tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47589960337447443722023-11-16T06:14:12.080-07:00NO MATTER WHATFaith, Family & Forgiveness -- No Matter WhatJenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725331425351994367noreply@blogger.comBlogger931125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-65114367712645416852020-08-26T17:14:00.002-06:002020-08-26T20:16:49.169-06:00Climbing My Mountain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Fjl7AXl0NuUdzrW6u5dQAlIznSFtB8damNwWI4gPI7Za39If5pxtL3-wSqi3z7tQrnTtAB-LTFflwEhLmhnsYfQeB-Szqd_-NJjyD2uIjgG0HB5U1gaSaiIMbIUYVaIGzYLo6XO2uk/s2048/IMG_20200826_171250_379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Fjl7AXl0NuUdzrW6u5dQAlIznSFtB8damNwWI4gPI7Za39If5pxtL3-wSqi3z7tQrnTtAB-LTFflwEhLmhnsYfQeB-Szqd_-NJjyD2uIjgG0HB5U1gaSaiIMbIUYVaIGzYLo6XO2uk/w410-h410/IMG_20200826_171250_379.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />Two months ago, I could barely stand, let alone walk, for more than five minutes. Sure, I had fluke occurrences when I could walk through a store one in awhile, but I would pay for it dearly for the following week or more. For at least 10 years, I went undiagnosed with inflammation and cycle issues -- both caused chronic pain and made my body a barely functioning prison. I started having issues after my second pregnancy, so I broke down and went to a doctor, who refused to help me. All he heard was "depression" and dollar signs lit up in his eyes. I had to bend his arm just to get a blood test to test my thyroid, which came back as normal. All he did was throw antidepressants at me, accused my husband of being unloving, and shoved me out the door. Unable to pay for another doctor, I gave up and accepted my reality: I was big, I was in constant pain, and there was nothing I could do about it. Because I hurt, I sat. Because I sat, I gained weight. Because I gained weight, it put more strain on my body. It was a horrible, vicious cycle I thought I would never be able to break. As my weight soared, I lost more and more freedom. I didn't fit in booths at restaurants. I couldn't walk through a store. I had to use a shower chair to bathe. Nothing fit. People stared. I missed out on time with my family. I just couldn't keep up. The pain -- mental, emotional, and physical -- was too much. I stayed home. I isolated myself. I was unable to exercise with any consistency because my body would seize up after one or two light workouts. I started to worry about my overall health. My depression worsened, as I faced a bleak future. Would I even make it to 50? Or would I finally give up completely and be successful with my next suicide attempt? I was angry, sad, and hopeless. I didn't even bother praying about it, because I figured it would be selfish and pointless. But God knows the desires of our heart, even when we don't ask for them. Long story short, He put the right doctor in my life at the right time, who diagnosed me properly, put me on the right medications, and, most importantly, gave me hope. He gave me my life back. For the first time in 10+ years, I'm not constantly hurting, I'm able to workout consistently (have been for the past three weeks), my cycles are under control, and I'm gaining mobility and freedom more and more every day.<p></p><p>Today, I walked a mile on the elliptical -- and not on the lowest setting! For me, that's HUGE, considering not too long ago I couldn't even walk to the kitchen on my bad days! At 425 pounds, the mountain before me is daunting, but I'm motivated to do whatever it takes to work it off. I know this will take years to accomplish, but today -- today I feel strong and proud. Today, I feel happy and hopeful. If you know me, that doesn't happen very often. I hope this encourages someone today. Someone who's facing their own mountain. God brought you here, God can bring you through it -- in His time and on His terms. Struggle and humility grows faith and gratefulness. Hope is never lost with Him. I'll pray for you if you pray for me.</p>Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-89993985871476124662020-05-08T00:44:00.009-06:002020-05-08T01:05:27.071-06:00Goodbye Again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzeC9x4kpqakwoYFcyxMYs_YS0yQv3VrBHrbUGsKwOehP7oS_JWlTPDlItqddKAeW-y0iLK9fQCvrkpUNy8p6le8CB_wHc8ZntJbSO-epkxCQWYT3ySgYB3598bBNQ55d3niFKS_8xvQ//" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzeC9x4kpqakwoYFcyxMYs_YS0yQv3VrBHrbUGsKwOehP7oS_JWlTPDlItqddKAeW-y0iLK9fQCvrkpUNy8p6le8CB_wHc8ZntJbSO-epkxCQWYT3ySgYB3598bBNQ55d3niFKS_8xvQ/w320-h400/Mom+%2526+Dad+Anniversary+Portrait042920202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In memory of Deane Callen<br />September 16th, 1933 - April 26th, 2020<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've tried to start this post several times, now. But I just didn't have it in me. Please excuse the disjointedness of it. It's the best I can muster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I didn't anticipate to lose both of my grandparents in the same year. I hear it's common for couples, but it completely blindsided me. It all happened so fast. He was fine, and then he was not. He was diagnosed with late-stage cancer on a Sunday and was gone by the following Sunday. Thankfully, my family could be there, but it was agony watching him slowly fade away. I have never watched someone die before. I never want to ever again. He slept a lot, in his bed that Hospice set up for him in his living room. When he did wake up, he would just smile at us and wiggle his pinky in a little wave as he always did. Sometimes he would be lucid and sometimes he would say random things. I didn't see fear in his eyes, only the light of a man that was preparing for Heaven. I pray he's there, with her. I was told he "accepted Christ" and that's what I hope for. I'm sorry this post is more raw and random than my one for Grams. This one hit me harder, in some ways. They're gone. They're both gone. That major chapter of my life is over. And I'm having a hard time with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was his shadow, growing up. I followed him everywhere. As soon as I came to live with my grandparents full time, I was everywhere he was: in the garage, in the barn, in his truck, in the wheelbarrow he was pushing, on the hay he was throwing. Everywhere. My favorite place was on his lap, where he would read the "funnies" to me. My favorites were the Sunday funnies -- those were in color. He would tickle me when he got to the punchline, causing me to laugh at a joke that went right over my head. I was his flashlight holder in the garage and eager co-pilot in the passenger seat of his "big red truck". Whenever he went to pick up feed from Spokane or deliver hay to someone in Rathdrum, I was there. "To the dump, to the dump, to the dump we go!" he would sing out loud on Saturdays, letting me know it was time to get my shoes on and accompany him to the local transfer station. I would lose my mind and come running, like it was the best thing ever. And it was, because he would tell me funny stories and teach me about driving. "Look out for the 'big M's', Jennie," he would say. "Big M's" stood for "morons", or people who wanted to "reach out and smack ya" with their car. He attempted to teach me how to drive stick when I was old enough and laughed at me every time I stalled it -- which was often. We went on endless vacations together, just me and my grandparents in their RV, every spring and summer break, it seemed. They always packed hot cocoa and Twizzlers for the trip. We had our own version of the slug bug game, only less violent, where we would loudly announce whenever a red barn came into view. I used to get up extra early with him, as he was getting ready for work, just so I could have breakfast with him. Poached eggs with toast and, if I was lucky, some Cream of Wheat to go with it. His face was always clean shaven, he smelled of Brut aftershave, his hands were rough from always working, flannel button up shirts made up his wardrobe, and he always had Double Mint Gum in his lunch box to share with me. He was a simple man and what he lacked in refinement, he was rich in humor and work ethic. He cracked jokes up until the day he lost his ability to speak and his last words to me were, "I want to give you a hug." He never emoted or showed affection much, but I know at that moment, he meant it. I was happy to oblige and I'm thankful I did.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I got older, it was apparent that we shared the same hot-tempered, bull-headed disposition, and during my teenage years, we drifted apart. I didn't know who I was and I lacked support in the things I was going through. He was the only father figure I had for the first nine years of my life and I tested that boundary and was left wanting. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't any of theirs. They took on a task they didn't have to -- shouldn't of had to. But I see now that they did everything they could to give me a good chance at life -- better than my mother ever could, for certain. I remember the day I brought Matt home to meet them and told them that he had proposed, Gramps genuinely and heartily shook Matt's hand to congratulate him. I remember the day I told him I was going to name our first son after him, I could see tears welling up in his eyes. I remember seeing him hold Rob for the first time, looking so proud to be a great-grandfather. Drew was fascinated by him as a baby and he loved to pull up on his legs and stare, as Gramps would whisper unknown things to him when he thought no one was watching. They shared a special bond. He loved both of our boys so much and they gave him such joy every time we brought them over to visit. Even when his mind was slipping in the end, he always remembered the boys' names and would kiss them on the heads each night. As hard and as heartbreaking as it was for Rob and Drew, I'm thankful that they had those final days with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>We butted heads when Matt and I got saved. Over zealous and ready to convert the world, we wounded many relationships in vain -- my grandparents were definitely two of them. We have spent the past handful of years trying our best to make up for that, instead trying to show them Jesus through love and service. Matt helped out by mowing their lawn, doing their Costco shopping, and doing various odd jobs around the farm. We were the first ones there when Grams passed away. Matt was the first one there when Gramps was taken to the hospital before the end. We were the closest family here, but we also wanted to love on them when they needed someone the most. We are poor examples of Christ, but we did our best to share Him with them how we were able and we attempted to repair what we had damaged. Before the end, he told Matt that he appreciated him, told us that he was proud of us as parents, and told me that he loved me. What I wouldn't give to hear that just one more time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, they're both gone, now. Three months in between. There was no funeral, because of this damned virus. Just a very small graveside service with our pastor at Grams' grave. He's been cremated and most of his ashes will be buried next to hers. Part of him sits on my side table beside her. I'm unable to look at them without crying just yet. My whole world feels upside down. Soon, the farm will be gone, along with the beautiful home Grams helped design -- the one they both wanted to retire and die in. I'm glad they got their wish. But no more big family holidays and visits to Grandma and Grandpa's. No more cookies and stories. No more buggy rides and yard games. No more laughter and too much food. No more Grandpa's jokes and Grandma's cackle. No more of what used to be. And I'm heartbroken and unsure of the future that lies ahead, with so much turmoil and uncertainty in the world today. I'm thankful that the virus didn't take them and I'm thankful I don't have to worry about them anymore. But my heart is so wounded and it's all so unknown. I've never been here before and it scares me. They were a constant, just like food and freedom were constant. But I know God is constant, so I'm doing my best to cling to Him right now -- no matter what. And I'm holding desperately on to the hope that when He calls me home, they will both be there to greet me.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4oQ6_iBWLOuV2Rm6AZrPd_rlgxUlT_qhPfIQO6ixJk7lHuauX1QEDf6lQPCkQEAGYxJKqYFqQCHrEdGC6tUj3lnd41hvdIcmlGYi1aFZEKltVKN61F0zXy2YC-YmOA4BNXaqTngU090/s320/gramps2.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1044" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mpgsOhTzo8eGKmN7rBsMEn3ZHcGo_RGy821nULWaCpm2trTPo79N2rjI9pWHPF1pfpJ-3yTfoDjjjTmMUUHAIsbI0lzJJCQ_l-o7weK0ei8LcNtXRk7pDPxPawC4h4DTSHbKx1nbiAQ/s320/gramps5.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzGijj2C_cpMYo13ko3sMKJESzkBSFN6N-0wCE6_42h5xIlb4UgrlGMmUIKvXCWm_WIw4EK4OGw9kMON1Nq7IFcklye-29K4ayby7UOMiyBP5qQusAR7-HjEIe-QByRoYRikyYxGnoqM/s320/gramps1.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZqGb77Xir8HBs-OpBKURBmDM098CK3CM2Jvsd8yzsZUQbWLQzM-_hYC4_t10xpKE4wp0EkGyp2JqZYmtAZW5tA6WgBVTDNfMERRv377egzC2qTi15jnjhzhZwVC1CFBiiBci56Uazrk/s320/gramps3.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidVMGkIhyphenhyphenB7-kXy50OlxzMQJvFmqCDF7eWAQNEcZ2wh8diU2tW-3eC4qlg99D89yrM5qOQBv5vrUJxrr8wVgh31x0Okk4KS3wVU1Yu7wDrzrCc_fCQmUz3NsjouYZNVbhJkU3lhIboss/s320/gramps4.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNLYMQfFkXagH5fq_W-xDMTh35aJIoSpcvbap4iqiZ_fYwd1CkbVwuMzM-N-VMZNy3mOJyIAGOFtYHiX8SsssO6mUOqyzO-CDNkZLJ_XCfHnvmH81RQdokZm1zlrglEiH-PLe126-d3I/s320/gramps6.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAojWETmAFJUnaLKlrPzHy6st08QE1KkyDI43J40GUQHs1WIOPu2GgTFeblUIzAjYeLxs7aofTSk0PwMQDTlO2F1VE4vwtI0TVo02dz3qS2UqO0Du9LJgxTblAJnYiulVIWWTqXVeE0Nw/s320/DSCF2653.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2vjsMqv7CDTKN3U94yNBN1uDgIRzd2kEp4kn8ZPe98KJEBYEBB5hFZc-RTRuxcaUstT4EdL3gElrrIlLPucnRXKdSAUP8tIcWq1O2wHg8yEdpRP8xnajcgXWoNZ4Mzk9W1OggpV0ibw/s320/IMG_5586.JPG" style="text-align: left;" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e1hBz9Z0AuQYufkzjNGUPi0WMo7nWqsE4ZRaAUKmwB3GTcAfo3TlrBEBJ2sYS0e9M1JW3-VrXG5gOBoCoQQpF5JTc3NN1WLmkeMYV_Rm5Ipn8IIbU75klv8yVeQtL44VwQcHQ6paTtk/s320/5994569345_b7e797f054_b.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIlmR65VUdMt9M_F49u7i6MxYUs3MbI_frrvtYySSOFeUQJhOqACeM3ZA5hm5reeOHRE-9Ksn4FOnPU6PJ6nmP-7cBCriFgrpey1gHw0jtKGmb4JHar11VnR_X3l72QyHJcgBhznIDBI/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div>Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-72364954179394391332020-03-30T00:51:00.000-06:002020-05-08T00:52:11.217-06:00Drew is TEN!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHCnN-RScud5ocAIikYlSU8O4ygRsbo8_TWXUibL_AYdgS7NwzIsPmZKK6VVEZGDDrdP1u-nHg2SS9b8DRbkX2Bis1mEbRDFBYPw4uKeiVfCIvkLZE6co0gFh6bEOUAnXcB986U8W_1k//" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHCnN-RScud5ocAIikYlSU8O4ygRsbo8_TWXUibL_AYdgS7NwzIsPmZKK6VVEZGDDrdP1u-nHg2SS9b8DRbkX2Bis1mEbRDFBYPw4uKeiVfCIvkLZE6co0gFh6bEOUAnXcB986U8W_1k/w426-h640/IMG_2507_cr.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTx33QZ0vcC9KiPPgZJKHwdD6QFn87jY3m5edoBUwi6b1Dz2r6YIcw-ybl5rfFFZ5Xnmkd3qocZPZmN9PPro7okFHYbRgY84vgt7oSpoA3Gguf6fGV9I280ZosLmJpaAVbyoSmvAjHj8//" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTx33QZ0vcC9KiPPgZJKHwdD6QFn87jY3m5edoBUwi6b1Dz2r6YIcw-ybl5rfFFZ5Xnmkd3qocZPZmN9PPro7okFHYbRgY84vgt7oSpoA3Gguf6fGV9I280ZosLmJpaAVbyoSmvAjHj8/w426-h640/IMG_2513_cr.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-18295478811276082252020-01-13T13:21:00.000-07:002020-01-13T13:48:03.253-07:00Goodbye, for Now<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/AVvXsEgG3gazOuO-7wCZtqRW0Zv-ZwbbBPZwFT8fOmpZn9Lo5jMWe2U1EpI0YQnmdiUisdwtveMKkT5tZgTfF7eZM0yHwG3fCAgqhkOnbNfIBHpbz1hOqQP5uKVhEyWru1iTHNV7-5HRZBqw1mc/s1600/774182_1376002592663521_1365753253_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="726" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3gazOuO-7wCZtqRW0Zv-ZwbbBPZwFT8fOmpZn9Lo5jMWe2U1EpI0YQnmdiUisdwtveMKkT5tZgTfF7eZM0yHwG3fCAgqhkOnbNfIBHpbz1hOqQP5uKVhEyWru1iTHNV7-5HRZBqw1mc/s400/774182_1376002592663521_1365753253_o.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In memory of Phyllis Callen<br />
November 13th, 1933 - January 3rd, 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was just a somewhat normal Friday morning. I say "somewhat", because it was the boys' last Friday before school started again from Christmas Break. It had been a crazy holiday season and I was trying to sleep in, enjoying the feeling while I still had time. I had just taken my CPAP mask off and rolled over when my phone rang. It was Matt, which isn't completely unusual, but still sometimes unnerving this time of the day; I never know if it's bad news or just a simple "good morning". This particular morning, however, it wasn't the latter.<br />
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"Your grandpa just called me. Your grandma died last night."<br />
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My whole world just imploded. My voice stuck in my throat, as I tried to push out the words that were spiraling out of control in my brain. Matt rattled on with more information, but I don't recall what it was. I was desperately trying to make sense of everything, but the fog of shock consumed me. "Sa...say it again," I managed to squeeze out. "Say it again, so I know this isn't a dream." My dreams are so vivid, sometimes. "Your grandpa called. Your grandma died. I'm heading home right now."<br />
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I ended the call and sat up. The room was spinning. She was fine. I just texted her last night, thanking her for the electric skillet she gave us for Christmas. Christmas. I just saw her a little over a week ago at Christmas. She was sore and feeling her age, but she was okay. Alive. Laughing. Here. Now she was gone. Just like that. I started to sob, but quickly got up and wiped away the tears. The boys. I had to keep it together, just for a little longer. Just long enough to get through the nightmare that would be breaking the news to them. They would be heartbroken.<br />
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I walked past the living room and glanced at them sitting there watching TV, not a care in the world. That was about to change, very fast. I looked at them with sad eyes. How on earth could I tell them? They adored Grams. I continued forward, to the bathroom, where I quickly lost it again. My mama popped up on my screen and I declined the call. "I'll call you back," I texted. "I have to tell the boys." I composed myself in the bathroom and walked into the living room. I sat in Matt's chair and called them to me. Great concern shadowed their sweet faces. They knew. They knew something wasn't right. My voice threatened to leave me again, but I fought it. "I have some very hard news, my loves. I wish I didn't have to tell you this, but you need to know. Great-Grandma passed away last night." My children, despite sharing the same genes, react to things very differently. Rob is controlled and doesn't emote right away. He is very much like his dad. Drew, on the other hand, is me. He immediately started bawling, which made me start bawling. Rob just stood there, staring at me, tears welling up in his deep, brown eyes. My heart broke. "I wish I could take this pain from you both. I wish I could shelter you from everything, including this. But I can't. Some things, I just can't. I'm so sorry." It was an honest sentiment. I want to protect them from everything this world has to throw out them. But I'm only human and death can't be stopped by mortal hands.<br />
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We sat and talked for a little while, as Matt walked through the door. I immediately stood and wrapped my arms around his neck. My earthly rock was home. I lost it again. I couldn't believe this was happening. It's not like we didn't expect it to happen one day, and I attempted to mentally prepare myself for the eventuality. But it was futile. Nothing fully prepares you for something like this. That hallow ache in your chest that just doesn't wane. A deep, shocking sadness. The desire to be near to someone, knowing you never can be again. That's a special kind of hurt.<br />
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Matt and I briefly talked. He hugged the boys and then headed out the door to go be with my grandfather. When he arrived, he was met by a sheriffs deputy outside. He was told that my grandmother was still in the back room and they were waiting on the coroner. He sat with my grandfather, who just sat in his chair, staring out the window. Matt probed him for more information. Grams wasn't feeling well the day prior and ended up going to bed early. Gramps offered to take her to the doctor, but she refused. I'm not at all surprised by this -- they are both so stubborn. When Gramps woke up the next morning, Grams wasn't up by the time she normally was. He went into her room and noticed she wasn't awake. She wasn't completely covered, so he went to cover her, expecting her to stir. But she didn't. She didn't move. He touched her, trying to wake her, but she was cold. It was then he knew something wasn't right. I am certain he was panicking as he called the paramedics. When they arrived, they confirmed his fears. She was gone. We surmise that she went to sleep and never woke up, peacefully passing in her bed. The coroner later confirmed that she had a heart attack, which probably explains why she didn't feel well the day prior. I pray for her sake that it was quick, that she didn't suffer. Looking at her spot in the bed, the outline of her small frame still visible as we stripped the bedding, she didn't thrash or struggle. Just simply went to sleep. And her poor husband of 68 years was the one who found her. Oh, my heart.<br />
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My mama and aunt purchased plane tickets and made their way north as quick as they could. They were there by the evening. We sat with Grandpa until they arrived. I had all day to sit and think and allow the shock of it all to sink in. I removed myself from the room, giving them space and time to deeply mourn with their father. The pain and tears ripped at my chest. I lost a grandmother; they lost their mom. Yes, she took me in at four, when my addict birth mother decided she didn't want me, and gave me a stable home. She raised me as one of her own, as best she could, especially when she didn't have to. But she was never a replacement for my mother. She was still Grandma. Extremely dear to me, but still Grandma. I could only imagine their heartache in the moment. Someday, I will fully understand. I won't foolishly attempt to prepare myself for that one. Absolutely nothing will buffer that blow.<br />
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The days following were nothing but a blur. Somehow, I was able to get up, take the boys to school, and continue breathing, all while Mama and Janice got Grams' funeral and Gramps' future in order. Matt and I helped where we could, calling on our sweet church body to help fill in some of the gaps. They rose to the occasion, providing meals and words of comfort along the way. I will forever be in sincere gratitude for them. Our pastor stopped by Grandpa's house one night, to provide comfort and to gather information for her funeral. Grams had split from her church a number of years ago, so I knew the pastor wouldn't be able to provide a decent service for her. Thankfully, my family agreed to have our church host and our pastor preside. He is a loving shepherd and dear friend and actually knew my grandparents from past hospital scares. I knew he would do right by her and, more importantly, by God. He sat in my grandparents' living room, surrounded by family and wild stories about my grandma. I assumed it would be a sad affair, but the more stories we told, the more raucous the laughter became. How could you tell a sad story about someone who provided so much joy? She touched so many lives and did so many things. It was fun to share that with someone. She was definitely one-of-a-kind.<br />
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The day of the funeral arrived and we were met with snow and sunshine. My church family had gone above and beyond preparing the church to receive our family and friends. Pepsi had so generously donated drinks and members of our church had provided food. The church was bright and decorated with Grams' pictures, one of her best paintings, and the aroma of sweet smelling flowers filled the sanctuary. The service itself had a simple elegance to it. Yes, it was sad, but just like the night we sat down with Pastor Bear, it was also filled with laughter and precious memories. Her favorite songs were played on the piano and a slideshow of her life was shown, prompting even more tears and laughter. Our pastor presented the gospel and told of Grandma's deep love and trust in her Savior. Her faith became sight that night and she will be with Him, forever -- praise God!<br />
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Our time with family and friends dwindled to a close, as folks started to file out. Grandma was cremated, so there was no graveside service. I have never experienced a cremation in the family, so it threw me a bit. But it was also kind of welcome. Death, ironically, weirds me out a little. I do not feel comfortable around occupied caskets, but her urn(s) were a little less threatening. For whatever reason, I agreed to take a small one home with me when my mama offered. Maybe it was an emotional response. Maybe I just didn't want to fully let go just yet. Who knows? Currently, it is sitting on my side table near photos of her, but I have plans to take it with us to the Oregon Coast, to "our" cabin that we stayed in for our honeymoon. She was so excited to hear about our trip and so badly wanted to experience it, as well, so I decided that I would take "her" with me next time and spread her ashes on the beach. My aunt and mama plan on doing the same, spreading her ashes on the beach in Hawaii and at the pier in California, respectively. Why not take her to the places she loved or always wanted to go? She adored the ocean -- what a great way to honor her, I think. The rest of her ashes will be spread on the farm and the majority have been buried in a plot adjacent to my uncle, Russ. Someday, my grandfather's ashes will join her.<br />
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The next day, we (the immediate family) had a small memorial at the cemetery. It was a beautiful, clear day and the snow sparkled like diamonds. It was cold, but the wind was calm just long enough for us, almost as if she had nudged Jesus and asked Him for a small favor. I could see her doing that, for sure. We sat before her beautifully decorated urn, placed next to a vase of flowers that could have easily came from her own garden. It was quiet and peaceful. Perfect. The 23rd Psalms was read by my cousin, Emily, Matt said a prayer. My aunt, Janice, unfortunately, became ill and had to settle for Facetime from the couch. Thank goodness for technology. It was hard knowing this was our final "goodbye, for now", but it felt right. It was closure; permission to move on and make more stories. Personally, I am driven, more than ever, to stay here and have one heck of story to tell her when I get there.<br />
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Before we left, I pressed a kiss to my hand and placed it on her urn. She has been a constant in my life since the beginning and I will miss her every day until the end, when I, too, get to go home. Yes, we butted heads from time to time, only because we were so much alike in many ways. But I will always love her and appreciate what she did for me. I will miss sharing my boys with her. Miss her phone calls. Miss making her laugh, which was was too easy. She was such a fun grandma and I know she loved me, even through my rough parts. She always had a game to play, a story to tell, or a craft to make. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have her to thank for my love of creativity. There will never again be anyone like her and I bet you anything she's sitting at our Savior's side right now, eyes twinkling, laughter cackling, telling Him one of her wild stories.<br />
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The broken parts of my heart are being softened with time, but they will always be there. I pretty big chunk was taken out and can't be replaced. But God will fill it someday -- the same day I get to feel her warm hug, again. I love you, Grams. Forever and always.<br />
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The day that Grams died, I sat at her computer, her possessions all around me. Time had paused for her; everything was where she had left it the day before. It was an odd experience. I happened across a notepad, filled with phone numbers, important dates, and quick math. But then I saw this. It was the reassurance I needed to know she was okay. She was with Jesus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGv9WEVMoza59Y_-ggRfu21y8qDAcJZfLkNVWLzWBjhwVV1RVWZtye0yhwIbaq4t5cFGhKhns3iM6TOaE3vFbi6KXPUjTA271XksQXsVe4_1uCWeEwD0pNl4uvRGwRy8j9aG0-rdsji0/s1600/faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1000" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGv9WEVMoza59Y_-ggRfu21y8qDAcJZfLkNVWLzWBjhwVV1RVWZtye0yhwIbaq4t5cFGhKhns3iM6TOaE3vFbi6KXPUjTA271XksQXsVe4_1uCWeEwD0pNl4uvRGwRy8j9aG0-rdsji0/s400/faith.jpg" width="400" /></a>Later, my family came across this note penned by her. It came during a time when I felt lost and uncertain of the future.<br />
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I swear she was leaving these notes just for me. Thank you, Grams.Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-85992275730420944432019-11-10T12:03:00.000-07:002019-11-10T12:03:23.644-07:00Cheap Knockoff JesusI am an extremely poor example of Jesus.<br />
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I think a good portion of us believers would admit to that. The world sees a hypocrite -- and some are right -- but there's a good portion of us that are just struggling works in progress.<br />
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I freely admit my faults and take no pride in any of them. I say and laugh at inappropriate things, I don't go to church (the spirit is willing, but the body and mind aren't always on board), I have ungracious assumptions about people, my temper and emotions get the best of me, I can be cold and unloving, I have very weak faith at times. Many would probably call me a hypocrite. But what they don't see, when you strip everything away, is my deep, deep love and gratitude for my Savior and my desperate need for Him. You don't hear my imperfect, tear-filled prayers from my place on the floor. You don't know how excited I get to learn more and more about His word and His ways. You don't witness the struggle to trust Him, knowing very well I have no reason to believe I shouldn't. You don't feel the deep sorrow of having to turn to Him in repentance once more, knowing I should know better. Only He gets to experience all that. Anything good you see me is because of Him and I owe everything to Him. I think that's the case for many of us -- we just stink at showing it.<br />
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So, don't look to us believers if you're looking for Jesus -- you'll most likely be disappointed every time. Look for Him for yourself, in His word and in His works. Because we believers, though we mean well, are just cheap knockoffs compared to Him, and helpless sinners just like you.Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-33500192876277706672019-09-09T11:46:00.002-06:002019-09-09T11:55:30.683-06:00Prayers for our ChildrenSome family requested that we share with them how they could pray for our boys, specifically. I invite the rest of you to join them, if you're so inclined.<br />
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For Drew, my prayer for him would be for God to give him the strength and desire to fight his temptations to sin, to turn to God when darkness overcomes him and to not lose hope, to seek after God in all things and not depend on the what the world has to offer, and to trust and believe that God does love and care for him, especially when he feels like no one else does. I pray that God's voice is louder than the one in his head.<br />
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For Rob, to never lose his love for the Lord and to always follow what he knows is true. I also pray that God gives him humility and the courage to fight his own selfishness, to not depend on his knowledge or confidence to the point where he becomes a Pharisee, and to shift his focus on his own plank, rather than someone else's speck. I also pray he gets his litter of children he so badly wants. He will be an amazing father.<br />
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For both, I pray that they stay close to each other (and to us, hopefully), even in their adult lives. I pray they take our lessons and failures and learn from them, pray upon them, and apply them to their own lives. If God wills it, I pray He sends them godly women to be their helpmates, to have marriages like He has blessed Matt and I with, and for them to be strong protectors and leaders, but also gentle and loving providers. May they reflect the love of Jesus as they raise families for Him and may the Word be read, revered, and priority in their homes.<br />
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May the Lord be glorified, always.
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-608961547865055332019-08-19T08:40:00.000-06:002019-08-20T09:12:25.031-06:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First day of 6th and 4th grade in a brand new school! The boys are attending a traditional school this year, as our usual school plan changed, suddenly. We found out in June that their teacher was unable to teach this year, so we spent the entire summer, it seems, scrambling to get them into somewhere else. But I feel we made a really great choice and where they're going is the best place for them. We feel really good about it and are super excited to see where the school year takes them!</div>
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Their first day went well, although one over-confident child got lost, one couldn't get into his locker, and I cried before even leaving the parking lot. This is so vastly different than what they're used to and I've spent many sleepless nights fretting over them. But that's what us moms do, right? We love our kids and want to protect them. It's really tough dancing that line between absentee mother and helicopter mom. You want to let them fly, but you're terrified they're going to fall. But falling is a part of growing and I trust God will take care of them when I can't. They tested out their wings and did just fine. Imagine that.</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-36876802410421440082019-07-18T08:43:00.000-06:002020-01-17T08:51:36.427-07:00Rob is ELEVEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A baker friend made Rob a trick cake. When he pulled the string, a long roll of one dollar bills came out! It was SO COOL!</div>
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Happy birthday Rob!!!</div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-46282120205977613552019-06-14T00:00:00.001-06:002019-06-14T00:00:34.673-06:00Revamping the Boy's Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRefGXKKnKt4jM3WSbJ4rrpuKTMZYMWRTG2AkXN5araK7cI9bmUSobowUQfdA7erkNoFBUjbjveuh7_mMRjQkxfe0ExvZBC6f6hdRzeNHN0YPuDkZCMZsHGgbOVkkUxCWOTu6Q0WYSHIQ/s1600/61581421_10157535331357474_2268352097952989184_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRefGXKKnKt4jM3WSbJ4rrpuKTMZYMWRTG2AkXN5araK7cI9bmUSobowUQfdA7erkNoFBUjbjveuh7_mMRjQkxfe0ExvZBC6f6hdRzeNHN0YPuDkZCMZsHGgbOVkkUxCWOTu6Q0WYSHIQ/s640/61581421_10157535331357474_2268352097952989184_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were all tired of the fights. The clutter. The "red rage" that came over us when we stepped foot into the room. That red had to go -- it was time! It was fun while it lasted, but I honestly think it was setting the tone for fights and frustration. So, we set out to freshen up the boys' room with some new (happier) paint, some new beds, and some much needed storage!</div>
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As a reminder, this is what the room looked like before. We tried to go for a race car theme, but the boys are getting too old for that, so we opted for something slightly more mature. We ended up choosing a really nice light blue and boy, did it make a difference!</div>
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Day one, Matt and Rob started priming the room, while Drew and I worked on the cabinet doors. Not the most exciting job, but it had to be done and it kept him out of trouble.</div>
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Here we are about halfway, after the primer was done. Super bright!</div>
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And here is the final color! We tried to keep as much white near the ONLY window. I'm glad we did.</div>
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Now came time for the brand new beds! Thanks to Nana and Aunt Janice, the boys were blessed with beautiful new frames and comfy new mattresses. Nana even sent them new sheets. They were so stoked!</div>
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The boys really enjoyed helping throughout this whole process. I think it makes them appreciate their room a little more (and hopefully pushes them to take better care of it).</div>
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All done and all tuckered out. They were so grateful to have a new comfy room to enjoy!</div>
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The boys worked SUPER hard on their room. They spent many days sorting through all their things, getting rid of garbage and any toys they didn't play with. In the end, they were rewarded with a cool, new bean bag chair for their new reading nook, a toy net/hammock for all their plushies, neat rolly storage bins for under their beds, and a new area rug. We still need to tackle their clothes, but for now, we're enjoying the little break from sorting/cleaning/painting.</div>
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Here's Drew enjoying the new reading nook. 📚 They both adore this chair! I may have to buy a second one, but so far, they're being good about sharing. For now.</div>
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It feels so good to finally be able to purge both bedrooms, and create the inviting spaces that our rooms were meant to be! I know Matt and I have definitely enjoyed our nice, clean space. Now, if we could only keep them that way! 😅</div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-31039578948329119672019-05-21T15:23:00.000-06:002019-05-21T23:06:24.937-06:00Our Oregon Coast Honeymoon & Their California Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Strap yourself in. You're in for a long post.</div>
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This vacation was like no other. Instead of going to one location as a family, we split up and went to two different locations -- the boys went to stay with Nana and Matt and I went to Oregon. It was so weird, and Matt and I were sick the whole week, but it ended up being a trip I would I love to be able to repeat someday. Minus the sickness, of course.</div>
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As you know, Matt and I have been married for 16 years now, and we never got a honeymoon. We were dirt poor, then. I always wanted to make up for that and decided that I would love to rent a small house on the Oregon Coast for a week. Matt was game, of course; he loves the beach. Last summer, while my mama and aunt were visiting, the topic came up. My aunt, being the planner that she is, sprung into action, and had a whole vacation planned for all of us by the time she went home. They blessed us not only by taking the boys for a week, but by also funding the whole thing.</div>
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Looking forward to this trip is one of the few things that got me through the winter, especially during the depressing months. I just couldn't wait to get to the beach. We deep-cleaned our house for about a month to make it presentable for a house/pet sitter and it stressed us all out immensely. Eventually, it got to all of us and a week before we were supposed to leave, Rob came down with a cold. Paranoid, I ended up keeping them both home that week, to ensure that Rob healed and Drew didn't catch it. Unfortunately in the process, I started to fall victim two days before leaving. Matt followed suit a couple days after that. But we carried on with our plans -- everything was already set and paid for, after all. I was so mad that we were getting sick, after all the hard work and waiting we did. But we tried to make the best of it and I'm thankful that we still went.</div>
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We left the boys at my grandparents' Friday evening, even though their flight wouldn't be leaving until Sunday. Matt and I left the following morning, later than we initially planned, but it still worked out. We had stayed up pretty late the night before, still folding and packing for our trip. Not having to shuffle the boys around made getting out the door fairly easy. We picked up a quick breakfast and got on the road. My goodness, it was amazing having an uninterrupted conversation with my husband -- fancy that! We listened to his favorite podcasts and talked about anything we wanted. We had set Rob up with a working phone, so him and I texted each other throughout the day.</div>
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I sent him pictures of our journey along the way, especially when we met up with the Columbia River. He thought the different bridges and dams along the river were pretty cool and we dove into a small history lesson on Lewis and Clark's journey to find the Pacific Ocean. I'm not sure how much he shared with Drew, or if Drew was even interested, but it was fun connecting with Rob. Although I enjoyed the lack of kid chatter, I still missed them. A little.</div>
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After we reached the turnoff to head north to the Tri Cities area, it was completely new territory for us. Oregon just got lovelier and lovelier the farther west we went. I can see the draw to live there. Please excuse my crappy phone photos. My nicer photos of the beach are at the end. It's what I had with me at the time. Here you can see Mount Hood ahead of us, draped with a blanket of snow. Beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem3jg0il8NtEJPjMm3iSwGH4h6TQnyqcun16DrZ-kzxyfvbZbAhD0VKZrTIHuF7tazJb6UZuDuPKo-LG_JctllW8iEfRoQy4hYe-XaiibgfgTiW2yE6h_JIRBcKGifdzEDJ-hA3wCDag/s1600/60095682_10157478228277474_8562643712671219712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1080" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem3jg0il8NtEJPjMm3iSwGH4h6TQnyqcun16DrZ-kzxyfvbZbAhD0VKZrTIHuF7tazJb6UZuDuPKo-LG_JctllW8iEfRoQy4hYe-XaiibgfgTiW2yE6h_JIRBcKGifdzEDJ-hA3wCDag/s640/60095682_10157478228277474_8562643712671219712_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We made our first stop for the night in Molalla, Oregon, where my dear friend, Rebecca, lives. I have known Rebecca for about three or four years online; we actually met on Etsy, as we were both sellers that happened to patronize each other's shops. From there, we started connecting over Facebook, sending each other cards and other goodies via mail. As soon as Matt and I decided where we were going for our trip, I contacted Rebecca to ask her if she was at all interested in maybe meeting up, since we would be driving by, anyways. She didn't hesitate in her answer whatsoever. I booked a hotel in her town, not far from where she lives, and we met her and her wonderful family for dinner that evening in their home. I was unsure how things were going to go and I figured if it was uncomfortable, we could just have dinner and be on our way. But we ended up staying way late, chatting and eating delicious food the whole time. They are amazingly kind people and I so wish that we lived closer -- I'd really love to hang out with them more! Hopefully someday we'll get the chance to meet up again. We were so beat that night and really starting to feel cruddy, but it was so worth the visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhvPZ6Pm2OU6oX0MVv-YFCcUzRSKqwqPy8KW2Pt5jg2I0BYdKoyxWRW4JJKyguw-7Om-OsC5S8-5WjMU01olh31IhSiKClDABdaDiHcF2QJHT2A0e7HSuMNvDqG0ROXxH2AxQ0zABc9Y/s1600/60030992_10157478230357474_483613399133978624_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhvPZ6Pm2OU6oX0MVv-YFCcUzRSKqwqPy8KW2Pt5jg2I0BYdKoyxWRW4JJKyguw-7Om-OsC5S8-5WjMU01olh31IhSiKClDABdaDiHcF2QJHT2A0e7HSuMNvDqG0ROXxH2AxQ0zABc9Y/s640/60030992_10157478230357474_483613399133978624_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next morning we got up and grabbed some quick breakfast and headed for the coast. We had a lot of time to kill, as our cabin in Netarts wouldn't be ready until 4pm. So, we took our time. When we made it to Tillamook, we HAD to stop by the creamery and sample the goods there. Ohmygosh. That was some AMAZING ice cream! We wanted to go back to eat at their cafe there, but we ended up getting too sick and just never made it back, unfortunately. Future trip, I hope.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad62GoEremvROR3AKOkmmKVqBwfzBUlVoCpuLfNWZ8xBUyw6HXAOR9RK_TwgJ0redat5xfFA_jhxMsQrY7VC5u9bVUHRBnb_sog-XKUj4Lx6sCsLZYrmAQJOdu1Tct9dpZDIfUxu_v_M/s1600/60319865_10157478241182474_6456863986661982208_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad62GoEremvROR3AKOkmmKVqBwfzBUlVoCpuLfNWZ8xBUyw6HXAOR9RK_TwgJ0redat5xfFA_jhxMsQrY7VC5u9bVUHRBnb_sog-XKUj4Lx6sCsLZYrmAQJOdu1Tct9dpZDIfUxu_v_M/s640/60319865_10157478241182474_6456863986661982208_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also in an effort to waste time, we toured the various state parks in the area. This was the drive near Cape Meares. I couldn't help but be in awe of just how lush and green this part of Oregon was! Coming from dry and barren Southern Idaho, I guess it's not a huge surprise. I drank it up, mainly because it reminded me so much of where I grew up in North Idaho.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwRoyLm8IVL8GopCLtl69Cghyphenhyphenimg2o_ACcEnLPpaweyZPD7aMNYbyETFcgB-FHAoy_pRGz_czZ4ePPaJacIvr_cQrVTT1wo7WF9x1PhEwctFWwPUg8HSpxr5CVCpkxusIJTNAC8iWo0A/s1600/60022491_10157478339657474_4271889509005656064_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwRoyLm8IVL8GopCLtl69Cghyphenhyphenimg2o_ACcEnLPpaweyZPD7aMNYbyETFcgB-FHAoy_pRGz_czZ4ePPaJacIvr_cQrVTT1wo7WF9x1PhEwctFWwPUg8HSpxr5CVCpkxusIJTNAC8iWo0A/s640/60022491_10157478339657474_4271889509005656064_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, we were able to get into our cabin. It was so adorable and the view was unmatched. This was our back deck, where we spent a lot of our time. I mean, the beach is RIGHT THERE!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1px_3Etjvf_XmPGwe6sLIKNRPtQPnL_n8BY7zTvbGTdaCqw-j_ERz5_sAUjqLB7TckpdgjKtZjoiy25pihH1yX5DI3ijMZr4tI7IVj3-m28Qa-X44FKeV2CM0BLNRUdqrqz9wbyfeFQ/s1600/60301796_10157478595632474_7175229500647538688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1px_3Etjvf_XmPGwe6sLIKNRPtQPnL_n8BY7zTvbGTdaCqw-j_ERz5_sAUjqLB7TckpdgjKtZjoiy25pihH1yX5DI3ijMZr4tI7IVj3-m28Qa-X44FKeV2CM0BLNRUdqrqz9wbyfeFQ/s640/60301796_10157478595632474_7175229500647538688_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, this place. My soul felt so at peace, here. I miss it so much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYO6J7hyphenhyphenTRQBzZpOJyOaRGGCRJhjZSoPsEgcC8t6lFcUaDuJyBC-w1pvFqcK55MJRLJc7HPm2V-l4BkTBagW5zFGuPbWgMzhl2HQXsO-HUqQAmXSoZ7fxTfPPNjpFV86cGMTy4F4C90U/s1600/59981106_10157478590117474_7418783231849267200_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYO6J7hyphenhyphenTRQBzZpOJyOaRGGCRJhjZSoPsEgcC8t6lFcUaDuJyBC-w1pvFqcK55MJRLJc7HPm2V-l4BkTBagW5zFGuPbWgMzhl2HQXsO-HUqQAmXSoZ7fxTfPPNjpFV86cGMTy4F4C90U/s640/59981106_10157478590117474_7418783231849267200_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were going to go find a burger place my friend suggested, but I started feeling really cruddy and the time spent in the car was really hard on my body. So, we stayed "home" and Matt made us waffles with the most lovely local fruit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD45A9NqulApktHs4-OZPUywVKWIvjpp7v-ZsTkXM0SF8nhUqQyBNEwLx414ooEGqHtxgW5be4glsn3OO8IH886FkMvvves8gvt6Euj6ov_fGI-F23vPEyttKer90LNm9T3c0ZXNWJOvI/s1600/60307143_10157478661002474_2575352280052137984_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD45A9NqulApktHs4-OZPUywVKWIvjpp7v-ZsTkXM0SF8nhUqQyBNEwLx414ooEGqHtxgW5be4glsn3OO8IH886FkMvvves8gvt6Euj6ov_fGI-F23vPEyttKer90LNm9T3c0ZXNWJOvI/s640/60307143_10157478661002474_2575352280052137984_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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After dinner, we sat on the deck and sipped wine, waiting for sunset. I HAD to get my first beach sunset picture!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIDnmoJJjvS5PwXqUSv026ZIIqMzP26mPSaCTDm9qOnSAZ_SHaRlXd3ZijgkO-LyPMvpj_4kl3OB5apk60_0VPCKN4WiE7IBT4oI3SSq3QDFTIVX8lcx1VjdDOg9ZhskzmnebQ744xiI/s1600/60236970_10157480908677474_3755838957779156992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIDnmoJJjvS5PwXqUSv026ZIIqMzP26mPSaCTDm9qOnSAZ_SHaRlXd3ZijgkO-LyPMvpj_4kl3OB5apk60_0VPCKN4WiE7IBT4oI3SSq3QDFTIVX8lcx1VjdDOg9ZhskzmnebQ744xiI/s640/60236970_10157480908677474_3755838957779156992_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day, we just kind of sat around and relaxed. Matt sat and attempted to draw and I was crocheting on a blanket. Although I felt like poop, the sun was nice. The sunburn, however, was not. Turns out, the boys had stolen my sunscreen, thinking it was theirs. Sigh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF34cWW_rFDcN8ssFlHZ4MNF-vO8oI0UhvE6anWqDR-u0okAyvEpUIH3O5BI9-0AGogIxuzgO4Q4dq0a4jcd4dzHA-luAAsocud11V38nYm2V1X1oGGBpiVaIk2CCEBH_HyUp4PRpm3LI/s1600/60337319_10157480774677474_6904409611948785664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF34cWW_rFDcN8ssFlHZ4MNF-vO8oI0UhvE6anWqDR-u0okAyvEpUIH3O5BI9-0AGogIxuzgO4Q4dq0a4jcd4dzHA-luAAsocud11V38nYm2V1X1oGGBpiVaIk2CCEBH_HyUp4PRpm3LI/s640/60337319_10157480774677474_6904409611948785664_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never been at the beach long enough to watch the tide roll in and out. It was fascinating to us to watch the landscape completely change. Being in a bay made this even more interesting, as the waves would only crash far out during the day and then eventually hit our beach at night. I loved sitting there listening to the waves in the evenings. I find it so calming for some reason.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIiO7rSKkzPm2unK7P7HsL_r4Syb33EPOmyYISBV3QtS_82jeVWAOX7caT_l6tACXoAau4lKpXhjfmnjLgTh2VeFxM5EGCpwgD9axV1TRKVNi3iCF8rARGdRN1CVo51FurGA0wYcHDh4/s1600/60316292_10157480756147474_922032442255081472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIiO7rSKkzPm2unK7P7HsL_r4Syb33EPOmyYISBV3QtS_82jeVWAOX7caT_l6tACXoAau4lKpXhjfmnjLgTh2VeFxM5EGCpwgD9axV1TRKVNi3iCF8rARGdRN1CVo51FurGA0wYcHDh4/s640/60316292_10157480756147474_922032442255081472_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Matt went for several walks along the beach during low tide, finding all sorts of treasures and discoveries, including this huge, intact shell. We're used to finding only shards on the California beach, so it was fun to see one whole. I stayed behind. I was really feeling cruddy at this point and just did a lot of sleeping, trying just to function.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh44hoTv7HiP1uV2QP4SLM0PNY60g1Wdhc_k3lTmDYyqFth7sqRM6W22-yc0YcdHjJP-E_p8PHIkr95xHKC6D9zTpMfAo7urOnTyD_rjhZ5ER5eyKtq3A9yBZoxK7OWuiaw0-K4K1HPw/s1600/60341243_10157485750667474_6282415690842374144_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh44hoTv7HiP1uV2QP4SLM0PNY60g1Wdhc_k3lTmDYyqFth7sqRM6W22-yc0YcdHjJP-E_p8PHIkr95xHKC6D9zTpMfAo7urOnTyD_rjhZ5ER5eyKtq3A9yBZoxK7OWuiaw0-K4K1HPw/s640/60341243_10157485750667474_6282415690842374144_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's when it all went downhill. We spent a whole day just laying on the couch watching TV. We just felt too bad to do much else. Luckily, the weather was bad, so we weren't missing too much. Finally, the day before checkout, we felt well enough to venture into town to have lunch at the local seafood place. We had crabcakes for an appetizer, Matt had a shrimp prawn po' boy, and I had dungeoness crab mac 'n cheese. It was UH-MAZING. All of it. Amazing. Insanely expensive, but totally worth it. Later on, we ordered dessert to go. Bananas foster and a brownie sundae that were also amazing. Maybe I was just happy to have my taste buds back. I don't know. But good eats, nonetheless.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3ze3bW8vEbXo-34AKXwijkTUDgNn7aQ3rXvUuKdbaddsphlBbfdCpt6GophSxXkHINiWu7fCLbsUeU5NJgCeasJ_efzQZvuHV3yzOlprspO8jpFTZEGpckfAiThH3mgQvIwQ5Bcar1E/s1600/Resized_20190516_092712.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3ze3bW8vEbXo-34AKXwijkTUDgNn7aQ3rXvUuKdbaddsphlBbfdCpt6GophSxXkHINiWu7fCLbsUeU5NJgCeasJ_efzQZvuHV3yzOlprspO8jpFTZEGpckfAiThH3mgQvIwQ5Bcar1E/s640/Resized_20190516_092712.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Checkout day was windy and rainy. It matched my mood -- I was finally starting to feel better and I had to leave this beautiful place. We enjoyed our time immensely, but I admit a lot of it was a blur because we were so sick. I was so bummed, I cried. I really hope we can go back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymg11dSCYQ28R-s88b4ZG-0ddY9O-tigelaI8k_BTIdw-9a2LS7UB7YC8lWRJov50lodkYBMhy7d_EbvbxC_mISfm1LZQGPRMOB1vTiEoBfYARFd7RJfPdlvR1sjYRdpiiIMFSFJelgI/s1600/20190516_105001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymg11dSCYQ28R-s88b4ZG-0ddY9O-tigelaI8k_BTIdw-9a2LS7UB7YC8lWRJov50lodkYBMhy7d_EbvbxC_mISfm1LZQGPRMOB1vTiEoBfYARFd7RJfPdlvR1sjYRdpiiIMFSFJelgI/s640/20190516_105001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We drove through Portland, a first for both of us, and found some quick breakfast on the outskirts. I had zero interest in stopping, but Matt, of course, is drawn to big cities and wants to explore someday. He'll have to make that trip alone. After my experience in San Francisco, I'm all big city-ed out.</div>
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From there, we drove to Boise and spent the night in a really cool hotel that my aunt booked for us. Our room had two stories and a full kitchen! I have never stayed in a place that fancy before. We crashed that night after ordering a pizza and just laid around watching TV all the next day. We went to go pick up the boys that evening and we all cried when we were reunited. They were full of stories and endless chatter. Our alone time was officially over, but I was so thankful to have them back, safe. The following morning, we got up, checked out, found some quick breakfast, and headed home. Our house/pet sitter did a great job taking care of things -- the animals were alive and the house was still standing. What more could I ask for?</div>
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As for the boys' trip, you'll have to forgive me for my lack of detail, as I didn't receive much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciF1uWA-zbTWCcYOG-10buWZrTj0f0QuyneL_3iN_E6emFb3_U_nohtAMPEBBBO8XFiexM3VIh-oAF8tUaJDsBZaVMmYYC5cNSAyomElrn0aTkkmhx-B8uD7DsImY9bnDC8qBPNElW2s/s1600/image_Message_1557596770016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciF1uWA-zbTWCcYOG-10buWZrTj0f0QuyneL_3iN_E6emFb3_U_nohtAMPEBBBO8XFiexM3VIh-oAF8tUaJDsBZaVMmYYC5cNSAyomElrn0aTkkmhx-B8uD7DsImY9bnDC8qBPNElW2s/s640/image_Message_1557596770016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The boys had a blast hanging out with my family. They took their Tinker Crate with them to build with Aunt Janice and picked her brain for all sorts of engineering tidbits. And Drew enjoyed a can of olives, evidently. That kid LOVES olives.</div>
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The next morning, they got up early and headed to Boise to catch their very first flight!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJU2UzafNF1mDamVYC8EwrP_aCjTflwVa4225gEaABsALsN4PBaMN5KQVuAQltjwA7MhRH8G3Q0LoFGdn8HTt7_80e7kei-COEfL7nktGFvXeYqWh_OQfGtIZs2fnjFyDI0xLGxEls88/s1600/Message_1557670798412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJU2UzafNF1mDamVYC8EwrP_aCjTflwVa4225gEaABsALsN4PBaMN5KQVuAQltjwA7MhRH8G3Q0LoFGdn8HTt7_80e7kei-COEfL7nktGFvXeYqWh_OQfGtIZs2fnjFyDI0xLGxEls88/s640/Message_1557670798412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rob snapped this picture on the way there. Yup. Southern Idaho.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoPlFd3rGjDmRexhHIpJXIK0e7Cdg_ZIfZsEOFUHA7bRMH6eSEQshWWaC2pDy5dzSi14tAxG7jzNlmY_XJxnMjQmpqwOZCfO46nbihBpntdb2PCFng9jPboYVG0MpG3mNc1Dtw1t5yJg/s1600/60340870_10157478256162474_4213644826144407552_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoPlFd3rGjDmRexhHIpJXIK0e7Cdg_ZIfZsEOFUHA7bRMH6eSEQshWWaC2pDy5dzSi14tAxG7jzNlmY_XJxnMjQmpqwOZCfO46nbihBpntdb2PCFng9jPboYVG0MpG3mNc1Dtw1t5yJg/s640/60340870_10157478256162474_4213644826144407552_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When they boarded their flight, they were treated like royalty by Southwest. They even got to sit in the cockpit and meet the pilots! They had a fantastic first flight experience and were fascinated by each and every step of the process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRLxgSLVlCSuL_CF3EvK1zbkN3SxQI07BeOv2LWDah2k__p-ZES2lJHB5HgZfs5PiWUJ-35W8Bmr5ROjDaNq-munbTwRvnfc9HgQgZlwD1MGROadlRJG_qC2EPYwkXFFZ9IMyaUVkzlY/s1600/Message_1557688671234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRLxgSLVlCSuL_CF3EvK1zbkN3SxQI07BeOv2LWDah2k__p-ZES2lJHB5HgZfs5PiWUJ-35W8Bmr5ROjDaNq-munbTwRvnfc9HgQgZlwD1MGROadlRJG_qC2EPYwkXFFZ9IMyaUVkzlY/s640/Message_1557688671234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When they landed in sunny San Diego, they went to lunch and In-N-Out (lucky ducks!) and played mini golf before heading to Nana's house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUG7Ixsm4M43axHy6HxLyud-TZ5XEUEYIeTwQkopOMrq7VV_GkzKqJ1ZFiVWOOi4TGcqvb7cqVZB1ZdeAxOpPfwinSdJ_oI-6zlz1HO-9sHCZq8-fDJ4Em-ZV0MMHiUcxfd5XfwMwvrag/s1600/60445490_10157480914472474_7346939939499540480_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUG7Ixsm4M43axHy6HxLyud-TZ5XEUEYIeTwQkopOMrq7VV_GkzKqJ1ZFiVWOOi4TGcqvb7cqVZB1ZdeAxOpPfwinSdJ_oI-6zlz1HO-9sHCZq8-fDJ4Em-ZV0MMHiUcxfd5XfwMwvrag/s640/60445490_10157480914472474_7346939939499540480_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day, they got to go to Disneyland! It was a huge surprise for them, as we have been keeping the secret from them the whole time. We didn't reveal the secret until we dropped them off at my grandparents' house. They were so stoked! Even for a Monday, it was pretty busy there, of course, but they got to ride most of the rides.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5o5rvVGnRIZTR8snF9LDCQizK58g3SMIqwxVvvZwEkUecO1L-LH_JnGUyehJev5cEBGJEWnByaf1I_FxZUkJnHocV39vwAUWJICzX_bm5h_uBksjD38rATaT_hzsR8rvTmYcAJn4ShA/s1600/60302478_10157485431257474_290619726588018688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5o5rvVGnRIZTR8snF9LDCQizK58g3SMIqwxVvvZwEkUecO1L-LH_JnGUyehJev5cEBGJEWnByaf1I_FxZUkJnHocV39vwAUWJICzX_bm5h_uBksjD38rATaT_hzsR8rvTmYcAJn4ShA/s640/60302478_10157485431257474_290619726588018688_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next couple of days, they just took it easy and went to the beach. Here they are taking the train to Oceanside to eat lunch on the pier and search for seashells. They thought that was pretty neat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk8wPP1-EDN4Wx0iTsR-ivzQKj1Q3EGgO9tbXhXX0x9EeJv6UlkWdqv-1Tyb0zYCO8k2kHlrXcIJD0xmn_DfPWce5dhOvG33VKwIulvpYiEoOe9Q_EruP60pmkZ_lEU1ZBp1SE4QstQs/s1600/60612892_10157488122542474_7823066282923655168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk8wPP1-EDN4Wx0iTsR-ivzQKj1Q3EGgO9tbXhXX0x9EeJv6UlkWdqv-1Tyb0zYCO8k2kHlrXcIJD0xmn_DfPWce5dhOvG33VKwIulvpYiEoOe9Q_EruP60pmkZ_lEU1ZBp1SE4QstQs/s640/60612892_10157488122542474_7823066282923655168_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The following day, they got to go to SeaWorld. This was a last minute decision made by Aunt Janice before they left. They seriously had a fun-packed week!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VvlUSkLs2SnQnWYkrSUP3LdHAOM7yUSMWuM9rijMeqQsWcKG9SHgeDVvNiUCyw0lrYpYR-NvFcGq2pemSwRqO_4PvjwCv8aXPPuVREtjZinZwSjsIjIh4tqYHGdFvb_RMeDj0NOHrb0/s1600/20190516_155841_HDR_1558047608108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VvlUSkLs2SnQnWYkrSUP3LdHAOM7yUSMWuM9rijMeqQsWcKG9SHgeDVvNiUCyw0lrYpYR-NvFcGq2pemSwRqO_4PvjwCv8aXPPuVREtjZinZwSjsIjIh4tqYHGdFvb_RMeDj0NOHrb0/s640/20190516_155841_HDR_1558047608108.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Rob's #1 goal for the trip was to get a selfie with a penguin. (I don't get it, either. He's Rob. lol) Despite not going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park as planned, he lucked out and found some at SeaWorld instead. He even bought a little stuffed penguin as a souvenir, which he named Henry. Life goal met. Happy kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQldYECXsu-pUdbBKfpfI5XjZoFRa-Ga04ZA4jDWbnVjLg53QGs19TR0erppH_nVXxUsoB31S1HxumAKCAefX9_YKuFfedCco2sfs6lhkKXg_W3N7gKfqiMrT-R6mIEECVwWnIhkHvAk/s1600/Message_1558053085531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQldYECXsu-pUdbBKfpfI5XjZoFRa-Ga04ZA4jDWbnVjLg53QGs19TR0erppH_nVXxUsoB31S1HxumAKCAefX9_YKuFfedCco2sfs6lhkKXg_W3N7gKfqiMrT-R6mIEECVwWnIhkHvAk/s640/Message_1558053085531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drew, however, is obsessed with dolphins. He even got to take one home! He named him Fin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q4q1_xjWE9ks8uJOH5zF3oaI1ZE4jb2INAHFNGcHyVb8nf7X8oSX9kRVOg_YqBdLUVJW_AOkJK0CyNgIJ8sXeWhe3kjD7lgBcL5P4_HQjuSLRNTzPfANUB96nwKiCy1iHGfVhv33ddM/s1600/60391074_10157491325057474_342948401236672512_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q4q1_xjWE9ks8uJOH5zF3oaI1ZE4jb2INAHFNGcHyVb8nf7X8oSX9kRVOg_YqBdLUVJW_AOkJK0CyNgIJ8sXeWhe3kjD7lgBcL5P4_HQjuSLRNTzPfANUB96nwKiCy1iHGfVhv33ddM/s640/60391074_10157491325057474_342948401236672512_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They enjoyed another down day, laying around and watching movies at Nana's before their evening flight. They had such an amazing week, but they were also super excited to come home. This time, they flew alone, but Alaska handled them beautifully and we had no issues picking them up from the airport. What a fun experience! This opens the doors for other family to take them, now. Hint, hint.</div>
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When we got back to our Boise hotel, we let them stay up and eat popcorn and watch Netflix. They were too pumped to go to sleep at that point. It was a great trip for all of us, despite having two, totally different vacations!</div>
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And now for the artsy shots. I only took a handful, unfortunately. Sigh. I miss my beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINiaLXJg_EoVkMsGX_YOb9aMg9ozue-f1tvEHPdEFpkJPp8kPPSAJ0e76pxx91gOoHiNfgDuxSlXwhIECnRChys5t-hdlbRj4WUFF9MOLVcRD6JyBzGCAF2Oa-591dWi-ZSeWGkaWCiU/s1600/IMG_1937_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINiaLXJg_EoVkMsGX_YOb9aMg9ozue-f1tvEHPdEFpkJPp8kPPSAJ0e76pxx91gOoHiNfgDuxSlXwhIECnRChys5t-hdlbRj4WUFF9MOLVcRD6JyBzGCAF2Oa-591dWi-ZSeWGkaWCiU/s640/IMG_1937_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Near Cape Meares.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpwKHrhxLUtAJbe7qYXp5I-3VdmNtaBIBCKI-tqCyxnQnGP8gK-PYSg3BLXawSpZpxTPwVdBk67C51C1VemIQZcEsn7bvM8yJ5f9ntSilgjQ9YL2gtcPf1SeDzQaVN54UPDwxhdE61FQ/s1600/IMG_2063_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpwKHrhxLUtAJbe7qYXp5I-3VdmNtaBIBCKI-tqCyxnQnGP8gK-PYSg3BLXawSpZpxTPwVdBk67C51C1VemIQZcEsn7bvM8yJ5f9ntSilgjQ9YL2gtcPf1SeDzQaVN54UPDwxhdE61FQ/s640/IMG_2063_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First sunset from our cabin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjpReEsgkKGALUWTwGcKky-qFt6owp7EZQIlTFNNLxCyE1ghLyC3Ka70BPHIXtuxMMT6FfikgoCABB3Mgkz34PyyNG306k7IM5xoMcamXGTS9hW9llcfxGznBVyIvmqYeWfYTpFfQ55c/s1600/IMG_2250_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjpReEsgkKGALUWTwGcKky-qFt6owp7EZQIlTFNNLxCyE1ghLyC3Ka70BPHIXtuxMMT6FfikgoCABB3Mgkz34PyyNG306k7IM5xoMcamXGTS9hW9llcfxGznBVyIvmqYeWfYTpFfQ55c/s640/IMG_2250_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A really cool log that was on the beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp0I7gr9ndWU-D9Gw4rpo-mfjTHIN7bEz3GfHqYhrAt9_ryNPtJxY3qz8C0TJSaSkUVMmDvjEzuc4i-j2d4vh4dpMFbckA2B_Sy4JQgKqcJF7wivhWZ_QqPmA5Md8pj3uNTguH1PFOW8/s1600/IMG_2255_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp0I7gr9ndWU-D9Gw4rpo-mfjTHIN7bEz3GfHqYhrAt9_ryNPtJxY3qz8C0TJSaSkUVMmDvjEzuc4i-j2d4vh4dpMFbckA2B_Sy4JQgKqcJF7wivhWZ_QqPmA5Md8pj3uNTguH1PFOW8/s640/IMG_2255_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Herons would come to hunt every low tide. It was really neat to watch them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5ldzGJEAZ1nfZkXd7Wg1N0rqez2bXZO_EwqZH7-6kbhj21Z7_y3F_S6SWED1XoFjnb6UsaMIf42rQiNGV_38qu2w7KNxEW9yrnXqKV1Gz3nmsnY4srW8Wl8c2YsEVc6inGep9htjlw/s1600/IMG_2280_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5ldzGJEAZ1nfZkXd7Wg1N0rqez2bXZO_EwqZH7-6kbhj21Z7_y3F_S6SWED1XoFjnb6UsaMIf42rQiNGV_38qu2w7KNxEW9yrnXqKV1Gz3nmsnY4srW8Wl8c2YsEVc6inGep9htjlw/s640/IMG_2280_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Such cool birds!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW6J5cRsyDdc46ib6zEFSgLcQTYDgMtL786SNdlIEFfha5kW6-j69qn6U4Rpec0YDbebFYbmZ6NGJlK2oiw1LiySxr5hV7NExP6ftfgBtJYHrLfevZfrPhyHXJLV4MJv4XLSl7s8gA4o/s1600/IMG_2306_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW6J5cRsyDdc46ib6zEFSgLcQTYDgMtL786SNdlIEFfha5kW6-j69qn6U4Rpec0YDbebFYbmZ6NGJlK2oiw1LiySxr5hV7NExP6ftfgBtJYHrLfevZfrPhyHXJLV4MJv4XLSl7s8gA4o/s640/IMG_2306_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was so peaceful sitting there on that beach, listening to the waves, feeling the sun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWQNIQmDY7UqIgkP1DCJHU_re59lK1QSoEFux4w9CNukI-utCassL-TGm-L06OwB7jUvUpEpRKM3wLraPWHF5TAHHENfblyhH72seRqpCTo0mvlGaf8KlTwWWHAwomeDxwYMp9V581J4/s1600/IMG_2320_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWQNIQmDY7UqIgkP1DCJHU_re59lK1QSoEFux4w9CNukI-utCassL-TGm-L06OwB7jUvUpEpRKM3wLraPWHF5TAHHENfblyhH72seRqpCTo0mvlGaf8KlTwWWHAwomeDxwYMp9V581J4/s640/IMG_2320_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took a drive on our last full day and found this paraglider launching spot up on the side of a mountain. It gave us a gorgeous view of the bay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFfqFvJEz2vrQl2qBbL66bSiMEFGIHVcO1yOSZuVyGz-vOZkqn3-_fnrzoOJDudYnKJVgRUd0SzPnJLxjIWhdEE9vPhkiU5H6K7QMG_yNwTzk6U09COwy1r-nwuEmX92f7sGy82cD4oc/s1600/IMG_2327_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFfqFvJEz2vrQl2qBbL66bSiMEFGIHVcO1yOSZuVyGz-vOZkqn3-_fnrzoOJDudYnKJVgRUd0SzPnJLxjIWhdEE9vPhkiU5H6K7QMG_yNwTzk6U09COwy1r-nwuEmX92f7sGy82cD4oc/s640/IMG_2327_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We kept seeing this stunning bird hopping around our deck. I have no clue what it was, but the blue of its feathers were amazing.</div>
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Edit: My friend tells me that this is a Steller's Jay. Thanks, Rebecca! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmVa3LLZXSItYlvx21eix_N6FlKr4xYHWm3HITsENdqxTEDGOqFPC6ngk-HYet9FxE582u9hOmH7KZzVf79yjVaDBJ1OMARwZ3ZOx45DJIk2DsDYJHsm9FNeb9qd8AnqN8GmnxUZSXbc/s1600/IMG_2346_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmVa3LLZXSItYlvx21eix_N6FlKr4xYHWm3HITsENdqxTEDGOqFPC6ngk-HYet9FxE582u9hOmH7KZzVf79yjVaDBJ1OMARwZ3ZOx45DJIk2DsDYJHsm9FNeb9qd8AnqN8GmnxUZSXbc/s640/IMG_2346_w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Final sunset from our deck. Sigh. I was so heartbroken to have to leave.</div>
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So, that was our crazy, split vacation. If you made it this far, good on you! :)</div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-52544028804585610542019-04-21T13:39:00.001-06:002019-04-22T12:15:03.037-06:00Drew's Baptism <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Very special Resurrection Sunday! My mama's heart is so full. <3 You can view the video of his baptism, including his beautiful testimony, below. Happy Easter!</div>
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<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-71841148771165745542019-03-30T14:42:00.000-06:002019-03-30T14:45:33.610-06:00Drew is NINE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDZWt-beGD8kggSKkVNtM2zNYcX1JDHBBTgEVjhfR3w0xhTumtOtNGadxef5JmiUIOEpE-hfRBgte0Sre-iB34yiJXLztAs-uS_H5D4p4FA0wQcocxKxfKrJchQRW6mSXGeVGz1Ysz8U/s1600/IMG_1857_cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDZWt-beGD8kggSKkVNtM2zNYcX1JDHBBTgEVjhfR3w0xhTumtOtNGadxef5JmiUIOEpE-hfRBgte0Sre-iB34yiJXLztAs-uS_H5D4p4FA0wQcocxKxfKrJchQRW6mSXGeVGz1Ysz8U/s640/IMG_1857_cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Drew is OBSESSED with macarons, so I hired a local baker to make him some, along with a small birthday cake. He was very surprised</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOx6fWvTos0ssgUy5pzkmdfocOd8RDHulKZLNwrf4G2zAlJa-Q5nBrIf7j7JGfXx-w6TnnPTLwowh8F1whPivhDHUX-wG3HJGpw0MQIA43qsI8Et6953hGIUr6zRdJKspalmRQVdR1yU/s1600/IMG_1864_cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOx6fWvTos0ssgUy5pzkmdfocOd8RDHulKZLNwrf4G2zAlJa-Q5nBrIf7j7JGfXx-w6TnnPTLwowh8F1whPivhDHUX-wG3HJGpw0MQIA43qsI8Et6953hGIUr6zRdJKspalmRQVdR1yU/s640/IMG_1864_cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">I don't think his smile could get any bigger.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmqH0yJ562WrJUQsDAYUIzxMJUwiMdhWy_1DxKepbW871gkf4E_c4JLdbiR8ALFYGtL-viWIrykfb2ABZm4ctuJADflH5U1IyVFuAJTbl0rU7LJJf41wvRQd6Ca3zlBYTtVsQH2W9UNg/s1600/IMG_1866_cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmqH0yJ562WrJUQsDAYUIzxMJUwiMdhWy_1DxKepbW871gkf4E_c4JLdbiR8ALFYGtL-viWIrykfb2ABZm4ctuJADflH5U1IyVFuAJTbl0rU7LJJf41wvRQd6Ca3zlBYTtVsQH2W9UNg/s640/IMG_1866_cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Happy birthday, Drew!!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Super awesome birthday macarons! And they're PURPLE!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRGP1dliGjoViEToKTRURiL_so-EbWfQjBPELv4GBGmileflYuzbL_-vh3nSBac7UkWGC7J3rMczaheV8SKSRvlVvArUWo3GIyNPGssfu0fl6dmUzsdorQ4zyoy1EjILR8KbzINEMRSY/s1600/IMG_1870_cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRGP1dliGjoViEToKTRURiL_so-EbWfQjBPELv4GBGmileflYuzbL_-vh3nSBac7UkWGC7J3rMczaheV8SKSRvlVvArUWo3GIyNPGssfu0fl6dmUzsdorQ4zyoy1EjILR8KbzINEMRSY/s640/IMG_1870_cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Not only were they adorable, but they were super delicious! We had vanilla, chocolate, lemon, s'mores, and coffee flavored ones. Yum! If you're looking for some quality treats, go check out Mama's Best Bakery in Twin Falls. She's the best!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">What a goof! His cake was a purple and orange red velvet cake. It was easily one of the best red velvet cakes I've ever had!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RoVzgjiuuqSY2JS8K3VkQVmesB5G_GcG1KzhZRPsaVxzHoW-ZvJxmi4c6i_5onKBW5rYD5e4PautQaO0nFy-vX7cb8ukjex5JTMYBYB2sDaurT-zC7X6biNUG5oXMFyD5CrppSzhZ_A/s1600/IMG_1882_cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RoVzgjiuuqSY2JS8K3VkQVmesB5G_GcG1KzhZRPsaVxzHoW-ZvJxmi4c6i_5onKBW5rYD5e4PautQaO0nFy-vX7cb8ukjex5JTMYBYB2sDaurT-zC7X6biNUG5oXMFyD5CrppSzhZ_A/s640/IMG_1882_cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Probably the fanciest card I've ever made. It's always nice to see your efforts appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Among his gifts, he was given his very own Bible, complete with a spiffy cover, book tabs, and his name printed on the front. I could tell he was trying his best not to cry. Sweet boy.</span></div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-68874057461741826242018-11-18T14:04:00.001-07:002018-11-18T18:28:38.843-07:00I'm Thankful for my DepressionI wanted to be brave and stand and testify about what I'm thankful for at church today, but as past years have shown, that microphone has a habit of making me cry. So, I'll post it here, from the safety and comfort of my empty craft room, where no one can witness the inevitable ugly cry face that will ensue.<br />
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As folks stood and shared their stories of trials and praises over the past year, I sat and thought deeply about what I was most thankful for. Salvation definitely makes the top of the list. My loving, patient husband, of course. My hilarious kids, for sure. God's provisions of all my basic needs and then some, no brainer. But what was I TRULY thankful for? And then a still, small voice fluttered through my brain and whispered, "Be thankful for your depression."<br />
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Say what?!<br />
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"Be thankful for your depression."<br />
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I entertained the thought.<br />
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It's brought me closer to God; I finally depend on Him more for my source strength and peace. I talk to Him more often and reach out when I'm afraid or sad. I am more thankful for each day I wake up and each moment I draw breath, knowing just one successful attempt could have changed all that. I enjoy the important things more, like loving on my family and allowing them to love on me. I've been pushed out of my comfort zone and found my voice to try to help others. I smile, laugh, and sing more. But most importantly, I've finally opened myself up to God's love and concern for me, a vulnerability that's most uncharacteristic for me. A deep, parental love unlike anything I've experienced before. I finally understand His grace in light of the great price He paid for me. I finally know true freedom and joy. None of that would have happened if it hadn't of been for my depression. I simply would not have been the same person without it.<br />
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So, today, I am thankful for my depression. I'm thankful for the heartache and pain. I'm thankful for the valleys, so I can appreciate the mountains. I'm thankful for the darkness, because it helped me find the light. Thank You, Lord, for loving me when I feel unlovable. Thank You for saving me when I thought I was unsaveable. Thank You for being patient with me when I was bullheaded and in denial. Thank You for carrying me when I had given up hope. I know I still have a long road ahead, but I'm more willing and able than ever to fight for each and every step, knowing He is right by my side. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for my depression.Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-80391370069503614182018-11-06T18:47:00.000-07:002018-11-18T18:48:53.160-07:00NMW Tattoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally got my NMW tattoo!!! Thanks to car issues, my plans of getting it for my birthday got pushed back, but it worked out. I ADORE my tattoo and feels pretty special since I designed it myself! I have other designs in the works, but that will have to wait until we're a little more financially stable. I'm telling you -- it's addictive!</div>
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Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-3803934244863683762018-10-27T14:26:00.003-06:002018-10-27T14:26:36.042-06:00Main Street Trick or Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just love the boys' costume choices this year -- a UPS driver and a mad scientist! Fits them perfectly! It was so much fun putting their costumes together and they were super excited to wear them. We always opt for this event over Halloween because it feels so much safer (i.e. during the day, one street, supervised by many adults and law enforcement). You just can't be too careful, these days, unfortunately.</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-79112659087107919492018-10-26T14:01:00.002-06:002018-10-26T14:01:41.569-06:00UPS Buddies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Drew surprised Mr. Scott today by greeting him in his Halloween costume. Scott had the biggest smile on his face! :) We plan on printing and framing this photo and giving it to Scott for his upcoming birthday. I love their friendship! <3</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-41443979906721790542018-09-26T14:48:00.000-06:002018-10-03T09:51:37.193-06:00Suicide: Your Life Doesn't Belong to You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh862Y2ikVbNHsm25b55En_FKAnY_2tiTzvH9qmzLd6QAh26LhA_cR6-MYnZTWnBIZZXKjsaau9V1XB0Mqbfm6cK0h3l9nan-pchyphenhyphent8UceUPoXEveNpBe_OYQuREuHPkHGoj555YgUi8ro/s1600/Godisgreater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh862Y2ikVbNHsm25b55En_FKAnY_2tiTzvH9qmzLd6QAh26LhA_cR6-MYnZTWnBIZZXKjsaau9V1XB0Mqbfm6cK0h3l9nan-pchyphenhyphent8UceUPoXEveNpBe_OYQuREuHPkHGoj555YgUi8ro/s320/Godisgreater.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God is greater than our highs and lows.</td></tr>
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While scrolling through Facebook the other day, I came across a sad statistic: suicide rates are on the rise, nationwide. In our home state of Idaho, we land at number seven for number of suicides compared to the rest of the country. That statistic was taken in 2016, when they figured there were about 21 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in our state, according to the CDC. That's a significant increase from 2005's numbers, which were 16.5 per 100,000.* While 21 out of 100,000 doesn't seem all that bad at a glance, think about that for a moment. Imagine standing in a room of 100,000 people (an introvert's worst nightmare) and 21 one of them just disappear. Poof! Gone. What if one of those people was a loved one? Would that make a difference? Probably. But the main point, in every article I read, people are stumped as to why these numbers are suddenly creeping up. Being a depression sufferer/suicide survivor myself, I gave it some thought and came to one conclusion: it's all about perspective.<br />
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But first, a little backstory about my "journey" through depression, to show I "get it". My earliest memory of wanting to take my life occurred around the age of seven. I remember laying on my bedroom floor, bawling, and begging God to kill me. I don't even remember the circumstances or what sent me in a spiral, but seven-years-old. Let that sink in. Most seven-year-old girls are playing Barbie and dressing up like princesses, but me -- I wanted to die. I have struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide my whole preteen, teen, and adult life. A handful of times, those thoughts turned into actions through self harm and attempted overdose. By the grace of God, I didn't succeed. I have run the gamut of potential cures over the years: medication, counseling, binge drinking -- you name it, I tried it. Everything was only a "band-aid solution" and very temporary. Drugs made me chemically happy, but mostly numb, and the side effects were worse than the symptoms. Counselling was uncomfortable and awkward. Binge drinking...well, that's just dumb. Nothing worked. I still hated myself and wanted to die. I punished myself by cutting and hitting my face. I never felt like I deserved God's love, let alone His grace. In the winter of 2016, I hit my lowest of lows. I stopped eating. I stopped getting out of bed. I stopped caring. If I could have managed it, I would have willed my heart to stop beating. I was deep in a dark pit and couldn't get out. I have found myself in that pit several times in my life, but I've always managed to pull myself out, somehow. This time, it was different. I was tired of trying to claw up the side of that pit. So, I just laid there at the bottom, waiting to die. I have only seen my husband cry a handful of times, but through my fog, I clearly saw him laying beside me, tears in his eyes, begging me to live. Somehow, it sparked something inside me and I began to think about things I had never thought of before: my life doesn't belong to me. It belongs to my husband, my kids, and, most importantly, my God.</div>
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This is where the perspective comes in.</div>
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In this world of "all about me", people are looking to themselves for their source of joy and salvation, wondering why they can't find any hope or solace. While in the depths of my depression, I find myself looking inward when I should be looking outward and up. If you're constantly looking within for strength, answers, salvation, forgiveness, or grace, you will be disappointed every single time, guaranteed. At our best, we are still broken, imperfect, and sinful beings, incapable of saving anyone, let alone ourselves. We are foolish and selfish to think that this life that God has given us is purely ours, that its absence will not affect anyone, and that we can do with it as we please, including ending it.</div>
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Life is a lot like a story, and like any good story, the plot has its highs and lows. Without those things, the reader cannot appreciate the creativity and care of the author. God is the Author of our stories and we have no right to end that story mid-chapter; we are merely characters. Even at Jesus' lowest, rock bottom moment on the cross, He still looked up and praised His Father in Heaven. I think this speaks volumes, that we have a compassionate, empathetic, and sinless Savior. He truly meets us where we're at, understanding completely the depths of our despair, graciously directing our eyes Heavenward. Hebrews chapter 4, verses 15 and 16, so beautifully illustrate this for us: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."<br />
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For some, depression is a season, but for people like me, it's a lifelong struggle. I have fully accepted the fact that I will always have depression; it will always be the thorn in my side. The only thing I can do is choose to either let it take me or to stand up and fight for another day. So, my suggestion to you, if you find yourself in the dark pit today: change your perspective. Get out of your head. Start small, if you must. Listen to an edifying podcast. Listen to uplifting Christian music (bonus points for singing along). Use your God-given gifts to bless someone else. Give yourself visual reminders, if need be (I have a tattoo on my forearm that reminds me to fight -- yours doesn't have to be so drastic/permanent). Read a devotional. Read the Word (read the Psalms -- David definitely understood depression). Prioritize your life and ask yourself, "What am I deeming more important than God?" Whatever that answer may be might actually be the source of your depression. We are not guaranteed happiness and peace in this life, but in light of eternity, this life is so short. If we come to God in repentance and faith, even in our darkest moments, He gives us grace, forgiveness, strength, love, and unspeakable joys in that eternity. He will never turn away any who come to Him in faith (“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." John 6:37). But it's up to God to decide when that eternity should begin; all we can do is trust in that timing, no matter what.<br />
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*<a href="https://magicvalley.com/news/local/while-suicide-rates-rise-in-idaho-and-the-mountain-west/article_0e734a8e-290d-55e3-a2ab-520bc4ec4ddf.html?utm_content=bufferfbfe9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=LEEDCC">Source</a></div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-9863014934406032602018-09-13T20:07:00.001-06:002018-10-26T14:06:29.208-06:00Rob's First Win!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This kid played hard tonight and is now relishing in his very first win of the season! Go Renegades!</div>
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"Official" team photo.</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-22249960797497951982018-09-06T20:59:00.002-06:002018-09-06T20:59:23.488-06:00Rob's First Soccer Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was so much fun rooting these guys on! They ended up losing by one point, but they played their little hearts out. Go Renegades!</div>
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<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-19296882779618493582018-09-04T10:07:00.002-06:002018-09-04T10:07:20.742-06:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rob is starting 5th and Drew is starting 3rd. They're getting so big!</div>
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<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-85474280496700238192018-09-03T10:14:00.000-06:002018-09-04T10:14:17.280-06:00Grandma & Grandpa Marshall Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj012FPj4HgCNFH8WohAlVdF1femfAHNdC0xpSYVaqPqvln5Bihoe-aTyqYG7AJyaKQmuwDPe8DhOV1dBj9Ol1SS0qC6W1PZrFhJEvLwNheQ0qiUx3MFfv2mBt9E_xdEbpApRre5RYsDs4/s1600/40784952_10156851340932474_2294231711157846016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj012FPj4HgCNFH8WohAlVdF1femfAHNdC0xpSYVaqPqvln5Bihoe-aTyqYG7AJyaKQmuwDPe8DhOV1dBj9Ol1SS0qC6W1PZrFhJEvLwNheQ0qiUx3MFfv2mBt9E_xdEbpApRre5RYsDs4/s640/40784952_10156851340932474_2294231711157846016_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're keeping score at home, that's now THREE sets of faraway family that have come to visit us in the past month! It's been a CRAZY month...and now school is starting. I'm so not ready.</div>
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We had a good visit with Matt's folks. It was a little strained at first, due to some conflict in the recent past. This was a visit of mending, though; we all want to make this work, despite history and personality clashes.</div>
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We did a lot of sitting and talking and playing games. We got to show them some of the prettier places that Southern Idaho has to offer (yes, they DO exist). It was a sweet time and both Drew and Grandma were in tears by the end of it.</div>
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Back to real life.</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-84192846618047352632018-08-30T10:15:00.000-06:002018-09-04T10:17:59.840-06:00Rob Starts Soccer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn-RcqKMjb0fmi-asXr_243GAauAZMf1eHxJ3aJ8lahWanwSbcPjlyc_TsUrKUV3uji69mv1xo-Cm5dj7BFj7QRRBlN3b3W0n372in554S-Vs_Ezo97IRsAqmudk7M43L6gpzwH3StHg/s1600/40452073_10156841797002474_2868492439478337536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn-RcqKMjb0fmi-asXr_243GAauAZMf1eHxJ3aJ8lahWanwSbcPjlyc_TsUrKUV3uji69mv1xo-Cm5dj7BFj7QRRBlN3b3W0n372in554S-Vs_Ezo97IRsAqmudk7M43L6gpzwH3StHg/s640/40452073_10156841797002474_2868492439478337536_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever since World Cup fever hit my household, Rob decided that he wanted to try soccer this fall. His father, who played when he was probably around Rob's age, is ecstatic. I'm not sure how I feel about being a soccer mom, yet. But he has a great coach and it's just recreational, so I think he's going to have a great time. I'm proud of him for trying something new.</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-17360524887781100422018-08-25T17:21:00.000-06:002018-08-28T17:36:49.783-06:00Grandma & Grandpa Campbell Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My folks make the trek to come see us every year and it's always a special time. This time was no different. Unfortunately, due to our crazy busy summer, Matt and I were really beat. Thankfully, my folks were understanding and let us just veg a lot. Very low-key visit, which was greatly appreciated by all parties, I think.</div>
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Looking all handsome with their new hair cuts for Grandma and Grandpa!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I8HjLkh0Fd0oSeP146dIRTnMJObBWfN-Ib9tlv_li6WAOVmx7HQV6JGkK8q5ezZoj8RWYqmm4UFWkLgBoCxxGCbbBKHPLG_p_CiVOmtkk1MLkL9qSr9Wc70Siq0ZqZBmRq59Edz7LmU/s1600/39760754_10156814260047474_7633343614520655872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I8HjLkh0Fd0oSeP146dIRTnMJObBWfN-Ib9tlv_li6WAOVmx7HQV6JGkK8q5ezZoj8RWYqmm4UFWkLgBoCxxGCbbBKHPLG_p_CiVOmtkk1MLkL9qSr9Wc70Siq0ZqZBmRq59Edz7LmU/s640/39760754_10156814260047474_7633343614520655872_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have to go to <a href="https://www.twinbeanscoffee.com/">Twin Beans</a> at least once per visit. It's tradition.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif88xj2WtD6ULke53Y6pq5yHnQhU0W0tF7IxzSAth1PuK0XVvbG8XfY86u-Xyg0wxfvEY40pvo0XVOuGfS1xaA1Jdyt8Rf3HbOi7J8YhsKlOVWtaJinL8ggX6oeyoU0lfNyXvjvZ-lH3U/s1600/39585341_10156815483812474_3847975970602483712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1080" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif88xj2WtD6ULke53Y6pq5yHnQhU0W0tF7IxzSAth1PuK0XVvbG8XfY86u-Xyg0wxfvEY40pvo0XVOuGfS1xaA1Jdyt8Rf3HbOi7J8YhsKlOVWtaJinL8ggX6oeyoU0lfNyXvjvZ-lH3U/s640/39585341_10156815483812474_3847975970602483712_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Got them hooked on Mexican Train. We played quite a few rounds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQR-W3f0S0GJkMGdX9sCRGbKgLjrt_ScQngXDnUA86CALVVDyhQARwbF6p56lyo84VBmZmh4L3CjW9W_nbM2TFNoEKRcExrYXFN9LJnKRbppmRxEpHKf0epMsDYd2qOhjYIGEf08M_5Q/s1600/39739164_10156817382297474_5902029769083453440_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQR-W3f0S0GJkMGdX9sCRGbKgLjrt_ScQngXDnUA86CALVVDyhQARwbF6p56lyo84VBmZmh4L3CjW9W_nbM2TFNoEKRcExrYXFN9LJnKRbppmRxEpHKf0epMsDYd2qOhjYIGEf08M_5Q/s640/39739164_10156817382297474_5902029769083453440_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Rob has been learning to cook lately, so he made them muffins by himself one day. He was super proud.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui2w5gqphCMHWS9deekPjugp54RLM-ONPdr7XOnd8nPfe11TGxhGcpeg8Rog7AktacNWvDykzrgIrCe6ePIxMo-w6m7-CG4xM9lUxY6yMzDsty_rPM2qppnKFsZlVBy8sRjpeOiaWflQ/s1600/39876032_10156818264122474_8676636126141743104_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui2w5gqphCMHWS9deekPjugp54RLM-ONPdr7XOnd8nPfe11TGxhGcpeg8Rog7AktacNWvDykzrgIrCe6ePIxMo-w6m7-CG4xM9lUxY6yMzDsty_rPM2qppnKFsZlVBy8sRjpeOiaWflQ/s640/39876032_10156818264122474_8676636126141743104_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like I said, we did a whole lot of just this. It was nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDStqPHvDLRisUHsIC7fGk75L7AjfuAvVKO59vzoItHgWkgMN30X_UJnGZuoMaiuMIhiEnl0EB2WLzuJoj36PxHUYjIN4F40XI47Ap9IXg4JOQJsyWKJxPgGQqYPklLJhwoVVMUnzfNzo/s1600/40030525_10156826024852474_4928463465942614016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1275" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDStqPHvDLRisUHsIC7fGk75L7AjfuAvVKO59vzoItHgWkgMN30X_UJnGZuoMaiuMIhiEnl0EB2WLzuJoj36PxHUYjIN4F40XI47Ap9IXg4JOQJsyWKJxPgGQqYPklLJhwoVVMUnzfNzo/s640/40030525_10156826024852474_4928463465942614016_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On our last day with them, we took them out to Murtaugh Lake. It was really smokey from surrounding fires, but we decided to risk it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MmjLWmj0ZcM36RUNTQy7_iOUY1iqU7u821VkXI4bp4RCXqUjlRyE-sw9y6LOXqDfh1y-QMTyHMjt3hzJVF-daTrdOBmos8WFy74fZHhDiryPEkZSFQoZXG0mBul6VzH-vWS2c-75QUc/s1600/40062167_10156826025287474_1209296983341137920_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MmjLWmj0ZcM36RUNTQy7_iOUY1iqU7u821VkXI4bp4RCXqUjlRyE-sw9y6LOXqDfh1y-QMTyHMjt3hzJVF-daTrdOBmos8WFy74fZHhDiryPEkZSFQoZXG0mBul6VzH-vWS2c-75QUc/s640/40062167_10156826025287474_1209296983341137920_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's Matt and Drew kayaking together. We bought this little kayak for Rob, but he's already took big for it. It's perfect for Drew, though! Guess we'll have to save up and find Rob an adult one for next season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Y0EDSS_8_kR6CJTg4Ew-nLYfkOVn2BcHtsTC7yzCfYQF00MIhkTsfQxie-G8woYkcHHEiyKkM3TSZrY8q4GSMKaOoIynWmfrg-oQng5JpNvUNytcyZTrBkRkD0pxtfJvUYkvZKTrMU/s1600/40028905_10156826026962474_4153897652053868544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Y0EDSS_8_kR6CJTg4Ew-nLYfkOVn2BcHtsTC7yzCfYQF00MIhkTsfQxie-G8woYkcHHEiyKkM3TSZrY8q4GSMKaOoIynWmfrg-oQng5JpNvUNytcyZTrBkRkD0pxtfJvUYkvZKTrMU/s640/40028905_10156826026962474_4153897652053868544_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Rob just wanted to swim. Swim, swim, swim. He's a fish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh_FUCUCRq6aHBs2Y51frB6AE3MVrwyOLpr7ILKkED7PyoNFoyhT9xAyjStdmpPkT03_4FQF9yLTgo-l8yNrT8KcrJYsHas3BhyphenhyphentKDOQKBU5u_NUQIiJvlI8ZhbCk_xvS6KZ8BoNHFEs/s1600/39989090_10156826029592474_4134749231854387200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="956" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh_FUCUCRq6aHBs2Y51frB6AE3MVrwyOLpr7ILKkED7PyoNFoyhT9xAyjStdmpPkT03_4FQF9yLTgo-l8yNrT8KcrJYsHas3BhyphenhyphentKDOQKBU5u_NUQIiJvlI8ZhbCk_xvS6KZ8BoNHFEs/s640/39989090_10156826029592474_4134749231854387200_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I felt bad that Brinley kept getting left at home, so we decided to take her with us. We even somehow coaxed her into Matt's kayak -- she LOVED it! I totally expected her to freak and bail, but she sat there, totally chill, and rode around the lake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIeTIbQqIqNRkzr25kmoZQO8TXskmQ9ZD4DG6-YEKACv1YnNgL6PWECvW-N4f204kJyERE9LIGumOLRFG1xobpDVhXEVk98jRuBBqgP37RGGnEcPh2r0DWxthYDl8iGoM6JJoOZOZbjs/s1600/40016047_10156826031562474_3388749288401010688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="956" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIeTIbQqIqNRkzr25kmoZQO8TXskmQ9ZD4DG6-YEKACv1YnNgL6PWECvW-N4f204kJyERE9LIGumOLRFG1xobpDVhXEVk98jRuBBqgP37RGGnEcPh2r0DWxthYDl8iGoM6JJoOZOZbjs/s640/40016047_10156826031562474_3388749288401010688_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rob in Matt's kayak, which he liked much better than the little kayak, and Drew in "his" kayak. They were playing "battle boats", which was basically an excuse to ram into each other. Whatever.</div>
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Just chillin'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEs27oL4xyK6gkiJWs0Y1OlY63FyzPf8QjVjd3L48HnUbuLJ5tIVLgq4xpm3Kj_tjcg8igIVZDGTol4Qig8CwGdRhuYNw89PPmNM6W9VE-zhHJ0iBEQMNdnD7Rtf8TWDF5QYzdBcYTQ/s1600/39986150_10156826027717474_7318836044336463872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEs27oL4xyK6gkiJWs0Y1OlY63FyzPf8QjVjd3L48HnUbuLJ5tIVLgq4xpm3Kj_tjcg8igIVZDGTol4Qig8CwGdRhuYNw89PPmNM6W9VE-zhHJ0iBEQMNdnD7Rtf8TWDF5QYzdBcYTQ/s640/39986150_10156826027717474_7318836044336463872_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Me and my love. <3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktS6ZCvzvutMHHxabmhcrn-ZsLBKKyz15BZ0Uv0Pj-P4OBYLDsytNDvRPrY38i-Fq2oBl1G-iCkp4mWJs0Qe5Q14Wy9yhO491WncWzszoDgoWHqlxrhDVRxXdcKQ3vQQXJ5afBHXK2E4/s1600/39984942_10156826029277474_4128146939407499264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktS6ZCvzvutMHHxabmhcrn-ZsLBKKyz15BZ0Uv0Pj-P4OBYLDsytNDvRPrY38i-Fq2oBl1G-iCkp4mWJs0Qe5Q14Wy9yhO491WncWzszoDgoWHqlxrhDVRxXdcKQ3vQQXJ5afBHXK2E4/s640/39984942_10156826029277474_4128146939407499264_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Me and my mini me. <3 (Rob was too busy swimming.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68mSzeK77oifejyLk8b-OABejIgfH019iFO1BglPcvf_ZyoZvZDklrE9Tc6fvsrrO4Wu9h-oi2pvbQdKY5X0TnLW0UrsgyTQV9TEo1aG1THqfIc7CeYfVBKlVBT8NE2s1QqRTezdthyphenhyphenU/s1600/39986198_10156826033647474_8008544376881938432_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68mSzeK77oifejyLk8b-OABejIgfH019iFO1BglPcvf_ZyoZvZDklrE9Tc6fvsrrO4Wu9h-oi2pvbQdKY5X0TnLW0UrsgyTQV9TEo1aG1THqfIc7CeYfVBKlVBT8NE2s1QqRTezdthyphenhyphenU/s640/39986198_10156826033647474_8008544376881938432_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Grandma with the boys. This woman's heart is bigger than she is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-3M2DclDsOWUCtSVhr9hEdqiAulMHzh1C4kQerdB80TwSg8IzuG-gu-Jlthv7vpz6k_I0SQXQJVhHjdAAO46XVULIvcJZY4wAv2LmJeZZ6hH7o3TBXjf-hAyBx3URDspuMSdS7htmNQ/s1600/40058519_10156826032737474_6603143013621301248_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-3M2DclDsOWUCtSVhr9hEdqiAulMHzh1C4kQerdB80TwSg8IzuG-gu-Jlthv7vpz6k_I0SQXQJVhHjdAAO46XVULIvcJZY4wAv2LmJeZZ6hH7o3TBXjf-hAyBx3URDspuMSdS7htmNQ/s640/40058519_10156826032737474_6603143013621301248_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We take a picture of the boys with Dad and Kathy every year to show how much the boys have grown. I cherish these. Love these two so very much.</div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-91176649637849177362018-08-05T16:52:00.000-06:002018-08-28T17:15:05.434-06:00Nana, Aunt Janice & Cousin Emily Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the title suggests, Cher, Jan, and Em came to visit us! We mostly sat around, ate, laughed, and played games -- it was fantastic. Miss them already, but they'll all be back for Christmas -- yay!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wrLXzC00EO_5ids35RUe3GowFooaYHSwM-GnBHXp8Xo7Ay_05nBDNWTpMp_gV5CQyMecmNNvpTZRDCp-RrZruBYyi2Qm0lcqUI1Zujx57QBZMQDi3QqnCLmoA91H2iMRsJhdtqRbcF8/s1600/10000000_102520097340040_7287808716185311405_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wrLXzC00EO_5ids35RUe3GowFooaYHSwM-GnBHXp8Xo7Ay_05nBDNWTpMp_gV5CQyMecmNNvpTZRDCp-RrZruBYyi2Qm0lcqUI1Zujx57QBZMQDi3QqnCLmoA91H2iMRsJhdtqRbcF8/s640/10000000_102520097340040_7287808716185311405_n.mp4" width="358" /></a></div>
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After dinner, we played <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Watch-Ya-Mouth-Family-Mouthguard/dp/B01IWALX00/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1535497652&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=watch+your+mouth&psc=1">Watch Your Mouth</a>. Well, THEY played WYM. I watched and laughed at them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjrxwvFNar0D2q8EtvC6iFyEaG93wZz8B_D0WlXy3MLX19NLCNzrrQpCSPF91p7h0z5rHt4mLVtIabWqT8jRe1VTLrhyphenhyphenr-fw4vK2pqoO8oTWk_ngUXyoco0mfw0wvOIlnX3JtJdR3tC0/s1600/10000000_311503426286511_316640639921946624_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjrxwvFNar0D2q8EtvC6iFyEaG93wZz8B_D0WlXy3MLX19NLCNzrrQpCSPF91p7h0z5rHt4mLVtIabWqT8jRe1VTLrhyphenhyphenr-fw4vK2pqoO8oTWk_ngUXyoco0mfw0wvOIlnX3JtJdR3tC0/s640/10000000_311503426286511_316640639921946624_n.mp4" width="358" /></a></div>
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Drew was drooling like a Saint Bernard with a glandular condition. Some things never change.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopoE3AQfDrzmKV9sblPdFUuAd6EKK7I7ZhzzikpLo-H4PMYSXvaUSbtHDuHzaIKaPoX8OMeJRSzbkkKO3UHrYXI-ZKEo_PfQ3qBM-ZDzH4MycyasxnjtltgTltku8Kj__pMLCN9L6gPw/s1600/30921865_2010314972321357_2963288296859255085_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopoE3AQfDrzmKV9sblPdFUuAd6EKK7I7ZhzzikpLo-H4PMYSXvaUSbtHDuHzaIKaPoX8OMeJRSzbkkKO3UHrYXI-ZKEo_PfQ3qBM-ZDzH4MycyasxnjtltgTltku8Kj__pMLCN9L6gPw/s640/30921865_2010314972321357_2963288296859255085_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then we introduced them to <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Yard-Games-Kubb-Game-Premium/dp/B0089E5Z7C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1535497862&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=kubb&psc=1">Kubb</a>! If you're not familiar with this awesome yard game, go look it up on YouTube. It's a little complicated to learn at first, but once you start playing it, it all makes sense. This was a huge hit!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHfZ9hHwpiN1umqkEETd726MDikWcX9_tRFi-O_7q9vIrFVQr7LOxguS337UuG0IGZ_2VzFFV258iJ6Yl5w6kkFBzwbb3Fq0XgOx2esxKmSpcILl_PfvGNIkBqiHyYoCXVfp99OYz2ME/s1600/10000000_1968221853238135_1431472172951026654_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHfZ9hHwpiN1umqkEETd726MDikWcX9_tRFi-O_7q9vIrFVQr7LOxguS337UuG0IGZ_2VzFFV258iJ6Yl5w6kkFBzwbb3Fq0XgOx2esxKmSpcILl_PfvGNIkBqiHyYoCXVfp99OYz2ME/s640/10000000_1968221853238135_1431472172951026654_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now for the gymnastics portion of our night...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMIHDW-lnedfEtVHRdCtrgPZT-GWxoOT8lLPGweMDYf_VWx-mdSO4kI0DtEQnHPyJRqGHy3Xuq04EN45EJenUWki0gPgzkrJLk3BXm-vhrqWWU8I2Y_srHOTbodbNsYOgw-LOKd7xQdA/s1600/38614574_10156772144557474_3004915487155945472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1080" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMIHDW-lnedfEtVHRdCtrgPZT-GWxoOT8lLPGweMDYf_VWx-mdSO4kI0DtEQnHPyJRqGHy3Xuq04EN45EJenUWki0gPgzkrJLk3BXm-vhrqWWU8I2Y_srHOTbodbNsYOgw-LOKd7xQdA/s640/38614574_10156772144557474_3004915487155945472_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We rounded the evening out with a tame-ish game of <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Pressman-Dominoes-Mexican-Train-Game/dp/B010VLT93Q/ref=sr_1_11?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1535497968&sr=1-11&keywords=mexican+train">Mexican Train</a>. Ignore Jan's phantom hand and Matt's crybaby face.</div>
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I have never laughed so much in my life. What a fun weekend!</div>
<br />Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4758996033744744372.post-26269455522056265742018-07-21T20:55:00.000-06:002018-07-21T20:57:31.353-06:00Family Outing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Today, we took a little family trip to Niagara Springs/Crystal Lake to have a picnic and let Daddy "test" out his new-to-him kayak!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9cQynuqJhHSmd41kqENOeGN87S2rH5gx__C1J7Qhxu5BcFtQIbioyifkmjcrLD7vdHl4ODvk_dAPvux38XTSAWbhJwMhq1DUkKQEFUjeILrdI47ATBwjpmRe1Q3TyaOSLUpKrAGnwg4/s1600/37567663_10156730952642474_1077518878369644544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9cQynuqJhHSmd41kqENOeGN87S2rH5gx__C1J7Qhxu5BcFtQIbioyifkmjcrLD7vdHl4ODvk_dAPvux38XTSAWbhJwMhq1DUkKQEFUjeILrdI47ATBwjpmRe1Q3TyaOSLUpKrAGnwg4/s640/37567663_10156730952642474_1077518878369644544_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I forgot how beautiful and peaceful it is down here!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIcEObmMtAOgDkjArVMwwKcaenyEA4eyczTsAQNRZx03uwxkEab1TaPULDxAj7XPYUxvEzxGshfoHIjLxrb9XuVEzbE2CNzJq4pOFN-BOUXhnuGq-2ZXuGH8aBLArrs5UvvwT5MrX6SM/s1600/37700888_10156730961187474_1503674853557796864_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIcEObmMtAOgDkjArVMwwKcaenyEA4eyczTsAQNRZx03uwxkEab1TaPULDxAj7XPYUxvEzxGshfoHIjLxrb9XuVEzbE2CNzJq4pOFN-BOUXhnuGq-2ZXuGH8aBLArrs5UvvwT5MrX6SM/s640/37700888_10156730961187474_1503674853557796864_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Drew waiting for his ride to come back for him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OmikNubzcVN1RDYpv4AeP6T6EZHrBdcJSpvtbPDMStRRAO8VqZ1CtrcEG0YhpvHZ91NA73QHQcVRr4DvU7SSwvQJXfHhsA-bTb1ho3cHe0Yx40GVpPM2hC_mqIZXC4P0IyWtunV5S44/s1600/37599847_10156730963542474_3346541712775315456_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OmikNubzcVN1RDYpv4AeP6T6EZHrBdcJSpvtbPDMStRRAO8VqZ1CtrcEG0YhpvHZ91NA73QHQcVRr4DvU7SSwvQJXfHhsA-bTb1ho3cHe0Yx40GVpPM2hC_mqIZXC4P0IyWtunV5S44/s640/37599847_10156730963542474_3346541712775315456_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Off they go!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9zdli5BqM7DkQOBsZjxF0bWxYumP3yR3Hwn-WE-fQp5cPtpzFrGOu5ilBc5cXKy-6Z2mjRSwSJxO_rHPjnnwus2HhJQSeOMg3DAv75dHGr2gD0j_bMH44SQop3WFNavubobrH7c4Si8/s1600/37524220_10156730966472474_5742332813319864320_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9zdli5BqM7DkQOBsZjxF0bWxYumP3yR3Hwn-WE-fQp5cPtpzFrGOu5ilBc5cXKy-6Z2mjRSwSJxO_rHPjnnwus2HhJQSeOMg3DAv75dHGr2gD0j_bMH44SQop3WFNavubobrH7c4Si8/s640/37524220_10156730966472474_5742332813319864320_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Unfortunately, Rob had to stay on land because of his wound. He was so bummed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBvSsu8-NAXxJjxUAYGLstIW0l6z79vtdqsY-SP25iGOS5_QZQO1VXN1J_WBKJd0c6h7w5htZRUMnSWDFpwsCnd3PQ-tnbSxAbf3SsAxQaP-23QKQgfqlQP7lERWWtibwSK3HPJMcsug/s1600/37638164_10156730969852474_4421447090660442112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBvSsu8-NAXxJjxUAYGLstIW0l6z79vtdqsY-SP25iGOS5_QZQO1VXN1J_WBKJd0c6h7w5htZRUMnSWDFpwsCnd3PQ-tnbSxAbf3SsAxQaP-23QKQgfqlQP7lERWWtibwSK3HPJMcsug/s640/37638164_10156730969852474_4421447090660442112_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Personally, I'm perfectly content to sit here and knit and listen to the springs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">What a fun afternoon!</span></span></div>
Jenn Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03290636966158138015noreply@blogger.com