tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78867342024-03-07T02:19:04.750-06:00A Darling AdventureTwo parents, four children, and our adventures in food, music and travel.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.comBlogger862125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-10829582296956057632014-10-08T18:15:00.001-05:002014-10-08T18:15:19.343-05:00Egg Drop Day 2014Just before my school started, Greg had the day off, and we were able to go together to our children's Egg Drop Day at their school. <br />
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Egg Drop Day is exactly what it sounds like. The children each package up a raw egg in something they think will protect it/give it a soft landing. Then our town's fire department comes with their biggest ladder truck....and drops the eggs while the children cheer them on. Some of the eggs make it. Some of them don't. This year I think we were at exactly half-and-half.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15445119126" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15445119126_b582cb1c59.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15465069171" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15465069171_6c2617c2e1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15281311459" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15281311459_a5a726b0d5.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15281502690" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15281502690_c945433bef.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15281498770" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15281498770_f4e737319c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15467871982" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15467871982_7b5a36b205.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15281567278" title="Egg drop day 2014 by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Egg drop day 2014" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15281567278_9c443edb51.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-27146492149779440762014-09-23T18:40:00.001-05:002014-09-23T18:40:20.157-05:00Tomorrow....My first day of school is tomorrow. I was supposed to start at the beginning of this month, but due to several circumstances, the date was extended....I've been looking forward to and dreading this day for so many months now, it's hard to fully put into words how I'm feeling at this moment.<br />
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My career choice to be a stay-at-home mother and wife for the past 13 years has included being an anchor here at home for my children and Greg, and so of course I feel so much guilt and anxiety as I prepare to make this huge life-change.<br />
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For the past 6 months or so, we've been prepping our children for the upcoming shift. Working out chore charts, a Big Guy/Little Guy buddy system for homework/meals/chores, lots of conversations about responsibility and taking care of each other, and even brought them to an Open House at my school to show them where I'm going to be putting in so many hours....yet now that it's down to <i>that final day</i> I still can't possibly imagine what the year ahead will look like....<br />
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<i>Open House</i><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/15009534056" title="Cosmetology school open house by Faith, on Flickr"><img alt="Cosmetology school open house" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/15009534056_c4b9b96e10_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<i>...at some point, Elijah got the camera....</i><br />
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I have laid out my black scrubs, packed my lunch, and set my alarm. So very excited to see what tomorrow brings!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-56520818512258024892014-08-25T10:32:00.004-05:002014-08-25T10:32:43.752-05:00First day of school, 2014It's the first day of school!! For this one year, all of my children will be in elementary school together. The three older children were so excited for Jonah to start school this morning that they forgot to be nervous about themselves.<br />
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Each of them bravely walked into their classrooms without a look back. Of course I cried. How could I not? This year is especially difficult for me....the last day of sending a child off to Kindergarten....I can't help feeling a bit bereft.....and then there's the fact that I'll be starting school myself (cosmetology) next week. It's hard to even imagine what this school year is going to look like; what our lives are going to feel like.<br />
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But for today, I am going to rest in the stillness and peace of <i>finally being alone</i>.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-27526719880522750902014-01-27T16:27:00.003-06:002014-01-27T16:27:45.109-06:00teaching friends: first handspunTwo weeks ago, my friend Pixie and I worked to restore a spinning wheel that's been in her family for.....well, and unknown number of years, actually. But it has obviously been very, <i>very</i> well used, as is evidenced by all of the replaced parts and worn pieces. <br />
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We managed to get it to spin with great difficulty, but it seems that this particular wheel will best live on as a monument to past efforts, as there didn't seem to be a way to get this to work efficiently enough to spin more than a few feet of yarn. But that deep happy feeling of working to restore a tool that has served so many years...that was truly priceless.<br />
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Eventually I got some of my drop spindles out, and taught Pixie how to spin on that, because the wheel was clearly not going to be a learning tool.<br />
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The look on her face as she spun and plied her very first skein of yarn reminded me why I adore teaching these ancient industrial skills.<br />
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A deeply satisfying evening.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/12123593645/player/af0abf10c8" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-79871259916710561832014-01-24T16:29:00.002-06:002014-01-24T16:29:07.198-06:00Andrew's Kitchen: Episode 1 - PopcornToday we woke to ice and snow on the ground....well, just a dusting really, but enough for Central Texas to shut down for the day. Yay no school!!<br />
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Today's events have included: sleeping in (well, just me -- the children all woke up early <i>because they didn't need to ohmygosh</i>), a family workout ("<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EKXURW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004EKXURW&linkCode=as2&tag=thneanthdado-20">Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thneanthdado-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004EKXURW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" -- available for free streaming right now on Amazon if you have Prime, and <i>kicking my booty</i> oh so good!), baking chocolate chip cookies, friends, and filming the very first episode of Andrew's Kitchen. <br />
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Tonight there will be late night movies, and we're looking forward to Greg coming home for the weekend tomorrow night!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zWx_V-qEego?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-2759822976327624192014-01-20T22:35:00.002-06:002014-01-20T22:35:49.946-06:00Sour Candy ChallengeToday was a school holiday. Happily this meant I was able to turn off my alarm, sleep in, throw out the schedule. Sadly, this meant that...for lack of a schedule, the children eventually turned on each other and it became a bickering, stressful mess of a day. <br />
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Then my friend Pixie arrived, we started watching YouTube videos together and....well one thing lead to another, and the next thing I knew, I was out at the grocery store buying a giant bag of the sourest candy I could find.<br />
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Then we decided to video the children tasting everything because....well a little kid with a great big sour face is a pretty funny thing, what can I say?<br />
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Of course Pixie and I had to try it out next:<br />
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In the end, no one had any taste buds left, we were all flying high on sugar, and no one was bored. Score!</div>
Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-82886290575076638162014-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-18T06:00:09.110-06:00Enchanted RockGreg took some time off of work right around Christmas, so one day he took the children to Enchanted Rock for hiking and caving and wild outdoor fun.<br />
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Because there's nothing like an awesome Daddy Adventure Day!!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-54744895847620125052014-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-17T06:00:10.257-06:00Family rock climbRock climbing is something that Greg and the children have enjoyed for quite a while now, but up until I had the surgery to put my stomach muscles back together last May, I wasn't able to be part of it (due to my complete lack of core strength). It was frustrating to even think about, because I used to climb everything when I was little, with no effort! <br />
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Ever since my Dr released me to start working out again and rehabilitating myself, I've been pushing myself hard to regain strength and build my stamina. In October of last year (5 months post-op), I decided that I was finally strong enough to attempt to climb. <br />
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And finally....<br />
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It was very hard for me to get up onto the wall, and there were a few moments where I couldn't find a good hand or foothold and wanted to give up, but I AM WAY TO STUBBORN FOR THAT, so I kept going...and made it all the way to the top. Sounds lame to say that I'm psyched to have climbed as high as my small children, but there it is -- I'm right damn proud of myself, and don't you forget it!<br />
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My arms ached for days after, and I definitely have a long way to go with building strength and grip, but it felt great that I was able to do it at all.<br />
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It was also super fun to spend the morning together as a family....even though I don't really like the outdoors....or nature....and we forgot the bug spray and mosquitoes find me especially delicious....but yay family memories! I feel like I'm ready to try the wall again soon. But this time I'm going to remember to take a deet shower first.<br />
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(For the complete set, check out all the pics from our day <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/sets/72157639843199715/with/10734841663/">over here on Flickr</a>)Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-84499414237022815562014-01-16T15:46:00.000-06:002014-01-16T15:46:49.824-06:00New Year's Eve Costume Party 2013We have started a tradition of bringing in the new year with a costume party and a bunch of friends. Because parties are already fun, but costumes!! Costumes OBVIOUSLY make everything <i>even better</i>. Obviously.<br />
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This year's theme was Board Games and/or YouTube. Our friends came in costumes that varied in stages of WOW, SMART, and OUTRAGEOUS!! We didn't award prizes, but if we had, everyone would have won something, because each costume was truly in a class of it's own.</div>
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A fox dancer (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE">What Does The Fox Say?</a>) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_minutes_in_heaven">7 Minutes in Heaven</a>:</div>
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Shoots and Ladders:</div>
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Louigi:<br />
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Pirate and Bunny:<br />
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Twister:<br />
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Battleship:<br />
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Monopoly:</div>
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Risk soldier:</div>
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There were a few more costumes we didn't catch photographic proof of (to include Elijah as "one of the blue pegs from LIFE" and Lavella as "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SophiaGraceBrownlee">Sophia Grace</a>"), but it was certainly a night to remember! So much fun with our friends, and a wonderful way to kick off the new year. </div>
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Happy New Year!!!</div>
Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-33275183867776995452014-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-13T06:00:06.498-06:00A Fairy House afternoonSolving the "I'M SO BORED OHMYGOSH I CAN'T POSSIBLY THINK OF ANYTHING TO DO THAT DOESN'T INVOLVE A SCREEN!!!!!!" dilemma.<br />
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"How about <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1291&bih=635&q=fairy+houses&oq=fairy+houses&gs_l=img.3..0l10.741.2107.0.3412.12.10.0.2.2.0.71.520.10.10.0....0...1ac.1.32.img..0.12.530.Tnfpzz2cPY0">fairy houses</a>?"<br />
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Several hours later....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10734189274/" title="Fairy house by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy house" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/10734189274_5ed3a7e5f5_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10734192004/" title="Fairy house by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy house" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10734192004_465f6cff9c_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10734094795/" title="Fairy house by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy house" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/10734094795_cca75a0e06_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10734189836/" title="Fairy house by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Fairy house" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/10734189836_16a7b5f28c_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-22880252368246959652014-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-11T06:00:01.030-06:00Christmas 2013For Christmas this year, Greg took about 10 days off from work, and we enjoyed dedicating that time to doing special things together as a family, and quality time with friends.<br />
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As is our tradition, we made a special Christmas Eve dinner -- this time it was hamburgers for the children, and lobster for Greg and I, along with roasted potatoes, corn tossed in butter, <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/2010/02/09/back-to-basics-tips-and-techniques-to-create-a-great-loaf-in-5-minutes-a-day">fresh baguette</a>, and our family's favorite green salad with apples and candied pecans (dressing it with Julia Child's <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vinaigrette-105608">vinegrette with shallots</a>). There was an incident where my oven door fell off and had to be propped up with a kitchen chair until the potatoes and bread were done baking, but NEVER FEAR! Dinner turned out anyway.<br />
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Christmas morning I set out cinnamon rolls to rise (as always, put together the day before, chilled in the refrigerator overnight), and after eating a light breakfast, we opened our gifts to each other, then Skyped in family to open the rest of the gifts together.<br />
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<i>Puffles --- googly-eyed stuffed creatures I made for the children</i><br />
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After gifts we had lunch of cinnamon rolls (ready at last!!), then the children went outside for a wild New Nerf Gun and Bow & Arrow War. For dinner we had leftovers and some special cheeses/crackers/cured meats. I love being able to eat something a little bit special and lovely on Christmas night that doesn't involve me standing in the kitchen all day!<br />
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At the end of the night, Greg and I sat in the dark with just the lit Christmas tree, and shared a few sips of a very special bottle of bourbon (which had taken him months to track down).<br />
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Two days of a beautiful Christmas.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/11784938323/in/set-72157639601838475/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="375"></iframe>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-67587912760960322132014-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-10T06:00:04.384-06:00Christmas StockingsFor years now, I've intended to make Christmas stockings for our family. This meant that I also absolutely refused to buy any. So we've simply been stocking-less. About 3 years ago I bought 6 different flannels from <a href="http://fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a>, choosing prints that would miss-match but "go" together in a kind of quirky sort of way. Of course, the moment I decided to pull the trigger on this project was this past year, Christmas Eve. OF COURSE.<br />
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Inspired by <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/12/leather-fur-stocking.html">this super-simple design</a> (A Beautiful Mess), I traced out a pattern (using two 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper taped together), and in one afternoon.....<br />
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<i>Cut out and ready to sew</i><br />
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After all of the stressing about finding the perfect mish-mash of fabric patterns, and worrying the project would be complicated (cuff? no cuff? how big should a stocking be? ohmygosh I can draw my own pattern??), it was a relief and a joy to see them done.<br />
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It was also pretty funny to see that, after all of the worries on making it "quirky enough" my children decided to tie them haphazardly to the railing with bits of yarn and stuffed them with anything small enough to fit in them. Greg and I started laughing when we realized that it didn't really matter what I had done....the children would have Quirked It Right Up for me regardless of WHAT I had done!<br />
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Oh my. I kind of LOVE these though! I'm sure that at some point I'll make different ones, but right now, these are exactly crazy, wrong, and perfect. Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-87346596478648433982014-01-09T16:06:00.001-06:002014-01-09T16:06:36.607-06:00Jonah's birthday party<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7019231/?claim=mj78ndddksc">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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For Jonah's party this year, he decided to invite a few friends over to play "Star Wars" and eat blue cupcakes. So we did!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/11785089545/player/00d45ed5c8" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/11785086645/player/ce3d699d89" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-12466229364127921872014-01-09T13:26:00.002-06:002014-01-09T13:26:38.904-06:00Happy Birthday Jonah!Dear Jonah,<br />
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On December 18th, you turned 5 years old. I can remember so clearly: holding your tiny warm body for the first time, looking into your scrunched up face, and falling completely in love. It has been such a privilege to watch you grow from baby to boy; you add spark and hilarity, cuddles and hugs, challenge and curiosity (SOOO many questions!!) -- our family wouldn't be the same without you.<br />
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I love you more than words can say.<br />
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Love always,<br />
Mommy<br />
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(A complete photo set of all Jonah pics are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/sets/72157639528728126/">here</a>)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/8591022080/player/e26a16cfcd" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/11858814453/player/c5425e4e02" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-31050549703882154362014-01-05T16:24:00.001-06:002014-01-05T16:24:27.060-06:00Happy New Year!!Well. I had certainly never intended on dropping this blog. In fact, I adore blogging -- it's the perfect place to work through how I feel about things, experiment with photography, and share life moments with friends and family far and near. The thing of it is....I've been incredibly distractible lately. I'll go to the computer to start writing a blog, and half way through the post I will have bored myself so completely that I just give up and go do something else. OR (even more often) I'll sit down with every intention to write, and instead find myself wondering WHAT IS UP with the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/news/ni48884412/">Midnight Sun Scandal</a>, or DEAR GOODNESS how many makeup tutorials are out there on how to make <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=cat%20eye%20tutorial">the perfect cat-eye</a>?, HEY Ellen is so freaking funny I just <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ellen&sm=3">can't stop watching her</a>, hmm I wonder if I need to know how to do <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=hair%20styles%20medium%20length">ALL OF THESE HAIRSTYLES</a>,OMG I had no idea you could buy Lycra Spandex <a href="http://www.dhgate.com/product/shiny-shiny-metallic-wet-look-catsuit-front/161118605.html">WHOLESALE</a>! <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shiny&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=9s7JUvWSK-Ov2wXlvYDIDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1304&bih=602">SHINY</a>! <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1304&bih=635&q=squirrel&oq=squirrel&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2074.3494.0.3664.8.5.0.3.3.0.79.310.5.5.0....0...1ac.1.32.img..0.8.326.ZVolP4mfdPo">SQUIRREL</a>! yeah seriously. It's a problem. And then I feel like anytime I take a long leave of absence here on the blog I need to explain myself on where I've been......SNOORRREEEE AGGH I'M ALREADY BORING MYSELF OHMYGOSH.<br />
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So there we have it. Maybe my New Year's Resolution is that I'm Going To Write At Least Twice A Week, but telling you that would be just like telling you the last thing I wished on a shooting star, or my birthday candles, or a lost eyelash, or my or my or my or my FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE SOMEONE STOP ME.<br />
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Anyway, at some point I'll catch up with Jonah's birthday and Christmas and a rocking New Year's Eve party we had, but for now, here we are taking down our tree...<br />
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(All of the ornaments get put back in specific boxes...Greg's method reminds me of decorating with my Aunt Maryann every Christmas) :-)<br />
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And then of course the aftermath of being careful with those ornaments for OHMYGOSHSOLONG:<br />
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Somehow the end of Lavella's ponytail got stuck in Elijah's mouth, Andrew felt the deep need for a cuddle and then after that the whole thing went to hell in a handbasket.<br />
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Unsurprisingly.<br />
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Good times.<br />
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Happy new year!!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-28802765192674846312013-11-08T08:38:00.000-06:002013-11-08T08:38:09.649-06:00The lizard catching princessThis sweet girl.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10482984605/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/10482984605_1458e89525_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Her dirty little hands...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10483002454/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/10483002454_8d309acfc5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And her funny little smile...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10482998234/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/10482998234_41aff75a54_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10482980345/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/10482980345_003a5f163f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10482993284/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/10482993284_dc22f3250c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10482990914/" title="Lavella and the lizard by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella and the lizard" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/10482990914_a6856da47a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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My Lavella, I love you.Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-13336934069236550712013-10-25T17:09:00.003-05:002013-10-25T17:09:38.539-05:00Independence 2-ply<div>
Sometimes spinning is the very best sort of therapy. If I'm not producing creatively, I often start to feel undone, but I can't always decide what to do...also, what to make if I just don't want to think, don't want to decide, am emotionally overwhelmed, overrun?<br />
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Mindless spinning, with an audio book, movie, tv show....<i>perfect.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10477209296/" title="Spinning + TV by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Spinning + TV" height="310" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/10477209296_22eb6e7a9d_z.jpg" width="615" /></a></div>
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These singles are something I started working on sometime last year, but kept loosing interest. Lately, I've been pulling out the wheel more often, and finally finished it up into my go-to comfort-spin: a bouncy sportweight 2-ply.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/2876115075/" title="Creatively Dyed seawool, 8 oz (from The Loopy Ewe) by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Creatively Dyed seawool, 8 oz (from The Loopy Ewe)" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3222/2876115075_66db2d629b_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/2876114567/" title="Creatively Dyed seawool, 8 oz (from The Loopy Ewe) by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Creatively Dyed seawool, 8 oz (from The Loopy Ewe)" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3147/2876114567_2e2d6fdcdb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450468284/" title="handspun bobbins by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="handspun bobbins" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/10450468284_f0944ec584_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450486745/" title="handspun on the niddy noddy by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="handspun on the niddy noddy" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/10450486745_e502785293_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10466212373/" title="handspun by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="handspun" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/10466212373_aa99f0977d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10466217783/" title="handspun by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="handspun" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/10466217783_3ed32490bd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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I don't have any project in mind for this, although a sweet little shrug for Lavella would probably be perfect for a Texas winter....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10466030976/" title="handspun by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="handspun" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/10466030976_113d1ce7a1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<i><a href="http://creativelydyed.com/">Creatively Dyed</a> colorway "Independence"</i><br />
<i>Fiber: seawool</i><br />
<i>Sportweight 2-ply, 8 oz, 650 yards</i><br />
<i>Source <a href="http://theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a></i></div>
Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-40938130633754615832013-10-24T16:16:00.002-05:002013-10-24T16:16:27.490-05:00Sewing Class<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10195936386/" title="My crazy sewing class girls by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="My crazy sewing class girls" height="361" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/10195936386_f054f862ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Two months ago, I decided to start a sewing class. (Actually it was Piper's idea -- the 2nd girl from the far right. She reeeeeeaaaallly wanted to learn to sew, and I thought.....well wouldn't it be more fun with a bunch of friends?)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10195929936/" title="Untitled by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="361" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/10195929936_e2e4f2dc94_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've been part of many grown-up crafting and knitting groups over the years, and it was fun to see the dynamics of these girls as they got to know each other and I watched them become a little community right in my kitchen. By week two, they already had inside jokes, catch phrases, etc. So cute!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450641253/" title="Sewing class: supplies by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: supplies" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/10450641253_138e5a9cb0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450645843/" title="Sewing class: Lavella by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: Lavella" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/10450645843_73eca7f1fb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Lavella's embroidery -- I'm so proud of her!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10196513525/" title="Lavella's owl embroidery by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Lavella's owl embroidery" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/10196513525_5f0d6d49c3_z.jpg" width="526" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450651653/" title="Sewing class: Gabby by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: Gabby" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/10450651653_e44cd2d154_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450479306/" title="Sewing class: Shelby by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: Shelby" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/10450479306_e52cd88c8c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450463506/" title="Sewing class: embroidery hoops by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: embroidery hoops" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/10450463506_c70ac1578c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450475536/" title="Sewing class: Kara & Anna by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: Kara & Anna" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/10450475536_48d686e6dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450647613/" title="Sewing class: Lucy by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: Lucy" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/10450647613_3f39edc5a9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450454454/" title="Sewing class: hand embroidered pillows by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: hand embroidered pillows" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/10450454454_e16ef2e08b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/10450445894/" title="Sewing class: mug of floss by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing class: mug of floss" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/10450445894_ec84b5eff8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-43081082919352525902013-09-04T11:38:00.002-05:002013-09-04T11:52:35.498-05:00DIY necklace board/organizerFor a while now, I've needed a solution to making sense of my necklace and headband collection. After considering many options, and putting the project off for many months....I realized I had been making it <i>waaaay</i> more difficult than it needed to be.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/8595736014/" title="Jewelry Board in progress by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Jewelry Board in progress" height="360" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8595736014_f3a2a5a798_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/8595734986/" title="Jewelry Board in progress by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Jewelry Board in progress" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8595734986_1f2b928877_z.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
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After painting the frame (2x) with flat white paint, I used a flat head screwdriver to tuck the edges of the fabric between the frame and corkboard. Then I used a finishing nail and hammer to make small holes on the top and bottom, and finally screwed small cuphooks into the holes. <br />
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The row of large yellow pegs my headbands are hanging on are actually these giant pushpins I found at WalMart. (P.S. I now have <i>way</i> more headbands on those pegs!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9303270725/" title="jewelry board by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="jewelry board" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9303270725_ca99073322_z.jpg" width="432" /></a><br />
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(Sorry this finished picture sucks -- couldn't find my camera, and took this while on drugs after surgery with my phone, so.....damn, I'm a good photographer!) ;-)<br />
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Super glad to finally have this done, and I love having all of my jewelry organized and ready to wear -- makes accessorizing so much easier, and this way I don't have any forgotten pieces stuffed into a box somewhere. Yay!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-24997153137615614112013-09-03T20:29:00.001-05:002013-09-03T20:29:11.728-05:00Happy birthday Andrew!!Dear Andrew,<br />
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Today you're 10 years old.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9669594758/" title="Andrew: 10 years old by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Andrew: 10 years old" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9669594758_8840402522_z.jpg" width="456" /></a><br />
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This seems absolutely surreal, and you must be sick of hearing me say this every single year, but.....<i>10 years old</i>? Seriously? How in the world could you be <i>that old already</i>!!! (...and nearly as tall as me -- GOOD LORD!!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9669594176/" title="Andrew: 10 years old by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Andrew: 10 years old" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9669594176_63bce38837_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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When you were born, I was 23 years old. It didn't seem all that young at the time -- felt like exactly the perfect time to have my first baby. But now, at this moment, with you turning 10, I'm thinking DEAR GOODNESS. Next time I blink, you'll be a teenager. And such is life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9666347689/" title="Andrew: 10 years old by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Andrew: 10 years old" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9666347689_17dd26b529_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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You, my friend, are so incredibly caring and generous -- I could not have possibly asked for a more amazing "oldest"; the way you take care of everyone, the way you navigate conflict, the way you choose to be responsible and thoughtful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9669578328/" title="Andrew: 10 years old by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Andrew: 10 years old" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9669578328_bf3cbd8d11_z.jpg" width="454" /></a><br />
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You are growing up to be the sort of guy that everyone wants to know; the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. You are quirky, and nerdy, and funny as heck, and we like you so much!<br />
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I love you forever,<br />
MommyFaithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-1429407909217475572013-08-30T07:00:00.000-05:002013-08-30T07:00:14.165-05:00A little bit of this, a little bit of that....Recent random.....<br />
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Making me crave pancakes...(smooth, a little sweet, big maple scent -- <a href="http://www.crownroyal.com/">fantastic on the rocks</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609677956/" title="Maple Crown Whiskey by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Maple Crown Whiskey" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9609677956_f1a3579929_z.jpg" width="361" /></a><br />
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My current afternoon craving (Thai iced tea via <a href="http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/thai-tea-recipe/">this recipe</a> -- we've been drinking it with Almond Breeze brand almond milk mixed with So Delicious brand coconut creamer -- super fab)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609677438/" title="Thai Iced Tea by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Thai Iced Tea" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9609677438_492e4ed0e5_z.jpg" width="361" /></a><br />
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An evening out at a rock show (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/satellitesandsirens">Satellites & Sirens</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9606455833/" title="IMG_20130729_200812_404 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130729_200812_404" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9606455833_2a4a9de66c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9401738731/" title="Satellites & Sirens by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Satellites & Sirens" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9401738731_7aa0106efa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hahahahaha OMG yes (spotted on a local mini-van)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9606456299/" title="...I know the feeling by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="...I know the feeling" height="303" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9606456299_1c6b9ce039_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Double birthdays<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9404497326/" title="Double birthday! by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Double birthday!" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9404497326_de8efb17a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Cuddled up with my bestie at <a href="http://brasstapbeerbar.com/">The Brass Tap</a> -- pretty much can't even handle how gorgeous she is!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609678778/" title="Me and Angela by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Me and Angela" height="478" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9609678778_aa9806662d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-33797726395662827122013-08-29T14:30:00.000-05:002013-08-29T15:59:49.698-05:00Back to school (!!!!)My house is quiet. Not just peaceful, but full-on <i>QUIET</i>. School started on Monday, and although we had a few tears at send-off, everyone has adjusted very quickly, and we're all enjoying our more structured days. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609681220/" title="Fist Day of School by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Fist Day of School" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9609681220_1429392555_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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(Each of their "back to school" outfits are pretty much killing me -- what they're wearing is after I screened through several options. And the socks....seriously? OH MY.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609683192/" title="First Day of School by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="First Day of School" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/9609683192_b5f78d9d4a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Also....well, after an entire summer, everyone's tolerance for each other had grown a bit...thin. So had my patience. It was hard to kiss them all goodbye that first day, but I think all 5 of us felt some measure of relief at the same time. Sad, relieved, peaceful. Hooray for school!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9404500278/" title="four crazy kids by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="four crazy kids" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9404500278_ff39bf41a6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9401741039/" title="four crazy kids by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="four crazy kids" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9401741039_bab8b5f0db_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-54194113511386854672013-08-27T13:04:00.000-05:002013-08-27T13:04:07.193-05:0012 years and countingOn July 28th, Greg and I celebrated our 12th year wedding anniversary. Wow. I know. I was 21 years old, and had no idea what I wanted...but I've been incredibly thankful to discover that being married to Greg was <i>the best idea ever</i>, and I'm so thankful that he's the guy I get to spend the rest of my life with. <br />
<br />
Enough with all that mush. <br />
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Our friends took our children for the night for a giant sleepover party, so we went into Austin and hung out on South Congress; window-shopped, appetizers at <a href="http://www.perlasaustin.com/">Pearla</a>, dinner at <a href="http://www.hopdoddy.com/">Hop Doddy</a> burger bar (best. burgers. ever.). Overall a pretty perfect evening....and with my very favorite person. SCORE!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9606460375/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="361" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9606460375_f832755bc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609689532/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="361" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9609689532_97b9eed704_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609688532/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9609688532_d9a2bc9c61_z.jpg" width="361" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9606457979/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="361" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9606457979_79b7f97e44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609687092/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="411" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9609687092_3f4753f66d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9606456645/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/9606456645_76f1e03728_z.jpg" width="361" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9609688632/" title="12th Anniversary Date by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="12th Anniversary Date" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9609688632_c09f49ee9f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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XOXO!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-13955295665627841292013-07-31T21:34:00.000-05:002013-07-31T21:34:14.453-05:00Road Trip: PA (PART 2)<div>
After missing last year's annual visit due to my year in Kansas City for schooling, it was great to be able to make it out to PA/NY this year for a long overdue visit with our families. It was especially good for me to be able to pitch-in helping with various things around my family's property in PA. One of the first things we did after arriving in my hometown was to help Dad and Keith rebuild one of the bridges along 'Pete's Path'. The path has been one of my dad's many projects for the past several years and he has single-handedly built five or so bridges at some of the creek crossings along the winding trail through the family's farm land and woods. During last year's flood one of the larger bridges unfortunately washed away so my dad and Keith cut up a bunch of logs to build a newer, stronger one. With the seven of us (myself, Dad, Keith, Andrew, Elijah, Lavella & Jonah) it only took us a morning to get the entire thing set, nailed, and completely finished! I think it's one of the strongest along the entire trail.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301482491/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Building a bridge with Poppy by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Building a bridge with Poppy" height="282" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9301482491_57a37f3f3d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Many of my family's vacations over the years were spent camping and hiking in some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful State Parks. I think we'd all agree our favorite was Rickett's Glen State Park, which is about 50-miles West of Scranton, in the heart of the PA Appalachian Mountains. What makes Rickett's Glen special is the over 20 waterfalls flowing along Kitchen Creek, which is part of the larger Fishing Creek watershed, a drainage basin of the Susquehanna River. There are over 10-miles of trails following the creek, including a shorter nature trail beginning at the base of the lower-most falls, Kitchen Falls. On this trip we chose to hang out at Kitchen Falls because there's a large swimming/wading pool at the bottom, plus the trail there follows an easy, meandering loop through some of the most scenic flora in the park. Also because of the ease of access we were able to bring Keith along in his wheelchair so we could all be together as a family. I suppose some may not consider the path easily wheelchair accessible, but we've never been easily deterred by 30 or so stone steps, bridge crossings, and muddy/rutty trails. All in a day's work I suppose, since we've included Keith in many, much more rustic adventures over the years.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301668245/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Hike at Ricketts Glen by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Hike at Ricketts Glen" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9301668245_a63a51712e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301666839/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Hike at Ricketts Glen by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Hike at Ricketts Glen" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9301666839_93d2e0fc32_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9410666865/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2013-07-03 10.57.50 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-07-03 10.57.50" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9410666865_193f7e162b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9410668945/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="2013-07-03 10.32.37 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-07-03 10.32.37" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9410668945_04dc1b9792_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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After walking the 1-mile Evergreen Trail, highlighting some stunningly beautiful old-growth PA forest we spent the rest of the afternoon walking the creek, swimming, skipping stones, building little rock dams, and eating along the creekside. On the way home we stopped at one of the many NE PA farm stands for some blackberries and sweet corn (which we grilled up later that evening).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304426798/" title="Hike at Ricketts Glen by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Hike at Ricketts Glen" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/9304426798_d6e4d733d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301648187/" title="Hike at Ricketts Glen by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Hike at Ricketts Glen" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9301648187_9fdd658b92_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9410674351/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2013-07-03 09.16.26 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-07-03 09.16.26" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9410674351_92da8579f3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9410670871/" title="2013-07-03 09.57.52 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-07-03 09.57.52" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/9410670871_c07fe3d718_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall it was a very peaceful trip and it was great to revisit fond memories of family vacations past in some of the most beautiful nature/recreation areas. It's always great to be back in the fresh mountain air!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304419424/" title="Hike at Ricketts Glen by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Hike at Ricketts Glen" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9304419424_e4248022a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pinkey the Axe Fairyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05307991839332406164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7886734.post-82215301033164634172013-07-31T06:00:00.000-05:002013-07-31T06:00:00.371-05:00Road trip: my beautiful sisters (and Instagram wrap-up)We are so relieved to be <i style="font-weight: bold;">out of the car</i> and back in our own house here in Texas, and we missed our friends here so terribly. Looking back through all of the pics from our trip though, I can't help feeling a little homesick. Anytime that I go back to my parents' house to visit, there are often various flare-ups between all of the various strong personalities in my family (and yes, I am definitely a big part of that!), but this trip was absolutely the most peaceful, productive and loving that I have experienced...probably since I got married. It was amazing. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9402183425/" title="My entire family...wow by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="My entire family...wow" height="275" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9402183425_0001a80d1a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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One of the coolest parts of going back to visit is getting to know the people my younger siblings are becoming. When I left the house, my youngest 5 siblings were approximately 1, 4, 6, 8 & 10. It's amazing to get the chance to get to know each of them a little better every year, watching them change and grow up, and finally being able to relate to each of them as friends (...rather than someone I just babysat for <i>all the time</i>). Pretty much there's no way around it: my brothers and sisters are turning into -- have <i>already turned into --</i> some of the coolest people ever. Also, I feel like I've grown a lot as a person in the past year or so, which made it so much more possible for me to really appreciate them. <br />
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This trip I especially focused on spending time with my mom and my 4 sisters -- we even all managed to all meet up for lunch one day for our collective favorite sandwich (bagels and lox) (!!!!!!!), gave ourselves fun manicures (RACHEL!!! My quirky fashion/fun twin!), had a few super-late-night "sisters only" parties (can't wait till Rachel is old enough for those!), and I felt more connected to them than ever. <br />
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All of the ladies of my family (please notice how quickly it all deteriorates.....):<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304391126/" title="All the women of my family by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All the women of my family" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9304391126_c8ed08caeb.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>Joy, Rachel, Grace, my mom, me, Allison (Jonathan's wife), Hannah</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301609013/" title="All the women of my family by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All the women of my family" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9301609013_fbf4cf72ba.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304387828/" title="All the women of my family by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All the women of my family" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9304387828_ba7d1742d4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301606035/" title="All the women of my family by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All the women of my family" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9301606035_f44b620c35.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As I was hugging my sister Grace goodbye at the very end of the two-week visit, we were both crying and I told her that this had been the very best visit ever. She said "Yes, this has been! I think it's probably because we've grown up so much, and you've stopped being such a bitch!" We both started laughing WHILE crying, because it's even more fun to do those two things at the same time...and because it's pretty much the perfect quote, encapsulating the most important part of this trip for me, emotionally. They've grown up, and I'm not such a bitch anymore. Have I said how much I adore Grace??<br />
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What I would really love to do at this juncture is share with all of you a hysterical video of Grace dancing to the Beatles. But I promised I wouldn't (I'm watching it again right now though all by myself, and I'm laughing so hard I'm crying!). So instead, here's the rest of my Instagram pics from our trip that I haven't shared yet, and a few extras....<br />
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My littlest sister Rachel (....who is actually about 4 inches taller than me. Oh well.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304255132/" title="Oldest and youngest: my littlest sister Rachel by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Oldest and youngest: my littlest sister Rachel" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9304255132_b64e786558.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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On the road...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304261188/" title="flower love by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="flower love" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/9304261188_f5b446368c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Car knitting<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301476675/" title="Knitting on the road (Knotty Gloves) by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Knitting on the road (Knotty Gloves)" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/9301476675_e7be27e7a4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(Knotty Gloves project details <a href="http://ravel.me/FaithAnne/kg">here</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301476341/" title="Knotty Gloves: cuffs by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Knotty Gloves: cuffs" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/9301476341_e02a6f29d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Sunflower field at a rest-stop<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301478371/" title="On the road: sunflower field by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="On the road: sunflower field" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9301478371_f73820c75f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301477819/" title="On the road: sunflower field by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="On the road: sunflower field" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9301477819_00f26e69a6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A Rachel/Faith manicure and a cup of french-press on my parents' front porch<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301477167/" title="Coffee on my parents' front porch by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Coffee on my parents' front porch" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9301477167_b129ebc952.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Sisters night in....cherries, white wine and martinis<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304259626/" title="Sisters night in by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters night in" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9304259626_77fd442cf2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Junk Food and Trashy TV Party with my sisters:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304257888/" title="Sisters night in by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters night in" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9304257888_b9ed4f007e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Greg, Hannah and me, drinking red wine out of metal canteens, telling stories and being way too loud outside our motel rooms (the night before Jom's wedding)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301475473/" title="Drinking wine out of canteens outside our motel by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="Drinking wine out of canteens outside our motel" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9301475473_54bb9029de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The first picture we've ever gotten of the five of us sisters together (unless there's one of us much younger?? I'd love to find that!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304284122/" title="All five sisters by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All five sisters" height="360" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9304284122_21a3a3ab8c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Lined up in order of age (!!): Rachel, Joy, Grace, Hannah, me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301501251/" title="All five sisters by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All five sisters" height="360" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9301501251_fb316e1b23.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9304282556/" title="All five sisters by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="All five sisters" height="360" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/9304282556_99e5e11f08.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And finally....back home to Texas. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/9301974417/" title="IMG_20130707_160828 by FaithAnne80, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130707_160828" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9301974417_c5f4c9828e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My heart is full, and overflowing.<br />
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(All pics of our trip together in one place <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdarling/collections/72157634667355251/">here in the Flickr collection</a>)Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679893500281396171noreply@blogger.com0