tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62912475410812880822024-02-07T02:43:06.110-08:00The Love Shack"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; Walk in it." - Isaiah 30:21 ~~~~~~
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-37201570211337299712011-04-26T12:01:00.001-07:002011-04-26T13:14:18.238-07:00She’s Good Lookin’!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yes, “she” is… the one hundred-year-old farmhouse we’ve called home for the past year.  This home belongs to our dear friends.  They are missionaries in Portugal at the moment, and we have the joy and fun of living here until they return.  Not a stitch of this is ours- except maybe the chickens. We got them last spring- just two days old.  We let the kids name them… Zoe, Delilah, Jay Z, Pollo Loco, Hella (Named by Bella- then age 2 1/2) and Fiona.  The chickens have been a blast.  They are the sweetest things.  One of my favorite memories by far is watching Isabella march around the yard as the chickens follow after her in single file.  She FINALLY has someone to boss around!  Ha!</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWjH95_FI/AAAAAAAAC7c/h2_bAPVsjmI/s1600-h/farmhouse-collage%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="farmhouse-collage" border="0" alt="farmhouse-collage" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWkILQJjI/AAAAAAAAC7g/t5qiLhsEyYw/farmhouse-collage_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="690" height="731" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Below is the view coming up the driveway…those silly chickens always ready to greet us.</font>  </p> <a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/sdewitt/a-1.jpg" /></a>  <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">The middle picture below is on the way to the garden.  It’s a sight to behold.  Can you see the little tunnel through the shrubs?  One of the best parts!  The garden is definitely my happy place.  My man and I love to spend time out there together.  Our friends tease us <em>relentlessly</em> about what we actually do in there.  And, no, we do NOT pretend to be Adam and Eve… as far as you know!  Haha!</font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWmAryEKI/AAAAAAAAC7s/24i12RoFIcs/s1600-h/trio%5B52%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="trio" border="0" alt="trio" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWm3ujI6I/AAAAAAAAC7w/q6ZgEB6fUQs/trio_thumb%5B46%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="662" height="223" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Irises and roses are my favorite flowers.  If you stop by, you are guaranteed to leave with a bouquet!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWnVEYLzI/AAAAAAAAC70/lLEr6GCz6fI/s1600-h/flower-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="flower-2" border="0" alt="flower-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWn-vZxsI/AAAAAAAAC74/oQpLFvHYCjE/flower-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="690" height="566" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And here’s that (What shall we call it?  Unique?) piano in the yard.  The one that inspired<strong><u> </u></strong></font><a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2011/04/if-all-of-life-is-song-for-him.html"><strong><u><font face="Comic Sans MS">THIS</font></u></strong></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> post.</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWolpnrKI/AAAAAAAAC78/7miG-UdkNHk/s1600-h/piano%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="piano" border="0" alt="piano" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbcWpBh4UzI/AAAAAAAAC8A/x-c44tXN0kE/piano_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="690" height="486" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This place is definitely a diamond in the rough around here.  I’ll give you a little tour of the backyard and inside the house, too.  They’ve furnished the house with period pieces, and it feels sometimes like we live back in time!</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Comic Sans MS">                      Love!</font></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-37846944756730975372011-04-23T12:14:00.001-07:002011-09-11T22:44:48.261-07:00Soul’s Joy<p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">This is my kitchen unkempt-</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">yet my morning sanctuary.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">I sit with full cup of coffee in hand</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">While children and husband sleep</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">And it’s here I soak it in-</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMk-SHdABI/AAAAAAAAC68/eB75eCE-_Sc/s1600-h/kitchen5%20%281%20of%201%29%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="sunshine through kitchen window" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMk-5oIPII/AAAAAAAAC7A/tdOxzMr_ORc/kitchen5%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" border="0" height="792" /></a></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Peace.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Stillness.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Grace.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">I melt in His presence.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">He feeds my famished soul.</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMk_t1lJfI/AAAAAAAAC7U/jaVoIrdXXPw/s1600-h/kitchen6%20%281%20of%201%29%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="kisses from God" alt="farmhouse kitchen" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMk_-e8goI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/2IOcp2E8Lpk/kitchen6%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="714" border="0" height="477" /></a></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">I feel my God so close.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">Takes my breath away.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">The air is weighty</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">The presence thick.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">This radiant, all-consuming love.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Andalus;font-size:6;">Soul’s joy.</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMlAQRy3_I/AAAAAAAAC7M/8OT0NbKv5E4/s1600-h/kitchen7%20%281%20of%201%29%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="flowers on kitchen island" alt="flowers on island" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TbMlA-TzOcI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/If2eCjr0kR0/kitchen7%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" border="0" height="768" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;">May He appear unmistakably in every place we go. </span></em></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:130%;"> With love,</span></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" />Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-553701001270245392011-04-18T10:51:00.001-07:002011-04-18T11:54:45.167-07:00A Backyard Birthday Tea Party And Some ThoughtsThroughout my blog break last year I still took tons of pictures!  Too many, in fact!  I thought I’d better start chronicling them now!  Blogging must be in my blood because everything we do as a family I recreate in my imagination as “blog posts”.  I see the picture layout in my head, and I give the imaginary post a title.  Do you bloggers think the same way…See it all in your head even before it’s an actual post? (This is where you nod and smile so I don’t feel like such a weirdo. Ha!)<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax525yOvVI/AAAAAAAAC5c/eyNKNGAdmjI/s1600-h/Picnikcollage14.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="391" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax53nToKHI/AAAAAAAAC5g/PMs8JWJaClw/Picnikcollage_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" border="0" /></a> <p>Anyway, here are a few pictures from Beach Bunny’s backyard tea party.  I absolutely LOVE hosting parties.  My personal goal is for each guest to know that they are adored and loved.  That’s the gift that Jesus gives to me each and every day, and I just want to give that same gift away to each and every person that comes over…To know and feel Jesus’ love and acceptance will ruin you for anything else.  It’s THAT good!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax54GIM8PI/AAAAAAAAC5k/izO9gIqxnEg/s1600-h/p1of18.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="645" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax547ychcI/AAAAAAAAC5o/Y-Yx4cqnI68/p1of1_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" border="0" /></a> Beach Bunny and I play “tea party” in the backyard all the time, so when it came time for her party last year the theme was cinched!  She’s a big fan of cupcakes and, quite frankly, so is her mama! ; )</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax55eV70iI/AAAAAAAAC5s/VDqn9Ii5Lew/s1600-h/table21of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax55zFKHfI/AAAAAAAAC5w/drxGg_k9V7M/table21of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax56cEywQI/AAAAAAAAC50/JY_i8q0OgvE/s1600-h/Picnikcollage314.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="504" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax57P2JY4I/AAAAAAAAC54/BYOXNKffCug/Picnikcollage3_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax57vvSrBI/AAAAAAAAC58/y_pBs5_WTKE/s1600-h/Picnikcollage46.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="335" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax58V4OS7I/AAAAAAAAC6A/xjInAjA-BIo/Picnikcollage4_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" border="0" /></a> Beach Bunny shared her party with her beautiful little cousin, Sara.  They share the exact same birthday, just one year apart.  They are so opposite in looks, but share the exact same sweetness, love of dress up, and all-things-girly!  Oh, to grow up with cousins you adore!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax5832FZbI/AAAAAAAAC6E/dNniughXht4/s1600-h/table41of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax59VgihyI/AAAAAAAAC6I/855IaticqIU/table41of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We just invited family to the party, and everyone was so sweet to drop by on their lunch breaks to have sandwiches and tea with us.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax5-LUBbmI/AAAAAAAAC6M/YYj3musHh6c/s1600-h/table31of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax5-qGDGmI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/wpYtVuTsysU/table31of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax5_QKOXvI/AAAAAAAAC6U/gEn4hItYFXc/s1600-h/eatcollage5.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="397" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax5_5eYykI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Gb4qfRJZ5Qk/eatcollage_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6AX5ehMI/AAAAAAAAC6c/DrUqlVA6sz8/s1600-h/table91of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6BKOLFaI/AAAAAAAAC6g/BXpLPayIXks/table91of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>It’s been SO FUN to just be able to grab flowers out of the yard and make simple arrangements for special occasions… or for no occasion at all.  I’m going to miss this when we move back home.  Sniff!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6BqFaTMI/AAAAAAAAC6k/W0BjmtnWQYc/s1600-h/table71of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6CbLjJeI/AAAAAAAAC6o/emxodPBdUG4/table71of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6C2gmstI/AAAAAAAAC6s/-ggaUJ60vWs/s1600-h/Picnikcollage212.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="283" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6DX7z4NI/AAAAAAAAC6w/d9u0SdgT7DE/Picnikcollage2_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Jeremiah 31:3 comes to mind when I remember her tea party… "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”  That verse reminds me of my love for my daughter and also shows me how approachable God is.  That inspires me!  God’s love has been so powerful in my life and, as a result, I can’t help but to want to BE loving-kindness to those I serve- making myself a little lower so His name can be lifted higher- just like those helium balloons.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6D952phI/AAAAAAAAC60/pDW02qGGiq8/s1600-h/table51of15.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="453" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/Tax6EpvOEPI/AAAAAAAAC64/uJAUfS-weGs/table51of1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="670" border="0" /></a></p> <p>It’s funny how a little tea party gave me a fresh perspective.  What a gift- I needed that!</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Today I’m also participating in <em>Gifts of Thanks, all the ways that God gives.</em>  Click link below to be inspired!</font></p> <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="86" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" width="200" /></a> <p> </p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-38851540201975206752011-04-15T20:57:00.001-07:002011-04-16T17:46:45.562-07:00If All of Life is a Song For Him<p>Edited to add:</p><p>My sweet friend, Kim, added something so thoughtful in the comments that I just loved! I had to post it here. I love her words and what the Lord spoke to her heart. Powerful! Thanks, Kim!!<br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">" I couldn't help but be taken aback by the worn out piano. Then I realized, I am that worn out piano, run down by life, dirty from sin yet so much potential within. Praise God that like that piano, I have a beautiful song to sing & a Savior to wipe me clean!! Love it!! Kim B."</p><p><br /></p> <p>If all of life is a song for Him,</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTfzh2jLI/AAAAAAAAC4k/HDzMl_sWBA4/s1600-h/piano5%20%281%20of%201%29%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTgoKX9QI/AAAAAAAAC4o/6jSy-istkYA/piano5%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>What is the melody?</p> <p>This harmony of lives in tandem</p> <p>Walking in humble obedience.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTg47RocI/AAAAAAAAC4s/Xer5jNgioyk/s1600-h/piano11%20%281%20of%201%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakThlOB-nI/AAAAAAAAC4w/HPX92LBokRs/piano11%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>The tender notes of mercy,</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTiMyH9ZI/AAAAAAAAC40/V9iRBMXg59I/s1600-h/piano8%20%281%20of%201%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTix3yMaI/AAAAAAAAC44/AB9OyopxCIQ/piano8%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>and grace-</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTjeFNavI/AAAAAAAAC48/BXarnp6zdKQ/s1600-h/piano13%20%281%20of%201%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTkEPC25I/AAAAAAAAC5A/jVISphJdXjw/piano13%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a></p> <p>A rhythmical tribute to the one who</p> <p>Laid it down</p> <p>And</p> <p>Paid the way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTkogUtMI/AAAAAAAAC5U/z3arSLkdW5g/s1600-h/piano1%20%281%20of%201%29%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="piano1 (1 of 1)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" alt="piano1 (1 of 1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTlJx8_cI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/ZROklLjySV8/piano1%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="720" width="487" /></a> </p> <p>If all of life is a song for Him,</p> <p>What is the cadence of</p> <p>sweet surrender?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTmBNArjI/AAAAAAAAC5M/F9vkyX5rbV8/s1600-h/piano10%20%281%20of%201%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TakTmgDkXSI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/_ISjbnJ6YjE/piano10%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Oh, my soul!</p> <p>What is your song?</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" />Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-35710529497013491402011-02-01T18:27:00.001-08:002011-02-01T18:30:22.163-08:00An Outdoor Wedding<p>Here’s a peek at the barn.  It’s been used for all different kinds of fun events… worship nights, dances, fundraisers and weddings.  I think the kids have enjoyed having a barn the most- riding their bikes and skateboards inside on rainy and cold days!</p> <p>On this particular day we were prepping for a sunny and bright wedding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA0bDOhZI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Z89bMMTqejM/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA1Mo7MqI/AAAAAAAAC2s/JriVoVtpBW4/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Back inside, the food prep was in full swing.  This is the inside porch.  The door in the background leads to the barn kitchen and into the barn.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA1y3iUII/AAAAAAAAC2w/fJzMeEFIcoY/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA2SeXJPI/AAAAAAAAC20/jygPcwa9aW0/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s a look at the hors d’oeuvres.  My friend, Laina, was in charge.  She is so gifted with food presentation.  When she’s around I stick to her like glue and pretend I know what I’m doing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA200z81I/AAAAAAAAC24/OpyUY-tqtRQ/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-5%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="485" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA3eWG5PI/AAAAAAAAC28/5dgP1JdEhVA/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-5_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA3paQq9I/AAAAAAAAC38/M0Y0a6tThyE/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-3%5B10%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="485" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA4RW_ADI/AAAAAAAAC4A/iAgwWGkzRuY/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-3_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>She makes it look so easy… just set out some fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts- and boom!  There you have it.  A gorgeous display.  Even though I watch her like I hawk, I’m not sure I could ever reproduce what she creates.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA5BNicXI/AAAAAAAAC3I/dmApRtisGQw/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA5zd2chI/AAAAAAAAC3M/aTW-Be1TGF8/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-4_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This is the dining room.  The bridesmaids and the bride were inside with me anxiously awaiting their cue to walk down the aisle!  They were so cute playing the piano and laughing nervously.  They were such a fun bunch!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA6ev6IuI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/dRx3YlBo1nI/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-7%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA7IBVhqI/AAAAAAAAC3U/N0hMnv3P1xA/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The bride and groom had their ceremony in the backyard under the trees.  It was simple and beautiful and enchanting.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA73kIkaI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/e7KqG89o9ww/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-8%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA8ftxoLI/AAAAAAAAC3c/L3NcGZZYdXU/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-8_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Beach Bunny is still my shadow 24/7.  She’s such a happy girl!  Here we are taking a peek at the final table set ups.  That’s my garden on the left.  The house is toward the right.  Can you see it under the trees?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA9GnULNI/AAAAAAAAC3k/b_LojOE5CE8/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-10%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA9wpGYyI/AAAAAAAAC3o/wN1olnsY_wQ/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-10_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA-YkWF3I/AAAAAAAAC3s/9eASHgCXIQI/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-9%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA_JUNFeI/AAAAAAAAC3w/4JiyTDB0Bco/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-9_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>My favorite look for a catered dinner is incorporating the antique tables and vintage ware.  I’d say I’m an old-fashioned kind of girl at heart!  I am so in love with anything vintage!  I hope it never goes out of style.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjA_zpXIxI/AAAAAAAAC30/mL12GIDtgGc/s1600-h/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-11%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUjBAZPgLlI/AAAAAAAAC34/JLQpIXEoaR8/Number%2030-%20crop%20plus%20BW2%20%281%20of%201%29-11_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a></p> <p>What about you?  Are you crazy about antiques and vintage ware, too?</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-76294435798609603642011-01-28T22:24:00.001-08:002011-01-28T22:51:37.871-08:00Back in the Saddle<p>Where did the time go?  Can it REALLY be ten months?</p> <p>I’ve really missed you all, and I’ve missed blogging!</p> <p>Let me catch you up a little…</p> <p>Last March we decided to make a move- a change in lifestyle is more like it.</p> <p>We packed up our house in suburbia and moved into a 100 year old farmhouse- just for a year… to see what it would be like.</p> <p>We gave the kids new kinds of chores, like…</p> <p>feeding the chickens before school </p> <p>and</p> <p>taking care of the barn.</p> <p>We found out</p> <p>we LOVE it!</p> <p>We ARE “country” after all (except I still love to shop at Nordstrom)!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyabuSuPI/AAAAAAAAC14/1e8c-8027AI/s1600-h/sign-093%5B21%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOybLsXceI/AAAAAAAAC18/WSahYZsg-gk/sign-093_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="463" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>It turns out lots of people like to get married here.</p> <p>Lots of catering happens in my kitchen-</p> <p>which means</p> <p>there is often quite a buzz here, and I love it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOybistRiI/AAAAAAAAC2A/CQD01J_s52M/s1600-h/corn-051%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOycKJbtTI/AAAAAAAAC2E/TGRb1lPKY78/corn-051_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="452" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I am loving learning how to make new foods…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOychpeR0I/AAAAAAAAC2I/B-8Zv7BzWx4/s1600-h/choc%20cake-062%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOydb__FvI/AAAAAAAAC2M/OcNNFfOsk_U/choc%20cake-062_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="506" /></a> </p> <p>I especially love the baking!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyd1j5uQI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/D3jX6VoIWCA/s1600-h/bread-011%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyeeagLHI/AAAAAAAAC2U/E7IcUyEZGdc/bread-011_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="452" /></a> </p> <p>The lighting in the barn is just exquisite for picture taking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyezryyMI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/Xhf6Qr5dR-o/s1600-h/fruit-036%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyffUfU0I/AAAAAAAAC2c/2R6oldUD-6E/fruit-036_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="452" /></a> </p> <p>So is the afternoon light in the inside porch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOyfzHwZYI/AAAAAAAAC2g/T2HGFAJPNfs/s1600-h/dessert2-877%5B29%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/TUOygHRdFcI/AAAAAAAAC2k/wndkXHJzwUc/dessert2-877_thumb%5B27%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="452" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I look forward to showing you all the wonderful little things that make this place so special.  Beach Bunny (three-and-a-half years old) said to me the other day, “Mama, this house is turning out to be a great place after all!”</p> <p>I definitely agree!</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-54047650948189468312010-03-08T08:52:00.001-08:002010-03-08T13:10:12.313-08:00Newborn Photo Shoot? Yes, Please!<p>Speaking of love…. I have another new niece to spoil.  Her name is Sophia, and her mommy and daddy let me indulge my photography habit and take her birth announcement pictures.  Thankyouverymuch.  My mom also got to indulge her creative juices and made Sophia’s flower hat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5VnsS9mjbI/AAAAAAAAC1M/4S3C70N3hQg/s1600-h/soph%20final%20brighter%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="soph final" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="432" alt="soph final" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5Vns2N4n8I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/tKxQgjV3hPk/soph%20final%20brighter_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="648" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UrOTWwK7I/AAAAAAAAC0U/LxTDbrKSKI0/s1600-h/inhandscolor5.jpg"><img title="in hands color" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="438" alt="in hands color" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UrOudtiVI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/YkfAvnxafSM/inhandscolor_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UrPFyvLFI/AAAAAAAAC0c/uh6UNh1FwLY/s1600-h/toerings5.jpg"><img title="toe rings" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="438" alt="toe rings" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UrPlc0qfI/AAAAAAAAC0g/q8EQYaGubwc/toerings_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Her birth announcement…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5U2Xk7E7uI/AAAAAAAAC1E/zT_P8enCWd0/s1600-h/announce%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="announce" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="549" alt="announce" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5U2YFLcP1I/AAAAAAAAC1I/GjGwAakVMaE/announce_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This last picture is obviously an outtake, but just cracks us up (If you’re worried, we only let her cry for like 11 seconds… ok, 12).  </p> <p>If you’ve got a minute and feel inspired, give this photo a caption.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UzUMhSytI/AAAAAAAAC08/iKY9C4k2sFM/s1600-h/scream-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="450" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S5UzUtqGXRI/AAAAAAAAC1A/kHu-Xv-20vY/scream-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Happy Monday,</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-47634289564010909582010-02-15T10:00:00.001-08:002010-02-15T10:00:35.977-08:00Now Look What You Did!<p>I was so excited to get an update <em>with pictures</em> in my inbox regarding the progress on Grace’s new baby home in Tijuana, Mexico.  God spoke directly to my heart when we were working at the orphanage last December.  He told me to donate 100%  of ad revenue from my blog to help in the construction of this new abandoned baby home.  I am so excited to show you the progress!</p> <p>Here is what it looked like when we were there right before Christmas: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLtqkhM4I/AAAAAAAACzg/fLOSRYbmHWs/s1600-h/december4985%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="december4985" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="december4985" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLuNi1FaI/AAAAAAAACzk/_TNNEuW77Js/december4985_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>And here is the progress:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLurnrFpI/AAAAAAAACzo/pHmrJ1FRkug/s1600-h/GBH_1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="GBH_1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="504" alt="GBH_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLvFpWHcI/AAAAAAAACzs/nPC1H6GNNNU/GBH_1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The first floor is completely finished, and they have begun framing the second floor!  You can see the main orphanage to the left.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLvZnc7oI/AAAAAAAACzw/9DYPC6TwUmE/s1600-h/GBH_2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="GBH_2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="504" alt="GBH_2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLvy5TagI/AAAAAAAACz0/FaI-rxQhtJQ/GBH_2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Here is an artist’s rendering of what the baby home will look like when complete:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLwQPCwtI/AAAAAAAACz4/WxJwV8VauQo/s1600-h/GBH_Finished%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="GBH_Finished" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="474" alt="GBH_Finished" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3mLw3dLfbI/AAAAAAAACz8/g0MPynOkZzU/GBH_Finished_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Isn’t that cool?  God is on the move!  Thank you guys for being a part of this with me.  I’m not sure when the project will be complete, but my secret prayer is that it will be done this summer.  I would love to go down with Kahuna and the kids and help care for the babies.  That would be amazing!  </p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-5126976325329206972010-02-14T23:58:00.000-08:002010-02-15T00:19:22.335-08:00‘Cause Somewhere in the World It’s Still Valentine’s Day<p>Happy Valentine’s Day.  I made it under the wire, although I think by now you are already tucked in bed and dreaming Olympic dreams.</p> <p>My Valentine to you is a thank you note of sorts.</p> <p>I want to say thank you for being there for me through thick and thin.</p> <p>Thank you for sending me encouraging notes and laughing with me… especially when The Universe stuck out her foot and tripped me.  On nothing.  And I <a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2010/01/because-i-cant-walk-and-chew-gum-at.html">broke my foot</a>.</p> <p>Thank you for helping to raise money for <a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-blogging-life-collided-with-real.html">baby homes</a> and <a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2009/09/learning-to-say-yes-whenever-whatever.html">foster kids</a>.</p> <p>Thank you for being patient when I get all shameless mommyblogger on you.</p> <p>Thank you for inspiring me.</p> <p>You guys are the coolest, best-bunch of friends a girl could hope for!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3j_Xo4nN7I/AAAAAAAACzQ/9dY4JtFKuH8/s1600-h/valentine%5B5%5D.png"><img title="my valentine" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="501" alt="my valentine" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3j_ZK9ctOI/AAAAAAAACzY/GhGqsSyN8mA/valentine_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="648" border="0" /></a></p> With love from our family to yours, <p></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-43786002990779562722010-02-11T11:54:00.001-08:002010-02-14T15:02:51.560-08:00Valentine Winner!<p> </p> <p>Winner!! Winner!!</p> <p>Wait for it…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3RgYBqiMQI/AAAAAAAACzI/kPzVaRGHe3k/s1600-h/bracelet-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="bracelet-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="bracelet-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3RgYqseMSI/AAAAAAAACzM/oJ7OeYO9opg/bracelet-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="423" width="420" /></a> </p> <p>Please click <a href="http://theloveshackreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-winner.html">HERE</a> to see our winner!</p> <p>With love,</p> <p><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /></p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-84111003919250375312010-02-08T11:44:00.001-08:002010-02-08T11:45:36.841-08:00A Valentine For YOU- A Giveaway!<p>I love Valentine’s Day! Every year my dad stops by my house and brings me the cutest card and a little gift. It’s not the present that counts, it’s just that he took the time to stop by and tell me that he loves me. My dad is my hero and always will be. </p> <p>I want YOU to have a special Valentine’s Day treat, too! With help from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lorelei1141">lorelei1141’s wonderful Etsy Shop</a>, I want you to wear this adorable, vintage bracelet and know that you are loved! </p> <p align="center">Here’s a little peak at your Valentine:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3Bpm4Uo7GI/AAAAAAAACyg/QULhLXH4pZw/s1600-h/bracelet-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="bracelet-3" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="bracelet-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S3BpnROhVII/AAAAAAAACyk/Q4tgp2OV6P0/bracelet-3_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="162" width="170" /></a></p> <p>I’m in love with the brass findings, and the charming typewriter letters. She uses big, chunky ceramic beads like the perfect amount of seasoning! I just love unique and vintage-looking jewelry!</p> <p align="center"><strong>Clickety right <a href="http://theloveshackreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-for-you-giveaway_08.html"><u>HERE</u></a></strong><strong></strong><strong> to see more pictures and to enter</strong>. </p> <p>Enter as many times as you’d like!</p> <p>Happy Valentine’s Day,</p> <p></p> <h4></h4> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" />Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-73123033247986723342010-02-05T19:49:00.001-08:002010-02-05T19:49:18.227-08:00Haiti Update- Team Home!<p>Our Haiti team is finally home.  Understandably, there has been some reverse culture shock and tears, but all is well.  The team has been on some local morning news shows and in the paper, so that has been fun to watch.  Our church family, under Kahuna’s direction, has made a one year commitment to helping in the relief effort.  </p> <p>Here are a few more pictures from Haiti (taken by our friend Scott).  They are beautiful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmqIazwRI/AAAAAAAACxQ/40mp5cgWEEk/s1600-h/haiti%207%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 7" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="haiti 7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmqq8DrnI/AAAAAAAACxU/ugHhvITQFcg/haiti%207_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmrNqeiaI/AAAAAAAACxY/Z8Xy2GsD300/s1600-h/haiti%201%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="haiti 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmrgY7HRI/AAAAAAAACxc/5T8e2Qi7GhU/haiti%201_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmrwUrQEI/AAAAAAAACxg/ThOrXXTEO6g/s1600-h/haiti%202%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="haiti 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmsahCtZI/AAAAAAAACxk/_24D0eL7EQU/haiti%202_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmsh3_Y6I/AAAAAAAACxo/7duANEnCCPY/s1600-h/haiti%203%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 3" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="249" alt="haiti 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmtBSrjyI/AAAAAAAACxs/JXsVTIcP888/haiti%203_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmtfu9_jI/AAAAAAAACxw/vIuUou_eDEo/s1600-h/haiti%204%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 4" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="haiti 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmt3YodLI/AAAAAAAACx0/Frjzqa7ktfo/haiti%204_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmuOaRgRI/AAAAAAAACx4/I4GWvzMWm_M/s1600-h/haiti%205%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="haiti 5" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="haiti 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmurwa-OI/AAAAAAAACx8/Ooh5Ua5qig4/haiti%205_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmu_dE74I/AAAAAAAACyA/s2uMUZYomMM/s1600-h/Haiti%206%20think%20the%20boy%20up%20front%20is%20even%20giving%20us%20one%20and%20a%20half%20thumbs%20up.%20quite%20the%20discerning%20critic.%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Haiti 6 " style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="Haiti 6 " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2zmvYT45II/AAAAAAAACyE/TzCx1TMZ2nc/Haiti%206%20think%20the%20boy%20up%20front%20is%20even%20giving%20us%20one%20and%20a%20half%20thumbs%20up.%20quite%20the%20discerning%20critic._thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> I love this quote by Mother Theresa…</p> <p>“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”</p> <p><strong>I’ve got two questions for you…</strong></p> <p><strong>1.) If given the opportunity, would you leave your family for one week and travel to Haiti to help out in the relief effort?  2.) How do you think it would impact you?</strong> <br /></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-31880877274985939302010-01-29T13:35:00.001-08:002010-01-29T15:36:46.561-08:00Boots on the Ground- Our Team in Haiti<p>My husband has been busier than a one armed paper hanger- coordinating supplies, medicines, flights and personnel to Haiti.  Just a few days ago, he sent a team of doctors, counselors and volunteers (from our church) to help in the relief effort.  Kahuna was bummed that he couldn’t go with them.  My broken foot sealed the deal that he should stay home… this time.  </p> <p>Every evening at about 5:00 the team calls on their sat phone and gives Kahuna an update.  Someone has an iphone and was able to send a few pictures, too.  They speak volumes…</p> <p>This is Scott on the left.  He took most of the pics:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUgUAgPYI/AAAAAAAACvo/TheWoxtZZiM/s1600-h/scott%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="scott" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="scott" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUgow6arI/AAAAAAAACvs/C3VN3xJ8tLs/scott_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>Fifteen days with a compound femur fracture and head laceration. Patient reported his pain was moderate. Tough guy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUhWdwK-I/AAAAAAAACvw/KPO6wOZA2SI/s1600-h/15%20days%20with%20a%20compound%20femur%20fracture%20and%20head%20laceration.%20Patient%20reported%20his%20pain%20was%20moderate.%20tough%20guy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUh_DvkQI/AAAAAAAACv0/lk-jIH6VllA/15%20days%20with%20a%20compound%20femur%20fracture%20and%20head%20laceration.%20Patient%20reported%20his%20pain%20was%20moderate.%20tough%20guy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Ian Armstrong neurosurgeon taking a break to love on the kids.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUiUMdJPI/AAAAAAAACv4/Cif8qcmsCLE/s1600-h/Dr.%20Ian%20Armstrong%20neurosurgeon%20our%20new%20arrival%20getting%20it%20done.%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUiykc05I/AAAAAAAACv8/cZf1vfrB-CM/Dr.%20Ian%20Armstrong%20neurosurgeon%20our%20new%20arrival%20getting%20it%20done._thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>This is our dear friend Brian.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUjIaxuKI/AAAAAAAACwA/l06-n9bSP9o/s1600-h/Brian%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="Brian" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="Brian" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUjhYFKfI/AAAAAAAACwE/0aBRRF-nsTw/Brian_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>This is what Scott said while photographing this scene.  I thought is was so inspiring, “It's cool being a youth counselor to a kid you know is awesome...then he grows up and becomes awesomer. Dane in action.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUj2LYl9I/AAAAAAAACwI/ks-DcUowQJU/s1600-h/It%27s%20cool%20being%20a%20youth%20counselor%20to%20a%20kid%20you%20know%20is%20awesome...then%20he%20grows%20up%20and%20becomes%20awesomer.%20Dane%20melberg%20in%20action.%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUkS2Kf8I/AAAAAAAACwM/gZMJwMSXhbE/It%27s%20cool%20being%20a%20youth%20counselor%20to%20a%20kid%20you%20know%20is%20awesome...then%20he%20grows%20up%20and%20becomes%20awesomer.%20Dane%20melberg%20in%20action._thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Jolie had the genius idea to write diagnosis and plan on kid’s cast, i.e. femur fracture remove cast march 26th. The info. will be vital for his check up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUkoz_AXI/AAAAAAAACwQ/NE6uj7J86X8/s1600-h/Dr.%20Jolie%20ha%20the%20genius%20idea%20t%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUlGFuY-I/AAAAAAAACwU/O1mBK0Gq_3Q/Dr.%20Jolie%20ha%20the%20genius%20idea%20t%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Speechless.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUlVLdb8I/AAAAAAAACwY/3UoZSaaZHYo/s1600-h/no%20words%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="no words" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="270" alt="no words" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUlix8mKI/AAAAAAAACwc/LEDxIze7gcQ/no%20words_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>A v-collapse and a pancake collapse side by side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUmLm6ODI/AAAAAAAACwg/8lLzHsNcDuk/s1600-h/A%20v-collapse%20and%20a%20pancake%20collapse%20side%20by%20side.%20Speechless.%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="488" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUmlM1eHI/AAAAAAAACwk/G7ywCooX_PY/A%20v-collapse%20and%20a%20pancake%20collapse%20side%20by%20side.%20Speechless._thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="652" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>This sweet boy was helicoptered in from the mountains, malnourished...both parents gone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUmxKK-AI/AAAAAAAACwo/sB7TstciY0o/s1600-h/Was%20helicoptered%20in%20from%20the%20mountains%2C%20malnourished...both%20parents%20gone.%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="537" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUnRq1Q7I/AAAAAAAACws/ppRqoMTHMkQ/Was%20helicoptered%20in%20from%20the%20mountains%2C%20malnourished...both%20parents%20gone._thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUnuMOr-I/AAAAAAAACww/Shlvuproqq0/s1600-h/boy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="boy" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="537" alt="boy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUoMyVyZI/AAAAAAAACw0/wWQhcZunXag/boy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>A team member has fallen in love with him and is going to try to adopt him. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUomv37YI/AAAAAAAACw4/WxD9zcYKGe0/s1600-h/boy2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="boy2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="537" alt="boy2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S2NUpBX2hUI/AAAAAAAACw8/BlCguYVNTtg/boy2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Don’t stop praying for Haiti.  </p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-58762211046885782802010-01-24T15:39:00.001-08:002010-01-24T15:39:56.002-08:00I Heard Him Yesterday…<p>My broken foot is really getting me down.  Seven more weeks of not driving.  I might be going nuts.  The orthopedist really got up in my grill and told me I was doing too much and that my foot won’t heal unless I just stop and rest.  </p> <p>I’m not good at stopping.</p> <p>I’m used to going 200 miles an hour with my hair on fire.</p> <p>Isn’t that how everyone lives?</p> <p>I have to just stop and pray</p> <p>and try to be still</p> <p>and listen to see if the Lord is trying to teach me something through this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaPjV4utI/AAAAAAAACvA/Ld_z_6ikpkM/s1600-h/naptime-014-copyweb%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="I love her 1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="I love her 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaP48jbDI/AAAAAAAACvE/Hy60VSXYIiI/naptime-014-copyweb_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I heard Him yesterday.</p> <p>He told me to cherish the quiet and still.</p> <p>Take time to pray.</p> <p>Memorize Isaiah 61:1.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaQb59VWI/AAAAAAAACvI/BNUVe6kn3Oo/s1600-h/naptime-012-copyweb%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="I love her 2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="545" alt="I love her 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaQt-pDvI/AAAAAAAACvM/IJ-5uEe6S_w/naptime-012-copyweb_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Listen to my kids and not just say <em>uh-huh</em>.</p> <p>Spoil my daughter a little </p> <p>and take a 2:00 nap</p> <p>together on my bed</p> <p>-still wearing our jammies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaRGJsTEI/AAAAAAAACvQ/EHFLePR2tl0/s1600-h/naptime-018-copyweb%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="I love her 3" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="I love her 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaRZsOblI/AAAAAAAACvU/SEjAwbPlaBg/naptime-018-copyweb_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Be a little silly</p> <p>even when it’s time to get serious. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaR91CKnI/AAAAAAAACvY/vqCiFmpSPWo/s1600-h/naptime-021-copyweb3%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="I love her 4" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="I love her 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaSNSUKAI/AAAAAAAACvc/rshXZ2mD2wM/naptime-021-copyweb3_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>But what He keeps reminding me of the most</p> <p>is to give up control-</p> <p>and cherish today.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaSaGj6iI/AAAAAAAACvg/EA5EFCJ1Vx4/s1600-h/naptime-029web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="I love her 5" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="538" alt="I love her 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1zaS40_5pI/AAAAAAAACvk/XTL9AzuoFOE/naptime-029web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-74366445478537429782010-01-21T06:45:00.000-08:002010-01-21T00:47:35.773-08:00How to Enhance Eyelashes in Photoshop Elements<p>Some friends have emailed to ask how to enhance/burn eyelashes using Photoshop Elements.  Let me just remind you that I am on a learning curve just like you.  If you know of a better way, please let me know!  I love learning new things!</p> <p>Step 1:  Open up a favorite picture in your Elements program.  I chose this picture of Beach Bunny sportin’ her golden brown tan last summer. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-4iFhC_I/AAAAAAAACtA/OtGnG8-k5Wo/s1600-h/step-1%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="step-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="420" alt="step-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-5eVnp1I/AAAAAAAACtE/bs1g4v0Cr-o/step-1_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 2:  Zoom in on your picture by holding down “control” and “+” (on a pc).  Click the burn tool (little, white hand).  If there is another icon instead of the hand, right click it and scroll down to the hand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-53IhLvI/AAAAAAAACtQ/maxjHui8RWA/s1600-h/step-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step-2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-6YOw7lI/AAAAAAAACtU/bzW57UYKjdw/step-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 3:  At the top of the screen select the pixel size (I chose 6 pixels) and the exposure (I chose 13%).  Exposure determines how dark we will burn the lashes.  I chose 6 pixels wide because that is about the width of Beach Bunny’s lashes.  There is a tiny circle in her pony tail.  That circle is 6 pixels wide.  I went over each lash.  It was kind of like applying a base coat of mascara.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-6kpnwAI/AAAAAAAACtc/hy6C69zHNak/s1600-h/step-3%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step-3" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-7L9hbDI/AAAAAAAACtk/X3lilSzxCZ8/step-3_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>Step 4:  I centered her picture to make sure that both sets of lashes were symmetrical.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-7UknzlI/AAAAAAAACto/tOOPo_QNo5M/s1600-h/step-4%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step-4" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step-4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-7-IaM3I/AAAAAAAACtw/92xmvjdBpFU/step-4_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 5:  Now with the burn tool still selected, I changed the pixel size just a tad smaller (4 px) and bumped the exposure up to 23%.  This “coat” will be just a bit darker.  In this step, I went over each lash again, but this time I drew on a few extra lashes.  Keep in mind, that <em>subtlety</em> is key.  I <strong>don’t</strong> want her to look like a child beauty queen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-8XeRGUI/AAAAAAAACt8/qm2xxepgxuA/s1600-h/step%205%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step 5" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-85mdZLI/AAAAAAAACuE/A2qT0rxxCUI/step%205_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 6:  I centered the picture again.  Now look for the sharpen tool.  It looks like a blue triangle.  If the icon isn’t there, right click it and select the triangle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-9fCwESI/AAAAAAAACuI/EffCiJzESIg/s1600-h/step-7%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step-6" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step-6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-9191PRI/AAAAAAAACuU/OO-eys3N8LQ/step-7_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 7:  Select 18 pixels at 14%.  Now go over the eye lashes to sharpen them.  I also went over her eyes to give them a little more shine.  If you ever mess up on one of the steps, Elements is very forgiving.  Just click the “undo” button at the top right of the screen. It will undo your last edit, and then you can try again.  I like second (and third) chances!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f--VnuUKI/AAAAAAAACuc/zUB7nH35qXg/s1600-h/step%208%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step 7" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step 7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f--xaJ87I/AAAAAAAACuk/eoyxK0GhdkY/step%208_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Step 8:  Ta-da!  You’re done!  Just hit “control” and “-“ to zoom out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-_X_pijI/AAAAAAAACuw/cGt9yWg5Wgk/s1600-h/step%209%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="step 6" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="421" alt="step 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f-_4Xs9CI/AAAAAAAACu0/2uG_qP4j5vY/step%209_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Here is the final edit:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f_ADqTfYI/AAAAAAAACsU/VRwvMnybwoU/s1600-h/jpg-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Final" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="400" alt="Final" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1f_ApNNrDI/AAAAAAAACsY/Bhi9vcNcxfY/jpg-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>If you watch the picture <strong>(below) </strong>carefully, you will see the before and after of her lashes in animated form.  The differences are subtle, but it can enhance your subject’s eyes just enough to pop! </p> <p><img alt="Gif Created on Make A Gif" src="http://www.makeagif.com/media/1-15-2010/ZKWBV0.gif" /><!--Session data--> </p> <p>Go for it, </p> <div id="refHTML"></div> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-52586274029550314902010-01-18T19:12:00.001-08:002010-01-18T19:12:19.333-08:00I Heart Faces- “We Are Family”<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1UjEPq3XxI/AAAAAAAACrI/65UNZeVmUzk/s1600-h/new%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Beach Walk" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="Beach Walk" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S1UjElYKg2I/AAAAAAAACrM/Sm-4eIGyviY/new_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="left">I had a fun opportunity to photograph a really cool family from Zimbabwe.  They are out here on “holiday” and had never had family pictures taken before.  The dad is hilarious and his personality is exactly like the Crocodile Hunter.  He even showed me a picture where he is wrestling a live 14 foot, 100 pound python!  He saved it from eating the family cat.   </p> <p align="left">I told the C. family that if they’d be my guinea pigs and let me practice my photo skills on them, they could keep the pictures.  I love that we were able to arrive at the beach at sunset.  It was a gorgeous night.</p> <p align="center">To see other family photos visit: </p> <center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" /></a></center><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-90579338928121689312010-01-14T21:35:00.001-08:002010-01-14T21:35:27.392-08:00Because I Can’t Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0_-mouxJdI/AAAAAAAACqY/_K_wJNtIOOU/s1600-h/photo%287%29%5B20%5D.jpg"><img title="photo(7)" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="422" alt="photo(7)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0_-my3gu2I/AAAAAAAACqc/WH5rjU8KZIo/photo%287%29_thumb%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0_-nc87RYI/AAAAAAAACqg/0uCA2ZM7dIs/s1600-h/photo%2811%29%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="photo(11)" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="423" alt="photo(11)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0_-nph67xI/AAAAAAAACqk/_LFmaxJzb2Y/photo%2811%29_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>In a feat of unequivocal grace, I broke my foot today… metatarsal five to be exact.</p> <p>Who breaks their foot walking…</p> <p>on a field trip with 40 third graders?</p> <p>I walked a mile on it after it was broken.</p> <p>Probably not smart.</p> <p>But I’m <strike>stubborn</strike> determined.</p> <p>“Hey, look on the bright side,” I told myself.</p> <p>“It’s time to get rolling on that 2010 deductible anyway.”</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-66434182936107340732010-01-11T22:48:00.000-08:002010-01-11T23:27:10.571-08:00A Little Video For a ChangeHi, you guys!<br /><br />A friend of ours just put together this video of our Mexico trip for our "reunion party" last night. All fifty of us (kids included!) had dinner together and shared our favorite stories from the trip.<br /><br />The video begins with the children's Christmas party, then cuts to their Sunday worship service (which was so different from our home church- very refreshing), and then begins again as we're loading up the shoe boxes and ready to caravan down to Mexico.<br /><br />There is a rockin' song by Hillsong playing during the video, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hosanna in the Highest</span>.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Sometimes I have trouble keeping my focus, so I think it's a good thing I can't get the lyrics out of my head. I decided to make them my prayer today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Heal my heart and make it clean<br />Open up my eyes to the things unseen<br />Show me how to love like you have loved me<br /><br />Break my heart from what breaks yours<br />Everything I am for your kingdoms cause<br />As I go from nothing to<br />Eternity<br /></div><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_ApkUNpv0g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_ApkUNpv0g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-54139250131885893502010-01-08T21:52:00.001-08:002010-01-08T21:52:21.161-08:00I Just Whipped up a Little Somethin’ Somethin’<p>Okay, so since I recently let you in on my <a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-dirty-little-secret.html">dirty little secret</a>, I’ve had a change of heart.  2010 is my year to try new things in the kitchen.  Nothing award winning… I just need to move beyond my pasta and chicken rut.  </p> <p>So without further ado, here is a little somethin’ somethin’ that I whipped up for my hubby and me for lunch.  It was super easy- just my skill level.</p> <p align="center"><strong>Open Faced Tomato & Mozzarella Sandwich</strong></p> <p>I bought an Italian round (slightly crusty on the outside, soft on the inside) at the bakery.  I would love to learn how to bake this at home!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY9Gd3UoI/AAAAAAAACpI/2pp1hAadvlc/s1600-h/Italian-Round-002web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Italian Round" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="Italian Round" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY9uA7UJI/AAAAAAAACpM/NR_paYj3t1Y/Italian-Round-002web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Then I made the scallion oil.  1/3 cup roughly chopped scallions…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY9yc7mZI/AAAAAAAACpQ/Z8WPJJQ69_s/s1600-h/scallions-2-015web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="scallions" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="scallions" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY-SKKTiI/AAAAAAAACpU/tzcO5U3YtVg/scallions-2-015web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>…1/2 cup roughly chopped basil.  If you don’t like the flavor of basil, you can easily use Italian parsley leaves.  I’m a basil freak, though!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY-7BGrcI/AAAAAAAACpY/K2OPQ58mUMA/s1600-h/basil-022web%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="basil" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="446" alt="basil" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY_Vx84QI/AAAAAAAACpc/T-RjgZTcMq8/basil-022web_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Add this great smelling mixture to a food processor.  This is the same mini processor which I used to use to make my kids’ baby food.  Ahh!  The good ol’ days.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gY_ogVBVI/AAAAAAAACpg/nnbRyvxDUu8/s1600-h/chop-basil-and-scallions-02%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="chop-basil-and-scallions-02" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="chop-basil-and-scallions-02" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZALCdP3I/AAAAAAAACpk/Brwt25Sd9mE/chop-basil-and-scallions-02_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Process until finely chopped. Then add 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and give that baby a whirl for a few seconds to combine.  Add Kosher salt to taste.  Can you smell that?  That’s what heaven smells like.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZAY1QeWI/AAAAAAAACpo/Ji7u7OwMFEY/s1600-h/chopped%20basil%20and%20scallions%20with%20olive%20oil-045%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="chopped basil and scallions with olive oil-045" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="chopped basil and scallions with olive oil-045" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZA9NSruI/AAAAAAAACps/5QHfU42jDes/chopped%20basil%20and%20scallions%20with%20olive%20oil-045_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Now that the scallion oil is finished, slice fresh tomatoes…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZBMZz3zI/AAAAAAAACpw/QWDfiqcdaNE/s1600-h/tomatoes-050web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="vine ripe tomatoes" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="vine ripe tomatoes" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZBq-0IZI/AAAAAAAACp0/aPPsQjb3VEY/tomatoes-050web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>… and fresh mozzarella.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZCLJdt4I/AAAAAAAACp4/WciBbwrwgBg/s1600-h/cheese-056web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="mozzarella" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="mozzarella" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZCQGqIQI/AAAAAAAACp8/px87dwzUNzU/cheese-056web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Brush the bread with extra virgin olive oil.  I used <em>organic</em> olive oil<em> </em>because it automatically bumps up the “cool factor” like 10 points.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZCzJw_bI/AAAAAAAACqA/ckb6Cj4sxCM/s1600-h/brush-with-olive-oil-059web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="brush bread with olive oil" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="brush bread with olive oil" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZDfbKMYI/AAAAAAAACqE/j3JlodyLG4M/brush-with-olive-oil-059web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Now grill the bread for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned.  Sorry for the ugly picture… I was getting hungry!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZEP13MyI/AAAAAAAACqI/d9kbR2QTBhc/s1600-h/toast-the-bread-069web%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="grill bread" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="447" alt="grill bread" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZJezk-iI/AAAAAAAACqM/qAXRv14ERaU/toast-the-bread-069web_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>To assemble the sandwich, rub one side of each slice of bread with a peeled garlic clove.  Place the grilled slices on a serving tray.  Arrange a slice of mozzarella and a tomato slice or two over each half slice of bread.  Spoon about a tablespoon of scallion oil over the tomatoes and  mozzarella and sprinkle with Kosher salt.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZKWOmOpI/AAAAAAAACqQ/w8Jdyq7YgIM/s1600-h/119%20pump%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Divine" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="447" alt="Divine" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0gZlDy59YI/AAAAAAAACqU/1VS4MHeQm7g/119%20pump_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center">And there you have it.</p> <p align="center">A delish open faced tomato & mozzarella sandwich.   </p> <p align="center">Try it. </p> <p align="center">Your mouth will thank you.</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-7343397973159488232010-01-07T23:24:00.001-08:002010-01-08T16:25:31.465-08:00Last Stop (Part 2 of 2) and Goal for 2010<p>I figured I’d better get this last Christmas post up fast since Santa’s officially been on vacay for two weeks. Nice.</p> <p>After we loaded the kids up on sugar, we marched them into the church and had them line up to receive a Christmas shoe box. You could feel the anticipation in the air. This is how the girls lined up so sweetly…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdjxHDlzI/AAAAAAAACnw/fbVtFJ9KLn8/s1600-h/19-717%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="19-717" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="19-717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdkZ4IvbI/AAAAAAAACn0/E8nTp6f_4mk/19-717_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>…and this is how the boys lined up. It cracks me up how different boys and girls can be sometimes. Nice gang signs, guys!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdk1yj1sI/AAAAAAAACn4/Qm6jw1EcOJo/s1600-h/20-722%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="20-722" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="20-722" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdlddOOkI/AAAAAAAACoA/_xUGkolpgOM/20-722_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>This little cutie was so excited. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdmGpL1TI/AAAAAAAACoE/pVKOah5YOkQ/s1600-h/21-724%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="21-724" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="21-724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdmhyBjCI/AAAAAAAACoI/hZlsZFCj6f4/21-724_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>All the children patiently waited to open their gifts until everyone had a package to open.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdm4K1snI/AAAAAAAACoM/7I9CdFkXlVs/s1600-h/22-728%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="22-728" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="22-728" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdnezgdSI/AAAAAAAACoQ/_fmTk9dZcyk/22-728_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a></p> <p>And then the countdown began… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Open the gifts! </p> <p>I wish I could post this picture bigger for you to see the detail in their faces. One boy towards the right had a total look of shock on his face, and one girl threw her arms up in the air with excitement. It was so loud and so fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdoBlyeqI/AAAAAAAACoU/uylIbX6krPU/s1600-h/23-740%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="23-740" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="23-740" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdoy1PUzI/AAAAAAAACoY/iJodLIaPX-4/23-740_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="435" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>They loved showing off all their new stuff. Check out the boys in the middle and their excitement for their friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdpYoSN3I/AAAAAAAACoc/Z-UNBh3s0tY/s1600-h/25-754%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="25-754" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="25-754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdp67bV3I/AAAAAAAACog/FaBI_Dz2D_Y/25-754_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>This little guy squeaked with glee every time he pulled out a different gift from his box. It was the funniest thing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdqCtMRbI/AAAAAAAACok/B93UJth9u4s/s1600-h/24-744%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="24-744" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="24-744" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdqhm6bQI/AAAAAAAACoo/xq6bsabA6zw/24-744_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>I love the message on Kahuna’s shirt, but I laughed at the irony of his ensemble.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdrHOQapI/AAAAAAAACos/_DNtMjMNlD4/s1600-h/18-710%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="18-710" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="18-710" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdrU9kRyI/AAAAAAAACow/RolNvs-LB7Y/18-710_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="545" width="370" /></a> </p> <p>I watched in amazement as older siblings took care of younger siblings all evening long.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdr3QWJ-I/AAAAAAAACo0/Z9JsSMKh9ac/s1600-h/27-767%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="27-767" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="27-767" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdsMpdIxI/AAAAAAAACo4/Uo-gOco1keQ/27-767_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We talked about the real meaning of Christmas and that Jesus is our perfect gift. Then we played with the kids for a little while longer and walked them home.<img title="29-777" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="29-777" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdssbTfcI/AAAAAAAACo8/iFjrKrbMm8E/29-777_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="487" width="668" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdszmHMeI/AAAAAAAACpA/ZlvuX6RpN70/s1600-h/28-776%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="28-776" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="28-776" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0bdtaS45OI/AAAAAAAACpE/FzOeosE74-k/28-776_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>I got the most encouraging comments about our family serving in Mexico. Thank you so much!! I loved them! These comments got me thinking. Mexico isn’t the only place to serve people in need. We all have people in our neighborhood or in our city that need practical help, a visit, or even just a word of encouragement. The important thing isn’t about going to a far away place, but that we have eyes to see the people in need around us… and that we are willing to do something to help. This is one of the main things that I want to model for my kids in 2010. </p><p></p> Encourage one another,<p></p> <p></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-12465895515334112202010-01-05T20:20:00.001-08:002010-01-05T20:25:51.742-08:00Last Stop- Part One<p>I’d love to show you our last stop on our Christmas Shoe Box trip.  If you remember, our first gift delivery was to an <a href="http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2009/12/pure.html">orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.</a>   Our last stop was a church in a very poor area in Ensenada.  The children and their families were wonderful and so welcoming!</p> <p>In this town in Ensenada, the poorer families live high on the hills, while the “wealthier” families live below near the ocean.  They all paint their homes the most lovely colors… blues, greens, all shades of pink, and bright yellow.  When they build their own homes, a rogue family member must climb the power pole and attach the power line while it’s live.  It’s so dangerous and many die, but they have no other means for power.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPb1b7WJI/AAAAAAAAClE/JjLs-ly6d8s/s1600-h/16-691%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="16-691" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="16-691" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPcbqPO5I/AAAAAAAAClI/u-EXRrqf1zI/16-691_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>We started the Christmas party right away with a pinata.  My family and I helped with the preschoolers, but the kids at the party ranged in age from three to teen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPc-G4o2I/AAAAAAAAClM/0HAFZq-m49w/s1600-h/1-526%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="1-526" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="512" alt="1-526" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPdU1hsRI/AAAAAAAAClQ/Ovj3yN38n4k/1-526_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPdsrUzGI/AAAAAAAAClU/uO4RrnImI04/s1600-h/3-547%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="3-547" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="3-547" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPeJfwP_I/AAAAAAAAClY/yBUvcoVffHo/3-547_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>My son, Goofy Foot, finally got a turn.  He ripped into the pinata right away. Candy started to fly and kids started to run!  Total chaos.  Awesome!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPeZaXdWI/AAAAAAAAClc/GkOxjnLE0Zw/s1600-h/-571%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="-571" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="482" alt="-571" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPezH2QSI/AAAAAAAAClg/4jMTJ6KBjQo/-571_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPfKrVgeI/AAAAAAAACnQ/eIcd_Wr_L2c/s1600-h/7-573%5B10%5D.jpg"><img title="7-573" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="482" alt="7-573" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPflTSGzI/AAAAAAAACnU/I-s32Myn2qk/7-573_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" border="0" /></a></p> <p><img title="9-578" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="9-578" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPf_EeYSI/AAAAAAAACls/gh-p6Sq7ZMs/9-578_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" />We helped the children to different “centers”, like face painting, cookie decorating, and board games.  The kids were amazing!  Here we were chowing down on pinata candy before our next activity.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPiF-qItI/AAAAAAAAClw/cvdkTDD8xaU/s1600-h/10-593%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="10-593" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="10-593" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPinSTPHI/AAAAAAAACl0/YKETQgA0054/10-593_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPi-3rFLI/AAAAAAAACl4/gw1ZRc99cvo/s1600-h/12-599%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="12-599" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="12-599" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPjW1CuLI/AAAAAAAACl8/BMgPhpzXGk4/12-599_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I couldn’t get over this little one’s eyes.  What a sweetie!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPjjDhaQI/AAAAAAAACmA/nMK-WGYZ3dk/s1600-h/new%20girl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="new girl" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="new girl" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPj70HPlI/AAAAAAAACmE/ggoT0SBy9q8/new%20girl_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We learned that this was the first time the children had ever decorated Christmas cookies.  They were in awe.  Goofy Foot showed them the ropes!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPkWotg4I/AAAAAAAACmI/bsa1ax0G3qU/s1600-h/14-670%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="14-670" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="482" alt="14-670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPk250nSI/AAAAAAAACmM/ixuPTBnTsrs/14-670_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPlPsXDgI/AAAAAAAACng/_4XHJwzJlLQ/s1600-h/13-669%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="13-669" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="13-669" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPltyDSXI/AAAAAAAACno/xzmO9F7s8Rk/13-669_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>My daughter (left) had never decorated cookies either.  She froze in this position for a good 90 seconds apparently enjoying her sugar high.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPl6l8nSI/AAAAAAAACmY/hHbnBcmoel8/s1600-h/15-674%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="15-674" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="15-674" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0QPmOT4wlI/AAAAAAAACmc/_y0yautuEKw/15-674_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I can’t wait to show you part two tomorrow when all the children got to open their gifts.  There was so much JOY!</p> <p>With love,</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-35865293516498241812010-01-03T12:29:00.001-08:002010-01-03T12:29:27.066-08:00The Best Gift<p>I was so excited that my brother and sister-in-law asked me to come over to take pictures of my brand new niece.  Just one week old, she has already captured my heart for eternity.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-H3cszgI/AAAAAAAACks/9aIOxHRiOjc/s1600-h/In-The-Palm-of-His-Hands%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="In-The-Palm-of-His-Hands" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="In-The-Palm-of-His-Hands" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-ITgRnEI/AAAAAAAACkw/ebRYjQaLrjA/In-The-Palm-of-His-Hands_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Oh, how I love her tiny piggies!  You know something funny?  She totally has my toes.  How can an auntie and a niece have the same toes?  Wild!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-ImG0zqI/AAAAAAAACk0/5Tq9RtfNG2Q/s1600-h/January-2010-284lightweb%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="My toes!" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="My toes!" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-JD2nZHI/AAAAAAAACk4/wCovHNKOfKE/January-2010-284lightweb_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Little Paige Kaylee surprised us all and made her big debut on Christmas Eve… three weeks early.  She is healthy and perfect weighing in at seven pounds and eleven ounces.</p> <p>I made a little announcement for them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-JQurLZI/AAAAAAAACk8/xZrVhwdq4zg/s1600-h/front_preview%5B15%5D.jpg"><img title="birth announcement" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="424" alt="birth announcement" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/S0D-JtunUrI/AAAAAAAAClA/qNrNrWzlf3Y/front_preview_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Baby Paige was our best Christmas gift ever. <font size="2">(Don’t tell anyone, but my green Le Creuset baking dish from Kahuna played a close second.  Ha!)</font></p> <p><font size="3">Encourage one another,</font></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-34998033054911917192010-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:002011-05-04T18:37:20.415-07:00Our Year in Pictures<img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/sdewitt/Adios-2009.jpg" /><br /><br />As I took a few minutes last night to browse through some of my 2009 pictures, I was struck by the many ups and downs my family and most likely yours have experienced over the last twelve months. It made me realize how present God is with us even though He can't be physically seen. Uh oh! I'm getting all reflective up in here!<br /><br />2009 at a glance:<br /><br /><ul><li>A friend called to offer us a family trip to Hawaii</li><li>I was diagnosed with Melanoma, minor surgery, given the all clear!</li><li>Lots of family time<br /></li><li>Helped people in the community</li><li>Trip to Catalina Island and Mount Hermon</li><li>Swine flu for all</li><li>Pneumonia for Beach Bunny and Big Surf<br /></li><li>Got my first big girl camera</li><li>Beach Bunny home one year<br /></li><li>Spent hours on the soccer, baseball and football fields<br /></li><li>Our real estate investment went south</li><li>Learning to parent a tween<br /></li><li>Trip to Disneyland</li><li>Met Pioneer Woman<br /></li><li>My new niece was born</li><li>Family Christmas shoebox trip to Mexico</li></ul>It's been a heck of a year. I can see God's fingerprints all over it. Thank you <span style="font-style: italic;">so much</span> for coming along with us, sharing in our family story. I wish I could invite each and every one of you out for coffee... and a pedicure. Scratch that. Let's make that a massage and lunch. Scratch that. Wine tasting and shopping.<br /><br />Happy New Year, friends!<br /><br />With love,<br /><br /><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-56515999383141439122009-12-29T19:04:00.001-08:002010-02-08T08:43:37.383-08:00Pizza Pops??<p>As I was lying in bed last night, I got to thinking about food- food blogs in particular- and by golly, I think I've seen the love child of Pioneer Woman’s <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/">cinnamon rolls</a> and Bakerella’s <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/easy-as-pie/">treat pops</a>.<br /></p><p>Here are the steps:</p> <p>Roll out about a pound of dough (size of a grapefruit), making sure to flour the surface first so things don’t stick.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDIagHXeI/AAAAAAAACjE/i01RBZ_nOV0/s1600-h/dough-2-069%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="roll it, baby" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="roll it, baby" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDI8FqGlI/AAAAAAAACjI/3A3s1GVIM70/dough-2-069_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>Add your favorite sauce (I’m liking tomato basil marinara right now) and shredded mozzarella.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDJOHvz3I/AAAAAAAACjM/jssRyUe_SD0/s1600-h/suacy-087%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="sause and cheese. please" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="sause and cheese. please" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDJjJFW4I/AAAAAAAACjQ/lArWlpwiQwk/suacy-087_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="400" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>I added Volpi gourmet pepperoni to half of the pizza. That right there is some good stuff.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDJ2xJqfI/AAAAAAAACjU/mp_Dgqpj3-M/s1600-h/pepperoni-095%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="pepperoni" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="pepperoni" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDKc6ClUI/AAAAAAAACjY/2N65_sh4D-Q/pepperoni-095_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>The next step is to roll the pizza <em>toward you</em>. Trust me on this one. Toward you.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDKseUCNI/AAAAAAAACjc/PVolQB7ANKY/s1600-h/roll-2-097%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="toward you" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="toward you" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDLDlV2yI/AAAAAAAACjg/tZlntB6QnKw/roll-2-097_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>After it’s rolled, it’s time to pinch it closed. Pinch away to seal it up. If a little bit of the ingredients stick out, that’s ok. It makes it all cook together even better.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDLTgfKzI/AAAAAAAACjk/od476GNMWNk/s1600-h/piinch-101%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="pinch me" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="pinch me" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDLj6X4LI/AAAAAAAACjo/yY6jAiRNif0/piinch-101_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>Now it’s time to cut the loaf. I tried my kitchen scissors, but that wasn’t happening; so I went to the garage and grabbed my husband’s fishing line. Now we’re talkin’! Just wrap the line around a 1/2 inch section, pull tight, and you’ll get a perfect cut every time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDL84C-9I/AAAAAAAACjs/FfXc5d1Zdxs/s1600-h/roll-104%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="fishing line. that's the ticket." style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="fishing line. that's the ticket." src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDMd5MGrI/AAAAAAAACjw/M7Z3MOM03v4/roll-104_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a> </p> <p>Place these bad boy rolls onto a <em>greased </em>baking sheet (parchment paper would work even better). Bake at 400 degrees for 13-15 minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDMtOJBRI/AAAAAAAACj0/qRC-mfkSIXU/s1600-h/cut%201-106%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="400 degrees 13-15 mins." style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="400 degrees 13-15 mins." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDM8n1wJI/AAAAAAAACj4/0HLr2St_I1k/cut%201-106_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDMtOJBRI/AAAAAAAACj8/Tu0sw673mt4/s1600-h/cut%201-106%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p>Bake until they are golden brown and the cheese has had a chance to caramelize. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDNo9LcXI/AAAAAAAACkA/vM-3m5bW2Rs/s1600-h/baked-1-108crop%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="smells so good!" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="smells so good!" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDN5iyqmI/AAAAAAAACkI/Fm9Mzc7DmRE/baked-1-108crop_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="491" width="470" /></a> </p> <p>These babies have to cool almost completely before you insert the stick. I learned the hard way on the first batch. My little pizza pops drooped and sagged and slid down the stick. So, be patient. It will be so worth it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDOeVjevI/AAAAAAAACkM/KCJ228Wak1Y/s1600-h/stick-3-125%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="yes!" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="yes!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDOvoJZsI/AAAAAAAACkQ/JDqpW8THbCg/stick-3-125_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="658" width="445" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDO4o3keI/AAAAAAAACkU/AR6Rf6ZKekM/s1600-h/stick-6-128%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="stick-6-128" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="stick-6-128" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDPa6JGWI/AAAAAAAACkY/xc9_4Ur0hj8/stick-6-128_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="695" width="470" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDPg3a-sI/AAAAAAAACkc/LM7oC39vaFg/s1600-h/end-2-142%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="end-2-142" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="end-2-142" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzrDQFrTouI/AAAAAAAACkg/1nXWl_6ep5M/end-2-142_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="452" width="668" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>“Mom,” says my nine year old son, “These are even better than pizza!”</p> <p>“Well, it <em>is</em> pizza, Buddy.” I replied.</p> <p>“Oh, ya…. But it’s <em>still</em> better than pizza.” He said.</p> <p>“Ha! Thanks!” I replied.</p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">(Inspiration from <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/">http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/</a>)</span><br /></p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291247541081288082.post-63048261570360506372009-12-28T17:09:00.001-08:002009-12-28T17:41:35.706-08:00When Blogging Life Collided With Real Life<p align="center">Do you remember this picture from my last post?<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzlW4HKpsII/AAAAAAAACi0/ytXJ1BTZ8RA/s1600-h/clue_thumb54.jpg"><img title="clue_thumb[5]" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="118" alt="clue_thumb[5]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzlW4r4rg0I/AAAAAAAACi4/qYbOaF9qvfU/clue_thumb5_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center">Just the thought of what it represents makes my heart start thumping!</p> <p align="center">Why?</p> <p align="left">Well, because I believe it was a “God” moment in my life.  An “Aha!” moment where my “blogging” life collided with my “real” life.  I recognized that familiar faint whisper heard first in my heart.</p> <p align="left">I’ll back up a few weeks…</p> <p align="left">A cool lady at Blogher emailed and asked if I’d like to host some ads on my little blog.  I thought it was a fun idea, but something didn’t really settle right.  I wasn’t sure what it was exactly that didn’t feel right.  I prayed about it and asked some good friends for advice.  A few weeks passed, and I still wasn’t totally on board, but yet it still didn’t seem right to decline.</p> <p align="left">Fast forward to our Christmas shoebox trip to Mexico.  When I learned what the plans are for <em>this</em> building…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzlW4_eHjRI/AAAAAAAACi8/ymVuU-3qwcc/s1600-h/december4985.jpg"><img title="december-498" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="452" alt="december-498" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I6smk7JUIVk/SzlW5RxKcbI/AAAAAAAACjA/m4DqaJUHjMI/december498_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>…I knew immediately what I needed to do.  The blog ads need to be about <em>others</em>- not for myself or my family.  We are already so blessed.</p> <p>I learned that the plans for this building are to build a baby home right next door to Grace orphanage.  They told me that every day precious, healthy babies are abandoned at the dump or left on street corners due to neglect and extreme poverty.  They are trying to raise money to get this project completed.  There are babies who need this place right now!</p> <p>I have committed 100% of any ad revenue to go to this baby home.  My blog is very “small town”, so it might not be much- but all of it I will give.  The cool part is that <strong>you</strong> are helping to save these lives.  You, my blogging friends, are the ones who make it happen.  Somehow through the magic of the www, funds will be raised to save these babies.  All you have to do is read this blog.  </p> <p>So, what do you think about this?  Let me know your thoughts.  Be totally honest.  Would you put up with a sidebar ad or two to help orphaned babies?</p> <p>I read this quote the other day by my friend Francis Chan in his book <em>Crazy Love</em>, “Nothing in my life will ever matter unless it’s about loving God and loving the people He has made.”  </p> <p>That quote excites me, drives me, motivates me.  It’s how I want to live.</p> <img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/jaimeemartinez/Blog%20Designs/Stacy%20Dewitt/siggiecopy.png" /> Pineapple Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13817228223689236165noreply@blogger.com38