tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26543151707776281382024-03-21T08:59:22.469-07:00Pur et SimpleCarol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.comBlogger787125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-20568928437459553682018-12-05T15:38:00.005-08:002018-12-05T15:38:47.612-08:00So this happened.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a birthday... in October.</div>
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Birthday celebrations are special and I am thankful that it brought us together to celebrate. I really feel like this photo is just like a classic snapshot in time. Not because we are all miraculously looking and smiling at the camera (which we are!), but because of the people in it.<br />
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I really am so blessed that my dad, my mom, and Bill are still alive, and healthy, and able to travel.<br />
I am thankful that family is a priority to my adult children. I know their schedules needed to be tweaked in order to be here. All the grandkids (all 9) are together. Currently they live in three different states so having them all together is extra special (and rare.)<br />
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We have been working for the last two years on a dream, which has come to fruition!<br />
Talking Crow Coffee Roasters is now open! Between that and homeschooling and running our home, I'm stretched pretty thin and will likely only blog here periodically. The truth is the longer the time goes between posts, the harder it is to post at all. (Sorry Mom and Dad)<br />
I really don't like to post without a photo, and lately the only photos on my memory cards are of coffee product. (imagine that.) I do take photos of the kids with my phone and post them on Instagram. It tends to be a quick way to capture a moment in time. What doesn't go with that is much of any deep pondered thought, but for now that's what is working for me because currently, I don't have time to figure out how to put into words what's on my mind. ( I do hope this doesn't sound like whining! You never know how things come across. I'm not, I'm just trying to explain my absence. 😊)<br />
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So basically, don't hold your breathe, but I might shock you from time to time.<br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-17842545848235286782018-10-09T20:59:00.003-07:002018-10-09T20:59:52.821-07:00Maryhill Fall Ride 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey, Hey...</div>
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This was the last skate race of this year (at least that we'll attend.) The group that puts on the race, Maryhill Ratz, hired Hannah to take photos. This was such an encouragement to her. </div>
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Caleb was able to join us from Portland. I will take every and any opportunity to see and hug him.<br />
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Maryhill is often windy so we thought it would be fun to bring bubbles along.<br />
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All Ellie had to do was hold the wand out. The skaters loved it, and it makes for some fun shots too.<br />
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My favorite skater!<br />
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Soon, I won't be able to say that because several of the kids hope to join him next year.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We've been going to these events for about 3 years. I have to be honest, our first event wasn't quite characterized as "family friendly". It can be a rough crowd - colorful language, smoking cigarettes and pot, and drinking. Not the best example for the kids. But it's kind of to be expected. A lot of these people come from broken homes and broken lives and they don't know Christ. We've had lots of good discussions about that with the kids. </span><br />
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We want to be the light. Sometimes it's the things we say, sometimes the things we do, and sometimes the things we don't say and do that make our testimony.<br />
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I think it must be working. There is one other family that has two young daughters who skate and luge, and the organizers are trying to make it a bit more family friendly. They created an area they call the "Ratz Nest" and provided a drift trike, a gravity bike, a luge and this tiny clown bike that they were free to use on this straight/level part of the road. I feel like maybe they've noticed we roll and little differently. (ha ha a pun.) </div>
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This area is right where we park so I can sit on the hood of the car and watch the kids have fun. While I love hiking up the hill to take photos - it has its challenges. There are no bathrooms, it can be super windy and cold or super hot and we are up there for a while since each run takes about 30 minutes.<br />
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I enjoy watching the skaters. Some of the corners are pretty dicey and their skills are really impressive. Plus it stretches me to keep learning and trying new things with my camera.<br />
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But I know it can be a long day for the little ones. They REALLY enjoyed this!<br />
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Hannah always wears fairy wings to these events. It started with her wanting to wear something that would stand out so that Eric could spot her when he skated by. Now, she is known as "that skate fairy" (@thatskatefairy on Instagram)<br />
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and then there is Jasper, the skate dog.<br />
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This time around I think the kids had a little more fun than Eric did. Even though, from what I could see, he had some great runs, he fell a few times. Thankfully, he didn't get hurt. One time his wheels caught on another guys' wheels. The first guy fell, and Eric went over the top of him. I'm glad I didn't see that! <br />
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Another time his wheels scrubbed out and he took it in a corner.<br />
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On his last run, his board caught a bad part of the pavement and he flew into the hillside that is mostly rock. So glad that full-face helmets do their job. But as the saying goes, "1 and done". He needs a new helmet.<br />
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His leathers got a bit scraped up too, but I guess you can't very well take this hill and not have a scrape or two.<br />
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Keep in mind, he is going about 40 mph - sometimes 50 if there is a tail wind. <br />
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With skateboarding now being an Olympic sport, I bet Maryhill Loops Road will become quite popular. We feel pretty fortunate it's just a four-hour drive for us. <br />
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See ya next summer, Mary.<br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-83230879773393190942018-09-06T21:09:00.000-07:002018-09-06T21:09:06.754-07:00Summer day trip to Eberg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some dear friends own a family farm in Ellensburg. It had been far too long since we have gotten together with them. Despite being super busy (her with their business of goat milk skin car products, us with all our coffee and Hannah's therapy stuff ) we both agreed we needed to carve out some time for a visit. </div>
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Ellensburg is just about a three hour drive. Guess what? When we arrived we were greeted by three brand new baby goats. Born just before we arrived. Oh, they are just so cute. </div>
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Ellie found a friend, or rather he found her. Bub loved Ellie.<br />
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I only took these photos, but the kids had fun swimming in the pool and visiting with each other too. For lunch, we had a delicious zucchini salad loaded with fresh veggies (all farm fresh, of course) with focaccia bread. (gluten free, but you would never know it!)<br />
Every time we visit, the day always passes much too quickly. There is just so much to catch up on (and we never do!)<br />
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We all wished we could have stayed longer, but we are hopeful for one more visit before Hannah's fall quarter begins. (and our life will get even a little crazier!)<br />
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If you are looking for all natural skin care products give them a look-see <a href="https://andersonfamilyfarm1979.com/">AndersonFamilyFarm1979.com</a><br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-37257301706532488402018-09-05T19:00:00.000-07:002018-09-05T19:00:01.860-07:00Summer day trip - Kingston beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's said that summer doesn't start here in Washington until July 5th. I actually heard a weather expert explain why this is true. Suffice it to say, that when the weather warms up and the sun does shine I get a little antsy to enjoy the beach. </div>
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We have a favorite beach for several reasons: no crowds, lots of good beachcombing, and a fun ferry ride.<br />
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We asked a friend to join us too.<br />
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A coffee stand just a few feet from the ferry exit beckoned me, and I couldn't refuse.<br />
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Wild sweet peas were so fragrant and with the smell of the salt air it was almost intoxicating.<br />
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My new found hobby... look for shadows to photograph.</div>
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Like a million little diamonds. The sea is so beautiful.<br />
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A sure sign of summer...sandy toes.<br />
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Souveniers</div>
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Until next summer, Kingston Beach. With loving affection.<br />
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- CarolCarol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-49007160667606943552018-09-04T19:20:00.000-07:002018-09-04T19:20:01.285-07:00Summer day trip - Snohomish river <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most people think it only rains in Washington. We certainly get a lot of that, but we do have glorious summers. This summer we experienced some super hot weather for weeks at a time. To get some relief, one day we hit the river with some friends. </div>
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My friend is sweet to bring life jackets for the kids. The kids have had swimming lessons, but are not good swimmers due to lack of opportunity to practice, but they practiced what they remembered. 😀<br />
"Mama, LOOK!". "Mama, watch meee!"<br />
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I think due to the extended heat the water level was low. (which makes it not so scary for me - scary because I only have two eyes to keep watch on five kids.)<br />
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Sadly, I forgot to get pictures of all the kids together. I thought of that after we left. </div>
<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-31015913149319497592018-09-03T23:23:00.000-07:002018-09-03T23:23:00.392-07:00Abbie's first race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey, Hey look who skated her first race! </div>
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This was a local push (not downhill) race around Lake Tye. Two times around the lake is a 5k. This gromm group only had to go around once, but that's a long way for little legs. </div>
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Believe it or not, Abbie was not the youngest skater.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5xKwKbqurlfutovUpthHSVD4J0aa1YlGbJMhKv3twfLQ278FbHzWTX3kse3ASjdIcmyCkB0KL1DMjkgI45ax0PDJLWifjHdW3rR1qDMMVSjoJPFilqs9039FeQSyjl6vztCDsS4-jrtC/s1600/0701181438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5xKwKbqurlfutovUpthHSVD4J0aa1YlGbJMhKv3twfLQ278FbHzWTX3kse3ASjdIcmyCkB0KL1DMjkgI45ax0PDJLWifjHdW3rR1qDMMVSjoJPFilqs9039FeQSyjl6vztCDsS4-jrtC/s640/0701181438.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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There was another skater in her class. Even though Abbie didn't win, she learned some lessons about perseverance, disappointment, conquering fear, and hard work so in my book it was a win! I'm so proud of my girl.<br />
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So thankful for opportunities that develop character and for time well spent with Dad.<br />
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The rest of us watched, cheered, and took photos. 😊<br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-4887685758038133092018-09-02T20:53:00.000-07:002018-09-02T20:53:25.480-07:0030 years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August 27th marked our 30th wedding anniversary.</div>
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30 years! </div>
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I feel like I can say with all honesty that we've experienced the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Marriage is hard work. It's also sanctifying. It requires the hard things of ourselves like being honest with one another and by that I also mean transparent and vulnerable. A willingness to be humble - willing to admit when you are wrong, willing to make the first move towards reconciling a difference. It requires selflessness - a willingness to put the other one first - their needs or even simple preferences. I'll be frank - even after 30 years, this must still be intentional. Eric does a much better job of this than I do. I can honestly say that he loves me as Christ loved the church. I am so thankful for him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW2MlXKSVYzqriVVH9SZkr1kvaUOUrEvYuOBfNOtiNjo52mQM4bQTMbd2GwaEqFhso3dnPk7VrhkKzhKL9fbT7ziR6C6n8EOx55taE6mcC6-PZljNTEPYw-ae17N9D4aB3hG3JrgT3BRp/s1600/0826180941a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW2MlXKSVYzqriVVH9SZkr1kvaUOUrEvYuOBfNOtiNjo52mQM4bQTMbd2GwaEqFhso3dnPk7VrhkKzhKL9fbT7ziR6C6n8EOx55taE6mcC6-PZljNTEPYw-ae17N9D4aB3hG3JrgT3BRp/s640/0826180941a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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We were recently able to get away for a couple of days. We had dreams of going away somewhere extra special (Paris? Hawaii? ) but the Lord had other plans for us this year. Honestly, I was just thankful we could still get away for a bit. We chose our favorite inn on Whidbey Island.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M2DoaBD1fcnOzg5ip5r5vSrKH3RiHHgbamnhDlTPYelQLbaxFOl72t6GUqsQ3gbObHuNJk_nyYV-9Ka1QPyEw2q-uIREMLddcOzvy2W4gGuG6Q7G7g1SgaZtK2JZ9etJYGEjZuzpRBDX/s1600/0826181056a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M2DoaBD1fcnOzg5ip5r5vSrKH3RiHHgbamnhDlTPYelQLbaxFOl72t6GUqsQ3gbObHuNJk_nyYV-9Ka1QPyEw2q-uIREMLddcOzvy2W4gGuG6Q7G7g1SgaZtK2JZ9etJYGEjZuzpRBDX/s640/0826181056a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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While in the ferry line, we hopped out of our car and grabbed some "chowdah" from Ivar's to eat while on the ferry. <br />
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After having hot smokey days all week, the weather took a turn for cool. Only about 60 with light rain. We didn't mind though, because we had had so much smoke in the air from the fires in California and Canada. In fact, they said the air quality was comparable to smoking 7 packs of cigarettes, they also said it was worse than Beijing. (in other words...NASTY!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wgfjaFtcUforRQGiqeK08tIW409_0_6TdLZYRFKrIKMc-o0zPSJw6qJKBM8sp8eRVFcE1n6-sW5ET8DFqW-FcXLY6lJtYrmT3_fR8PYavge7dlLwZexVo8PJdTeSmzXtjeAku1338JT7/s1600/0826181437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wgfjaFtcUforRQGiqeK08tIW409_0_6TdLZYRFKrIKMc-o0zPSJw6qJKBM8sp8eRVFcE1n6-sW5ET8DFqW-FcXLY6lJtYrmT3_fR8PYavge7dlLwZexVo8PJdTeSmzXtjeAku1338JT7/s640/0826181437.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gvaWq8qV7lPTefELwy54imHVcv8b638akyU1gfUPzJh52qBliCA0N-QLqFxg7mB7nvxwEHF2SyeVb2AoDDPm4HSAHA6SoiZwyr8R0ZTQqGXpx4jJQjguV_tW6cMYEUPY5jV5LOoKiSHN/s1600/0826181952a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gvaWq8qV7lPTefELwy54imHVcv8b638akyU1gfUPzJh52qBliCA0N-QLqFxg7mB7nvxwEHF2SyeVb2AoDDPm4HSAHA6SoiZwyr8R0ZTQqGXpx4jJQjguV_tW6cMYEUPY5jV5LOoKiSHN/s640/0826181952a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We sat out on this lovely porch and drank coffee and chatted, and watched the local wildlife.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5s1hBUWXt058Nhpgkp5mosqiuBm0mNFfgK_dVj5Xzmq1c7jvaB95xENM9HYIWHB0uxUKRSxNthj8B6cJxotXF5vHtwyf4T0BiyB7sMHCvbm7Aud3obYIeto7iCuj2Dwyq81vwSAzGjh4/s1600/0826181636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5s1hBUWXt058Nhpgkp5mosqiuBm0mNFfgK_dVj5Xzmq1c7jvaB95xENM9HYIWHB0uxUKRSxNthj8B6cJxotXF5vHtwyf4T0BiyB7sMHCvbm7Aud3obYIeto7iCuj2Dwyq81vwSAzGjh4/s640/0826181636.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4miZUTKsWT5f08_aqwvd06_fJGPizLxD0hTKmkK_binHoBXMI1mjkO_4GPTSJLIdjmRiIYqgaUToRTrgaL67S_s8W9YCc56Gr7b6UvUicahCHWkk3obyy0wndCIRRL9f3u1S9i8lE-5M/s1600/0826181634b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4miZUTKsWT5f08_aqwvd06_fJGPizLxD0hTKmkK_binHoBXMI1mjkO_4GPTSJLIdjmRiIYqgaUToRTrgaL67S_s8W9YCc56Gr7b6UvUicahCHWkk3obyy0wndCIRRL9f3u1S9i8lE-5M/s640/0826181634b.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tf_4yC4gEPNpi0VAIfJucuNLUy4-oQqsaV7Hpk1aCxa5rHDtjKhg3rMK3vhAhw9CItXDDZnNz7iFy5oYxXlE9RgodaZ2Q-2G6_49kHkLeh4hXrs3ONOxLdbO3kcBM1_HPRXaKHNxfO0_/s1600/0826181636_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tf_4yC4gEPNpi0VAIfJucuNLUy4-oQqsaV7Hpk1aCxa5rHDtjKhg3rMK3vhAhw9CItXDDZnNz7iFy5oYxXlE9RgodaZ2Q-2G6_49kHkLeh4hXrs3ONOxLdbO3kcBM1_HPRXaKHNxfO0_/s640/0826181636_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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We walked in the rain and held hands and looked in all the cute shops. Eric loves a good antique shop like I do. It's fun to find treasures. We found a few. We bought a vintage coffee can with pictures of people harvesting the coffee cherries, and a book trilogy of Flavious Josephus's works presented by an author from the late 1800s!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a6iz5rjvtsNxkAvoduSIWhRORVZXkjdfOpWKxmw4epOGafHgfqMtbnVcHHmJ9WrhB-H5vd45NGy16Avmvxpchq93OUGp_LcNCSHy59Cj8dHBceT3kP05UpMfQO-KNcWLLXpbJ5s4uQUY/s1600/0826181820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a6iz5rjvtsNxkAvoduSIWhRORVZXkjdfOpWKxmw4epOGafHgfqMtbnVcHHmJ9WrhB-H5vd45NGy16Avmvxpchq93OUGp_LcNCSHy59Cj8dHBceT3kP05UpMfQO-KNcWLLXpbJ5s4uQUY/s640/0826181820.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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We even found a very large heart rock. (not for sale 😉)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8reNlTskeWx4CM8m5ezDfSra_2ORDDAZkwT3eUtnc4RTBdxjHrlspsNjHHm1KxxKRJW4M4JWM-hilHpcgkBohl11l6T-9-vpTQQOPWikAzuUvtFsnXovFrclmr0UnOdY1iijlRm22-LI0/s1600/0826181958a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8reNlTskeWx4CM8m5ezDfSra_2ORDDAZkwT3eUtnc4RTBdxjHrlspsNjHHm1KxxKRJW4M4JWM-hilHpcgkBohl11l6T-9-vpTQQOPWikAzuUvtFsnXovFrclmr0UnOdY1iijlRm22-LI0/s640/0826181958a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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and another heart stamped into the cement sidewalk. 😍<br />
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and we sampled our favorite dark chocolate treats. </div>
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I have a thing for shadows. Not only do I just find them so fun and interesting, but to me they have a deeper meaning. There is a song by my favorite music group called "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine". This has been a difficult year. Not just the accident itself, but the healing process too - (LOTS of doctor's appointments - good days and hard days) and then also all the hiccups that we've encountered with starting the business. Sometimes it can feel like God is absent or not hearing our prayers, but the shadows prove He is there. You can't very well have a shadow if the sun isn't there. He is using the accident and other things (shadows) to grow my faith as I watch Him direct our path. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOV-ClmCyG7u_267iX-xw9FxyujPyhOAOFu8-vtu3hVxzN_qZXgGbZ50T6gr7GQIZzzJ4uYuUYJ9qXwmXDGsK0DGA3WqUBv2tCjCCQ3sPtsK_TTU86JjhvA9i9i3Y6RK8G2SqewAc_3Cn/s1600/0827181259_HDR%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOV-ClmCyG7u_267iX-xw9FxyujPyhOAOFu8-vtu3hVxzN_qZXgGbZ50T6gr7GQIZzzJ4uYuUYJ9qXwmXDGsK0DGA3WqUBv2tCjCCQ3sPtsK_TTU86JjhvA9i9i3Y6RK8G2SqewAc_3Cn/s640/0827181259_HDR%255B1%255D.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Our actual anniversary night we ate at Salt Water Fish House. Eric ordered some oysters on a half shell. It was my first time ever having them. They aren't my favorite, but they are his. 😛 While we waited for our dinner (fish tacos for me and crab cakes for him) we made up phrases from magnetic words they had on a wall next to us. Considering the selection, I thought I did pretty good.<br />
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When we first decided that we would go to "our" inn, we thought we would try kayaking one of the days, but then the weather was cold so we figured we'd have to wait until a different time all together, but it warmed up! So around 9 am on our last day we walked to the kayak rentals. The water was as smooth as glass. A sea lion bumped our kayak and every now and again he would poke his head up nearby us. We just hugged the coast line to play it safe since this was the first kayaking experience for both of us. It was so much fun!<br />
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That brown building on the top with the three peaks is where we stayed...Saratoga Inn<br />
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We hit Mukilteo Coffee Roasters Cafe before catching the ferry home. Great burgers (and burger wraps) and coffee. It was a business meeting of sorts. We discussed all that is left to do and tried to prioritized that list. We're getting closer!<br />
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When we ride on the ferry, we often go up on deck for the sailing, but this time they had our car on the ramp, and even though the tires were chocked, it felt a <strike>little</strike> lot precarious so we opted to enjoy our ride in the car. Still, though, we had a front row seat. <br />
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We were greeted with a sweet homecoming message from the kids.<br />
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God is so good - So good to bring us together, so good to keep us together. I am just so thankful to the Lord and His grace on us.Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-78304447707433070032018-07-18T23:48:00.000-07:002018-07-18T23:48:04.308-07:00Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We always said we'd never have a cat. Well, you know what they say about never saying never. We have a kitten and we named him jack. </div>
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Eric has had bad experiences with cats, and I'm allergic to them, but we found a mouse in the house! 😱 I realize we live in the country, but we are NOT having any of that!<br />
A friend from church had three kittens that needed homes. When I told Eric (and showed him the pictures of those adorable fluff balls.) he said we should get one. Knowing that cats are not his favorite (and that's a mild way to say it.) and also knowing that he probably wasn't going to make this offer again...we acted on it. <br />
We went as a family to "meet the kitties" and see which personality might be a good fit for us. We chose Jack, but couldn't take him home that night.<br />
The night we picked him up we put him in a little card board box in Mary's lap, but just a little way down the road we took him out of the box and put Jack in Mary's lap where he promptly feel asleep. <br />
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He is so adorably cute. So far he hasn't played favorites, but seems to love us all - as much as we love him.<br />
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My favorite thing about him is that he falls asleep on his back and loves tummy rubs. <br />
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He's 10 weeks old now and getting friskier than ever. He darts across the room in attack mode. Jack-Attack! (Sadly, this terrifies Mary.)<br />
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He's growing so fast! For now our plan is for him to be just an inside kitty. He's safer inside.<br />
<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-38253022630106818542018-07-14T22:36:00.000-07:002018-07-14T23:34:25.759-07:00Life LatelyI have had this post in my drafts for a while. Trouble with our internet meant slow loading photos so I'd write a little here and there. Then I realized that I had a lot of photos so I considered making separate posts for each, but this honestly isn't the season for blogging for me so bear with the extra long post, okay?<br />
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When my dad and brother were here we took them to Narrative. It's our favorite coffee house.<br />
We love to take our company there. We feel like it lets them into our lives. That may sound weird, but with specialty coffee such a big part of our lives - and a coffee house that's so enjoyable to be at, it's just a perfect thing to do. Sort of like "When in Rome...."<br />
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They really enjoyed the relaxed vibe there. Narrative always have some sort of great music playing (at just the right volume too.) While sitting on a comfy couch, I decided to take some pictures of what I had in view.<br />
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Ellie brought her sketch book and her new MP3 player.<br />
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a Converse convention</div>
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I don't remember the drink that Roger tried. It was a cold drink that had "sea glass" in the name. How could you go wrong with that? 😉 Dad tried his first pour-over. 👌<br />
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Hannah took this shot and I put it in black and white. It's my favorite!<br />
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It rained so much for the week they were here. Life has been pretty crazy lately. We still have only one car making life more complicated and requiring more of me. Hannah is still recovering so we have good days and bad days and tired days and crabby days (and that goes for everyone.) I am thankful that family is willing to do "whatever". They didn't come with expectations other than spending time together.<br />
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. . . . . . . .<br />
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Father's Day<br />
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A day to let our very special man know how much we love him and appreciate all that he does for us. He bears so many burdens and responsibilities on our behalf, but he does it with with joy and love, and we are so thankful for him. Also - he's fun and an inspiration.<br />
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Age is only a state of mind.<br />
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Twice around the lake is a 5K. From the start, Mary took the easy way. Easy for HER.<br />
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How I adore this man.<br />
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That day was beautiful and sunny and nearly 80 degrees. Not even all the way around the lake and they took cover in the shade. These Washingtonians melt when it gets above 73 degrees!<br />
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Sarah is back living in Washington and she was able to join us too.<br />
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Abbie was practicing for an upcoming race.<br />
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learning to foot brake.<br />
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She got it!<br />
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A nature walk in the park with friends - (Lord's Hill Regional Park)</div>
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It had been a long while since we had last gotten together. My children always look forward to seeing them. And I enjoy any opportunity to take my camera along. 😊<br />
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This particular park has so many trails, but with some little legs in the crowd we decided to keep the "hike" short (about 2 miles.)<br />
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This outing was just what we needed in the midst of still trying finish up some school and every spare moment working on the coffee roastery. (which is really coming along nicely and also why I don't have time to blog!) </div>
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All the gravity sports</div>
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We found a little known-little traveled road by our home. The pavement isn't smooth, but it's a safe place to practice. Daniel has been building a gravity bike with Eric in hopes to go down Maryhill next year with it.<br />
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We have two trips planned to Maryhill later this summer. One is a sanctioned race and the other is a free ride. The free rides are put on by a group of people that we've built a bit of "community" with. They were quick to let us know they heard of Hannah's accident and wished her quick healing. They supported us by purchasing a lot of "That Skate Fairy" vinyl stickers.<br />
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Have you seen The Greatest Showman? I feel like skaters are sort of like the "curiosities" in the movie. They are tatted and rough on the outside, but they each have a story. A great many people have prejudices against skaters. They are thought of punks or rebels - some are, some aren't.<br />
They all need a chance to see the love of Christ. They need a chance to hear of Christ and what He has accomplished for them.<br />
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So we go. We build relationships. We pray we are salt and light.<br />
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I will end this post here and continue soon. (soon is a relative term, right?)<br />
- Carol<br />
<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-59959665212533633142018-07-02T17:53:00.001-07:002018-07-02T17:53:35.633-07:00Ellie's birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a bit late in posting this, but Ellie recently celebrated a birthday. She turned 12. It was an extra special celebration because my dad and brother happened to be visiting from Colorado too. Annnnd Caleb was able to come up. </div>
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This age is fun because she is still silly and uninhibited about that, and yet can be more serious and responsible as well. </div>
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Her birthday was on a Sunday, which makes celebrating a bit more complicated since our church activities take up a big chunk of the day. We decided to celebrate on Saturday (but left the actual gifts and birthday dinner for her actual day.)<br />
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Originally she wanted to go to the Seattle Aquarium, but the city of Seattle has TONS of street construction currently. We decided that hours in the car sitting in traffic was not going to be fun for anyone so we made a plan B. It was a bit of a "progressive event". A visit to the local pet store to check out all the fish, turtles, snakes, geckos, love birds, bunnies, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and chicks was fun. <br />
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After that, we went to the Reptile Zoo. This is one of Ellie's favorite places to go. Give her all the snakes! It happened to be feeding time for many which made it interesting. 😱<br />
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I have to say that she was so excited for this birthday. She literally had a count down going for at least a month or longer. </div>
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Not all the gift shots were good ones, but I did catch a few.</div>
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Fun chicken socks brought big smiles.</div>
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This particular cross stitch was given to her by her Grammy in Connecticut. It was made by her great great grandmother. How neat is that? It's perfect for my chicken-loving girl. </div>
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you might recall from a few posts back (no, maybe you don't remember since my blogging is so sporadic 😜) that Ellie is taking up luging. In order to skate or luge at Maryhill a full-face helmet is required. </div>
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We are all about safety. </div>
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My brother even gave her luge a try. He ALWAYS adds fun to everything. <br />
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Her choice of birthday dinner was hamburgers, potato chips, and watermelon.<br />
Ellie isn't big on cake or pie. Banana splits are her jam. Bananas, vanilla ice cream, homemade hot fudge sauce and whip. (I'll put the recipe for the hot fudge below for you.)<br />
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It was a fun day, but not so much for what we did, but who we did it with. (Of course, for Ellie it was both!) I appreciate that the older boys try their best to be here.</div>
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We don't often have extended family to celebrate with us. That really made it special for Ellie.</div>
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She is such a joy and her unique personality is beginning to really emerge. She's imaginative and loves to draw and write stories. With Hannah's accident and her having to take the "side lines" while recovering, I see Ellie stepping up to do more. She has such a happy heart to serve. I think sometimes they just need the opportunity to see themselves as an important and integral part of the "team". <br />
<br />
My biggest prayer for her in this next year of life is that she would draw closer to the Lord and make that her own personal priority. That her faith would be her own and not just what's taught in our home.<br />
<br />
- Carol<br />
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. . . . . . .<br />
<br />
Hot Fudge Sauce<br />
4 oz. or about 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips<br />
2 Tbsp. butter<br />
1 can sweetened condensed milk. (I used 1 can coconut cream from Trader Joe's.)<br />
<br />
Melt the chocolate chips and butter together on low heat. Add the canned milk and stir until combined and thickened. <br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-72674267857727598242018-05-26T23:30:00.000-07:002018-05-26T23:30:20.567-07:00My people and me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">"Mother's Day is less about being deeply loved and appreciated—</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> and more about appreciating that we get to deeply love these people."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Ann Voskamp</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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. . . . . . . </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I really like this quote by Ann
Voskamp. As a young mother, I had the attitude of entitlement. I
was the mom, after all. I worked all the time, cooking, cleaning,
washing, changing diapers, on repeat. True, that can be tiring and
unappreciated, but, you know what I have come to realize over the years is that
while I suppose it could be considered my "duty" - I really think it
so much more my privilege! </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to serve my family and be a blessing to them. What better
way to show the love of Christ than to serve just as He did - quietly, without
expecting accolades and recognition. Just because I love them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want my husband and children to feel special. I know how
special I feel when kindnesses are done to me. Which brings me to this
year's Mother's Day. They asked me what I wanted to do. It was
sunny and warm so of course, I always think to head to a beach to enjoy the
salty air, the sea breezes, the eye candy of the water, and enjoy a treat of
ice cream or coffee or something. </span> <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We took the ferry over to Whidbey Island and headed to Langley. It's one of my favorite sleepy seaside towns. The ferry line was long, (and worse heading home 😬) But once there, it's such fun to walk around this quaint town.<br />
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Sweet Mona's is a chocolate shop, but they sell Gelato and coffee as well. Absolutely can't go wrong stopping in there!<br />
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One of my favorite things to do is beachcomb for sea glass and shells. Sadly, the tide was coming in.<br />
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This made me smile. Not just the shell "booth", but a for reals pay phone. In this modern day of cell phones, you just don't see this anymore. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">White picket fences with fragrant flowers and white lights... be
still my beating heart. What is it about these things that just bring
such joy to me. It's so welcoming and friendly. (and inspiring.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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No seashells or beach glass, but still Abbie found a treasure for me. 💜<br />
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Dan's idea.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not to be outdone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and there were bunnies everywhere. That made the girls giggle with glee trying to get close with the hopes to try to pet one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The gift of their time is absolutely the best kind of gift they
could give me. I am well aware of these fleeting days and how things can change
in an instant. I am so blessed and so thankful for my people!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-88320851260439482442018-05-19T20:34:00.001-07:002018-05-19T22:36:39.781-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This ol' blog is collecting quite a bit of dust. I don't really mean for it to, it's just we have a lot going on that requires me elsewhere - mostly mentally. </div>
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But how could I not pay a little tribute to our third-born who just (ahem, in April) turned 22?</div>
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He was able to take the week off from work and head to Portland for some much-needed bro-time.<br />
After that he headed up to the north end of Washington to spend some time with an old buddy that he doesn't get to see too often. All in all, I think the break away from work and the usual responsibilities of home life, along with time to process the first few months of this year was a real gift to himself.<br />
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We missed him, but he planned his schedule perfectly because he was back home on the day of his birthday!<br />
According to Matt, pumpkin pie is completely acceptable in April. 😉 It's his favorite so why not?<br />
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I'm really proud of Matt. He has earned many awards at work for excellence. He has put his all into his job performance and it shows to the outside looking world. I am thankful for his work ethic. Not because I am a bragging parent. I just really like who he has become.<br />
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He isn't one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but I know he is a thinker. He has strong convictions, that don't always go along the popular path. But, he has thought them through and he stands behind them. I appreciate that. He would be a good debater. (not an arguer, but rather just one to present a position and back it up thoughtfully.) While he isn't quiet, he is an <b>E</b>NFJ (Extroverted - Intuitive - Feeling - Judging) after all, but he does keep his thoughts and emotions to himself, and drawing him out takes time and patience. I am always so thankful for those times when he is willing to let me in and see things from where he stands - from his side of the world.<br />
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I know our time with him at home is limited. Soon he'll be off on his own, and that is good and as it should be, but why does it pull on my heart strings so much? Maybe because I fear that time apart will drift us apart. I don't know. But for now... he is here and I am so thankful for this "gift of God". Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-31329901218212437002018-04-13T21:54:00.000-07:002018-04-13T21:54:20.796-07:00Visitors...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last month we had some special people come to visit. Both just wanted to see for themselves that Hannah is indeed alive and healing. </div>
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Neither Sarah nor Grammy planned their trips to overlap, but they did for a few days, which was great for both of them being coasts apart. </div>
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While Sarah was here, she helped me by taking over school lessons while I took Hannah to therapy appointments. Grammy spent time getting to know the kids again. They have changed so much since she was here five years ago. </div>
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It was a pretty low key time, which as it turned out was what we all needed. <br />
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We did, however, take Grammy to our favorite coffee house. Since it's just down the street from the hospital where Hannah has her therapy, we thought we would take her and pass the time of her appointment by playing some games all the while introducing Grammy to the world of specialty coffee.<br />
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We brought sketch pads too.<br />
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even hot cocoa get's latte art. 😍<br />
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Games we brought: Go Fish, Snappy Dressers, and Story Cubes<br />
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It was fun to show her a day in our life...<br />
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Even though it was a rather ordinary visit, it was sprinkled with special moments. Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-31689218694492899132018-03-28T16:42:00.000-07:002018-03-28T16:42:01.319-07:00So many thoughts, but just no words <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-44584083095064055622018-03-25T18:03:00.001-07:002018-03-25T18:03:17.673-07:00Mary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I get started, I feel like I need to say that I am not in a season of life that affords me much blogging time. It's not affording me much photography time either. While I am mindful of composition and lighting when I shoot, these photos were mostly for record keeping. </div>
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. . . . . . .</div>
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So this happened recently. </div>
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Mary is so funny. She was given these silly, glass-less glasses when she was staying with my friend, when Hannah was in Harborview. She wears them everyday!<br />
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Ellie made up the letter board. Funny how she thinks of Mary as her baby too.<br />
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I am so blessed by the sibling bonds in our family.<br />
// also, first thing in the morning photos are...well, tolerated at best.😉//<br />
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This girl has some serious turtle love. Her giggles and smiles with each gift just melted my heart.<br />
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When asked what kind of cake she would like, she replied, "A turtle cake!".<br />
"What kind of cake is a turtle cake?"<br />
"Chocolate cake with green frosting and turtles on top."<br />
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Gluten free boxed mix from King Arthur Flour. It was really good.<br />
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Spring birthday activities are sometimes weather dependent in Washington. She was hoping for a zoo day, but we'll do that when the weather is better and the animals will be happy to be out in the warm sunshine. (and the people too.) Instead we took a trip to the library and checked out LOTS and LOTS of books. (Thankful that even the youngest ones are understanding of the need to be flexible and also of the healing season for Hannah.) BUT, both Sarah and Grammy Maria were here staying with us and were able to be here for her birthday. 😊<br />
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If you asked me to describe Mary, what comes first to mind is that she is marked by a tender heart and joyful countenance. She's also imaginative and has crazy names for all her stuffed animals.<br />
She makes us smile and brightens up any room. <br />
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Just like the first child brings the joys of the "firsts", the last one brings nostalgia of the "lasts". I am really savoring these little years. <br />
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- Carol<br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-20266470826139231242018-03-04T20:57:00.001-08:002018-03-04T20:57:41.350-08:00The last of the single digits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok is it just me or did February come and go just so fast?! </div>
We celebrated Abbie on the 23rd. She turned 9. Her last year of the single digits. This year we had a quiet celebration at home, though that wasn't quite the original plan. We had several inches of snow on the ground and really cold temperatures which made our road a bit challenging for those without four wheel drive...so we chose to postpone having a friend come over. Good thing my children are each others' best friend. <br />
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Of course, the morning went as it traditionally does with gift opening before the "workers" must leave. <br />
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The worst part about snow on your birthday...not being able to ride your new skateboard of course.<br />
(Neat story about that sticker - I'll explain at the end of this post.)<br />
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I never schedule school on the kids' birthdays, because, well that's a perk of homeschooling! <br />
The night before when we were decorating Abbie's birthday chair, Hannah mentioned that she thought Abbie needed special birthday doughnuts for breakfast. She made an easy/baked version. (Pretty great for just six weeks post accident!)<br />
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And...bacon is the best accompaniment to doughnuts.<br />
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She is another of our pecan pie lovers who prefers it over cake. <br />
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Sadly, the very next day Abbie came down with the bad head cold that Mary had. 😞</div>
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A few days with a fever and generally just not feeling well, but thankfully it was mostly gone, aside from a lingering cough, by the following week when we had a new party date.</div>
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This is Abbie's sweet friend, Alexa.</div>
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These two are such good friends. Green-shirt kids unite.<br />
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Jessica is one of Ellie's favorite friends.<br />
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Jessica's birthday is just a few days apart from Abbie's so we celebrated both girls.<br />
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Abbie is a tender heart and sensitive and emotional. She thinks a lot. We've had lots of talks of a spiritual nature lately. 😊<br />
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Some current favorites are<br />
the color yellow. She tells me that violet is a close second.<br />
horses<br />
drawing<br />
skateboarding<br />
hamburgers<br />
strawberry ice cream<br />
wearing fingernail polish.<br />
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I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows this year. <br />
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. . . . . . .<br />
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The "That Skate Fairy" sticker on the bottom of Abbie's new skateboard was created by Sarah. She made it to sell as a way to raise funds for all of Hannah's medical bills from the accident. Eric and I were both so touched that she did that. I know it was her way of being able to help while she couldn't be up here with us.<br />
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- CarolCarol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-44727010171872177702018-02-18T16:28:00.000-08:002018-02-18T16:28:03.785-08:0015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I think he is older than 15. Maybe it's his sense of style and fashion, maybe his wit and humor or maybe it's because he towers over me, or maybe it's all of it. </div>
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A birthday surprise - we all woke up to a couple of inches of snow.<br />
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This year we didn't really have specific plans for the day. Honestly, we all were just hoping and praying that Hannah would be home from the hospital. (Yay! She is!) <br />
About mid-morning I mentioned to Dan how it would be fun to head to our favorite coffee shop to hang out for a bit and play games together. He whole-heartily agreed. We grabbed Spot It and Snappy Dressers and all headed out in the rental car.<br />
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This shop serves specialty coffee and has such a great vibe. Daniel chose a dirty chai. (Chai latte with shots of espresso.) Hannah chose a pour-over, I had an almond milk latte, and Ellie, Abbie, and Mary Anne enjoyed hot chocolate. </div>
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Spot It is a fun game and Abbie is so good at it! Plan to be creamed if you play against her.<br />
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Are you familiar with the game? It's a simple card game where every card has something in common with another card. The person that finds the commonality calls it out and collects the card. The person with the most cards win. Simple enough, but not so easy. Snappy Dressers is just like it, but with animals dressed in hipster fashion.<br />
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Narrative is always packed because... great coffee and great vibe. This was the only table available, yet it was perfect for our party of 6 with room to play. <br />
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Everyone is our family prefers pie over birthday cake. Dan requested pecan pie. I made one whole pie and one just for him in a heart dish for his Valentine birthday.<br />
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Regular candles are hard to put into pecan pie. Since I didn't have the right numbers (1-5) Matthew thought that since 7 + 6 + 2 = 15 that that was a perfect solution. Dan's humor is so similar to Matt's that he totally thought it was great.<br />
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I really enjoy these teenage years. Conversations are deeper and thoughtful. Humor is silly, but not stupid (mostly - ha.) But what has impressed me most over this last year is his deepening spiritual walk. Priorities have shifted and convictions have become his own.<br />
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I see maturity. Then I have a thought and realize he is my youngest son who is 15! He's the last of my boys and not little anymore. (Duh, he hasn't been little in a while, but you know - it's a mom moment.) Sometimes growing up is bitter-sweet with moms - at least this mom.<br />
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He's my outgoing, people loving, tender-hearted Valentine boy and that hasn't changed!<br />
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~ Carol<br />
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Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-13199415431190465942018-02-14T21:21:00.000-08:002018-02-14T21:21:04.861-08:00A January day - a different perspective<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">By Veronica Olsen</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are moments in life where everything stands still. This morning, our family decided to take a day trip to Leavenworth to play in the snow and enjoy the town. We had just started driving on highway 2 eastbound in Snohomish when we turned around a bend and saw large plumes of smoke and steam, a logging truck in the ditch, logs all over the road, and badly damaged cars strewn all over the highway. It was bad. The accident had just happened and we were the first on scene. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">B</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">eing a firefighter and EMT, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1499976169&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/HalliganMan45?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Jeff</a> quickly got out of our car and ran over to start triage. He was the only one there with emergency medical training. He quickly triaged the people involved, then began to treat the most critically injured, a young woman in the heavily damaged pick-up. When he found her, she was slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious and not breathing. He quickly repositioned her to open her airway, at which point she began breathing adequately on her own. Jeff remained with her, immobilizing her neck and keeping her airway open until on duty EMS could arrive. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As Snohomish FD was arriving, the woman stopped breathing on her own. Jeff pulled her from the vehicle and used a bag valve mask from the on scene Snohomish County Deputy to begin breathing for her. Jeff continued to assist her respirations as she was treated on scene. As more responders arrived, Jeff cleared out and remained on location giving a report to State Patrol as she was airlifted by helicopter to Harborview. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This was the farthest thing from our mind as a possibility of happening on our family outing, but my thankfulness is infinite for God's protection of our family and for Jeff's skills being used to assist those in their darkest hour. We were probably thirty seconds away from being directly involved in that collision and I thank God and our guardian angels for their protection and for putting Jeff right where he needed to be to help. Please, everyone, pray for the victims involved as they all have difficult healing roads ahead of them both physically, mentally, and emotionally. I pray especially for the young woman who Jeff worked on and was airlifted, that she makes it and that her family is able to be with her. Thank you Jeff for your courageous, no hesitation willingness to help the people that need you most even while off duty. While everyone stood back in horror, you ran forward without hesitation and gave her a fighting chance. God bless you and protect you always.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We also learned that the Snohomish County deputy had been just a few cars behind Jeff and his wife, Veronica. Veronica called 9-1-1. Jeff, being off duty didn't have the equipment he needed to help Hannah, but the deputy did. (both the bag valve mask and the radio) Only Firefighters (Jeff) have authorization to call for medi-vac. The fact that they were both on the scene immediately saved precious moments for Hannah. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Just the previous day, our pastor preached on prayer. Our church family sure had opportunity to put it into practice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">God's fingerprints were all over this event. We know that He had this planned before time began for our good and for His glory. We trust Him fully and so can rejoice. We are thankful, of course, for Hannah's life being spared. We are thankful for how it brought our family even closer. We are thankful for how it deepened our faith - this Refiner's fire. We are thankful for how our friends rallied to our sides and cared for our other children. We are thankful for now knowing just how to care for someone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.</span></span></div>
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )</div>
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- Carol</div>
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Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-7531985669608728962018-02-14T11:53:00.000-08:002018-02-16T07:22:28.954-08:00a January day - one perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started this post a while ago, but didn't have the chance to finish it - so here it is in all its fragmented "beauty". </div>
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As I write this, I sit in a hospital room. It's a gray, drizzly day - the last day of January. </div>
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My January of 2018 certainly didn't go as expected. I guess what I expected was just the ordinary, usual tasks of home-keeping and homeschooling. </div>
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January 8, 2018 (1. 8. 18) Hannah was in a near fatal car wreck. </div>
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She had taken Eric's truck that morning for a college class and was on her way home.</div>
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As I understand it, there were several cars in front of her. One of those cars veered over the center divider into on-coming traffic. The on-coming traffic was the logging truck. He swerved to miss her, she over-corrected and swerved back flipping her car into the ditch. Three cars in front of Hannah swerved to miss the first car and the logging truck, but a couple of them hit the second trailer loaded with logs. The second trailer lost its load. Hannah had no way to avoid all the logs that slammed into her. </div>
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She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the state's best trauma hospital, arriving in critical condition. </div>
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Eric arrived at the hospital first. The doctors told him of Hannah's long list of injuries.</div>
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When I arrived, Eric held me tight and told me the news.</div>
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2 fractured ribs</div>
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a pierced lung</div>
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lacerated liver</div>
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broken vertabra</div>
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shattered cheek bones</div>
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broken nose</div>
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deep facial lacerations</div>
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a brain bleed from the caroted artery</div>
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massive swelling of the brain</div>
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shock. terror. fear. doubt. denial. confusion. sadness. grief. All at once. </div>
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It was overwhelming. I sat in a chair crying while a team of surgeons worked over her stitching up all the facial lacerations that were bleeding. She was swollen, intubated, heavily sedated, and unrecognizable! </div>
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A nurse gave me a bag that contained her clothes she had worn that day, but I realized that her shoes were missing. She had worn her beloved Dr. Marten's. I asked the nurse about her shoes, but she knew nothing about them. </div>
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After several hours of surgery, MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, they moved her up to ICU.</div>
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News traveled fast that our girl had been in a serious wreck. Several friends and our pastor and his wife came to the hospital. Caleb drove up from Portland, Matthew left work early. Sarah wanted so badly to come. Friends prayed, and they told friends who prayed, and it went on like that. People all over the world were praying for our Hannah! We received sweet texts from friends letting us know they were praying - with encouraging Scripture.</div>
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Eric and I spent the night on the floor in the waiting room. My eyes hurt so badly from crying. We maybe slept an hour. Early in the morning when we went into her room we saw a clear plastic bag next to her bed with <b><span style="font-size: large;">her shoes</span></b> inside! Apparently the helicopter crew heard we were asking about her shoes and they delivered them personally. I know that shoes are just "stuff", but because they were Hannah's absolute favorite, it was important to me. I was so thankful they had been recovered, because I knew Hannah would be so happy. Strange, I know, but somehow it gave me hope that everything would be OK.</div>
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They had artwork on the walls that I knew Hannah would admire so I took photos for her. 😊<br />
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After a couple of days in the ICU they moved her to ACU (acute care unit). Moving her meant she had improved, but the only improvement that Eric and I could see was that she was off the ventilater.<br />
We sat by her bedside 24-7. The early days she was not awake and yet even in her sleep she tried to pull out the NG tube. Eric and I watched over her, taking turns getting a couple of hours of sleep. In the wee hours of the night, when left to my thoughts of what-if, I cried and I cried out to God. Could I be ok if Hannah never got any better? Could I trust God with His plan?<br />
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Isaish 58:8-9<br />
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,<br />
Nor are your ways My ways, "declares the Lord.<br />
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,<br />
So are My ways higher than your ways<br />
And My thoughts than your thoughts."<br />
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Proverbs 3:5-6<br />
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,<br />
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.<br />
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He has NEVER failed me - and so I chose to trust. Trust that the impossible is not impossible.<br />
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And people were so kind. They visited the hospital. They sent flowers. They brought bags of every kind of healthy snack. They gave cash for food and whatever else we might need. They sent encouraging texts, some even came to stay the night to be with Hannah so Eric and I could sleep, and they prayed. </div>
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Even Instagram friends sent flowers!<br />
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During the day there were so many doctors and nurses (at times it seemed like a parade!) that would come and check on Hannah. It was exhausting to try to take in all the information. The nights were long - we were weary and often Hannah would be restless. There were many nights where we just held her hand. Honestly, I think it brought us all comfort. </div>
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Caleb had gone back to Portland and returned the following weekend. In just one week's time - Caleb could witness a HUGE improvement, which encouraged all of us especially when the doctors kept telling us "with a brain injury of this degree..." "but she is young, and healthy..." "it will take time..."</div>
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Sometimes those were hard words to hear.</div>
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And yet right before our eyes she was improving and getting stronger.</div>
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NOT because of the diet they offered her. (If you know me - then you know I was cringing and just a bit peeved!)<br />
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Once she was strong enough, our goal each day was to walk with her to this area called the Sky Bridge, where we could sit and look out the window. This particular day it was clear and you could see Mt. Rainier. (Definitely a beautiful sight and change from the gray, stormy weather.)<br />
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19 days at Harborview and then she was transferred by ambulance to Providence Medical Center in Everett for in-patient therapy. Our transfer happened on a Saturday, which we were thankful for because we figured it wouldn't be as busy, but we met our doctor and the therapists. His top priority was to get the NG tube removed. Yay! All the therapists felt the same way. Sure enough, by Monday they took it out and Hannah was so happy. Her sore throat went away and she had an appetite for the food that we provided. (Well, not us - a dear friend who cooked all the special allergy free food she could have!)<br />
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She asked for coffee...and we happily obliged.<br />
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Daily therapy for three hours definitely helped. Only 6 days and she had improved so much from a physical stand point, that it was no longer necessary for her to stay in the hospital. Out-patient therapy would be the next step, which meant we could all go H.O.M.E.<br />
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Friday, February 2, we left the hospital for home. Unbelievable!<br />
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There is so much more to this story, the "back story" of sorts, but I write it in another post.<br />
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Also... just hug your people extra today... just because you can.<br />
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~ Carol </div>
Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-8045229420812287652017-12-29T17:59:00.000-08:002017-12-31T08:33:53.851-08:00pronouns and definite articlesOne of the gifts Eric gave me for Christmas was Switchfoot's California Vibes Christmas package. Included was their newest EP which contains acoustic versions of three songs.<br />
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In true Carol style, while driving around town running some errands, I had it on repeat so I could really listen and enjoy and soak in the words. Switchfoot came up in conversation recently and he said it best, when he said they were wordsmiths. It couldn't be truer. </div>
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The chorus from Hope is the Anthem of my Soul</div>
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My heartbeat, my oxygen</div>
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My banner, my home</div>
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My future, my song</div>
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<b>Your</b> hope is <b>the</b> anthem of my soul</div>
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Hearing it in this acoustic style I heard the YOUR for the first time. I always just thought it said </div>
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Hope is the anthem...</div>
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YOUR hope makes all the difference. </div>
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Anyone can have a general hope - a positive attitude - a sunny-side disposition, </div>
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but that's not what this is about!<br />
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YOUR hope -<br />
the object of this hope is Christ.<br />
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This hope is the hope that belongs to us in Christ for his atoning work on the cross for us giving us HOPE for eternity.</div>
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Again, this acoustic version made the THE stand out. </div>
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It's not <i>an</i> anthem. </div>
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any old anthem or one of many -<br />
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It's THE anthem of my soul.<br />
The thing my soul sings aloud from the mountaintops and from the depths of my soul.<br />
It permeates in and out of me. Because it's THE anthem. <br />
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YOUR HOPE is THE only anthem of my soul!<br />
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- Carol</div>
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Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-71758968313388836112017-12-28T06:42:00.000-08:002017-12-28T06:43:32.246-08:00Ridiculuously amazing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm behind in posting about Hannah's recent birthday. I've had thoughts about what to write at times when I've not had the opportunity to write them down. Then, of course, when I do get the chance to sit and write here, I can't recall "the perfect" thing I had said in my head. 😧</div>
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Anyway...</div>
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Just as the card reads... she truly is.</div>
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In a blink Hannah is now 19. </div>
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She requested cinnamon rolls for her birthday breakfast. That's not so out of the ordinary, but she also requested that SHE make them. It felt so weird to me to not be making breakfast for the girl of honor, but how could I deny her request on her special day?<br />
She made them gluten and dairy free and they were a-mazing! (As always!)<br />
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For a couple of weeks I had been asking her what she wanted to do on her birthday. Her college quarter had ended so she was free from the stress of finals. All she wanted to do was skate. Thankfully, the Lord provided a sunny day.<br />
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She discovered longboard dancing and loves it. She regularly headed to the skate park before or after her classes to put in an hour or two of practice. It has become her preferred work/out and way to de-stress.<br />
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The fairy wings began with our first trip to Maryhill, but currently they make me think of a butterfly. Over the years, (and especially most recently) I've had the chance to witness this girl unfold into a beautiful young woman with character qualities to be equally admired. She sets her mind to accomplish challenges with determination, perseverance, and self control. She is witty with a fun sense of humor and a smile that is contagious. She is kind and tender-hearted. She has really great relationships with each of her siblings.<br />
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I know that God used the health trials she has experienced (which now have simply been diagnosed as IBS because all other things have been ruled out.) to allow her to be at peace with seeing her limits, extending grace to herself (and now others through empathy) and growing in a deeper faith in God. </div>
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In spite of all the health challenges, Year 18 was full of high points. She got her driver's license, graduated from high school, began college with a declared major of photography, and traveled to California and the East Coast just to name a few. </div>
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Now we look expectantly for the blessings the new year of life will bring. All I can say is that I am so privileged to call her my daughter and am grateful for the days we get to spend together. She adds a beautiful facet to our family.</div>
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And just for fun I'll share a few of her current favorite things...</div>
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Sparkles</div>
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Doc Marten's</div>
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Longboarding</div>
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Art and photography</div>
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Wearing dresses</div>
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Specialty black coffee</div>
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Playing the piano and ukulele</div>
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- Carol</div>
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-8166974573845286262017-12-10T17:08:00.003-08:002017-12-10T17:08:42.388-08:00It's Christmastime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Certain things for some people signal the Christmas season is here. It might be their first sip of egg nog or Black Friday shopping, but for me, it's the annual cookie exchange. </div>
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We have our tree trimmed, the shopping is done and most of the gifts are wrapped, Christmas has been in full swing in our home, but now it really feels like it. </div>
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This was the 7th annual cookie exchange hosted by my friend's daughter. She has the gift of hospitality and she makes it so festive - with a lovely light appetizer table, tasty beverages, and festive Christmas music.</div>
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Mary was THRILLED to have a treat that was gluten free! </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The way cookie exchanges work is each person brings 6 dozen of the same cookie. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Depending on how many guests there are will determine how many cookies from each platter you can take. You repeat going through the line taking the instructed amount until all the platters are empty and your personal tray is full. 😋</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We brought these. "Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies". I found the </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ASfdanHLdF6DyIiH9GVfyjxsTS9OyJWZkRXjRjBdcAPtG-cAsQm8itg/" style="text-align: start;">recipe on Pinterst</a><span style="text-align: start;">, of course, and the kids say they are delicious! </span></div>
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Malory's cookie exchange has just one rule - from scratch (no mixes, no plain chocolate chip, no "no bakes", no meringues, or bars.) The result is such a beautiful assortment of cookies.<br />
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It was a festive and fun afternoon of fellowship! I brought my camera along to get a few shots so I don't get too rusty. 😏 <br />
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How about you? Is there any particular thing that makes it feel like Christmas to you?<br />
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Hannah has inspired me to take up my camera again She mentioned to me that she is challenging herself to take a photo every day. I told her how difficult I found the 365 challenge, but she suggested that maybe I found it hard because I had to take a photo of something specific, but she was just proposing taking a photo every day. She paid me the biggest compliment too. She said she saw such improvement in my photos while doing the challenge (or because of it.) <br />
So...maybe I'll try again, but no pressure!<br />
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-89637946731211176322017-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:002017-12-07T08:13:31.069-08:00In the bleak mid-winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently Hannah played an offratory with a friend at church. Both girls sang. Emma played the piano, while Hannah played her ukulele. </div>
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I love this song and thought you would enjoy. </div>
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(Please forgive the awful video skills - it's a feature I am playing with on my camera, but do not know well. )</div>
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-64519276528915980642017-12-06T10:27:00.002-08:002017-12-06T18:29:25.374-08:00Thanksgiving 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel so thankful for so many things, and one of those things is you - who still read this blog despite it being so neglected! </div>
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I hope you had a very blessed Thanksgiving!</div>
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One of the things we do in preparation is make a traditional Ukrainian dish called Varenyky. It was a tradition that Eric grew up with and he has such fond memories associated with it. </div>
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It's a recipe that was handed down by the Grammy's. Four generations in the kitchen laughing and talking while making a delicious dish to fill thankful tummies.<br />
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Mixing by hand makes it extra fun for the kids. Eric has made this for all the holidays each year with the kids since Sarah was little.<br />
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He has the recipe memorized, but we've written it down since for the children. And now even, Caleb, who lives on his own in Portland, makes it!<br />
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It's a labor of love. They take a long time to make, but they are well worth the wait!<br />
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And this is where the stories get told, and the fond memories made</div>
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and the good talks are had... and the lines of who we are as a family get drawn a little deeper for each one.<br />
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So Varenyky is made from a simple egg noodle dough and filled with mashed potatoes. We make a double batch because leftovers are where it's at! A double batch calls for a 10 lb. bag of potatoes.<br />
Over the years, I've gotten smarter and I make the mashed potatoes the day before. <br />
The secret ingredient in my mashed potatoes is <a href="http://www.boursin.com/">Boursin cheese</a>. SO GOOD!<br />
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Eric, being the sweetest man alive also decided to try a gluten free version just for Mary and me.<br />
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"Two thumbs way up" </div>
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Our actual Thanksgiving day we spent with friends. It's been a tradition for eighteen years. I decided though, that I would just enjoy the day and live in the moment instead of trying to capture it with a camera. 😌</div>
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I have so much to be thankful for. Everything in my life (the messy and the beautiful) is all good. There are blessings everywhere, if I just have eyes to see them. </div>
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Hope your Thanksgiving was warm and wonderful. </div>
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- Carol</div>
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<br />Carol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654315170777628138.post-38758214017084546542017-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:002017-11-28T10:51:02.945-08:00Some crazy fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What skater wouldn't love to find some smooth cement to skate on with not a car or pedestrian to worry about? </div>
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So there's this thing called a "garage race". You have to know someone who knows someone who's on the inside to get the info on when and where. They are usually impromptu without much notice. </div>
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But guess what? Eric, Hannah and I recently went to one. It was kinda far away (an hour)</div>
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and it didn't start until 9:30 pm - which by then, I am definitely winding down - but I was intrigued and wanted the challenge of a night time shoot.</div>
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I was completely discouraged by my lack of ability and knowledge on how to trouble-shoot to get the lighting I wanted without using a flash, but I'm going to post the pictures I got anyway because it was a super fun night.</div>
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Hannah always wears her fairy wings. You can read about that <a href="http://puretsimple.blogspot.com/2016/06/maryhill-loops-post-script.html">here</a>. Most of the skaters now know her as @thatskatefairy.<br />
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She was happy with the smooth, clear space to practice some longboard dancing.<br />
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He is just happy to skate period.<br />
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Hannah initially only planned to practice her longboard dancing, but she went down all six levels and by the look on her face... she is hooked!<br />
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These two have such an adventurous spirit. Me - not so much. Maybe it comes from being a mom, or maybe I just don't want to get hurt! or maybe God just made me the voice of reason in our marriage 😉 While I may not be an adrenaline junky, I do love to watch them...and take pictures.<br />
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- CarolCarol Blanchethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031701738706519481noreply@blogger.com1