tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75289727364022638072024-03-13T15:08:18.179-05:00Ellie Kate and PeytonWelcome to the world of our darling children. Created for family and friends to enjoy the everyday happenings of our precious kiddos. Enjoy these pictures and stories as our kids continue to grow...sigh.Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-16924333079082900792013-03-02T21:31:00.002-06:002013-03-02T21:31:58.269-06:00Ever had one of those days where you think - wow, maybe that whole mom thing just doesn't really suit me?<br />
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Today, I'm there.<br />
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Today was Ellie Kate's 6th birthday party. We had a tea party with a few of her closest friends. Its also one of my husbands busiest weekends of his ministry. I was thinking ahead - for once - and actually hired someone to come and host the party. It is a traveling tea company and they are the sweetest most wonderful people ever. So, you'd think I would have had it together.<br />
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You'd think.<br />
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I spent most of my day running around, chasing wild children, reprimanding sibling disputes, disciplining disobedience, and saying "calm down" more than I care to admit or remember.<br />
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I put my children to bed 10 minutes ago, and now all I wanna do is run up to their bedrooms and apologize for their mommies behavior today.<br />
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It comforts me to speak in third person occasionally as if I'm talking about that girl in the 5th grade who threw a dodge ball at my head in gym class.<br />
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I mean, I know as a mom and wife we all have our off days, but I'm constantly left asking myself "why?"<br />
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I have been given the greatest gift and job on the planet, and so often, I find myself longing for the moments I spend without them and with just some peace and quiet.<br />
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Keepin it real, yall.<br />
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I think about Jesus unending love for us and it only further allows me to slightly catch a glimpse of what truly incredible God I know. How I long for an attitude of constant forgiveness and patience. How I pray for a day when I don't lost my cool and a day that my husband can walk through the door and be able to actually WALK through the door as opposed to tripping all over the piles of laundry. How I long for a day when I sit on the couch after sweetly tucking my children in to bed and think - job well done.<br />
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Lord, may you continue your good work in me. May my children see you, despite of me. Teach me to forgive. Teach me to have patience. Teach me to love like you.<br />
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<img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-56636455011878115662013-03-01T15:18:00.001-06:002013-03-01T15:27:49.517-06:00To my six year old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
February 27, 2013. Can it really be already? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was holding you in my arms in that cold operating room, gazing into those bright blue eyes as our surgeon rambled on about Billy Idol? I had never seen anything so beautiful, and it was love at first sight.</div>
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You put your daddy and I through the ringer those first few months. I never thought we would sleeep again and you loved the sound of your own scream. But I think God was preparing you and shaping you with a heart of tenacity for the plans He had already mapped for you.</div>
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The toddler years weren't exactly cake and ice cream either, as we searched high and low on how we were to help guide this strong willed child of ours! But even at a young age, you loved your mommy and daddy. You longed to be in right fellowship with us and your heart was becoming more teachable. </div>
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We have watched you welcome three of your siblings into our family and you never once showed a sign of jealousy or doubt. You were proud to be a big sister, and it suited you so well. God could not have picked a better first born than you, darling. You have just the right amount of leadership tempered with a merciful heart. Its as if God was preparing you for something BIG. </div>
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And mommy tried to be brave as you started kindergarten this year. I was fearful of the influences the world might inflict upon you and I worried that my voice would grow quiet in your heart as it would be replaced with friends, teachers, and culture.</div>
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But your daddy and I are so very proud of you, sweet girl. The choices you are making bring honor to the Ramsey family. Climbing out of our van, you put your people eyes on. You look for those who might need a friend and you speak kindly and obey your teacher. You were even awarded the character pillar award for your kindergarten class. You not only bring honor to our family, but you bring honor to your heavenly Father as well, and for that -we are so proud. </div>
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You get your sillies from your daddy. You still love to dress up like a princess, play ABCmouse.com, and take selfies on my phone.</div>
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Your daddy and I pray for your everyday. We pray that God would use you in a might way. This world needs more of Jesus, honey, and you have been given a special gift. A gift of mercy and a gift of wisdom - use them. Obey Jesus in everything you do and shine your light so bright that you change a world that is so full of darkness. The young girl you are growing up to be makes your mommy so proud. </div>
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"Don't let others look down on you because you are young, but set an example for other in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."</div>
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Your mommy loves you, sweet girl, with everything that I am. I thank God everyday for entrusting me with you. God has BIG plans for you, and it is my prayer that you will stay full of life and energy, remain obedient to mommy and daddy, and keep your heart and mind pure. It is an honor to be your mommy, and even a bigger honor to be your friend. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy 6th Birthday, Love. </span></h2>
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<img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-64258147754666665402013-02-02T15:44:00.001-06:002013-02-02T15:44:28.606-06:00Show us your life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today, I am linking up with Kelly's Korner Show Us your Life Singles. This is my first time doing it, so woohoo!</div>
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Meet Michelle. A 20-year old girl from Denver, Colorado.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVYKWKi4d-s/UQ2Eb659wsI/AAAAAAAADIU/n4NScULA9sU/s1600/249585_4607915396573_705251025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVYKWKi4d-s/UQ2Eb659wsI/AAAAAAAADIU/n4NScULA9sU/s320/249585_4607915396573_705251025_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Michelle is my mentoree, babysitter, youth worker, and bestie. </div>
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She adores kids, loves to travel, loves being outdoors, loves watching the Office and Big Bang Theory, and has quickly become an adopted member into the Ramsey family! </div>
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She spent a semester in Honduras becoming a certified Scruba instructor and loves nothing more than being in the water. She is also from Denver, hence the Tebow reference. </div>
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Michellle spends her days teaching swim lessons to kids, working at a dive shop, and working in our church's student ministry.</div>
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She has a great sense of humor, never takes things too seriously, and hates <i>The Bachelor</i> (shameful).</div>
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I love Michelle and love watching her grow and mature. She is a true find and I can't wait to see who God has in store for her. No doubt it will be someone great. </div>
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Comment below for more contact info!<br />
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<img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-65272384873080615662012-08-25T16:38:00.000-05:002012-08-25T16:38:56.196-05:00KindergartenMy baby started Kindergarten!<br />
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How it that even humanly possible?<br />
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Wasn't it yesterday that we held her in our arms for the first time?<br />
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Or crawling all over the floor? </div>
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Or being a mischievous toddler?</div>
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Wait, maybe she hasn't grown out of that yet.<br />
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Regardless of all my insisting that she wait, "just one more year," she was persistent and ready to go.<br />
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She has a wonderful teacher, to whom I have both facebook stalked for serveral hours as well as sent countless bribes to ensure my child's optimal success.<br />
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Just kidding.<br />
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Except not.<br />
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She found her name, and also discovered that at her table of four, she is the only girl.<br />
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Didn't seem to bother her as much as it bothered her dadddy.<br />
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She did such a great job, and we are so proud of her.</div>
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I am also pretty proud of myself because I didn't cry.</div>
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Well, ok, I didn't cry until after we left the building, and Peyton did this...</div>
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Poor baby. She was just so confused. </div>
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Pretty soon it will be her turn. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.</div>
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<img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-18374079778498274832012-05-14T23:05:00.002-05:002012-05-14T23:05:52.094-05:00Memory Verse Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So we have started a little tradition here in the Ramsey household.</div>
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Memory Verse Monday.</div>
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Each Monday, we sit down with our littles, and try and teach them what the world will not. We try and give them a preschool version of the gospel, in hopes of preparing their hearts to say yes to the most important question ever asked of them. Oh, how we long for that day.</div>
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But until then, their daddy and I will keep talking and keep telling, and keep cherishing these sweet moments we have together.</div>
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This weeks verse comes straight from Hebrews 4:12. Enjoy as our two middles share with you their take on it. Bossiness and Sassiness is optional.</div>
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See you next week for another rendition of Memory Verse Monday and feel free to join in on the fun!</div>
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<img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-53366061419866151622012-05-11T15:30:00.001-05:002012-05-11T15:30:13.781-05:00Chick-fil-a nugget recipe<div>
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If your kids are anything like mine, then they are obsessed with this...</div>
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Well, ok, maybe not so much the cows. In fact, my two middles are so deathly afraid of these cows, they will not exit the mini van until the premises have been cleared of any black spotted creatures.</div>
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But that is neither here nor there.</div>
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What does that saying even mean? Here nor there? I'm now questioning that phrase's origin and its original meaning. Did I pick that up from my grandmother? And what was here or there in the first place that neither pertained to? Although, maybe I should be questioning my use of it as I clearly have issues with the statement.</div>
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But that is neither here nor there.</div>
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Ahem. Now, what was I saying? Oh yeah, chicken.</div>
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So although my kids are not cow lovers, they are chick-fil-a nugget lovers. So much so that I cringe with envy when my friends all get Chick-fil-a coupons in the mail and I do not. So much so that my husband has put a "chick fil a" line into our monthly budget. So much so that I have begun to respond to people's thank-yous with "my pleasure." And so much so that I have stooped to perfecting my very own at-home chick-fil-a chicken nugget.</div>
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It wasn't too bad. Just a little bit of mixing, soaking, and frying up.<br />
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And the result? Delish!</div>
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I used this recipe from a fellow blogger, but I added a secret ingredient - a splash of dill pickle juice. I once asked for the ingredient list in chick-fil-a nuggets and I was surprised to see pickle juice on there, and equally surprised to see it absent from this recipe, so I added it. And rightfully so.</div>
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<u><b>Homemade Chik-fil-A Nuggets</b></u>(Recipe from <b><a href="http://www.azestybite.com/2011/05/sweet-chicken-nuggets.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">A Zesty Bite</a></b>)<br /><b>Ingredients: </b>1 lg egg<br />1 cup milk<br />
A splash of pickle juice (I added this)<br />1 lb. skinless and boneless chicken breasts<br />1-1/4 cup flour<br />2 Tbsp powdered sugar<br />2 tsp salt<br />1 tsp pepper<br />1/2 tsp chili powder<br />canola oil for frying<br /><b>Preparation:</b>In a large bowl whisk milk, pickle juice, and egg together<br />Place chicken on counter and cut into cubed bite size pieces; trim any fat that you may see<br />Put the chicken in the milk mixture and mix so that all is coated and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes<br />In another large bowl combine the dry ingredients listed above and stir<br />In cast iron pot or sauce pan pour in oil so that its at least an inch deep on med/high heat<br />Remove the chicken from refrigerator and place about 8 pieces in milk mixture and then into the flour mixture<br />Make sure all the chicken is coated with the flour and then place into the hot oil<br />Cook each side for at least 2-3 minutes or until golden brown (You want to make sure that chicken is no longer pink so you can cut one piece to test it out)<br />Place the chicken on some paper towels to soak up any oil<br />Repeat the same steps with the rest of the chicken and serve<br />
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<b>Hope you enjoy these delectable morsels as much as my family did! </b><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /><br />
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</div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-2518997605658169162012-04-28T15:59:00.004-05:002012-04-28T15:59:53.552-05:00To the Farm<h2>
Yesterday, a few of my friends and I went to the farm.</h2>
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<br />Oh, and we took our 19 children. </h2>
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It was seriously, one of my children's most favorite days ever.</h2>
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<br />They had nearly 50 free range chickens, just clucking around the property. They had over 40 goats, plenty or pigs, cows, horses, and what seemed like a vast assortment of every farm animal you can possible imagine. They got to hold baby turkeys that had just hatched one week prior....</h2>
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Ellie Kate was my only "hands-on" child. The other two just clung to whatever human leg was in closest proximity.</h2>
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This is a look at all the goats - and one llama, which Stone insisted was a camel.</h2>
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<br />I guess its time to check out some library books on "What actually lives on a farm vs a desert." </h2>
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<br /> The pigs were just about as presh as a pig can be.</h2>
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I mean, they were cute because they were little, but they did still roll around in their own poop.</h2>
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I also learned that pigs don't really "oink" they squeal.</h2>
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I guess its time I also checked out some library books on politically correct farm animal sounds.</h2>
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<br />Stone hung out with his buddies most of the time. I guess there was safety in numbers.</h2>
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And hands down the most anticipated event of the day were the pony rides. I can't believe each of my kids rode. Peyton has been talking about it every since.</h2>
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And just for the record, yes, Parker tagged along. Although, he just hung out in mommy's sling the whole time.</h2>
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What a fun day. I so cherish these moments with my four preschoolers.</h2>
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<br /></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-23934913984029930332012-04-01T10:26:00.005-05:002012-04-01T11:41:38.016-05:00Our Spring Break miracle<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">It's spring break in Colorado. And in the life of a youth pastor, spring break can be one of the busiest weeks of them all. </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">So I had made plans, months ahead, to spend spring break at my parents house in Jefferson City, Missouri. Its about an 11 hour drive, so Ben drove us half way and my dad picked us up and drove the </span>remaining<span style="font-size: 100%;"> distance. </span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I had lofty thoughts of spending the week shopping with my mom, getting pedicures and haircuts, and swinging with my kiddos on their backyard swing set. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >God had other ideas. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >On Tuesday, April 28, my mom mentioned how warm Parker felt. I didn't really think much of it, just assumed it was warmer here in Missouri than it ever is in Colorado, and his body was just adjusting.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Later that day, we took him to my brother's high school track meet. It was beautiful outside and I thought some Vitamin D from the sun would do us all some good. Parker screamed the whole way there, the whole 20 minutes we spent there, and the whole way home. I assumed he was still tired from our car trip a few days ago and thought it best to take him home to nap.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >He napped, slept decent at night, but woke up in a fretting mess. Nothing would console him. I tried nursing him, rocking him, josseling him - everything except spin him on his head - to get him to calm down. My dad suggested I call their local pediatrician. So I called our insurance to find out how that worked out of state, and much to my surprise, they told me to take him to the ER - that was all that would be covered. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >What a God-send that phone call turned out to be.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >It sounded a little ridiculous to me considering all this baby probably had was gas or an ear infection. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I finally got him to sleep, put him in his bed, and shoo-ed my dad off to work. About two hours later, my normally happy, coo-ing, perfectly content little boy was a screaming mess. I left EK, P, & S with their big uncle, called my dad at work (who then insisted that he go with me) and took little Parker to the ER.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I second guessed myself the entire way. I thought for sure they would send me home with instruction to give him some Tylenol for fussiness or at worst with an antibiotic for an ear infection. I was so worried that I was making too big of a fuss over some crying and a little warmth, but my dad assured me that it would be better just to have him checked out.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >We made it to the ER and sat in the waiting room.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >FYI - people in the ER waiting room are strange. I had a 3 year old who had swallowed glass on one side of me, and an elderly gentleman insisting that I eat some of his onion rings on the other. Of course this just furthered my desire to get the heck out of there.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >But then I would look at this sweet boy, and remember that I needed to get some answers.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmCExBfKoNA/T3h12GdpdvI/AAAAAAAADDg/enw1rIbhqlQ/s1600/parkerer.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmCExBfKoNA/T3h12GdpdvI/AAAAAAAADDg/enw1rIbhqlQ/s320/parkerer.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726456498509936370" /></a><br />They finally called our name and took us to a pediatric ER room - which basically was a normal ER room that happened to get the Disney channel. </div><div><br /></div><div>The nurse came in and immediately took him temperature. It registered 103.5</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in shock.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the next three hours undergoing tests for RSV, Influenza, ear infections - all of which came back negative.</div><div><br /></div><div>We then underwent bloodwork, chest x-rays, spinal taps, urine samples, catheters - every pain inducing thing you can think of - and I had to watch my baby go through it all.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97ecgLioDg8/T3h115HiyKI/AAAAAAAADDY/oexokfmnF3o/s1600/parkersleeo.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97ecgLioDg8/T3h115HiyKI/AAAAAAAADDY/oexokfmnF3o/s320/parkersleeo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726456494927562914" /></a>I eventually couldn't watch it anymore, and my amazing dad took over. He held him during every blood sample prick, every IV attempt, every throat swab - and I went out into the hall and balled my eyes out.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is nothing more painful for a mom than to hear her baby scream and yell, and realize there is not one single thing she can do about it. I just wanted to take his little body out of that room and rush him home and never let go.</div><div><br /></div><div>They finally made my dad leave the room when doing the meningitis check - which entailed drawing spinal fluid from his back. Even my dad had seen enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>After hours in the waiting room, they did finally admit us. But with no diagnosis or prognosis.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NsPxEZbGkw/T3h11oTUuWI/AAAAAAAADDI/ZeHiHAKSTuA/s1600/asleep.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NsPxEZbGkw/T3h11oTUuWI/AAAAAAAADDI/ZeHiHAKSTuA/s320/asleep.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726456490413570402" /></a>That first night was really hard. I was away from home, away from my husband, away from my church family and friends, and watching my baby hurt.</div><div><br /></div><div>He went through 3 IV attempts before they finally placed it in his head. He went through 5 catheter tries before finally getting success. And he went through 4 blood draws before they finally got one that was deemed uncontaminated. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember visiting orphanages in 3rd world countries, and you walk in expecting to hear the cry of babies desiring to be held, but in fact, what you heard was much worse. For what you hear is silence. Babies given up on their desperate cries for help and attention, and eventually just laid lethargic and still in a lonely metal crib.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was my Parker that night.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XKBcALBhmw/T3h11FifmnI/AAAAAAAADDA/SQSthV1AGr0/s1600/sick.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XKBcALBhmw/T3h11FifmnI/AAAAAAAADDA/SQSthV1AGr0/s320/sick.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726456481081956978" /></a>He laid in that bed, completely exhausted, completely void of trying, and his eyes were unable to focus anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cried so much that night I thought I wouldn't be able to open my eyes the next morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I needed my best friend. And the next afternoon, Parker and I both got our wish.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkqWBtzYPcQ/T3h051OywhI/AAAAAAAADCw/NS7tAW9Ax7E/s1600/parkeranddaddy.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkqWBtzYPcQ/T3h051OywhI/AAAAAAAADCw/NS7tAW9Ax7E/s320/parkeranddaddy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726455463092077074" /></a>Once Ben got there, the heaviness of the task before us seemed to lighten. As my friend said, my joy was doubled and my burden was halved - and that is exactly how I felt.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the next several days in that cold hospital room.</div><div><br /></div><div>Parker spent a majority of his time in this crazy contraption.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvw1z8an22I/T3h05g5Y_dI/AAAAAAAADCo/MbDbMtZMjzE/s1600/bed.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvw1z8an22I/T3h05g5Y_dI/AAAAAAAADCo/MbDbMtZMjzE/s320/bed.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726455457633598930" /></a><br />We were cared for by some of the most amazing nurses I have ever witnessed. I watched those ladies cry with Parker, try to make him smile, bring me cookies during my darkest moments, and yell at a lab tech who demanded another blood draw.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were my advocates and I will always remember what they did for my baby. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCKGbSzjlMA/T3h05Hfvg8I/AAAAAAAADCc/Lu8CmCtd_Zw/s1600/photo%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCKGbSzjlMA/T3h05Hfvg8I/AAAAAAAADCc/Lu8CmCtd_Zw/s320/photo%2B%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726455450815136706" /></a><br />Parker spent the next 3 days healing, and being tested for just what kind of sickness was taking such a toll on his little body. </div><div><br /></div><div>The diagnosis as of right now is still unknown, but I do have a much happier baby on my hands!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB0AUyhI_ZQ/T3h04oZ8aJI/AAAAAAAADCQ/Lc3vQzOUW8Q/s1600/parkerandmommy.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB0AUyhI_ZQ/T3h04oZ8aJI/AAAAAAAADCQ/Lc3vQzOUW8Q/s320/parkerandmommy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726455442469316754" /></a>God healed our baby and we are now out of the hospital and at my parents house! Praise the Lord!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_ksHXmniw/T3h04CUej6I/AAAAAAAADCE/Qx-aM6Kti8U/s1600/parkersmile.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_ksHXmniw/T3h04CUej6I/AAAAAAAADCE/Qx-aM6Kti8U/s320/parkersmile.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726455432245841826" /></a>While there are still so many questions left unanswered and so many fears of what lies ahead - I am praising God for bringing healing to my sweet Parker Reid. </div><div><br /></div><div>So many of you prayed, sent messages, cared for my oldest 3, gave gifts, and loved on my family this past week. We are eternally grateful. God hears the prayers of his people and you better believe He heard the prayers of hundreds who were petitioning the throne of the Lord on behalf of our son. </div><div><br /></div><div>We know this journey is not yet over, but we do know God must have big plans for our little man.<br /><br /><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></span></span></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-65233211797003032552012-03-20T15:47:00.002-05:002012-03-20T16:12:58.882-05:00A Moment in TimeThere are few moments in my life that I will cherish more than this one...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NsG4TOtvY/T2jtn5rKDbI/AAAAAAAAC_M/847rimfSYec/s1600/hospita%253B.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722084596326731186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NsG4TOtvY/T2jtn5rKDbI/AAAAAAAAC_M/847rimfSYec/s320/hospita%253B.JPG" /></a><br />It was like watching a young child open a long-awaited, joyfully longed for Christmas present.<br /><br />My three big kids had so prayerfully prayed over my belly for 9 long months. They had sung songs to the baby, given him kisses, and even tried to feed him goldfish crackers through my belly button.<br /><br />They had been asking for months when the baby would come out of mommy's tummy, and after 42 weeks of pregnancy, they were tired of asking (and I was tired of telling!)<br /><br />Ben and I kept assuring them that God had perfectly planned the time when their new sibling would join our ranks and that we must be patient and let God do the planning.<br /><br />And when they woke up on January 23rd and finally heard the news that mommy was having the baby, they could think of nothing else, for they knew the time had come to finally meet their new best friend.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbb3eOqAFZA/T2jtnSMjCrI/AAAAAAAAC_A/jH7zpGKSLnI/s1600/hospitalek.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722084585729362610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbb3eOqAFZA/T2jtnSMjCrI/AAAAAAAAC_A/jH7zpGKSLnI/s320/hospitalek.JPG" /></a> As I lay in that uncomfortable hospital bed, holding my sweet new baby, I began to smile as I could hear them coming down the hall.<br /><br />"I'm so excited! I'm so excited!" You could literally hear the smiles that were plastered on their faces.<br /><br />The door knob began to turn and my heart began to swell, anticipating this long awaited meeting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NIWSKLn7As/T2jtm7hiSpI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ev4x6t_joB4/s1600/hospital%2Bpeyton.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722084579643378322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NIWSKLn7As/T2jtm7hiSpI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ev4x6t_joB4/s320/hospital%2Bpeyton.JPG" /></a><br />Peyton was the first one to enter. It was silent for a few seconds as they scanned the room for what they were hoping to see.<br /><br />Peyton caught a glimpse of a bundeled baby and immediately asked, "Is it real?"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eXfUAs5Q9Q/T2jtmsA3Q-I/AAAAAAAAC-s/zaXwDsHY0Hw/s1600/hospitalstone.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722084575479808994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eXfUAs5Q9Q/T2jtmsA3Q-I/AAAAAAAAC-s/zaXwDsHY0Hw/s320/hospitalstone.JPG" /></a><br />The moments that unfolded after are ones that are forever etched in my brain. They loved him the minute they laid eyes on him. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Their hopes for a girl were completely forgotten as they made plans of dressing him up in tu-tus regardless of his gender.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>God gave my children a gift in eachother - a built in best friend for life. Watching them meeting their newest best friend is a moment I hope to never forget.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But just in case I do, someone thought to capture it all on video.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-25937011029275259242012-03-10T17:41:00.004-06:002012-03-12T18:36:29.745-05:00Parker Reid<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%;">So I had a baby.....</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR0x_79vyoE/T1vm3r-L5eI/AAAAAAAAC-g/AlmwPA_d8wk/s1600/mommyandparker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR0x_79vyoE/T1vm3r-L5eI/AAAAAAAAC-g/AlmwPA_d8wk/s320/mommyandparker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718417996247721442" /></a><br />Six weeks ago to be exact. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">We named him Parker Reid, and he is the world's most wonderful 4th born child. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I usually like to post my birth story shortly after the birth - and six weeks still counts as "shortly after" - right?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Cmon, give me a break, I am sleep deprived!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfbeGmN8k0/T1vm3Uw9c9I/AAAAAAAAC-U/TmbKO7gIj84/s1600/parkerhat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfbeGmN8k0/T1vm3Uw9c9I/AAAAAAAAC-U/TmbKO7gIj84/s320/parkerhat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718417990018233298" /></a><br />Much like the previous births, I had start and stop labor for several days. Ben's mom had come to visit us on a Thursday (with plans to leave on Sunday), and despite my best efforts, I felt a little bit of anxiety to have this baby while she was here. Of course, that probably only worsened matters and therefore caused overwhelming anxiety, thus false labor.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">When she left Sunday afternoon, lo and behold, contractions begin.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I was up all night with back pain and contractions, but never had a very consistent ones. There were times they would be right on the top of </span>each other<span style="font-size: 100%;"> and then I </span>wouldn't<span style="font-size: 100%;"> have another one for an hour. It did allow me to get some rest, but I was so confused as to whether or not I should go in.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">After nearly 12 hours of this, I finally called me midwife, just for some advice. She told me to prop a pillow under me to </span>re-position<span style="font-size: 100%;"> the baby's head. I did that for 15 minutes, took the pillow, out and BOOM, had the most intense contraction I've ever had. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>But once again, contractions were never horribly consistent. Around 5 am on Monday morning, I began to get nervous as I hadn't felt him move in almost 45 minutes. Ben and I decided to call our on-call babysitter (Thanks Michelle!) and head on in. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>When we got to triage, I halfway expected them to send me home, but at least I would know my progress. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>My midwife checked me and I was a 6. I was shocked.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>She told me we should give it an hour in triage and see if I made any progress. In the hour, I had four contractions. 4!!! That's it! By this time I was so exhausted, and I was having serious discussions with Ben about getting an epidural. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>When the new midwife came to check me, I was a 7. They said that was progress enough and they gave me a delivery room - at around 7am.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">After getting settled in, I immediately demanded to get in the water. The nurse said I couldn't because I was a v-bac. UMMMM!!!! That is not what I discussed in my birth plan with my midwife. We got it straightened out (and when I say </span>straightened<span style="font-size: 100%;"> out, I mean my midwife went and ripped the only monitor with the capability to go in the water, off of a laboring mom! Did I mention there were 21 other moms in labor with me that night! Yikes!) </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I got in the water and immediately fell asleep. I would wake up with a contraction here and there until finally my midwife thought I "looked" like I was getting close. I was a 9.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">At this point, I had a discussion with my midwife and nurse, warning them that I get a tad hysterical when I am pushing. They simply smiled and said, "Oh, you are laboring </span>beautifully<span style="font-size: 100%;">. I bet you just THINK you get hysterical."</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ben decided to group me message my family. At which time they took bets on when I would deliver. The earliest ETA was noon. Apparently my family hates me. I'm glad Ben kept that info to himself until AFTER I delivered.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span>I suddenly felt like I had to go to the bathroom. I got out of the tub, sat down, and realized that I indeed did NOT have to go to the bathroom. They rushed me to the bed and 6 minutes of pushing later, I was holding my sweet baby.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRwemUIV2V8/T1vm3CFTUrI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6QW8XD0w9M0/s1600/carseat.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRwemUIV2V8/T1vm3CFTUrI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6QW8XD0w9M0/s320/carseat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718417985003279026" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">After it was all said and done, I asked my midwife, "well?" To which she replied, "Yeah, that was pretty hysterical."</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I recall saying things like, "Just pull him out!!!" and "I don't want to be pregnant anymore!!!!"</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Of course, it was completely worth it - hold my handsome 7lb 10oz baby in my arms. He had a head full of hair (mostly on the back) and cried right away. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">When Ben announced it was a boy, I was so relieved and excited. Excited for Stone and hoping they would have a relationship like his sisters do. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Ben and I are quadrup-ly blessed.</div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-9140382799524392782011-11-21T16:17:00.004-06:002011-11-21T16:52:28.640-06:00My kids are officially obsessed with this movie...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmVeVOGenWs/TsrT-vrA3WI/AAAAAAAAC94/6HDFF2PAazc/s1600/grinch.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677583355156159842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmVeVOGenWs/TsrT-vrA3WI/AAAAAAAAC94/6HDFF2PAazc/s320/grinch.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>I don't even really remember what started it.<br /><br />It was honestly, probably a desperate attempt to watch anything that wasnt animated or entitled <em>Tangled</em>.<br /><br />I stuck it in sometime this past September and my kids have been glued. They can almost recite every line. Everyday when Stone wakes up, nearly the first word out of his mouth is "ninch." Its become so bad that I have declared it a 'basement ONLY' movie - which simply means they can only watch it in the basement.<br /><br />So this is where Stone sits at least three times a week and watches "ninch."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugpn0dM9PtI/TsrO08WZ0NI/AAAAAAAAC9o/KEZjoRsY4YU/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677577689202544850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugpn0dM9PtI/TsrO08WZ0NI/AAAAAAAAC9o/KEZjoRsY4YU/s320/photo.JPG" /></a><br />(and please don't just the purple seat that reads "Ellie Kate" that my son is so fondly sitting in. He has his own chair - its just in the garage and hasnt been assembled yet. Maybe for his birthday?)<br /><br />My girls even chose to be Cindy-Lou-Who for our church's Trunk or Treat.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKWvTWp6Pmk/TsrO0poF3EI/AAAAAAAAC9g/g2rvyE6qRa8/s1600/halloween.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677577684176460866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKWvTWp6Pmk/TsrO0poF3EI/AAAAAAAAC9g/g2rvyE6qRa8/s320/halloween.JPG" /></a><br />I am racking my brain trying to come up with a few other holiday un-animated movies that my kiddos might enjoy as much. <em>Home Alone</em> seems too intense. The jokes in <em>Elf</em> are WAY over their head. Maybe <em>The Santa Clause? </em>Suggestions?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And for your parting pleasure, here are my two youngeset (although soon to be my two middle...ahh!) giving their impersenation of their favorite green guy.<br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKMnOJhbWxHN54ydivguf_rtvNLSzt-ehUnmPZTMBFZkYaplsa91ujOutJnGw0xY96rQFASCDDpy9BxTIZoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-17662059805126622722011-11-12T09:42:00.005-06:002011-11-12T11:37:14.375-06:00Halloween browniesEvery October I am faced with the same dilemma. And the dilemma seemingly grows every year - partially due to the fact that I have new trick-or-treaters every year and the other half attributed to the fact that my trick-or-treaters hand capacity increases annually.<br /><br />So nearly one week after "national candy day," I am still left with this tremendous pile.<br /><br />Now for the dilemma. What to do with it?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQk5BL4DeLM/Tr6b4UIs5eI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/svuezZcgMwI/s1600/candybowl.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674143972313589218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQk5BL4DeLM/Tr6b4UIs5eI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/svuezZcgMwI/s320/candybowl.JPG" /></a> I went on a google hunt. Found great ideas like cashing it in at your pediatric dentist, sending it to overseas troops, or throwing it away by the fistfuls with each fit my child throws. But then I remembered I was 8 months pregnant. I am not about to drag my kids to the dentist just to have candy-giveaway meltdown. And I love the troops, but I don't even go to the post office when I am not ginormously preggo. And throwing it away by the fistful is against my non-wasteful ways.<br /><br />And then I hit jackpot. I typed in "Halloween candy recipes."<br /><br />Up popped an enticing recipe for brownies that included any and all chocolate yumminess you may have lingering in that trick-or-treat bowl.<br /><br />So I enlisted the help of a little buddy - and we got to work!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwr0iS6OA9g/Tr6b4IchpUI/AAAAAAAAC9I/-l6gpnQBuPI/s1600/peyton.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674143969175512386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwr0iS6OA9g/Tr6b4IchpUI/AAAAAAAAC9I/-l6gpnQBuPI/s320/peyton.JPG" /></a><br />If brownies from scratch seem intimidating to you like they do to me, have no fear, its quite simple. As simple as any cookie recipe - and without all the harmful artificial gunk and preservatives.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674142568959328082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9p3YuaFqRLs/Tr6amoO-P1I/AAAAAAAAC88/ShFXp3CIxx8/s320/batter.JPG" /><br />Next, you tear all the candy goodness into bite-size pieces and throw it into the batter. Oh, and I guess forget what I said about the omission of all those artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Or just don't think about it. At least that's what I did.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sp5bnm02_XU/Tr6amOBy2bI/AAAAAAAAC8s/s0JbiLsfvyo/s1600/candybatter.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674142561924733362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sp5bnm02_XU/Tr6amOBy2bI/AAAAAAAAC8s/s0JbiLsfvyo/s320/candybatter.JPG" /></a><br />Throw it all into a 13 X 9 inch greased pan and salivate for the next 35 minutes as your house fills with the aroma of chocolaty goodness.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Its better than any Yankee candle.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQW45nK0m0M/Tr6al026MKI/AAAAAAAAC8g/uQz7tHUXBbI/s1600/batterbowl.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674142555168190626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQW45nK0m0M/Tr6al026MKI/AAAAAAAAC8g/uQz7tHUXBbI/s320/batterbowl.JPG" /></a><br />Do some clean up while you wait. It will help pass the time and pressure to take them out early and dig in with nothing but a fork and a glass of milk.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYXC9WUN-8Q/Tr6alfsrH0I/AAAAAAAAC8U/I_X3KpGp364/s1600/peytonspoon.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674142549488115522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYXC9WUN-8Q/Tr6alfsrH0I/AAAAAAAAC8U/I_X3KpGp364/s320/peytonspoon.JPG" /></a><br />I must say, these were some of the best brownies I have ever made. It was a different taste with each brownie. Sometimes you got a kit-kat, other times a milk dud, and then sometimes you'd hit the jackpot and taste the perfection of milky-way.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Errrr, I mean, so I've heard. My husband told me that's what it was like. I wouldn't know.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m33Q2upTnXE/Tr6alJN8lyI/AAAAAAAAC8I/9OnOsZW3VgA/s1600/brownies.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674142543453656866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m33Q2upTnXE/Tr6alJN8lyI/AAAAAAAAC8I/9OnOsZW3VgA/s320/brownies.JPG" /></a><br />Here's the recipe for all inquiring minds:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Chocolate Grab-Bag Brownies</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">"Halloween candy brownies"</span></div><br /><div><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong></div><br /><div><br />2 cups candy bars, chopped ( any combination that you like!)<br />1 cup butter ( or margarine)<br />2 cups sugar<br />2/3 cup cocoa, Hershey's<br />4 eggs, beaten<br />3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Directions:</strong></div><br /><div><br />Heat oven to 350°F Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Remove wrappers from candies. Cut each candy into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.<br /></div><br /><div>Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add sugar and cocoa; stir to blend. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs. Stir together flour, salt and baking soda; stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in vanilla and candy pieces. Spread in prepared pan.<br /></div><br /><div>Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan and begin to crack slightly; do not over bake. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.<br /></div><br /><div>Yummy. Happy baking!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div></div></div></div></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-4392072029740128932011-11-04T20:00:00.010-05:002011-11-04T21:01:22.573-05:00Welcome back!So, its been a while, huh?<br /><br />Like 6 months a while.<br /><br />I would say "whoops," but that would imply some sort of regret. And regret it I do not.<br /><br />Sometimes when we undergo some of the most significant life changes, its important to do it with some sense of intimacy. My little family underwent some enormous ups and down over the past three years, and honestly, I wanted to take these past six months to heal, grow as a family, and just enjoy life with our new set of circumstances.<br /><br />And enjoy it we have. We really couldn't be happier in life right now, and I am so forever indebted to so many of you for your constant prayer and support. This blog was more than therapeutic for me, and I am so glad I have it to remind me of where I was and who I have become.<br /><br />But with a 6 month absence, a lot has occurred.<br /><br />We took an awesome beach vacation, as one last hoop-lah before we embarked on our big move. It was a glorious two weeks filled with sun, family, and lasting memories.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjGC-lhpa5Q/TrSNFP8eAEI/AAAAAAAAC78/DB_YlNuo2k8/s1600/beach.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671312952085315650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjGC-lhpa5Q/TrSNFP8eAEI/AAAAAAAAC78/DB_YlNuo2k8/s320/beach.JPG" /></a><br />We also took our vacation as the opportune time to announce to all our family and friends the future arrival of another Ramsey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMCDGL0MRoc/TrSNE4TV3GI/AAAAAAAAC7w/E0t8u1Pd_Eg/s1600/surprise.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671312945738800226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMCDGL0MRoc/TrSNE4TV3GI/AAAAAAAAC7w/E0t8u1Pd_Eg/s320/surprise.JPG" /></a> We found a house - Praise the Lord - and it has already been the foundation of our new journey. It has hosted birthday parties, play dates, and many a youth function. It may not hold our growing family for long, but for now - its a perfect fit.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpNECdHRpWc/TrSMJU05-9I/AAAAAAAAC7M/2Rq66iwFyXc/s1600/house.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671311922603621330" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpNECdHRpWc/TrSMJU05-9I/AAAAAAAAC7M/2Rq66iwFyXc/s320/house.JPG" /></a><br />We started our work in full-time youth ministry again, and we are so glad we didn't abandon God's calling. He is working and teaching us new things everyday and we are so blessed to be called.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa2r-SckjHU/TrSMIoi765I/AAAAAAAAC7E/TfDziMMpS7U/s1600/kids.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671311910717090706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa2r-SckjHU/TrSMIoi765I/AAAAAAAAC7E/TfDziMMpS7U/s320/kids.JPG" /></a> We have fallen in love with this little peanut, to which we have decided to be surprised of the gender, and therefore, give our families severe anxiety. You know, it was all a part of our masterful plan. *insert evil laugh here*<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6qRWW60k8Y/TrSMIYNdlPI/AAAAAAAAC60/LH-ohs2_7rw/s1600/peanut.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671311906332054770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6qRWW60k8Y/TrSMIYNdlPI/AAAAAAAAC60/LH-ohs2_7rw/s320/peanut.JPG" /></a><br />We even survived our first snow storm. It really wasn't so bad - except it makes me want to bake goodies and put up the Christmas tree.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0md7czn6l3s/TrSMH-CWEPI/AAAAAAAAC6o/YKmGS9ISN_A/s1600/sled.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671311899306103026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0md7czn6l3s/TrSMH-CWEPI/AAAAAAAAC6o/YKmGS9ISN_A/s320/sled.JPG" /></a><br />Can't wait to get back in the swing or keeping everyone up-to-date on the Ramsey happenings. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for the continued e-mails I received from so many of you - wondering if we had fallen off the face of the planet. Sorry about that. I blame the altitude.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you are new around here, and want to stay up to date on everything going on around the blog, just click the "Join this site" on the upper right hand corner of the page. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>That's it for now, but until next time...its so good to be back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-89095598272182595222011-05-16T14:34:00.004-05:002011-05-16T15:09:55.070-05:00JourneyToday marks the beginning of the end of the Ramsey 5 in OKC.<br /><br />Ben leaves Thursday to embark on this new and exciting journey of the Ramsey 5 in Denver, and while we are thrilled at whats in store for us, our hearts are a little sad to leave this life behind.<br /><br />"What is she talking about? She flipping griped for 18 months about a new job and now shes sad?"<br /><br />I know, I'm a complex thing. Just ask my husband.<br /><br />One of the hardest things to leave behind is our church home.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV9fJOSf0_E/TdF8os67lEI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/TcqgZ8yyZIQ/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607400049747924034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV9fJOSf0_E/TdF8os67lEI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/TcqgZ8yyZIQ/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" /></a><br />For the past year, we have been faithfully attending Journey Church in Norman, OK. Here we have heard some of the most influential teaching either of us have heard in our entire lives.<br /><br />When we first stepped foot inside this church, it was exactly one week after leaving our ministry position, and it happened to be the first week in which Ben and I were attending church together as a married couple. Ben has served in full time ministry since a year before we tied the knot, and his Sunday mornings were packed full of everything from setting up chairs, preaching a sermon, keeping unruly teenagers out of the parking lot, and discussing life matters with concerned parents in the lobby. We had spent the past 5 year doing these things and so much more, and frankly, we were tired.<br /><br />We were tired and dry. Dry spiritually, dry emotionally, and dry physically. We longed for days when Ben could drive with us to church, help drop his OWN kids off in the preschool, worship alongside me, and discuss the sermon in the noisy car-ride home.<br /><br />When we walked into Journey that Sunday morning, those cushioned chairs never felt better. We sat, looked at each other, wondering what to do next, only to realize that all our duties included for the day was to worship and listen.<br /><br />And it was awesome. I will never forget that first Sunday. The youth led worship. The youth did the announcements, and the sermon was all about- yep, you guessed it - youth. It is one of the most life-changing sermons I have ever heard. Clark, our pastor, was doing a series on devoting your life to changing the next generation. I mean, it was as if the heavens parted and the angels were singing the Hallelujah chorus over our two individuals cushioned chairs. In the sermon, Clark encouraged all members of the church to "Get in the sandbox" and make a difference in the lives of the next generation. (you can listen to the full version on Itunes by searching NT40 under podcast. The sermon is entitled NT40-The Sandbox.)<br /><br />We were hooked. And we had to go back.<br /><br />Needless to say, we never left. We since have gotten involved in the youth ministry, serving 9th grade students. We have formed some of the most incredible ministry friendships, and we have learned so much about how to do effective ministry. And most importantly, we were reminded of the importance of church as a family.<br /><br />Ben and I, and the kids for that matter, had become so accustom to sewing into the lives of others, we forgot the importance of being fed ourselves. Journey Church gave us rest, they gave us encouragement, they gave us support, and they gave us the nourishment we needed to get back out there and till the soil.<br /><br /><strong>Journey Church and all who became a part of our family there:<br /></strong><br />Thank you for taking care of this family and being just what the church should be to a family in emotional upheaval. You came alongside us amidst a difficult time and encouraged us to keep our heads up, reminding us that God's ways are the best ways. You showed us what church can be like when its leaders are focused on serving God and serving others, and you gave us hope in what was to come. You reignited our passion for students, and helped show us our shortcomings and our desire to do it better in the future. Thank you JourneyKids for loving on our kids, and creating a safe place for them to learn to love God and learn to love others. Thank you StudentJourney for giving us the privilege to work alongside some of the most incredible students leaders I have ever known. And thank you Journey staff for leading a church that truly is a beacon on a hill. We are now ready to go forth and spread the good news to all nations - or at least Denver. The seeds you planted will only grow in our new ministry, and we can't wait to see what God does for His Kingdom. Love to you all.<br /><br />-Ben & Meredith<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /> </p>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-84647715886655055692011-05-09T15:27:00.006-05:002011-05-09T16:02:47.984-05:00Life - According to my iphoneIf you missed the first rendition - you can check it out <a href="http://elliekateandpeyton.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-life-according-to-my-iphone.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Well, here it is again, time for me to upchuck all of my photos off my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">iPhone</span>. Its where all my truly magical pictures are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">contained</span>. Because, seriously? Who has their camera on hand at perfect-picture-posed opportunities.<br /><br />Not this mama.<br /><br />So here are some goodies.<br /><br />We are furniture shopping for a house that we have no idea anything about yet. You know, because we haven't started looking yet. But we furniture shopped, nonetheless. And my kids were troopers.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1rl2kWRyIg/TchSfaHW4mI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/to78ImXa2QA/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604820435802186338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1rl2kWRyIg/TchSfaHW4mI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/to78ImXa2QA/s320/IMG_1092.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our Easter weekend was great. Ben's brother and sister-in-law and their three kiddos drove up for the weekend and we had a great time. Here is all their loot.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8e_7uBUgD8/TchSe5H1nWI/AAAAAAAAC6I/SPYlXO8yRMA/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604820426945830242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8e_7uBUgD8/TchSe5H1nWI/AAAAAAAAC6I/SPYlXO8yRMA/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" /></a><br />And a sweet customer of my Father-in-laws made this cake for all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grand kids</span>. Such a dear. Sugar them up for someone else to take care of. How sweet.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOouKoWqsX8/TchSevv9BwI/AAAAAAAAC6A/bgJEipT27Xc/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604820424429733634" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOouKoWqsX8/TchSevv9BwI/AAAAAAAAC6A/bgJEipT27Xc/s320/IMG_1129.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>The only picture we got of all 6 of them!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELTVMzsgpxI/TchSeDeBwmI/AAAAAAAAC54/De-bH-y1sQk/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604820412543386210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELTVMzsgpxI/TchSeDeBwmI/AAAAAAAAC54/De-bH-y1sQk/s320/IMG_1152.JPG" /></a><br /><br /> Stone's new favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">past time</span>. Turning on and off the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">light switches</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62OKWdqVq5E/TchSdyxRnGI/AAAAAAAAC5w/6rlocyb9v6M/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604820408060714082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62OKWdqVq5E/TchSdyxRnGI/AAAAAAAAC5w/6rlocyb9v6M/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />Melt.My.Heart.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be3i1krB9Qw/TchQJBx3WRI/AAAAAAAAC5o/rqiKCZ7NHDI/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604817852289210642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be3i1krB9Qw/TchQJBx3WRI/AAAAAAAAC5o/rqiKCZ7NHDI/s320/IMG_1200.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />Ben had a birthday. Got a new car. And got a new dog. Here they all are. (and I hate to admit, I love the dog! As a matter of fact, he is sleeping at my feet as we speak, or rather, as I type.)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v9EJq6sH5s/TchQIz2hjLI/AAAAAAAAC5g/wzqB1ShCbY8/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604817848550657202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v9EJq6sH5s/TchQIz2hjLI/AAAAAAAAC5g/wzqB1ShCbY8/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />Ellie Kate and her best friends. She is going to miss them.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXNBz3EKrTQ/TchQIWMqp2I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/dcWqURWJ1io/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604817840590464866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXNBz3EKrTQ/TchQIWMqp2I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/dcWqURWJ1io/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />I was having a really rough day last week, so instead of taking it out in a more constructive way like taking a walk or writing in my journal, I decided to take one bite out of every piece of chocolate in the box. It was perfect therapy. For my soul, not my thighs.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S740ctQ1EHc/TchQIAZF_SI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/w8xGcToplB0/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604817834737007906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S740ctQ1EHc/TchQIAZF_SI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/w8xGcToplB0/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ben and the kids took me out for Mother's Day yesterday. We ate at this little place that has a marina on the back. It was a glorious day. Best Mother's Day yet.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aVjYNKx_Jo/TchQHqeUbKI/AAAAAAAAC5I/IW9X0Yg-FME/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604817828853345442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aVjYNKx_Jo/TchQHqeUbKI/AAAAAAAAC5I/IW9X0Yg-FME/s320/IMG_1247.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>So there ya have it. Got any good pics on YOUR <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">iPhone</span>? Do share....</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-49599385829923398562011-05-04T15:59:00.003-05:002011-05-04T16:28:42.611-05:00Some details.So if you missed the big announcement. Or if you couldn't download the video. Or if maybe you just haven't been on the computer in a few days (GASP!), let me catch you up.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">WE ARE MOVING TO DENVER!! </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br />Phew, I am now relieved that every single person on the planet knows. Or at least the pretty ones.<br /><br />Thank you all for the support and encouragement. I knew I could count on all of YOU to give us our proper Hallelujah, Praise God, these-people-finally-made-it celebration.<br /><br />So now for some more proper details, along with a few prayer requests.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">THE DETAILS:</span></strong><br />1. Ben leaves in 2 weeks to head up there and kick-off the summer student ministry, as well as look for a house.<br />2. Ben will be taking the position as full-time student pastor at a SB contemporary church.<br />3. The kids and I will stay here with our supportive family until we get the a-ok from daddy that we have a roof to sleep under :-)<br />4. It is our desire to all be up there by July 1st. Fingers crossed.<br />5. In the meantime, we are packing like crazy, trying to only live on necessities so we can be ready in an instant.<br />6. We are going on a little vacation in July, and we are considering it our final hoo-rah as a pre-Colorado-resident family. (plus, wed already planned and payed for it, so whoops!)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">PRAYER REQUESTS:</span></strong><br />1. That Ben finds a great rental house without me. EEEEKK!<br />2. That God brings us the right house in the RIGHT budget. Double EEEEEKK!<br />3. That I don't lose my mind w/ 3 kids for a month by myself. I'll save you the triple EEEEEKK!!<br />4. That God would show up financially for us because there are bumps that only HE can answer.<br />5. That God keeps all 5 of our hearts, minds, and bodies safe as we spend over a month apart from each other.<br />6. That God would give great favor to Ben as he tries to incorporate himself into this new ministry.<br />7. That God would give Ben a place to stay while he is there by himself. (He will be staying with a church member, its just still up in the air as to who that will be. You know, we are still accepting applications. hehe)<br />8. That God might provide something for me to do to earn a little income, with my kids in-tow, or maybe something I could do from home??.<br />9. That we would find a place that takes dogs. We have found alternative arrangements in case, but we hope there is no "in case."<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">PRAISES:</span></strong><br />1. Uhh, that we got the job. DUH!<br />2. And that it is everything our hearts have prayed, hoped, and dreamed for.<br />3. Ben got a new car! Well, new to him. His car bit the dust about a month ago, and we have since been on the hunt for a fabulous car on a not-so-fabulous budget. And God granted. He bought one yesterday from a sweet local pastor in our town. Yipee!<br />4. The girls took the news really well. EK has a few reservations about leaving her "Addison, Kaityn Mae, Mimi, & Addie" but once we told her they might all come and visit (hope you are reading this Keli, Jennifer, Mimi, and Kristy!), she felt much better about the situation.<br />5. Ben gave his two-weeks on Monday, and his non-believer boss was thrilled that he was getting back into "the business he was meant to do." Wow.<br />6. The thunder won their playoff game last night. Don't Judge.<br /><br />Well, that's it. For now. Thanks again for being excited right along with us. We consider you all family. A weird family - but family.<br /><br />XOXO.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-10292996160925193632011-05-02T13:11:00.004-05:002011-05-02T14:07:14.033-05:00THE BIG NEWS!Well, its finally time.<br /><br />I have been given all the OK's to finally let you all in on our ginormo secret!<br /><br />Well, maybe it isn't really ginormo to all of you, but its been no easy task to walk around with this life-changing information about our little family and not tell ALL OF YOU! You all have so faithfully prayed, encouraged, and interceded on our behalf, and part of me feels like you all walked this road with us! You were there when we moved. You were there at the low points. You were there at the high points. And you were there everywhere between. Seriously, you guys rocks.<br /><br />And now, I finally have news to share! I've wanted to shout from the rooftops, call up all my girlfriends, and share it with complete strangers walking down the street.<br /><br />At this time, you may want to pause and make a mental note to never tell me a secret. Clearly I have issues.<br /><br />But silence is no longer in the way! We are finally ready to share the place God has so perfectly been preparing for us. I never would have imagined that it would take us so long to find, but after getting to know the pastor and his family, chatting with the youth and their parents, and meeting the church congregation, we've decided it was well worth the wait.<br /><br />Now, are all of you ready yet?<br /><br />Keep with my style, I can't just spell it out for you. Good grief, I kept this secret for almost a month. I deserve to keep you in suspense for at least a few more minutes.<br /><br />So here is a little bit about out future home. See if you can guess along the way...<br /><br />The skyline. Isn't she a beaut? Quite a distance away from our humble abode.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaOUhgFVvQI/Tb767kLUV1I/AAAAAAAAC5A/mnvPF43CqYE/s1600/denverskyline.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602190887725848402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaOUhgFVvQI/Tb767kLUV1I/AAAAAAAAC5A/mnvPF43CqYE/s320/denverskyline.jpg" /></a><br />These are EVERYWHERE. Maybe because they originated in this very city? Good thing it happens to be our favorite eatery.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agOhMFQwU_o/Tb767LL2Y1I/AAAAAAAAC44/bYBf_mY2UiY/s1600/chipotle_billboard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602190881017193298" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agOhMFQwU_o/Tb767LL2Y1I/AAAAAAAAC44/bYBf_mY2UiY/s320/chipotle_billboard.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p>We had the fine privilege of walking around the coolest outdoor mall in the history of outdoor malls. I mean it has a Nike store AND H&M? What more could my little family ask for?</p><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6U3gEX8kuQ/Tb766yfRplI/AAAAAAAAC4w/2CbmdFlXgQo/s1600/1_1278865311_16th-street-mall.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602190874387785298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6U3gEX8kuQ/Tb766yfRplI/AAAAAAAAC4w/2CbmdFlXgQo/s320/1_1278865311_16th-street-mall.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p>Ben is already requesting Beau Jo's pizza for his birthday dinner.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DGExZwcb2A/Tb766jwwG2I/AAAAAAAAC4o/Sb-CB31Uhws/s1600/pizza.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602190870434552674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DGExZwcb2A/Tb766jwwG2I/AAAAAAAAC4o/Sb-CB31Uhws/s320/pizza.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p>Driving down the highway, snapped this picture. No big deal.<br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZd6et5TI2M/Tb766XFe7_I/AAAAAAAAC4g/QvrZ9VALoek/s1600/mountains.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602190867031846898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZd6et5TI2M/Tb766XFe7_I/AAAAAAAAC4g/QvrZ9VALoek/s320/mountains.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Still not sure? Well, my darling girls will make it all to clear.<br /><br /><br /><iframe height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23159443?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" width="400"></iframe><br /><br /><br />WOOOHOOO! This family is on the move!<br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-16268905350245068442011-04-27T08:46:00.007-05:002011-04-27T09:25:41.907-05:00Tidbits<ul><br /><li>I am so ready for the sun to come back. </li><br /><li>Peyton got a pink & purple lady bug pillow pet for Easter - & she named her Micky Mouse. </li><br /><li>I have never taken a negative pregnancy test. </li><br /><li>I still love Nsync. </li><br /><li>I am counting down the day until I get share some GREAT news with all of you! </li><br /><li>My kids want to live outside. Literally. </li><br /><li>I talk to my mom everyday. </li><br /><li>I do not like my ankles to be touched. </li><br /><li>I have no idea what to get Ben for his birthday. </li><br /><li>Selling things on Craigslist is like getting free money. </li><br /><li>I finally watched <em>Tangled</em> yesterday, and I loved it. </li><br /><li>Our family is currently OBSESSED with the OKC Thunder. </li><br /><li>I could live on chips and Wholly Salsa. </li><br /><li>Peyton cries everyday when Ben leaves for work. </li><br /><li>My favorite place to shop is Francesca's. </li><br /><li>I ordered my canvas from CanvasPeople this week and I am so stinkin' excited. </li><br /><li>I have tried all week to convince Ben to watch the royal wedding with me at 4am. </li><br /><li>Royal Wedding - 4am - Party of one. </li><br /><li>I would rather by clothes for my kids than myself. </li><br /><li>I have 3 really awesome, Godly supportive friends. And I couldn't do it without them. </li><br /><li>6 1/2 weeks until vacation. YIPPEE!! </li><br /><li>I broke my ankle on a trampoline in the 4th grade. </li><br /><li>I love to bake for other people. Well, and myself too. </li><br /><li>I do these crazy lists when I have nothing else to blog about. </li><br /><li>Aren't my children the cutest?<br /></li></ul><br /><p></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoD9faiDIcU/TbgfOyjRSeI/AAAAAAAAC3w/F_v9mASTyk0/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600260475583547874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoD9faiDIcU/TbgfOyjRSeI/AAAAAAAAC3w/F_v9mASTyk0/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-39221128745651810062011-04-24T15:20:00.003-05:002011-04-24T15:29:17.707-05:00Happy Easter<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Oh the blood of Jesus washes me.<br />Oh the blood of Jesus shed for me.<br />What a sacrifice that saved my life<br />Yes, the blood, it is my victory.</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Praise the Lord, the blood wasn't the end of the story! Happy Easter Everyone!</span><br /><br />*insert darling picture of my children in perfectly placed Easter outfits with award-winning smiles - of which I forgot to take. Oy.<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><strong><em><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></em></strong></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-979965283650715982011-04-21T13:35:00.007-05:002011-04-21T14:26:47.760-05:007Today, I dared to go where few have gone before.<br /><br />I rolled up my sleeves and got my hands dirty.<br /><br />I made a pact to pull up my boot straps and become a man.<br /><br />Except I'm not a man, and I have no idea what a bootstrap is. But that's beside the point.<br /><br />Ahem. The point is, today, I hosted 7 children ages 4 and under at my house. By myself. And frankly, I'm pretty proud of myself.<br /><br />First, I'm proud I tried. And second, I'm proud I survived.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-er3QnR06agA/TbB9Faon0GI/AAAAAAAAC3o/2WGZBGO-OEE/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598111868824047714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-er3QnR06agA/TbB9Faon0GI/AAAAAAAAC3o/2WGZBGO-OEE/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" /></a><br />I would now like to introduce all 7 of them to you because they all played a vital role in my motherhood maturing, and I want to prove to myself someday that there were indeed 7 children (4 & under) in my house at the same time, and I lived to blog about it. With pictures nonetheless!<br /><br />#1 - Keith - wins the award for best snack distributor and activity picker-outer.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hUoDd_oucU/TbB9Ex2rJFI/AAAAAAAAC3g/RbMJCRC_V8w/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598111857877132370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hUoDd_oucU/TbB9Ex2rJFI/AAAAAAAAC3g/RbMJCRC_V8w/s320/IMG_1034.JPG" /></a><br /><br />#2 & #3 - Conley & Ellie Kate - both awarded for their heroic efforts in attempting to keep the younger ones in line.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axLnhrz8cKA/TbB9EhSXMtI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/fbCIVoQBsIo/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598111853429863122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axLnhrz8cKA/TbB9EhSXMtI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/fbCIVoQBsIo/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" /></a><br /><br />#4 - Claire - easily wins as the most daring and the most likely one to give me a hear attack. (ie. turned my back for ten seconds and she managed to stick her whole leg into the fish pond. Oy.)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUGt8-qpG5w/TbB9EQtJooI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/eFRfgpN_H08/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598111848978817666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUGt8-qpG5w/TbB9EQtJooI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/eFRfgpN_H08/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" /></a><br /><br />#5 & #6 - Peyton & Stone - most easily forgotten for their exceptional independence and laidbackness - until they needed a snack, and then - WATCH OUT!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKWvhEFROWY/TbB70X9zY1I/AAAAAAAAC3I/pD2bIn-jjRU/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598110476538176338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKWvhEFROWY/TbB70X9zY1I/AAAAAAAAC3I/pD2bIn-jjRU/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And last, but certainly not least, #7 - Canaan - champion eater, slobber-er, and paci-sucker.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAzONs3-sFQ/TbB70HGqcpI/AAAAAAAAC3A/iCfTHN3-zQs/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598110472011936402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAzONs3-sFQ/TbB70HGqcpI/AAAAAAAAC3A/iCfTHN3-zQs/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />So, there are the troops. And never once did they fight, argue, push, hit, or decide to turn on me.<br /><br />No, really, I'm serious. They were great!<br /><br />So, what do you do with 7 kids (4 & under) at a play date for two and a half hours by yourself?<br /><br />You read books....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7-xPfIxGVM/TbB7z9gI-QI/AAAAAAAAC24/BnFd4z1UbM8/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598110469434439938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7-xPfIxGVM/TbB7z9gI-QI/AAAAAAAAC24/BnFd4z1UbM8/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Eat plenty of snacks....<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTw_QMSIBgI/TbB7zvO8P1I/AAAAAAAAC2w/FG9kbmlZyN4/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598110465604206418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTw_QMSIBgI/TbB7zvO8P1I/AAAAAAAAC2w/FG9kbmlZyN4/s320/IMG_1053.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Feed the rabbit....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KneyktQy8vg/TbB7zLxE_sI/AAAAAAAAC2o/ZCHLMIA-qZw/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598110456083709634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KneyktQy8vg/TbB7zLxE_sI/AAAAAAAAC2o/ZCHLMIA-qZw/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And an assortment of other things, of which I can't recall at this very moment. <br /><br />Hey, give me a break. I survived!<br /><br />On a more serious note, I did this as a part of a mom's morning out. I host the kiddos one day, while mom goes out and gets some much needed TLC, and likewise, she keeps mine while I go out another morning. I'm not sure why it took me so long to figure this out, but it sure has made a world of difference. Every mom needs a little time to herself - to grocery shop, go to the post office, or just pull over and take a nap. We moms gotta stick together, and I am so glad I have friends who come along side me and help during this sweet time in life. <br /><br />Now excuse me while I got eat a pint of Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee ice cream.<br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></p>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-87357624689916179382011-04-20T09:07:00.002-05:002011-04-20T09:07:00.853-05:00Way back When-sdayIn honor of both "way back When-sday" and Easter weekend, I thought I'd give you a little glimpse into our Easter weekend just two years ago.<br /><br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGECVnr8U-4/TayaMLdVTvI/AAAAAAAAC2g/dX79jMkfsfA/s1600/easter2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597017970939612914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGECVnr8U-4/TayaMLdVTvI/AAAAAAAAC2g/dX79jMkfsfA/s320/easter2" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RybKwv7jD64/TayaLuDABzI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/I1o3NgNA-xw/s1600/easter3"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597017963044538162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RybKwv7jD64/TayaLuDABzI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/I1o3NgNA-xw/s320/easter3" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MqdzMrLZ7I/TayaF-Sl14I/AAAAAAAAC2Q/hIFu9VDIrTM/s1600/easter4"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597017864325683074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MqdzMrLZ7I/TayaF-Sl14I/AAAAAAAAC2Q/hIFu9VDIrTM/s320/easter4" /></a> <br /><div></div>Sometimes I wish I could go back, just for a moment, and squeeze those little cheeks! <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></div></div></div>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-18456533107933242892011-04-18T10:28:00.002-05:002011-04-18T10:33:34.073-05:00My Big girls<p><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>My girls are getting bigger, and this is how I know....</em></strong></span></p><br /><ul><br /><li>They drink from big girl cups. </li><br /><li>They have friends (ie. Sunday school) to whom I have never met. </li><br /><li>They strap themselves into their own car seats. </li><br /><li>They eat cereal with milk. And don't spill. </li><br /><li>They stay in bed when we put them to bed. </li><br /><li>They get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. </li><br /><li>The only evidence of said bathroom trip, is the stool in front of the potty that Ben trips over every morning. </li><br /><li>They've mastered "the lip."</li><br /><li>They put on their own shoes. </li><br /><li>They pedal a bike. </li><br /><li>They get invited to more birthday parties than I do.</li><br /><li>They remember last year's vacation and talk about "da beach" often. </li><br /><li>I let them play for hours in the backyard - by themselves. </li><br /><li>They play with bubbles, without spilling the entire bubble container. </li><br /><li>They wipe my kisses off, because they know it drives me crazy. </li><br /><li>They carry their own purse. </li><br /><li>They say embarrassing things to strangers like "Are you pregnant" and "Whats wrong with your hair?"</li><br /><li>They actually WALK in the grocery store as opposed to riding in the cart. </li><br /><li>They reprimand me for saying words like "Gosh" or "Stupid." </li><br /><li>When they get hurt, they cry for "Poppy" because they know it pulls on my heart strings. </li><br /><li>They are asking for a pet of their very own. (not gunna happen)</li><br /><li>They can easily grasp a cup with one single hand. </li><br /><li>They are best buddies and I usually don't even have to convince them of that. *usually </li></ul><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i35pp59MUR4/TaxRYHBriCI/AAAAAAAAC1c/3E1yrE0bpV0/s1600/Ramsey_3116.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596937911559489570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i35pp59MUR4/TaxRYHBriCI/AAAAAAAAC1c/3E1yrE0bpV0/s320/Ramsey_3116.jpg" /></a>Boy do I love them. </p><br /><p><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /></p>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-86354058853262829612011-04-14T15:54:00.012-05:002011-04-14T20:37:16.478-05:00You're so vain.Maybe a better title for this post would be "I'm so vain." <br /><br />But I'm really not.<br /><br /> Yes, every single picture in this post is of me, but its not because I enjoy it. To be quite honest, its a little distrubing to my psyche. But if I chose not to post pictures with this post, then it might lose all its meaning and practicality. <br /><br />Not that it contains an ounce of true meaning or practicality. But thats neither here nor there. <br /><br />Remember, like in the early 90's, when it was all about Alicia Silverstone. I mean seriously, what ever happened to that girl? Its like she was here and then she wasnt. I blame that lame Brendan Fraser movie, "Blast from the Past." I mean, it was really bad. I completely blame the entire demise of Alicia's acting career to that one movie. At least that what helps me sleep at night. <br /><br />Huh? Nevermind. <br /><br />Anyway, back in her peek years, she was the source of idolization by every preteen girl with her charismatic role in the classic hit, "Clueless." I mean that movie was awesome, if for no other reason than the closet scene. <br /><br />C'mon you all remember. She had the revolving closet that was remote controlled and contained the hippest, coolest, most amazing clothes on the planet. Yep, it was pretty awesome. <br /><br />During one particular scene, Cher is getting ready for a date and she can't quite figure out the outfit of choice. At this point, she goes on a rant about how she "never relies on mirrors, and only takes polaroids." <br /><br />Genius. <br /><br />Well, since its not 1995 anymore, and no one actually even owns a polaroid camera, I have since upgraded. Now, I take a picture of myself with my iphone.<br /> <br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r10SSG2Diy8/Tadi6mPRLbI/AAAAAAAAC1M/YVMcJGXXY6k/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595549820867653042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r10SSG2Diy8/Tadi6mPRLbI/AAAAAAAAC1M/YVMcJGXXY6k/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" /></a><br />Its simple really. I take the picture, and then send it to myself, so I get a complete unbiased opinion of myself. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YcGPMUrq6U/TadinEHiWnI/AAAAAAAAC1E/D_pwAuqF35I/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595549485290904178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YcGPMUrq6U/TadinEHiWnI/AAAAAAAAC1E/D_pwAuqF35I/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p><br />I have no idea why I always have one leg out, and one arm on my hip. Like I said, this post is self-reflective. I'm learning quite a bit about myself - and all my little quirks.</p><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvi2afjcCXs/TadiUqjHLzI/AAAAAAAAC08/KkkdkN01HA0/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595549169189596978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvi2afjcCXs/TadiUqjHLzI/AAAAAAAAC08/KkkdkN01HA0/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p><br />And I always chop my head off in the picture, so I can give an honest, unbiased opinon of my wardrobe choices. </p><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXN8w3wt-aI/TadiB9ONR0I/AAAAAAAAC00/SBLMvOFtOfc/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595548847784675138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXN8w3wt-aI/TadiB9ONR0I/AAAAAAAAC00/SBLMvOFtOfc/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" /></a> <br />Am I the only one that has ever done this?</p><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haVVyDUkpec/Tadgvwti7dI/AAAAAAAAC0s/F6vN9LEpZIk/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595547435677183442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haVVyDUkpec/Tadgvwti7dI/AAAAAAAAC0s/F6vN9LEpZIk/s320/IMG_1005.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br />Surely not.<br /><br />Everyone takes pictures of themselves before leaving the house, right?<br /><br />Anyone?<br /><br />Hello?<br /><br />P.S. Children, don't laugh at mom. I swear, these clothes were cool in 2011. Dont judge. You should have seen what your daddy was wearing.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" /> </p>Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-41630735685218164742011-04-11T13:43:00.004-05:002011-04-11T14:18:47.061-05:00An updateHey guys, whats up?<br /><br />Whats up with me? Oh nuthin much. Just the same ol' thing. You know, taking care of the kiddos, fixin meals, yadda, yadda, yadda. <br /><br />My weekend? It was good. Thanks for asking. <br /><br />Oh, you wanna know more? Anything specific? <br /><br />Oh, yeah, I forgot I told you guys about us flying out of town. I must have forgotten about the 3,000 blog hits I got in 24 hours. Or the 20 new followers on twitter. Or the 10,000 emails and text messages. <br /><br />Seriously, guys, thanks for praying and thanks for supporting. Ben and I could feel the prayers and the encouragement from the moment we stepped foot into the airport. It is amazing when God's people join together and fervently pray over the anointing of a task. We feel so honored and loved to be connected with all of you.<br /><br />The weekend was more than we could have ever hoped for. The pastor and his wife were some of the most amazing people we have ever met. They share our passion for families, our desire to do things differently, and our heart for a city in need. Oh, and they share our admiration for good food. God bless 'em. <br /><br />We had the chance to meet the youth, the elders of the church, and some amazing parents. They asked some tough questions. Everything from Coke or Pepsi to how does your family fit into this ministry. Ben answered all of them in such a way that brought honor to his Heavenly Father and great honor to his wife. I am so very blessed to be married to an amazing man, and this weekend only re-confirmed that for me.<br /><br />So when do the moving vans come? I wish it were that simple. There are some things we are continuing to pray through, some things they are continuing to pray through, and for now we just wait. We wait for God to open some doors and wait for his perfect timing and place for our family. He never lets us down. <br /><br />Thanks for supporting our desire to keep the details a little under wraps. I promise we won't keep you in the dark forever. <br /><br />It was amazing to come home to these smiling faces though....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj2vl_Emv6c/TaNMw6xFSzI/AAAAAAAACyE/cVLrGTesqXE/s1600/IMG_1102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594399565416844082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj2vl_Emv6c/TaNMw6xFSzI/AAAAAAAACyE/cVLrGTesqXE/s320/IMG_1102.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pmHcG-oIO0/TaNMwJHT4fI/AAAAAAAACx8/RsXhvTb9fP8/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594399552088302066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pmHcG-oIO0/TaNMwJHT4fI/AAAAAAAACx8/RsXhvTb9fP8/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Although, I had imagined three smiling toddlers running full force into my arms, demanding me to never let them go, and begging me to never leave them again. But it turns out, Uncle Neal and Aunt Jennifer, Mimi and Papa, and Aunt Kristy are pretty good parental surrogates. Boy, do I feel under-appreciated. <br /><br />It is nice to be back into our normal routine again. Please continue to pray for us this week as we continue to seek God's face and continue to make these all-important decisions for our family. I appreciate each and every one of you. *at this moment, I'd like each of you to grab hold of your monitors, wrap your arms tightly around, squeeze for three seconds, and consider yourself hugged.* There, now I feel better. <br /><br /><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528972736402263807.post-21726434649143913232011-04-06T22:24:00.010-05:002011-04-18T10:24:30.793-05:00Out of the rubble<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CO_R5JpsEw/TaxXoAW1nZI/AAAAAAAAC1s/AuPEbyVPv6s/s1600/rubble1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CO_R5JpsEw/TaxXoAW1nZI/AAAAAAAAC1s/AuPEbyVPv6s/s320/rubble1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596944781716856210" /></a><br />This blog of mine - its a complex thing. You see, I started this blog, back in 2007, hoping to give my out-of-town relatives a place to ooh and ahh over the adorable faces of my sweet new babies. <br /><br />As times moved on, it became a place for me to capture more than just their smiling faces, but the stories that surrounded the love and the laughter. I got addicted to recording their development, imagining their giggles one day when they read back about the time their daddy gave them a <a href="http://elliekateandpeyton.blogspot.com/2009/04/haggertons-this-one-is-for-you.html">Schwann's man push-up pop</a>. <br /><br />But then it reached yet another level. Well, really I reached another level. God began placing on the hearts of my little family, the desire for something more, something new, something unknown. Something scary. And I recorded it all. Mostly because I didn't know what else to do. I was afraid to blog about it, fearful that I would sound ungrateful, unwilling, or even disgruntled with my God. But I was also afraid not to blog about it. This seemingly innocent portal into my little family became my lifeline. My journal. My therapy in a really bumpy time in my life. <br /><br />The encouraging letters Ben and I have received, the anonymous gifts, and the words of encouragement have been a gift to me. About 10 months ago, during a rough patch in this journey where I felt God was simply not answering or speaking to me, a mentor of mine encouraged me to give God specific reasons I was asking Him to answer my prayers. "What, you mean like, convince God? <br /><br />"Exactly. Tell him why you need this from Him. Why you want this prayer answered." <br /><br />So I did. And one of the reasons that topped my list was simple. I wanted God to answer my prayer, restoring us into full-time ministry, so that I could be a testimony to all of you. To you - my best friend from high school. To you - the girl who sits next to me at MOPS. To you - the hundreds of you who read this blog that I have never met. I wanted to be a testimony to you. A testimony of God's faithfulness and his steadfast love. Living proof, that when you stay firm in your faith and when you seek the Lord, He will always restore, always comfort, and always lead you to a better place. <br /><br />Well, my friends, I hope I have been that testimony of faithfulness to all you of. Ben and I are leaving on an early flight tomorrow to venture into an opportunity that could change our lives forever. They haven't officially offered. We haven't officially accepted. But the peace in my heart is indescribable. It is unlike any other. And it is well worth the wait. <br /><br />While we aren't ready divulge all the juicy details - you know, the ones like where, when, how, and who, I wanted to give you all some hope and encouragement as you have followed and prayed so faithfully for my sweet family. I hope you will continue to pray as we journey onward, settling for nothing less than God's best. <br /><br />In the New York Times best-selling novel <em>Eat Pray Love, </em>Elizabeth Gilbert writes these amazing words, "Ruin is a gift. For ruin is the road to transformation." <a href="http://elliekateandpeyton.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-beginning.html">18 months ago</a>, my life felt ruined. <a href="http://elliekateandpeyton.blogspot.com/2010/11/time-to-reflect.html">5 months ago</a>, my life felt ruined again. And just 2 months ago, the rock fell, and I felt yet another day of ruin. But through it all, God has made me believe stronger, love harder, and dream further. These past months might have been filled with some ruin, but I am so thankful for them. So thankful for who I am today. And so thankful for a God who counted me worthy of the ruin and worthy of the transformation. <br /><br />I'll be updating through the trip via twitter (@ekandpeyton) and on the blog. Follow along, and of course, I'll divulge those "juicy" details as the Lord (and my husband!) allows.<br /><br /><em> </em><em></em><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/jennifertakala/meredithramseysig.png" />Meredith - Mama of FOUR!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03094651360037440705noreply@blogger.com1