tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91278082335605597102024-02-20T13:22:15.076-06:00GrasigmaDonald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-45232558267238147042013-06-21T16:21:00.001-05:002013-06-21T16:21:04.129-05:00May it be the happiest of summers…<p>Happy first day of summer!!!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nOf4A7r5_CE/UcTDsUp98XI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/Rr7k3lwJPFA/s1600-h/SAM_1250%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="SAM_1250" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="394" alt="SAM_1250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YRNSALxxbmk/UcTDtPaS1XI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/Yf2XQrZ8zFc/SAM_1250_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="680" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(at the pool with cousins, quite the appropriate kick-off to summer!)</em></p> <p>Ahhh, the newness of summer.  We are all still naive here in  our little corner of Dallas…enjoying summer for its lazy days, fun-filled weeks, and forgetting that the awfulness of August is around the corner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UDH-hEEOGZY/UcTDttGCHnI/AAAAAAAAL4g/Zn6IzNHX0Wg/s1600-h/SAM_1251%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="SAM_1251" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="619" alt="SAM_1251" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lvuO0LOoUjs/UcTDuqcijkI/AAAAAAAAL4o/16Bg37_NXRY/SAM_1251_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(this sweet boy later fell asleep on me in the pool…delight)</em></p> <p>But not today…today, it is glory-in-the-moment-hallelujah it’s SUMMER!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s9pNwX2KBjo/UcTDvPQiRyI/AAAAAAAAL4w/ltzx5nkWo2c/s1600-h/SAM_1252%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="SAM_1252" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="633" alt="SAM_1252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MRbwFQkAFNY/UcTDvvKf7bI/AAAAAAAAL44/fNYNaxXwxks/SAM_1252_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(Nate loves to wear goggles, but we’re working on the appropriate placement!)</em></p> <p>I think Abi & I will be making some ice-cream today…</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-35418845012391721102013-06-12T22:04:00.001-05:002013-06-12T22:04:45.449-05:00Sleeping babies<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RHYXU4ICfMQ/Ubk2uFP4W6I/AAAAAAAAL20/BHWn24fg_OU/s1600-h/IMG_7967%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7967" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="466" alt="IMG_7967" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wbWdnVq3w6M/Ubk2uzuy8OI/AAAAAAAAL28/drsyHS5G4qY/IMG_7967_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="686" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>seemed appropriate to put the yawn at the beginning of the post…william at 2 weeks</em></p> <p>Oh my goodness, there is something so special, <em>so sacred</em> about a sleeping child.  I really do feel like I am peering in on a little miracle each time I sneak into abi & nate’s room or the nursery and spy on my sleeping littles.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CAZmjNppw2s/Ubk2vs1OH7I/AAAAAAAAL3E/xEjBtMieVGc/s1600-h/IMG_6949%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6949" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="IMG_6949" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iVwbw5KpVlA/Ubk2wVKXMmI/AAAAAAAAL3M/POHKuhcLDHQ/IMG_6949_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>tired lady…sometimes you’ve just got to rest on your daddy</em></p> <p>And my, oh my, is my heart full.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wcLQi3FoU2M/Ubk2xM6C3gI/AAAAAAAAL3U/pc6kABcttmc/s1600-h/IMG_8746%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8746" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="471" alt="IMG_8746" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FEtkzzOVv9k/Ubk2xtZHkTI/AAAAAAAAL3c/QJtJQKYvrcw/IMG_8746_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="694" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>sweet nate at 10 days…</em></p> <p>There is something about watching them that settles me.  I had a roller coaster of a day today – thankfully, the Lord graciously allowed it to end on such a beautiful high – which was only raised when I moved abi from our room into hers for the night {this does require some explanation – in sweet, little 50’s houses – when three children all go to bed at the same time – and they NEED to sleep right away – one must start their sleep in our room and then get moved.  Thankful for Abi and her ability to sleep wherever!}.  After I transferred Abi – I just stood in the middle of the room and looked at their sweetness.  One of those times when you really will yourself to treasure and remember it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v12A_jKOJxU/Ubk2ydlU4HI/AAAAAAAAL3k/kAJS2m8KNnk/s1600-h/IMG_9165%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9165" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="635" alt="IMG_9165" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PmTQSIURrm8/Ubk2zFmxaQI/AAAAAAAAL3s/p6Ftr9pV8_g/IMG_9165_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>william at the audubon center…</em></p> <p> </p> <p>And then I just had to sneak in and gaze at William…</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-11678498957092923602013-05-26T15:47:00.001-05:002013-05-26T15:47:45.724-05:00William at 9 months {and a bit}<p>Look out!  Two entries in two days…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V2tUiXlpGsQ/UaJ0zz3R6LI/AAAAAAAAL0w/2edDw2oL7Lg/s1600-h/IMG_9129%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9129" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="469" alt="IMG_9129" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nZtdXPorTBw/UaJ00yY59kI/AAAAAAAAL04/UM7y2gA3OtY/IMG_9129_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="691" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Sweet William – you are often neglected on this blog…and sadly sometimes by the camera…this is the reality of being the third I think.  Which is interesting, because OH MY, do I savor you!  I was telling Donald the other day how William has taught me a new level of joy and relishing of moments in parenthood.  I just don’t think I got it the first two times!!  I am convinced that other mommas can grasp this concept on their first baby, and others on their second…but for me, this lesson was anchored in with sweet william.  Much of this lesson is because of my own maturing and growing in wisdom; how very thankful I am that God is a patient and gracious teacher!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xSvFb7wkSXU/UaJ01yCfgLI/AAAAAAAAL1A/0ZkjBmVSEuo/s1600-h/IMG_9176%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9176" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="474" alt="IMG_9176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tJiBf51A77Q/UaJ0235edDI/AAAAAAAAL1I/abJT6JGxJkk/IMG_9176_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="689" border="0" /></a></p> <p>William – here you are at nine months!  You are such fun – a little clone in both appearance and behavior to your brother.  You are so chill with whatever happens in the crazy of the day.  As long as you are with someone, you are down for anything!  Sweet pal, thanks for your tenderness, your laugh, your insatiable appetite and for teaching me simple joy.  Your family loves you!!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X5RJ7id2Au4/UaJ03R8XkjI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/j-L8vppvAE8/s1600-h/IMG_9139%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9139" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="463" alt="IMG_9139" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RUGTDT27YFM/UaJ04EwT8hI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/IaVQBtF6QYA/IMG_9139_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YKa4FQf3gQ4/UaJ04-MA-WI/AAAAAAAAL1g/FXIyBSfAqrU/s1600-h/IMG_9130%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9130" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="472" alt="IMG_9130" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hin-8rpK8EU/UaJ05ru8lEI/AAAAAAAAL1o/cihGteRcfhA/IMG_9130_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="691" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5wWAU6xn_Yc/UaJ06E-57SI/AAAAAAAAL1w/koIzFL8pKQk/s1600-h/IMG_9147%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9147" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="455" alt="IMG_9147" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-40OkGzdDmvU/UaJ06iJGj0I/AAAAAAAAL14/PqB9ADxuFWg/IMG_9147_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kCHwh85i4fQ/UaJ07VUwocI/AAAAAAAAL2A/gtWPd4GHUNU/s1600-h/IMG_9136%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9136" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="464" alt="IMG_9136" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-n0njHZlsQ/UaJ08BDsyaI/AAAAAAAAL2I/syLEC5ZQ3Q8/IMG_9136_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-59007453179126621902013-05-25T15:36:00.001-05:002013-05-25T15:36:48.887-05:00On taking oneself too seriously…but then not…<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WHJ7YE7-1dc/UaEgtGiIEzI/AAAAAAAALz8/o9f7NXhUWWg/s1600-h/IMG_9173%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9173" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="469" alt="IMG_9173" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TdN1J_bxdEI/UaEgu7yC8jI/AAAAAAAAL0E/8ZTlxiYpgso/IMG_9173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="691" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Can I just find a balance somewhere in the middle?</p> <p>I think that blogging might always be an undefined area in my comfy chair, as I sit in our office, in the little corner of the house, in our tiny, sweet space of the world.  Maybe quite a few people think like this?  There have been so many times that I’ve thought about just stopping documenting life and thoughts on this blog.  But, something always keeps me from doing that.  I am by no means part of a large community in the blogosphere – I am fairly certain just a few friends (and my parents!) read this little journal of mine on a consistent basis – but there is just something so delightful and sometimes healing about blogging.  I enjoy that thoughts can be put out there during nap time // that those who might not see and laugh with me can // I enjoy knowing that these glimpses will be able to be recalled by my littles at some point in the future.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FPcPC-pFaME/UaEgwXaHTvI/AAAAAAAAL0M/OW9FB4RIMx4/s1600-h/IMG_9164%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9164" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="470" alt="IMG_9164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JQ2Urd42rYI/UaEgyY2P3sI/AAAAAAAAL0U/NrAyzph5m1o/IMG_9164_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>At times I think that I don’t have anything interesting to say (oh goodness, silly self-pity/pride) and that no one really cares about seeing another one of these wallace crazies’ milestones.  And there are some amazing blogs that only put up lovely thoughts / beautiful children / wise observations / delicious recipes…and I love them and am thankful for them.  And there are blogs who are so amazingly real…and I am encouraged by them and my faith is made stronger.  But for me, I just can’t keep away from this silly, all-over-the-place, sometimes recipes, never a craft (HAH!), my crazy thoughts blog.  It is a joy to document life here.  I hope that it points to a God who is amazing in the glorious thoughts and is amazing in the scraped knees and bubble-blowing.</p> <p>ahhh, that feels much better.  Goodness!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ji1JbwixhmQ/UaEg0TsiUiI/AAAAAAAAL0c/dmDfS1pw1f8/s1600-h/IMG_9170%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9170" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="475" alt="IMG_9170" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-24c6qu8XsaE/UaEg3a-OqhI/AAAAAAAAL0k/JykwA1AJiKw/IMG_9170_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="690" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-21383993033977698962013-04-22T22:03:00.001-05:002013-04-22T22:03:43.944-05:00Earth Day 2013<p>Naturally, I like Earth Day.  This is no surprise to anyone.  My sweet husband was pretty sure Earth Day was on Friday.  But, I knew it was today.  Because you see, I like Earth Day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TSO-ZDYRfjQ/UXX5yE5E5tI/AAAAAAAALvY/vvAgVtbgsG8/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525288%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(8)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="511" alt="photo 2(8)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Db-LOTXGq80/UXX5zF9EkLI/AAAAAAAALvg/zIZggG3AiYI/photo%2525202%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="677" border="0" /></a>           </p> <p>No super cute earth crafts…because I am not that creative or that organized to have had that forethought.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xvu9UMtuL0s/UXX5z_UjrZI/AAAAAAAALvo/TrG_oaFKhAA/s1600-h/photo%2525201%2525288%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1(8)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="506" alt="photo 1(8)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPqYLxyGmPsJBhGfOXUycboWBbZTEF2Zh8HLZcwMZ0JTOkJ1ZbyN0uzIrjJ-NMU6JC00oRi_5uSPyDNuwfDLFUznsKuiIeFEAFPqGy4e_tCSnYhH__Sg0iy-WihTFdNTXJ1_7gv4-Ofg/?imgmax=800" width="670" border="0" /></a></p> <p>No major outings to the many excellent places that have Earth Day Celebrations…because I forgot to bring Abi a change of clothes (didn’t think gymnastics leotard and spandex capris would be appropriate) and I’m not always brave enough to conquer large ‘celebration’ types on my own with the three kiddos when William will probably need to eat (aka, nate gets strapped into the stroller for safety control!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S6pEZOSL57I/UXX52Xf-ytI/AAAAAAAALv4/U8AV-7H8uNY/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525289%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(9)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="508" alt="photo 2(9)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FCMoqS9x4Ak/UXX54GBYXGI/AAAAAAAALwA/mMrZ_871JeU/photo%2525202%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="672" border="0" /></a></p> <p>BUT….we can handle outside time with friends // hitting up the park // generally celebrating the splendor that is the beautiful earth we’ve been given!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dvs7B0-z6ag/UXX5479IDJI/AAAAAAAALwI/tVS_S6V4T8c/s1600-h/photo%2525203%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3(8)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="439" alt="photo 3(8)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JHZ5V80q-as/UXX55k75jZI/AAAAAAAALwQ/Lb5VtlZT7Xo/photo%2525203%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5B4pvlXx3HI/UXX56T03ZoI/AAAAAAAALwY/YmDxAJ8fOvA/s1600-h/photo%2525201%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1(7)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="437" alt="photo 1(7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e2OZJ_Ufkvs/UXX57L0vOLI/AAAAAAAALwg/wpPk6uZIK40/photo%2525201%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" border="0" /></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><em>we planted some flowers in the side bed that we made a few years ago…very earth-day of us, don’t you think?</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s5mhgCVM6oI/UXX570T1cgI/AAAAAAAALwo/E2zZltu5AWA/s1600-h/photo%2525205%2525284%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 5(4)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="450" alt="photo 5(4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aJoXL0_jtu4/UXX58hbGMkI/AAAAAAAALww/FFDac3TlKZQ/photo%2525205%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gwbAde_FHpM/UXX59H3XfLI/AAAAAAAALw4/iYIZP62QTyg/s1600-h/photo%2525204%2525286%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4(6)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="445" alt="photo 4(6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sqeZv3xyyB8/UXX5-JOyVzI/AAAAAAAALxA/7xSEH0pvQ3A/photo%2525204%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>we found the largest snake to date…just over 12 inches…I love that these two argue over who can hold the snake.  We’re all totally cut from the same cloth.  Love abi’s face.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S5yPeGdf5eM/UXX5-trS2wI/AAAAAAAALxI/pmgbkuugcb8/s1600-h/photo%2525203%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3(7)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="530" alt="photo 3(7)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4lsLWdHkBoI/UXX5_qO4NnI/AAAAAAAALxQ/5LGfSctlXco/photo%2525203%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TTg1iVDEldI/UXX6AZ8aPLI/AAAAAAAALxY/L5v6J4mvwR8/s1600-h/photo%2525205%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 5(3)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="328" alt="photo 5(3)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K8JdYMk17c8/UXX6A4NxKbI/AAAAAAAALxg/98C8yMCcLN4/photo%2525205%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hb0NqnB4Uw0/UXX6BV9YEwI/AAAAAAAALxo/HkPPUgaeMzg/s1600-h/photo%25252813%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo(13)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="335" alt="photo(13)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WwaoYS2RuPM/UXX6CNlAovI/AAAAAAAALxw/XwDJBKM_nK8/photo%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JPlzETGtb1A/UXX6CyMSu-I/AAAAAAAALx4/LQFwjFPXsaI/s1600-h/photo%2525204%2525285%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4(5)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="395" alt="photo 4(5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6B664_sOcCc/UXX6DrB2oWI/AAAAAAAALyA/sjXdMInuvSM/photo%2525204%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" border="0" /></a></p> <p>“I just love that the earth makes me think of Jesus.”</p> <p>-Abi Wallace, when asked what she loves about the earth…heart is smiling.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-16572021147286878802013-04-20T15:11:00.001-05:002013-04-20T15:11:40.465-05:00Oh, these girls…<p>So, we got chickens.  I still giggle when I say that to someone.  They are SO fun and we are enjoying immensely our little homestead in the city.  Future blog post: our garden (or should I say, another attempt at our garden).  Seriously, we want a homestead.  But, still have access to excellent restaurants and museums.  Urban homestead = Wallace haven.</p> <p>But, these five girls.  They are creating dust in our office, sweet little chirps in our ears, and shall I say a little love in our hearts.  Who knew one could love chickens?!</p> <p>Cliche alert!!  We got these cute ones for Easter…on Good Friday:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uLzjLfLf_wQ/UXL2TraM2VI/AAAAAAAALtA/omY4Rl5Dx1c/s1600-h/IMG_7930%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7930" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="427" alt="IMG_7930" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OaYL8S2VMr0/UXL2UScPogI/AAAAAAAALtI/TbXA7F040ig/IMG_7930_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a4vCQTcT9SY/UXL2Ux0kcKI/AAAAAAAALtQ/DRGelUnIQeE/s1600-h/IMG_7941%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7941" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="428" alt="IMG_7941" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dUU_GLa6QXQ/UXL2VmJdCMI/AAAAAAAALtY/76YNXD-5rHc/IMG_7941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m5fI_JhTPVM/UXL2WNGzdYI/AAAAAAAALtg/Q8rO9eMxbmc/s1600-h/IMG_7931%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7931" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="410" alt="IMG_7931" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-497a-kDhNzI/UXL2W1ySVNI/AAAAAAAALto/L_6QqIhw3x0/IMG_7931_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Some introductions:</p> <p>   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vsxZ-WdwRYM/UXL2XXjLdAI/AAAAAAAALtw/-zzcRwjHOEE/s1600-h/IMG_7978%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7978" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="406" alt="IMG_7978" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Nxs8OZ_8_M/UXL2X4WpI3I/AAAAAAAALt4/LjNaft9Qn7M/IMG_7978_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This is Lizzie (short for Elizabeth) – her breed was favored by the Royal Family in England…hence Elizabeth :)  She is so sweet and was the cutest chick for sure.  Super puffy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-icstBf38bkQ/UXL2YuWA8QI/AAAAAAAALuA/V9WgK70aAdU/s1600-h/IMG_7962%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7962" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="417" alt="IMG_7962" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uqQc6VSAj1Y/UXL2ZR1vXRI/AAAAAAAALuI/kg4Pg8ydZEk/IMG_7962_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Here’s Harriet.  She is my favorite.  She is the largest now and is like the big sister.  Kind of looks out for everyone.  I really hope she’s not a rooster (5% chance she is) – I would miss her if we had to give her back.  </p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg123iRatH0wJa_KnsfWfqMgd8MurYy2ri7At1GZYU5mYeWkk4BopP1CZd1xJ-ChyphenhyphenYt5k2O-6jRhBDAkkAFLreThT9f4hlwDiB1gWZp1C-wLAnRyRSbEczzx4RLsmBX4VDJ_DKLHWbZy4/s1600-h/IMG_7963%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7963" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="417" alt="IMG_7963" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1nTMbsGdPdo/UXL2av4X8jI/AAAAAAAALuY/mGd5WwwZAO4/IMG_7963_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Please meet Merida / Brave.  She is darling and RED.  A natural fit into the Wallace house!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RDanirS7ols/UXL2bVZ0phI/AAAAAAAALug/2amn_L-d3-8/s1600-h/IMG_7970%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7970" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="423" alt="IMG_7970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9C6kmg8JHSaG5VclytJF6GPDew051LAKZeyf0Fuw4zGavDtpoTnkDsnYmTAK3W_j-P8Y6M4aHfB_UL_sE1PI8mHtAd_EB4-3zscYjrEAo49KwXqH9oUxsQnFYCiapqab_KxPq5sulkw/?imgmax=800" width="623" border="0" /></a></p> <p>This is Silver.  She is the most loved of all of the cuties.  Definitely marches to the beat of her own drum and is the most loving to everyone.  She loves to perch on shoulders and is quick to fly out of their brooder.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BCC-Bxaya8w/UXL2csL6SSI/AAAAAAAALuw/LaRu7Zvmi3I/s1600-h/IMG_7966%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7966" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="427" alt="IMG_7966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dBIpWKaD5cQ/UXL2dGWtXYI/AAAAAAAALu4/kGe6Or7QV3s/IMG_7966_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="628" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>And this crazy is Daisy.  She is almost as big as Harriet.  We describe her as the girl next door.  Not the cutest to look at, but is pretty sweet.  Although, she is getting less sweet as she gets older!</p> <p>--</p> <p>Reading back over this, I sound crazy.  Or a weird chicken-lady.  Friends, keep me accountable.  BUT, they are so fun and do totally feel like loved pets!</p> <p>--</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SFyYJZuJVPo/UXL2dyi6FII/AAAAAAAALvA/LDbbOC15PkE/s1600-h/IMG_8131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8131" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="473" alt="IMG_8131" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cuAlt_zaZrE/UXL2e0o1IdI/AAAAAAAALvI/8ilhppyKSFY/IMG_8131_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="692" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>They are crazy big now – and it is insane to me (the pictures above are from when they were 3 days old, they’re 3 weeks now!) that they will keep on getting bigger for a while!  We have about one more month of inside chickens until they move to the great outdoors.  Which means that D&I need to get in gear and build a coop!</p> <p>More posts to come on these girls, I’m SURE!</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-34847806908913045732013-04-08T16:22:00.001-05:002013-04-08T16:22:22.355-05:00Easter<p> </p> <p>Easter was just so special this year.  After reading <a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/03/25/a-broken-hallelujah">a pretty impactful article</a>, I feel as though my mind and heart were graciously tuned into seeing this city of mine with an ‘Easter person’s’ eyes.  To want to extend and claim the hope and freedom that Easter offers.  To enjoy the sweet traditions and pastels that Easter brings with it, but to feel the burden to not only allow my heart and my family to be satisfied in this.  HOPE, LIGHT, TRUTH – Easter was filled with these things, and we are grateful.</p> <p>The theme of our church’s Easter service was ‘The Parade Is Coming!’ – and it was awesome.  Compete with marching drums and all, our hearts are in anticipation for the parade of Christ!  On the flyer that was passed out:</p> <p align="center"><font face="Goudy Old Style" size="3">DEATH LOSES. <br />NOTHING WILL SEPARATE US FROM HIS LOVE. <br />Grief will be undone. He will disclose the purpose of our pain. <br />No more greed and self-absorption, no more poverty <br />and insecurity; NO MORE LOSS. <br />No more flesh-consuming cancer, no more genetic disorder, <br />NO MORE DISEASE, NO DYING, NO DEATH. <br />The parched tongue will be dampened by the Living Water and the hungering soul satisfied with the Bread of Life. <br />No longer looking as through a glass dimly lit. <br />We shall see Him face to face, as He is. And we will be like Him – THE IMAGE OF GOD FULLY RESTORED. <br />Our bodies will be as His –resurrected, recreated, physical. <br />We will touch His wounds; He will kiss our scars and <br />wipe the tears from our eyes ONCE AND FOR ALL.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Goudy Old Style" size="3"></font>These words will be read and re-read this year.  They are so true and so beautiful.</p> <p>--</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X6ZWJUBUT7I/UWM0WxZkNjI/AAAAAAAALk0/_VWmIyt6PUI/s1600-h/IMG_6553%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6553" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="IMG_6553" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VdBDNEvQ0Ds/UWM0XhirVRI/AAAAAAAALk8/_pIqqHJd4c8/IMG_6553_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-djl_i3filW8/UWM0YRr2EVI/AAAAAAAALlE/SYHxh9geztQ/s1600-h/IMG_7358%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7358" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="234" alt="IMG_7358" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m2Lml9Y-vE4/UWM0Y2vWbwI/AAAAAAAALlM/oR2xWlnOopw/IMG_7358_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Happy Birthday, sweet MC!</p> <p>We usually enjoy spending Easter with D’s parents, but this year Easter fell on Mary Claire’s 2nd birthday and Malia was down in Houston – so the festivities started a few days early!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p5G_81JN8gY/UWM0Zsf1WII/AAAAAAAALlU/J4ndlvUhLxE/s1600-h/IMG_7862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7862" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="396" alt="IMG_7862" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6RFXPVYVKZE/UWM0afgrdZI/AAAAAAAALlc/MKAF7wM83sg/IMG_7862_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qbZH7DvCEG4/UWM0bJf8y_I/AAAAAAAALlk/wYm0BaHDYFw/s1600-h/IMG_7870%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7870" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="385" alt="IMG_7870" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r39gzCboYXw/UWM0bzbDcxI/AAAAAAAALls/V-NkwYynOA8/IMG_7870_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Donald’s parents are so great to bring over an awesome celebration – of course, complete with an egg hunt!  Nate TOTALLY got it this year.  So very fun.  Abi’s sweet nature shown, as she graciously gave up many of her eggs for Nate to find them.  Not the ones with money in them though…smart lady :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nuf5s4C-aCI/UWM0cr5O4CI/AAAAAAAALl0/RibiERDcixI/s1600-h/IMG_7878%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7878" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="227" alt="IMG_7878" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-agzed8S9K0U/UWM0dC01FhI/AAAAAAAALl8/P0Gu4YqxkgM/IMG_7878_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5v67PaS4e70/UWM0d_8A3TI/AAAAAAAALmE/8OFQK67yPrY/s1600-h/IMG_7915%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7915" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="234" alt="IMG_7915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uAl_RecnquY/UWM0eXQw-LI/AAAAAAAALmM/Z4JX6mItZ_0/IMG_7915_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0" /></a>   </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pYsDK38mhXA/UWM0fOgr0dI/AAAAAAAALmU/OUBe_9EHmvc/s1600-h/IMG_7875%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7875" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="438" alt="IMG_7875" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P2ZzJ0p-HGc/UWM0fmqzvUI/AAAAAAAALmc/HKKKncudm90/IMG_7875_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-anEPEDWtYO4/UWM0gVFovXI/AAAAAAAALmk/QapGt04urGk/s1600-h/IMG_7877%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7877" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="442" alt="IMG_7877" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OhsVjuOB8Y0/UWM0gycOMeI/AAAAAAAALms/8HmwM7HXvyY/IMG_7877_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wx3ldDajvj0/UWM0h7xpnfI/AAAAAAAALm0/2xdmZvNVwn8/s1600-h/IMG_7881%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7881" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="226" alt="IMG_7881" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IdGTDYQ2hhI/UWM0iddPlfI/AAAAAAAALm8/r5mFGSyz3xY/IMG_7881_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" border="0" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aPIKIXVnQAg/UWM0jLec3kI/AAAAAAAALnE/rWt7hzEwsYI/s1600-h/IMG_7898%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7898" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="228" alt="IMG_7898" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Eau5ZIF8S4Y/UWM0jhfaAvI/AAAAAAAALnM/4J7Cgs65WSE/IMG_7898_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JwXbuY5D19w/UWM0kYfgh5I/AAAAAAAALnU/lKZiaCs4aOM/s1600-h/IMG_7905%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7905" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="291" alt="IMG_7905" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rDkIWY-wL0I/UWM0k9JPfxI/AAAAAAAALnc/rcQVhlak7JU/IMG_7905_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W8hj7fLCdsw/UWM0lQVQWvI/AAAAAAAALnk/kJEJKMjMuJM/s1600-h/IMG_7909%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7909" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="290" alt="IMG_7909" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lWFwVxcvg6U/UWM0l7jVxdI/AAAAAAAALns/aiPHT92u5No/IMG_7909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vzpnvZlS-bw/UWM0mfip5jI/AAAAAAAALn0/bCii5EQN-cg/s1600-h/IMG_7895%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7895" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="291" alt="IMG_7895" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hyjDfL_ROss/UWM0nZTtGdI/AAAAAAAALn8/FaijArkYNbw/IMG_7895_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" border="0" /></a></p> <p>--</p> <p>Easter Sunday was filled with celebrating and hopeful hearts, yummy food, a lovely drive with delicious coffee around White Rock Lake, and some more egg-huntin’!  The end of the day left our hearts happy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sHzXb0umZ3g/UWM0oNeqDrI/AAAAAAAALoE/6CvITuDD_zM/s1600-h/IMG_8063%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8063" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="432" alt="IMG_8063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Mt19rSbPaI/UWM0o--2LcI/AAAAAAAALoM/AlDqq6_D8a8/IMG_8063_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PIc3Z7sJ7X4/UWM0pvvoqrI/AAAAAAAALoU/PRquAT_XKjs/s1600-h/IMG_8022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8022" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="385" alt="IMG_8022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nfjonjv0gCo/UWM0qaFJraI/AAAAAAAALoc/oEq1OLuifdE/IMG_8022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--WfTfVyLxN4/UWM0q7CufyI/AAAAAAAALok/fWsPC354Hy0/s1600-h/IMG_8031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8031" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="278" alt="IMG_8031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--6sWRX-j648/UWM0rUASFfI/AAAAAAAALos/sLZfiMLliHA/IMG_8031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PLNpMRPcWwA/UWM0rzeYfeI/AAAAAAAALo0/y5RZVPSAAlM/s1600-h/IMG_8033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8033" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="279" alt="IMG_8033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M5MsGOkVtyw/UWM0sd263VI/AAAAAAAALo8/DoClvkyBEHs/IMG_8033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FjKiBWwWv2Q/UWM0s5bVnoI/AAAAAAAALpE/YUXzJK_Z4gM/s1600-h/IMG_8036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8036" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="281" alt="IMG_8036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q0Q7RLpU8AY/UWM0tRKtxYI/AAAAAAAALpM/2V_dDP4K53A/IMG_8036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NsWRmccZ1is/UWM0t7R_V4I/AAAAAAAALpU/_UmKH6pAdYM/s1600-h/IMG_8048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8048" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="288" alt="IMG_8048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6piiazJkECI/UWM0urRSutI/AAAAAAAALpc/YNn-LMtwkWo/IMG_8048_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pdCy2DRypH0/UWM0vBbtoMI/AAAAAAAALpk/m6dx933ZM68/s1600-h/IMG_8050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8050" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="283" alt="IMG_8050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eL_gT-ix9M4/UWM0vgoctoI/AAAAAAAALps/M5ANTn1C3EA/IMG_8050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kbTdzLvJflE/UWM0wXgeSqI/AAAAAAAALp0/gdi53k68m9w/s1600-h/IMG_8052%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8052" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="IMG_8052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IKx3UYZaiOk/UWM0xKZU11I/AAAAAAAALp8/syPADxHBGqM/IMG_8052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" border="0" /></a>    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MuNAuHzLkXs/UWM0x0zh-8I/AAAAAAAALqE/bwcY67XwLQM/s1600-h/IMG_8079%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8079" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="418" alt="IMG_8079" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6kwot4HZ1ZI/UWM0y1X7pFI/AAAAAAAALqM/CVlssFzHS0o/IMG_8079_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5DKM7fLGsDQ/UWM0zlMqWOI/AAAAAAAALqU/8b-7dds2HRU/s1600-h/IMG_8083%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8083" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="415" alt="IMG_8083" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0rly_NfSEzk/UWM00TKdufI/AAAAAAAALqc/KV6XgE7qaK0/IMG_8083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i-xkbEXcoRc/UWM002W16iI/AAAAAAAALqk/xON0FKSCxOM/s1600-h/IMG_8073%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8073" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="424" alt="IMG_8073" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-69pTKLH93Pk/UWM01cbRA0I/AAAAAAAALqs/yfMDYCD5IKU/IMG_8073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CC3EyiEOaYU/UWM012yR0nI/AAAAAAAALq0/jKvwAXu2fhI/s1600-h/IMG_8076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8076" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="424" alt="IMG_8076" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2WFy1v5Tbrc/UWM02vC3p2I/AAAAAAAALq8/Bkrb4yDSh8M/IMG_8076_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbA-z4d72OGc1UtQ-twCMw4f-xyFHHpTO5umv2MkIoee-gz0lVlg-o9zNU957pDW1SagUivrcm_zx-uky92nP-73P6vRP9WSo_U_NUTV8mRn2WWmSyr2xPo_L3S5zNgrTMJk0DtlaoUM/s1600-h/IMG_8090%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8090" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="218" alt="IMG_8090" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XdsjsX-Q098/UWM04MC2bXI/AAAAAAAALrM/q-4dhczm9FY/IMG_8090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2I2iPqcUplc/UWM04lLqt5I/AAAAAAAALrU/EYmJs3HtmRc/s1600-h/IMG_8089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8089" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="216" alt="IMG_8089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OihsvCbT8IA/UWM05f9FymI/AAAAAAAALrc/pQVfchai41U/IMG_8089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a></p> <p>And of course, this will be its own post…but until then…the five Wallace ladies (donald does not like that I’ve given them the Wallace name!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KcVBS_lDWI0/UWM051oKLfI/AAAAAAAALrk/f1xEW2LH91M/s1600-h/IMG_8103%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8103" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="229" alt="IMG_8103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GanYKTj70hI/UWM06VuNX3I/AAAAAAAALrs/-CsrkpgvWp4/IMG_8103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MUgKZur63Fs/UWM07UOmVTI/AAAAAAAALr0/5C0YQQHfhmU/s1600-h/IMG_8111%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8111" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="230" alt="IMG_8111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc7a0NRZWrGqr_ggZrxDj7lcFdLqIgEr7cj6j8q5Ju15QcYrD20t90ARYSRGwP8ObpPs2txq9ZtV9_e2WcJaZN53T32EKVoU49aX89PGs83v6KZb9gqDZQJKi1SNBvynEhnKPEGmao9Y/?imgmax=800" width="337" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z9Vv0TkckWY/UWM08QrXY5I/AAAAAAAALsE/cxGpoZp0p2E/IMG_8113%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img title="IMG_8113" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_8113" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Kf7Tsjw5Ek/UWM1ASUJZ5I/AAAAAAAALsM/guef60hPS5k/IMG_8113_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZRl9W1OE9tw/UWM1BPVu4cI/AAAAAAAALsU/5WUDgu0t288/s1600-h/IMG_8114%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8114" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_8114" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DKN3q_aAarU/UWM1B2traVI/AAAAAAAALsc/tN2FfDTTw4Y/IMG_8114_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--JwEXV7DpvQ/UWM1ClUTCKI/AAAAAAAALsk/sFTbtB1w1sU/s1600-h/IMG_8116%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8116" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_8116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hKDCF1_A3uw/UWM1DQyxsGI/AAAAAAAALss/-LviDBJGHak/IMG_8116_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" border="0" /></a></p> <p><strong>We hope that your family’s Easter was filled with true celebration and rejoicing!</strong></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-17035350131719102292013-04-02T23:28:00.001-05:002013-04-02T23:28:34.201-05:00Science School – well, kinda<p> Oh Perot Museum – we sure do love thee.  Of course, your early childhood offerings will always be referred to in our house as ‘Science School’ – but hey, that’s what you get when you had a killer program at your old location.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SzTIlafnt5g/UVuv494atLI/AAAAAAAALj8/zvskCafMg4k/s1600-h/photo%25252812%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo(12)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="photo(12)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BENdsZyMxLY/UVuv5nww34I/AAAAAAAALkE/gu-MWWj-1wU/photo%25252812%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Abi’s taking a class at the museum – and it is just so awesome.  Stellar teachers / stellar curriculum / everything that makes this zoo-education nerd in me get REAL excited.    Their dinosaur unit just ended and they are currently diving into the world of plants and seeds!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YX4JS8hOzWM/UVuv6Sw8rGI/AAAAAAAALkM/1q4KLcGijiY/s1600-h/photo%2525201%2525286%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1(6)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="395" alt="photo 1(6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fkop0nxQr-w/UVuv6601yeI/AAAAAAAALkU/gj8kCJt6geg/photo%2525201%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KaXfsK4IEms/UVuv7sWm4OI/AAAAAAAALkc/tsavgCL_kSI/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525287%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(7)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="397" alt="photo 2(7)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGohuyk8irI_e1x4WRwpB83eWa8GrQOOtQD5HlmqvRtUlOF6lnhj5A2pmakyRPP_NHDg8waXX_Oxiih_3rtzuzZQLZTB6lgMLjejE8B4OaIipXhQHD6V9ku4snc2u292im6PP7wS5AIJo/?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a></p> <p>(can you tell we visit the dinos QUITE a bit?!)</p> <p>--</p> <p>So, just a little plug for the Perot Education Classes.  To quote Abi when asked where she has learned the most (the girl has had quite a little tour of early educational offerings in Dallas, poor thing)…”Hmm, well, I think Science School.”  Enough said.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-18731391413861566332013-03-06T15:21:00.001-06:002013-03-06T15:21:55.632-06:00Sanctification through Motherhood<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MjOx6kpkTIw/UTezT_S6yuI/AAAAAAAALik/t-ZryPjZCOc/s1600-h/IMG_7599%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7599" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="577" alt="IMG_7599" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6FPSXVJkPPY/UTezU0jmR0I/AAAAAAAALis/1X1Bkx7YyqU/IMG_7599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This glorious thing called motherhood – without a doubt – the biggest tool that the Lord has used to change, sharpen, and mold me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HEk9n0mhhNY/UTezV653XFI/AAAAAAAALi0/-qxAPhYbzMk/s1600-h/IMG_7611%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7611" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="464" alt="IMG_7611" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CzmolpeoWUg/UTezW_oJCgI/AAAAAAAALi8/eyLya5Sy7_w/IMG_7611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="683" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>And I am continually mystified by it.  How motherhood gives me no greater joy.  Yet, it is through revelations during ‘it’ that I have had some of my darkest moments.  I am frequently left baffled – left with my mouth open – left wondering ‘how in the world did <em>that</em> just happen’ – left wondering how I was entrusted to raise these little souls – left totally spent at the beauty and enormity of it all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-McYj9zQjABk/UTezXkMvuYI/AAAAAAAALjE/a_i5-5nr_8s/s1600-h/IMG_7600%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7600" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="624" alt="IMG_7600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KvkCjSiAGag/UTezYiiuQ5I/AAAAAAAALjM/hyTQ4HfOfVg/IMG_7600_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I have been having some dramatic days as of late :)</p> <p><em>‘Hear my cry, O God. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge , a strong tower against the enemy.’  Psalm 61</em></p> <p>Yet all of the drama gets reduced to something quite simple: I am the daughter of a most loving God.  Pray more and believe in its power!  Give thanks continually.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xRONXf6xNHU/UTezZpnc4RI/AAAAAAAALjU/mqlcJnN9V-Y/s1600-h/IMG_7606%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7606" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="471" alt="IMG_7606" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LLIQDLd7QYY/UTezasG_ZZI/AAAAAAAALjc/f5DI69cvKnQ/IMG_7606_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="693" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Even as I type these words, I am somewhat chuckling because I know that I will be dramatic and crazy and overwhelmed all too soon again.  And God, in his graciousness, will teach me lessons that are so very simple and wonderful in nature.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cVb4GgFpccQ/UTezbooguLI/AAAAAAAALjk/ItiLOvPeh18/s1600-h/IMG_7588%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7588" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="480" alt="IMG_7588" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5rN5T8yUn8o/UTezcjk6TTI/AAAAAAAALjs/92JjOZobRtw/IMG_7588_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="697" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-44072772310218854242013-02-27T20:06:00.001-06:002013-02-27T20:06:15.220-06:00And just like that…<p>My boy is <font size="6">2.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-54Ice1KfgXI/US67jFFKwiI/AAAAAAAALh0/HV0nXpLSg68/s1600-h/IMG_7456%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7456" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_7456" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6q17hPYS1fI/US67j6BAQPI/AAAAAAAALh8/xAqbuyi0Vvo/IMG_7456_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" /></a><font size="6"></font></p> <p>Oh my goodness.  Look out world, Nate the Great is 2.  And with him will come the tornado of crazy, joy, laughter, willfulness, ninja, and love of life that is my Nathanael.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RRQPVT8j3eo/US67kuhodUI/AAAAAAAALiE/pVYaku6kVvA/s1600-h/IMG_7481%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7481" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="438" alt="IMG_7481" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0VDumfgVbd0/US67laa2CBI/AAAAAAAALiM/yk8q7axR3B4/IMG_7481_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="641" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-53942999853654110982013-02-12T16:39:00.001-06:002013-02-12T16:39:14.769-06:006 months<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aLgh4SWaMqM/URrEXRo6_pI/AAAAAAAALfg/S9JouI9VE-Y/s1600-h/IMG_7365%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7365" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="488" alt="IMG_7365" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eNvPdHI0F60/URrEYfVETkI/AAAAAAAALfo/jl_oF3Y99Oo/IMG_7365_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="719" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Sweet William…you are six months.  Oh my, oh my.  Even though we would love (at some point, Lord willing!) to add another sweet Wallace to the mix…you are certainly in the baby role of our family.</p> <p>I baby you.  I so do.  We laugh that it took me forever to put you in the stroller without your carseat…something that I was doing with Nate SO much earlier…but you see, you’re my baby.  Hitting the six month mark is significant – we treasure these past six months of our family and anticipate with humility the next six.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2EEaIWPaA8U/URrEY7zC9LI/AAAAAAAALfw/GxJiTwaoY24/s1600-h/IMG_7368%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7368" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="475" alt="IMG_7368" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kc0ThRtPDJw/URrEZzEr4GI/AAAAAAAALf4/Eg0y_WhetPc/IMG_7368_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>To my sweet baby…please try and nap better in the afternoon – please keep your amazing eyes and that glorious smile – please keep on reminding me that this life is so worth savoring and I need to be intentional in the mundane.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DcFXTRE55d4/URrEakYLWgI/AAAAAAAALgA/XDYo5K7bNwM/s1600-h/IMG_7371%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7371" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="488" alt="IMG_7371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytXCUfdR2yPYRvO8i5tP0giGWLydrD5Ci6UGXhwGxLAybsZUqIhmw7-85XABejt1UTJUxuh3el9jjqBOIfxOpFe9Dfh34k5A9fpyfBU82yYLZ08lAcDRZ7sgwil8Ox1LjosF269GrtCg/?imgmax=800" width="712" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>You are loved, dear sweet-six month-old little one!</p> <p><em>(from his first eating experience this weekend)</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D5esySb-XuE/URrEcJtaCvI/AAAAAAAALgQ/Z63JicUvAuw/s1600-h/photo%2525205%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 5(2)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 5(2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zXnbtaEWa7A/URrEc5AtJOI/AAAAAAAALgY/X17xyvDQKaw/photo%2525205%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qk5nforednw/URrEd8E8QhI/AAAAAAAALgg/zEaVLytwz3w/s1600-h/photo%2525201%2525285%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1(5)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 1(5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BrtTjEkszJs/URrEepEZafI/AAAAAAAALgo/cHx687akw74/photo%2525201%2525285%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9TJH85-3T2c/URrEfiWN_JI/AAAAAAAALgw/HRK9W6axHKo/s1600-h/photo%2525203%2525286%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3(6)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 3(6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZzwvgX4f9IA/URrEgt77B9I/AAAAAAAALg8/oVv7VEaVv4k/photo%2525203%2525286%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LY8dKFk50_A/URrEh-R_fmI/AAAAAAAALhE/6W553vldFhQ/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525286%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(6)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="218" alt="photo 2(6)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FLeBv0YqB8A/URrEisJ1RiI/AAAAAAAALhM/C2l227dSopU/photo%2525202%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_gZQRiuubJg/URrEjoX1MjI/AAAAAAAALhU/XibOVA5MurM/s1600-h/photo%2525204%2525284%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4(4)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="218" alt="photo 4(4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RSUxWJmfyw0/URrEkQWctCI/AAAAAAAALhc/4t3V-DK0Ba4/photo%2525204%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-73668209326959192132013-01-23T15:59:00.001-06:002013-01-23T15:59:34.912-06:00PS Angela<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KdpoQd72j6Q/UQBdQvgVagI/AAAAAAAALfA/79PbZvmsIsI/s1600-h/dingle%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="dingle" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="459" alt="dingle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0FbF0uZS3XE/UQBdRcoX3_I/AAAAAAAALfI/5z9o1jRW9tQ/dingle_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>In the midst of days where I have believed the lies that the world would have be claim…a line from a song that has delightfully haunted me…</p> <p><strong><font size="3">‘Don’t look to the right or to the left…keep your eyes on me.’</font></strong></p> <p><font size="1">-Bethel Music</font></p> <p>Surrounded by women whose company I am humbled and inspired by the other evening – I felt as though the Lord was whispering to me this line over and over.  It has stayed in my mind and in my heart.  The words are healing and are true.  They are certainly not always easy to obey; I would foolishly choose to think that relationships, great organizational skills, waking up early consistently, having a really clean house, knowing with absolute confidence what next year will hold for Abi’s education, eating well all the time, working out with great regularity…and on and on…</p> <p>I am tempted to believe that those things will provide me with peace.  That they will provide me with comfort and fulfillment.  I try over and over again to control my soul’s journey…this is not what is asked of me.  Gently and graciously the Lord whispers…’please, keep your eyes on me.’  </p> <p>And in this place, here I find the fullness of joy.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-5857415931372286852013-01-20T17:17:00.001-06:002013-01-20T17:17:45.211-06:00Life ‘round here<p>I am continually laughing at the things that occur with our sweet little third that NEVER would have happened with our first (mainly) and probably not our second either…</p> <p>Case and point:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P06rL_rPX4M/UPx6pVGjueI/AAAAAAAALeI/rI5xI0loZgE/s1600-h/IMG_7255%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7255" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="385" alt="IMG_7255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tosGDpC3Byk/UPx7EYd7TbI/AAAAAAAALeY/yYWFP_v8OpE/IMG_7255_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="567" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0NB99xLiACE/UPx7FGCFI1I/AAAAAAAALeg/cG_YdtIXj6I/s1600-h/IMG_7258%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7258" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="IMG_7258" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pS-4xsGTxMc/UPx7GE7jxfI/AAAAAAAALeo/5lxDoi-8Z_E/IMG_7258_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Oh William – thanks for making us all more chill – it’s good to see that you’re taking your own advice.  We love you!</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-72314193875938026412013-01-03T17:44:00.001-06:002013-01-03T17:44:50.452-06:00Oh yes, real life, hello again!<p>My goodness, this is just how I feel!  My darling Donald has been delightfully not working at the office for a very, VERY lovely 2 weeks.  Just bliss.  This, my friends, is how life should exist.</p> <p>And consequently, life has looked very different for the past 2 weeks – the holiday season was beautiful – I am thankful.</p> <p>(let’s be honest, there are more than 2 weeks represented here…but I need to do some serious catch-up!)</p> <p><strong>My abi-girl was just darling in her first Christmas pageant</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GQw-5Gx_iH0/UOYWukk9_oI/AAAAAAAALQ0/yKlNy8TboIE/s1600-h/IMG_6693%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6693" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="439" alt="IMG_6693" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4ZTvfo3WOvk/UOYWve53OaI/AAAAAAAALQ8/qlQLksDFTf0/IMG_6693_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6VX1ckeXlTI/UOYWwOo63oI/AAAAAAAALRE/fJe04C185sI/s1600-h/IMG_6732%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6732" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="617" alt="IMG_6732" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sw7Q0QXXOUw/UOYWxL0LWxI/AAAAAAAALRM/Cf9J5uqFOIg/IMG_6732_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>We got our first REAL tree as a little family – while our ‘original’ fakerton is still proudly displayed in the office…memories are just the best.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CyIiNV5N9Fg/UOYWyOHcoYI/AAAAAAAALRU/zxwhvr6Cm-g/s1600-h/IMG_6826%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6826" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="574" alt="IMG_6826" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I61iVYn7MIo/UOYWza9YhjI/AAAAAAAALRc/rg9VTae5Npw/IMG_6826_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Abi rocked it during her ‘open’ ballet class.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_eMAY9TnGBI/UOYWz26WLlI/AAAAAAAALRk/WUf7aM5qi9k/s1600-h/IMG_6757%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6757" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="IMG_6757" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-88Rfqvinl30/UOYW1DuAd0I/AAAAAAAALRs/W229RkMlKQ8/IMG_6757_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QGv31Pbnhsc/UOYW16bWwlI/AAAAAAAALR0/inD1uzVFdSE/s1600-h/IMG_6766%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6766" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_6766" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZwNl7piV3emy_vyO0z9wSvZavj2RcqBO9PfumQuUMOjl1yCpJFWrYMX98X8hqonCGAfwJj3-GvO-h_EiTx0i94jTlsIb97RVPIAupRznN4RtDjQHWP7CRyaV2ZLSdrs9L4KPIymQsys/?imgmax=800" width="223" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kRJ66NI4KOQ/UOYW4NUuIcI/AAAAAAAALSE/PYfuFYyRiwU/s1600-h/IMG_6797%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6797" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="308" alt="IMG_6797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cf5kTQe2ST8/UOYW4ik5rLI/AAAAAAAALSM/faIFrAxctmI/IMG_6797_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>We made the most random, messy, and amazing gingerbread house.</strong></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NM1tGp2_1K0/UOYW5cMQTlI/AAAAAAAALSU/6djasFvIees/s1600-h/IMG_6978%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6978" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="425" alt="IMG_6978" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jIvvY_Z5P88/UOYW6SajKMI/AAAAAAAALSc/3v1pQK3cK84/IMG_6978_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hE0gw80n4hU/UOYW8Fdg-sI/AAAAAAAALSk/YpbeesZVqZo/s1600-h/IMG_6990%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6990" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="IMG_6990" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZyzgCSKL9ss/UOYW8-BniPI/AAAAAAAALSs/40oeTOdML0U/IMG_6990_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tXiFVWxfVqY/UOYW9myJ89I/AAAAAAAALS0/u8jfbKhyvNU/s1600-h/IMG_6981%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6981" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="446" alt="IMG_6981" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HAb_tlhHI60/UOYW-euh5XI/AAAAAAAALS8/ZK9kUbuG-SY/IMG_6981_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>We had so much fun at the Perot Museum…I’ve been waiting for this place to open for SUCH a long time!  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RfjDKtsZvFE/UOYW_I8H5NI/AAAAAAAALTE/SqTRMByt6UU/s1600-h/IMG_6920%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6920" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="425" alt="IMG_6920" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OtsZoKLRnaA/UOYXAPWwonI/AAAAAAAALTM/vZo8XASq-xY/IMG_6920_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1nJz4HrYrEs/UOYXA7c171I/AAAAAAAALTU/7CY77M-tab4/s1600-h/IMG_6925%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6925" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="425" alt="IMG_6925" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YOsVXmtpSKY/UOYXB-MewrI/AAAAAAAALTc/uT4UAaLBDes/IMG_6925_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>The boys & Daddy turned Nate’s crib into a big-boy bed…it is NOT going well.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CllXQ5fU_tk/UOYXC-kTauI/AAAAAAAALTk/VJwsVrLied0/s1600-h/IMG_6962%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6962" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="419" alt="IMG_6962" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wkLqypIOJ00/UOYXDl6R4YI/AAAAAAAALTs/9y1PEN8AL8s/IMG_6962_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w6hlZLthCKQ/UOYXFctaGwI/AAAAAAAALT0/6wctAYi68Ak/s1600-h/IMG_6966%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6966" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="IMG_6966" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s1dvvq3q3PY/UOYXGyo18QI/AAAAAAAALUA/MiQIcZl-xBc/IMG_6966_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8srTjh7Prn8/UOYXHfTw1FI/AAAAAAAALUI/nHtS5HicpYM/s1600-h/IMG_6967%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6967" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="441" alt="IMG_6967" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp5JspdeF2o3AL0KK9Fiv3iQ4W_2OOG3AO6SAOjsUwKxcyE7lEwVURVyk0sSEx4J4KJ3tBXCU3grFkmMmtTf95Ul0AC8JpHApgQW4Hbf8E7xXJWxRHWGIC0l9w8eh1VNzy9thlrCe6K8/?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>We had Donald’s 30th party…such a wonderful day.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NRynvBzd99o/UOYXI417rrI/AAAAAAAALUY/dcrHRhBQZ0U/s1600-h/IMG_6869%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6869" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="419" alt="IMG_6869" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0awq4k3C2us/UOYXJhDKTxI/AAAAAAAALUg/4g3KVu_lDcE/IMG_6869_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>All of the roommates came in from A&M…a few little bodies have been added in the past 10 years…</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-59y9Eyty6jY/UOYXKrTfukI/AAAAAAAALUo/3TBATAUefMo/s1600-h/IMG_6864%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6864" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="428" alt="IMG_6864" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Ja-1KDF5SY/UOYXL_SHtKI/AAAAAAAALUw/CoTG7c9KTqE/IMG_6864_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>We had a wonderful day celebrating Christmas…</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4Ff-FMOh4dc/UOYXM1F3DnI/AAAAAAAALU4/SODcNOCPYg0/s1600-h/IMG_7108%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7108" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="429" alt="IMG_7108" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FIuP8sJEK_s/UOYXN9YHHNI/AAAAAAAALVA/hPt8XN-UAmg/IMG_7108_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="628" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-99GNFjvwyQk/UOYXOrfELyI/AAAAAAAALVI/4rNMcUzxaA4/s1600-h/IMG_7065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7065" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="IMG_7065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5xBWXe0rPXE/UOYXPI397yI/AAAAAAAALVQ/YdF5Q9_0Guo/IMG_7065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wvk4iscqEIQ/UOYXP5yAQHI/AAAAAAAALVY/_zpJI-OZ4cs/s1600-h/IMG_7087%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7087" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="224" alt="IMG_7087" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QJ_8ayBmY4s/UOYXQZpqUVI/AAAAAAAALVg/57aDTAm8PQw/IMG_7087_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>oh right…it SNOWED</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U-HGRUgp8w4/UOYXRM-SQnI/AAAAAAAALVo/Lj2Cb5-do9I/s1600-h/IMG_7161%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7161" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="450" alt="IMG_7161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O4inLlRIlL6dzmuaz2WZJ8RSoG_PMQJdhvAciwXVSfplHb8NohAaQCqhwm9zXLgJh3lse7fhoOE0R3N7XkLKMD87Gv5BflHCyuvCLqAUUlWp6U8zFmfXWpASU4Z8svAlb-WK8chA_XQ/?imgmax=800" width="657" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oxIp9uznPkc/UOYXS0ysBLI/AAAAAAAALV4/YnN9sxbgSn4/s1600-h/IMG_7177%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7177" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="276" alt="IMG_7177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TO-3IarFENM/UOYXTZJz4HI/AAAAAAAALWA/jCe1pi1pltI/IMG_7177_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HCyrpxM__Cs/UOYXUKkS0jI/AAAAAAAALWI/k2nqv9xNw54/s1600-h/IMG_7165%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7165" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="284" alt="IMG_7165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ABQ68F6T2ZY/UOYXUyWSv_I/AAAAAAAALWQ/m_jnY0d0ew4/IMG_7165_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FOYDkysrqms/UOYXVlyzr3I/AAAAAAAALWY/rMCvgjL9ovY/s1600-h/IMG_7183%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7183" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="288" alt="IMG_7183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I0AAmCE5uVE/UOYXWcSatrI/AAAAAAAALWg/0DbCuR6eLXw/IMG_7183_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOtujMeeIXY/UOYXXUVuU-I/AAAAAAAALWo/YVJLs0eJWLM/s1600-h/IMG_7200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7200" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="293" alt="IMG_7200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IPrWtu_hW4E/UOYXYIHcHjI/AAAAAAAALWw/e7pSsEObrrw/IMG_7200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--nLkvJ1yQ3g/UOYXZeawAqI/AAAAAAAALW4/_uVJbQUyekU/s1600-h/IMG_7212%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7212" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="299" alt="IMG_7212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BTaRt2035yY/UOYXaNCGCOI/AAAAAAAALXA/sR1nvhreCcg/IMG_7212_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bBSpfnDt73I/UOYXaxRWJaI/AAAAAAAALXI/0GHxinYydRU/s1600-h/IMG_7194%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7194" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="IMG_7194" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zgFOSQyjxvQ/UOYXbsEVyII/AAAAAAAALXQ/7ydZ6LJp9TU/IMG_7194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qRhEZCO2hJE/UOYXcQwZkPI/AAAAAAAALXY/UUOOnzH5Z3k/s1600-h/IMG_7218%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7218" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="IMG_7218" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3RKjxWMMCVU/UOYXdrerU9I/AAAAAAAALXg/XzD9FaRA1g0/IMG_7218_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cWu26HmrfqI/UOYXedCujLI/AAAAAAAALXo/IzIvZLgWxdw/s1600-h/IMG_7175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7175" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="220" alt="IMG_7175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6YN35ZT9rGs/UOYXfzXB_dI/AAAAAAAALXw/Um8jfKNAomk/IMG_7175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oCucrKfsi2eauXJvYAH4JUmP_hfyqBGCD7-TruzlR9TzBABR5CEFZyMbC4vFnGIAMeTDD-EE8BfKT9s3rn88qNqKGkOeT8Im9NdRFdYYfK46ecAyiuFVqtcEDBm3DyV_omd62MCJVFU/s1600-h/IMG_7220%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7220" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="262" alt="IMG_7220" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hltIkC7DDn0/UOYXhhgwe1I/AAAAAAAALYA/VNkSJUcTna4/IMG_7220_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" border="0" /></a>   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FmxNpz8AFIs/UOYXiTsYx_I/AAAAAAAALYI/drspKRAvYg4/s1600-h/IMG_7225%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7225" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="337" alt="IMG_7225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UwsVR3bGVxg/UOYXjKPXDSI/AAAAAAAALYQ/31Zk7AEVP6Y/IMG_7225_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" border="0" /></a></p> <p><strong>Celebrating New Year’s (at 8 o’clock) with the most delightful crew…</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QeMrTX3Kcbg/UOYXjmH3qMI/AAAAAAAALYY/2L98BFf87sA/s1600-h/photo%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 5" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="photo 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R0xEzS8Njx4/UOYXkaI5bkI/AAAAAAAALYg/oDR832e-YlY/photo%2525205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q4_kMmIHEr4/UOYXlEK5E3I/AAAAAAAALYo/dPXsGsZrtEg/s1600-h/photo%2525204-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4-1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="380" alt="photo 4-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FaxpYmzvM1A/UOYXllxHqUI/AAAAAAAALYw/n0mtPikLaac/photo%2525204-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>And all the random in between that makes the holidays oh so special.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yzZ0aKCfHZE/UOYXmcxh6CI/AAAAAAAALY4/qIvZNAxJbyA/s1600-h/photo%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I7irxBKLEbs/UOYXnCCaz_I/AAAAAAAALZA/pEUJ5dfzO-c/photo%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IdoHxyDJWz4/UOYXoVmlnrI/AAAAAAAALZE/_ltfHcH48oA/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d3AMJY-bRi0/UOYXpL8IHbI/AAAAAAAALZM/jxp2ITFSQFE/photo%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" border="0" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJID8Mz1YcZhFZtJYYN0YXgomSxYj0zU1ioaGAkSyeZOmw4WWWmWVfVW4ProYNmN43g7i_9lwBolB2Nu7PGRAcUVViIEYE0HPvtjqybKbiMjsCSYjOOxPDLsN8Ii3uWhb9EQE1fZLx2HA/s1600-h/photo%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3" style="border-right: 0px; 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border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 2-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6O_i8LR0s9w/UOYXvWXWRGI/AAAAAAAALaQ/UZJpAiVx70o/photo%2525202-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fN0MWfqaZYw/UOYXwxya19I/AAAAAAAALaY/lY9cxDe2wkM/s1600-h/photo%2525203-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3-1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="photo 3-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vs_TingAIeI/UOYXy7tLLpI/AAAAAAAALac/eDRQCA66tHQ/photo%2525203-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1cfvhE64Ch8/UOYXz8osY8I/AAAAAAAALas/liXXcE4LZJw/s1600-h/photo%2525201-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1-2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 1-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AZ59hwjizDk/UOYX0biaM-I/AAAAAAAALa0/1ZnmyXLJ3Dc/photo%2525201-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VO-OzsLfsHU/UOYX1bh7rpI/AAAAAAAALa8/31l5nXdZpek/s1600-h/photo%2525203-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3-2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 3-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ju-0zHig_5w/UOYX2bJ5uuI/AAAAAAAALbE/1vB_WduzOtM/photo%2525203-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F5dKcBc0fuk/UOYX3dSwpjI/AAAAAAAALbM/3LoO557uAVQ/s1600-h/photo%2525202-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2-2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="183" alt="photo 2-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelxjkz73p0P58Lhvie1CKVdsxjN13eLymuWVSH3xs5UjJQfUE3izjNmOQVZJKOL_DFRu4O-eeOVt-hwXQrnG9LzGB_2qkFmRL3l5kpEuHhqzpinTgliVFov6bKCH-LP6uGZwSqaanfe8/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KA2w6Wv9gFk/UOYX5aLJQeI/AAAAAAAALbc/ixGCuesElJs/s1600-h/photo%2525204-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4-2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="photo 4-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jmyZCxLddPM/UOYX6ueIIcI/AAAAAAAALbk/lTxs-BLd4a8/photo%2525204-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5BiXYFhd8TWa4yurmof1VWj5gUq_fTsYCY_rCY5Yp3FRniFnXRyMZt1bU1rj-bDdSoxBToRgmt_66NuRK7bVRz_NcQXihyphenhyphenMVpUd66UFxC5mDaHfJFGPGCBsw4YhVT2E12CcIyNVcK-Y/s1600-h/photo%2525205-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 5-1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="187" alt="photo 5-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DMMpQc-_RnI/UOYX8JEuWDI/AAAAAAAALb0/00rD1cVdrxM/photo%2525205-1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong><em><font size="4">As we start 2013…may grace and peace reign in our hearts.</font></em></strong></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-79019073778979807112012-12-01T08:28:00.001-06:002012-12-01T08:28:59.591-06:00A portrait of Portland<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-peKuBeqfyAE/ULmw2QW31XI/AAAAAAAALJ8/EapOeeLmVMA/s1600-h/IMG_9197%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9197" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_9197" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ni96loNPp-A/ULmw3j2yzJI/AAAAAAAALKE/Rxvfx9OfamU/IMG_9197_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vHIMH_dVVkc/ULmw4_EfDzI/AAAAAAAALKM/L3nzYqtbYA4/s1600-h/IMG_9285%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9285" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="321" alt="IMG_9285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PbmJrDq1Z7w/ULmw5cxD9TI/AAAAAAAALKU/a614cSI7d_E/IMG_9285_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ym0uKOxp5UI/ULmw7Tp07aI/AAAAAAAALKc/A5jNOIocB6U/s1600-h/IMG_9204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9204" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_9204" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JmfHr0tUiIw/ULmw8Bdh90I/AAAAAAAALKk/dK9rSaNId6c/IMG_9204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" border="0" /></a> <p>Due to the awesome generosity of many to watch our delightful children for us – Donald and I were able to get away for a long weekend to celebrate our 7th anniversary and his 30th birthday!!  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zsg7aQ04pnA/ULmw_FaKrdI/AAAAAAAALKs/FCFqj0LyWrI/s1600-h/IMG_9228%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9228" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="460" alt="IMG_9228" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Na9TeJYb79Y/ULmxAC0jfGI/AAAAAAAALK0/cBc-FfuDf9I/IMG_9228_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="677" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We got an amazing deal on plane tickets to Portland (turns out not everyone likes to fly the red-eye??) and we were off to explore a new city to both of us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_tjFfIcy_S8/ULmxBMnnXRI/AAAAAAAALK8/N5MSZhhKWfI/s1600-h/IMG_9256%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9256" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="547" alt="IMG_9256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j19WU-24lBc/ULmxCCnsEII/AAAAAAAALLE/vDTKf6Il5tY/IMG_9256_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>*we were there at this amazing time when the grapes are finished being harvested; and as soon as the vines have given their fruit, they die and turn this amazing color.  The fields were so beautiful.  It only last for a couple of weeks.  Such a delightful blessing.  Nature: you never cease to amaze and humble.</em></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0JJozr36wms/ULmxDRFPQ9I/AAAAAAAALLM/R5SUFzKzk2o/s1600-h/IMG_9263%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9263" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="484" alt="IMG_9263" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Zx6yhHyzWg/ULmxE-cnQKI/AAAAAAAALLU/Ey2Ou9vBkac/IMG_9263_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Portland, you did not disappoint.  You were filled with all things dear to the Wallace household.  Beauty, great food, awesome coffee, delicious wine, casual, more beauty, and great beer.  Dallas community of friends and family – you are the only reason we returned.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jV7O_XBduhk/ULmxFy6j7rI/AAAAAAAALLc/czU_B0JkQkE/s1600-h/IMG_9289%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9289" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="469" alt="IMG_9289" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3DNwbXZ8xZA/ULmxHPhOkoI/AAAAAAAALLk/kaa4xsBHeRU/IMG_9289_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" border="0" /></a>   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X550mD0XX-M/ULmxIMV1cRI/AAAAAAAALLs/rRPCUVWgTuY/s1600-h/IMG_9329%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9329" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="471" alt="IMG_9329" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z8CMHBGS-UE/ULmxJnB42MI/AAAAAAAALL0/QddfDKwXM0U/IMG_9329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>*We drove to this one vista, and as we arrived, the clouds momentarily cleared and we could see a glimpse of Mt. Hood.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BbSWR_FIYMw/ULmxLSr68kI/AAAAAAAALL8/d6IQNzarzAM/s1600-h/Portland%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Portland" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="527" alt="Portland" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T_vNP3Kj02Y/ULoUKdqeXXI/AAAAAAAALOE/nhqQulFMkok/Portland_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="673" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>‘How often I have ralized the poet’s buoyant hopes amid…solitary rambles through interminable Forests!’</em></p> <p><em>-Thomas Nuttal, Botanist 1834</em></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-72716005977681320032012-11-12T07:17:00.001-06:002012-11-12T07:17:00.353-06:00Monday Hope<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mUYU_6Q8aro/UKD2up00QwI/AAAAAAAALHg/JqG-GrJPRKo/s1600-h/IMG_9228%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9228" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="473" alt="IMG_9228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrO0lQneH9LoVauGQLDsi81BH0t4WGHKpuaQ1EDowar3lbLuMy0-wwgHC-IaFkFFRakECdjOYpkRc_fwvjVey0loyqISabsRHUtz31iAIe3PhQ2462YGJgunG4DNjKM3G1KjEtYtICKo/?imgmax=800" width="697" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>Portland 2012</em></p> <p>As we prepare for the week, I am filled with hope.  Especially in these past few years, I have clung to hope as such a beautiful and generous gift that the Lord offers us.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u2zvL4wozFQ/UKD2w25npgI/AAAAAAAALHw/nG-qP8kG3dM/s1600-h/IMG_9285%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9285" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="588" alt="IMG_9285" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i2MihwaSjLs/UKD2ymBl97I/AAAAAAAALH4/IqujY2YrpRA/IMG_9285_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>Portland 2012</em></p> <p><em>--</em></p> <p align="left">    <em>But I have calmed and quieted my soul, <br />        like a weaned child with its mother; <br />        like a weaned child is my soul within me. <br />    O Israel, hope in the LORD <br />        from this time forth and forevermore. <br /></em>Psalm 131</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-7004757353730260232012-10-10T22:56:00.001-05:002012-10-10T22:56:14.170-05:00Why, Hello, Fall!<p>And just like that it was fall…and just like that the temperatures returned to 90 degrees.  Oh, Texas.  I just adore fall.  Like a good many people, it is my favorite season.  I love the pumpkins – the leaves changing – the crispness in the air – the need for a warm drink and a scarf.  Ahh, fall.</p> <p>So, Abi & I have a little tradition on the first day of fall.  We bake a pumpkin pie.  Oh right – I also love the food of fall.  It’s just delish and heart-warming.  I love doing this with Abi – from the past few years:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OL9F_eHP844/UHZAlhsOlII/AAAAAAAALDY/87PE4RShU5Y/s1600-h/IMG_9894%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9894" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="268" alt="IMG_9894" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s8eBtphR2KI/UHZAmkTdQ0I/AAAAAAAALDg/XV3bCurFSR8/IMG_9894_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TBxKJgH5cJI/UHZAnexTKlI/AAAAAAAALDo/B2c8VhScDwc/s1600-h/IMG_9898%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9898" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="411" alt="IMG_9898" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-768_g9Ecx-M/UHZAoKte2eI/AAAAAAAALDw/Xd_Iv2O3jus/IMG_9898_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>2009</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T449ziBuECc/UHZAox23UWI/AAAAAAAALD4/8nSb7AFDiCc/s1600-h/IMG_5610%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5610" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="441" alt="IMG_5610" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yjw4Ad3YKIM/UHZApoAdj5I/AAAAAAAALEA/0zSqvaECM70/IMG_5610_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1SDGiRr9158/UHZAqfmrBVI/AAAAAAAALEI/Ivlz2l6DmWQ/s1600-h/IMG_5619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5619" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="443" alt="IMG_5619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-776V3GJfNFE/UHZArRXbmjI/AAAAAAAALEQ/We1E2cHMXI4/IMG_5619_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>2010</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GaDuLqksKNw/UHZAsOgpq3I/AAAAAAAALEY/dFpsHRAeosM/s1600-h/IMG_2580%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2580" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="297" alt="IMG_2580" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-neJ5UiV8YbI/UHZAs5vNBHI/AAAAAAAALEg/r7JjkYS52kE/IMG_2580_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0lRHpDg2L-0/UHZAtbAi6-I/AAAAAAAALEo/T2tUkhU8I14/s1600-h/IMG_2593%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2593" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="363" alt="IMG_2593" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NeALhXZOVP4/UHZAuGZ5uuI/AAAAAAAALEw/MvOkDZbw3P4/IMG_2593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>2011</em></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And then this year…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0ZR4df3RS2c/UHZAu3czuNI/AAAAAAAALE4/6aCSSg6q_cU/s1600-h/IMG_8341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8341" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="534" alt="IMG_8341" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NrDmLhcThZE/UHZAvcXKp3I/AAAAAAAALFA/PDvTwxPNV2g/IMG_8341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>We made a good ol’ mess (she can help me clean up a little bit now, though!) and just enjoyed one another.  It was a delight to see how Abi’s little heart appreciated tradition at this early age – I love that.  I hope those little things continue to take root in her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PwEPb7J4lHs/UHZAwYP0iQI/AAAAAAAALFI/UgsK29d0iFI/s1600-h/IMG_8339%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8339" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="239" alt="IMG_8339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTerXRe93tXVcdkkAlXz18RSXS6hjzmt15UB5yQULcklSAZ2Zuj1LyEgNQjgbNTLrBrD8igMDlAWRGuiaji-xKNVhIh-t4foku55jgQVDNfzbQDdD43GWHws6IepNAOsatnUEVSLDfHos/?imgmax=800" width="338" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JNXYfi9ZBvk/UHZAx5ylDcI/AAAAAAAALFY/DRkltNTr31A/s1600-h/IMG_8336%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8336" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="234" alt="IMG_8336" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lhVI03uIA-4/UHZAy-4dLkI/AAAAAAAALFg/79PjpFIr_5o/IMG_8336_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>May your falls be delightful and your pumpkin pies oh-so-tasty!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FRDtmcn93mo/UHZAzfsFr4I/AAAAAAAALFo/I1ySETgtAq0/s1600-h/IMG_8354%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8354" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="469" alt="IMG_8354" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pcnSG3Uidoo/UHZA0bFxaNI/AAAAAAAALFw/HBEHtc-vFR0/IMG_8354_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="691" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KTd-cKERj_0/UHZA1jlFJqI/AAAAAAAALF0/vUADlt1Lie0/s1600-h/IMG_8357%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8357" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="233" alt="IMG_8357" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NVaHwH-iZTo/UHZDUkOgxVI/AAAAAAAALGA/D4P0YZFn-yQ/IMG_8357_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-goiiqrjA38k/UHZDWtJG13I/AAAAAAAALGI/FME51oKSkRw/s1600-h/IMG_8360%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8360" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="227" alt="IMG_8360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9TqWcNB8f9E/UHZDXA6Qa7I/AAAAAAAALGQ/5Cm_GoXl_GU/IMG_8360_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(enjoying the fruit of her labor…and Nate didn’t want to miss out…pretty indicative of life around here)</em></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-84135154974292404232012-10-05T10:37:00.001-05:002012-10-05T10:37:47.652-05:00A little happy friday<p> Many years ago, a dear friend told me about a tradition that her family used to do (and she continues to do with her boys) involving ‘Friday Treats.’</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4EzuNIlLSbc/UG7-sozL3oI/AAAAAAAALBQ/hu-ZJKPB1h4/s1600-h/photo%25252811%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo(11)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="511" alt="photo(11)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AQCovC9vUB4/UG7-trR8lbI/AAAAAAAALBY/ISph6ATREwA/photo%25252811%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>(a delicious treat enjoyed with girlfriends…perfect for fall…out of this world pumpkin soufflé)</em></p> <p>Oh goodness, do we love ‘Friday Morning Treats’ in the Wallace household.  This has evolved for us to breakfast (usually) someplace fun.  However, just concentrating on making our Friday(s) special has really made all of us see this day as  unique and we’ve anticipated Fridays with expectation (the good kind!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X4wcMSGsdss/UG7-uYvb-AI/AAAAAAAALBg/XvtKuaCLd3w/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(2)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="521" alt="photo 2(2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MI04_4c4AoE/UG7-vIidrMI/AAAAAAAALBo/o7kIqV-RM6w/photo%2525202%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>(thanks, D for helping keep the tradition alive!)</em></p> <p>With our current lot in life…this also involves D bringing us our Friday morning treat.  Because I’m not quite brave enough to sit in the coffee shop with all three of them.  You’re welcome, Dallas.  (and if I’m honest, I don’t have my act together to get all three of them out the door to head to breakfast – without breakfast being at 10 or some other child-inappropriate hour!)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L9S0w-sZ8D8/UG7-wKA1JSI/AAAAAAAALBw/GmM-fGTCNkk/s1600-h/photo%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 4" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="photo 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j3AHb6pu6BE/UG7-w5pRqeI/AAAAAAAALB4/ISGnvuAZzro/photo%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A6u6gbYyA2U/UG7-xgAZQ0I/AAAAAAAALCA/yIm1rNHNRJQ/s1600-h/photo%2525203%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3(2)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="356" alt="photo 3(2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k30dCRcce6U/UG7-ySVxwCI/AAAAAAAALCI/3FLDs1cBVGA/photo%2525203%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>(their creativity on a friday…a treat in its own right!)</em></p> <p>May your Friday be filled with happiness!</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-46613840902081631602012-10-02T15:21:00.001-05:002012-10-02T15:21:30.963-05:00Sanctification through Motherhood :: Calm & Crazy<p>Welcome to our playroom.  Or you may know it as the nursery.  Lots of things happen in this room.  Lots of crazy.  In fact, the crazy escalated in this room so much that the lovely little dollhouse has since been relocated to Abi & Nate’s room (even though I’m not a fan of toys in bedrooms, this was classified in my mind as a ‘peaceful toy’ and therefore allowed).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xAsi6y8Reg8/UGtMrwI1lKI/AAAAAAAAK_M/iTETj2h9rHk/s1600-h/IMG_7859%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7859" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="476" alt="IMG_7859" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fKpCWz2KrBI/UGtMs3AIIyI/AAAAAAAAK_U/fxevEDEy6oY/IMG_7859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="701" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0vnvAE180hI/UGtMtmumngI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/2ChCbD-6tYw/s1600-h/IMG_7861%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7861" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="476" alt="IMG_7861" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2NVMkveT2Gs/UGtMuuRHsMI/AAAAAAAAK_k/dwv9t6meVYw/IMG_7861_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="695" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Oh goodness, these pictures are so normal.  Crazy.  Misplaced.  Messy.</p> <p>Many-a-day they drive me insane.  And I’m not even the cleanest person in the world…but I just feel unraveled when a room looks like this.  And in our house…rooms look like this pretty quickly these days.</p> <p>But I am reminded that I have been given an amazing gift.  I can tap into the source of eternal peace.  He waits to calm my heart.  His truths are separate, above my circumstances.  He invites me to dwell in peace and contentment despite of the seemingly abundant crazy.</p> <p>He then gently reminds me that I will miss this crazy one day.  The house will soon be neat all the time with no little footsteps thundering down the halls or a crash radiating through the house as a box of toys is dumped out.</p> <p>And then I see this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yztOy3v_UH8/UGtMvhWllnI/AAAAAAAAK_s/KolOygiz898/s1600-h/IMG_7862%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7862" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="483" alt="IMG_7862" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VQL04n6BN5s/UGtMwYTiUjI/AAAAAAAAK_0/KBrHDy6YUvQ/IMG_7862_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ApFCW5P6Ok8/UGtMxOauErI/AAAAAAAAK_8/vy2p9jbYqEc/s1600-h/IMG_7863%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7863" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="IMG_7863" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-53MyKGoQ4fA/UGtMxz2CbyI/AAAAAAAALAE/okZfmCp9kXA/IMG_7863_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="702" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This sweet little being sleeping away.  A calm in the crazy.  A great example to me.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-74880046235040593652012-09-17T16:58:00.001-05:002012-09-17T16:58:48.820-05:00Things that are beautiful to me…<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3J9Enrt17XI/UFec__jjuVI/AAAAAAAAK60/Z2W8re0JO_U/s1600-h/IMG_8097%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8097" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="473" alt="IMG_8097" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xRhusQ6fwdY/UFedApTGyeI/AAAAAAAAK68/GxGxvzKE9l0/IMG_8097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="697" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(sweet Will on his first trip to the lake)</em></p> <p>One of my favorite “non-important” things that I’ve gained from marrying Donald is darn-good appreciation for the band ‘Waterdeep.’  Oh my.  What a goodie.  Soulful / folky (is that a word?  Don’t think so) / poetic – there are so many great things about this band.   The song we danced to at our wedding / what we sing to our kiddos at night / what we listen to in order to both praise and grieve…Waterdeep.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ct28C6QR-zs/UFedBaO_n7I/AAAAAAAAK7E/s3wbeTLoV74/s1600-h/IMG_8138%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8138" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="463" alt="IMG_8138" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nX7d94GGQ3Q/UFedCWQdKOI/AAAAAAAAK7M/W95NR1mPIIE/IMG_8138_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(little Nate admiring a huge moth on the flowers at the arboretum)</em></p> <p>Anyhow…one of the choruses that I find myself singing alot when I am needing beauty / searching for goodness is this:</p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Its just like you to bring beauty to ashes <br />Its just like you, Lord it's just like you</strong></em></p> <p>It reminds me of this…God can make anything beautiful.  It is in His nature, it is His essence.  Beauty.  And can I tell you that in the middle of piles (and piles) of laundry - of feeling like I always smell because of having spit-up on my chest or chasing an 18 month old boy – of never having make-up on except on Sunday mornings :: I need reminders that play in my head that I am still part of something truly beautiful.  The unmade bed / the sink full of dishes / the crazy (funky, as abi calls it) hair…it is part of a beautiful life.  And I struggle to see that at times.  I need reminders.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FJSj5R9jnYw/UFedDPnO7tI/AAAAAAAAK7U/DMDhimGRP-o/s1600-h/photo%2525202%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 2(1)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="427" alt="photo 2(1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SVXgUjIZaGY/UFedESDs6sI/AAAAAAAAK7c/pYSq5YTy6eM/photo%2525202%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-89co0_dSkz4/UFedFOb77mI/AAAAAAAAK7k/g_MmvCiLQdI/s1600-h/photo%2525203%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 3(1)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="425" alt="photo 3(1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P167rPJxF60/UFedFz1v2eI/AAAAAAAAK7s/7XtexjdiMXU/photo%2525203%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(a fantastic dinner party hosted by a delightful friend)</em></p> <p>The other reminder…it is just like the Lord to be about these things.  He is good – He is FOR good things – it is just like him.  I serve a God who wants “bests.”  This is beautiful to me.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-9503854816008832122012-09-12T11:29:00.001-05:002012-09-12T11:29:03.807-05:00Tomato Delight with Slave-Free Tomatoes<p>Rewind to the beginning of the summer – here I sit delighting at the season that begs me to eat BLT after BLT (which I am oh-so-happy to oblige!) and I had no idea that there was about to be a wave of discussion in our home about the little, beautiful tomato.  </p> <p>American Slavery.  What??  Not a history lesson.  But, today, currently, there is a modern-day slave situation in our country surrounding tomatoes.  There are men and women who are treated unjustly as they harvest the millions of pounds of tomatoes that our country consumes.  We were blown away and our hearts were saddened. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c67FuA-azEgpgBYSS9r9zoy8Y4OEz1M39C6yqzH5OxuE2Wudui4hNpxcvezy1fLgDOK8y5HMWwmA49bp4CFIlQu2WpJPDR8yacpyaKzY2K28KYdnU_eFEBakCWJHFZb14m05wVZVaaU/s1600-h/IMG_6799%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6799" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="476" alt="IMG_6799" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YYb_D1LrUyQ/UFC4SN5k5pI/AAAAAAAAK2c/m7txgLVSy5s/IMG_6799_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="695" border="0" /></a></p> <p> <em>(aren’t these beautiful?  When we shopped for our co-op the last time…grown in Texas, no slavery here as far as I know)</em></p> <p>So what to do??!!  These realizations beg for action to be taken on our part.  Thankfully there are great grocers in our area (<a href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values">Whole Foods</a> & <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/about/index.asp">Trader Joe’s</a>) that have made a commitment to only buy tomatoes from responsibly grown sources.  (PS – I’m always grateful when companies do some of the hard work – makes shopping and life a bit easier).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFDDw8-cZQY/UFC4S_SS8DI/AAAAAAAAK2k/HrduN-T_gQ8/s1600-h/IMG_6510%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6510" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="468" alt="IMG_6510" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J_Bui2FkxhI/UFC4TbheCpI/AAAAAAAAK2s/MXnq1iwlcQI/IMG_6510_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>(the best kind of tomato – grown in Donald’s momma’s garden)</em></p> <p>And then there is this – testifying to change and eating.  That is my kind of movement.  IJM has hosted throughout the summer really delicious recipes to encourage and remind us of the situation in Florida. </p> <p>Check it out <a href="http://www.ijm.org/recipe-for-change">here</a>.</p> <p>An <a href="http://donaldangelawallace.blogspot.com/2010/08/abi-diet-roasted-tomato-angel-hair.html">oldie-but-a-goodie</a>.</p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-28955720403500294632012-09-02T21:07:00.001-05:002012-09-02T21:07:25.047-05:00Labor Day :: Mercy Project<p>When I start to her ‘Labor Day’ pop up in conversations in the month of August, my mind usually drifts towards a few ideas…food & hanging out with friends and family / the end of summer / and that D gets a three day weekend = hooray.  Quite honestly, I don’t reflect on the reason that our country even has Labor Day.  I don’t spend much time pondering that there were groups of individuals who fought to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and prevent discrimination.</p> <p>I often fail to really let it soak in that there are so many laws in our country that strive to protect the  vulnerable.  And who are the most vulnerable?  Children.  Unfortunately, this is not the case in Ghana.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jkrchfiLfa4/UEQQv1xghsI/AAAAAAAAK0M/i1FKlRsaX80/s1600-h/mercy%252520project%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="mercy project" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="458" alt="mercy project" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ByQ2lAMtP4/UEQQwiTYBAI/AAAAAAAAK0U/wScEI-wEcfM/mercy%252520project_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Today as we’re celebrating the systems in our own country that strive to prevent injustices like child trafficking <br />and child labor, we’re mindful of the many child slaves around the world who are unprotected and the <br />organizations, like <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a>, who are working to free them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I3DwXPV3VKQ/UEQQxGOBO6I/AAAAAAAAK0c/392ykxD6wTI/s1600-h/mercy%252520project1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="mercy project1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="523" alt="mercy project1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-be29wAhVwxY/UEQQyNWNH-I/AAAAAAAAK0k/36NGWfWAU9w/mercy%252520project1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="715" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>As a momma, it’s completely impossible for me to imagine my children working 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. I’m unable to wrap my brain around the thought of my children engaged in long, hard days of physical labor, eating one meal a day, and then falling asleep at night on a dirt floor filled with other slave children. Yet this is the <br />daily reality for kids who have been trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana, Africa. As with much of <br />Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana. Unfortunately, this leaves many mothers in an unimaginable <br />position: sell their children to someone who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death. Most <br />of the mothers are told their children will be given food, housing, and an education. Instead, the kids are often <br />taken to Lake Volta where they become child slaves and their mothers never see them again. Thankfully, <br />Mercy Project is working to break the cycles of trafficking around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more <br />efficient, sustainable, fishing methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves. Because <br />of the work Mercy Project is doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake <br />Volta.</p> <p>Take a few minutes and watch this video…it both breaks your heart and offers a surge of hope.  And hope is a powerful thing.</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:97199e6f-cf7c-4153-b066-6fd865e7f109" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div id="d47ac008-bdbf-469c-88cb-33808e2e96e2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Dwv5KbMYI" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uWR2bOvqODk/UEQQypqnXvI/AAAAAAAAK0s/91tMpo2IY1o/videoe276d3c393b0%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d47ac008-bdbf-469c-88cb-33808e2e96e2'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"549\" height=\"458\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b4Dwv5KbMYI&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b4Dwv5KbMYI&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"549\" height=\"458\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f81AqLb9cTI/UEQQzumtAcI/AAAAAAAAK00/ocqY1HelTnw/s1600-h/IMG_2479%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2479" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="378" alt="IMG_2479" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mV0gbQPTF8E/UEQQ0W8-VKI/AAAAAAAAK08/8owmU03Rly8/IMG_2479_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="553" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oym2UaVQ3JY/UEQQ1IQS7KI/AAAAAAAAK1E/p_mwOwtpbYU/s1600-h/IMG_2475%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2475" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="629" alt="IMG_2475" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDXR6rpXSeE/UEQQ2Hi_oDI/AAAAAAAAK1M/snS89kVTSV4/IMG_2475_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>hanging out at Nanny & Grandpa’s last labor day</em></p> <p>This Labor Day, I am thankful that these images  are the reality for my children; but I am ever-mindful and pray with fervency for the mommas who, like me, delight in their children and hope for good things for them – and are faced with such a different reality.  Whenever I learn more about the sad realities of this broken world; I am humbled that I must have a response.  I cannot learn these things and expect my life to look the same.  I am thankful for a community to work through these issues with – I really feel that this is where change happens.</p> <p>--</p> <p>To find out more about <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> and what is happening in Ghana please head to their <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">website</a>.</p> <p>Facebook - <a title="https://www.facebook.com/mercyproject" href="https://www.facebook.com/mercyproject">https://www.facebook.com/mercyproject</a></p> <p>Twitter (for those who are cooler than I!) - <a title="https://twitter.com/mercyproject" href="https://twitter.com/mercyproject">https://twitter.com/mercyproject</a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-51186380230587141242012-08-29T16:51:00.001-05:002012-08-29T16:51:45.818-05:00Nate the Great – 18 months<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EA2HTntVjlM/UD6OznAPYiI/AAAAAAAAKwM/blUo_3PX5VE/s1600-h/IMG_7988%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7988" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="IMG_7988" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z8nAvZXA5V8/UD6O0vo02-I/AAAAAAAAKwU/VhnmuiohFfY/IMG_7988_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Oh sweet boy…how are you 18 months?!  OH my goodness.  I truly think that God timed your 18 month birthday and William’s 2 week birthday to be on the same day intentionally.  Such a contrast.  I think I was a bit more reflective since one date shared two milestones in our little family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s1D7F7cexXk/UD6O1PE6MvI/AAAAAAAAKwc/n8X5_JJB-ZM/s1600-h/IMG_8010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8010" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="472" alt="IMG_8010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-27Akm9c3zFA/UD6O1ymstrI/AAAAAAAAKwk/dIrFuoUc1dQ/IMG_8010_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="689" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Nate – you are crazy.  And you are such a little lover.  No one gives hugs like you do (except your daddy, but from all accounts, you are quite a bit like your daddy when he was a little boy!).  You make me want to scream and make me want to cry with joy in about 30 seconds.  I am laughing and then I am begging God for patience.  Your little life is sanctifying me so much right now.  I am being driven to my knees, and while I cry at times while going there, I am so thankful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2fzlc4uErFU/UD6O2kc5hqI/AAAAAAAAKws/XrZhuMxdFwg/s1600-h/IMG_8067%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8067" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="576" alt="IMG_8067" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xUN8LbdIF_0/UD6O3hhc_pI/AAAAAAAAKw0/eTuQFp3oUt0/IMG_8067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>You have my heart in a way that only a little son can grab his momma’s heart.  I have been so delighted by you.  You have a great laugh – you LOVE your sister something fierce – you are learning about timeouts and consequences – you have the stinkin’ cutest lower lip pout I have EVER seen – your eyes mesmerize me – you love to sing – you are learning words – you are so intelligent and understand everything I say (and are often very sneaky pretending you don’t so that you don’t have to obey…we’re working on that too!) – having daddy come home is one of your most favorite things – like a true child of mine…you adore animals – you really enjoy being dirty – have I mentioned that you drive me crazy? – have I mentioned my love for you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mqcYgBF7e7g/UD6O4H_2KSI/AAAAAAAAKw8/UYIE1xzD4B8/s1600-h/IMG_7822%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7822" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="465" alt="IMG_7822" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_B27B0UhuCc/UD6O45tcmWI/AAAAAAAAKxE/NqGN6Mlxu1Q/IMG_7822_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="680" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>My darling Nathanael, we pray great and wonderful things over your life.  I pray that you continue to have a heart that loves easily and strongly, and that your will would be molded to love the things that reflect the heart of God.  You have blessed us richly these past 18 months.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oy9GuWAZCSM/UD6O5sUXT_I/AAAAAAAAKxM/08uMUSWHfGI/s1600-h/IMG_7407%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7407" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="535" alt="IMG_7407" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KwuunosAC2I/UD6O6cwYS0I/AAAAAAAAKxU/5djmWgNn3iM/IMG_7407_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wdI6I4GcqEA/UD6O7L40zXI/AAAAAAAAKxc/IM0CfzCerc0/s1600-h/IMG_7409%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7409" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="501" alt="IMG_7409" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XWElPo-TKJk/UD6O8CpD97I/AAAAAAAAKxk/KRG-GL3NyTQ/IMG_7409_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="729" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-16116683046996181132012-08-18T19:21:00.001-05:002012-08-18T19:21:13.834-05:00A wait well worth it…<p align="center"><em>‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry…’</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Psalm 40</em></p> <p align="center">As soon as we found out the amazing news that we would have another little Wallace in our family, I didn’t put much worth in my end of July due date.  I knew that there would be a wait.  This just seems to be the case with my body and babies.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ottiffv15f4/UC_3HgR6MUI/AAAAAAAAKnE/YWaZWFfOFnM/s1600-h/Photo%252520Aug%25252001%25252C%2525208%25252041%25252012%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Photo Aug 01, 8 41 12 AM" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="465" alt="Photo Aug 01, 8 41 12 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t_Fy3-PfERY/UC_3IZsuMHI/AAAAAAAAKnM/f-WJF3kg9TU/Photo%252520Aug%25252001%25252C%2525208%25252041%25252012%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em>(ohhh, look at that belly!  Not too many days before the wait was over…)</em></p> <p align="center">I anticipated a season of refinement, as the Lord was patient to teach me many lessons through my pregnancy with Nate and I hoped (with holy trepidation too) that this would be the case with my third pregnancy as well.  </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qsdSdVAh_xM/UC_3JYu-A5I/AAAAAAAAKnU/eoVUkBo4MKs/s1600-h/Photo%252520Jul%25252004%25252C%2525206%25252018%25252026%252520PM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Photo Jul 04, 6 18 26 PM" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="256" alt="Photo Jul 04, 6 18 26 PM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IaMZqY91doE/UC_3J51R1UI/AAAAAAAAKnc/q4ZqLyeJ8DA/Photo%252520Jul%25252004%25252C%2525206%25252018%25252026%252520PM_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rD1sA4NjHEA/UC_3K4htTVI/AAAAAAAAKnk/Hn2VTY8LMhg/s1600-h/Photo%252520Jul%25252004%25252C%2525206%25252018%25252056%252520PM%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Photo Jul 04, 6 18 56 PM" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="257" alt="Photo Jul 04, 6 18 56 PM" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_BdRDRS9YZ0XiGZctPvL7amZs0mFiQEy8pN49w3TX5xfGXTVU_LejfSAZv4s8kqLVCAgC3W8QK75kiAZDblm-Asjaa7cdY8CTlGGYZp7YhGII42oMrZKZ42bFCWubq6RPQSYh7FGsg/?imgmax=800" width="328" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em>(waiting while enjoying and being taught the value of living the in the beauty of each day)</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ig9WArGBz8s/UC_3MWVj6yI/AAAAAAAAKn0/BLZNUutwOsQ/s1600-h/IMG_7335%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7335" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="228" alt="IMG_7335" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SovWmDCIPT0/UC_3M9ZR2aI/AAAAAAAAKn8/NHomsT5cBv8/IMG_7335_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JIrJq9Vdyxo/UC_3N74CksI/AAAAAAAAKoE/My9U0Odk8TY/s1600-h/IMG_7338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7338" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="226" alt="IMG_7338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0mC5VeHVsbg/UC_3OsJYZeI/AAAAAAAAKoM/h37jR6NofOU/IMG_7338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em>(waiting while preparing for the little one who would soon be swaddled and snuggled)</em></p> <p align="center"><strong>I waited…for the waiting.</strong></p> <p align="center">And, in the beautiful way of the Lord, His timing unfolded so beautifully.  A date was selected for an induction three days shy of 42 weeks – Donald & I wrestled with having the induction, begging the Lord for His peace – He is faithful and granted peace in so many areas, and our hearts were still and filled with excitement at meeting our son on a Thursday morning.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-30e_V2k8fTs/UC_3P86tEYI/AAAAAAAAKoU/gzuLew83Gmc/s1600-h/Photo%252520Aug%25252008%25252C%2525207%25252034%25252028%252520PM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Photo Aug 08, 7 34 28 PM" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="452" alt="Photo Aug 08, 7 34 28 PM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--skv-2kIHDo/UC_3QwoZR4I/AAAAAAAAKoc/8UwWHi0_3UU/Photo%252520Aug%25252008%25252C%2525207%25252034%25252028%252520PM_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Donald & I out to dinner Wednesday night – we planned on enjoying our last date night for a while…and were also accompanied by contractions!)</p> <p align="center">And my contractions started Wednesday evening.  In the same manner as with Nate.  The Lord had me wait / had me place my faith in His perfect plan daily / He showed me the joy that comes with depending on Jesus.</p> <p align="center"><em>He put a new song in my mouth; a hymn of praise to our God.</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Psalm 40</em></p> <p align="left">And our beautiful wait ended just five hours later with the arrival of our son, William!  He is amazing – we all are quite in love with his “little/big” self.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rrk7nKBRA-E/UDAxbNhg7CI/AAAAAAAAKpc/XqpIIZx92Zg/s1600-h/IMG_7551%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7551" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="474" alt="IMG_7551" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PEKFAMnw_Eo/UDAxb2_jJyI/AAAAAAAAKpk/gy2tcPN2G2o/IMG_7551_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="689" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">And one week later…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l8phLHzPmjI/UDAxc_D1IlI/AAAAAAAAKps/uEI0afyCyjI/s1600-h/IMG_7855%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7855" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="597" alt="IMG_7855" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5b-B_0BgQLI/UDAxeGj20yI/AAAAAAAAKp0/VM2SEmtMdxM/IMG_7855_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9127808233560559710.post-27592865259881124642012-08-01T15:58:00.001-05:002012-08-01T15:58:53.871-05:00Something simple…yet helpful<p>I really do love to cook – however the heat / huge preggo belly / little hands needing things during the ‘cooking hour’ has led our family to lots more Mi Cocina pick-ups.  Bless those fajitas.</p> <p>However, I was convicted by the cost/lack of control in how the ingredients were sourced/some of my own laziness (yes, I do realize that I’m uber pregnant – but I can still be lazy too!) and I am really trying to fix more meals in the wallace family kitchen.</p> <p>Do you know what revolutionized this event actually occurring?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zgizFShZOD0/UBmYdP4KYkI/AAAAAAAAKlA/JVCmiTcFESc/s1600-h/IMG_7313%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7313" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="446" alt="IMG_7313" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AcHNBRztXuY/UBmYd493KAI/AAAAAAAAKlI/mBij8zPdjH0/IMG_7313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>well, not that…although that sure does help!!  I will also bless you, 1/2 caff americano with cream!</p> <p>But, THIS!  Prepping ingredients during naps.  I’m sure that most people already know this little trick – it does seem pretty obvious – BUT, I had always equated nap time prep with making something in the crock pot (which doesn’t always jive with my palate/cravings in the summer) – but this has really, REALLY helped me! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FLGP8K90zkw/UBmYeq_wkUI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/_Ak4SbYWEZk/s1600-h/IMG_7314%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7314" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="556" alt="IMG_7314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CF5r-1hSv_o/UBmYfPOQMHI/AAAAAAAAKlY/jvWFWmYGK1s/IMG_7314_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xgDFdLPELaQ/UBmYgMwzJ8I/AAAAAAAAKlg/CZBeQuDhKao/s1600-h/IMG_7315%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7315" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="437" alt="IMG_7315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kjApw_sJHLw/UBmYgsrhT_I/AAAAAAAAKlo/dpUBuN1dwhI/IMG_7315_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="639" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Just to pass on a little helpful hint – from my sporadic/not always with it brain!</p> <p>Oh, how I love him and his messy little face…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oUwAiPiHyRQ/UBmYhThiPBI/AAAAAAAAKlw/VFWYD31BJ0c/s1600-h/IMG_7308%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7308" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="427" alt="IMG_7308" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIacuyEhoIE/UBmYiN4W49I/AAAAAAAAKl4/sDgd_enR6l4/IMG_7308_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xIpyCJJvjzM/UBmYitYHmaI/AAAAAAAAKmA/J0Dpo9KClQM/s1600-h/IMG_7332%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7332" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="436" alt="IMG_7332" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WCsib43KFsA/UBmYjeUOnoI/AAAAAAAAKmI/NaM--Ph7NxA/IMG_7332_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="632" border="0" /></a></p> Donald and Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16368497118270131318noreply@blogger.com0