
tacos. Then that joke became reality. It became our motto. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love
God. Serve others. Tacos.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And
it isn't even about the tacos. It just happens to be vehicle that
invites people through our door and around our table. We hope that they
leave with full tummies and hearts that feel known, encouraged and
seen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8K6HgIiW0U/V_6vKySWJnI/AAAAAAAANWw/QM83NpQaRfEuXLeI6D2PyFeRA3aGXuqvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NTb9HEbxBI/V_6xIP7CIeI/AAAAAAAANXA/8LieT8SimXUJP54UjfoDW77Q5LYVehbqgCLcB/s640/IMG_3062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What does this have to do with <a href="http://www.tacosandtees.com/" target="_blank">Tacos & Tees</a>? Everything. It is everything I am and everything I love. Jesus. Family. Others. Mexican food. Sarcasm. Whether lyrics from my favorite hymn, or my commentary on the current political mess, this is me. And it is about so much more than tacos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQ9Z6r_tkE/V_7Zw0TXk5I/AAAAAAAANXQ/0313qoti9KMHvlA08StHE3Nz66kAxdm7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQ9Z6r_tkE/V_7Zw0TXk5I/AAAAAAAANXQ/0313qoti9KMHvlA08StHE3Nz66kAxdm7QCLcB/s640/IMG_3046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Find your thing. Whether it is tacos, or burgers, or waffles, or take out, or a gourmet meal, make it a part of the rhythm of your life. Seek people out. Include them around your table. Our breaking bread is more chips and guacamole, yet there is beauty and holiness in it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Huge thanks to dear friend Brittany from <a href="http://sprinkledmoments9.wixsite.com/sprinkledmoments" target="_blank">Sprinkled Moments</a> for shooting my ridiculously awkward self over leftover tacos one morning.)</div>
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-48521304802971567612016-10-11T14:31:00.000-07:002016-10-11T17:25:05.712-07:00Introducing Tacos & TeesI want to introduce my big, scary, dream come true. Something decades in the making, something that I have stopped and started more times than I can count. Something that seemed equally possible impossible. It just took someone to look me in the eyes and ask why not just try?<br />
<br />
So try I did. I took the files that have been hiding in a folder on my desktop. The ones that I have been dreaming of and working on for longer than I can remember, and I did something with them. Then I added some more. I bought a domain. Set up an Instagram account and Facebook page. I ordered business cards. I did a test run. And now I have a t-shirt company.<br />
<br />
Is this real life?<br />
<br />
In case you are like me, who loves a good origin story, I designed my first t-shirt my sophomore year of high school. Eons before Photoshop and really any useful graphic programs, it was just me and whatever art supplies I had on hand. I took my design and drove it to the local screen printer in my 1979 Volvo station wagon. A week later I picked them up, and the Trabuco Hills High School swim team had official shirts.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few years, I start dating a boy, who happened to be a drummer, who's band happened to need people to man the merchandise booth. At the time the booth was actually not a booth, just shirts piled on whatever table the venue gave them. I enlisted the help of my mom, and together we sketched out a plan, purchased PVC pipes and built the Supertones first merch booth. My friends and I painted the banner, because free labor is way cheaper than a sign shop. <br />
Pretty much every weekend you could find us here. It still holds some of my fondest memories.<br />
And perhaps my least fond hair color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1_FI9-nJ1c/V_1VdT-yENI/AAAAAAAANVc/daZKFboqNvczZ2k17ExMWEYuuibhaidxgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1_FI9-nJ1c/V_1VdT-yENI/AAAAAAAANVc/daZKFboqNvczZ2k17ExMWEYuuibhaidxgCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Since then I have steered clear of the boxed hair dye at CVS, and designed the occasional shirt for church, for adoption fundraisers, etc. Each time I would design one, the dream in my heart would be rekindled, and then pushed away. One of the main factors was the fact that I had yet to find a soft, durable, flattering shirt, that washed well. I knew that if I were to pursue this dream, I could only stand behind a shirt that I would actually wear. Know that I am extraordinarily picky. I have too many shirts that started off soft, and then pilled after a wear or two. Or even worse the kind that when you buy them they are portrait shaped, and after one wash they are landscape. NO. I finally came across the brand <a href="http://www.bellacanvas.com/about-us" target="_blank">Bella+Canvas</a>. With that discovery I knew that this dream could finally happen.<br />
<br />
So here I am, a girl standing in front of you with a bunch of t-shirts, asking you to love them.<br />
Because I really, really do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXEcx7KTqhQ/V_2C1Bpem2I/AAAAAAAANV4/A7_p51Y0qq8ynIZVjWUOosRcF9jiGVXawCLcB/s1600/shop%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXEcx7KTqhQ/V_2C1Bpem2I/AAAAAAAANV4/A7_p51Y0qq8ynIZVjWUOosRcF9jiGVXawCLcB/s1600/shop%2Bcollage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tacosandtees.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>You can find them here.</b></span></a></div>
Tomorrow I will share where the name came from, and the heart of what I plan to do with this adventure.<br />
Eeeeeek! Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-56426127662407837962016-09-22T15:33:00.001-07:002016-09-22T17:11:45.569-07:00This is Us (free printable)I can't stop talking, or thinking about the new show This is Us. I don't know what the season holds, or if it will end up taking the place in my heart held by my all time favorite show Friday Night Lights (Tami Taylor is my spirit animal), but if anything it has by far the most beautifully written scene I have ever watched. It should be required viewing for every OB, every parent who has faced loss, and really every person that breathes oxygen.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IDpdtEgMYL8" width="560"></iframe><br />
When we <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/10/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">lost Joy</a>, our OB lacked the skills, experience, and empathy to offer any comfort. It is a deeply painful part of our story. When faced with the most tragic moment of our young lives, we were met with cold, clinical words as she swiftly left the room, and handed us off to a doctor we had never met. I would like to believe that there are many doctors out there who have been profoundly changed and shaped by tragedy, and have found strength and redemption from it. I feel like Dr. Katowsky was speaking directly to me. Saying the words that I wish I could have heard all those years ago. Words that are strong and hopeful and true. Words that echo each time I share what I have learned about loss and change and how we became different people that dark January day. People that brought our daughter home from the hospital, just not in the way we had hoped.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0q_-hloxos/V-RZqFa7YOI/AAAAAAAANT0/uojwNgpiF2A2j8Xrm_jzMV-D9iCGAKs4QCLcB/s1600/sourest%2Blemon%2Bmockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0q_-hloxos/V-RZqFa7YOI/AAAAAAAANT0/uojwNgpiF2A2j8Xrm_jzMV-D9iCGAKs4QCLcB/s1600/sourest%2Blemon%2Bmockup.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So I sat myself down at the computer and through tear filled eyes I made a printable. These words are simple, have been said in a million different ways, but they are words I didn't even know that I needed to hear. Maybe you needed to hear them too, and maybe even see them in your home.<br />
<a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">Printable available here</a>.Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-89090279505605117202016-08-07T09:36:00.000-07:002016-08-07T09:55:25.772-07:00Everything is different at Forest Home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUjnMBH5FHE/V6dUlowS81I/AAAAAAAANQk/OIhiV2pjda0DLSMLLaxxSpALcxazszo5wCEw/s1600/IMG_9195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUjnMBH5FHE/V6dUlowS81I/AAAAAAAANQk/OIhiV2pjda0DLSMLLaxxSpALcxazszo5wCEw/s640/IMG_9195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> These are the faces of a happy church planting family headed up to <a href="https://www.foresthome.org/" target="_blank">Forest Home</a> for a week of family camp. The car is packed with everything we need for hikes, and play, and bible studies, and memories. What you can't see is how weighed down the car is with pain, struggle, regret, expectations, and hopelessness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMqY2cghSvc/V6dUoaq8psI/AAAAAAAANPs/OTvHwfhU7Ds_H4Idc-_IVbcOFdlxJDNgQCEw/s1600/IMG_9203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMqY2cghSvc/V6dUoaq8psI/AAAAAAAANPs/OTvHwfhU7Ds_H4Idc-_IVbcOFdlxJDNgQCEw/s640/IMG_9203.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The week came at a time when it was everything we didn't know we needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As humans, as Americans, as Southern Californians, and especially as Christians, we bought into the lie that we couldn't easily share our struggles, be transparent with our desperation, that we couldn't admit how much we needed help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7t2ExNehPI/V6dUogHvsEI/AAAAAAAANPw/57rbU9HTpCkOH2h0I79RllpIy3uW9w1AQCEw/s1600/IMG_9219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7t2ExNehPI/V6dUogHvsEI/AAAAAAAANPw/57rbU9HTpCkOH2h0I79RllpIy3uW9w1AQCEw/s400/IMG_9219.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I was deeply depressed. The feeling was not new to me. It has been a frequent visitor in my life, it's grip was familiar, and I kept trying to keep it at bay. We had been so stretched thin with a season of loss when our pastor left the church we had called home for over dozen years, with confusion as everything we knew there changed, with fear as God called us to the unknown waters of church planting. Jason and I found ourselves at war with each other, when from the outside everything looked so beautiful and magical. We fought through nap times, through the midnight hours, across from each other on a therapist's couch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xhMiM9EI44/V6dUrVkISQI/AAAAAAAANP0/B-P5TNXlQQ0EZaqU2pSers8cYYWwx5-DgCEw/s1600/IMG_9221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xhMiM9EI44/V6dUrVkISQI/AAAAAAAANP0/B-P5TNXlQQ0EZaqU2pSers8cYYWwx5-DgCEw/s640/IMG_9221.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The drought that has crippled California had nothing on the drought that was crippling our marriage, the desolation that was bleeding over into every aspect our lives. Our parenting, our friendships, our relationship with God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5JkcvtGS94/V6dWsM8Qk8I/AAAAAAAANRM/I0ZukL5c4RguofCb-ms-EBjTCh_E90NwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5JkcvtGS94/V6dWsM8Qk8I/AAAAAAAANRM/I0ZukL5c4RguofCb-ms-EBjTCh_E90NwwCLcB/s640/IMG_9243.jpg" width="480" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at camp hoping to receive some distraction from the pain, some fresh air in the staleness. Some life in the desert. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JILatd4jcNk/V6dUrrOD_gI/AAAAAAAANP4/GQQ2SGQSd3M1lDCb7xN0y_HibULB1-eHwCEw/s1600/IMG_9247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JILatd4jcNk/V6dUrrOD_gI/AAAAAAAANP4/GQQ2SGQSd3M1lDCb7xN0y_HibULB1-eHwCEw/s640/IMG_9247.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> For our kids to make new memories, new friends, have new experiences. I truly didn't expect anything more. The pain became a blanket that I had wrapped around my shivering shoulders, afraid to take off.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA3n4BVbVQ8/V6dUt86NnOI/AAAAAAAANQA/LdNr0Qx2RS81PPIUzjPAdoggwAugi7Y-ACEw/s1600/IMG_9263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA3n4BVbVQ8/V6dUt86NnOI/AAAAAAAANQA/LdNr0Qx2RS81PPIUzjPAdoggwAugi7Y-ACEw/s400/IMG_9263.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Between meals, campfire chats, worship, hikes, bible studies, and chocolate chip shakes, God found a way to bring a glimmer of hope into our darkness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yd1v_svDf70/V6dWxv48mSI/AAAAAAAANRQ/8Z5jo3TIWKwLynhDRnccHSQ8Ct82cPdtQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yd1v_svDf70/V6dWxv48mSI/AAAAAAAANRQ/8Z5jo3TIWKwLynhDRnccHSQ8Ct82cPdtQCLcB/s400/IMG_9266.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The uninterrupted time of just being together, no access to the never ending list of needs at home, at church, the lack of distractions, let us be present and focused on this beautiful family that was right around us. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3Iu1u3MEcI/V6dUv3hkTpI/AAAAAAAANQE/SQJixU2Tvzgdyfwotn6BE_hjEWtiWnlgQCEw/s1600/IMG_9306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3Iu1u3MEcI/V6dUv3hkTpI/AAAAAAAANQE/SQJixU2Tvzgdyfwotn6BE_hjEWtiWnlgQCEw/s640/IMG_9306.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Between hikes, fireside chats, paddleboarding and face painting, there were desperate prayers, raw conversations, and healing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wiyn-Jo7kEM/V6dWgBa4o6I/AAAAAAAANRE/PGKXdrL8tVsETUQiZ_wDLn7AOjLtZNyRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wiyn-Jo7kEM/V6dWgBa4o6I/AAAAAAAANRE/PGKXdrL8tVsETUQiZ_wDLn7AOjLtZNyRwCLcB/s640/IMG_9288.jpg" width="480" /> </a> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is messy. Life is painful. Yet in that there is redemption. There are sunsets. There are sunrises. There is healing. There are Ninja Turtles. There are promises that God is strong, and good, and there is nothing too broken for Him to fix.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFNb5TpQGp4/V6dUxT_spXI/AAAAAAAANQI/shyfd6DFLHIwHCpMO6IAiI6t-WlhhrF4wCEw/s1600/IMG_9347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFNb5TpQGp4/V6dUxT_spXI/AAAAAAAANQI/shyfd6DFLHIwHCpMO6IAiI6t-WlhhrF4wCEw/s640/IMG_9347.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are morning hikes. Friends praying for you. A creation so beautiful that it could only have been made by a brilliant creator.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv43rjHHeYk/V6dUz3bLuUI/AAAAAAAANQM/2tgO8uO8rJQnJU7OunRsLsZOn_g-7rv8gCEw/s1600/IMG_9349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv43rjHHeYk/V6dUz3bLuUI/AAAAAAAANQM/2tgO8uO8rJQnJU7OunRsLsZOn_g-7rv8gCEw/s640/IMG_9349.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are smiles. There are tears. There is coffee. There are pancakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyfJskLhJJU/V6dU4b2gEsI/AAAAAAAANQU/t0miQMc60iYfgSlV7mu8yyUofaTAkpkOACEw/s1600/IMG_9369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyfJskLhJJU/V6dU4b2gEsI/AAAAAAAANQU/t0miQMc60iYfgSlV7mu8yyUofaTAkpkOACEw/s400/IMG_9369.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are CCA's who love your kids, bring backpacks full of games, make them laugh, and put them to bed. All while you are having life changing deep, painful, raw conversations under a star filled sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlOf4k_7hiM/V6dWXkx37MI/AAAAAAAANRA/Yp-kdw75uJ4ooSRh_VK8ZILKteh5LwUCACLcB/s1600/IMG_9373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlOf4k_7hiM/V6dWXkx37MI/AAAAAAAANRA/Yp-kdw75uJ4ooSRh_VK8ZILKteh5LwUCACLcB/s640/IMG_9373.jpg" width="480" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are camp counselors who shine the love of Jesus in such a way that your kids want to be just like them when they grow up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6xoGGa4OY8/V6dU7IiZ6VI/AAAAAAAANQY/QN0B5OWytUsN4TG8FOMeFCHHqLyfr3BXwCEw/s1600/IMG_9372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6xoGGa4OY8/V6dU7IiZ6VI/AAAAAAAANQY/QN0B5OWytUsN4TG8FOMeFCHHqLyfr3BXwCEw/s640/IMG_9372.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are cozy cabins, and a week of delicious meals prepped for you. Even meals to please your picky and dramatic child who hates pretty much everything that isn't pizza, cereal, or croutons.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aiyUs8vkcE/V6dU2Y4LwzI/AAAAAAAANQQ/gLtITRFdJ2oH1i-zz8msqXeh_WkKCdlVQCEw/s1600/IMG_9355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aiyUs8vkcE/V6dU2Y4LwzI/AAAAAAAANQQ/gLtITRFdJ2oH1i-zz8msqXeh_WkKCdlVQCEw/s640/IMG_9355.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There is a light filled chapel that I visited when I was a camper in high school. God met me then. He met me there again. Alone, I cried out to Him. For strength. For hope. For healing. For Him to write the story of our marriage. The story of our family. To be the God of the impossible. To make beauty out of the ashes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdlGUkX5XVM/V6dU_FonSXI/AAAAAAAANQg/KsiMLrPXcJg7O0bYZ0Jruxwh4FwQB6tIACEw/s1600/IMG_9384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdlGUkX5XVM/V6dU_FonSXI/AAAAAAAANQg/KsiMLrPXcJg7O0bYZ0Jruxwh4FwQB6tIACEw/s400/IMG_9384.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know He isn't done writing our story. I did know that our story would be dramatically different after that week at family camp. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFnaHucW-eI/V6dVtnfTZII/AAAAAAAANQs/O0PDU9bbYqwhjxB3fe3QdsNDejMs2c63QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFnaHucW-eI/V6dVtnfTZII/AAAAAAAANQs/O0PDU9bbYqwhjxB3fe3QdsNDejMs2c63QCLcB/s640/IMG_9239.jpg" width="480" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now when anyone asks why I love Forest Home so much, why I believe so deeply in family camp, it is because God used that week to save us from the self imposed wreckage of our life. That there truly is something special that happens when you leave everything behind, make room for Him, and cry out for Him to change you. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhow9Ix3rHE/V6dU8BfFfmI/AAAAAAAANQw/yudzQhqlhL01JBvoguhUzZqpE9qHMJIcQCEw/s1600/IMG_9383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhow9Ix3rHE/V6dU8BfFfmI/AAAAAAAANQw/yudzQhqlhL01JBvoguhUzZqpE9qHMJIcQCEw/s640/IMG_9383.jpg" width="480" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In high school, and even in our years in youth ministry, we would buy into the myth of the "camp high", or "mountaintop experience". That coming down the mount</span><span style="font-size: large;">a</span><span style="font-size: large;">in your old life would come back, and what God did on the mountain wouldn't last.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I choose to no longer believe that. God does not only work on the mountaintop. His power is not affected by elevation. His change is real. We drove down that mountain different. We are different on this day, one year later. We have been changed forever. We serve a God of miracles and we will never forget the miracles he performed during week 9 in 2015.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tte8VF84eG0/V6dUsz8mBSI/AAAAAAAANQw/RLfVJLiuDuoi1CprqvqkE9rCaGAcumtqACEw/s1600/IMG_9261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tte8VF84eG0/V6dUsz8mBSI/AAAAAAAANQw/RLfVJLiuDuoi1CprqvqkE9rCaGAcumtqACEw/s400/IMG_9261.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today we are heading back up the mountain with just these two. The big girls are on a train with their cousins and Nana bound for Oregon to make their own wonderful memories. We leave expecting fun, growth, adventure, and the lasting promise that the work God has started has not yet been completed, and that He is the master craftsman that continues to build us into who He knows we can be.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For more information about Forest Home family camp click <a href="https://www.foresthome.org/event-series/summer-family-retreat/" target="_blank">here</a>. Feel free to ask me any questions, and be prepared for my eyes to tear up a bit. For a girl who doesn't cry in public, this is a big deal and proves how deep my feelings go when talking about the place that has changed my life more than once. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Something else that makes me cry? Watching the video from our week at camp. So much goodness in each frame.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/136253506" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/136253506">Summer Family Camp 2015 // August 9-14</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/foresthome">Forest Home</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-31809793177555704802016-08-04T22:50:00.001-07:002016-08-04T22:50:48.135-07:00This Sierra HeartThe <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2010/06/lake-full-of-memories.html" target="_blank">love for Bass Lake</a> runs deep in my family. It is an enduring legacy that it has woven through the past 75 years, and once again we found ourselves on it shores, which thankfully have benefited from the substantial rainfall Northern California received this winter.<br />
It was the perfect kickoff for a summer full of adventure, full of road trips, and full of exploring new and sweetly familiar places. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCiTO7xKpc/V6Qak9OVr5I/AAAAAAAANMw/joMPZHqKsYM2vhPs18ggaZUIuE2CHQcDgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1041%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCiTO7xKpc/V6Qak9OVr5I/AAAAAAAANMw/joMPZHqKsYM2vhPs18ggaZUIuE2CHQcDgCLcB/s640/IMG_1041%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKrjYC7WjR4/V6QaryPoJ8I/AAAAAAAANM4/hrDbN95wCxIWbrxVVDWHu7wZ_VlHcWfMACLcB/s1600/IMG_1191%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKrjYC7WjR4/V6QaryPoJ8I/AAAAAAAANM4/hrDbN95wCxIWbrxVVDWHu7wZ_VlHcWfMACLcB/s640/IMG_1191%2B2.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
We always day trip into Yosemite. This year we hiked to Mirror Lake instead of making the drive to Glacier Point. Because there was WATER!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z7-sP_53cY/V6QbHavwsEI/AAAAAAAANNA/s5Gxy05nSNUVpC6Mn9hsmHvqYIFeWsKbQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z7-sP_53cY/V6QbHavwsEI/AAAAAAAANNA/s5Gxy05nSNUVpC6Mn9hsmHvqYIFeWsKbQCLcB/s640/IMG_1167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Speaking of water, the Merced was flowing, and the rafting was safe but oh so fun. Especially when this pink haired sunshine found herself caught on the wrong side shore, and rescued by another helpful family. There is something so special about being in the outdoors, surrounded by the wonder and the beauty, everyone seems friendlier, and helpful. Life is better outdoors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xq5GttY0Is/V6QniqLlN5I/AAAAAAAANPA/q8AmKRiARSovKXK8sxRdF3dbHnFq2cECwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1709%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xq5GttY0Is/V6QniqLlN5I/AAAAAAAANPA/q8AmKRiARSovKXK8sxRdF3dbHnFq2cECwCLcB/s640/IMG_1709%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fun fact, I have driven through the tunnel into the valley probably fifty times in my life. Without fail, I cry every time. EVERY TIME. Lately we blast Phil Wickham with the windows down. It is one of our favorite traditions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmzqg-8L03E/V6Qn30gEC6I/AAAAAAAANPE/MGWD1V_08Rk5m7HRI5I2zZOQSy-TYrGzACLcB/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmzqg-8L03E/V6Qn30gEC6I/AAAAAAAANPE/MGWD1V_08Rk5m7HRI5I2zZOQSy-TYrGzACLcB/s640/IMG_1184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Water! Tucked behind those trees is Yosemite Falls. With water! In late June! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCc1UJEQM6A/V6QbvSmJzJI/AAAAAAAANNY/XL5Gia5rwqU7ElLiRvcLJjzZHvcJ478OgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCc1UJEQM6A/V6QbvSmJzJI/AAAAAAAANNY/XL5Gia5rwqU7ElLiRvcLJjzZHvcJ478OgCLcB/s640/IMG_1224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqHdeBeFsoE/V6QolHKN9mI/AAAAAAAANPQ/aAjWth9uAlIG9k2qO-CdiSJ5JAAhnMBCACLcB/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqHdeBeFsoE/V6QolHKN9mI/AAAAAAAANPQ/aAjWth9uAlIG9k2qO-CdiSJ5JAAhnMBCACLcB/s640/IMG_1431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our favorite secret swimming places at Bass Lake were also near water capacity. It was glorious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d70zFxCHfjo/V6Qc3tXs8wI/AAAAAAAANNs/XBxra-5l288kpFx9qRGFanrK2rsH3b0OgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d70zFxCHfjo/V6Qc3tXs8wI/AAAAAAAANNs/XBxra-5l288kpFx9qRGFanrK2rsH3b0OgCLcB/s640/IMG_1494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xanYU7OTLNA/V6QdCeNvd3I/AAAAAAAANNw/7dlylkKnK00ACkZRxzgBFaL6VgqMea5IwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xanYU7OTLNA/V6QdCeNvd3I/AAAAAAAANNw/7dlylkKnK00ACkZRxzgBFaL6VgqMea5IwCLcB/s640/IMG_1518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnl6BUOpdzc/V6QoPvIO15I/AAAAAAAANPI/0aUFjWMHSaMTXvWtOQZeSGbSujnsWgueACLcB/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnl6BUOpdzc/V6QoPvIO15I/AAAAAAAANPI/0aUFjWMHSaMTXvWtOQZeSGbSujnsWgueACLcB/s640/IMG_1479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc7LmffBy00/V6QdSMAduBI/AAAAAAAANN4/6071DAQFp6UPaVFKg4oUE33FTdAn6yM3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc7LmffBy00/V6QdSMAduBI/AAAAAAAANN4/6071DAQFp6UPaVFKg4oUE33FTdAn6yM3QCLcB/s640/IMG_1559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We added a new facet to this year's trip, we decided (and by we, I masterminded the plan and somehow convinced Jason to add a day to the trip to go along with it.) to take the back route home through Tuolumne Meadows, and I wondered where it has been all my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4jByKNTT7c/V6Qdsg9LyUI/AAAAAAAANOI/rnptKQXeyFMRwjemE5Kqu-QQXEn0orsqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4jByKNTT7c/V6Qdsg9LyUI/AAAAAAAANOI/rnptKQXeyFMRwjemE5Kqu-QQXEn0orsqQCLcB/s640/IMG_1598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was ready to leave surburban life and spend the remainder of my days on the shores of Tenaya Lake. There are no words to describe this clear, blue, wonder, surrounded by domes. I want to come back armed with a hoodie and blankets at night and stargaze. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S3ZsazzDtA/V6Qd-Yhj7II/AAAAAAAANOQ/KfzXvE1fFVQBDNK6954936IcD_FLj6xnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S3ZsazzDtA/V6Qd-Yhj7II/AAAAAAAANOQ/KfzXvE1fFVQBDNK6954936IcD_FLj6xnQCLcB/s640/IMG_1603.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0trXKDXkw/V6QeXjKbJBI/AAAAAAAANOY/Vwq0fmj_2GU-aD08-ZgusOhSwPoNRAE9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0trXKDXkw/V6QeXjKbJBI/AAAAAAAANOY/Vwq0fmj_2GU-aD08-ZgusOhSwPoNRAE9gCLcB/s640/IMG_1642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfgcVaofsao/V6Qeg0ghsyI/AAAAAAAANOg/H7N9OuE0eY8XNmCdyf9lFVyhGigiONZbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfgcVaofsao/V6Qeg0ghsyI/AAAAAAAANOg/H7N9OuE0eY8XNmCdyf9lFVyhGigiONZbwCLcB/s640/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8yHprF7vj4/V6QeoozButI/AAAAAAAANOk/Sg6_8_k44r0HjhyqzULzzy-pwCgBfDldgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8yHprF7vj4/V6QeoozButI/AAAAAAAANOk/Sg6_8_k44r0HjhyqzULzzy-pwCgBfDldgCLcB/s640/IMG_1667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Then there is Tuolumne Meadows. The elevation is high, the crowds are low. There is beauty and wonder, and wildlife wherever you look. I cannot believe I have never been there. I cannot wait to come back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOfTVY7zRTA/V6Qe8EbCUpI/AAAAAAAANOs/IXqhcl8aKPImV1Vkoe92JoIjaPsjcNlZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOfTVY7zRTA/V6Qe8EbCUpI/AAAAAAAANOs/IXqhcl8aKPImV1Vkoe92JoIjaPsjcNlZQCLcB/s640/IMG_1687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There is nobody I would rather road trip, hike, and adventure with. I love that our kids love the Sierras as much as we do. I love that they are a part of their story.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSO0v9oAtZc/V6Qe6mOQLtI/AAAAAAAANOo/hnsulIrW0VI5QODBs2h1560HQtbt5o8UQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSO0v9oAtZc/V6Qe6mOQLtI/AAAAAAAANOo/hnsulIrW0VI5QODBs2h1560HQtbt5o8UQCLcB/s640/IMG_1691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Lu is my yoga hero, and she is working on a little project for our friend <a href="http://www.oilpraylove.com/" target="_blank">Casey</a>. Her dancer pose is pretty much my life goal.<br />
<br />
Another life goal of mine is to start shooting more video. As much as love photos, there is something so specail about home movies. Knowing that I have a professional level video camera in my pocket at all times gives me no excuse not to use it. You will see our dear friends the <a href="http://www.amillionthingsblog.com/" target="_blank">Johnsons</a>, who are family to us, and have gladly drank the Bass Lake and Yosemite koolaid with us. All footage was shot with my iPhone 6s & GoPro and edited together as we drove home in the iMovie app. Seriously. Go shoot some video. You will never regret it. While you are at it, head to the Sierras. I'll meet you there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/orLgcEVyG8k" width="560"></iframe>Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-81584089148997715382015-08-27T16:05:00.003-07:002015-08-27T16:19:22.891-07:00Free printables and Forest Home Giveaway reminder.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have loved seeing the entries come in for the Forest Home Mother & Daughter retreat and the girls and I are so excited to draw a winner tomorrow. I think we might just do it as a video on Instagram to make it more fun. (Follow @joyshope to see if it's you!) If you haven't entered yet, it's super easy. Just click over to <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2015/08/forest-home-mother-retreat-giveaway.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, and leave your comment at the bottom of the post. I have temporarily allowed anonymous comments, so there are no obstacles to entry. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there are any problems.<br />
<br />
Since I have the mountains on my mind, and am in complete denial that school starts Monday, I designed some free forest and mountain themed printables for you.<br />
Click below each image to be directed to the downloads page.<br />
<br />
Now if only I could click something to make summer last forever.<br />
The end of summer means school, which means packing lunches, washing uniforms, doing homework, and all four kids in soccer.<br />
Four. Because clearly we have lost our summer loving minds.<br />
Plus, the end of summer means the beginning of my least favorite season.<br />
Deep, sad, sigh. In my heart it will always be summer forever. <br />
To hear me lament the end of last year's summer, and to download a pineapple printable <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2014/09/summer-forever.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
Pineapples > dead leaves.<br />
<br />
Take me to the mountains. The mountains where there are no soccer games. Or homework.<br />
Take me to Forest Home, where all my meals are made for me, super delicious, they wash the dishes, my kids have the time of their lives, and so do the grownups. And Jesus.<br />
It's pretty much paradise.<br />
Oh, and chocolate chip shakes. There will be Forest Home chocolate chip shakes in heaven. I'm sure of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4viKHziMLgA/Vd-Q4sWaMuI/AAAAAAAAM6U/4sU6rKZL4f4/s1600/lift%2Bmy%2Beyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4viKHziMLgA/Vd-Q4sWaMuI/AAAAAAAAM6U/4sU6rKZL4f4/s640/lift%2Bmy%2Beyes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{FREE 8x10 printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTVZczFZLys/Vd-Q6W3RnMI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/ABFXoIAmk7E/s1600/mountainsdepart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTVZczFZLys/Vd-Q6W3RnMI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/ABFXoIAmk7E/s640/mountainsdepart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{FREE 8x10 printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxQuCqsvUvo/Vd-Q7l-GXLI/AAAAAAAAM6g/7yi208mcv3Y/s1600/made%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxQuCqsvUvo/Vd-Q7l-GXLI/AAAAAAAAM6g/7yi208mcv3Y/s640/made%2Byou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{FREE 8x10 printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.}</div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-30295148420611727932015-08-23T17:19:00.000-07:002015-08-23T17:22:26.120-07:00Forest Home Mother &Daughter Retreat GIVEAWAY! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IwFBYKNa54/VdpU2oQ__hI/AAAAAAAAM5c/RGdKnM9iURo/s1600/090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IwFBYKNa54/VdpU2oQ__hI/AAAAAAAAM5c/RGdKnM9iURo/s640/090.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Happy photos shot by the amazing <a href="http://www.momtog.com/drewb-blog/" target="_blank">DrewB</a>.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life doesn't equip you for life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It certainly doesn't prepare you for parenting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nor does it prepare you for how quickly time passes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't listen to those who told me to cherish every moment when I was wearing a path through our house, walking seemingly endless miles through the halls, trying to soothe and survive a colicky newborn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I barely remember surviving the next colicky/ refluxy/ angry newborn, while trying to also care for her not quite two year old sister. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought that was the epitome of how hard parenting could be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh how wrong I was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had the nerve to blink and am now realizing that although those small years were tough, the years ahead of us are a different type of hard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Newborns and infants need love and their basic needs met. Get that figured out, and although you are bone tired, poured out, and exhausted, you are basically winning at this parenting gig.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bigger kids need those basics plus ten million other things, while ten million other things are fighting for their time and attention.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAayQQaJx_w/VdpOGYRgfmI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/z8V8VOtiDhs/s1600/088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAayQQaJx_w/VdpOGYRgfmI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/z8V8VOtiDhs/s640/088.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My baby girl will be starting sixth grade next week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are so similar it is ridiculous. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9-pMbUZOQE/VdpLadG9FEI/AAAAAAAAM4c/PQGE0wZRZFU/s1600/089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9-pMbUZOQE/VdpLadG9FEI/AAAAAAAAM4c/PQGE0wZRZFU/s640/089.jpg" width="640" /></a> This squirrel loving dynamo is going to be a fourth grader. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her passion and determination is infectious.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZNPW9BLuDw/VdpNUzDeAvI/AAAAAAAAM5I/k0SJGX7VOWg/s1600/095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZNPW9BLuDw/VdpNUzDeAvI/AAAAAAAAM5I/k0SJGX7VOWg/s640/095.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This golden ray of sunshine will be a first grader.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am pretty sure she was a bald newborn just five minutes ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our family has been through so much change in the past year, and these girls have walked along side us as we planned, prepped, and planted <a href="https://encountermv.com/" target="_blank">Encounter Church</a>, with so much grace and flexibility.</div>
They are used to sharing our home with people most days of the week, they come to church early, they stay late, the make new people feel at home.<br />
They have been patient and loving as their parents were often overwhelmed.<br />
They pitch in to help with happy hearts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are pretty much the best thing ever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We recently returned from week at Forest Home Family Camp, and it was the very best thing we have ever done together as a family (And we have done some really amazing things before.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It bonded us and healed us in ways we never expected, and we left changed for eternity.</div>
I will share so much about our time there (I cannot wait!) but today I have such HAPPY HAPPY NEWS!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Forest Home has so generously offered to give away a weekend at their Mother & Daughter retreat.</div>
I KNOW!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I will be there with my three girls, and I cannot wait to see how God is going to move and work in our lives and hearts. I feel like so much of this last year they have been given a mom who is stretched thin (and I think that is a common thread amongst us moms), and I have hopes that this retreat we will be free from all the distractions at home and be able to stretch and grow and celebrate what we have as a family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you live or can get yourself to Southern California the weekend of September 11th-13th I invite you to join us at Forest Home. I am praying that God has the specific family in mind that needs this weekend, and I cannot wait to pick a winner on Friday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are still a few spots available, and if you feel like this retreat is something you and your daughter(s) need, I encourage you to find a way to attend. If you have been to Forest Home, you know what a special place it is. If you have yet to visit, I wish I could come up with sufficient words to emphasise what a worthwhile investment it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can read more about the weekend and register by <a href="http://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/family/mother-daughter/" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsJDdYHpvXo/VdpXUogUHCI/AAAAAAAAM5w/ysqedDRO-a4/s1600/Mother_Daughter%2BRetreat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsJDdYHpvXo/VdpXUogUHCI/AAAAAAAAM5w/ysqedDRO-a4/s640/Mother_Daughter%2BRetreat.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #8a2908; font-family: 'Grand Hotel'; font-size: 2.8em; line-height: 1em;">Mother & Daughter Retreat</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: #4e4949; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; width: 597px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="20" width="17%"><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/family/mother-daughter/rates/" style="color: #56301b; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Mother & Daughter Retreat Dates">DATES:</a></h6>
</td><td height="20" width="83%"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_115064966" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">September 11 – 13, 2015</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/family/mother-daughter/speaker/" style="color: #56301b; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Mother & Daughter Retreat Speaker">SPEAKER:</a></h6>
</td><td height="20">Kara Powell</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20"><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.foresthome.org/custom-events/camp-centers/forest-center/" style="color: #56301b; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Mother & Daughter Retreat Housing">LODGING:</a></h6>
</td><td height="20">Forest Center</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20"><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/family/mother-daughter/rates/" style="color: #56301b; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Mother & Daughter Retreat Rates">RATES:</a></h6>
</td><td>Starting from $182* for daughters and $277* for mothers</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="17%"><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
INCLUDES:</h6>
</td><td align="justify" valign="top" width="83%">6 prepared meals, lodging, programming, recreation and downloadable media</td></tr>
<tr><td><br /></td><td><span style="font-size: 9px; line-height: 8.100000381469727px;">* Prices vary widely according to accommodations.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td height="20"></td><td height="20"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: #4e4949; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; width: 597px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="17%"><h6 style="color: #507938; font-family: 'Pathway Gothic One'!important; font-size: 1.5em!important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em!important; margin: 0px;">
EXPERIENCE:</h6>
</td><td align="justify" valign="top" width="83%">After
they start crawling, it’s only a few short steps to college. And yet,
with all the responsibilities of each day—demands of work, cooking and
cleaning, picking up and dropping off—it can be difficult to slow down
and spend time together. Let us cook your meals and clean your dishes as
you take time to explore and adventure together, rediscovering the
wonder of your child, of creation and of the Creator.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: #4e4949; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; width: 597px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="17%"><br /></td><td align="justify" valign="top" width="83%"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #4e4949; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<i>You
and your daughter(s), ages 5 to 18, will have opportunities to nurture
your relationship with Christ as a pair and as individuals through
uplifting messages and age specific programming.</i></div>
<div style="color: #4e4949; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">GIVEAWAY DETAILS: </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;">One reader will win the
opportunity to attend the Mother/Daughter Retreat as a mother with her daughters; includes
set retreat meals and accommodations, activities, etc.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;">(Travel expenses and additional expenses during free time are not
included.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;">)</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14px;">- To enter, leave
a comment answering the following question: Have you every been to
Forest Home? If yes, what is your favorite Forest Home memory? If no,
what would you be most excited to experience at the Mother/Daughter
Retreat with your daughter?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 14px;">- Additional entries:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>*Follow Forest Home on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foresthome" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Leave a comment here letting me know you followed Forest Home on Facebook</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>*Follow Forest Home on <a href="https://instagram.com/foresthomecamps/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">eave a comment here letting me know you followed Forest Home on Instagram</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>*Follow Forest Home on <a href="https://twitter.com/foresthome" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">eave a comment here letting me know you followed Forest Home on Twitter</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Winner will be announced on Friday 8/28.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Come back this week for some fun camp and mountain themed printables, and to hear more about our time at Family Camp.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">I truly hope to see you and your daughters together at Forest Home in September. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-71793357014089581452015-08-07T18:50:00.001-07:002015-08-23T17:19:54.666-07:00John 3:16<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3EvMTTQBX4/VcVY7QcWCZI/AAAAAAAAM2U/rGlCrP8Ac2c/s1600/cmc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3EvMTTQBX4/VcVY7QcWCZI/AAAAAAAAM2U/rGlCrP8Ac2c/s640/cmc3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Pin this picture and I will cut you. Seriously. I don't even play. It was 1996 and I didn't know any better. Ovals. Fiskar fancy scissor ovals. Suzy's Zoo. I DIDN'T KNOW ANY OTHER WAY!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Once upon a time I was a consultant for Creative Memories. And by consultant, I mean I used the discount to buy albums/ tape runners/ stickers/ and that circle cutter thing. There was zero consultant-ing. Just scrapbooking. When people thought it was a good idea to crop photos into various heart/ star/ oval/ circle shapes, add some Mrs. Grossman's stickers and marvel at the creativity of it all. OH MY GOODNESS have things changed. The thought of tracing a star shape with a grease pencil on a photo and cutting it out nearly makes me barf.<br />
<br />
What does this have to do with anything? Well, the one thing that has stuck with me, even stronger than a wayward tape runner is the theory that if you get behind (scrapbooking, bible study, etc.) start where you are and move forward. If you think that you can't do anything until you are caught up you will quickly realize that the feeling of catching up is so overwhelming that you will be too paralyzed to make any forward movement at all.<br />
<br />
So that brings me to today. Moving forward. Catching up when there is time. Some major things happened in the past few months, launching a church and a European road trip for example. They will wait. I am starting with today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyQi7RJ2U5E/VcVaj5CKwgI/AAAAAAAAM2c/bGpeSUS5YmY/s1600/indianvillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyQi7RJ2U5E/VcVaj5CKwgI/AAAAAAAAM2c/bGpeSUS5YmY/s640/indianvillage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It continually floors me how often God is working behind the scenes, beyond our understanding, as He is writing the story of our lives. I love how we can look back and make sense of what was so mysterious and confusing while I was living it.<br />
<br />
I want to share a bit of my story, one I am still watching unfold.<br />
<br />
The summer before sixth grade a friend invited me to go to camp with her. After seeing The Parent Trap I always wanted to go to camp and somehow my parents let me go. I found myself in a teepee at Indian Village in Forest Home with a bunch of girls I didn't know. To this point I had never really gone to church. I went to VBS when I was really small, and attended a friend's First Communion. Beyond that I knew nothing about God, about Jesus, I didn't know the songs, I didn't know what prayer was, I had never read the bible.<br />
That week in the midst of games and competitions and hikes and swimming, I was introduced to who Jesus was. What the bible was. What prayer was. It was overwhelming and intimidating, and I felt so behind the curve. I didn't want to stick out. I didn't want to admit that I didn't know everything that the "church kids" knew. So I didn't ask questions. I just did my best to blend in. I didn't raise my hand and come down during the altar call. I pretended I was just like everyone else who had been going to church since they were babies.<br />
Each day during the week there were Bible memory verses, and if you remembered all of them you got a prize. I don't remember what the prize was, nor do I remember what the first four verses were, but I do remember the last one. It was the longest one, and it was worth the most points. I made sure that I knew it, and recited it to my counselor. She checked off my sheet. I got the prize. End of story. Or was it?<br />
<br />
The verse:<br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">For God so loved the world </span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">that he gave his one and only Son, </span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">that </span><span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">whoever believes in him </span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">shall not perish but have eternal life.</span><br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">John 3:16</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">At the time I just wanted to get the check mark on my sheet. I didn't want to think about what the words meant that I was memorizing. I just wanted the prize.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">God knew me before I knew him. He placed those words in my heart knowing that they would not be forgotten. That there would come a time nearly a decade later when those words would change everything for me. A day that I would stop pretending. A day when I would stop chasing earthly rewards. And it all started in a teepee.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">Sunday we head back to Forest Home, this time as a family. I cannot wait to walk the same trails, jump on the same blob, polar bear in the same creek, and worship the same God that knew me well before I was willing to know him.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">It is going to be such a great week.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/111133183" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
(P.S. There are still a few family camp spots open if you can rally together and join us for a life changing week. Get all the info you need <a href="http://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/family/summer-family-camp/" target="_blank">here</a>.)Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-72423301128312536722015-03-25T08:14:00.001-07:002015-03-25T08:16:42.187-07:00Stay afloat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jdpajoxDGI/VRLOINU_AgI/AAAAAAAAMuU/cQ00i8y8-hw/s1600/blog%2B1%2Bcor..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jdpajoxDGI/VRLOINU_AgI/AAAAAAAAMuU/cQ00i8y8-hw/s1600/blog%2B1%2Bcor..png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, our <a href="http://encountermv.com/" target="_blank">official church launch</a> was Sunday (so much more on that later)...<br />
<br />
This week/ month/ year so far has been bananas, I can hardly catch my breath, much less catch up on laundry.<br />
Yet through it all, God has been so real and present, and I can get out of bed each day because of that truth.<br />
<br />
My friend <a href="http://topofthepagewithleslie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Leslie</a>, who ditched me for the glory that is Montana, started a beautiful project on Instagram this month. First off, you should follow her, (<a href="https://instagram.com/leslie_padgett" target="_blank">@leslie_padgett</a> ) to hear it from her heart, but to summarize, she set out a challenge to make a simple stack of 3x5 cards and fill them with scripture for those moments that you feel like you are drowning. 31 days of truth.<br />
<br />
God's word will keep you afloat. <br />
<br />
So today is my day to share what has been keeping me afloat in this overwhelming sea.<br />
<br />
Steadfast. Immovable. Abounding. <br />
<br />
Print it out.<br />
Tape it to your mirror, fridge, fake brick wall...<br />
<br />
Stay afloat.<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-35662091658249392152015-03-04T14:49:00.001-08:002015-03-25T08:02:21.439-07:00Small home. (Free printable.)I love March, I love St. Patrick's Day, I dream of visiting Ireland one day, and I love the truth and simplicity in Irish blessings. So even though my St. Patrick's Day meal plans will probably involve more green enchiladas and guacamole, and less corned beef and cabbage, we will clink our glasses with a resounding slainte, and cheer Erin Go Bragh.<br />
<br />
Here's to a home filled with friends and life and community and food and most of all love. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TWpdMt94E/VPeLaj5oqdI/AAAAAAAAMss/uYUU91iM3IQ/s1600/small%2Bhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TWpdMt94E/VPeLaj5oqdI/AAAAAAAAMss/uYUU91iM3IQ/s1600/small%2Bhome.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free 8x10 printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-90309075546222865642015-02-25T15:53:00.003-08:002015-03-04T14:40:34.120-08:00Little reminders.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raJ6PK3nUII/VO5dN_x4ctI/AAAAAAAAMpk/0MsaAbUUw5U/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raJ6PK3nUII/VO5dN_x4ctI/AAAAAAAAMpk/0MsaAbUUw5U/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free notecard printables <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
<br />
I spoke this morning at my little MOPS-esque group, and as usual I stressed, wanted to barf, and prayed for rapture to get me out of it. Speaking is the most opposite of what I love to do, but God in his hilarity continues to give me these small opportunities to share His big story.<br />
<br />
As with any time I speak, I always make up some printables, a little backup plan for the strong possibilty that totally bomb, or those listening cannot believe how awkward/ shaky/ crazy/ I am, at least they can get free treats to help them forget. (I still have PTSD from the hotttttt mess that was Blog Sugar 2011.)<br />
<br />
While these are universal to me in my weird world and vernacular, they may or may not make sense outside of the little chat I gave. But they sum up phrases that keep on surfacing as I try to navigate this messy and difficult world. <br />
These are me in a nutshell.<br />
Trying to love God, while loving others (even though I sometimes hate everyone).<br />
Showing up for people when they need someone, even when it is hard or they don't deserve it. <br />
Trying to chill on the drama. And I might say this to my son more than anyone else. Because so much toddler drama.<br />
Lastly, resting in the truth that we live in a broken world, yet God is still on the throne. That one I will be wrestling with until He calls me home and it all makes sense. Until then I stand on that truth.<br />
<br />
So print away. Stick one on your mirror, your dashboard, jot a little note on the back and send it off old school style in the mail. Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-54021140462294733722015-02-11T08:25:00.001-08:002015-02-25T15:31:26.863-08:00Love.<div style="text-align: center;">
This is how I feel right now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/stupidbear/default/msg-132761512934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/stupidbear/default/msg-132761512934.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
It's February, we are still recovering from the heart breaking Super Bowl loss, thankfully that day involved so many <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2014/07/make-today-awesome-and-nachos.html" target="_blank">nachos</a>. So many. We have had two preview services for <a href="http://encountermv.com/" target="_blank">Encounter</a>, which still seems so surreal. The girls basketball season is almost over (praise hands emoji). It's a long weekend and we aren't ditching town. Even though I want to ditch town. Our days have been filled with threenager drama, a full house, and a full table, homework and hair brushing, laundry and laughter, and I am trying not to miss the moments as they fly by.<br />
<br />
So when I get a quiet moment, I often tuck myself away at the computer, press play on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDFDaNTJcOo" target="_blank">Mumford & Sons live at Lollapalloza</a>, and make something.<br />
Chances are that something involves a hymn or C.S. Lewis.<br />
<br />
Just in time for Valentine's day here's a quote that I am chewing on lately. I love that Clive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8odKgnE6Wo/VNuCIS_qsAI/AAAAAAAAMos/aTN8doesveo/s1600/clive%2Blove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8odKgnE6Wo/VNuCIS_qsAI/AAAAAAAAMos/aTN8doesveo/s1600/clive%2Blove.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free 8x10 or 16x20 available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) </div>
<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-72715571525291336792015-01-23T10:14:00.000-08:002015-02-11T08:01:26.903-08:00Thirteen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea2lm8QNiao/VMKLXrNuYoI/AAAAAAAAMnY/QiMy_Akh2Hw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea2lm8QNiao/VMKLXrNuYoI/AAAAAAAAMnY/QiMy_Akh2Hw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free printable card available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
<br />
Tomorrow we will bake a cake. Buy thirteen balloons. Take Sharpies and write birthday wishes and scribbles on them. Then together we will climb up the quiet grassy hill and send them up to heaven.<br />
<br />
Celebrating <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/10/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">Joy</a>. The hope of heaven. Thirteen. The truth in the <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/c/y/d/cydiscon.htm" target="_blank">Thomas Moore hymn</a>, that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.<br />
<br />
This David Crowder song is similar to Moore's hymn, and is so beautiful and true.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yjgioXrnEME" width="560"></iframe>Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-49036853147831688292015-01-08T09:41:00.000-08:002015-01-08T09:41:38.332-08:00December baby.I started 2015 off well. If your definition of well is actually disaster.<br />
So if you are already feeling bad about your resolutions, here is something to make you feel better.<br />
If you are super organized and a planner, please click away. <br />
I might have planned a birthday party and sent out invitations without actually remembering to book the place where the party would be held.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfWM9TNgyqI/VK6_9ee5ZAI/AAAAAAAAMlw/JkaZgd6uWfI/s1600/janey%2Bsalon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfWM9TNgyqI/VK6_9ee5ZAI/AAAAAAAAMlw/JkaZgd6uWfI/s1600/janey%2Bsalon2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Cute and easy DIY invites available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196027601/spa-party-invitation-editable-text?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=spa%2Bparty" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Minor detail. <br />
So the day before said party, a new from scratch party had to be pulled out of thin air.<br />
(Free tip: don't have babies in December. Plan for January, when things are much quieter. Take it from a mom with a December birthday, and a December kid.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7yRAjEnGQo/VK69Vd9bv5I/AAAAAAAAMlc/tpj9FNVY4lU/s1600/jjsp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7yRAjEnGQo/VK69Vd9bv5I/AAAAAAAAMlc/tpj9FNVY4lU/s1600/jjsp.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
(Party on the fly and on the cheap: bed sheet for a tablecloth, decor stolen from her room and around the house, mason jars, hot chocolate, Dollar Tree balloons, Christmas decor keeping things festive, <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2014/12/felt-bow-free-pattern-and-tutorial.html" target="_blank">these sweet bows</a> for favors.)<br />
<br />
We ended up having half of the party here, and the other half 45 minutes away, instead of the planned meet in the courtyard adjacent to the place down the street from our house so I wouldn't have to clean after the post Christmas chaos and exhaustion. (Side note, if you are looking for a fun, affordable girly party, beauty colleges are a great place to go. Curls and updos, and glitter, and nails, and more glitter, and the students were so sweet to each of the girls.) Thankfully, this last minute scramble is sort of my theme for life, and I have very flexible and accommodating friends and family that do not act horrified when I drastically alter plans. OCD I am not.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TD54V1Y840/VK65uLzAEdI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/3hbmdGEGtzs/s1600/jjsalon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TD54V1Y840/VK65uLzAEdI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/3hbmdGEGtzs/s1600/jjsalon.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Yes, bald baby has grown up into Rapunzel baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The years waiting for her hair to grow in were worth it.)</div>
<br />
So I don't even know where I am going with this, except to say that I am thankful for this joyful little girl, who has been talking about her salon party for the 364 days prior to her birthday, for the sunshine she brings to our life, for the friendship and grace we are surrounded with, for the fact that days like this don't need to be perfect, or styled, or pinned a million times on Pinterest. They can be last minute, and chaotic, and still filled with donuts and bunnies and pink and glitter and curls and laughter and celebration.<br />
<br />
Because it doesn't get better than donuts and glitter.<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-10856874022629639792014-12-10T14:37:00.002-08:002015-01-08T08:45:41.001-08:00Get your friends addicted to crack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lp5fTN4f_ZE/VIjJ3KfZqoI/AAAAAAAAMjA/QOzd5VkaEG0/s1600/christmascrack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lp5fTN4f_ZE/VIjJ3KfZqoI/AAAAAAAAMjA/QOzd5VkaEG0/s1600/christmascrack.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free tag download available on my <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">printable page</a>.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, I like crack. The treat kind. Not the life ruining, jail bound, illegal kind.<br />
Although maybe the treat kind should be illegal. It's easy to make, cheap, addictive, and it just takes one try to get hooked.<br />
<br />
So consider yourself warned. If you would like to become the friendly neighborhood crack dealer, make up a few batches, print out some tags, wrap them up, hand them to anyone and everyone that could use a new addiction in their lives. Remember, the first try is always free. Sharing is caring.<br />
<br />
You can find my recipe <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2009/01/pretty-messy.html" target="_blank">here</a>, in it's old school, absolutely unpinnable glory, back from the olden days when you just blogged to blog, without the thought or the hopes of going viral on Pinterest. Sigh... I miss those days. Don't be alarmed at the bag of Ralph's brand chocolate chips either. I only use Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips now, because I am not an animal. Like Oprah says, when you know better, you do better.<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-29063867340421944252014-11-14T13:42:00.002-08:002014-11-14T14:50:09.776-08:00Celebrate (free printable cards)I'm shirking responsibility. Heading to the final <a href="http://www.thequeenbeemarket.com/" target="_blank">Queen Bee Market</a> tonight. So bittersweet. I was honored to have a little booth at the very first one, and <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2010/11/queen-bee-recap.html" target="_blank">the second one</a>, which seems like a lifetime ago. Yet I am so proud of <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/" target="_blank">Mique</a> for dreaming big, taking risks, and knowing when to let go. <br />
<br />
Dave Matthews knows a thing or two about that.<br />
<br />
Life is short but sweet for certain.<br />
So celebrate.<br />
<br />
Make things. Bake things. Send a card. Live life with open hands. Celebrate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7XNwlsv5kg/VGZ1j3GDSQI/AAAAAAAAMfU/12Yt2vwfA5A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7XNwlsv5kg/VGZ1j3GDSQI/AAAAAAAAMfU/12Yt2vwfA5A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Free card download available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are printed on kraft paper from Hobby Lobby, of which I am in need of a new pack. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Turquoise envelopes available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IOHEDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IOHEDC&linkCode=as2&tag=joysho-20&linkId=ETRM3RVNDYIGUG33%22%3EMohawk%20BriteHue%20-%20A2%20Envelopes%20-%20SEA%20BLUE%20-%20250%20PK%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=joysho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007IOHEDC%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-57483447507951701002014-10-15T16:05:00.002-07:002014-11-14T14:50:33.116-08:00Sow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1vz4Tc4MVg/VD79gjLifFI/AAAAAAAAMd4/rztV8SI4_44/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1vz4Tc4MVg/VD79gjLifFI/AAAAAAAAMd4/rztV8SI4_44/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Free printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>.} </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Taking a moment to remember all the ones mourning the babies that they will never know.<br />
The broken hearts on the way to healing.<br />
The empty arms longing to be filled.<br />
<br />
Are you the darkness that feels like it will never recede?<br />
<a href="http://shaunaniequist.com/recedes/" target="_blank">Read Shauna's</a> true, transparent, and wise words. <br />
<br />
Have a grieving friend?<br />
<a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2011/06/glad-it-took-so-long.html" target="_blank">Here is a list of things to say and do</a>.<br />
<br />
Wondering what you could send to let them know that their tears are not wasted?<br />
<a href="http://www.bottleoftears.com/" target="_blank">Bottle of Tears</a> is a beautiful, meaningful gift.<br />
<br />
Read the story of our Joy <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/10/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Know that there is hope. There is redemption. That you are not alone. That there will be joy again. <br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-1320833227329494002014-10-02T22:40:00.000-07:002014-10-03T16:17:35.979-07:00Dinner's at six.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aW41KIG5y0w/VC47RP5aylI/AAAAAAAAMcs/HGgHIq4UKlw/s1600/shauna%2Bdinner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aW41KIG5y0w/VC47RP5aylI/AAAAAAAAMcs/HGgHIq4UKlw/s1600/shauna%2Bdinner.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is easy to feel too busy, spread too thin, that you aren't the type of person who has people over.</div>
You might not be. I'm not the type. <br />
Yet a week doesn't go by when our home isn't filled with people. One particular season when we felt like we could not fit another thing on the calendar, I off handedly mentioned to Jason who asked if we could have a family over to dinner that evening, "well, we have to eat..."<br />
That has been the motto many a night since.<br />
We do have to eat. Every day and night we eat. Our children eat. Our friends eat. Now we eat together.<br />
<br />
It is not fancy. It is chaotic and simple. It is pasta, or pizza, or tacos, or hot dogs. A summer of hot dogs. Kids in the pool. Men at the grill. Friends that know where the ketchup and jalapenos are. Kids that know where the juice boxes are.<br />
<br />
It is sometimes paper plates and red cups. A quick sweep through the house cramming everything into a laundry basket as the doorbell rings. Unfinished sentences between the protests of a passionate three year old. It is baking a cake for someone who needs it. It is letting someone else bring food because they know we need it. It is potty training and light saber fights. It is time outs and children climbing into laps. It is crying about the food from our picky eater. It is bath time and pajamas. It is homework and Star Wars and laughter and noise. It is complicated and simple and real and messy.<br />
<br />
We have to eat, so we invite people to come eat with us. We talk, and I mean really talk. We dream, we ask questions, we learn. Conversations that could never happen in passing, as we chase kids on the patio after church, at soccer games, at school pick up, in the aisles of Target. Conversations that shape us and challenge us and encourage us. Conversations that are life giving.<br />
<br />
This season of gathering around the table, the couch, the kitchen island has been a sweet one. For someone who craves quiet, it has filled my heart and soul in a way that I never knew I needed. If left up to my own introvert ways, I would live in a cabin on the coast of Oregon. Alone. My family could visit me on weekends. That however is not how God intended us to live. He gives us each other and gently nudges us towards community. The raw and complicated and joyful work of letting people into your real life, and hoping they will still like you. The beautiful thing about it is, this little community we have built has been an anchor to us. They pray for us, support us, make us laugh, let us cry, celebrate, mourn, and somehow still like us.<br />
<br />
It doesn't have to be dinner either. Have people over for pizookies after the kids go to bed. Grab donuts on the way home from school drop off and invite a friend and their little ones over for a cup of coffee. Host a small group. Throw together a Monday night football potluck. Start with a small invitation. Let people in.<br />
<br />
"The heart of hospitality is when people leave your home they should
feel better about themselves, not better about you." —Shauna Niequist,
"The Power of the Living Room" <br />
<br />
So we will keep opening the door, letting people in, sharing our noisy, messy, beautiful life.<br />
It is everything, and I cannot imagine it any other way.<br />
<br />
{I love <a href="http://media.willowcreek.org/weekend/together-2013/#content" target="_blank">this message</a> on hospitality from Shauna Niequist. Listen to it and be encouraged.<br />
Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310328179/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310328179&linkCode=as2&tag=joysho-20&linkId=BB5O6XVC2N4FBQ5F%22%3EBread%20and%20%20%20Wine:%20A%20Love%20Letter%20to%20Life%20Around%20the%20Table%20with%20Recipes%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=joysho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310328179%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;" target="_blank">Bread & Wine</a>. It is so good.<br />
Visit The <a href="http://www.commontablecommunity.com/blog/" target="_blank">Common Table Community blog</a>. They get it right.<br />
Then open up your door. Dinner's at six.}<br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
"This
is what I want you to do: I want you to tell someone you love them, and
dinner’s at six. I want you to throw open your front door and welcome
the people you love into the inevitable mess with hugs and laughter.<br />
<br />
Gather the people you love around your table and feed them with
love and honesty and creativity, because there will be a day when it all
falls apart. <br />
<br />
These are things I can’t change. Not one of
them. Can’t fix, can’t heal, can’t put the broken pieces back together.
But what I can do is offer myself, wholehearted and present, to walk
with the people I love through the fear and the mess. That’s all any of
us can do. That’s what we’re here for."<br />
- See more at: http://lindsayletters.com/products/bread-wine-art-print#img</div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-31767445966774447782014-09-26T13:24:00.001-07:002014-09-26T13:27:04.151-07:00A different look at drudgery.I am leaving for the weekend. I am attending and speaking at what will be my final retreat with the church that we have been with for fourteen years. The topic I was asked to speak on? Being full of joy. In this season, by my own power or preference, I would have said no. I do not love speaking. I am struggling with joy right now. I do however serve a great God who uses our fears, our struggles, our willingness, and can make beautiful things out of dust. I am giving Him my dust and asking him to make it beautiful. <br />
<br />
This in between life, the looking back while moving forward is hard. It hurts. I know that God is in it. That doesn't negate the fact that change is difficult for me.<br />
<br />
That might be part of my fall ennui. The sudden change from summer freedom to school responsibilities brings with it a sense of shock and exhaustion. My kids are tired and overwhelmed. I am tired and overwhelmed. Their behavior is not their finest. Neither is mine. <br />
<br />
On a particularly hard day, my dear friend <a href="http://www.amillionthingsblog.com/" target="_blank">Jessica</a> sent me a little note. In the note were the exact words I needed to hear, with a quote that was meaningful to her. I had seen it on her fridge many times. It was something that she pondered over the years and something that brought her needed encouragement. Encouragement she knew that I needed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oW4bGo2jbrs/VCXJlx5L38I/AAAAAAAAMbI/Pnwc6fV0HjI/s1600/fridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oW4bGo2jbrs/VCXJlx5L38I/AAAAAAAAMbI/Pnwc6fV0HjI/s1600/fridge.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It now has a home on our fridge. A gentle reminder to see the light of God in the mundane. In the hard days. In the days that I do not feel seen. He sees me. He sees me through the thoughtful action of a friend sending me a simple card in the mail. A card that was a lifeline in that moment.<br />
<br />
It is my hope that you can send a lifeline to a friend who needs the light of God upon their day. A simple card. A reminder that their work, their life, their days matter. Even when they don't see it themselves. So easy, yet so meaningful.<br />
<br />
Thank you Jessica for your friendship.<br />
Thank you Oswald Chambers for your wisdom.<br />
Thank you God for shining light on my days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAZLqD79VWA/VCXJtA8YNGI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/WrzNJrSe3Io/s1600/chambers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAZLqD79VWA/VCXJtA8YNGI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/WrzNJrSe3Io/s1600/chambers.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Free printable version available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/claim.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These cards were printed on my favorite kraft paper. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The file is black and white.}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-631846162298827602014-09-22T17:00:00.002-07:002015-08-27T16:11:11.142-07:00Summer forever.Happy first day of fall. Or whatever. I am wearing black and smearing ashes over my face in mourning. (Not really. I am in my favorite jorts and spent the day at the beach, but that sounds much less dramatic.)<br />
<br />
Bring back summer. Forever. Fall is the fourth best season. I'll keep my iced black coffee and flip flops and you can keep your PSL and boots. <br />
<br />
Summer is freedom and no schedules.<br />
Fall is school and papers and lunches and homework.<br />
Summer is Saturdays everyday.<br />
Fall is soccer the destroyer of every Saturday and lots of Sundays.<br />
Summer is swimsuits and beach towels.<br />
Fall is socks and uniforms and so much laundry.<br />
Summer is sleeping in and salty messy hair.<br />
Fall is waking up early and attempting three specific and complicated hairstyle requests.<br />
Summer is late night swims and bbq's.<br />
Fall is early bedtimes and crockpot meals that make my children cry and my house stink.<br />
<br />
All you people going all CRAZY for fall with quotes and turtlenecks and mantle decor, I still love you and your autumn obsessed ways. Even if they make me want to take a sabbatical from Pinterest because I cannot with another pumpkin pin. I CANNOT. As for me, I side with my homie Olaf and will spend every day dreaming about summer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAf8IBBr0c4/VCC3yC14BHI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/WphW9Q4jgkI/s1600/sandy%2Bsummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAf8IBBr0c4/VCC3yC14BHI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/WphW9Q4jgkI/s1600/sandy%2Bsummer.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{FREE 8x10 printable available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/printy-prints.html" target="_blank">here</a>, plus a bunch of other ones. Sadly none involve falling leaves.}</div>
<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-24573075289680082512014-09-17T17:42:00.000-07:002014-09-22T16:09:33.107-07:00Crazy easy no-sew fabric garland.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our friends are having a gender reveal party this weekend and I am insanely excited. We are blessed to host it here, and the moment when they cut into the cake and see either pink or blue is going to be the BEST. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All babies are a gift, and extraordinarily special, yet the ones that are long awaited, the ones that seem impossible, the ones that are cried over, prayed in desperation for, are even sweeter. This baby is one of those.</div>
This baby is surrounded by love and family and community and celebration. <br />
Celebrate we will.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do not know how to celebrate without making a garland. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Garlands make pretty backdrops for big moments and this is a big as it gets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I always disliked about the standard garlands (I made one from <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2012/04/scrappy-vintage-sheet-garland-diy.html" target="_blank">vintage sheets here</a>, and my up all year <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2012/03/no-sew-fabric-garland.html" target="_blank">rainbow one here</a>) is the annoying tying and tying and tying of knots. So annoying. Projects should never be annoying. Then with the knots, the fabric would twist and turn and the wrong side would show. Annoying and not cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I started making them a new and much faster way. One that ditches the annoying knots and twists and gets your party decor up faster. Which is a must for a procrastinator like me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Supplies:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1/2 yard each of 4-5 different fabrics</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Twine or yarn or ribbon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Safety pin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
30 minutes of your life</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GIcCNE6q5E/VBoicvA4YmI/AAAAAAAAMTY/m_7fdpZNmGg/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GIcCNE6q5E/VBoicvA4YmI/AAAAAAAAMTY/m_7fdpZNmGg/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Cut your fabric into 2x44 inch pieces.<br />
This will mean that you cut from selvedge to selvedge.<br />
I find that 44 inches is a perfect length for backdrops.<br />
The pesky chevron prints ran the wrong way on the bolt, so I had to purchase 44 inches of each of them instead of the 1/2 yard. This won't happen if you are using a solid or a random all over print, but keep this fact in mind when you are at the cut counter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQkn3eFrDhE/VBoicxMAQKI/AAAAAAAAMTg/8CuFu91A0Ew/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQkn3eFrDhE/VBoicxMAQKI/AAAAAAAAMTg/8CuFu91A0Ew/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Stack your strips into neat little piles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzqtXn5L7_E/VBoiea-B2wI/AAAAAAAAMUA/9E-OPkTobac/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzqtXn5L7_E/VBoiea-B2wI/AAAAAAAAMUA/9E-OPkTobac/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
With your scissors you are going to cut two 1/2 inch or so vertical slits.<br />
Repeat with the top of each strip.<br />
(I totally took this picture on self timer while holding the phone in my mouth. Without cutting off my thumb. With the kitchen scissors because I can't find my fabric ones.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGg2vpFAOo/VBoic9QvarI/AAAAAAAAMTc/8JZot1MLqrk/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGg2vpFAOo/VBoic9QvarI/AAAAAAAAMTc/8JZot1MLqrk/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Next thread the string through the safety pin and knot it.<br />
Then run it through each strip.<br />
(Don't worry, I am painting my nails tonight. Kindly look away and don't judge.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQpEKWLi4ao/VBoieeE-29I/AAAAAAAAMT4/W3xBjD1QFQU/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQpEKWLi4ao/VBoieeE-29I/AAAAAAAAMT4/W3xBjD1QFQU/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Before you know it all the strips will be threaded in a happy jumble on your table.<br />
Next you just need to hang it up, spread them out evenly and wait for your party guests.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking boy... and I cannot wait to find out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi_U5VH4ol8/VCCqeUeymuI/AAAAAAAAMUg/l-3w6je1cLM/s1600/IMG_1546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi_U5VH4ol8/VCCqeUeymuI/AAAAAAAAMUg/l-3w6je1cLM/s1600/IMG_1546.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Then when you are thinking about this momentous occasion when they will find out if they will have a son or daughter, you think of the all the photos and the videos, and the 1970's brick that you hate like you hate ketchup. So you do what any rational person does and paint it a crisp clean white, and wonder how you have lived in your house for five years, with ugly burgundy bricks and survived.<br />
<br />
If I had made the garland the time consuming knot way, I wouldn't have been able to give the fireplace a facelift.<br />
Boom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwhgVDQ90as/VBoieuFIJ5I/AAAAAAAAMTw/GQ9aMleMGS8/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwhgVDQ90as/VBoieuFIJ5I/AAAAAAAAMTw/GQ9aMleMGS8/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Boba Fett loving boys need garlands too. And Sarlacc Pit cakes. But that is for another day. Related: see the black hole of darkness behind him? 1970's bricks. I am deliriously happy to never have to see them ever again.<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-76273936713568270682014-08-24T17:07:00.001-07:002014-08-24T17:07:34.658-07:00What's next.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHTZDfg0w9Q/U_p9ARqjyDI/AAAAAAAALcE/rBolF6QJ0tA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHTZDfg0w9Q/U_p9ARqjyDI/AAAAAAAALcE/rBolF6QJ0tA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Link to the free 8x10 download available <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/claim.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The one above is printed on kraft paper from </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hobby Lobby, but the file is black and white.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
How do I even begin to find the words that I have been holding on to for so long?<div>
How do you explain that every thing from now on will be different? So much different than we ever imagined.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Knowing that through the peaks and valleys and changes and unknowns of the past few years, that we will be leaving the church that we have called home for the past fourteen years. It has been our community, our family, our ministry. The place where Joy was mourned, and Halley, Lucy, Janey, and Shane were dedicated. Where Halley and Lucy were baptized. Where I imagined we would stay forever.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God's plans are not our plans, and through each and every moment he has been at work, preparing us for what is ahead.</div>
<div>
We will be planting a new church in the new year.</div>
<div>
It seems surreal to even be able to say that.</div>
<div>
The thought has lived in the abstract for so long, now that it is a tangible reality, I am overwhelmed. Undone by the sheer honor, responsibility, and enormity of it all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It does not feel safe, and I like safe.</div>
<div>
I however serve a mighty God who does not.</div>
<div>
A God that is good in spite of who we are. In spite of our fears. </div>
<div>
In that promise we walk forward in the calling He has placed before us, with the beautiful blessing of the church that has been our home and our history.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have a lot to learn and a lot to do. More than anything though, we need prayer. Would you consider praying for the road that God has set before us? That we walk it well, in His time, and for His glory.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am excited to share this story as it unfolds, it is a story I never imagined playing a part in, yet cannot wait to turn the page.</div>
Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-63894214233063628692014-07-30T16:30:00.001-07:002014-07-30T16:41:01.687-07:00Make today awesome. And nachos.So today was fun. You know that kind of day when you show up for a birthday party that is actually tomorrow?<br />
At least it wasn't yesterday, I suppose.<br />
Still. I am a grown up who might be taking this whole summer vibes deal too seriously, and might lack a little bit in the whole details on the calendar thing.<br />
Remember last year when <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2013/06/summer-survival-plan.html" target="_blank">I was all cute and organized</a>?<br />
So, ya. That was last year.<br />
This summer has been pretty much not that.<br />
<br />
Summer vibes forever. Responsibility never.<br />
<br />
So tonight I am going to make pulled pork nachos for dinner. Because it is America and I can do what I want.<br />
<br />
I could post a recipe, but I made a totally unrelated printable for you instead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peaPI6WWrCg/U9l-f7oR3ZI/AAAAAAAALao/gyUEonq8r_0/s1600/awesomeblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peaPI6WWrCg/U9l-f7oR3ZI/AAAAAAAALao/gyUEonq8r_0/s1600/awesomeblog.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Link to the free 8x10 download <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2008/02/claim.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
Fake brick wall and masking tape not included.)</div>
<br />
Glitter and nachos can make any catastrophe of a day awesome.<br />
<br />
Well, maybe a sort of recipe would be awesome. It's not really a recipe.<br />
I am not taking pictures of the process.<br />
Because I don't want to clean the kitchen.<br />
Plus, it is just throwing some ingredients on chips and then sticking them in the oven.<br />
<br />
If you need a step by step of that, I think there are some bigger issues at play. Namely your deprived childhood where clearly you were raised by nacho hating wolves.<br />
<br />
In case you are curious here is what you need:<br />
<br />
Two of my ingredients are from Trader Joe's. If you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby I have the number of a great real estate agent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eb43nZGYPbk/U9l-ONkefVI/AAAAAAAALag/lh7HqrDth-8/s1600/nachos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eb43nZGYPbk/U9l-ONkefVI/AAAAAAAALag/lh7HqrDth-8/s1600/nachos.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Chips (hello)<br />
Cheese (duh)<br />
Pulled pork<br />
Plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)<br />
Chipotle salsa<br />
Whatever your family likes on their nachos<br />
<br />
My family is drama and only likes cheese. They don't even like the sauce. So I make them a lame plain pan and I make myself a loaded, spicy, saucy, one. Jalapenos are my love language. So is not sharing my nachos.<br />
<br />
Prepare pork according to package<br />
Cover a cookie sheet with foil (no scrubbing is awesome)<br />
Throw chips on cookie sheet<br />
Throw pork on top of chips<br />
Add any other awesome ingredients<br />
Top with gobs of cheese<br />
<br />
Bake at 400º until cheese is melty<br />
<br />
While baking make the chipotle sauce.<br />
Highly complicated recipe:<br />
Stir one part greek yogurt with one part salsa<br />
<br />
Take nachos out of oven and drizzle with sauce.<br />
Eat them right off the pan. Remember. America. You can do what you want. You are a grown up. Even if you forget birthday parties.<br />
<br />
So there you go. <br />
A weird day, a printable, and totally unpinnable recipe all in one.<br />
How awesome did today just get?Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6008426604560109471.post-78033635555632377422014-07-17T11:58:00.001-07:002014-07-17T12:02:26.159-07:00If you give a kid a camera.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApkrJSDRwAY/U8gWEL9AyqI/AAAAAAAALZE/DvbqNv5-HlI/s1600/photo%25281%2529+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApkrJSDRwAY/U8gWEL9AyqI/AAAAAAAALZE/DvbqNv5-HlI/s1600/photo%25281%2529+copy.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We recently returned from two of my favorite places in the world (Yosmite and Bass Lake) in which we camped in tents. Real tents. On the ground. However, this isn't about the tents, or the ground, this is about an old camera and an eight year old girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A long time ago I bought a <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/2010/07/water-water-everywhere.html" target="_blank">cheap refurbished waterproof camera</a>. </div>
Then I forgot about it. It was hidden in a drawer collecting dust as I shot frame after frame with my iPhone. Summer was approaching and I was contemplating getting a Lifeproof case for my phone. As one was sitting in my Amazon cart, I remembered that little green camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Out it came, and the instant Lucy saw it she asked if she could use it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
From the second she took her first photograph she was smitten. I knew right then that I could let her show responsibility and maturity and let her take custody of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What I didn't expect was to see what she would capture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Giving it to her was perhaps one of the best things I could ever have done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I wonder if <a href="http://www.momtog.com/" target="_blank">Drew</a> needs an assistant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here are a few of her shots. All straight out of the camera, all straight from her eight year old perspective. No edits. No cropping. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Dig your old point and shoot out of that junk drawer. Give it to your kid and see your world through their eyes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Also, squirrels. Because Lucy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn_Sp8nY99E/U8gbiM3fWQI/AAAAAAAALZs/WZxTlu_iiZY/s1600/DSCF0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn_Sp8nY99E/U8gbiM3fWQI/AAAAAAAALZs/WZxTlu_iiZY/s1600/DSCF0092.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkZhLSPRWWc/U8gbaWLdLWI/AAAAAAAALZQ/3b-ruFTjTNM/s1600/DSCF0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkZhLSPRWWc/U8gbaWLdLWI/AAAAAAAALZQ/3b-ruFTjTNM/s1600/DSCF0098.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZtImd6OEuI/U8gbbptHW7I/AAAAAAAALZY/zDmg1XMM5p8/s1600/DSCF0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZtImd6OEuI/U8gbbptHW7I/AAAAAAAALZY/zDmg1XMM5p8/s1600/DSCF0582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZajyCSkFnM/U8gbdU4QpsI/AAAAAAAALZg/XsCG0dn7slY/s1600/DSCF0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZajyCSkFnM/U8gbdU4QpsI/AAAAAAAALZg/XsCG0dn7slY/s1600/DSCF0563.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxMRb-nwfkU/U8gVbvjQoiI/AAAAAAAALWg/VE36lHz1kjI/s1600/DSCF0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxMRb-nwfkU/U8gVbvjQoiI/AAAAAAAALWg/VE36lHz1kjI/s1600/DSCF0061.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHAcVEw1So0/U8gVbdk_3fI/AAAAAAAALWs/x80LCjaN3Qo/s1600/DSCF0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHAcVEw1So0/U8gVbdk_3fI/AAAAAAAALWs/x80LCjaN3Qo/s1600/DSCF0072.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGs8zRJdVi8/U8gVa-mCmKI/AAAAAAAALWc/tFnaoHEL3iY/s1600/DSCF0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGs8zRJdVi8/U8gVa-mCmKI/AAAAAAAALWc/tFnaoHEL3iY/s1600/DSCF0086.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-1mpXxvdkA/U8gVc7snwyI/AAAAAAAALWw/CfS1hEyNzmo/s1600/DSCF0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-1mpXxvdkA/U8gVc7snwyI/AAAAAAAALWw/CfS1hEyNzmo/s1600/DSCF0088.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnLF5fMnOxk/U8gVdRSAKQI/AAAAAAAALW4/_-RMWi78sJM/s1600/DSCF0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnLF5fMnOxk/U8gVdRSAKQI/AAAAAAAALW4/_-RMWi78sJM/s1600/DSCF0089.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDiWI_Cq9MI/U8gVedajReI/AAAAAAAALW8/WAZRg1Nz7fA/s1600/DSCF0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDiWI_Cq9MI/U8gVedajReI/AAAAAAAALW8/WAZRg1Nz7fA/s1600/DSCF0096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2Trjbj3a4U/U8gVe0lRbJI/AAAAAAAALXI/DofR0TNj5gQ/s1600/DSCF0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2Trjbj3a4U/U8gVe0lRbJI/AAAAAAAALXI/DofR0TNj5gQ/s1600/DSCF0101.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3D76YMoCM0k/U8gVf5rb3XI/AAAAAAAALXQ/qEx-2g0trr8/s1600/DSCF0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3D76YMoCM0k/U8gVf5rb3XI/AAAAAAAALXQ/qEx-2g0trr8/s1600/DSCF0110.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7bNYsViPKI/U8gVg5UL-vI/AAAAAAAALXY/nN79ArvOnrg/s1600/DSCF0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7bNYsViPKI/U8gVg5UL-vI/AAAAAAAALXY/nN79ArvOnrg/s1600/DSCF0195.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NreKXkOklek/U8gVhgR5eNI/AAAAAAAALXk/OnYcKe7nc5o/s1600/DSCF0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NreKXkOklek/U8gVhgR5eNI/AAAAAAAALXk/OnYcKe7nc5o/s1600/DSCF0214.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LO6LiVq4_Cg/U8gVip8p6OI/AAAAAAAALXs/qKqxg6qvefo/s1600/DSCF0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LO6LiVq4_Cg/U8gVip8p6OI/AAAAAAAALXs/qKqxg6qvefo/s1600/DSCF0525.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMLDesfJfAE/U8gVjtTZu0I/AAAAAAAALX0/E_033kBFM2U/s1600/DSCF0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMLDesfJfAE/U8gVjtTZu0I/AAAAAAAALX0/E_033kBFM2U/s1600/DSCF0527.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg1iPYbv6ac/U8gVkB2ff4I/AAAAAAAALX4/lCDOoPZUkr4/s1600/DSCF0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg1iPYbv6ac/U8gVkB2ff4I/AAAAAAAALX4/lCDOoPZUkr4/s1600/DSCF0534.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2nGiuLgu0/U8gVlA0rujI/AAAAAAAALYE/UNvA1hcL-j0/s1600/DSCF0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2nGiuLgu0/U8gVlA0rujI/AAAAAAAALYE/UNvA1hcL-j0/s1600/DSCF0536.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo2bklZJXLI/U8gVmAbUGmI/AAAAAAAALYI/rzmL4bZJ8DY/s1600/DSCF0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo2bklZJXLI/U8gVmAbUGmI/AAAAAAAALYI/rzmL4bZJ8DY/s1600/DSCF0548.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXp9CVINEk0/U8gVnTxrSeI/AAAAAAAALYU/suNk5DSjcK8/s1600/DSCF0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXp9CVINEk0/U8gVnTxrSeI/AAAAAAAALYU/suNk5DSjcK8/s1600/DSCF0549.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s71VJyW4rvc/U8gVofZHkwI/AAAAAAAALYc/AsY0r9pvgcQ/s1600/DSCF0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s71VJyW4rvc/U8gVofZHkwI/AAAAAAAALYc/AsY0r9pvgcQ/s1600/DSCF0577.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN20RlHJfVc/U8gVppE4wzI/AAAAAAAALYk/Bt6t9JqGRV8/s1600/DSCF0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN20RlHJfVc/U8gVppE4wzI/AAAAAAAALYk/Bt6t9JqGRV8/s1600/DSCF0581.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGfT87vfOsg/U8gVsddSn3I/AAAAAAAALY0/dJphQd6u188/s1600/DSCF0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGfT87vfOsg/U8gVsddSn3I/AAAAAAAALY0/dJphQd6u188/s1600/DSCF0584.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11869658095696574420noreply@blogger.com10