tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87057718123379446412024-02-19T00:13:47.081-08:00It's My IntentionSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-70125901546412093102014-09-20T13:03:00.000-07:002014-09-20T13:03:23.100-07:00My little surprise is 1.You guys! Of course I was going to make a mad comeback (to the blog) to talk about the sweet emotions of my baby turning 1.<br />
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The first thing we say about Keating is, "he is the happiest baby...until he isn't". Thanks be to God for a smiley baby! I chose these pics and there were so many of smiles and from so early on.<br />
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It is hard to believe that a year ago right now, I was waiting for him to arrive and I didn't know that I was having a boy. It's no lie that his little life was a surprise and oh my goodness what a sweet surprise! He has brought so much much joy and laughter to our home. Foster LOVES him and is clearly happy to have a brother. This year has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. Having two kids is hard...having two this close together may be harder and then adding jobs and volunteering...It is a lot and it is fulfilling and it is also exhausting...and the sleep...I kind of miss sleep. BUT! This post is about this special little person that God chose to join our family. There is not a day that goes by that I don't look at Keating and laugh with him. He is trying so hard to keep up with Fos and I think it is awesome, but I also want to squeeze his little body (which isn't actually all that little) and keep his head in the crook of my neck for ever so I can breathe in his sweet baby smell! He is a light and a miracle and perfect surprise.<br />
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Now it's time for my "momservations":</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This kids can smile for days and just seems content. I seriously think that he arrived with a smile on his face...And then he gets tired or hungry...and watch out! He fights sleep like a maniac - but when he gives in he, sleeps pretty well. </span></div>
His laugh is one for the movies. You know, that time when they dub in a baby laugh...that is Keatings laugh. It really is perfect.<br />
His little curls hide this wicked cowlick! (is it really spelled like that?)<br />
He eats EVERYTHING you put in front of him!<br />
He has 8 teeth and constantly puts everything - including your fingers - in his mouth to chomp on! He drools like mad.<br />
He sleeps pretty well.<br />
He is walking. He started walking about 2 weeks ago and I am absolutely positive that it is so he can keep up with Foster.<br />
He is using words. He says, "Hot, bottle, dad, and ball!"<br />
Ask him how old he is and he will show you on his finger!<br />
Y'all, thanks for loving my kid. That is truly a blessing in my life that blows me away all the time.<br />
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And to you dear sweet Keating,<br />
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You were born as a complete surprise to your momma and daddy. This is not to say that you were unwanted at all. To say that you are more than we could have hoped of would be a massive understatement. Your dad and I find so much joy in watching you exist; in watching you watch the world and offer it your kindness and laughter. We joke that you will be the kid in school that everyone always wants around because you make everyone feel like they are the funniest and best person ever. I pray so hard that your lighthearted spirit is something that is ingrained into your soul. I love that you look at people in the eye and offer a smile so quickly. You teach me. Your little life has changed us for sure.<br />
Your face is just an insane little ball of perfect and your eyes, gosh, we melt in the blueness of your eyes. Your laugh and your smile are unstoppable. You could totally change the world for someone with that smile...and you have this silly, sweet noise you make like Donald Duck and I know multiple people in your life who do it in their own homes just to be silly - because it makes them laugh. You leave a mark on the people you meet and you, my sweet, sweet boy, have surely left a mark on your dad and me. We could not love you more and there is NOTHING that you could err do to change that.<br />
We pray that growing up around church and college students only adds to your experience. The Lord has placed us in such a unique and wonderful position and I am so happy that our lives are all about teaching people about the Love of God...Here is the cool thing about this; You and your bro are a part of this. Even today we were at a football boulevard and I left you on a picnic blanket. I walked away for 5 seconds and turned around and there were two girls holding you and taking pics with you...you invite them in and I truly believe that it is because of the Spirit in you. You are such a cool kid and I cannot wait to watch you grow up and be a silent and fun leader. As I have written to your brother, I pray that you want to Love Jesus so much and truly seek him. I pray that we lead you well.<br />
I am so glad I am your momma, baby. Im just so glad.<br />
Happy first year of life!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-16811691817727770572014-07-16T20:52:00.000-07:002014-07-16T20:52:10.316-07:00Thanks, Andrew.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 16, 2005 - behind the scenes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 16, 2014</td></tr>
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Thank you, Andrew. Thanks for 9 years of wedding vow fulfillment. Thank you for loving me when it is hard to love me. Thank you for partnering so deeply with me in everything from ministry, to cooking, to laughing, to decorating our space, and these last two years-raising two little boys. Thank you for trusting me, confiding in me and doing that really cute thing you do when you justify what you are going to say before you say it just in case I may misinterpret what you are saying. Thank you for choosing to love me every day. Thanks for your passion for life, love, music, movies, HGTV, and the Food Network (even though we don't have those channels). Thank you for not being petty. Thank you for not expecting me to be perfect, but understanding that I am doing the best that I can. Thank you for making our marriage a priority by continuing to date me. Thank you for laughing at my jokes and making me feel beautiful (these are two different things, but when you laugh at me, It makes me feel awesome). Thank you for never saying a negative thing about me to me. Thank you for speaking truth into the things that need to change in my life. Thank you for your honesty and your gentleness. Thank you for pursuing the Lord hard and making Him the center of our home. Thank you for changing so many diapers and doing so many dishes. Thank you for cleaning up our kids puke, and for rocking our babies to sleep. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, guide you, and develop gifts in you. You are truly my favorite person, you make me better and you make me want to be better. I love you. Thank you for loving me too. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my current favorite pic of us, because what you can't see is foster playing drums on our stomachs. Those are faces of pain and anticipation.</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-89607999168381772772014-07-11T13:34:00.002-07:002014-07-11T13:35:28.630-07:00Book Rec. Carry On, Warrior.Glennon Doyle Melton is the author of a blog called <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/" target="_blank">Momastery</a>. It is great. So great, in fact, that I had linked an article <a href="http://sarahbeard.blogspot.com/2014/01/questions.html" target="_blank">here </a>a few months ago and didn't realize it was written by this woman until a few weeks ago.<br />
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The good ole Rev. Matt Tuggle used a story from her book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451698224/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1451698224&linkCode=as2&tag=momastery-20" target="_blank">Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing your Messy, Beautiful Life</a></i> in a sermon and it peaked my interest. When I asked him and his wife Amy about it, they just handed it to me and said, "Read it!".<br />
So, I saved it for our trip to the beach and then I devoured it. 2 flights and one afternoon at the beach...it was finished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi126sPvkcHPK4d5_5XwnArbquwjx9WuPhOXeDnLkr0ytgDxpzaUi7ugQTP65EDZRUe1WDKrf0IAW0m0PL8wCdHrd3mDP8jMLgXNRu_bfyhuArTBRJjHwH74VE-eqIgpEhvZJ0hNKeO1g/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi126sPvkcHPK4d5_5XwnArbquwjx9WuPhOXeDnLkr0ytgDxpzaUi7ugQTP65EDZRUe1WDKrf0IAW0m0PL8wCdHrd3mDP8jMLgXNRu_bfyhuArTBRJjHwH74VE-eqIgpEhvZJ0hNKeO1g/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
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This book is a must read for any mom who is in the thick of it and needs someone to agree that it just isn't that easy. I was crying by page 4 and cracking up not much later. Loved it...you should def. check it out. One of my favorite reads this year, for sure.<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-21893267419497080412014-07-10T16:17:00.003-07:002014-07-10T16:17:45.459-07:00FriendsI have been overly nostalgic today. <div>
I don't know what it is. </div>
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Twice today I have thought of friends and cried. Not sad tears, but like, "I miss them doing life next to me" tears. </div>
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I am lucky enough to have women in different parts of the US who are kindred spirits...I say that, but what I really mean (and this is the only way that I can explain it) is that the Holy Spirit in them draws out the Holy Spirit in me. These friends are refreshing, life giving, and make me want to be the better.</div>
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Today I received a gift from one of them and I got to chat for a sec via text with one of them...Blessings. These women...(insert sigh and another tear here). </div>
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When I see them, I cry - either because of joy or the depth of the things we talk about. </div>
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These are friends with whom there is no "catching up", not because we talk all the time...we don't...not even close...but because we love each other, so we just pick up where we left off. </div>
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These friendships are a treasure. I just wish we didn't live so dang far apart. </div>
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Love you ladies. </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-75434893861427805842014-07-08T12:55:00.000-07:002014-07-08T12:55:05.282-07:00Real Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a look into real life! This was actually yesterday. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyR1FoiwVqffSCUJF4Yz94GOypr2bAyZl2OpUOG6l24mXheLXAwcf5uixW6Mak7Sm6SURf29okVOyX0WFwn9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="http://hisvoiceglobal.com/">Hisvoiceglobal.com</a> and "I work at my church" means, I work in the college ministry at <a href="http://www.hpumc.org/college-ministry/" target="_blank">Highland Park United Methodist Church. </a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-8666621043567750962014-07-07T12:59:00.000-07:002014-07-07T12:59:09.500-07:00Isn't Missouri Beautiful? part 2.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMc8Wlu9BW1IMROGxbr3zyOu2Jv6nKDzpXNMvmxd8bLsJdBhVsZjvL0VQ9OARf2U39H-bSSisp0BvAghVFRAylktkqlYIQxLSXUqfu0kC924EbMqHoYBcV8_1_6dbsKvNXQ2D5XI1K2g/s1600/IMG_5630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMc8Wlu9BW1IMROGxbr3zyOu2Jv6nKDzpXNMvmxd8bLsJdBhVsZjvL0VQ9OARf2U39H-bSSisp0BvAghVFRAylktkqlYIQxLSXUqfu0kC924EbMqHoYBcV8_1_6dbsKvNXQ2D5XI1K2g/s1600/IMG_5630.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This where I grew up. </td></tr>
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If you look across the lake, you will see a blue paddle boat standing up. Right above that paddle boat is a "dock", as we call it. This place is special. Very special. It is special to me because I have had many, many important conversations about life in this spot. But it is SUPER special because this is the spot where Andrew and I had our first kiss...and also where he asked me to be his wife, proclaiming his undying love for me. We went for a walk on this particular day last week and as we stopped to tell our kids the story of our love (which they were enthralled by), Andrew says, "Wait, wasn't it 10 years ago today that we had our first kiss? July 3rd, right?"</div>
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Yep.</div>
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10 years. And so of course we took a pic. Keating was really just imagining what that special day must have been like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NqyQnH2ZQKi8PQ5liTq6vJ7yGsVIq-UB3qzcP46bLWZB2Q1iRvh9PQBvGSRcT5eBxMjZDzKakCUVuSIqPqaupdJ-eK-k5qg8tHPMnbsN-eYfDmqHgLBq8pU28Ky81icrt1jQHuBj36E/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NqyQnH2ZQKi8PQ5liTq6vJ7yGsVIq-UB3qzcP46bLWZB2Q1iRvh9PQBvGSRcT5eBxMjZDzKakCUVuSIqPqaupdJ-eK-k5qg8tHPMnbsN-eYfDmqHgLBq8pU28Ky81icrt1jQHuBj36E/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may not be convinced, just yet, that Missouri is beautiful, but I have a few more post intended to persuade you. </div>
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See you tomorrow (or the next day)</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-82352728135586602242014-07-06T22:28:00.001-07:002014-07-06T22:44:26.182-07:00Isn't Missouri Beautiful? part 1.This is a saying you will regularly hear from the mouth of my Father. It's sort of a joke, but Missouri really is beautiful, sometimes.<br />
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This last week was one of those weeks. It was absolutely beautiful. There was only one thing missing, my sister in law, Michelle (she started a new masters program, which is awesome, it was just sad to not have her with us).<br />
The Welker family reunited at my parents house over the 4th. This is a super fun time because the family that was 4 is now 11 and we have a June 27th b-day and July 1st and 2nd birthdays, so obviously, we have a party - That was super fun and lasted all day (which is sort of how we do things at the Welker house). <br />
The real highlight for me is that there are basically 2 guaranteed times that I will get to see my nephews; Christmas and summer.<br />
And this summer meet up was just...sigh...sublime.<br />
The first night we were there we were trying to get the boys to sleep and Fos wanted to go outside, so finally, I just said, "yes...lets go outside".<br />
I want to pass out from the beautiful moments and memories we made. Keating crawling in the green grass, Foster running barefoot, temps in the 60's, the sunsets gorgeous glow, catching lighting bugs (this is the non romantic name for fireflies) the conversations about lightening bugs and how they are a natural source of light that isn't hot (which is so fascinating) and the laughter and screaming of 5 little boys. PERFECTION.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMOgVZN9UADL-lDhPuyuKhdRxjEOhXlykN2PSsuTA0sAHlSHPY4un-Hi6l4w3iwMtowrJrbgiI9MzmSPlKZDKq7232rgas6-mddnh82WyELDIRTFdQJt2KLWKiT9iA_ezbSzecHPcGeY/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMOgVZN9UADL-lDhPuyuKhdRxjEOhXlykN2PSsuTA0sAHlSHPY4un-Hi6l4w3iwMtowrJrbgiI9MzmSPlKZDKq7232rgas6-mddnh82WyELDIRTFdQJt2KLWKiT9iA_ezbSzecHPcGeY/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is last years pic of the Welker/Beard Boys...for reference</td></tr>
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I will be writing more in the next few days about MO, but tonight I reflect on the faces of 5 little boys on not one, but four beautiful summer days. Just a note here...Photographing these boys together is no easy task. Here is why... they are boys. Keating is 9 months. Eden will be 2 in September. Foster turned 2 last week. Charlie turned 4 on July 2nd. Fred will be 7 in September. I don't need any other reasons, right? Here are the results of my efforts (While Josh and Andrew WRANGLED).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbQESlEv438dB7hYrv_dDm7GPPV4bUdbgtKKAtsxftzlqm0Q4OlNJ-DHt0omdK1HhP4zHP-c2QE9U3Lrz0lbvSYnYrMQ5wFvpsxEV6TB4VO8WMPX2sDpndZcwwaJthQ6yDB6NHrtbzPI/s1600/Eden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbQESlEv438dB7hYrv_dDm7GPPV4bUdbgtKKAtsxftzlqm0Q4OlNJ-DHt0omdK1HhP4zHP-c2QE9U3Lrz0lbvSYnYrMQ5wFvpsxEV6TB4VO8WMPX2sDpndZcwwaJthQ6yDB6NHrtbzPI/s1600/Eden.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Eden. He and this light are/were stunning. I took at least 10 pics before he stopped looking directly into the camera. <br />
This is my favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9xzuU5ABx0FcO4uic42nOzApaEVdpT4cQNkbWLdNcPeeKiVuvoPaWdAWzEcC2uqxqLIYyF_Q1x_QECTsB74mSN3OX1m3LevonbfcoSSbjbyHI4yt2EVI81JgnUquNA-DPQ_QPYbI65I/s1600/bb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9xzuU5ABx0FcO4uic42nOzApaEVdpT4cQNkbWLdNcPeeKiVuvoPaWdAWzEcC2uqxqLIYyF_Q1x_QECTsB74mSN3OX1m3LevonbfcoSSbjbyHI4yt2EVI81JgnUquNA-DPQ_QPYbI65I/s1600/bb1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the only shots I got of my kids together without a toy. It pretty much sums up the two of them. I love this image. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82jkzVOsvAhiTQAxMxxSe2vYcsJSmrBLuosMpptVFd9dSZm5sNYJ9y6Nmq9LD_8airWd542UHxsHmgnb8VbNNaS4RkZi1DZE4D-o0EonHjaC-0vSvlJVq7UBovXtzn_6KsejOuO0rAM/s1600/=-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82jkzVOsvAhiTQAxMxxSe2vYcsJSmrBLuosMpptVFd9dSZm5sNYJ9y6Nmq9LD_8airWd542UHxsHmgnb8VbNNaS4RkZi1DZE4D-o0EonHjaC-0vSvlJVq7UBovXtzn_6KsejOuO0rAM/s1600/=-0.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred(6). Foster(2). Keating(9months). Charlie(4). Eden(1).<br />
No joke, this is the first pic I took. There is actually a hand there on the far right. I didn't edit it out because I want to remember the efforts that wend into this image. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLtzP58DL6ddmi0DtMv6gpA1umpfHV_OnVZxDIusiu88DkO-_JKXyD36Gpj9YeEkPp2nCgkvBLEMKpeiZd8mVLL6xEW3SJJvXkAkJYbCXoP8P9snO8hNpIw24AHi9aTiUhDJWHRhmT4k/s1600/5b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLtzP58DL6ddmi0DtMv6gpA1umpfHV_OnVZxDIusiu88DkO-_JKXyD36Gpj9YeEkPp2nCgkvBLEMKpeiZd8mVLL6xEW3SJJvXkAkJYbCXoP8P9snO8hNpIw24AHi9aTiUhDJWHRhmT4k/s1600/5b3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was screaming "JUMP", the older two got it. I don't know, I thought it would make them at least look at me.<br />
Eden clearly loved this idea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxVgor6ac4NSQJu-GSPKEfO5YxAFcs6SKmqhDx5VLuVFZ2Q1DmPfC3JjeDyr_aJtxe9Fyw0-6TMRYpTsjq3q5dKONU9yRdYv4RswJkTXpCICsOg5H2wlypAcusoen5pe0E1lTq0HJmL0/s1600/5b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxVgor6ac4NSQJu-GSPKEfO5YxAFcs6SKmqhDx5VLuVFZ2Q1DmPfC3JjeDyr_aJtxe9Fyw0-6TMRYpTsjq3q5dKONU9yRdYv4RswJkTXpCICsOg5H2wlypAcusoen5pe0E1lTq0HJmL0/s1600/5b2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can only laugh at this picture! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGPDljA2lnqB7NSC_kJYkNHYshkYt1cWWBG5BcMQiE67fXkl5TMGaT1BTHxaFouTMXSUzFlRojgmTv6bcEqH8bXTNsBnBYSqQYaGSPkXjgAIGCi4UM00pM5vZ5Zirb7TtCrz6gTpWgw/s1600/5b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGPDljA2lnqB7NSC_kJYkNHYshkYt1cWWBG5BcMQiE67fXkl5TMGaT1BTHxaFouTMXSUzFlRojgmTv6bcEqH8bXTNsBnBYSqQYaGSPkXjgAIGCi4UM00pM5vZ5Zirb7TtCrz6gTpWgw/s1600/5b4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this one is pretty much perfect. NAILED IT!</td></tr>
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Thanks for checking out my family.<br />
More on Missouri this week...See you soon.<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-70140835244889080922014-07-03T07:17:00.000-07:002014-07-03T07:17:21.356-07:00my Jesus year.33. My Jesus Year. At least that is what we say around here when you turn 33. You know, "it's your Jesus year, make it count!". Things of that nature.<br />
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I feel like I can say with a good amount of self assurance, This has been a good year. I am aware that I could have rose tinted glasses on here, but the truth is, I have exuded much effort to become a more Godly wife, mom, and friend.<br />
I have the curse of sarcasm and a quick tongue, I know that this can (and most likely does) result in hurt feelings. I know that this is not good, so I have tried <b><i>hard </i></b>this year to be slow to speak. This is sooo much harder than one may think it is.<br />
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I did a study this year called<a href="http://www.secondchance.org/freeway/" target="_blank"> Freeway: a not so perfect guide to freedom</a> with college students. I highly recommend it. I believe it was an 8 week study. On the last day we took a look back through the book. Reflecting on the change in my life was a little shocking. I saw that I started out the second half of my Jesus year pretty convinced that I was sub-par at most things including, but not limited to; my job, my marriage, keeping the house clean, being a mom, and being a consistent friend.<br />
What I had learned at the end of the study is that I had set my expectations of myself a little too high...I am not Super Woman, as much as I try and convince myself that I am (or should be) on a daily basis. The truth is that the most important relationship I have is with the Lord and he has set me free from all kinds of ugly, including shame, guilt, and insecurity. Through the process of this study, I actually listened as the Lord led my heart to a place that he could whisper (through my pride) that he loved me as I am, and that I am doing the best that I can, and "now" is a season. I humbly said, "Thanks God, let's get working on things here. So, I actually made some changes that would help a few things in my life improve and allow me to say that it is not by me...it is by the grace of God that I could even say that this year was a great year, and I feel pretty great about it.<br />
Here are some highlights:<br />
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I had a second baby boy...he turned out to be pretty dang cute.<br />
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I did not fail at being a mom to "two under two". I mean, I am, therefore I am their mom. </div>
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I have operated at full capacity. </div>
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I have, I think, been a pretty good wife.</div>
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I have kept my house looking okay for at least a third of this year. </div>
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I have allowed myself to grow and change.</div>
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I have made new wonderful friendships, and been able to maintain a few and watch some old ones have some new growth. </div>
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I have hopefully allowed the Lord to love others through my life.</div>
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I have been able to see an amazing group of my small group girls graduate from High School.</div>
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I have been able to chat with amazing College age women about their lives. </div>
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I have told my story. </div>
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I have cried with, laughed with, mourned with and celebrated with friends and family. </div>
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I have tried to be honest. (with myself, my family, the Lord)</div>
I have LOVED HARD. My husband and my kids...it's a joy to love these people!<br />
I have accepted help from the village that is helping me raise my boys (Oh, I cannot raise them alone. I need the help, I want the help, I have the help.)<br />
The final things I am going to share is this; <b>I have taken control of my health this year</b>. Y'all, I was pregnant for what seemed like 2 years straight. I took a 6 month sabbatical, but got right back on it.<br />
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Being pregnant with K was so hard. Losing the weight from the pregnancy seemed to be impossible and I felt terrible. I was tired, slow, weak, and exhausted. I was eating everything off of my plate, Fosters plate, and the pans I cooked on as I cleaned the kitchen. I decided in Feb (shortly after starting Freeway) that I would get things under control - so I walked into the doors of Weight Watchers on Valentines day. I started their new Simply Filling Plan...and as of Last friday I had lost 25 pounds. I have started running again too.<br />
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I feel so good. I feel healthy, strong and young. I can keep up with my kids. I eat almost exclusively "power" foods, so I am less tired, more energized, and my mind is much clearer. </div>
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All in all...this has been an exceptional year!</div>
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So, let's all raise a glass...Here is to 34!</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-59110154974776543302014-06-28T21:32:00.004-07:002014-06-28T21:32:57.681-07:00A New Chapter for the BeardsNope. No. I am not pregnant.<br />
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Do you know how, when you go on road trips with family or friends, you talk A LOT. Well, one of mine and Andrew's favorite things to do is to talk about what we see ourselves doing in the future. We worked together (likesoclosetherewasnoseparation) in ministry for 5 years and we loved every second of it! We dream of the time we get to work together again, and especially in ministry, precisely college ministry. The possibilities of that here=slim to none.<br />
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You may know that in March I was hired at our church, Highland Park United Methodist Church, as the "college ministry coordinator". As of now, my job is a part time job and I love every single second of it. I love hanging out with the students here and I get to work with my dear friend Phil.<br />
<br />
Drumroll please.....As of July 1 (which also happens to be my birthday) I will also be working with ANDREW!!<br />
The short version is this.<br />
The Wesley Foundation at SMU (Which is the Methodist campus ministry) was looking for a new director and wanted to work directly with/through Highland Park UMC...Andrew was given the opportunity and he took it.<br />
Since I am on College Staff at HPUMC and he is the Director of the Wesley House partnering with HPUMC, we are totally working together again!!<br />
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A few nights ago we just sat on our couch talking about ways that we are going to be able to partner and just talked about college students and how to best love them...I thought, "This. This is why we got married."<br />
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Only the Lord could have worked this out the way it has worked out. The fact that an impossibility is actually happening, it's a miracle.<br />
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Here is a look at the next chapter of our lives...We will be spending a lot of time here!!<br />
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Hey SMU...LOOK OUT, the Beards are on campus!!!!! </div>
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Now, to Andrew, who has already approved this message, but doesn't know that I am writing anymore. You are the Man. I love and respect you so much. Starting new things is scary and exciting and wonderful and full of questions, but you and your gifts are totally created for this role. You are going to kill it! I cannot wait to see what the Lord will do in your life and in our life and in the life of the Church. I am over the moon excited to be able to walk beside you through this as your wife, and a ministry partner...oh my gosh, I could totally scream in excitement! Giddy is a good word to use here. I just feel all kinds of blessed. I love you and am so proud of you. Foster and Keating also told me that if they were in college, they would totally go to your campus ministry: I mean, it wasn't super clear, but that is what I could formulate. (winky emoji)</div>
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You are the best. Like, for realsies. </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-15980440586535847442014-06-26T23:07:00.003-07:002014-06-27T06:25:35.746-07:00His Second YearAs I was thinking about all the things I wanted to say, I went back and read what I <a href="http://sarahbeard.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-quickest-year-ever.html" target="_blank">wrote last year</a> for Foster's big birthday post. It was almost comical how identical the things I wanted to say today were. I will close with that.<br />
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What do you say when this<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0aoywcsd9bCcFqy-7XYVsY0obZ_ngIHLLYxu2cNVdexhf4jPhGMvgsEftEBJ6htGZCLCf38gR6ewX75O038A3rR8VpH5JAyhZvJViEetID5W4lMzJCBI7FDJJyihEg0ThyphenhyphenLlrff6q-Q/s1600/IMG_9179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0aoywcsd9bCcFqy-7XYVsY0obZ_ngIHLLYxu2cNVdexhf4jPhGMvgsEftEBJ6htGZCLCf38gR6ewX75O038A3rR8VpH5JAyhZvJViEetID5W4lMzJCBI7FDJJyihEg0ThyphenhyphenLlrff6q-Q/s1600/IMG_9179.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">becomes this</span><br />
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and you know it isn't going to stop?<br />
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You just pray you are doing the best for him, am I right? Gosh, it is such an honor to be his parent! This kid melts me on the daily. He is so full of personality. We are doing our best to be kids with our kids and let them EXPERIENCE childhood. This is harder than I would have thought...hurry, rush, business, and schedule seem to be the antithesis of childhood magic.<br />
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So, yesterday we played in the rain for a <i>long</i> time. </div>
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Some facts about two year old Foster...or mom observations, momservations, if you will:<br />
He is perfect. <i>Just kidding</i>, but that really felt like the perfect thing to write after calling something a "momservation".<br />
For real though, Fos has this thing where he just naturally does things that are cool. It's really hard to explain it, but it's in little things; The way he sits, his demeanor...just, his way. If you are around him, you totally get what I am talking about.<br />
He sings...all the time...but no words, just "la" and never the same melody twice, except maybe "let it go".<br />
He doesn't speak as much as other kids his age yet, but he talks all the time. And you KNOW what he is talking about. Great communicator, a little slow on the syllables...really it's those consonants.<br />
He is a climbing fool who loves adventure but not sweets, one bite and that's enough.<br />
Loves Dinosaurs. He Loves to ROARRR! and if it has a dinosaur and a train=mind blowing!<br />
He still hates sleep. Doesn't need it. (so he thinks)<br />
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The most obvious difference from last year (other than the fact that he is twice the age he was last year at this time) is that he is a big bro now. He is a caring brother and I pray that his caring nature toward his brother is just the beginning of the kind of person that he is shaping up to be.<br />
Gosh. I just love him.<br />
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Fos, you are my miracle. You are so precious. The shape of your face, those lips, and the worlds longest eyelashes...ugh, I love your face!! But your smile...the way you won't just give it away, but then you do and it is electrifying. Your clear dark rimmed mischievous eyes. Your thoughtful nature with your maniacal spirit. I refuse to tell you that forts are for playing in because you get so much joy in climbing on them!<br />
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You are loved by so many people and so deeply. And as I said earlier, I was thinking about what to say to you when I read what I wrote last year...it said this:<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When I hold you while you sleep, I whisper into your ear about how much I love you and how much your daddy loves you and how much our Great God Loves You. We pray that you will know that God is Good. We pray that you know that following Him is worth anything you think you may be giving up. We pray that you know that His plans for you are so much greater than the ones we make for ourselves. I pray that you are selfless, compassionate, kind, and a humble leader. I pray that you are an encouragement to those around you (like your daddy). I pray that you Love greatly. I pray that whatever you do, you find a way to glorify the Lord through it."</span><br />
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This is still my hearts cry for you, Fos. These are still the prayers I pray for you. They will be forever. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. I love putting you to sleep at night, because I get to sing you songs of God's promises and faithfulness. I am praying that those are imprinted on your heart.<br />
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Your dad and I are blessed to be your parents. We know you are on loan, so we are doing our darndest not to ruin you! You are an absolute pleasure be around. Thanks for the laughs, dude. I am so excited to keep having them!<br />
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Oh. And happy second birthday buddy.</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-44121407604086816682014-06-26T12:00:00.000-07:002014-06-26T12:00:01.956-07:00That Moment.The moment I was most anxious about was Foster meeting Keating. Basically ever.<br />
I remember after finding out I was pregnant, I walked into the living room and looked at Foster and thought, he isn't my only baby anymore and HE WILL KNOW HE GOT JIPPED!!<br />
The Lord and I wrestled through this a bit until I accepted the truth that he will never know anything else and he will love having a play mate for all of his life.<br />
It still worried me that I couldn't really prepare Fos for it, so I thought he would want to "put that baby back." (That is quoted from, I believe, my nephew Fred in reference to my nephew Charlie.)<br />
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I had read that it was a good idea to not be holding the new baby when the older child is getting ready to meet him/her so that he would not feel replaced...So I thought that was pretty dang solid logic, and I went with that...and here is how it went down. My nurse was the best and decided that putting me in a wheelchair would be the least scary, so she "de-tubed" me, and covered me with blankets to make me look as normal as possible so it wouldn't scare my 14 months old, and then....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NERVOUS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Andrew carried him in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fos saw me and smiled!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGlKouj4gUnA1uVwn5HEkas2wouZo0anLQHKZVPNXPU1TiC-Jm64isuXuUf2jLw1TbfNHh_gz-TDBf8ivxKL7m7qjKTbfdH24MNiXxSqXnqwsN0C3zIdzNwwNhthIxvBokqzeNLnDbm0/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGlKouj4gUnA1uVwn5HEkas2wouZo0anLQHKZVPNXPU1TiC-Jm64isuXuUf2jLw1TbfNHh_gz-TDBf8ivxKL7m7qjKTbfdH24MNiXxSqXnqwsN0C3zIdzNwwNhthIxvBokqzeNLnDbm0/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-171.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Come here baby"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR5kEardSbFmrRj-z8_BR7crImfNYxR-SQTsSZsOCudju_kDXeVHiCV9BIatiH-XOEQ5-Ee1q0fn0_gcLWlwBDv7VRQsXzwmdVcdVpefKLpWZcRzdstihYEp8iVi-ZzmydkOosEupBDo/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR5kEardSbFmrRj-z8_BR7crImfNYxR-SQTsSZsOCudju_kDXeVHiCV9BIatiH-XOEQ5-Ee1q0fn0_gcLWlwBDv7VRQsXzwmdVcdVpefKLpWZcRzdstihYEp8iVi-ZzmydkOosEupBDo/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-173.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I explained (For the BILLIONTH time) that he was a big brother and he has a baby brother, and that he is about to meet him! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeMMDctsfpwZdXg-IXYbdL1-_1kmo4FdC17pMXEXhbB-O-wacyQ7fAoJ00HbP_3OwPz7j1fLiiOlE5FXaoN-tX1ejwPoyujDlN9HOi-HOv0R3ArlyMjhGuD8G1-jX3NeAWGM9-MRs0iM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeMMDctsfpwZdXg-IXYbdL1-_1kmo4FdC17pMXEXhbB-O-wacyQ7fAoJ00HbP_3OwPz7j1fLiiOlE5FXaoN-tX1ejwPoyujDlN9HOi-HOv0R3ArlyMjhGuD8G1-jX3NeAWGM9-MRs0iM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-174.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew picked up Keating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShetIFCn0DAyEosX4z9OQojaqcHx6pGpTvsWfj03DitsC5QtRx5w4pglKQ2GCEbtjnli6ZAEZjWuvg_PDyHUyEBRCQUNdHuiXWkA0AYvsDHBQ9Wgs5o-v4KUr7hg8RVP_nJzGC3Jwz28/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShetIFCn0DAyEosX4z9OQojaqcHx6pGpTvsWfj03DitsC5QtRx5w4pglKQ2GCEbtjnli6ZAEZjWuvg_PDyHUyEBRCQUNdHuiXWkA0AYvsDHBQ9Wgs5o-v4KUr7hg8RVP_nJzGC3Jwz28/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-176.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, still explaining. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQcdpW0YskECZUMYV3LaocjmByKyj6xXvr5ktodSTZHcOp58-Jc-3yGr6trh92nyZ2w9bhIRGhrtzvVGgDw-6x9Uzi04VwKW0h65jELwHXSOGRATOZ1DT1w-5wHbmf8Of2Ad-5MoNKfM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQcdpW0YskECZUMYV3LaocjmByKyj6xXvr5ktodSTZHcOp58-Jc-3yGr6trh92nyZ2w9bhIRGhrtzvVGgDw-6x9Uzi04VwKW0h65jELwHXSOGRATOZ1DT1w-5wHbmf8Of2Ad-5MoNKfM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-177.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The presentation. (Work your hardest to make it seem like the coolest thing in the world!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TeSd9JPiKrw__uYiathrhAeopQ9vAmJI56KzmFTiBsn5n4ZmPJ8mlyqGw2YfNiEL0yWmzCXhAQr6nwTPIlahWp2iZocKZIrN0IunNX12v38Me2jz1GfMUzK_AJ7k23ADL-ip82aBNkM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TeSd9JPiKrw__uYiathrhAeopQ9vAmJI56KzmFTiBsn5n4ZmPJ8mlyqGw2YfNiEL0yWmzCXhAQr6nwTPIlahWp2iZocKZIrN0IunNX12v38Me2jz1GfMUzK_AJ7k23ADL-ip82aBNkM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-178.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPkHqxh0sdkVVhhzCK1WRzs4fN2A4Ub9T8ye12QNR8iwrN8j524imhyphenhyphenuhOuxwG2CAvkzz-Ku2_3pYqNvAWrW7mCtYoRybr4bqS9sxFJFC-CsCzbgZdhWxO88cI5VJHEVJGfVqN8AhGuk/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPkHqxh0sdkVVhhzCK1WRzs4fN2A4Ub9T8ye12QNR8iwrN8j524imhyphenhyphenuhOuxwG2CAvkzz-Ku2_3pYqNvAWrW7mCtYoRybr4bqS9sxFJFC-CsCzbgZdhWxO88cI5VJHEVJGfVqN8AhGuk/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-179.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You can touch him"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid17HLRznMxZnYaYehblzJlNIp9Gvi_Lg0a9OrS3nCMEf8BhL621TAThxD4ADQXpblfND92Pmn8Mo_aosl2qtDUvasV1BeXVVsA_b8vhOnvzIOLq8LCwkmulsSH71WsQ2dUauvCuYCV5g/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid17HLRznMxZnYaYehblzJlNIp9Gvi_Lg0a9OrS3nCMEf8BhL621TAThxD4ADQXpblfND92Pmn8Mo_aosl2qtDUvasV1BeXVVsA_b8vhOnvzIOLq8LCwkmulsSH71WsQ2dUauvCuYCV5g/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-182.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh look, your brother brought you a gift"...THANK GOD, KEATING DID NOT ACTUALLY BRING THAT WITH HIM! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI3Duz0pgyImkKb9tlBR0hXsTvvllKshjlCX0L5c5spzDGmajhlMFTVeSF66rH4QNJcZ9-P9Logcje_KdDBLYPnBDDHbAhBB78ZvsYPq3PXSL9bX3pqt28WEwOJeAvg4wp5OoG6fDZ1c/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI3Duz0pgyImkKb9tlBR0hXsTvvllKshjlCX0L5c5spzDGmajhlMFTVeSF66rH4QNJcZ9-P9Logcje_KdDBLYPnBDDHbAhBB78ZvsYPq3PXSL9bX3pqt28WEwOJeAvg4wp5OoG6fDZ1c/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-190.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then it was his turn to hold his baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4d7KALuizoG2Mi5gKFHG4MwAL7O4cH0Q8-kE3qNQWTalf_IHPuKL3m7KezghVxQawa_npj7wSJjf0MiJw3UkgZ5o6xLlxIORiiuyWRNzfTljQggr8KW1Xg0BfsrJBMsfpPv_sgi_6VQ/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4d7KALuizoG2Mi5gKFHG4MwAL7O4cH0Q8-kE3qNQWTalf_IHPuKL3m7KezghVxQawa_npj7wSJjf0MiJw3UkgZ5o6xLlxIORiiuyWRNzfTljQggr8KW1Xg0BfsrJBMsfpPv_sgi_6VQ/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-192.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he found his nose right away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y9dJ_-RsAfDy9soWy5cPjQcSV98sgYHBT49-vmlXiu4gxOtHFRD6pmNafzGFfdg8U4qE1w5q9oesnfGvvsDNmO5Jr_5n_vB31f5CntpsQZTe_jIba8MDifvT6SaxuPuHOvGpBb_677A/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y9dJ_-RsAfDy9soWy5cPjQcSV98sgYHBT49-vmlXiu4gxOtHFRD6pmNafzGFfdg8U4qE1w5q9oesnfGvvsDNmO5Jr_5n_vB31f5CntpsQZTe_jIba8MDifvT6SaxuPuHOvGpBb_677A/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-193.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">almost love at first sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiSx6c3iipkUi7NlUx-c4okMCNP_JVKW6N07hfHNmyNbfnduNpOd2DkeUK0_MsJLCQsDV8Wx8LmuZjEWQyFHQOymMDaQ4lfCoL5kEfxFcr4-AnvtLU8iDkQjoqylPj-H5HhyphenhyphenXm3GAbI8/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiSx6c3iipkUi7NlUx-c4okMCNP_JVKW6N07hfHNmyNbfnduNpOd2DkeUK0_MsJLCQsDV8Wx8LmuZjEWQyFHQOymMDaQ4lfCoL5kEfxFcr4-AnvtLU8iDkQjoqylPj-H5HhyphenhyphenXm3GAbI8/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-195.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like, he really found his nose, and he was serious about it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnVXahRN_ZabvkAgKGESvYhWryuCoOL_4PODxAwPm6OJxobqCtVnzG_lhMr4wSsqSklTmGZTyTf33OiKeEruCfGQBfDURFp2JjLy9-JhM9MIW1VwfUQyg7-Fp5511D6NNqRzO-4Clm_s/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnVXahRN_ZabvkAgKGESvYhWryuCoOL_4PODxAwPm6OJxobqCtVnzG_lhMr4wSsqSklTmGZTyTf33OiKeEruCfGQBfDURFp2JjLy9-JhM9MIW1VwfUQyg7-Fp5511D6NNqRzO-4Clm_s/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-197.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIY62H_awAj5459KA2d6aGXLT2ga-UdKjdT9TFOaf3N6YxxySN_mIcsbPmTx-yPHRDnER_H4XbNCCm8ddweJsxgDVjmym0p9lNnBkCpEZ0_szPvaVBZTU-rzXjhS3GYtbqe_O2BlU768/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIY62H_awAj5459KA2d6aGXLT2ga-UdKjdT9TFOaf3N6YxxySN_mIcsbPmTx-yPHRDnER_H4XbNCCm8ddweJsxgDVjmym0p9lNnBkCpEZ0_szPvaVBZTU-rzXjhS3GYtbqe_O2BlU768/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-199.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was a lot for an hour old baby, so it was time to say goodbye for a few minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm_waMXPQQ3y9_64RY-pi6uQ5By0QhdD3CKR-_Tz4l5k-7UCRF3ETQZ5hTN3ZTjsgUcA0sVJ0DzJzC82i07pqLmt_9yxS8zTChzngUGqmJ7xh9rIUpTCwxK3s9Gj_6nPbh7pQVwGxYEY/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm_waMXPQQ3y9_64RY-pi6uQ5By0QhdD3CKR-_Tz4l5k-7UCRF3ETQZ5hTN3ZTjsgUcA0sVJ0DzJzC82i07pqLmt_9yxS8zTChzngUGqmJ7xh9rIUpTCwxK3s9Gj_6nPbh7pQVwGxYEY/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-200.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGTD_8faCEbc6sg7lQ5fuLmGpSWwaPm14UfWdDj9bvhHp5YzuQSTIsafaCYh2C71AFtwQwBH4-OCewHz55R7qVIVdvVYnALnsgmOjPbs9NhjbHjScL9Pl303ECU9josehIpcbpBFjY5Q/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGTD_8faCEbc6sg7lQ5fuLmGpSWwaPm14UfWdDj9bvhHp5YzuQSTIsafaCYh2C71AFtwQwBH4-OCewHz55R7qVIVdvVYnALnsgmOjPbs9NhjbHjScL9Pl303ECU9josehIpcbpBFjY5Q/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-203.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_aHPnSQ2_Wfb90ZB_YQKgK5QsrkB1zR9YRPxrTKhzhRVmt93DPlNOrDlOgFUCU0aSpSIiP1K1qDhpw1aoyrOdQ4xmHo2WVrxxE8K4tya_dqhFA8bBsZveLXhjlDGACQI4-A5gzZrflM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_aHPnSQ2_Wfb90ZB_YQKgK5QsrkB1zR9YRPxrTKhzhRVmt93DPlNOrDlOgFUCU0aSpSIiP1K1qDhpw1aoyrOdQ4xmHo2WVrxxE8K4tya_dqhFA8bBsZveLXhjlDGACQI4-A5gzZrflM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-207.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our first family of 4 pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRlF2C5TJ6tUsXGfcxakaZlJJsh8lOeLwlHbxN0fNOIdzxaj3z5q_HBAei5dnU8nMTcCun61tk8PuW9NVcNoNxQ0MjTFHBseECdBcEygHHW0NgvoF4m5OYcCvbwDBkSaR-YY5uad8A-A/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRlF2C5TJ6tUsXGfcxakaZlJJsh8lOeLwlHbxN0fNOIdzxaj3z5q_HBAei5dnU8nMTcCun61tk8PuW9NVcNoNxQ0MjTFHBseECdBcEygHHW0NgvoF4m5OYcCvbwDBkSaR-YY5uad8A-A/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-209.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietAMza-5RljiJV-JAoxaJw_mOsdncytFbGOgRz-vSyv2mwkQT9PNENM4DDEWiVSlHoXpCX85wbTBdZO2nmK82rt_4AoasrKWE6aMa4RIouk6UyhS4fjqLRwyUfVOjxu7HjrG0-UVQ_Is/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietAMza-5RljiJV-JAoxaJw_mOsdncytFbGOgRz-vSyv2mwkQT9PNENM4DDEWiVSlHoXpCX85wbTBdZO2nmK82rt_4AoasrKWE6aMa4RIouk6UyhS4fjqLRwyUfVOjxu7HjrG0-UVQ_Is/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-213.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foster kissing Keating goodbye. </td></tr>
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At this point in time, my heart figuratively exploded in my chest and I almost died from the warm fuzzies. The relief was palpable and this is the look I gave Kari, right before my eyes flooded with tears...as they still do when I see that pic. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmyazY-orfYx0lKKZBOXJAaUnUJ-wlfrBMxAuAMnzXMVgGJkM7mom9-z5rMLZHYu5EJ1x9-2OSsuKhRouWSs2Ke7HHBSyr9F03_KecJQJWVXhYH8LHwd_-vKk5tYWBjYPcCGUjBBfVes/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmyazY-orfYx0lKKZBOXJAaUnUJ-wlfrBMxAuAMnzXMVgGJkM7mom9-z5rMLZHYu5EJ1x9-2OSsuKhRouWSs2Ke7HHBSyr9F03_KecJQJWVXhYH8LHwd_-vKk5tYWBjYPcCGUjBBfVes/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-249.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic.</td></tr>
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And that is the story about how is wasn't so bad after all...<br />
See you tomorrow...WHEN FOSTER TURNS 2!!!!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-40030690685724106682014-06-25T20:58:00.004-07:002014-06-25T20:58:46.055-07:009. It has been 9 months!?Foster's B-day is Friday. He will be two. While that is insane and I will def. post about him later, This post is WAYYYYY Past due.<br />
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9 months ago, the Lord kindly blessed Andrew and me with the most laid-back, smiley little guy. We named him <a href="http://sarahbeard.blogspot.com/2013/09/whats-in-nametake-2.html" target="_blank">Keating Elijah</a>. While I have mentioned him once or twice here, I have never shared the photos from that day; or any stories really. I will just tell you this. Giving birth to Keating was 100 times easier than with Foster. However, carrying him was a brutal task (I'm talking sprained pelvic floor, crying through the night brutal)! I was thankful that he at least gifted me with sleeping through the night at 6 weeks!<br />
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Enough words already...without any more ado about anything...a very select few first moments of Keatings life. There will be a second installment with a story tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUHJdWEnMJlwdxxm05dH_NuiKOfvC-fs84syHR19IjWxfN8-rv4qTxRlZAie7zD2ilKY_3kqCXl7HzSKU_GgSBsHVjo7g8ogJ_40Y97pUs3r3FxFJiAEwRJL2OVpTYHPaiJVqI829G_g/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUHJdWEnMJlwdxxm05dH_NuiKOfvC-fs84syHR19IjWxfN8-rv4qTxRlZAie7zD2ilKY_3kqCXl7HzSKU_GgSBsHVjo7g8ogJ_40Y97pUs3r3FxFJiAEwRJL2OVpTYHPaiJVqI829G_g/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-45.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AND THERE IT IS. ANDREW KNEW THE GENDER!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYQzx5VAfWqQnWb9KfhniJksCsy8ZifM6ujtsFhD1EKXGi9s1uCDxlA5FzcYOiJU5iJE_egnlAJ1rjRMq2rMEkxHYyoHx6AXBBalmD0Q8Glh8LLUoEQMhsx16_ZkylcIp__wU5Gzw2FQ/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYQzx5VAfWqQnWb9KfhniJksCsy8ZifM6ujtsFhD1EKXGi9s1uCDxlA5FzcYOiJU5iJE_egnlAJ1rjRMq2rMEkxHYyoHx6AXBBalmD0Q8Glh8LLUoEQMhsx16_ZkylcIp__wU5Gzw2FQ/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-57.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing him for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQVohuJ3bUOee3D2MDdTtp90vnqHRHwNvtyx_KRT1Pe8RS6jZ7_4fEvKn3LYhgOrGx9swdQsVmAOG8D4LHkbggyU9W7-2YVpvojSvvmC5MeMqq2LPbYHTf0FuHoX9gTJ0fzD0CqFUUEA/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQVohuJ3bUOee3D2MDdTtp90vnqHRHwNvtyx_KRT1Pe8RS6jZ7_4fEvKn3LYhgOrGx9swdQsVmAOG8D4LHkbggyU9W7-2YVpvojSvvmC5MeMqq2LPbYHTf0FuHoX9gTJ0fzD0CqFUUEA/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-59.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically the first pic</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyOUEmcpPHogbeqQzrrzvCLXdOItqFEQufU4CHSnBF7tGFZtCvWzf8UtzT-ksmRMYw3lFdikaSf9nAepcXftsMt54lYkY9bmQMhM76tmcAJzxu_aK4zgp0ihnyxTS2AbXZ14otv28TwU/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyOUEmcpPHogbeqQzrrzvCLXdOItqFEQufU4CHSnBF7tGFZtCvWzf8UtzT-ksmRMYw3lFdikaSf9nAepcXftsMt54lYkY9bmQMhM76tmcAJzxu_aK4zgp0ihnyxTS2AbXZ14otv28TwU/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-65.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elation</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GAbq3Hbs54tiMpzW9lwSwX5hIKlkp-Zm7LEd6vmnlE1nUvxRyZjLCQS_tlckIyFBhjdMWpH5kMcLSQp3Y0JwvY024VMLn4Na_htrk5RGh882OixV0OEWvQmxLU4gg2gL1yHAcMloJnI/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GAbq3Hbs54tiMpzW9lwSwX5hIKlkp-Zm7LEd6vmnlE1nUvxRyZjLCQS_tlckIyFBhjdMWpH5kMcLSQp3Y0JwvY024VMLn4Na_htrk5RGh882OixV0OEWvQmxLU4gg2gL1yHAcMloJnI/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-85.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpocO395_TFHBygPh0D-s7-MInckQDz0-WlcISO_E3IOtMg19xNht3Ogy3FG3B614ZgI0c-ly05HOfUtMyI-LV8VgwGG35c1_KJBEz-0jp5BzZ-FWHltL5LJgvJQo9kMnBnoYwjZzwxw/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpocO395_TFHBygPh0D-s7-MInckQDz0-WlcISO_E3IOtMg19xNht3Ogy3FG3B614ZgI0c-ly05HOfUtMyI-LV8VgwGG35c1_KJBEz-0jp5BzZ-FWHltL5LJgvJQo9kMnBnoYwjZzwxw/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-117.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">showing off that dimple from second 1.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVghV9Ebh_DYQwiXvACR9bhSmp7KLJMSO0AdRe1skLDLpk-L0clbGtobT8j5Ss0UTFQU2q4pzLs5hifNjUEoX6-H1rvj6hYvumOuEt6ehBc3P-K__Z_xnPDbYaij3QTUbj36Ah2L9EeFY/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVghV9Ebh_DYQwiXvACR9bhSmp7KLJMSO0AdRe1skLDLpk-L0clbGtobT8j5Ss0UTFQU2q4pzLs5hifNjUEoX6-H1rvj6hYvumOuEt6ehBc3P-K__Z_xnPDbYaij3QTUbj36Ah2L9EeFY/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-136.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile in the waiting room.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMXTyNVqZcLKcX7TmP0-HoewxcJgwk90ltH2qYz85kVx9I5wOdpY5SXI0clu_sWtv-iMJ7uNKsUyJN7YPcgyMpeHkKGmFczZOV0ih4enpSm6Wr2-kJ_1UTa0Fp0adwUHEChUQ9n7P9Es/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMXTyNVqZcLKcX7TmP0-HoewxcJgwk90ltH2qYz85kVx9I5wOdpY5SXI0clu_sWtv-iMJ7uNKsUyJN7YPcgyMpeHkKGmFczZOV0ih4enpSm6Wr2-kJ_1UTa0Fp0adwUHEChUQ9n7P9Es/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-137.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yUlGgrCZxtk6tW1VL1o1eQi0L0OXcMc0gz_zypo5Xo0t05Dq0d4f7TXEdT4M5c9v0Pj_mUNiri4FyPcs_XYvquyraL-oB7QmxAcvH24FrOJ-u1dVXkYSgByw0MR6wDSyTjnhcfYJQ8M/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yUlGgrCZxtk6tW1VL1o1eQi0L0OXcMc0gz_zypo5Xo0t05Dq0d4f7TXEdT4M5c9v0Pj_mUNiri4FyPcs_XYvquyraL-oB7QmxAcvH24FrOJ-u1dVXkYSgByw0MR6wDSyTjnhcfYJQ8M/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-243.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family of 4</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2a8tvQ_H0axlZxBXfdsTpjRaNRccG-uTuZhP0XyMTl1mIRsow16-FmdD59l6acJRXi5Qm_c97shjdn9n_xyPBKOVUDdfPTs8owd4JBVXpIjLjkdlxaeDxvTOKVjM-sfC3ACPLhMOSjM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2a8tvQ_H0axlZxBXfdsTpjRaNRccG-uTuZhP0XyMTl1mIRsow16-FmdD59l6acJRXi5Qm_c97shjdn9n_xyPBKOVUDdfPTs8owd4JBVXpIjLjkdlxaeDxvTOKVjM-sfC3ACPLhMOSjM/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-266.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXJPpGP_FpgP3wAwUc9ktiOu9OWp-wHIAvF1FsI9Zu6ykU-avZfF_ki7oaXve1gGheLAE9u15eOk0D0fuSGQPKYhmgU7oFmpIy-8f05-I7gpW1nzvsVnnqtC2niqWV56_l3SnAwW75yU/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXJPpGP_FpgP3wAwUc9ktiOu9OWp-wHIAvF1FsI9Zu6ykU-avZfF_ki7oaXve1gGheLAE9u15eOk0D0fuSGQPKYhmgU7oFmpIy-8f05-I7gpW1nzvsVnnqtC2niqWV56_l3SnAwW75yU/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-284.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Entire Family...This is my team. My cheer section. The people who welcomed Keating into the world. Can you even believe how many of them there are!?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtImxrrXYXvOddHDtsWSjYttsyRIKuh-2gdGp8c26D1n0Yc6-82JOX9tZF1XKhoQ36aCLJrNWQiSJb521M9srXkq-lIuCGxWSWGrNlVzbikvvlBA1lD9WENa7g9fPSyC2cIAKNpOfN2oc/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtImxrrXYXvOddHDtsWSjYttsyRIKuh-2gdGp8c26D1n0Yc6-82JOX9tZF1XKhoQ36aCLJrNWQiSJb521M9srXkq-lIuCGxWSWGrNlVzbikvvlBA1lD9WENa7g9fPSyC2cIAKNpOfN2oc/s1600/beardbaby2_kcp-285.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let us not forget my dearest Kari, who so graciously captured the births of both of my children...and now graces us with delicious ice cream from her very own<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeltIceCreams" target="_blank"> ice cream shop, Melt</a>.</td></tr>
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I love y'all, thanks for reading and sharing life with me. See you tomorrow! </div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-36176028356552839842014-06-23T20:20:00.000-07:002014-06-23T20:20:19.906-07:00life happenedI am sad that there is a 3 month gap in my posts...but in the time that I have not been posting I have been doing a few other things. I am still working with His Voice Global, I have been hired at our church, Highland Park UMC, to work with college students - part time - It is an honor and a joy to do this work! I love it! I am a Jamberry Nails Consultant, cause if you haven't used them...oh my goodness, they are fantastic! <a href="http://sarahbeard.jamberrynails.net/">Sarahbeard.jamberrynails.net</a>. (let me know if you want a sample or want to host a party...it's easy) and I lead worship once a month at church as well...Oh yeah, and I have those two cute boys to raise and a marriage that I love and need to nurture! so...a lack in posting is understandable, right?!<br />
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We have been on a few different "journeys" in these last 3 months, so I thought that instead of going into detail now, I will fill you in with separate posts. Tonight, I just wanted to reintroduce myself with you.<br />
I will leave you with these pics, because who doesn't love pics?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHYt3crcoNG2Opy2LEHJXk7yNRMmv-Pg3EYNBeP4TgtBAU4VAd_VKWOBboaGMnuqQdLUfKrEr6xvsvXnknS6ly1TC-lMzcTLtfLHCj8JAnw3QiRWF1SnV-ISgqU4DaquJ_hVjbeFiewg/s1600/IMG_8041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHYt3crcoNG2Opy2LEHJXk7yNRMmv-Pg3EYNBeP4TgtBAU4VAd_VKWOBboaGMnuqQdLUfKrEr6xvsvXnknS6ly1TC-lMzcTLtfLHCj8JAnw3QiRWF1SnV-ISgqU4DaquJ_hVjbeFiewg/s1600/IMG_8041.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still madly in love.</td></tr>
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Y'all, these pics of the boys, I just can't. I mean. no words. They make me melt. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by everyone. I'm excited to share our adventures with you! </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-75632070202499408672014-03-06T13:25:00.001-08:002014-03-06T13:25:28.293-08:00Ashes to AshesI know that taking my kids to services where there is child care available seems stupid to some people, but I am convinced that it is a good thing.<br />
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Yesterday there was an Ash Wednesday service for families at my church, which would have been ideal for us to go to, seeing as Foster likes to make sure everyone knows he exists and Keating grunts like he is getting ready for the fight of his life. This is not the service we went to, because Andrew was going to be administering ashes at the 7:00 sanctuary service. Where is it really quiet. And obviously somber. We almost made it through the first song before Fos had crayon in hand headed for the white stone walls...Sarah Exits.<br />
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Thank God for dear Kay Porter who turned on the tv monitors in the "lobby" area so we could watch while I carried Keating around, chased Foster and said, "no, sir that's a trash can. Ewww!" (in the way Jimmy Fallon says it) about 50 times.<br />
Kay let Fos carry her walkie talkie and he felt cool...but then, it was time to receive our ashes. I started to regret my decision to "attend" this service with the kids when we walked in and Keating immediately started grunting loudly. Werm stood up and took Keating and we walked up to Andrew...<br />
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Have you ever been to an Ash Wednesday service? It is sobering when someone tells you, "From dust you were created, to dust you shall return." Its the reality that is.<br />
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...Andrew placed his thumb in the ashes and made the sign of the cross on my forehead and declared, "From dust you were created, to dust you shall return." My eyes filled with tears, Reality. In that moment, we were both very aware that our earthly "forever" was not real. Our need for a Savior, real. And then he dipped his thumb again and made the sign of the cross on Foster's head. Foster dead eyed him. The most still I have seen him in a service, ever. Then Keating. Then Werm. I watched as the Leader of my home reminded each of us that we are going to die and that we need a Savior.<br />
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In that moment, It was worth being in the service together.<br />
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Here is to the next 40 days.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-33478917346245302362014-01-30T19:05:00.002-08:002014-01-30T19:10:49.899-08:00InspiredI have been following an artist by the name of <a href="http://jeremycowart.com/#" target="_blank">Jeremy Cowart</a> for a while now. He is pretty great all around. Cool projects, cool images...last week he posted this blog about a shoot he did with <a href="http://jeremycowart.com/2014/01/john-schneider/" target="_blank">John Schneider</a>, It blew up on FB and all around the world...if you haven't read it, it is just good.<br />
It was moving and meaningful. I sat in my tears and let the images stir me.<br />
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I have been photographing for nearly 11 years now and I have grown tired of what was a passion. I have a degree in it, but I find my images totally thoughtless...Like, <i>in my personal life,</i> I have a camera, I snap a picture. (I do try when I am actually getting paid for a session.) I always complain about my 10 year old camera and I act like I am prohibited by it, even though, if I was secure in my ability to shoot, it wouldn't matter all that much.<br />
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anyway...to the point...<br />
This week, he (Jeremy) posted these. <a href="http://jeremycowart.com/2014/01/kids/">http://jeremycowart.com/2014/01/kids/</a><br />
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here is one from his recent shoot...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDlJSBgfAkRfz9RWXEJxpE1roL1KSU0erU_CGEZOFVe5Ng4Ix49wby1ktPPZ4NZm3eQDhj-niV0g0GUV981cja2d1WZ92-o7ZCLGKHLSqhPtMaxXNuopWLiTVOYX9sWScV838D5qRXJ4/s1600/03_Reaux-7743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDlJSBgfAkRfz9RWXEJxpE1roL1KSU0erU_CGEZOFVe5Ng4Ix49wby1ktPPZ4NZm3eQDhj-niV0g0GUV981cja2d1WZ92-o7ZCLGKHLSqhPtMaxXNuopWLiTVOYX9sWScV838D5qRXJ4/s1600/03_Reaux-7743.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I cannot explain how much I love this. I got so pumped about this other way of photographing kids. </div>
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Then, my friend Courtney came to visit today and we got talking about cameras and images...and something just fired me up. It was like a totally inspired evening. We spent some time taking pics of Fos in some pretty great light, and then when she left, I uploaded my shots and did some post edit work. I was so excited about the final images I thought it was worth a post. </div>
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This one of Foster is my absolute favorite.</div>
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And, Keating? There aren't many words.</div>
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Foster is, by no means, just a "sit here and stare" kind of kid, but that is definitely a part of who he is. He is slow to get to know and then he is a loose cannon. He is serious, contemplative, and he surveys the situation. Keating is a laid back, smiley guy.</div>
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I was thrilled tonight to have images of my kids that really felt like them...so I thought I would share them with you. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-57147488174915581642014-01-27T13:11:00.000-08:002014-01-27T13:11:01.470-08:00Questions.My blog is titled "It's My Intention".<br />
It is called this because I want to be intentional...in everything I do.<br />
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I came across this article and its contents have the potential to change my life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/the-questions-that-will-save-your-relationships_b_4618254.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/the-questions-that-will-save-your-relationships_b_4618254.html</a><br />
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If you stay at home with your kids, I think you should certainly read it, and share it with your spouse.<br />
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Today, Andrew asked me "Did you feel overwhelmed this morning?" instead of the usual "How was your morning?"<br />
Just being offered the time to think about that specific emotion made me feel lighter, loved, and heard.<br />
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I am excited to see how being intentional with my questions will change my relationships.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-50712333339600809212014-01-18T06:00:00.004-08:002014-01-18T06:24:32.172-08:00It sure is his birthday!32 years ago today, the love of my life was born.<br />
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My life is only what it is because of the man my husband is.</div>
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Andrew, on your day (and hopefully every other day too) Foster, Keating and I want you to know how remarkable we think you are! </div>
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Thank you for giving 100% to each thing you do. Thank you for being an outstanding human being who teaches us everyday about character, love, patience, and how to be a great friend and listener. </div>
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Our sons are so lucky to have you as a dad! You are not only fun, but you are the perfect person to teach them about all things "manly"...and not in the hunting, fishing, car-fixing defining way the world has given the term...in the ways that really matter, like living the life you say you want to live. By loving the Lord so much that it overflows into the things you say and do. By being patient and encouraging to the people around you. By being positive and literally never tearing anyone around you down. By always being willing to learn and grow. By being Awesome.</div>
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I pray the boys pick up on all these traits and that they are just like you (in their own ways of course). </div>
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Thank you for leading me and the boys and for just being so darn cool. </div>
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Also, can I just say you are super hott too! I am so proud of you and feel super special to be seen in public with you!! </div>
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Happy Birthday to you, Andrew. You really are the best. like, for real. I love you.</div>
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ikuytrefnb - that was a note from the boys, I think it says, "Hey dad...you're the best. thanks for playing with us and for changing our diapers. We love you a lot. Happy Birthday, Foster and Keating"</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-62271459213982840602014-01-15T18:20:00.000-08:002014-01-15T18:21:43.465-08:00Permission to complain.I have had this thought the last two days. "I don't think my life is as hard right now as I have said that it is."<br />
Why in the heck would I ever claim that my life is harder than it actually is. Is it for a pity party? I don't think so.<br />
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When I thought about it enough, I got to the bottom of it.<br />
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I have been given permission to complain...so I do. Even if I don't really have anything to complain about.<br />
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So, I am here to set the record straight.<br />
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People usually see me with my kids (one at a time). This is the most common occurrence.<br />
"Oh look at those ______(Fill in the blank with cheeks, curls, shoes, blue eyes)"<br />
"Yeah, he's pretty sweet"<br />
"How old is he"<br />
"______(state the current age)"<br />
"Awe."<br />
And then they see it...the other kid!<br />
"Oh my goodness you have another!"<br />
"Yes I do!"<br />
"And how old is he"<br />
"____(State current age, which always equals 14 months and 3 weeks younger than the last stated age)"<br />
<i>This is where the permission to complain comes in.</i><br />
I can almost say it with them..."Wow, you have your hands full!"<br />
depending on the person, it varies from, "oh, you are busy" or "you must miss sleep" or anything that remotely resembles the idea that the task at hand (which happens to be raising two boys under 1 1/2) is rather daunting. But occasionally I have a person who says, "Mine are ______ months apart", I have never had any one give me a number higher than 19.<br />
- you may think that I am not being literal her, but I dare you to ask Meggie or Allyson or anyone on the elevators with me each Sunday morning...this is basically verbatim -<br />
Inevitably, I agree with them. INEVITABLY! EVERY TIME!<br />
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I have never once responded with, "It's not so bad" or "somedays are harder than others" or anything other than "Yep" followed by a sheepish smile that may actually ask them to take pity on me.<br />
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But I realized yesterday that I was doing this completely unintentionally. I actually had ZERO intentions about what I was saying to every person who has ever said this to me. And it's not bad to agree that I am busy, but I even say it like, "It's terrible-feel sorry for me."<br />
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SO HERE IT IS FRIENDS! My apologies, and the truth.<br />
I am tired.<br />
I am tired because in general I have 2 kids, I work from home, I serve at my church with the youth, college, and music ministries, and I love to have people over to my house. Who wouldn't be tired.<br />
BUT!<br />
The truth. My kids only wear me out because they are kids...like ever other mother ever in the history of the world. We finish a day and we are tired.<br />
I love my job, my boss, and my co-worker who happens to be Fos' God mom. It is flexible and a worthy cause.<br />
I have a sweet friend (with two boys) that joins me and the boys for play dates regularly, which are awesome...and so is she, <a href="http://www.wehaveaars.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">you should check out her blog here.</a><br />
I have a husband who has Fridays off and a flexible schedule who comes home from work for lunch most days.<br />
I have an amazing Mother in Law who visits regularly. Parents who come down regularly. Fos' God parents who watch the boys all the time. And! My neighbors are outside almost everyday so we get like an our of playtime! (thank you Texas for the whether that make that possible.)<br />
AND TO ICE MY BLESSED CAKE, my 3 almost 4 month old has been sleeping through the night regularly since 7 weeks.<br />
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and lets face it...some days really are hard, but not the majority of them!<br />
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Bottom line...<br />
I have the sweetest boys. Fos is funny, kind, gentle with his bro, curious, silly, entertaining...and of course he is one and a half so he throws short fits, he wakes up every night, and wants to be "where the party at" instead of going ti sleep. When he is tired he is a handful...and that witching hour thing is real.<br />
Keating basically cries when he is hungry, dirty, and sometimes when he is tired. He sleeps like a champ and rolls over.<br />
That is it. I laugh 99% more than I cry!<br />
I have no extra room to say that my life is any harder than any other momma out there.<br />
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So please friends, accept my apologies for saying that its soooo hard. It is hard...but not bad or unusually difficult all the time. And for goodness sake, stop expecting me to think that it should be.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-35029542915408352162013-12-19T13:34:00.001-08:002013-12-19T13:40:50.170-08:00Id like to take a minute. So, I turned around and my second kid is 3 months old tomorrow. WHAT!<br />
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I feel like I should have some grand thoughts for a post, since it has been so long since my last post, but I am going to settle for reality and a few thank you's.<br />
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The last three months have been insane. I don't think I could live without coffee.<br />
And I MOST CERTAINLY have survived by the way of my family and friends - which are pretty much my family. I would like to high-light a few. You may be completely disinterested in this post...but I need to take a second here!<br />
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My Momma, Chris Welker, has turned out to be Super Grandma. The way she plays with Foster is insanely hilarious, she is in her 60's rolling down the alley on a toy with him - full speed ahead. She says she is tired and then gives 110% to playing like a boss with the kids while I work. She got here the first of October and left right before Thanksgiving. The woman stopped her life for 2 months to be at my side and lend a hand. Andrew and I would leave the house for hours with the kids and she would clean my house...like Clean, Clean. REALLY!? She may be a little crazy but she is MINE and I love her soooo stinking much and loved every minute of her being here...Even if that dang walmart pharmacy can't fill a prescription, right mom?!<br />
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My Mother in Law, Anne Beard, is one of the finest women on planet earth. I can only pray to be the kind of MIL to Foster and Keating's wives - should they choose to abandon me and move on to another woman who may care for them so much but not quite as much as I do...wait, what was I saying. Oh, yeah. Anne. She was here for the few days leading up to the birth and for the week or two after (I am not sure of any dates anymore), and she has been back in town three times...since. THANK THE DEAR LORD. When she is here, I forget that we don't have a dishwasher, because she does all the dishes! CAN I GET AN AMEN!! I leave the house for meetings and andrew and I go on dates (when our schedules let us)...It's so good. She is so good and I love her so much!<br />
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My dear sweet friends and neighbors...Now don't think you can steal them. Amy Bales and her clan. What would we have done without them the last few months?! Can we just say - have extremely boring afternoons and really dirty clothes. Have I mentioned we don't have a washer and dryer? This dear sweet woman will meet me at 11pm in her driveway to take a bag of fosters sheets and clothes that he just threw up all over and wash and dry them and put them on my back doorstep! WHO DOES THIS?! Their doors are open to my family (literally we call their garage our community center) and that is awesome when all of the sudden you realize all the sheets in the house need to be washed and no one has any clean underwear left. And lets not forget mention her sweet 7 year old son who Foster thinks is the coolest kid ever - He plays with fos and cracks him up...you bet when school is out, Fos is looking out the back door saying "Henry?" as well as he can. We call Henry Fosters best friend.<br />
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Meggie and Dexter! OH SERIOUSLY. Talk about working out a washer and Dryer. These friends are family. They live right below us and it is not uncommon to find them in our living room after the babes are in bed. The constant "let us know if we can do anything" is sometimes sanity in itself. After a day of sheer crazy with the kids Dexters child like love and humor and Meggie's sincerity is all one needs as a night cap...but there is also usually a beverage to accompany our visits!<br />
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Allyson and Werm. Godparents...and lifesavers. I have never met any two people with more love for babies that aren't theirs and a willingness to take them ANYTIME! I have not paid for babysitting more than twice because of these two wonderful people. They have gone from students to interns, to family. Date night comes to you by way of the Werms. They have saved my sanity more times than I count. Allyson works with me, so even just having the two of us in the house in the morning sometimes when things are crazy means that I can brush my teeth...you know? maybe you don't...but maybe you do.<br />
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And all of these people are more than helping bodies...They are cheerleaders, confidants, breaths of fresh air, encouragement, and hope that these two sweet babies that I love so much will have the same kids of community I have. I love them. I could not have done life this year without them.<br />
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And that is my reality. Seriously. We went to the advent festival and church and got this pic taken to prove it.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-76616663900313852932013-10-02T09:38:00.002-07:002013-10-02T09:38:27.567-07:00Perfect Imperfections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know what every parent says when you ask them, "Do you want a boy or a girl?"</div>
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Well, almost every parent. </div>
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We all say the same thing. </div>
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"I want a healthy baby."</div>
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And that is the truth. We all want healthy babies! </div>
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I had a moment in the hospital when I looked at Keating and realized that something wasn't "perfect".</div>
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He had 10 fingers, 10 toes, his face was totally sweet and then I saw his right ear. </div>
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"What is that?" "Why does it look like that?" "Is his hearing effected?" </div>
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As soon as I got the hearing screening results back - which he passed with 100% (He is already good at test taking), my fears were gone. The doctors told us it was totally cosmetic and they could refer us to someone who could fix it. </div>
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WHAT??? </div>
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Fix it!? That is seriously ridiculous! </div>
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I looked at that sweet little notch in his ear and let him know that it was something that would set him apart. Something that would be "his thing". This is a perfect imperfection. </div>
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Also, it will either save us from the earring conversation completely, which we will have to consider, since his dad had earrings...or he will want two in that lobe! Either way, we love it and will not consider "fixing" it!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-55565818970165061262013-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-30T10:11:39.755-07:00Perspective for the "me of two years ago".Perspective. Am I right, second time parents?<br />
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I just keep thinking, "If I knew then what I know now, I think this would have been much easier the first time around." But as I have had this thought, I also have this thought; "There is NO WAY I could have this perspective if I didn't experience this parenthood thing the first time" - and I think its good that way so when you come home with the second one, it's a bit easier!<br />
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So, what would I let my first time parent self know, you may wonder? or not. you may not wonder at all. If you do, read on...If you don't care...stop reading now.<br />
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Sarah,<br />
For most people, when you have your first baby, the husband sleeps at the hospital each night on the worlds most uncomfortable "sofa" where they are woken up at least every 3 hours when the woman has to feed the baby. A lot of people choose to keep the baby in their room with them, which means that there is even less sleep happening. So by the time that you head home from the hospital, you are both already totally wiped...and then you get to take the baby home. Why they let a new parent take a baby home will be beyond you!<br />
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When you come home from the hospital with a baby, the amount of responsibility you feel for this new life is absolutely overwhelming. I had this thought that there was no one that could care for this little life like I could (when, really, what did I know about being a mom). I remember Andrews mom MAKING me and Andrew take a nap after we brought Foster home from the hospital before she would leave to go back to KC. She had to make us because I kept refusing. I felt like I was totally neglecting my baby if I were to (Gasp) take a nap while he was sleeping!!!<br />
You will search the diaper for any amt. of pee or poop, praying that they are getting enough food. In the night, each noise that they make could be a sign of them choking, or stopping their breath patterns. Their sneezing could mean they are sick, their little breath intakes that are so sweet could mean they aren't breathing well...Worry. Worry. Worry...and why wouldn't you, you have NEVER done this before!!!!<br />
With Foster, the first time you left the house without him was almost a month later when Andrew took you out for a sushi anniversary dinner, and trust me, we ran out and ran back as soon as we could.<br />
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I am not saying that any of this is bad or wrong at all, it is the way it is...Im just saying that now I have a totally different perspective...and that changes everything.<br />
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So, what would I suggest to my previous self. I would first say, "do what you gotta do" or "do what you think is best", but here are a few things I may offer in a gentle tone to two year ago Sarah.<br />
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1. The hospital is stocked with health care professionals who are paid to care for you and for your baby the few days after it is born. It is okay to send your sweet willing husband home for at least one of the nights in order to get some sleep so that the both of you are not well on your way to zombie land when it comes time to go home. This time, I sent Andrew home to be with Fos, and I sent Keating to the nursery, and for those 3 hour intervals, I SLEPT SO HARD! I recuperated and used those nurses for what they are paid for...delivering pain meds, checking my vitals, and bringing me Keating so that I could nurse him...and then taking him back and cuddling him...and whatever else you precious nurses do.<br />
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2. Your mom and mom-in-law, may actually know how to keep a baby alive while you sleep. And, it's actually a good thing to put the baby down and let it fall asleep so that it knows that it can...even though all you want to do is cuddle the heck out if baby and pass it around for all to hold...RIGHT AFTER THEY WASH AND SANITIZE their hands.<br />
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3. After this first baby, your world is upside down - 100% different...but it is actually still pretty restful when you get a new born baby in your house during the day. They eat, you try and keep them awake, they sleep, and they poop and pee - sometimes on you and sometimes on your furniture...and that is what they are supposed to do. Sleep when they sleep (which you know you have heard a million people tell you that and you think, "how can I? What if they stop breathing?"). But 2 year ago me, listen, its all good. Sleep when they sleep - watch your favorite shows (or start something new) when they are sleeping, I was gonna say awake...but lets face it, they are only awake a few hours a day.<br />
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These are probably the 3 things that I would tell myself, but I may also say to her,<br />
"With your next one (which is gonna be way sooner than you think), you will venture out of the house on your own, without either child on day 5 and on day 6 of its life. You will be surprised how natural it feels to have a baby around. You will love this baby as much as the first one, so don't worry about that. AND believe it or not, grandma has got this-let her help you!"<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-40800103154929533322013-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-29T09:57:57.485-07:00How is Foster coping?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My biggest fear with having a second baby was how Foster was going to react. </div>
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He has been doing awesome. As you may be able to tell from the photos below, he loves to show his brother off. He understands that when we say "brother", we mean this little baby. </div>
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He loves to give him kisses and he loves to point to his nose, and whenever anyone comes to the house, he grabs their hand, walks them to wherever Keating is and points to him.</div>
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He is doing great and we are super proud of him. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fos kissing Keatings head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Beard boys, minus Brian - UNCLE BRIAN COME SOON! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing Grandpa's lap</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing Grandma's lap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGFbsqJZWdVUsVs1-1OKxSjgI4vhYNFfV8fvAb41T8cGfp22Rky1TkmKDc3GSWo9twvothDqn8I1sOTVsGtfBdgx8NMszNvRki4-DTV2hZ6lDDyI7e0o_k99PEJSXX_fvmNYL0XvaluM/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGFbsqJZWdVUsVs1-1OKxSjgI4vhYNFfV8fvAb41T8cGfp22Rky1TkmKDc3GSWo9twvothDqn8I1sOTVsGtfBdgx8NMszNvRki4-DTV2hZ6lDDyI7e0o_k99PEJSXX_fvmNYL0XvaluM/s320/IMG_3192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seriously, how could they get any cuter?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghguLMOOGSI7Ca7jZ_BbD6RJhB9t_yZO4BEd4Q7BjJFY-CANFb-qXX-ECbmXoFZieXg2pseFUo_DVm1X5f1pCW6kmlg0panNu6xem6rd1OWts1mWUiIGal56QzW42egfE-ypa9MuhYI8/s1600/IMG_3125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghguLMOOGSI7Ca7jZ_BbD6RJhB9t_yZO4BEd4Q7BjJFY-CANFb-qXX-ECbmXoFZieXg2pseFUo_DVm1X5f1pCW6kmlg0panNu6xem6rd1OWts1mWUiIGal56QzW42egfE-ypa9MuhYI8/s320/IMG_3125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is in the hospital - Fos visiting me and Keating.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zkuGY2YnCzJs5CX5os9pdHROXlmMx-ogdSTjcKirL26DpBljuy_rXPLQHtuUn7URlkzg1V_hRmamOOIBLVVJbpNOnwwdhwjJqSGhyphenhyphen9MdaUKjNG5Jo__P_ZhNa-2wF2VvsoLqIFcdd-w/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zkuGY2YnCzJs5CX5os9pdHROXlmMx-ogdSTjcKirL26DpBljuy_rXPLQHtuUn7URlkzg1V_hRmamOOIBLVVJbpNOnwwdhwjJqSGhyphenhyphen9MdaUKjNG5Jo__P_ZhNa-2wF2VvsoLqIFcdd-w/s320/IMG_3131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is also from his hospital visit.</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by and for caring about my kids!<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-61305395729248122812013-09-26T23:00:00.000-07:002013-09-28T07:55:33.604-07:00What's in a name...Take 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, we named our second child </div>
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Keating Elijah Beard</div>
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We get two responses. </div>
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1. How do you spell that? KEATING</div>
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2. Is that a family name like Foster?</div>
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Why yes, yes it is. </div>
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Keating is named after Mary Keating. </div>
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Mary Keating was Fosters Grandpa McGoldrick's great grandma.</div>
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She would have been Keating and Foster's great, great, great, great grandma.</div>
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We found out the day that Keating was born that Mary's Daughter was born on Sept 20th too...and she would have been 116!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHaDiMHIQqqUYQQt2X3EEsX25Z4leuEDJ6c5b2VNieDvrdlz-v7ezvAzAsbu4ger-I7FGP7nevyoABoB4PIZ2BBdjf_MuVon-k33dZkHOP93AtcwcSQLnPfmQWx7zRCkvT6WopeIU-HE/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHaDiMHIQqqUYQQt2X3EEsX25Z4leuEDJ6c5b2VNieDvrdlz-v7ezvAzAsbu4ger-I7FGP7nevyoABoB4PIZ2BBdjf_MuVon-k33dZkHOP93AtcwcSQLnPfmQWx7zRCkvT6WopeIU-HE/s320/IMG_3222.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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So, that is the story of why we named him Keating.</div>
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Elijah means "the Lord is my God" and since we did a family name and then a Bible name with a meaning that we love for Foster, we decided to repeat the pattern for baby number 2.<br />
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and thats the way it is.<br />
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Thanks for stoping by.<br />
<br />
Sarah</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-67527580400232764522013-09-25T14:44:00.004-07:002013-09-25T19:24:22.151-07:00Foster's first birthday party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot believe I have not posted anything from Fos' actual party! </div>
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So here is the quick version and the story in pics.</div>
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It was surfer themed. I made cupcakes with fish and sand.</div>
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We had "Surfs Up" playing in the background. There were a ton of Fos's friends here - which are mostly our adult friends. </div>
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He got lots of gifts. </div>
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He ate his cupcake while holding a balloon. </div>
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I think he liked the cupcake.</div>
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And also. If you pay the extra $.16/balloon for that chemical that helps hold the helium, they will last for like more than a week!! INSANE! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxL1l6ey80ewGXaAXMpixzJjMjmjHx6TKSpUUbmsQ8iiTi7kB9EmcPqC27gCLKeAf13wc4jmmpMoPNV5ZJiX_qbsILrAYKqazHnlFvDpb7aeo1ZzguMs_cETwGF6HOA17gViPiG7VIns/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxL1l6ey80ewGXaAXMpixzJjMjmjHx6TKSpUUbmsQ8iiTi7kB9EmcPqC27gCLKeAf13wc4jmmpMoPNV5ZJiX_qbsILrAYKqazHnlFvDpb7aeo1ZzguMs_cETwGF6HOA17gViPiG7VIns/s320/IMG_2943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn-KZIqtu7gAfhTjx2diRdfalQZv79II_qYHJL2Hdt-RMuB4bc4pteIGn2tQ5-vuOmBnBiMGbZAYluVjOb_3JM6HSIpYTSf1_IKoZotejuY53SwVUEwPINlRns-lGsSeVLZdYcLwYmOw/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn-KZIqtu7gAfhTjx2diRdfalQZv79II_qYHJL2Hdt-RMuB4bc4pteIGn2tQ5-vuOmBnBiMGbZAYluVjOb_3JM6HSIpYTSf1_IKoZotejuY53SwVUEwPINlRns-lGsSeVLZdYcLwYmOw/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOxQWPZOQSoOpYlzvt0mFHTen_BNd5qxwpRspJUsrvY2hNtKHQWzXSjCTbC6i-ULrY_TuID7mbIqf5bogXDkjXhDhHR2YXdGQa_xwaTmdJ_aR9JnXICtBwkso2tCqJ4Jyt_20Yr7LY-M/s1600/IMG_2956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOxQWPZOQSoOpYlzvt0mFHTen_BNd5qxwpRspJUsrvY2hNtKHQWzXSjCTbC6i-ULrY_TuID7mbIqf5bogXDkjXhDhHR2YXdGQa_xwaTmdJ_aR9JnXICtBwkso2tCqJ4Jyt_20Yr7LY-M/s320/IMG_2956.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_hf2LxutsExY52d1pscTuLaHQz7XTnc4JOxzIBlnoXd7XzrFNvlj-Vj_1GU7x2YXnQ-KiuOekc0V2Wjz9V_PeAId5IqaQE_rNsMt9BzuclGfbPcJqJsl5KQkgJBgF8_Emczwk2CJ4zw/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_hf2LxutsExY52d1pscTuLaHQz7XTnc4JOxzIBlnoXd7XzrFNvlj-Vj_1GU7x2YXnQ-KiuOekc0V2Wjz9V_PeAId5IqaQE_rNsMt9BzuclGfbPcJqJsl5KQkgJBgF8_Emczwk2CJ4zw/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6eGsE9CYDNVDOsALb3R3OMvLLdg4sLnhTUBhGdjZG9VzgXQmrnT7y_uDvP5wHk8a1D0glfpUBE-rCwXh3zszPJj2BO2RR3srb_Uu8pfN8tL5lzfSm91SSSvONnX3vtw3znDXOtPuluo/s1600/IMG_2964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6eGsE9CYDNVDOsALb3R3OMvLLdg4sLnhTUBhGdjZG9VzgXQmrnT7y_uDvP5wHk8a1D0glfpUBE-rCwXh3zszPJj2BO2RR3srb_Uu8pfN8tL5lzfSm91SSSvONnX3vtw3znDXOtPuluo/s320/IMG_2964.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705771812337944641.post-23284764641582766112013-09-19T09:12:00.001-07:002013-09-19T10:09:29.771-07:00It's the final countdown! like for realz. About 6 months ago, I thought, "well, I have 6 months with Fos before another baby comes." While that seems like a long time ago, the fact is that there will be another baby tomorrow.<br />
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<b>It is official. If I don't go into labor today, I am being induced at 6:00am tomorrow morning.</b> </div>
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Get ready for the Beards to be a family of 4!</div>
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I woke up this morning (Foster had made his way into bed with us), and I looked at my boys in bed with me and thought..."Wow. This is it. Our last day as a family of 3." What do you do with that? I will tell you what! We make plans to head to Klyde Warren Park for a food truck lunch and let Fos play in all the water while we eat!<br />
<br />
We are so blessed. I have wanted to complain so much throughout this pregnancy - because it has been sooooo hard - but I fear I will seem ungrateful. That is just not the case! I cannot believe that after all the years of thinking that we were unable to have kids, the Lord is blessing us with two! TWO! Andrew and I are so excited and so grateful!<br />
<br />
as we count down the hours we have remained busy.<br />
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Last night was youth group, where Andrew leads worship. Since there is always a chance this close to the due date that Andrew would be gone, he had to have a contingency plan. The plan was that he would just do an acoustic set, and then if he had to be gone, they just wouldn't do music. We obviously didn't have a baby yesterday, so we were at youth...and then Andrew asked if I would lead with him. Of course I said yes...but then you know, Foster couldn't let us do it without him joining in. Sorry for the quality of these...<br />
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So here is a video of just Andrew sound checking...and Foster thinking he was a part of the show. I am not sure if you can see him "singing" along...but that is def. happening.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxan4Yg50mH_5CeowMsYRItPaWJLlegbcxsjYmdPvTy4honrm050fhszGD4amUlvjfb4G5nPZp0j6togoKSaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Then when I agreed to sing - this is how that ended up...There is a shortened version of this on<br />
Instagram...but here is the full clip.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPb2Rzw9cQWcxQEVWBzQOFf7QJPlQIBKWZXjo161AH396dME6M225eocxWjawWiVJ5RDMNXryZ2Rz9YMgl9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Well, friends, I would appreciate your prayers for tomorrow and cannot wait to introduce you to the newest Beard...and find out if its a girl or a boy!<br />
<br />
Also, the Dieke's set up a care calendar for us so we have some meals, if you have asked me about that, here is the info.<br />
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<a href="http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/160095" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/160095</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">and enter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">the following information in the appropriate spaces:</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">CALENDAR ID : 160095</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">SECURITY CODE : 8680</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Love you all!<br />
Have a great day!<br />
<br />
Also, Here is a pic from this summer of the all the boys! They look like a bunch of Swedish <br />
kids...being superman. I wonder if we will have another Superman or a Wonder Woman!?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLpbaebpNAvDBIhXQJUg-R5T3PZw-lows7Y6R5IqeO1cqFYggdRQTvV_f8bEZ6KgsI-V_-5NvdvG4mFdNk1U9M82ZbjIiwbhO-KxKTcIdD4onwou_ApWlcMEzLz6AIqQeBGQMUD_2LMo/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLpbaebpNAvDBIhXQJUg-R5T3PZw-lows7Y6R5IqeO1cqFYggdRQTvV_f8bEZ6KgsI-V_-5NvdvG4mFdNk1U9M82ZbjIiwbhO-KxKTcIdD4onwou_ApWlcMEzLz6AIqQeBGQMUD_2LMo/s400/IMG_2903.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foster, Charlie, Eden, and Fred.</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601875586272847770noreply@blogger.com1