tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62788949571727318532024-02-19T04:10:56.928-08:00The Nellist News!!I've wanted to create a blog for several years now. I'm finally inspired by the latest addition to our family. This blog will not only share his story but keep our family and friends updated on the latest events in the crazy life of the Nellist family!The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-51955202673389879812014-02-15T17:39:00.000-08:002014-02-15T17:39:48.562-08:00"Being Still"<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Be Still" Day 1 (Saturday 2/8/14)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I woke up today honestly a bit torn. Normally my Saturday mornings are the ones I look most forward to. They are slow! I get to sit and drink my entire two cups of coffee and search Pinterest for sometimes over an hour. My husband sleeps, my daughter is on her i-pad, having not had access to it all week. My son is content to watch a show as long as I am cuddled up next to him. All of us in this "other realm and reality" that is so very far from our own and even farther from Gods:(</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> But this morning I do feel a tinge of excitement to try something new. Kind of like when you start a new diet or exercise routine. I was excited and intimidated all at the same time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So I get my coffee, sit in my comfy spot on the couch where I usually have my "quiet time". The first thing I realize is this is much different then "quiet time". "Quiet time" I have gotten pretty ok at. Reading my devotional and spending 15-20 minutes "alone" with God is something I practice on a semi-regular basis. I do however feel like it is something I just check off my list, feel challenged as I read and then move on with my day. However, "Being Still" is something that I desperately need to work on. I don't just "need to" I really want to. I feel God's Grace and Mercy drawing me into this new discipline. I really miss Him and desire more of Him in my life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I begin to ask God to reveal what is standing in the way of my being still before Him. Gentle conviction begins..... My overachieving nature, being "everything to everyone", my social media distraction and all it holds over my life, my "mother's guilt" and my unrealistic "to-do lists". I begin to confess and feel the Grace and forgiveness come. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am determined to put into practice and recall all the different "tools" that were shared last night. I start out with deep breathing and move onto repeating "Abba Father I belong to you!" I try focusing on the raindrops I hear hitting the window and my wind chimes outside. It is amazing to me just how many times my mind trails off. It reminds me of that dog on the movie "Up" when he is so easily distracted..."Squirrel!!" I am just like that dog! My mind is so easily preoccupied. I realize just how deeply I need this discipline in my life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Did I feel God? Yes, for brief moments. But I can honestly say it was not something that came easy for me. However when my son finally realized I was gone and scampered out to find me it had been a solid 15 minutes. This was actually surprising to me and I was encouraged and found myself wanting more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So Day 1 down! "Stillness" was not natural at all, actually very foreign. I look forward to growing in this area and am grateful for this study and my precious Jesus. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Be Still" Day 1 (cont.) (Sunday 2/8/14)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My husband was gone this evening which is actually very rare. I got the kids in bed and the house was quiet I felt drawn to practice this new discipline of being still. Don't get me wrong I also felt drawn to searching Facebook and Pinterest. However, I decided to push past that desire trying to be very aware of how those forms of distraction have been placed before God so many times in my life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is very typical for me to start strong at new things and then fizzle out after a couple days. It is a regular pattern in my life. One of which I need God to uproot and replace with consistent perseverance. As I close my eyes and begin to breath I begin to also confess. Jesus I am sorry that I am so inconsistent in sitting at your feet. I am so sorry that I have put so many things ahead of you. Forgive me Lord and teach me, draw me to this place more and more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> God has created me to be a very visual person. He often speaks to me in pictures or almost movies played out in my mind. He began to do this last night as I sat there. I was in a vast open grassy field and I was standing with my arms outstretched and my face turned towards Heaven. I visualized being enveloped in the brightest light. It was warm and it felt so good. It reminded me of when you have been in a very cold room and step outside into the warm sunshine. It felt really, really good! </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Unfortunately, I was there one moment, in this glorious place all warm and content and then....."squirrel!"....I was drawn away. Thoughts of my to-do list and preoccupation with how limited my time was before my husband got home competed with this place of glory I was experiencing. Sad but true. I have much work to do but I am grateful to have warmed my face in His glorious "Sonshine" this evening.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Be Still" Day 2 (Sunday 2/8/14)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Again, I awoke and felt the desire to connect on social media drawing my attention away from the space and time I had to "Be Still". Boy I am recognizing some serious "issues" here:) However, I decided to be press through that desire and again sit at His feet and practice being still. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I "assumed the position" in my cozy nook and began with prayer. I again, being a visual person often use an image I once read about in a book by Emelie Barnes. I visualize myself as a teacup that has old, stagnant tea in it. You would never pour more tea into the cup without first dumping the old and cleaning it out so it is fresh and ready for a new serving of tea. So I pour my old out and ask God to come and "cleanse me from all unrighteousness" to prepare my vessel for what He has for me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I begin to see myself immediately in the field and feel the warmth of His Glory on my face. It feels so good and I am so content. Then I hear them....bare footsteps on the floor..."mom! Where are you???" And....reality sets in!! So there you have it! I made it 12 minutes this time. It was sure good while it lasted but I believe my "being still" is over for this moment:)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Be Still" Day 3 (Saturday 2/15/14)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This morning I slept in and decided to try and slip out to the quietness of the front porch before my husband and children started needing anything from me. My son was awake and I told him that I needed to go spend some time with Jesus on the front porch and that he could stay inside with Daddy for a while. I sat there with my coffee and Bible and not more than 3 minutes later my son came out with his crafting supplies and said he wanted to do crafts with me. "Son, you are welcome to sit here and craft quietly while mommy has her time with Jesus." "OK mommy, I'll be quiet". Thirty seconds later..."mommy look at my robot!" I will admit it I began to get a bit frustrated and disappointed. I sent Anna a text and a photo of my situation, knowing she would appreciate my dilemma.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I decided to look up verses on "stillness" in my Bible and came across a verse I fell deeply in love with. I love the ocean and God knew it was the perfect visual for me. <b> Psalm 89:9 "You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up you still them." </b> What a beautiful verse that speaks of God's incredible power! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I began to meditate on this and think of how the moments in my life sometimes feel like "surging seas". Even my thoughts when I am trying to "be still." They just continually crash against the shore of my mind. One distraction after the other, they just keep coming... But HE is able to still the mounting waves in my life and in my mind. He is all powerful to change what looks like a moment that appears to be swelling into a major wave and calm it in an instant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is what He did for me this morning. My son disappeared for a couple minutes and came back with his Bible in hand. He sat across from me and opened it and began to flip through it quietly. The "calm" lasted only a few short minutes but it was so quiet and "still". I was able to see Him in this moment and I was overwhelmed by His Grace and goodness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I was also just struck by the fact that I am a mother of a son who just desperately wants to be in my presence. He wants to just sit with me and craft and read and be. He is an example to me of how I want to want to be in Gods presence this way. I want to have that desire to be nowhere else but just beside Him. I want to desire His presence the same way my son desires mine. It's a beautiful lesson and I am grateful God allowed me to see this today in the "stillness" of my moment on the porch.</span></span></div>
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-26176009169109483172013-11-20T09:39:00.000-08:002013-11-20T09:39:17.064-08:00"Fighting Dragons with you!" I began following a blog recently that has profoundly influenced my parenting. I will be forever grateful to Rachel @ <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/">www.handsfreemama.com </a>. Her words have challenged and encouraged me to slow down, put down my cell phone and recognize the beautiful gifts God has so graciously given me in my two beautiful children.<br />
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When Lily was a little girl, having only one child, I was so much more intentional with the time that I spent with her. We spent time doing crafts, reading, making music and learning. I literally had "intentional time with Lily" scheduled into my "to do lists". <br />
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Then, six years later came my sweet & spicy little man, Zion. Life was just so much busier and my time became divided. Zion is so much more independent and will play by himself for extended periods of time. I found those times as an opportunity to get things done and took every chance I could to fold a load of laundry, catch up on emails or even honestly browse Facebook on my phone:( Here is the honest and painful confession.... as Zion has gotten older he is more interested in including me in his playtime and I have gotten so used to the uninterrupted time that he plays independently that I almost resent his requests for attention. "Ouch and Ugh", I know...parent of the year right?<br />
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One of my favorite lines Rachel writes in her blog is "the truth hurts and the truth heals....and brings me back to the parent I want to be." I believe it is God's Grace that my brother Michael shared her blog on Facebook that day <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/09/">http://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/09/</a> It caused me to face the truth as much as it hurt and realize it was time for a change! <br />
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So now I am trying, not perfect by any stretch, but trying. Today Zion asked to go for a bike ride on the greenbelt. I looked at my "to-do list", took a deep breath and said..."Absolutely son, let's go!"<br />
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My little self proclaimed, "Soldier in God's army" and I fought bad guys & dragons (AKA trees), Giants (AKA telephone towers) and even stopped to pick "wishers"! We laughed and ran and had the most amazing time!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28px;">"Long live all the mountains we moved<br />I had the time of my life<br />Fighting dragons with you" -Taylor Swift "Long Live"</span></div>
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God is good and so gentle with me. I am so grateful for His Grace and that He provides little reminders along my journey:) Thank you Rachel, <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/">www.handsfreemama.com</a> for speaking truth and helping bring me back to the "parent I want to be."<br />
<br />The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-69096586891867306722013-08-28T22:51:00.000-07:002013-08-28T22:51:12.727-07:00Redemption Song<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NIV-29238"><sup class="versenum" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> "</sup>For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-</span><span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NIV-29239">not by works, so that no one can boast. </span><span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NIV-29240">For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2: 8-10</span></b></span></i><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i> I have used the word Grace and heard it used too many times to count in my many years as a believer. However, last night I had the privilege to experience this word in a way that I am truly still spinning from!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The word Grace is defined as "unmerited favor", that is...favor that you do not in anyway shape or form deserve. It is truly a gift, straight from the Hand of God, given to those who choose to accept it. I love how my Pastor explains Grace. He speaks of how God loves to "lavish" us with His Grace. To "lavish" means to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities upon.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Well, last night I was "lavished" with generous and extravagant quantities of Grace from my God through the words and love that were shown to me by some very precious and beautiful people in my life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have had the privilege of serving as a youth leader for my Church for going on 7 years. I have recently felt God leading me in a different direction in ministry and have chosen to step down from youth leadership. Last night I was given an amazing party to celebrate this new season of my life and ministry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was surrounded by youth & youth parents both current and past as well as, fellow leaders, friends and my own family. My precious friend Crystal put together a slide show with photos taken during youth events over the past several years. It was all that I could do to contain the great joy and overwhelming emotion I experienced while watching the slide show and listening to the words that were shared.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As I reflect on the verse above I am struck by how much it captures my time in youth ministry. And to think He prepared it all for me "in advance". See, He knew even when I myself was a youth and young adult making horrible choices and compromises in my own life. He Knew He would one day call me out of it! He knew that He had bigger plans for me. I was his "handi-work" and boy did I take some "handi-work":)</span></div>
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Ephesians 1:7</div>
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In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i> I will share about one last gift I received last night. I received the gift of understanding <b>redemption </b>as I have never understood it before. It is in understanding Grace I have been able to feel redeemed. Redeemed from my past and forgiven. I now understand in a way that I have never before, that God loves me and believes in me enough, in spite of my past, present or future mistakes. He chose <i>my life</i> to touch others. That is Grace...That is Redemption.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span>I close with a chorus from one of my favorite songs by Bob Marley. I believe it is the perfect way to end this blog...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYYEl9N6oSKTJpoGH0H0-JZTBW1ESmyYhkckPC7gZnO5NqCCKkfyJsnfMexHS7lF2jFUsekhQTpErsqiOGfj4928DTZVIzwVmvTgzAvEmrrcJyv4w1kGeZfsRyL95JLOgNWDRiNoBL3w/s1600/youth+prayer+at+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYYEl9N6oSKTJpoGH0H0-JZTBW1ESmyYhkckPC7gZnO5NqCCKkfyJsnfMexHS7lF2jFUsekhQTpErsqiOGfj4928DTZVIzwVmvTgzAvEmrrcJyv4w1kGeZfsRyL95JLOgNWDRiNoBL3w/s320/youth+prayer+at+church.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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"Redemption Song"- Bob Marley</div>
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Old pirates, yes, they rob I;</div>
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Sold I to the merchant ships,</div>
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Minutes after they took I</div>
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From the bottomless pit.</div>
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But my hand was made strong</div>
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By the 'and of the Almighty.</div>
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We forward in this generation</div>
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Triumphantly.</div>
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Won't you help to sing</div>
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These songs of freedom? -</div>
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'Cause all I ever have:</div>
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Redemption songs;</div>
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Redemption songs.</div>
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-40969572223511123072013-05-21T12:53:00.000-07:002013-05-21T12:53:53.443-07:00Soul Holes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I had the privilege to share at my Church this year on Mother's Day. I was a part of a woman's Bible Study on a book titled "One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp." Our Pastor had asked myself and two other amazing people to speak on the subject of gratitude. Below is what I shared in "blog" form. If you are interested in listening to the entire sermon please feel free to click on the link below.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="http://rosevillehorizon.org/sermons/?sermon_id=61">http://rosevillehorizon.org/sermons/?sermon_id=61</a> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Soul Holes</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Brad asked me to share this morning on how this Woman’s Bible Study and this book One Thousand Gifts has influenced my life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> If I am honest I will tell you, reading is not something that comes easy for me. I so admire my friends who are voracious readers. I have 1000 excuses (no pun intended) for why I don’t read more. But regardless of how far I have gotten in the book, I can honestly say that what I have read has been life giving and life changing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have read this book as I believe it is to be read. Just as a rich dessert is to be eaten. Slowly, savoring every morsel of God’s truth spoken through this amazing author. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> In the first chapter I read a paragraph that truly moved me and I felt myself wanting to “chew on the truth that it spoke of.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <b>I QUOTE...</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <b> “He means to rename us-to return us to our true names, our truest selves. He means to heal our “soul holes.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> </b>When I heard those words “soul holes”, being the visual person God made me, I immediately had a picture similar to one below. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-d-PHIu6lekA2SCGk_OBfyAsgciKGnW6QYoHKybULEQyVsdCpEPaXDL8WrH3ZUdLd_45BJBEhgiut2GhqUM8O5cCmANK3gFCh6AudimAdgG6X_pvWaNRN4DIJPYa8rT-HHz28KW-lyo/s1600/%2522soul+hole%2522+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-d-PHIu6lekA2SCGk_OBfyAsgciKGnW6QYoHKybULEQyVsdCpEPaXDL8WrH3ZUdLd_45BJBEhgiut2GhqUM8O5cCmANK3gFCh6AudimAdgG6X_pvWaNRN4DIJPYa8rT-HHz28KW-lyo/s1600/%2522soul+hole%2522+image.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I was born and raised in the the Southern California Dessert. It rarely rained but when it did we would experience what are known as “Flash floods”. After the rain had stopped and the flood waters receded. This is what would be left behind. Cracks or Holes in the dry scorched earth. Some larger and deeper than others. These larger and deeper crevasses give rise to smaller ones <b>but they are all somehow connected.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I spent some time with the Lord and processed this minds eye picture He had given me. I saw the dessert wash as my own soul. </span> The cracks in the earth were my “soul holes”.</div>
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The times in my life that these crater like places originated varied in depth and degree of damage. <b> </b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<b> But regardless they left a void an impact...a hole.</b> </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I believe we all have these “holes in our souls.” They represent times in our lives when something<b> </b>traumatic or very difficult happened. </span>A death or loss, failed relationship or divorce, a major disappointment. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> These holes could have been made by someone else or maybe choices that we ourselves made. </span>The common theme however, is what ever happened it left an empty space in our souls. </div>
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Whatever the reason it originated most of us spend the rest of our lives trying to fill it. Some fill it with a relationships, sex, food, drugs, alcohol, money and material things. <b>Whatever it is it NEVER satisfies the longing in our soul! Our “soul hole” just NEVER seems to get filled!!</b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> For some of us our “soul holes” are surrounded by a slippery edge. Every time anyone or anything gets near that edge, even if they mean well, and are there to help, they get sucked in to the ugly dark, mistrusting well in our souls. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Until you first identify your “soul holes” and how you have been filling them you spend countless hours sucking life down into that ugly place. I know I sure have.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> God helped me identify one of my deepest “soul holes” through this study. What’s interesting is that I thought that hole was covered over and redeemed. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I’ve realized now that it has been filled by the “rains” that have come in my life. The times of refreshing I have experienced. The “rain”, in my opinion, represents when people have “poured” into these areas of my life through encouraging words and even powerful prayer times. I leave those times feeling filled up, refreshed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> But this hole is so large and deep and <b>when my walk has been desert dry and the “flood waters” have receded and the enemy’s lies scorch like the desert heat I am left with a gaping dry deep crevice in my soul.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> What this study has challenged me to do is look for the refreshing to come from the opposite direction. By tapping in and digging deep!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I learned in order for these holes to stay filled I needed to go deeper into the vast darkness, as painful, scary and intimidating as it is. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I love the 40 weight lyrics that read...<b><br />
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I wait for You to hear me<br />
Won't You come just a little bit closer<br />
Your love is deeper than the oceans<br />
I go down, I still breathe</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>And wait for You to fill me up<br />
Fill me up<br />
Won't You come now and fill me up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This 1000 gifts study challenged me to move beyond my pain, failure, disappointments & darkness and to tap into “The well spring of life!! That’s where Jesus is. <b>That’s WHO JESUS IS! </b> That’s where the refreshing lies. <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> </b>When Jesus spoke in His conversation with the woman at the well in John 4:14<b> He says... “BUT WHOEVER DRINKS THE WATER I GIVE THEM WILL NEVER THIRST. INDEED, THE WATER I GIVE THEM WILL BECOME IN THEM A SPRING OF WATER WELLING UP TO ETERNAL LIFE.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <b>Jesus is the LIVING WATER to our souls!!! </b>When you are tapped into that constant source of living water your soul holes are constantly filled and refreshed with clean, pure, HOLY WATER!!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> So how have I “tapped in” to this living water! What are the things that I have been doing to “fill” my soul holes.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> It is first in the recognition and in the Thanksgiving. In realizing that beyond that hole lies an opportunity of a lifetime. <b> Had they not have been there I may not have needed HIM. And oh how grateful I am for NEEDING HIM! </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I then remember and recall His faithfulness. His redemption in spite of my choices. I look at my incredible husband and beautiful children and I am Grateful and Thankful with every ounce of my being. <b>That my God Loves me that much to gift me with their lives. </b> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I acknowledge that without particular soul holes in my life I would not have the heart for broken young women that I have. <b> I am thankful. I tap in....Holy Water flows....</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> At the last lesson Ann talks about how water flows into a river, The Jordan River and flows downward into two other bodies of water- The Sea of Galilee and The Dead Sea.</span></div>
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<b>A quote from the book....</b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “The first to be fed from the freshwater of the Jordan is the Sea of Galilee. It receives water in the north and it gives from the south as the Jordan continues to flow downward. The Sea of Galilee, it teems with life; it is fresh, and alive with fish. If you dive into this clear water, you can open your eyes and swim freely.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “The second body of water is the Dead Sea. It also receives from the north as the Jordan pours forth its freshwater. The difference is that the Dead Sea does not give. The Dead Sea just takes. There is no outlet” As a consequence, nothing can live in its toxic, mineral-filled , bitter waters, If you dive into this body of water and open your eyes, you will need to call a medic, it burns like acid.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “Two seas fed by the same by the same river. <b>One gives and lives. The other holds on and dies.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “What is true for these ancient bodies of water is just as true in our lives. When we receive gifts, grace and joy and give them to others, we are fresh and filled with life. And when we receive, take and hold on to the good gifts of God and never pour out for others, we become bitter and toxic.”</span></div>
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I am inspired now to be like the Sea of Galilee to be constantly refreshed and tapped in to the source of Holy Water and then <b>instead of stagnating in my faith, holding onto this Grace and drying up. I will give and pour out this water of Life to others.</b></div>
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There is a song that several of us sang in Sunday School growing up. As God was speaking to me about this “soul hole” concept. He reminded me of this song on day. I have sang this song several times in my life but NEVER have I really recognized the power in the lines of this song until now. It is a song we have now been singing on a regular basis around our house.<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Since it is Mother’s Day I have asked my two beautiful Children to help me sing it. I would also love it if you joined in if you know it. Most importantly, as you sing the lyrics pay attention to the power and truth that they hold.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>RIVER OF LIFE</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Opens prison doors, sets the captives free</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Spring up a well within my soul</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Spring up a well and make me whole</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Spring up a well and give to me</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That life Abundantly!!!!</span></div>
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-55465406122046558932013-03-15T14:19:00.002-07:002013-03-15T14:21:04.247-07:00Happy 9th Birthday to our "Lily Girl!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Lily Girl,<br />
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Happy 9th Birthday to our beautiful girl! As always I start these letters out by looking at the photos that we took of you over the last year. I think we can all agree the transition from age eight to nine has most definitely had it's "highs" and "lows." However, I believe we can also agree that you moved into your ninth year on a definite "high note" with the arrival of your sweet Honey Bear!<br />
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As I put you to bed last night and shared with you the story of the day you were born I was astounded how vividly I remembered those moments. I honestly remember meeting you and holding you for the first time as if it was yesterday. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with this new level of love that my heart was experiencing for the very first time. What I had no clue of, at that time, was that I was only barely touching the surface of the deep well of love that existed in my heart for you. <br />
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This year I discovered another level of that love as I watched you struggle and hurt. The beginning of that loss of the blissful, oblivion of childhood was very evident over this year. Disappointments at school, rejection, friendship troubles, insecurities about your self image, and even discovering the truth about Santa were all very rough realities that this last year brought with it. <br />
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However, it gave us an opportunity to tap deeper into that "love well" for you. It gave us the chance to sit with you, hold you and pour out upon you ALL the truth we know about who your God created you to be! <br />
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The reality is my sweet Lily Girl that this life is really rough sometimes. I wish I could say this year was the end of those disappointments and challenges. However, it is my hearts desire and prayer that you will forever remember WHO you are in Christ Jesus and that in Him we have a hope and a future. I hope you will always know as well, that when it is difficult to remember or hold on to that truth, that your Daddy and I will be right beside you praying and reminding you of OUR love and HIS love for you!<br />
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Below are some photos over the last year that I believe capture the true essence of who you are my sweet, beautiful and gifted daughter. <br />
All my Love,<br />
Mommy<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wV1FYhsWGZymlDzyMKNZ_12MueWCoG7-Ep-Su3TxmVhTHTB_GbPAuDXZwF7pLpqxYtms6N972dIh4MXRElyHPpepcbwDHl0LgYd4N8IkW4NWZVPQk6R_V-OdHUbANuaMKmV8KSC5hJg/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wV1FYhsWGZymlDzyMKNZ_12MueWCoG7-Ep-Su3TxmVhTHTB_GbPAuDXZwF7pLpqxYtms6N972dIh4MXRElyHPpepcbwDHl0LgYd4N8IkW4NWZVPQk6R_V-OdHUbANuaMKmV8KSC5hJg/s320/IMG_0833.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An incredible Big Sister that loves her "bubby" very much!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7eCPlpTyZxAPxtFZYj2yrZfKQrfndF3dQV1otvFaxLTNKMFeNY8dfP7GhADtrp69y6Uxt5ejyMCLi5Tf8n04cbaiRyHRea5gadouV6ke4NP1YG9knIrVtWwAiKsf5gP5WuSbTp1caU/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7eCPlpTyZxAPxtFZYj2yrZfKQrfndF3dQV1otvFaxLTNKMFeNY8dfP7GhADtrp69y6Uxt5ejyMCLi5Tf8n04cbaiRyHRea5gadouV6ke4NP1YG9knIrVtWwAiKsf5gP5WuSbTp1caU/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A "Prayer Warrior" you prayed for your Auntie Stace <br />and God answered your prayers in a mighty way! <br />So grateful you have her in your life!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn76nlGIpSrGH5Lxa6dJm11emYbgsMMrfjkitDUBPLL_jp4yF83B3MX3L6xWjLq-V4HToCJrtF0e1iBQFqNSUXhU-kwZyjDEgvmSLUz8KANZnhxvKgvPrkgis3n6kpDsaH3jC2W-Tark/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn76nlGIpSrGH5Lxa6dJm11emYbgsMMrfjkitDUBPLL_jp4yF83B3MX3L6xWjLq-V4HToCJrtF0e1iBQFqNSUXhU-kwZyjDEgvmSLUz8KANZnhxvKgvPrkgis3n6kpDsaH3jC2W-Tark/s320/IMG_1811.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A "BFF". God answered another prayer and brought you a great friend that lives right across the street from us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_85e91qh4fr5YaDPHjtPWUEtoJdD0N_sceKhaGoVbo0HkF9h-qteVADxULAkEsT004hzGyX3FlpYEEBKwVZwPQ2a7n0vkOdWtfj_LlKEAqj7Z_UOQFSZ9KnBuSspxpmVZM7357KTfDP4/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_85e91qh4fr5YaDPHjtPWUEtoJdD0N_sceKhaGoVbo0HkF9h-qteVADxULAkEsT004hzGyX3FlpYEEBKwVZwPQ2a7n0vkOdWtfj_LlKEAqj7Z_UOQFSZ9KnBuSspxpmVZM7357KTfDP4/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Our little fish!" I love to watch you swim and play in the water! <br />You are a natural and your love for swimming is in your blood!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BKQU1mBCA9RONgF8g4IywnxZQUADqNJ7325lzDJFrztJIBlubEUFQrlBpz6LfcCxM9fLSZuE2Wj3ONOYwHAEeQMpbqCl10_tkt76hzDTOPX2WItWL1cR8AiTCDLba2flFmTHLLWMx-k/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BKQU1mBCA9RONgF8g4IywnxZQUADqNJ7325lzDJFrztJIBlubEUFQrlBpz6LfcCxM9fLSZuE2Wj3ONOYwHAEeQMpbqCl10_tkt76hzDTOPX2WItWL1cR8AiTCDLba2flFmTHLLWMx-k/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fun, energetic and creative! Your friends love to come play at your house!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0ywu2F0fUg1GnGehPoOfOxlE90QWDpY4WwsC4a9qRzP18DCpDFE5zhoBtCZmM79K5YuX6o4kJh4OQ00OdTWr1z7nohRb3x2vsEnxV_ts1v8sLf-6pvHCBo-eedXMW3nRjz7KH2BPWF8/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0ywu2F0fUg1GnGehPoOfOxlE90QWDpY4WwsC4a9qRzP18DCpDFE5zhoBtCZmM79K5YuX6o4kJh4OQ00OdTWr1z7nohRb3x2vsEnxV_ts1v8sLf-6pvHCBo-eedXMW3nRjz7KH2BPWF8/s320/IMG_1814.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Daddy's Girl"! You have a special bond with your Daddy! <br />You are confident and secure in every ounce of his love! <br />He has done an amazing job at setting an example<br /> of how a man is to love you someday!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Y-Mbkn42aKPdXD32cKY4Tre0kAXIa78VrvcUHxyg_QsG8H_3vUe3June1j3M3b_H_kl90xaU1h03Irvbb_68RCSRL5zAzouB9KwlNbzar6F4cBwl4Jk_Ht3aXvjvcJrgzcniiqzx2U/s1600/Lily+and+puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Y-Mbkn42aKPdXD32cKY4Tre0kAXIa78VrvcUHxyg_QsG8H_3vUe3June1j3M3b_H_kl90xaU1h03Irvbb_68RCSRL5zAzouB9KwlNbzar6F4cBwl4Jk_Ht3aXvjvcJrgzcniiqzx2U/s320/Lily+and+puppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"A lover of animals!" We are so thrilled we could finally get you your hearts desire! </span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiLGgiLmNushyj6b9Qd90JKAfE2kPudp_kLcDd9E6AiGDQsof6yBZf7SjhVdMCDJAeZi0ABGcC89jMsSparbrrxsY4FIrlwMS1bKNSFQljORV9EvbdpGxF0orB6Hj1U3J6jtOUL6GmV8/s1600/IMG_2089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiLGgiLmNushyj6b9Qd90JKAfE2kPudp_kLcDd9E6AiGDQsof6yBZf7SjhVdMCDJAeZi0ABGcC89jMsSparbrrxsY4FIrlwMS1bKNSFQljORV9EvbdpGxF0orB6Hj1U3J6jtOUL6GmV8/s320/IMG_2089.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A girl with one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met!<br />You have received the "Caring" award 4 years in a row:)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Generous and loving! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You baked this cake for your Daddy to congratulate him on the new shop! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All your idea!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Our Rock Star in the making"!<br />I love that you are so self confident you will get up in front of a crowd of strangers <br />and rock out with your favorite "Rock Stars!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSDlrW9KMSQdydzkFX6ZdBOQeNssBf1vM_YEfFYkG30A_RAMMzW1dUBBE7B_LHcOwoa9Qwc7BGn0blrPheImf_pUQzntJne1xqjAFkPt0lpJWRXf0YRXX8sCjBHJ-6gA_Q_ebvhbKmiI/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSDlrW9KMSQdydzkFX6ZdBOQeNssBf1vM_YEfFYkG30A_RAMMzW1dUBBE7B_LHcOwoa9Qwc7BGn0blrPheImf_pUQzntJne1xqjAFkPt0lpJWRXf0YRXX8sCjBHJ-6gA_Q_ebvhbKmiI/s320/IMG_1354.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"A Happy Camper"! You absolutely LOVE camping! <br />You are not afraid to get dirty and enjoy every ounce of the experience!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DnQrz0GOn6GhFRrnGbRrHdXEwsRUtMO9S2CtmEp_HMiBBJI7CMDY2Em71eu2LrIN3uaOjxhC7vahAxNBjHCjq4YRZuvciCuC9Ww5g6PDy0wMbfEubAhs-BtjgqWkrXKjD7mE1oVvJBM/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DnQrz0GOn6GhFRrnGbRrHdXEwsRUtMO9S2CtmEp_HMiBBJI7CMDY2Em71eu2LrIN3uaOjxhC7vahAxNBjHCjq4YRZuvciCuC9Ww5g6PDy0wMbfEubAhs-BtjgqWkrXKjD7mE1oVvJBM/s320/IMG_1934.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"A Brownie"! You have enjoyed joining Brownies this year!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9tZzhVdKFiyT2lB9pKRUZHilYGqtI654fCSyJZNsnIE2SbfcMeG0rADn9T4y9kVqHyIfSUGOj9ad0XmYtwot7CHAR_ggVYuq54LwVuvja66xkoohNEYmm8Zd-cbaSJWD4_JUp53Q360/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9tZzhVdKFiyT2lB9pKRUZHilYGqtI654fCSyJZNsnIE2SbfcMeG0rADn9T4y9kVqHyIfSUGOj9ad0XmYtwot7CHAR_ggVYuq54LwVuvja66xkoohNEYmm8Zd-cbaSJWD4_JUp53Q360/s320/IMG_2406.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"A bit crazy with a great sense of humor!"<br />You love to laugh and enjoy life <br />and don't take yourself to seriously most of the time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYInyPcSN_31CRZKGqrLWmnFS1wIqa6bSfiZCjzKHSAniw_BybVNsWEEP7qJ_E13E1rW8aHKBTEyDtGQNhdKpEsqWsZ-H6ZroaBjRQm8uAIf4KvWm5MOeaxOxDVvTLFuux1hAM40UY-0/s1600/IMG_2883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYInyPcSN_31CRZKGqrLWmnFS1wIqa6bSfiZCjzKHSAniw_BybVNsWEEP7qJ_E13E1rW8aHKBTEyDtGQNhdKpEsqWsZ-H6ZroaBjRQm8uAIf4KvWm5MOeaxOxDVvTLFuux1hAM40UY-0/s320/IMG_2883.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Helpful"! You loved helping Grammy decorate her tree!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOKgDIplMuli1SQkm0VH0hP-r1kKgMlhrJqBuJaR3T99f8GOUhXHIVsEg9ZYLabcXsGm8sYQyiuQ0mGzlNZFGcBPgW1kk8Z9sEEv2PBkm9khSV1t9c8FuJ3pp7q_rYgcAi-Ex7Taovq0/s1600/IMG_2725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOKgDIplMuli1SQkm0VH0hP-r1kKgMlhrJqBuJaR3T99f8GOUhXHIVsEg9ZYLabcXsGm8sYQyiuQ0mGzlNZFGcBPgW1kk8Z9sEEv2PBkm9khSV1t9c8FuJ3pp7q_rYgcAi-Ex7Taovq0/s320/IMG_2725.jpg" width="248" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Our nature lover!" <br />You still love to explore and find "treasures".<br /> You have done this since your were just a little girl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRgmB0Ct0T5WxvjEz7-4K1ZTng0lO_53g6cP8hyHNMfCYdpsipVSLk1iV8N-3PwDWdD_yI21zzwjkcQj_Mp-r_tUmubfQpGmry5PxNwN9c3zbvuQ-VKH0SE-OPbOLegi59NLxXfPCbL8/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRgmB0Ct0T5WxvjEz7-4K1ZTng0lO_53g6cP8hyHNMfCYdpsipVSLk1iV8N-3PwDWdD_yI21zzwjkcQj_Mp-r_tUmubfQpGmry5PxNwN9c3zbvuQ-VKH0SE-OPbOLegi59NLxXfPCbL8/s320/IMG_2486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Lover of books"! I love to see you read and <br />hear you tell, in great detail about the stories you have read!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qx35OTG9-z5o02GJJEWKiH4oLCYVAWdf6MVTt0YKlig5pcNC98kAjWBw_9NdZQtMghhfAztgqAKCzL535LF3G6HCqZwaOk2NxxQHnUzdBad3QHemYxGWx2Pv3uYRlkiQhmkYkmH4fcc/s1600/2013-02-17+13.10.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qx35OTG9-z5o02GJJEWKiH4oLCYVAWdf6MVTt0YKlig5pcNC98kAjWBw_9NdZQtMghhfAztgqAKCzL535LF3G6HCqZwaOk2NxxQHnUzdBad3QHemYxGWx2Pv3uYRlkiQhmkYkmH4fcc/s320/2013-02-17+13.10.03.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I hope you never stop wanting me to sing to you<br />
my sweet "Popsicle Toes!"<br />
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Happy 9th Birthday</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u><b>"Popsicle Toes"</b></u><br />I love your popsicle toes, your sweet little nose,<br />your eyes that shine bright as the sky!<br /><br />I love your popsicle toes, I even love your elbows, <br />love your belly belly belly button too!<br /><br />I love your arms and your legs, <br />your Father made no mistakes,<br />You're perfect in every way!<br /><br />And I just can't get enough of that sweet little touch,<br /> it chases all my blues away....<br /></span></td></tr>
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-89357927511531356602013-01-25T09:26:00.001-08:002013-01-25T09:26:41.442-08:00"A View from the Other Side of the Bedside"<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have been a Registered Nurse for just over 17 years now. I have worked most of my Career in a Critical Care & Recovery Room environment. I have worked 11 of my 17 years at Kaiser Roseville. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I left Nursing School ready to fight for every patient, ready to advocate, stand in the gap, treat every patient as if they were my own family member. I had this extreme sense of pride and felt as if I was fulfilling the “calling” or “mission” for my life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Now, 17 years in, I still consider myself “above average” in most of those areas. However, there are areas in which I have grown complacent, grizzled, jaded and judgmental. I rush. I avoid eye contact. I am annoyed by patients and their family members. I am lazy, inflexible and if I am completely honest...I have lost sight of who I am and what I am called to be as a Registered Nurse.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I believe in God. It says in the Bible that “in <b>all</b> <b>things</b> God <b>works</b> for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I believe that the experiences I have had over the last two weeks, although painful and difficult for my family and I, will be used to bring about “good” in my future as a nursing professional and in the lives of my future patients and their family members.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> On Saturday January 5th I received a call from my Mother-in-Law that my Father-in-Law had passed out and fallen in the garage. I immediately encouraged her to call 911 and have my Father-in-Law taken to the hospital. She did, and he was, and so began my metamorphosis as a nursing professional. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> What’s interesting about this experience is that it is not necessarily new for me. I have had the roles reversed in the past. I have been a family member to a dying or ill loved one in a hospital setting. I have also been a patient. For some reason this time around has effected me on a much deeper level. I can honestly say that my approach to my profession has been irrevocably changed. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> My Father-in-Law was transferred priority one to another local hospital for severe Aortic Stenosis and underwent open heart surgery to replace an Aortic Valve. After a fairly routine recovery it was decided that he was ready to be discharged. I was unable to be with my family at the time he was being readied for discharge. My family called with some concerns about the sounds of his breathing and his shortness of breath. I encouraged them to bring this immediately to the nurses attention. They did and were told that patients “can sound like this.” After I got off of work I arrived to check on my Father-in-Law who was in extreme respiratory distress. We called 911 and he was readmitted to Kaiser Roseville within 3 hours of discharge in respiratory failure and acute CHF. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I was now in that oddly uncomfortable place of knowing too much and not enough all at the same time. That place that so many of us as health care professionals have been when we are thrust into standing with a family member through a trying medical experience. You feel powerful and powerless. You hold the credentials yet have no actual power to assert them. You watch the others putting their stethoscopes on your family member, drawing labs, starting IV’s, giving meds. It is a careful balancing act to maintain the perfect “poker face” while at times biting your tongue and holding your breath until you feel as if you may explode. Then you finally decide to say something...You decide that it is time to drop that ever so subtle hint that you may know a little more than the “average bear”. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Admit it, as medical professionals we have all been there at one time or another. You are going about your business, caring for your patient. Then you know “<b><i>THAT FAMILY MEMBER” </i></b>drops the hint. Some of us choose to ignore it initially, all the while “uping our game” a bit in the off chance this person may actually know what they are talking about. As the family members hints get more obvious, we at times grow more defensive. That defensive dynamic that exists between the care giver and <b>“<i>THAT FAMILY MEMBER”</i>,</b> is one that is difficult to explain but it is such a common reality. A reality of which I have experienced first hand in a major way over the past two weeks. The reality of this “dynamic” has contributed in a profound way to one of the areas of personal growth & transformation I feel that is happening in my career as a nursing professional.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> How does the saying go...”don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in their shoes.” Well I can say I have walked well over a mile in those shoes over the past two weeks. Standing in the shoes of “<b><i>THAT FAMILY MEMBER</i>”</b> are the shoes of someone who is very afraid for the life of someone very dear to them. They are the shoes of someone that knows and has seen the “worst of the worst”. <b><i>“THAT FAMILY MEMBER” </i></b>has seen this situation their loved one is in and it hasn’t always turned out the way you are telling them it will. They are most importantly the shoes of someone who is being looked at by other loved ones for answers and explanations and the pressure is great. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have learned that rather than seeing this person wearing these shoes, as someone who is trying to outrun you. More importantly see them as someone who is just there walking beside you through the process of seeking the best possible outcome for <i>your</i> patient and their loved one. Welcome their questions. Seek their input without being threatened. Share information with them on a level they can understand and don’t condescend to them. They are your team members in this race, NOT your opponent. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This “defensive dynamic” I speak of was much more “the exception” than it was “the rule” during my experience. Especially at Kaiser Roseville. However, it existed and it is because I experienced it that I learned so much about myself and the nurse I aspire to be. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> You see I want to be a nurse and work with a team of nurses like the ones working the night shift in the ICU at Kaiser when my Father-in-Law was admitted. We were so warmly greeted by everyone. Anne his nurse gave us reassurance and helped encourage us to go home and get much needed rest. I want to be the kind of nurse that leaves a lasting impression on you, like Hillary. She had a kind, compassionate way about her that put all of us at ease. I want to be a nurse like LaiLani. She took the time to sit down in the midst of her very busy day and return my phone call to tell me how my Father-in Law was doing. I want to always be a nurse with keen assessment skills like Monica & Becca. They saw that my Father-in-Law was struggling, followed their instincts, made the right calls and made things happen. They are incredible nurses and deserve to be acknowledged. I would like to have the same jovial bedside manner as Tony in the ICU. He kept my Father-in-Law in good spirits under a trying and difficult time. I aspire to be a nurse like, Julie, who disarmed me with her peaceful spirit and warm reassurance when I felt out of answers. I slept so well that night knowing he was in her care. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Finally I want to be a patient & family advocate like Joann in the ICU. She stopped & listened to our concerns. She then thoroughly assessed my Father-in-Law, passed the information on to Dr. Hajar. He then took the time to meet with us, consider our requests and plan my Father-in-Laws care with them in mind. <b>We felt heard! </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have learned that we can NEVER underestimate the importance of those two letters next to our name. We are Registered Nurses. With those two letters come extreme honor as well as incredible responsibility. Regardless of how healthcare is changing there is one thing that will NEVER change. We have the power to “make or break” a situation. We have got to LISTEN to our patients and their families. We have got to LISTEN to that inner voice inside that tells us something is not right! We have got to be the eyes and ears for the Dr’s when they cannot or will not be at the bedside. We have got to remind ourselves of who we are and why it is we do what we do!!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> By no means am I saying I think I will now go out and be a perfect nurse. In fact, I worked today and felt far from that most of the time. What I can promise however is that I am going to be intentional with what I have learned through this. I am going to take some time before I go into work each day and remember the lessons learned over the past couple weeks, both the good and the bad. Finally, each day when I pin my badge on my uniform and put my stethoscope around my neck I am going to take a minute to recall my experiences from the other side of the bedside & thoughtfully consider my “calling” as a Registered Nurse. </span></div>
The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-31547336597926307942012-12-29T17:23:00.000-08:002012-12-29T17:23:28.072-08:00"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Boy"Dear Zion,<br />
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Happy Birthday my big three year old boy! I can't believe it has been three whole years since I first laid eyes on your handsome little face. <br />
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I looked back over the photos we took of you throughout this past year and was reminded of how very grateful I am for your life. You came into this world "fighting" and strong. You have proved every day of your life so far that you will live up to the very large and strong name that we gave you. <br />
You my son are the definition of a "strong willed child." This photo shows one of your first timeouts. You were so determined not to sit down or stand on your timeout matt. For over an hour and a half you refused to do so. You got so tired that you began to fall asleep standing up! Yes, my "little soldier", you are a force to be reckoned with! However, as the year has progressed so has your compliance. We have grown as parents in the area of discipline and you have learned to "choose your battles" a little more wisely. <br />
As challenging as you are at times, I could not be more grateful for your strength and resolve. I truly believe it will be one of your greatest strengths someday. But for now, I believe that stop sign and you will have quite a few more bonding moments in your future.<br />
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You are also a "Daddy's boy" through and through! You absolutely LOVE your Dad and enjoy spending time working at your "workbench" creating things together. You look forward to your "Daddy days" (the days mommy goes to work) every week. One of your favorite places to be is "cuddling" with your Daddy.<br />
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One of your biggest accomplishments this year is that you are fully potty trained! It took much longer, 6 months to be exact, but success was finally yours!!! You are so proud of yourself and love that you finally get to wear "big boy chonnies" all the time! Mommy and Daddy are super excited to have the $80 bucks back in the monthly budget as well!<br />
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<b>Some more fun and "firsts"....</b><br />
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You and "your Rah Rah"</div>
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"You so Crae Crae" (Thanks Rox)</div>
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Our Mighty Dragon Slayer</div>
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Can you "wink like an owl hiding in a tree?" (a line from one of your favorite books)</div>
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You are so "Rock n Roll"</div>
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You love to fly kites</div>
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You love your BFF "Grady"</div>
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Such a handsome little man!</div>
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Our little "structural engineer"</div>
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You loves you some "Nuffins"...AKA doughnuts</div>
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First time eating cotton candy! You weren't sure at first and actually threw it on the ground!</div>
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First trip to Disneyland</div>
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You had an amazing time and were such a trooper!</div>
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First time putting the star on the tree!</div>
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Always making us laugh!</div>
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It is hard to to explain my deep love for you my son. There are moments when I am so overwhelmed by this love it literally takes my breath away. Moments like when we are cuddling in bed on a slow Saturday morning. I pull you close, so close that I can feel your heartbeat and smell your sweet stinky breath and I am overwhelmed by a love that I can only explain as intoxicating. </div>
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You are one of the most amazing gifts a mother could ask for and I am so very grateful God chose me to be your mommy. Happy Third Birthday my "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy!"</div>
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All my love,</div>
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Mommy</div>
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-84870335011452749222012-12-20T21:55:00.000-08:002012-12-20T21:55:03.951-08:00I thought we'd make it one more year...Tonight as Lily and I snuggled in bed to read our Christmas books I looked over and saw tears welled up in her eyes. "Mom", kids at school keep making fun of me because I still believe in Santa Claus." "They keep saying that it's just my parents, IS THAT TRUE?"...<br />
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The moment had come. The moment any parent that chooses to celebrate the tradition of Santa expects to eventually confront. Mine was tonight....and I am very sad:(<br />
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Last year she asked a couple leading questions, however, with some creativity we were able to pull it off for one more year. Tonight I knew that was not going to be possible. It was time...<br />
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I think my initial silence was enough. I think in her "heart of hearts" she knew what was coming. Tears streamed down her beautiful round cheeks. I got a book out of our book basket that told the story of Saint Nicholas and read it to her. As I read I also prayed that God would give me the words to explain it in a way that she could understand and that would comfort her in her disappointment. He did and the conversation we had actually went far better than I had imagined it would.<br />
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It is unfortunate that it is only days before Christmas and that the conversation could not have waited just one more year. But for whatever reason tonight was the night.<br />
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Even as I write this I am struck by the overwhelming sense of gratitude. As sad as that conversation was to have I am grateful for each day and each conversation I am given with my Lily girl. My heart aches for the parents, families and children in Connecticut that are having very different and much more difficult conversations during this holiday season.<br />
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So I will choose to remember and cherish our conversation tonight as a gift. Another day with my precious children, another Christmas to celebrate together as a family. God is so good and I am grateful.<br />
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Lily at Disneyland with Santa just a few days ago!</div>
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<br />The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-26009321171519976252012-12-10T16:55:00.002-08:002012-12-10T16:55:37.728-08:00I wish you had met them.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Daddy,<br />
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As I sit here reflecting on this day, ten years since your passing. I am a range of emotion. Being at the Lake yesterday stirred up some pretty amazing and precious memories for me. I will never take for granted that I was blessed with the opportunity to come along at a much different, more tolerant, patient and somewhat tenderized season of your Fatherhood. Although, it is a very long time since I have baited a hook or cast a line, I will cherish forever the memories of spending this time with you. <br />
As I watched my two beautiful children play along the shore yesterday I realized that although being the "baby" of the family had so many advantages, it came with one significant disadvantage. You never had the chance to meet two of the most incredible people I have ever met...my Lily and Zion. I can't help but see how you would fall madly and deeply in love with these two. I think you would see a whole lot of me in our Lily girl. I guarantee she would be right there with you in that boat baiting your hook with night crawlers. Our girl is not afraid to get a little worm guts on her. She has the most tender and loving soul. Her heart and compassion for others is something I know you would admire. I also know you would appreciate her bright mind and would love to hear of the many exciting and interesting facts she is always sharing. Being someone who appreciated a good laugh, I know you would enjoy her vast array of "knock knock" jokes!<br />
Zion would be your gardening buddy. I can just visualize him following you around the backyard watering just like the other Grandkids used to. He would also be the one hanging out in the garage with you. You would love to watch him Dad! He loves to "tinker" just like you did. He will spend huge chunks of time working on projects at his workbench. He bends and balances things until they are just so and them steps back with his hands on his hips and inspects them to make sure they are just right. You would so appreciate his attention to detail. He even throws mini fits just like you would when things don't go just right. I'm am however grateful your talent and gift for expletives don't accompany his tantrums:)<br />
I am also very sad you didn't have more of a chance to get to know my Jeremy. I know that in the time God gave you both you developed a quick and special bond. I think you would be so proud of what he has accomplished. I know he deeply loved and respected you and I am very grateful you were able to know him for the brief time you did. You would especially appreciate the fact that he is most comfortable wearing your much beloved "Bibs" and they are a regular part of his wardrobe now.<br />
I have no idea how things work up there in Heaven. Maybe you do know all these things and that would be pretty cool. I can honestly say as we were leaving the Lake yesterday and I looked up in the sky and saw that Hawk circling above us, it definitely made me wonder. Regardless of how it works here on earth I take such comfort in knowing that we will all be reunited with you someday in the presence of our Lord and oh what a celebration that will be.<br />
All My Love,<br />
Nanny<br />
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<br />The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-49066574205057809682012-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:002012-07-24T16:08:26.426-07:00The "Situation Changer" I haven't written a blog in over a year. I have been looking for something to inspire my writing and something today did the trick.<br />
Our daughter Lily has always been very strong willed. Over the last two years, since her brothers arrival, her strong willed personality has ramped up to "super charge." She literally challenges our every request..."but mom...," "I was just...", "It's not...". There is rarely a time when we ask her to do something that she does not have some sort of response other than "yes Mom or yes Dad." If you are a parent and have experienced this yourself you can relate to the exhausting nature of these verbal interactions. Why doesn't she just do what I asked the very first time with no arguing or complaining?<br />
This morning I read a particularly inspiring devotional that encouraged me to have no more "Unglued Mamma mornings." You know those mornings where you are rushed, frazzled and your children seem to be in slow motion. Those mornings that bring out the very best in you as a parent and person ;) I am ALL to familiar with those mornings and have been having way to many of them as of late.<br />
As a mother there is the all too familiar and powerful emotion known as "mother's guilt." I have also been experiencing more than my share of it lately, in regards to my relationship with my daughter. I so desire to do right by her. More often than not I end up defeated having those "what have I done wrong" thoughts overcome my mind. Today, even after my encouraging devotional and my attempts at not having an "unglued mamma morning", I still left the house frustrated and disappointed in how both my daughter <i>and </i>I handled the morning.<br />
We joined my sister-in-law and her kids at our local "cement slide park" for a picnic. We enjoyed a good couple hours that unfortunately ended on a pretty dramatic note. A young man playing baseball with his brother and friends was struck in the head with a hardball and lost consciousness. We ended up calling 911 and assisting the boy while we waited for the paramedics to arrive. I do believe he will be ok but with my background in trauma nursing and the divot in his forehead I knew we should "air on the side of caution." <br />
The young man was taken away and we packed up our stuff and headed for our cars. As we were walking my daughter said to me, "Mom, as soon as we get in the car I think we should pray for that boy." "You, are absolutely right, my love", was my response. And boy, did she..... We got into that car and my daughter prayed the most beautiful, eloquent and mature prayer I have ever heard come out of her mouth. It literally took my breath away.<br />
On the drive home I was overwhelmed by the power of the Grace of God that I have not experienced in a very long time. As a mother, I may have failed in many areas, but God very clearly showed me in that moment, that one thing I have done right is pray FOR, WITH & AROUND my daughter. Lily, even at 8 years old, clearly demonstrated that she believes in the power of prayer as something that can change a situation! I was so proud of her and so humbled all at the same time. <br />
So will I have more "unglued mamma mornings?"...Absolutely!!! However I will now remember this day when my daughter taught me to go straight to the SOURCE and directly to the "situation changer", Himself!<br />
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The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-29520441646540576732011-02-10T17:40:00.000-08:002011-02-10T17:40:37.869-08:00Information Overload!! Well, the day is winding down. Lily is having a play date with some neighborhood friends. Zi is about to go down for a much needed nap. I should probably be doing and folding the mounds of laundry that have piled up in only two days. However, as I mentioned before one way I process information is by writing. I will now attempt to "download" all the information from todays appointment with the Hematologist that is still whirling around in my brain onto this page of our blog What better way to make sense of all the new information we received today and update everyone all at the same time.<br />
We had an appointment scheduled for 10:15 this morning. This was during Zi's regular nap time. As you can imagine it was a bit of a challenge keeping him content, especially due to the fact the Dr. didn't come into the room until almost 11:15. I kept perspective the entire time realizing that he could have been speaking to a child's parents that were going through something much harder than we were. They may have had a list of questions even longer than mine. <br />
The Dr. spent at least 45 minutes with us, covering both Zi's diagnosis of ITP and why, based on his lab results and clinical presentation he did not believe Zion has Leukemia. Acute ITP usually presents after a child has experienced a viral illness. Based on the fact that Zion was sicker than a dog about 3 weeks ago after his six, (yes six all at the same time) vaccinations and viral illness that came on at the same time, it made perfect since and confirmed even further the diagnosis of ITP. Basically, he explained ITP as "friendly fire." When Zion's immune system was hit with a big job to do it "went into overdrive" and the antibodies that your body usually makes to fight infection for some "unknown reason" began attacking his bodies own platelets and attaching themselves to them. Then his spleen which has the job of destroying the cells that the antibodies attach themselves to gets a bit confused and just destroys these good platelets that the antibodies are hitching a ride with figuring they are "Foreign invaders." Yikes, "information overload," hence the title of my blog today. <br />
The Dr. then went on to explain all our treatment options which ranged from doing nothing to admitting him as an inpatient and giving him an IV treatment over a three day period for six hours a day. Based on Zion's age and stage of life (a one year old learning to walk) and the possibility of getting injured and causing dangerous bleeding the Dr. did not recommend the "doing nothing" option.<br />
So where do we go from here.... We have chosen the least invasive route to begin with and would like you to join us in praying that this approach would work and completely cure Zion's condition. We began heavy doses of oral Prednisone today and will taper (or decrease) his dose every 4 days based on his lab results for an initial period of 16 days. Yes, that means every four days we will be going to the lab for blood draws. In addition Prednisone has some unpleasant side effects. We obviously are not looking forward to this but are more than willing considering what our news <i>could </i>have been yesterday.<br />
I was so concerned to give Zion his first dose today. Normally he takes medication well but the pharmacist warned me that although it was flavored it was extremely bitter. She encouraged me to taste a little on my finger prior to administering it to him. Let me just say, I can sum it up in one word...NASTY!! I prayed big time before giving it to him and God is so good. Zion took it like a champ and actually wanted more! He also loves to suck on Lemons... go figure!<br />
So that's the latest! We are asking for prayer that Zion will respond beautifully to this first line of treatment and be completely healed! The information that I have read says that Acute ITP is curable in 80-90% of children diagnosed as early as Zion. Praise God! Please pray our little man falls right smack dab in the middle of that percentage! Please also pray that he does not suffer any of the unfortunate side effects of these steroids. We would also pray for protection from injury and infection and especially that our family remains healthy during this entire process. One of those "unfortunate side effects" is that they are more prone to illness while on the Prednisone.<br />
Lastly, I want to again thank everyone for your outpouring of love, support and prayer. Your comments are just so uplifting and have encouraged us tremendously. We love you all and will continue to keep you posted as we navigate these "uncharted waters." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrm1xg93ZrBMz-qxb0QQeQijECiY5r7s6mrgtkv-1W8dR-Pm0lg3DQi7rL_GAbfKV4hxsU6Dhn2TnA06VOumBc7K3RxYxIzopcSUUcMMbeZB7p656l49JvyUg3Z5KyYiAogW7QAMuOEs/s1600/DSC01343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrm1xg93ZrBMz-qxb0QQeQijECiY5r7s6mrgtkv-1W8dR-Pm0lg3DQi7rL_GAbfKV4hxsU6Dhn2TnA06VOumBc7K3RxYxIzopcSUUcMMbeZB7p656l49JvyUg3Z5KyYiAogW7QAMuOEs/s320/DSC01343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zi Zi....always into somethin!</div> The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-79350087161868933142011-02-09T22:07:00.000-08:002011-02-09T22:11:39.506-08:00What a day! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Today started out just like any other day. I woke up spent my time with the Lord, walked with a friend and then came home to start the morning routine. Today was my work day and so the morning seemed a little rushed as usual. Zion woke up late so I didn't get my usual morning snuggle time in. I am so grateful God allowed me a quick minute to grab up my son and cuddle him before I got ready for my day. Still in his footies I looked down and saw some tiny pinhead sized purple spots on his right hand and lower arm. Of course my nursing skills kicked directly in and I stripped him down to his diaper and began examining ever nook and cranny of his little naked body. More little purple spots began popping up here and there. With each small dot my anxiety level rose. I am a bit of a paranoid mother and couple that with being a nurse that is exposed now to all kinds of pediatric illness and cancer and you get a recipe for disaster. The scales tipped when he was eating breakfast and I noticed little black spots on his tongue. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> I immediately reached for the phone and contacted the advice nurse. I was placed on hold for a ten minute period that felt like an eternity. There were no appointments available so I insisted the advice nurse have a Dr. Call me for a telephone consult. She assured me that a Dr. would call me within a four hour period. I could tell by the tone in her voice based on my description of his symptoms the concern was mutual. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Knowing that I needed to go to work due to my lack of sick time I put on my best poker face and went in. On my way into work I called my prayer warriors and alerted them and asked them to spread the word. Within 15 minutes of being at work Jeremy called to tell me that the Dr. had called and wanted us to bring Zion in as soon as possible. Confirmation once again that my mothers heart and nursing experience was speaking very loudly that this was not something to be taken lightly. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We arrived at the clinic and were taken back to meet the Dr. who examined Zion very thoroughly and immediately explained to us that he would be ordering STAT blood work to determine what was happening to our son. The next few sentences that spilled from his mouth rocked Jeremy and I to our very core. He said that based on Zion's symptoms we could be looking at one of two things... the first being something called ITP: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This he explained would be the best of the two scenarios due to the fact that the alternative was the possibility of Zion having Leukemia. He explained if Zion was diagnosed with ITP it may require steroid treatment and blood transfusions but it was definitely the diagnosis we wanted to hear. We were then instructed to go to the lab, get some lunch and return to the clinic to review his test results in person. Ok I am a nurse but even the layperson knows reviewing labs in person means he is expecting those labs to be abnormal and possibly bad news. We left the clinic in absolute shock and entered a three hour period of time in our life that was the most fear filled, life flash before your eyes, sad, confusing, overwhelming, "what if"thinking, absolutely HORRIBLE time of our lives.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> The lab experience was horrid and it took two sticks and two different techs to finally get his specimen. He was not afraid to let the whole world know that this sucked and he was not ok with what they were doing to him. Poor little guy, already having bruising issues was left with a couple of nasty additional "war wounds" after all was said and done.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We left the lab drove home, fed Zion and changed him out of his goofy Christmas footies, Daddy had to bring him to the clinic in, in such a rush. As we sat at the table and talked Jeremy spoke of a thought that had been haunting him all day. Yesterday, he signed up to participate and organized a team from the shop to shave their heads to support childhood cancer research through Saint Baldricks this coming March. Yes, you will be hearing more about this in upcoming emails. And, yes, Jeremy is going to shave off all of those lovely locks that I am so madly in love with. We were just humbled by the irony of this and what we were now facing the possibility of. Talk about hitting close to home. I admitted, I too was having the same thoughts running through my head. The rest of the time we cried, hugged, prayed and then set out on the journey back across town to meet with the Dr. to hear Zion's lab results. During this drive I prayed probably harder than I have ever prayed in my entire life. Except of course when I prayed for him to survive through my pregnancy. Boy this little boy has given my knees a real run for their money in his very short little life so far. Anyhow, I pleaded with God "please spare my son from Cancer. Please God I beg you!!! But God, if you can't then please give us the courage and strength to face whatever journey you will place before us."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We are so grateful that the first words out of the Dr.'s mouth were..."Well he doesn't have Leukemia!" The next words..."but he does have ITP." This, as I have said to many of you..."Was the best, "shitty" news I have heard in my entire life!" Praise God!!! We do have some uncharted waters to face and more than likely a lot more horrid lab experiences (sometimes twice a week apparently). However, we will take this over the alternative anytime!! Tomorrow we will meet with a Hematologist and gain more understanding of where we go from here. We do know he has a "VERY LOW" platelet count (which helps with blood clotting) and this is not the best combination for a one year old BOY that is learning to walk. Yikes! Please pray for safety and protection from injury as we try to protect our little dare devil from hurting himself! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We left the office and it was as if someone pushed the decompress button. As unknown as our future looks concerning this we felt such a relief after his diagnosis. I am so humbled by the fact that parents all over the world, on a daily basis face what we did not have to today. They enter a Dr.'s office and hear that their beautiful child has Cancer. They have prayed just as hard as we have and for whatever reason they got a different answer. I am overwhelmed and have a brand new perspective on those that walk through this "valley of the shadow of death." I am just once again, simply overwhelmed by this.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Throughout this entire experience we were receiving texts, phone calls, voicemails and Facebook posts from all of you who knew what was going on. I can honestly say, as afraid as we were your prayers and love were felt so profoundly by the both of us. I told my friend and Pastor that I have no idea how people get through these type of life moments and not have the support of friends, family and The Body of Christ to be praying and lifting them up. It is the most beautiful and comforting thing to know that you are not in the trenches alone. Thank you to everyone who has been lifting us up in prayer and sending love our way. We ask that you continue to hold our family & specifically "Our little warrior" up as we enter this next phase of this journey. We promise to keep you posted along the way. Goodnight, for now..this mama needs some sleep..ZZZZ</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQayb7Y65kM6qX2mx2FcUZwHo-FUkFLKgJUHVik8BjuiKpG-VprCV9pu-VCTBk-xJVymmNvIgyPZWuMKRV2akER6h57S4S2EV3Zk-c8Hj3zK9YRz3RdM3gs_znyrKnwNqjRJBR0wPf6VM/s1600/DSC_5257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQayb7Y65kM6qX2mx2FcUZwHo-FUkFLKgJUHVik8BjuiKpG-VprCV9pu-VCTBk-xJVymmNvIgyPZWuMKRV2akER6h57S4S2EV3Zk-c8Hj3zK9YRz3RdM3gs_znyrKnwNqjRJBR0wPf6VM/s320/DSC_5257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Our little warrior taking a "swipe" at his not so happy big sister:)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7qG8rnFz_J7_4QKEs8zWhzLVdQ1UWrLlye1BfjF6aLhhQVVhpx5ylANilpAfzFk8XDVpAZNQuK0xaTiO2nxBBNGWDocO3EwD35dl2gKMlPQxkF8YFQ_Odq39aB58iwobpzWPZtIqa5E/s1600/DSC01373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7qG8rnFz_J7_4QKEs8zWhzLVdQ1UWrLlye1BfjF6aLhhQVVhpx5ylANilpAfzFk8XDVpAZNQuK0xaTiO2nxBBNGWDocO3EwD35dl2gKMlPQxkF8YFQ_Odq39aB58iwobpzWPZtIqa5E/s320/DSC01373.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Zion and Roxy playing in the sand just three days ago. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyy1zH47pkhngwREk6Nglw340U5jzTj63-vrF5FngBQDNjFPI7NMs5ynnDbJnROqTkG2-Rf2YApH2mT5FXDabH4vU3lM52X8GrRxyI0d3yagWw4SHTJaOqpCzC36-iiKPbZ6ZrFZ8BZc/s1600/DSC01428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyy1zH47pkhngwREk6Nglw340U5jzTj63-vrF5FngBQDNjFPI7NMs5ynnDbJnROqTkG2-Rf2YApH2mT5FXDabH4vU3lM52X8GrRxyI0d3yagWw4SHTJaOqpCzC36-iiKPbZ6ZrFZ8BZc/s320/DSC01428.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Our family in Bodega on Monday!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-62143939651099925582010-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:002010-08-13T22:22:40.452-07:00Our Big First Grader!!!Lily has officially started First Grade. It is so hard to believe time has gone by so quickly. It's only been four days but, "so far so good!"<br />
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The very first day of class, Jeremy and I went with her and as I was taking pictures of her at her desk she looked up at me and said..."Ah Mom, Can't you see I have work here to be done!" OMG, I took that as a pretty big clue that she was ready for us to get lost! It was sooo sad and I have to admit I may have cried a tear or two on the ride home:) She was ready...obviously more than I was.<br />
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Lily hasn't had any homework yet. However, as you parents of school age children know, there is plenty of homework for us parents during the first week of school. I wanted to share with you one of our assignments that I thought was such an amazing idea. Her teacher asked us to write her (the teacher) a letter introducing our child to her. I quote, "No one knows your child better than you do." She encouraged us to give a brief biography, share special abilities, fears, strengths, weaknesses, as well as share our expectations of her as a teacher, our student, the school etc... <br />
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I found this assignment absolutely incredible. I had so much fun writing about my daughter. It really stirred me to think about who she truly was. The teacher said the assignment would be "rewarding" and that is exactly what it was. <br />
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I have included the letter I wrote to her teacher in this blog. I hope you enjoy learning about this pretty cool Big First Grader from her very proud Mommy's perspective.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S61hvUpE4wYZ74tzaZ8q7qtl_pcfTzfX0YmrWoQUSMSWZyS11rMnhPNorYzyHf1184XDP0o4RQPbSruxTs4JGGT9sqLSEvwdGZEi89Io15wO6uYa0LbhTNOwqe5T0g5UXOeXniiHP8s/s1600/DSC00332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S61hvUpE4wYZ74tzaZ8q7qtl_pcfTzfX0YmrWoQUSMSWZyS11rMnhPNorYzyHf1184XDP0o4RQPbSruxTs4JGGT9sqLSEvwdGZEi89Io15wO6uYa0LbhTNOwqe5T0g5UXOeXniiHP8s/s320/DSC00332.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily gets a big 1st Grade Hair Cut<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bTSTlXOOzXnxc-CRq47JKWyOzZ1gq4jDYDDyyrKiN-tokxOz0SbNX_DetRb3zrU6WwgM4q17s8xP0Q3l6siZipKJdu-lTtq197WtfRAJldMGS0gyqKu_d_CPd5BFljuoju_m5NOTwGk/s1600/DSC00334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bTSTlXOOzXnxc-CRq47JKWyOzZ1gq4jDYDDyyrKiN-tokxOz0SbNX_DetRb3zrU6WwgM4q17s8xP0Q3l6siZipKJdu-lTtq197WtfRAJldMGS0gyqKu_d_CPd5BFljuoju_m5NOTwGk/s320/DSC00334.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having a blast<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmiYIjX7VttEWaeVFZXPymQiJnvHRga3ZCmNggig4VSNAl7sIxi_C_AHsKoUTYBW0mluNahQCPlDk8xh6Zj8Qhzti1TujlS4glkl8qfRZPBbXOdpdBGgf6qieHo_U2-OBPmXJlagz8CQ/s1600/DSC00337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmiYIjX7VttEWaeVFZXPymQiJnvHRga3ZCmNggig4VSNAl7sIxi_C_AHsKoUTYBW0mluNahQCPlDk8xh6Zj8Qhzti1TujlS4glkl8qfRZPBbXOdpdBGgf6qieHo_U2-OBPmXJlagz8CQ/s320/DSC00337.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bye Bye long hair:(<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji5DJYDLO8KdDbO1h85YCcPF9oc8Pui4x5ap9wlzvhx5_-maxK2uYBRfGYkvsSjLbi_v4l7fQJr9DDzoSmvcwMoqLInTTWQGoRRWpUKwf1WgsegzVLP58L3w2ldj7Ih3XlYFJM70fMg8/s1600/DSC00345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji5DJYDLO8KdDbO1h85YCcPF9oc8Pui4x5ap9wlzvhx5_-maxK2uYBRfGYkvsSjLbi_v4l7fQJr9DDzoSmvcwMoqLInTTWQGoRRWpUKwf1WgsegzVLP58L3w2ldj7Ih3XlYFJM70fMg8/s320/DSC00345.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our big girl is growing up too quickly!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m6O-fNfiTq0UjqOlqgc4QEDG0ZguaSM9GZa6Tl1H07-anZz5Y5077kODc3VWkpXyuIIJzaKF_0LIfRNk938Fjc4-zP3glfTqlcST18EagGQFO4xoTby9RamumuUgP3OWnNgu4Ege66k/s1600/DSC00353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m6O-fNfiTq0UjqOlqgc4QEDG0ZguaSM9GZa6Tl1H07-anZz5Y5077kODc3VWkpXyuIIJzaKF_0LIfRNk938Fjc4-zP3glfTqlcST18EagGQFO4xoTby9RamumuUgP3OWnNgu4Ege66k/s320/DSC00353.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still having "Bodega moments"(That's our dog that passed away) She fell asleep with his chew toy:(<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLchlNvqk5fDzAQ1ERJNyexDkHgPbgs2acUNItgmMp1bNNo9pzA0erPixm4qNXglQnueDdbHNhIKfLnjmwWVn8_a4jU0IqYgpZpVMa8ifbrwG_bAoEiiGniZiWR4dVctsonZe0dJpBwo/s1600/DSC00360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLchlNvqk5fDzAQ1ERJNyexDkHgPbgs2acUNItgmMp1bNNo9pzA0erPixm4qNXglQnueDdbHNhIKfLnjmwWVn8_a4jU0IqYgpZpVMa8ifbrwG_bAoEiiGniZiWR4dVctsonZe0dJpBwo/s320/DSC00360.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First Day of School<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGY1Et_DwRdkDsoV6SMWscYnuOepNqlM2i4yGfViQMhZxAByf56tXevWl2o4c3GrIw1k47obCT8FcHTuWjebyNx9ysjsJmPX5dI6pTnXSHeYAfnpF4ljZQ3h_OFfWgBAEHcE-JDiddmA/s1600/DSC00362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGY1Et_DwRdkDsoV6SMWscYnuOepNqlM2i4yGfViQMhZxAByf56tXevWl2o4c3GrIw1k47obCT8FcHTuWjebyNx9ysjsJmPX5dI6pTnXSHeYAfnpF4ljZQ3h_OFfWgBAEHcE-JDiddmA/s320/DSC00362.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big 1st Grader</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDufoGxVIJmBmi3lZH5gb2SDWro2hf7ZQV2seqh89YaDjkrof-E_-cMFq30z-onSzmY8lEok92oAxFoXiEKYfrnwVUJgJ_K-PAqiG7e1jl89csK_V5ILm4cgr9ECb_EnCdTjIoMa9SCg/s1600/DSC00364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDufoGxVIJmBmi3lZH5gb2SDWro2hf7ZQV2seqh89YaDjkrof-E_-cMFq30z-onSzmY8lEok92oAxFoXiEKYfrnwVUJgJ_K-PAqiG7e1jl89csK_V5ILm4cgr9ECb_EnCdTjIoMa9SCg/s320/DSC00364.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the "mom you can get lost now" look!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Letter to Lily's teacher</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b></b></span></div><b><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8/10/10</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dear Mrs. L,</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Thank you for allowing us to introduce you to our "Lily Girl!" We appreciate this opportunity and value the fact that you have allowed us a voice.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> As you will soon find out, Lily has one of the biggest hearts of anyone we know. She is compassionate and caring. Lily's preschool teacher referred to her as "the heart" of their classroom. Lily has a very tender heart and often wears that heart right on her sleeve. They say "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," and in our case that is an understatement. I realized this when Lily and I were watching a touching movie together when she was around three years old. I looked over and Lily had tears streaming down her cheeks. I knew from that moment on she had inherited my sensitivity.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> This sensitivity is both, as you can imagine, a blessing as well as a curse at times. It is not uncommon for Lily to get her feelings hurt easily. Which will undoubtedly afford her ample learning experiences throughout her life time, especially at school. She generally responds well to a quick hug and simple encouragement and tends to move on easily. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Lily is your typical first born to over eager, "type A"(me, not so much my husband) parents. Yes, we were doing flash cards pretty much out of the gate and would have invested in "Your Baby Can Read" if only we could have afforded it. We now have a seven month old son and it is hilarious to reflect and see how much we have "lightened up" with our second. With this being said we still completely value the importance of reading to our children and have done so from the time they were both in utero. Lily was reading by the time she was three and has become very proficient over the last year. Our nightly routine consists of Lily choosing a book to read to her brother and then I spend time reading to the both of them. This summer we read "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane", are currently working on "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" series and then plan to move on the "The Indian in the Cupboard." </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> In the last year of Lily's life she experienced a big transition from being the only child and "Queen of the Castle" for nearly six years to being a big sister for the first time. Although she absolutely adores her brother Zion she did go through the expected jealous, where do I fit now, stage. She is now accepting her new role quite well and is an amazing helper and one of her brothers favorite people in the whole world.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Lily is bright and catches on quickly. As a student in the classroom, from what I have been able to observe, she seems to stay on task the majority of the time. However, I have also observed that when she is bored she tends to get distracted easily. I think that Lily does best when placed in a group that is a bit more academically challenging. Our hope is that she will "rise to the occasion" and meet these challenges as an opportunity to grow and learn. Lily is methodical and detail oriented. In some circles this may translate to SLOW! Whether eating her meal, making her bed or working on her homework she generally needs a few reminders to speed up the process. This may prove to be a challenge when trying to accomplish all that she needs to do during classroom time. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Lily has been recognized for her "leadership" characteristics and finds joy in helping others. Lily tends to be responsible and well behaved in the classroom and saves her "spicy moments," as we like to call them, for home. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Although Lily plays soccer, our family joke is that she "shows up for the oranges at half-time." Running is defiantly not Lily's favorite past time. However, we recognize the value of being involved in team sports as well as the obvious health benefits it offers. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"> </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> What Lily lacks athletically she makes up for with her artistic side. Lily is an aspiring musician and has been in drum lessons since the age of five. In fact if you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she will tell you she is going to be a "nurse by day and a rock star by night", along with a host of other various careers. Lily loves to create. She often spends her free time making crafts and drawing. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Lily is very social and tends to be friends with both boys and girls. It would not be uncommon to find Lily on the playground playing Star Wars with a group of boys one day and Little House on the Prairie with a group of girls the next. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> As far as expectations for this year it is our hope that Lily will continue to thrive academically and socially. We hope that having her as a student brings you joy. I still have such fond memories of my first grade teacher, Mrs. Miller. We hope that Lily is one of those students that offers you a sense of reward and fulfillment when you teach her. Thank you ahead of time for investing in our child's future. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that we entrust our most precious Lily into your hands for what we know will prove to be an amazing year.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sincerely,</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> DeAnna Nellist</div></b>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-47476414945788229942010-05-10T16:52:00.000-07:002010-05-10T16:52:23.647-07:00"No Brainer!!!" The very day Jeremy got his shipment of 5000 new brochures for our old location, with our old address of course he signed the lease on the new home of Roseville Guitar Works!! It was a very quick decision, however, was as the title of this blog states.... "A No Brainer" for sure. The right time, price and space all came together quite perfectly. <br />
The month of March was basically a total blur! We spent countless hours, painting, stripping wall paper, cleaning & redecorating. As you will see from the pictures even Lily and Zi got in on the action. The end result is a very cool new space full of endless potential.<br />
Roseville Guitar Works is now located at 315 Main St. in Old Roseville. It is the coolest old two story house that has been converted for commercial use. We have gained 1000 more square feet and an additional lesson room. The lesson rooms are huge and our instructors & students seem very happy with them. There is a front porch for the customers and guys to enjoy. One of Lily's highlights to her week is going to visit Daddy and getting to sweep the porch. Our waiting room has a beautiful new 42" flat screen TV. Jeremy is excited to host guys nights to watch UFC. I am thinking it will be a perfect place to have a girls night once in a while as well. Jeremy has also gained a much larger shop space to accommodate him and his new apprentice! Yes, you read that right...an apprentice! Michael Karriker is a graduate from Roberto Venn and has come to learn the luthier trade from Jeremy. He is such a cool guy and Jeremy is very impressed with him so far. We truly believe God allowed our paths to cross at just the right time. <br />
It is so very cool to see how God has grown Jeremy's reputation in our community. We are in first place once again for the KCRA A-List "Best of Sacramento" competition for local businesses. I absolutely love watching him interact with his customers. He is so gifted at what he does and his repair customers, student and parents seem to really appreciate him as well. The shop already had such a neighborhood, family feel and the new location fosters that amazingly. <br />
So as if we hadn't gotten enough gray hair already...we are going for Roseville Guitar Works Round Two!!! God has been so faithful and it is amazing to look back over the last 4 years and realize how far He has brought us. Enjoy the pics and thanks for all your love, prayer and support. We couldn't do it without you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nKUXepf2EiYjiccrzEBZCi1x2CAV-tb-Y4Ep49zWyonJOZEvLZi2PxL39VAwnex4TEAr9s33toDvB5iyxATyrUhZ6cqJWGz7VJk4p-Be5Strz9UlMuXYUgFw9vVhis9pE9XQAKx-Nr0/s1600/DSC08679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nKUXepf2EiYjiccrzEBZCi1x2CAV-tb-Y4Ep49zWyonJOZEvLZi2PxL39VAwnex4TEAr9s33toDvB5iyxATyrUhZ6cqJWGz7VJk4p-Be5Strz9UlMuXYUgFw9vVhis9pE9XQAKx-Nr0/s320/DSC08679.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love painting trim....not!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will be the only pic you will see of me due to the fact I looked like &*!% the entire time!!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8YQTH8QufCsSsAY0fFFO_E-B2RUA9BvJu755CCqF93jZzL7I_pD3aaRFDk2y4cFQQ5KoKyYQJLZLgqz6xqMJD6MmmiDL5BqI1bxRvV5rTt81WShnsNmNhE0WJhD3EKyE9mQIX4Af70Q/s1600/DSC08702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8YQTH8QufCsSsAY0fFFO_E-B2RUA9BvJu755CCqF93jZzL7I_pD3aaRFDk2y4cFQQ5KoKyYQJLZLgqz6xqMJD6MmmiDL5BqI1bxRvV5rTt81WShnsNmNhE0WJhD3EKyE9mQIX4Af70Q/s320/DSC08702.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">20 trips to Home Depot later...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM1hTdsAb1z8PTmfbJfeCX8oezG1w-Pc3lYVxHoGvejbo3LHiT8fB5Rd1r2TiQWs7Jp7E6h8xhrB0QnVAPi5UZsJTJxx60UDqnBs9A3bHT4Kcxs24OPl7FxFKglHsjnOyglGDC9uo3Xk/s1600/DSC08684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM1hTdsAb1z8PTmfbJfeCX8oezG1w-Pc3lYVxHoGvejbo3LHiT8fB5Rd1r2TiQWs7Jp7E6h8xhrB0QnVAPi5UZsJTJxx60UDqnBs9A3bHT4Kcxs24OPl7FxFKglHsjnOyglGDC9uo3Xk/s320/DSC08684.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There weren't a lot of home cooked meals in the month of March!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKykh1WsuyIXzrcBcY5aGdNJ2dDGR5NeROhzheCvN8lyaj-O0PnMAK4jrPfu6Y2DX97bLx8T30DvGxDsljW3LKoAwdija1RNLGhALU6JL5zx-6vxr_OpGt_7hyeA_Tr9j_wiaaXtzUxM/s1600/DSC09147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKykh1WsuyIXzrcBcY5aGdNJ2dDGR5NeROhzheCvN8lyaj-O0PnMAK4jrPfu6Y2DX97bLx8T30DvGxDsljW3LKoAwdija1RNLGhALU6JL5zx-6vxr_OpGt_7hyeA_Tr9j_wiaaXtzUxM/s320/DSC09147.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zion spent a lot of time hanging out while we got stuff done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbztOVOlNj0Rxq2K11iKZAogvdJ9uR_QoD3R9qb4WKL_o_gZGvGn0t75SQqh8vImhOTbcIcwMTwPZYkXBrAoFfeN0q44QtlcjRcryO67zZFuxzQQ1QxCTMmQLYyo3KFIZApjeqsTT5E_I/s1600/DSC08681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbztOVOlNj0Rxq2K11iKZAogvdJ9uR_QoD3R9qb4WKL_o_gZGvGn0t75SQqh8vImhOTbcIcwMTwPZYkXBrAoFfeN0q44QtlcjRcryO67zZFuxzQQ1QxCTMmQLYyo3KFIZApjeqsTT5E_I/s1600/DSC08681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbztOVOlNj0Rxq2K11iKZAogvdJ9uR_QoD3R9qb4WKL_o_gZGvGn0t75SQqh8vImhOTbcIcwMTwPZYkXBrAoFfeN0q44QtlcjRcryO67zZFuxzQQ1QxCTMmQLYyo3KFIZApjeqsTT5E_I/s320/DSC08681.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The master painter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIN8dBs1y7zBqn9f4HiNcYvuivLZRbRQ1Oo7MIaCMxs91OMSNwAwTj5MczCM8BsQYFSFCaeb4VYIJ9nfL21pYMeH8VDJ1F9EmzCF43fK8vyKJcwmdZ924T5_-OJ6lyNf27yrpYRd-4Jo/s1600/DSC08674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIN8dBs1y7zBqn9f4HiNcYvuivLZRbRQ1Oo7MIaCMxs91OMSNwAwTj5MczCM8BsQYFSFCaeb4VYIJ9nfL21pYMeH8VDJ1F9EmzCF43fK8vyKJcwmdZ924T5_-OJ6lyNf27yrpYRd-4Jo/s320/DSC08674.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeremy's Dad was always there to lend a hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sexBVCRPS1qp7aSS5dZicwRFKCnvjQ0kSknkeWQN19SJESfliEZRj3oDzm2ER6UrZEC_m2_H-oazX4px8LCRXJvvmMMGvX0ZnaeUQUiwB0leuoXCuX5W6uvUdkw8v2kE-SuPu7UvZbw/s1600/DSC08705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sexBVCRPS1qp7aSS5dZicwRFKCnvjQ0kSknkeWQN19SJESfliEZRj3oDzm2ER6UrZEC_m2_H-oazX4px8LCRXJvvmMMGvX0ZnaeUQUiwB0leuoXCuX5W6uvUdkw8v2kE-SuPu7UvZbw/s320/DSC08705.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Creed our painter and comedy relief! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy56mA2J_a0Pmd43d93sJs6HYEKl-y4s1eY0XYrCXtO2xVOhwhdJAVXmJm_EzML5u_gOP_BPEzRyaLswMtHxqltDJkM2iLY2UbbXqAVmP4be9rAIS5TmDvit_19aaju0idCAXJ2JeCVNs/s1600/DSC08672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy56mA2J_a0Pmd43d93sJs6HYEKl-y4s1eY0XYrCXtO2xVOhwhdJAVXmJm_EzML5u_gOP_BPEzRyaLswMtHxqltDJkM2iLY2UbbXqAVmP4be9rAIS5TmDvit_19aaju0idCAXJ2JeCVNs/s320/DSC08672.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily helping Daddy paint the walls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtq-gYue3VQY4_C_hgpL6XLccq9983tyrlibpe9nypVkbqQb7qfGFjgbPe-zbdibGEy-iaFI0swuBqH3xUlfU0p18QCY5tBPVMCYmwmdetRvtU-7Taikz07VBGsO-wPQnRXmMvjoA1Eg/s1600/DSC08710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtq-gYue3VQY4_C_hgpL6XLccq9983tyrlibpe9nypVkbqQb7qfGFjgbPe-zbdibGEy-iaFI0swuBqH3xUlfU0p18QCY5tBPVMCYmwmdetRvtU-7Taikz07VBGsO-wPQnRXmMvjoA1Eg/s320/DSC08710.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I HATE WALL PAPER!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFJA53iHevFU2fOeCE0NTrnKioXxijP8FEjI6m8lsq4JUR5uIUDI8CQUofywtOhq_A54KDC-guf4z2GEqmICSAjzWroucRRF-EyJ3SHd-ShJFrU-0OXbdyP7uCPMxp-EFOIFNjogW90s/s1600/DSC08707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFJA53iHevFU2fOeCE0NTrnKioXxijP8FEjI6m8lsq4JUR5uIUDI8CQUofywtOhq_A54KDC-guf4z2GEqmICSAjzWroucRRF-EyJ3SHd-ShJFrU-0OXbdyP7uCPMxp-EFOIFNjogW90s/s320/DSC08707.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NEVER EVER WILL WE HAVE WALL PAPER!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BuRsvhYYYglRNhA6wz0eeAKQbsDcNu-IMz4Dx8FPl8NYyu3tD2aFdvk5Xz-722zz_QI06uPjOYFO2Yogtmatkm6EZhxOvf2ogUbi99kVBnFjHvg0m6igziy6HLZ4vuVQIuqkmB2mwRM/s1600/DSC09154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BuRsvhYYYglRNhA6wz0eeAKQbsDcNu-IMz4Dx8FPl8NYyu3tD2aFdvk5Xz-722zz_QI06uPjOYFO2Yogtmatkm6EZhxOvf2ogUbi99kVBnFjHvg0m6igziy6HLZ4vuVQIuqkmB2mwRM/s320/DSC09154.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished result!!! So much better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-rFt75eK_0O1aL2uI8bmrSguQEpJvRwCmQfJdsePE9ciQAcPq6i9OKnWasJO2yydgKR2ULmTgYwILUX3yikfxwt62C3hv4mXYGQmafXwvJYGa4uAFi_n3OY6KyftOhBBu_75lFSSDtc/s1600/DSC09131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-rFt75eK_0O1aL2uI8bmrSguQEpJvRwCmQfJdsePE9ciQAcPq6i9OKnWasJO2yydgKR2ULmTgYwILUX3yikfxwt62C3hv4mXYGQmafXwvJYGa4uAFi_n3OY6KyftOhBBu_75lFSSDtc/s1600/DSC09131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-rFt75eK_0O1aL2uI8bmrSguQEpJvRwCmQfJdsePE9ciQAcPq6i9OKnWasJO2yydgKR2ULmTgYwILUX3yikfxwt62C3hv4mXYGQmafXwvJYGa4uAFi_n3OY6KyftOhBBu_75lFSSDtc/s320/DSC09131.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shop area, literally one hour before opening! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We actually were able to get it presentable!! "A Christmas miracle" for sure!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6uG5vTlZRP4A2Jv8GyK5bHIyJRopiNKeDP5f-M2AFM5Er5Td_DWd_F79ZtwonZ847TVMYvqCvapessxCLrSXz1nePmyyPoJKvkodmP21BzpwGJnyTicR4vEGZ8PspLusfC6XmdJQeRk/s1600/DSC09144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6uG5vTlZRP4A2Jv8GyK5bHIyJRopiNKeDP5f-M2AFM5Er5Td_DWd_F79ZtwonZ847TVMYvqCvapessxCLrSXz1nePmyyPoJKvkodmP21BzpwGJnyTicR4vEGZ8PspLusfC6XmdJQeRk/s320/DSC09144.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeremy and Michael setting up the book display</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwbcAEaY9fd_7lOzuRV7UUoRe9AKY-HBrS9-7TdzMQMHdGe-8eKoZmBbPzEI8zTl5ceMubSYJQSM8vRlMsT5sxtYGKcJFuKrA-aQ36dQQVv9qjJBTA-FbdnPcm8cf8ajx_lcZvtHv0eQ/s1600/DSC09146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwbcAEaY9fd_7lOzuRV7UUoRe9AKY-HBrS9-7TdzMQMHdGe-8eKoZmBbPzEI8zTl5ceMubSYJQSM8vRlMsT5sxtYGKcJFuKrA-aQ36dQQVv9qjJBTA-FbdnPcm8cf8ajx_lcZvtHv0eQ/s320/DSC09146.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank God he didn't break anything in the process!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQzdnFFZWkuLXdecsFyvfURa2b1xpcy3rGAhonxnd0hmdncs7fsbf-bIir_QMOhiBCxtCLmd2VUbQ3hLH1RKDzHlcpf290jowmDFjA8vfgdMmlcKb6hZQPFED3lrAZhFOaOReDVi5vKc/s1600/DSC09126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQzdnFFZWkuLXdecsFyvfURa2b1xpcy3rGAhonxnd0hmdncs7fsbf-bIir_QMOhiBCxtCLmd2VUbQ3hLH1RKDzHlcpf290jowmDFjA8vfgdMmlcKb6hZQPFED3lrAZhFOaOReDVi5vKc/s320/DSC09126.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">315 Main St. The new home of Roseville Guitar Works</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3_krgrEkv5vGO1RZmo0QAp5EBpcsCinXdHmzwR0EmG4JN-kzVTFTc9xVr5t5h0YE5QlxV1MMRSVz4eV7wLt3Bco4W427yH_ts-aTM5LlujpZ01dBsWSPCqAbTtpAl5dkxxk1a-Acl_c/s1600/DSC09125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3_krgrEkv5vGO1RZmo0QAp5EBpcsCinXdHmzwR0EmG4JN-kzVTFTc9xVr5t5h0YE5QlxV1MMRSVz4eV7wLt3Bco4W427yH_ts-aTM5LlujpZ01dBsWSPCqAbTtpAl5dkxxk1a-Acl_c/s320/DSC09125.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Neon!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y7-_cE1tdxcBxRLHcG6IQ829SiIGhjPWUgpfvrJL8QDez91tvgj_0ayf39RG6qyXKuEabNprdVj7iQJsirQI2GGhKl0OYxyx05e2n5KFN8lQIOG-Gji6NynkizmlYL6hVGzUU0aUWTc/s1600/DSC09137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y7-_cE1tdxcBxRLHcG6IQ829SiIGhjPWUgpfvrJL8QDez91tvgj_0ayf39RG6qyXKuEabNprdVj7iQJsirQI2GGhKl0OYxyx05e2n5KFN8lQIOG-Gji6NynkizmlYL6hVGzUU0aUWTc/s320/DSC09137.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One proud papa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYaajX_Jq__jlwp2XWsR665Qf_N8ZUQl-OTxhPCC3bGz8yKBjNQnKjomY_ezFdgQ_SezbKcMuuflpC4Nb7nRa61BfxrF-ZG4aJtfxJqzaJ5dlm4GQJVJc1x1_WQ7s2j_rlVvNbrV9ABM/s1600/DSC09138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYaajX_Jq__jlwp2XWsR665Qf_N8ZUQl-OTxhPCC3bGz8yKBjNQnKjomY_ezFdgQ_SezbKcMuuflpC4Nb7nRa61BfxrF-ZG4aJtfxJqzaJ5dlm4GQJVJc1x1_WQ7s2j_rlVvNbrV9ABM/s320/DSC09138.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Welcome matt was a gift from Lily and I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjm7KlsZLgbuh43q6sDljnYvuKJk3ZSZzUic-oD3AFgBx9dvR4Hr6cUFgwhIlPPTY1aVYnqt3jZo7I5uqlRt9vaHtFy2837i-EsaEonjZBpjb1A3Zhg-exBrNSyd5e10z-3VVsz3QH7Q/s1600/DSC09139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjm7KlsZLgbuh43q6sDljnYvuKJk3ZSZzUic-oD3AFgBx9dvR4Hr6cUFgwhIlPPTY1aVYnqt3jZo7I5uqlRt9vaHtFy2837i-EsaEonjZBpjb1A3Zhg-exBrNSyd5e10z-3VVsz3QH7Q/s320/DSC09139.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6xmHTLCfTHPcKzDEYqysTfHPf6I-Bc2vsLvfjEExxBLTGU4iH-rryqMmgUCtDXbd_tEKADJGEbPju5c5cgJ9NFX_KkLbJ4mHkBcqDhDea_khiELDPqHGvJbf0nEXTF1_13Gw5-_m8Po/s1600/DSC09142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6xmHTLCfTHPcKzDEYqysTfHPf6I-Bc2vsLvfjEExxBLTGU4iH-rryqMmgUCtDXbd_tEKADJGEbPju5c5cgJ9NFX_KkLbJ4mHkBcqDhDea_khiELDPqHGvJbf0nEXTF1_13Gw5-_m8Po/s320/DSC09142.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The waiting room(without the TV yet)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNniay43al789M4JyJHOG7bRXYxzn_1CxJhEbzvUHd499iY8HpuCz-kAHlCYh3M9osknt_ZxjmPa6GhYeW4Wk4Tnj4ybMX7M5w0W6IxKDDqj-hQgaHo52aBzT6iFByZMmaXo0CQO6wNCs/s1600/DSC09141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNniay43al789M4JyJHOG7bRXYxzn_1CxJhEbzvUHd499iY8HpuCz-kAHlCYh3M9osknt_ZxjmPa6GhYeW4Wk4Tnj4ybMX7M5w0W6IxKDDqj-hQgaHo52aBzT6iFByZMmaXo0CQO6wNCs/s320/DSC09141.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTu7lyW5PnW6ZsDWBxjp17BNKOWe-53TyfIAJB71hQ_cAq-sFBXmvnTEGg6sKCz-S8RTvJ-hDulqn7fCFwntD2zIaZhoCN-fvJ3LEEWzQGXJNoqHUoE1lKQLkZ1yEGnhE4Nn27m9Yp50/s1600/DSC09143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTu7lyW5PnW6ZsDWBxjp17BNKOWe-53TyfIAJB71hQ_cAq-sFBXmvnTEGg6sKCz-S8RTvJ-hDulqn7fCFwntD2zIaZhoCN-fvJ3LEEWzQGXJNoqHUoE1lKQLkZ1yEGnhE4Nn27m9Yp50/s320/DSC09143.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Downstairs restroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUFQpo0HUF3OvSOB3xck-4nZ1poLq2qAmFy-11mzljgz_v5XZ-ed2A1qvDJRVtT8HkICTyId4DrJhDbUEW7aCp6KRVLv9TVwtsX0U8N-bJphnQ1hNhFRyLvAvWEFVkGSkXB3Qw-_Gwjo/s1600/DSC09151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUFQpo0HUF3OvSOB3xck-4nZ1poLq2qAmFy-11mzljgz_v5XZ-ed2A1qvDJRVtT8HkICTyId4DrJhDbUEW7aCp6KRVLv9TVwtsX0U8N-bJphnQ1hNhFRyLvAvWEFVkGSkXB3Qw-_Gwjo/s320/DSC09151.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the four Lesson rooms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURvZRFYgW8rIO2uimqJC2OeFSt0G8GWewB0Z50SudBleSNwcRt4yrq0EgICAJ-HmsZsJEhhQvnMfQZ5PG8deeFic7GK0S3hz1ZKtX04cRe0PRl17k1Kvewmo_Xy8Y6q-JUqCx0mU4VR4/s1600/DSC09129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURvZRFYgW8rIO2uimqJC2OeFSt0G8GWewB0Z50SudBleSNwcRt4yrq0EgICAJ-HmsZsJEhhQvnMfQZ5PG8deeFic7GK0S3hz1ZKtX04cRe0PRl17k1Kvewmo_Xy8Y6q-JUqCx0mU4VR4/s320/DSC09129.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made it!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Monday April 5th, 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Roseville Guitar Works opened it's doors at our new location</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God is good!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-22056541426650957622010-04-17T10:28:00.000-07:002010-04-17T10:33:19.499-07:00"Lily's Life!" Happy 6th Birthday Beautiful!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s42yHx3B4Uvdl0Or4UbhNMdgmjlRAiFt7CyGSfdwfRphhHlmefvGOS5o0kK9YWJZjHWeew_dE5KZVGDseHQV3XRdOWDR3JyI2Qe6WurWNrD-2XggXt85RgcdUsJzgApUzOd9fFRKylk/s1600-h/DSC07531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s42yHx3B4Uvdl0Or4UbhNMdgmjlRAiFt7CyGSfdwfRphhHlmefvGOS5o0kK9YWJZjHWeew_dE5KZVGDseHQV3XRdOWDR3JyI2Qe6WurWNrD-2XggXt85RgcdUsJzgApUzOd9fFRKylk/s320/DSC07531.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lily at her 5th Birthday. Our beautiful Pixie!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s42yHx3B4Uvdl0Or4UbhNMdgmjlRAiFt7CyGSfdwfRphhHlmefvGOS5o0kK9YWJZjHWeew_dE5KZVGDseHQV3XRdOWDR3JyI2Qe6WurWNrD-2XggXt85RgcdUsJzgApUzOd9fFRKylk/s1600-h/DSC07531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>As I reflected back over the last year in Lily's life I have realized that from the age of five to the age of six was a very significant year. A year of many firsts...<br />
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<ul><li>First REAL experience with LOSS OF LIFE ...Great Grandma Burgo and her dearest friend Bodega (our doggy)</li>
<li>First day of Kindergarten</li>
<li>Loss of first tooth</li>
<li>First Soccer season</li>
<li>First Kings game</li>
<li>Learned how to swim independently for the first time</li>
<li>First major hair cut</li>
<li>First time learning to boogie board</li>
<li>First drum lessons</li>
<li>Lily learns to read!</li>
<li>First experience being a Big Sister</li>
<li>First REAL experience with NEW LIFE...Lily prayed to ask Jesus into her heart 7/5/09 </li>
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I figured the easiest way to share these moments is through the photographs we have taken over the last year.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_jrc13UAFIEocfSo-gJ7g_D-EKQ_fKRnmtqMVXUf0Q-eeIsBYzvSzaKmA62kh_fgO011Mawa39A3jpKuOf8dhqclj2CtC21u06bFe8gwtnknypwjb0xCZ-Htv-fMNTp5vZXqjP2d1EA/s1600-h/DSC07667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_jrc13UAFIEocfSo-gJ7g_D-EKQ_fKRnmtqMVXUf0Q-eeIsBYzvSzaKmA62kh_fgO011Mawa39A3jpKuOf8dhqclj2CtC21u06bFe8gwtnknypwjb0xCZ-Htv-fMNTp5vZXqjP2d1EA/s320/DSC07667.JPG" /></a><br />
Lily and Daddy at the Kings game<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmXbP__k2o1x8vY6fhhH11fF4muVQsyioOBxLgobKBSxKfrUWUkdcV0p3-nb1EmCE9unJkUotusbTAbySFNT6ia137F63PX950zLa5QmeufXYizTOj3G72P__FU1N3FoeeFri9deYIvM/s1600-h/DSC07811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmXbP__k2o1x8vY6fhhH11fF4muVQsyioOBxLgobKBSxKfrUWUkdcV0p3-nb1EmCE9unJkUotusbTAbySFNT6ia137F63PX950zLa5QmeufXYizTOj3G72P__FU1N3FoeeFri9deYIvM/s320/DSC07811.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmXbP__k2o1x8vY6fhhH11fF4muVQsyioOBxLgobKBSxKfrUWUkdcV0p3-nb1EmCE9unJkUotusbTAbySFNT6ia137F63PX950zLa5QmeufXYizTOj3G72P__FU1N3FoeeFri9deYIvM/s1600-h/DSC07811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily and her BFF Scottie<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIuZsuEfrRpK_ANTgx72s97jo8rckp1415zzpH8wieDKnZry44N24HrMPV0JmRqrkLkT-6jel_u8msR_T_mGtkvFulyB22GqpnhGZwKrmxOXL-WY-JrwsQxxHAuXuooSvGnP79cuB1dg/s1600-h/DSC07878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIuZsuEfrRpK_ANTgx72s97jo8rckp1415zzpH8wieDKnZry44N24HrMPV0JmRqrkLkT-6jel_u8msR_T_mGtkvFulyB22GqpnhGZwKrmxOXL-WY-JrwsQxxHAuXuooSvGnP79cuB1dg/s320/DSC07878.JPG" /></a> <br />
Summer fun..building forts with friends<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaV4ORbM29hrCk6C9ZYUGBWacEEc8ENrPmhfuYGwVsqtUngToaoLd8HV51hqDje08JgKC4l8uLco5Uagx93giipvpB16JJsr6vR4x3qvg1GHrJZ4FkXdu0DRzaCeK8tMA3uqGK-9bIro/s1600-h/DSC07897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaV4ORbM29hrCk6C9ZYUGBWacEEc8ENrPmhfuYGwVsqtUngToaoLd8HV51hqDje08JgKC4l8uLco5Uagx93giipvpB16JJsr6vR4x3qvg1GHrJZ4FkXdu0DRzaCeK8tMA3uqGK-9bIro/s320/DSC07897.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaV4ORbM29hrCk6C9ZYUGBWacEEc8ENrPmhfuYGwVsqtUngToaoLd8HV51hqDje08JgKC4l8uLco5Uagx93giipvpB16JJsr6vR4x3qvg1GHrJZ4FkXdu0DRzaCeK8tMA3uqGK-9bIro/s1600-h/DSC07897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily has many special "little men" in her life. Mason Harder is one of her favorite friends. <br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NTcss2dPFagvkwxNuH0gvmGzae_tbcpF_24Dhk9-yNy_EgX9OBjSXEosFd2_g1-S4ZTbUEMAZ6s5PQrcunftbug_U8LzEDft3Zon9eZQvwM5-sBzBWCcAkjF02ERe6goAOg7cfux2Ek/s1600-h/DSC07886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NTcss2dPFagvkwxNuH0gvmGzae_tbcpF_24Dhk9-yNy_EgX9OBjSXEosFd2_g1-S4ZTbUEMAZ6s5PQrcunftbug_U8LzEDft3Zon9eZQvwM5-sBzBWCcAkjF02ERe6goAOg7cfux2Ek/s320/DSC07886.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NTcss2dPFagvkwxNuH0gvmGzae_tbcpF_24Dhk9-yNy_EgX9OBjSXEosFd2_g1-S4ZTbUEMAZ6s5PQrcunftbug_U8LzEDft3Zon9eZQvwM5-sBzBWCcAkjF02ERe6goAOg7cfux2Ek/s1600-h/DSC07886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily's favorite "big man." She is a Daddy's girl through and through...<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq5E8wUHlbIhIS5BFxcKWZ-Qh4ac5wwbW-vbOcdmCVbIGx63szNcYZI8ejwhCcAAbUUlSAorfNw6K8aqQWt6Q23T7G8OHCiTFas5I4d4EpWf8bV-l7R6FPZ0-0jf6bIw5odUJSPz__fE/s1600-h/DSC07941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq5E8wUHlbIhIS5BFxcKWZ-Qh4ac5wwbW-vbOcdmCVbIGx63szNcYZI8ejwhCcAAbUUlSAorfNw6K8aqQWt6Q23T7G8OHCiTFas5I4d4EpWf8bV-l7R6FPZ0-0jf6bIw5odUJSPz__fE/s320/DSC07941.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq5E8wUHlbIhIS5BFxcKWZ-Qh4ac5wwbW-vbOcdmCVbIGx63szNcYZI8ejwhCcAAbUUlSAorfNw6K8aqQWt6Q23T7G8OHCiTFas5I4d4EpWf8bV-l7R6FPZ0-0jf6bIw5odUJSPz__fE/s1600-h/DSC07941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Goodbye snarls and morning "drama"<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLcrYH6OBiaGNDrxD-zARKl7eiHwPWJLdrM-2_R8rMYEV-_oksw7daPz-EfpACQjjM7rW_nWsaYX1NvUSZF_o_z7ZWJexppEo-1L-L8OgPe1QHnEUOKnwAj72Ov5V1aJ8VMS9-WP2fk0/s1600-h/DSC07950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLcrYH6OBiaGNDrxD-zARKl7eiHwPWJLdrM-2_R8rMYEV-_oksw7daPz-EfpACQjjM7rW_nWsaYX1NvUSZF_o_z7ZWJexppEo-1L-L8OgPe1QHnEUOKnwAj72Ov5V1aJ8VMS9-WP2fk0/s320/DSC07950.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLcrYH6OBiaGNDrxD-zARKl7eiHwPWJLdrM-2_R8rMYEV-_oksw7daPz-EfpACQjjM7rW_nWsaYX1NvUSZF_o_z7ZWJexppEo-1L-L8OgPe1QHnEUOKnwAj72Ov5V1aJ8VMS9-WP2fk0/s1600-h/DSC07950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>6 inches gone.....<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFl-lHGmkZG3qiIu-maC8qbziEon4o0OIWds9VcYoGbRXuBEmDHhmuy_Tp0QCzR9rZ6jiyA5RpdDxKoNXLPfMH_tUetC-ZL3DbiW3VP7pmGswyrbup_rnEZfxmS-E1NNvqxHbHQ8cBng/s1600-h/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFl-lHGmkZG3qiIu-maC8qbziEon4o0OIWds9VcYoGbRXuBEmDHhmuy_Tp0QCzR9rZ6jiyA5RpdDxKoNXLPfMH_tUetC-ZL3DbiW3VP7pmGswyrbup_rnEZfxmS-E1NNvqxHbHQ8cBng/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFl-lHGmkZG3qiIu-maC8qbziEon4o0OIWds9VcYoGbRXuBEmDHhmuy_Tp0QCzR9rZ6jiyA5RpdDxKoNXLPfMH_tUetC-ZL3DbiW3VP7pmGswyrbup_rnEZfxmS-E1NNvqxHbHQ8cBng/s1600-h/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Goofy time with Mommy!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjDtDZe2_tTc6WwnSkf6ztLBnWdTD2eaw6pYIAXzDBBeguE6ziXjyn0nT3XQIDtZ2kOaP_TIctDjdfPuL33PyQq-t0nJxPIHv191X5F7KCbsnZ03glJG4TVoyKNZykmRDeGuPC4vF_K8/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjDtDZe2_tTc6WwnSkf6ztLBnWdTD2eaw6pYIAXzDBBeguE6ziXjyn0nT3XQIDtZ2kOaP_TIctDjdfPuL33PyQq-t0nJxPIHv191X5F7KCbsnZ03glJG4TVoyKNZykmRDeGuPC4vF_K8/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjDtDZe2_tTc6WwnSkf6ztLBnWdTD2eaw6pYIAXzDBBeguE6ziXjyn0nT3XQIDtZ2kOaP_TIctDjdfPuL33PyQq-t0nJxPIHv191X5F7KCbsnZ03glJG4TVoyKNZykmRDeGuPC4vF_K8/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily and Cousins at Great Grandma's funeral<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJ6Pkubb3DNf1ZPUZhs37DnGJl8CwCOb9aGY0k7y3ub_nAsoB8zCmNJT0qqbIKMc3I5FJNsWilSy_a8SJ3okSBI1yBmf14GWz_vrGjNcHZqTEePISaxxZgj9nFy9IIMe7J-W9EVoRuA/s1600-h/DSC07546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJ6Pkubb3DNf1ZPUZhs37DnGJl8CwCOb9aGY0k7y3ub_nAsoB8zCmNJT0qqbIKMc3I5FJNsWilSy_a8SJ3okSBI1yBmf14GWz_vrGjNcHZqTEePISaxxZgj9nFy9IIMe7J-W9EVoRuA/s320/DSC07546.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJ6Pkubb3DNf1ZPUZhs37DnGJl8CwCOb9aGY0k7y3ub_nAsoB8zCmNJT0qqbIKMc3I5FJNsWilSy_a8SJ3okSBI1yBmf14GWz_vrGjNcHZqTEePISaxxZgj9nFy9IIMe7J-W9EVoRuA/s1600-h/DSC07546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Great Grandma Burgo. A very special lady. She will be greatly missed.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH3VvYyvV5KnYDjhS_j0w4h-BAwe4CMEuhE5cnnlf2smbrDujeiLsKf3H9gJRsdvvQ7EVA-SE4PYruOGw2Y1l0ESA1wKIUFKRhjF4CTdJvE5Rx_YhvyUYfqMlDyqtLLUiOfDTtmdMiwM/s1600-h/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH3VvYyvV5KnYDjhS_j0w4h-BAwe4CMEuhE5cnnlf2smbrDujeiLsKf3H9gJRsdvvQ7EVA-SE4PYruOGw2Y1l0ESA1wKIUFKRhjF4CTdJvE5Rx_YhvyUYfqMlDyqtLLUiOfDTtmdMiwM/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH3VvYyvV5KnYDjhS_j0w4h-BAwe4CMEuhE5cnnlf2smbrDujeiLsKf3H9gJRsdvvQ7EVA-SE4PYruOGw2Y1l0ESA1wKIUFKRhjF4CTdJvE5Rx_YhvyUYfqMlDyqtLLUiOfDTtmdMiwM/s1600-h/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Life is beautiful!!! One of my favorite pics.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1gXddJUySYezSmyFA4yh8hNx_m6v4K6DntNtLozoCo8IyHreF0eeBc04DZHD1l_5LCyUOwR3bZ6a6xRI7zm0iUB1jIAk3qSvWsndi9SpRWymp-8NQy9K6QHdwcRLgS57sSCBkdhtFPs/s1600-h/DSC_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1gXddJUySYezSmyFA4yh8hNx_m6v4K6DntNtLozoCo8IyHreF0eeBc04DZHD1l_5LCyUOwR3bZ6a6xRI7zm0iUB1jIAk3qSvWsndi9SpRWymp-8NQy9K6QHdwcRLgS57sSCBkdhtFPs/s320/DSC_1379.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1gXddJUySYezSmyFA4yh8hNx_m6v4K6DntNtLozoCo8IyHreF0eeBc04DZHD1l_5LCyUOwR3bZ6a6xRI7zm0iUB1jIAk3qSvWsndi9SpRWymp-8NQy9K6QHdwcRLgS57sSCBkdhtFPs/s1600-h/DSC_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily the fish!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQDhc2s_Kg6PgY1kyPk5arUEOSYtvR2aJBAY5h5HAKZPntDBOzSmp-iVcJMv1qCPwoZadh7Eez3AVJEd7sllgU3yjfQQK8c4W0Q5ogAmHWbM2GFPE7igVw-hjHUNSdPQEB3v8DUerWxs/s1600-h/DSC_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQDhc2s_Kg6PgY1kyPk5arUEOSYtvR2aJBAY5h5HAKZPntDBOzSmp-iVcJMv1qCPwoZadh7Eez3AVJEd7sllgU3yjfQQK8c4W0Q5ogAmHWbM2GFPE7igVw-hjHUNSdPQEB3v8DUerWxs/s320/DSC_1406.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQDhc2s_Kg6PgY1kyPk5arUEOSYtvR2aJBAY5h5HAKZPntDBOzSmp-iVcJMv1qCPwoZadh7Eez3AVJEd7sllgU3yjfQQK8c4W0Q5ogAmHWbM2GFPE7igVw-hjHUNSdPQEB3v8DUerWxs/s1600-h/DSC_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Grumpy Lily...A face we saw way to often this year!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQB8QGxatyUaNs4Jb_FyFKdNJrusyk__KCg2bG3BaLuzRM3gEbpjuBdtfhDf6CLGh-sEhqTpqOk08ZAHLihlSf1dS9FzsMaxB5paO6pwPFIY3FF9rBwCZpusP2I3Or9s_9dmFChoJ07c/s1600-h/DSC_3334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQB8QGxatyUaNs4Jb_FyFKdNJrusyk__KCg2bG3BaLuzRM3gEbpjuBdtfhDf6CLGh-sEhqTpqOk08ZAHLihlSf1dS9FzsMaxB5paO6pwPFIY3FF9rBwCZpusP2I3Or9s_9dmFChoJ07c/s320/DSC_3334.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQB8QGxatyUaNs4Jb_FyFKdNJrusyk__KCg2bG3BaLuzRM3gEbpjuBdtfhDf6CLGh-sEhqTpqOk08ZAHLihlSf1dS9FzsMaxB5paO6pwPFIY3FF9rBwCZpusP2I3Or9s_9dmFChoJ07c/s1600-h/DSC_3334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Lily rockin on her first drum kit!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0QaW90yWbGYfUjr3h2nLFdzyXyIBcrPE2UcXASbo5beK7Fpd1W0fBocfWWVxfo3rpsTNl350HAdKZVxTzBCxtokExNUM3mJhXlRXT2JVtYn_4G6urXB6IZK719QSZtg92t-91_6HxNQ/s1600-h/DSC_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0QaW90yWbGYfUjr3h2nLFdzyXyIBcrPE2UcXASbo5beK7Fpd1W0fBocfWWVxfo3rpsTNl350HAdKZVxTzBCxtokExNUM3mJhXlRXT2JVtYn_4G6urXB6IZK719QSZtg92t-91_6HxNQ/s320/DSC_3387.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0QaW90yWbGYfUjr3h2nLFdzyXyIBcrPE2UcXASbo5beK7Fpd1W0fBocfWWVxfo3rpsTNl350HAdKZVxTzBCxtokExNUM3mJhXlRXT2JVtYn_4G6urXB6IZK719QSZtg92t-91_6HxNQ/s1600-h/DSC_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>"Animal" Lily!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-1QcLQJs_sO1S548q-2rNrhyphenhyphen2qhuh9Hb1Q8MB5LbZ6YIo25UwEx6OEuKo6bi_9kgc7su_gO8NgITz-vMCVcbiHjMR6uXDpehi20iKHfTtuZ6zSdaisMANBAelbp4-SJgEZAmonplZ9M/s1600-h/DSC08133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-1QcLQJs_sO1S548q-2rNrhyphenhyphen2qhuh9Hb1Q8MB5LbZ6YIo25UwEx6OEuKo6bi_9kgc7su_gO8NgITz-vMCVcbiHjMR6uXDpehi20iKHfTtuZ6zSdaisMANBAelbp4-SJgEZAmonplZ9M/s320/DSC08133.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-1QcLQJs_sO1S548q-2rNrhyphenhyphen2qhuh9Hb1Q8MB5LbZ6YIo25UwEx6OEuKo6bi_9kgc7su_gO8NgITz-vMCVcbiHjMR6uXDpehi20iKHfTtuZ6zSdaisMANBAelbp4-SJgEZAmonplZ9M/s1600-h/DSC08133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Boogie boarding in Pismo!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPDfOAJ09MxEc-15z5NJtAU9_DjRVRZcKejnTj9MezEz6RTK6UTMHpxbZwv9tbG8hRQs0M4fwJKQhOsIXZeHfDYQdvklhJ6QzChpjXEVUCpZdOfiKaEt1BQr-P24yrKGFGwdrHr_uNuM/s1600/DSC_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPDfOAJ09MxEc-15z5NJtAU9_DjRVRZcKejnTj9MezEz6RTK6UTMHpxbZwv9tbG8hRQs0M4fwJKQhOsIXZeHfDYQdvklhJ6QzChpjXEVUCpZdOfiKaEt1BQr-P24yrKGFGwdrHr_uNuM/s320/DSC_3250.JPG" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Our little "goalie"</span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif4JECGFHp75_akmnh-IsXVkXEooJ9PBd5H4VbeJ0KAGxFk0F-uXLPBB4zNWtSmcbcE9notGrsZg1BmDBgse4O6pVTu3YKc0zC2cwTe8G_46S8jlol6jYbX6HjWMrpK23OhmWKBUgoQ4/s1600-h/Nellist_Family074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif4JECGFHp75_akmnh-IsXVkXEooJ9PBd5H4VbeJ0KAGxFk0F-uXLPBB4zNWtSmcbcE9notGrsZg1BmDBgse4O6pVTu3YKc0zC2cwTe8G_46S8jlol6jYbX6HjWMrpK23OhmWKBUgoQ4/s320/Nellist_Family074.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif4JECGFHp75_akmnh-IsXVkXEooJ9PBd5H4VbeJ0KAGxFk0F-uXLPBB4zNWtSmcbcE9notGrsZg1BmDBgse4O6pVTu3YKc0zC2cwTe8G_46S8jlol6jYbX6HjWMrpK23OhmWKBUgoQ4/s1600-h/Nellist_Family074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Loss of first tooth! Swallowed while eating a brownie:)<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KRvNJqD8OFra6r8Sa3LXIp1psjfF7JmRxmZD_checHt1J3DFyL4bIMOCW70hGbnxVcAs8jCcgghBC20OJr_ws-kVOzqMlmMX363dNyODFvm8ez5w6xUoFpzJ4CAv75CNhPcEGIVFtN0/s1600-h/DSC08304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KRvNJqD8OFra6r8Sa3LXIp1psjfF7JmRxmZD_checHt1J3DFyL4bIMOCW70hGbnxVcAs8jCcgghBC20OJr_ws-kVOzqMlmMX363dNyODFvm8ez5w6xUoFpzJ4CAv75CNhPcEGIVFtN0/s320/DSC08304.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KRvNJqD8OFra6r8Sa3LXIp1psjfF7JmRxmZD_checHt1J3DFyL4bIMOCW70hGbnxVcAs8jCcgghBC20OJr_ws-kVOzqMlmMX363dNyODFvm8ez5w6xUoFpzJ4CAv75CNhPcEGIVFtN0/s1600-h/DSC08304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Mrs. Devine and Lily receiving her first award!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtU6hEAkOTeyApmeEvd2wmRYqBjGIps6WXlSnYMCf5uGOT1ChElJynuncPMaMKgkI7Q_W90DtfZ2cXJ_4cNXaVtIcP_k0CLoNxypOtxoOAuBRtLj2GX3HqYzkWsDx1s8VR0DU8gQmRxU/s1600-h/DSC08306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtU6hEAkOTeyApmeEvd2wmRYqBjGIps6WXlSnYMCf5uGOT1ChElJynuncPMaMKgkI7Q_W90DtfZ2cXJ_4cNXaVtIcP_k0CLoNxypOtxoOAuBRtLj2GX3HqYzkWsDx1s8VR0DU8gQmRxU/s320/DSC08306.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtU6hEAkOTeyApmeEvd2wmRYqBjGIps6WXlSnYMCf5uGOT1ChElJynuncPMaMKgkI7Q_W90DtfZ2cXJ_4cNXaVtIcP_k0CLoNxypOtxoOAuBRtLj2GX3HqYzkWsDx1s8VR0DU8gQmRxU/s1600-h/DSC08306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Lily wants to be a "rock star and a nurse" when she grows up. <br />
So we combined the two for her halloween costume.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06hjzrthgB3UV5qoLR_d9DFUVl-dybE16MkoV6OD_6Njhvyb5ylfpHmdOxtoC9a_51x6XXmLRZ2ZaB4GJAANFt9mq0FvaH5maM4xAhyphenhyphenYTofzWEwtLSSIuGMgfQImCFOh7Jh-qOZzeAA/s1600-h/DSC08389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06hjzrthgB3UV5qoLR_d9DFUVl-dybE16MkoV6OD_6Njhvyb5ylfpHmdOxtoC9a_51x6XXmLRZ2ZaB4GJAANFt9mq0FvaH5maM4xAhyphenhyphenYTofzWEwtLSSIuGMgfQImCFOh7Jh-qOZzeAA/s320/DSC08389.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06hjzrthgB3UV5qoLR_d9DFUVl-dybE16MkoV6OD_6Njhvyb5ylfpHmdOxtoC9a_51x6XXmLRZ2ZaB4GJAANFt9mq0FvaH5maM4xAhyphenhyphenYTofzWEwtLSSIuGMgfQImCFOh7Jh-qOZzeAA/s1600-h/DSC08389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Lily and "Lily" her first "just like me" American Doll.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieECrgaGbv08K9mJaBcHh2xnK_Xpi6JMTgXSD1CaxwfJKeWcHqjqptEet8g87OmapRcvR4HB8p0_VhrgMqQbrdMpu9Wb89iH3NbG73sTfwXqi6jXaA42Pmr72wGXkR0vtQbPGtszSTq-g/s1600-h/Nellist_Family016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieECrgaGbv08K9mJaBcHh2xnK_Xpi6JMTgXSD1CaxwfJKeWcHqjqptEet8g87OmapRcvR4HB8p0_VhrgMqQbrdMpu9Wb89iH3NbG73sTfwXqi6jXaA42Pmr72wGXkR0vtQbPGtszSTq-g/s320/Nellist_Family016.jpg" /></a><br />
Looking forward to meeting her baby brother...<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpUUOfLfItpuU0PEHtMLToeCkDzHoM37zR0UjXvohGrFKWzXr9MKBBhFRiFnkuxVIJs_onv_F8cTllowhYtcaWYLRPQ_rGYA5AQqqwxZk54GS_oj5SJcU6IC7bF7cH9Lix4LJgaSHuQM/s1600-h/DSC08418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpUUOfLfItpuU0PEHtMLToeCkDzHoM37zR0UjXvohGrFKWzXr9MKBBhFRiFnkuxVIJs_onv_F8cTllowhYtcaWYLRPQ_rGYA5AQqqwxZk54GS_oj5SJcU6IC7bF7cH9Lix4LJgaSHuQM/s320/DSC08418.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpUUOfLfItpuU0PEHtMLToeCkDzHoM37zR0UjXvohGrFKWzXr9MKBBhFRiFnkuxVIJs_onv_F8cTllowhYtcaWYLRPQ_rGYA5AQqqwxZk54GS_oj5SJcU6IC7bF7cH9Lix4LJgaSHuQM/s1600-h/DSC08418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>At last he arrives! Zion and Lily at their first meeting.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYCj46flK9nbOVpb4YeOXVqJno_CUv6OuTOuLhV6QV0numGhc_GP6t617K1sPfXrtGhSr8ITSqCSMV22APzKN0toUTmvnvlzxBDtIaK9Hurnxq0abF9EBMQzm7CikglAJX5kUj-3wk8c/s1600-h/DSC08431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYCj46flK9nbOVpb4YeOXVqJno_CUv6OuTOuLhV6QV0numGhc_GP6t617K1sPfXrtGhSr8ITSqCSMV22APzKN0toUTmvnvlzxBDtIaK9Hurnxq0abF9EBMQzm7CikglAJX5kUj-3wk8c/s320/DSC08431.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYCj46flK9nbOVpb4YeOXVqJno_CUv6OuTOuLhV6QV0numGhc_GP6t617K1sPfXrtGhSr8ITSqCSMV22APzKN0toUTmvnvlzxBDtIaK9Hurnxq0abF9EBMQzm7CikglAJX5kUj-3wk8c/s1600-h/DSC08431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> An amazing big sissy!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd69hfKgBuk1t3ch6AXbFmGD6QMY70QLjrJHLY_1m0SqRXsk55PyYRe7gjChymEW7kS-5W-RWeiorO5FY3W69n8Jbv8-6XWbgRRT-xGTEvgKEx0CaABx4szD7SY5lLKc9Bd0snBxrcrg/s1600-h/Nellist_Family049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd69hfKgBuk1t3ch6AXbFmGD6QMY70QLjrJHLY_1m0SqRXsk55PyYRe7gjChymEW7kS-5W-RWeiorO5FY3W69n8Jbv8-6XWbgRRT-xGTEvgKEx0CaABx4szD7SY5lLKc9Bd0snBxrcrg/s320/Nellist_Family049.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd69hfKgBuk1t3ch6AXbFmGD6QMY70QLjrJHLY_1m0SqRXsk55PyYRe7gjChymEW7kS-5W-RWeiorO5FY3W69n8Jbv8-6XWbgRRT-xGTEvgKEx0CaABx4szD7SY5lLKc9Bd0snBxrcrg/s1600-h/Nellist_Family049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Our beautiful girl...She is such a gift.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily turns 6!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily is growing into an amazing young lady. She is the perfect balance between "sugar and spice!" She has the most tender heart and is a care giver by nature. God has gifted her with a bright mind and she loves school and is doing so well. Her teacher says she is a leader in the classroom. Lily has settled into her role as a big sister and is falling in love with her baby brother more and more each day. We have loved watching this relationship blossom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think the most incredible thing about our daughter is that she really LOVES THE LORD!! I am so inspired by how real this relationship is for her. God is truly one of her closest friends. I love to hear her pray and am in awe of the faith that she has that her prayers are being heard. Her spiritual sensitivity is a beautiful thing to behold and I learn a lot just watching her experience The Lord. She is truly a gift and we look forward to the "Firsts" this year will have to offer.</div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-48286582787965276112010-03-10T22:44:00.000-08:002010-03-10T22:44:35.880-08:00"Whatever works!" Round two is already a bit different than the whole first experience with parenting. I find myself doing many things I swore I'd never do with Lily. The first being "baby wearing"or what I like to call "The Crack Sack!" I refer to this amazing apparatice by this name because within thirty seconds or so of putting Z in it he is nodding off into a blissful altered state of consciousness, hence the name "The Crack Sack!" This is great for him and even better for me the "multitasking mama" that I am. As you can see in the photo below, (taken by Lily) having two free hands makes the simplest to most complex tasks a total breeze! On days when I am sure I am not going to leave the house with my "barn painted,"(make up on) as my mom calls it, I just plop him in the "crack sack" and we are in business. As you can see even the loud blow dryer doesn't even phase him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdUBJ_NEqL0nr79OZfAWkroLitpHZxOhOpHiV3mFUyOcMP5c8dwm5UOPtJSj9iXgIzHXx_gYaheoUeuXINbQy9CmZ-ge8nshYk8uTYi4MSIYayBk2pGpQaOYcHSJwiNd3evN9Yj7HRyA/s1600-h/DSC08658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdUBJ_NEqL0nr79OZfAWkroLitpHZxOhOpHiV3mFUyOcMP5c8dwm5UOPtJSj9iXgIzHXx_gYaheoUeuXINbQy9CmZ-ge8nshYk8uTYi4MSIYayBk2pGpQaOYcHSJwiNd3evN9Yj7HRyA/s320/DSC08658.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The "Crack Sack" is also known as the "Geriatric magnet!" There is not a Grandma in Walmart that doesn't stop me to take a peek. Even when I try and hide him they just can't seem to help themselves. It's actually quite sweet and I never mind taking a little extra time to share my "little nugget of love,"(one of my goofy little "pet names":))<br />
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Speaking of "pet names" allow me to introduce you to "Our Little Chimichanga!" .....<br />
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I love me some "Swaddle blanket!!!!" (AKA Zi's "snuggie") This little cozy gift from God has turned Z's exasperating, five minute power naps into anywhere from one to three hour "Beauty rests!" And this is no "old school" receiving blanket swaddle....this is high tech, complete with velcro. I joked with Jeremy that he needed to go back to "Swaddle 101" when I found Z "free" in the middle of the night after daddy had done the last "wrapping!"<br />
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Anyhow, as the title of this blog states.."Whatever works" has become my new motto. If I get some sleep out of it, a meal with my family, some errands laundry and housework done I am ALL FOR IT!!!The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-68115503231708094332010-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:002010-03-05T09:29:15.818-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone needs a place they can</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> breathe...</span></span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our Place is Bodega Bay...</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When life in Suburbia begins to weigh on the Nellist family we head directly for our sleepy little fishing town on the Northern California Coast. Jeremy, being raised in Sonoma County had always considered the North Coast one of his favorite places. On our first date Jeremy introduced me to this amazing place and it quickly became one of mine as well. I was raised in Southern California and have always loved the So. Cal beaches. I will have to say the Nor Cal Coast has won my heart. The rugged coast line, massive waves, smell of sea air and eucalyptus, the sound of the fog horn and the virtually deserted beaches are fuel for a weary soul. In 2000 Jeremy and I were engaged and married on School House Beach in Bodega Bay. The love affair continues and I believe has more than likely become part of the makeup in our children's DNA. </span></span><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoEeDo5yZY0I34aiK4ne0cieZqQ9FzeUnoIUP3YYZ9UD6NAW3jDdpj3YMsga-aiBvFE83RDKPKPQlLCQaYNJoD3BD5nbi0FZmeXB_F0XE1WNWdrk8vvNjVZ1lU7Zx4rIvQCK8k9BLXdk/s1600-h/DSC03486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoEeDo5yZY0I34aiK4ne0cieZqQ9FzeUnoIUP3YYZ9UD6NAW3jDdpj3YMsga-aiBvFE83RDKPKPQlLCQaYNJoD3BD5nbi0FZmeXB_F0XE1WNWdrk8vvNjVZ1lU7Zx4rIvQCK8k9BLXdk/s320/DSC03486.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">School House Beach (AKA "Our Beach")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZdcs_DJuMfp0m1ZSDhs6BXSLeMLq5UGztuvzVOMkWCwJrC3w_eVKt6PUVgApk42O2Wu2fBWVGJn54AJK5v-eAPi9i9CceDxc5KK_eja9GiOoYr8u2bk_gRILESDG6DBVvqfHWpM09o8/s1600-h/DSC03487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZdcs_DJuMfp0m1ZSDhs6BXSLeMLq5UGztuvzVOMkWCwJrC3w_eVKt6PUVgApk42O2Wu2fBWVGJn54AJK5v-eAPi9i9CceDxc5KK_eja9GiOoYr8u2bk_gRILESDG6DBVvqfHWpM09o8/s320/DSC03487.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC3fhneXzSZpv5AN_i_IRtedky_K9JWmM1VYi3ZOt9XC-D7OtqbLqtwat0uHe-ksPKvTnKhCOpDXlwpmHx93zvnWC7f-DOVBhC0zgOjfUTxz4erGkUFFLQ7ECN-IRCH5uB6utchA1Xoo/s1600-h/DSC03368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC3fhneXzSZpv5AN_i_IRtedky_K9JWmM1VYi3ZOt9XC-D7OtqbLqtwat0uHe-ksPKvTnKhCOpDXlwpmHx93zvnWC7f-DOVBhC0zgOjfUTxz4erGkUFFLQ7ECN-IRCH5uB6utchA1Xoo/s320/DSC03368.JPG" /></a><br />
Sunset on "our beach", a nightly tradition<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27OK3uGMGS1WFiXTGUTLoqlhdaRqjWOhTaBIYXkaIcZeJcQ5moiDJMkZlhrHbhSqRDehpaY_Pcvro-_lRTJZLgA1VDgUzuBiM7DGR-PmlXh_LNDBOK-YauQwg864c8x7xtbZCMLPHFzY/s1600-h/DSC_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27OK3uGMGS1WFiXTGUTLoqlhdaRqjWOhTaBIYXkaIcZeJcQ5moiDJMkZlhrHbhSqRDehpaY_Pcvro-_lRTJZLgA1VDgUzuBiM7DGR-PmlXh_LNDBOK-YauQwg864c8x7xtbZCMLPHFzY/s320/DSC_3766.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zi in the "Crack Sack"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTLRM3qpyNOpJBCROgIqtzYjUxgj0u4VOwHi3zlyQslPubGzcwegbBdXwcJV1Paxchw9c4K2khZN7QSCHrP04Lo_jZ6uVxjmZma1BThiyeah3JTqdN_rw-3YKqqnn8gzCaQUfn7tiddc/s1600-h/DSC_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTLRM3qpyNOpJBCROgIqtzYjUxgj0u4VOwHi3zlyQslPubGzcwegbBdXwcJV1Paxchw9c4K2khZN7QSCHrP04Lo_jZ6uVxjmZma1BThiyeah3JTqdN_rw-3YKqqnn8gzCaQUfn7tiddc/s320/DSC_3769.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily's Pelican buddies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20kfYqYpNo7IYYejDJkmGN_D0vA8gR6nCQXFpOr4oWqmqiY-lE3YkvNlvfDwnmKbxbn0dHTw57HZuXF-e7q8X4WA2_xI0_4VnL4c4rfTNA6n7kTNesS_zRzf2jo_JLHaMunjFH9UVRDg/s1600-h/DSC_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20kfYqYpNo7IYYejDJkmGN_D0vA8gR6nCQXFpOr4oWqmqiY-lE3YkvNlvfDwnmKbxbn0dHTw57HZuXF-e7q8X4WA2_xI0_4VnL4c4rfTNA6n7kTNesS_zRzf2jo_JLHaMunjFH9UVRDg/s320/DSC_3770.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Sea Lion Lily swears came just to see her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlJ-CDz7l6YWO32JVMjChNEwxF7UHUOx2-ObW9veozUA_WENLNnfLA3pFjbiJpbbMDlHvuifNNt055xZodsYv3L_ZwyZ0kuPHqRWkIWtHY3FOgpmtaFfU8QiQOQSxhSb-KNDCbKLNx2Y/s1600-h/DSC_3777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlJ-CDz7l6YWO32JVMjChNEwxF7UHUOx2-ObW9veozUA_WENLNnfLA3pFjbiJpbbMDlHvuifNNt055xZodsYv3L_ZwyZ0kuPHqRWkIWtHY3FOgpmtaFfU8QiQOQSxhSb-KNDCbKLNx2Y/s320/DSC_3777.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily having patio time at the hotel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyCVDVzS0ySbo9sHq8c6xURBs2TOg83lsTYmWTc2v1LVHZisUersfmscbpeQ9hc-MbgGQmV7tRddvHBO_yUD3zALo36HFwsonJfVwjcL0Na6acdkLRt6No3be9UcfFmXDDJVpCDu8zo0/s1600-h/DSC_3783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyCVDVzS0ySbo9sHq8c6xURBs2TOg83lsTYmWTc2v1LVHZisUersfmscbpeQ9hc-MbgGQmV7tRddvHBO_yUD3zALo36HFwsonJfVwjcL0Na6acdkLRt6No3be9UcfFmXDDJVpCDu8zo0/s320/DSC_3783.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rockin out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6haJLsqEJBOHqDndtETOZbBqQVdoeeXFwTTlEtcD5xSxedsVyrwTWP2YWt2ATrYPh6KP1SH-ybrC-lO5sovf4AIoSr4o_jQyULMah4XmQU1wOxGOB66Z0YQ9oibOY3zL5Hy9ubvMSyno/s1600-h/DSC08606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6haJLsqEJBOHqDndtETOZbBqQVdoeeXFwTTlEtcD5xSxedsVyrwTWP2YWt2ATrYPh6KP1SH-ybrC-lO5sovf4AIoSr4o_jQyULMah4XmQU1wOxGOB66Z0YQ9oibOY3zL5Hy9ubvMSyno/s320/DSC08606.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ahhh bedtime after a long day of ocean therapy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vEU3RV7BFwhHjR4_GDIT5WJVcPe59vrVC7NNT369WHHRohpkFDTa0zdxY8NBkNQ7q-xmvybCGafoaTz6wCWWMDNtZTptzsmuEATDFWsL9-f7wNT84Lr3raQ7XvKBwCNq7yjm8YMDpwc/s1600-h/DSC08609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vEU3RV7BFwhHjR4_GDIT5WJVcPe59vrVC7NNT369WHHRohpkFDTa0zdxY8NBkNQ7q-xmvybCGafoaTz6wCWWMDNtZTptzsmuEATDFWsL9-f7wNT84Lr3raQ7XvKBwCNq7yjm8YMDpwc/s320/DSC08609.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coffee with a view.. our morning ritual</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUvzDTlGvuZyzcI11x79YX2cwew6JWRh6a1hibIfvCtfcWt-koRRaOhU6_wRnXlhyphenhyphenVo8vZMN3oZwAvzjR3ctb1meabdltCt8BU3559tWhSrwJlglF2JbZT6Xpw_s8x5CZRP_JpwK-lPY/s1600-h/DSC08614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUvzDTlGvuZyzcI11x79YX2cwew6JWRh6a1hibIfvCtfcWt-koRRaOhU6_wRnXlhyphenhyphenVo8vZMN3oZwAvzjR3ctb1meabdltCt8BU3559tWhSrwJlglF2JbZT6Xpw_s8x5CZRP_JpwK-lPY/s320/DSC08614.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Breakfast at the Tides. Lily loves to watch for "her friends"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykiRpVV3vIwObPg4WvOH2Tonh353xwKXl76MKRmlEMwGqNdUt9fMZJf4L_kjkx5yew48_vbtxI7swyok2TG_Dez20z4ufYuEqIwTqO0MD-Zb7xju7STDriGRz6_QsfxJh-krh0dd0j7Y/s1600-h/DSC08624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykiRpVV3vIwObPg4WvOH2Tonh353xwKXl76MKRmlEMwGqNdUt9fMZJf4L_kjkx5yew48_vbtxI7swyok2TG_Dez20z4ufYuEqIwTqO0MD-Zb7xju7STDriGRz6_QsfxJh-krh0dd0j7Y/s320/DSC08624.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily bird watching on the patio</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ET2gC1XYgFULoOMySeGigXsbUjOGrSMM9gvCVt3hyWMmuFRe7wbE4ICUMCOP-Fd12EFJckTBWTmEGKrN5wnMEORDe9ONnfuN92t9b_jFNbbl_VESWja0cQPtgJXn1XQuHU1qmp5A3lQ/s1600-h/DSC08634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ET2gC1XYgFULoOMySeGigXsbUjOGrSMM9gvCVt3hyWMmuFRe7wbE4ICUMCOP-Fd12EFJckTBWTmEGKrN5wnMEORDe9ONnfuN92t9b_jFNbbl_VESWja0cQPtgJXn1XQuHU1qmp5A3lQ/s320/DSC08634.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our afternoon swim. Lily is quite a fish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlxnaQwvR6uJRoelFPgNJc9ZixU99cCJy3ewnjdj6ClRHEBcHYfdYv6ED0VPs6WcPKijOmGakz_RB_IPjn-n415DhdjyHVGvYjhZkSzQK6OvuRoxEk_4N8avAVgFi9634KPHOGe4uyoc/s1600-h/DSC08639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlxnaQwvR6uJRoelFPgNJc9ZixU99cCJy3ewnjdj6ClRHEBcHYfdYv6ED0VPs6WcPKijOmGakz_RB_IPjn-n415DhdjyHVGvYjhZkSzQK6OvuRoxEk_4N8avAVgFi9634KPHOGe4uyoc/s320/DSC08639.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daddy watching Zi so we can have some "girl time!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklpwS-F-5m9bGF2owqp79MgA6NjFkGBNq6P0HZdzsiXORlIPeJR4IMIuWXM2lB4thpwGciHuIJEozYWeVvE5ahaI9RuC8kjDxFs_Nd-1lbuNRNUU5B2eTLJKcJSJa0AF5DdPbVibFmdk/s1600-h/DSC08644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklpwS-F-5m9bGF2owqp79MgA6NjFkGBNq6P0HZdzsiXORlIPeJR4IMIuWXM2lB4thpwGciHuIJEozYWeVvE5ahaI9RuC8kjDxFs_Nd-1lbuNRNUU5B2eTLJKcJSJa0AF5DdPbVibFmdk/s320/DSC08644.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful pasture next to our room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4MpH0cxWd-wEu44QpgirKENqa0gcn2gIx6_tgN5PWrifpiD60NI3jOwf12UoXeL-vX16Vzp_W9AgNxsHXoXtNRoD7CDQdltPMQaWVEQRVq-3PU6RzFhMo9QFtfHrOc0XGMmjVgb-JQw/s1600-h/DSC08656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4MpH0cxWd-wEu44QpgirKENqa0gcn2gIx6_tgN5PWrifpiD60NI3jOwf12UoXeL-vX16Vzp_W9AgNxsHXoXtNRoD7CDQdltPMQaWVEQRVq-3PU6RzFhMo9QFtfHrOc0XGMmjVgb-JQw/s320/DSC08656.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</i></b></span></div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-48918391914653712452010-02-18T20:13:00.000-08:002010-02-18T20:13:01.991-08:00"Delicious"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Zi and I went to my Dr.'s appointment today...</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My OB said he was "Delicious."</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I will say...</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I completely agree</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA-KJVZBIlEnd-0JfOOf8QrALNoWKPA2SUwWh8qNGebA7V9P4qpuWR1vI5o5KiCj1Bpu2pnl068zFfsd4EId_gKAvozDDcnstibJNcwojMjJP-I3jFfXBjIYRLjikrYSlxVFq71gsSw0/s1600-h/DSC_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA-KJVZBIlEnd-0JfOOf8QrALNoWKPA2SUwWh8qNGebA7V9P4qpuWR1vI5o5KiCj1Bpu2pnl068zFfsd4EId_gKAvozDDcnstibJNcwojMjJP-I3jFfXBjIYRLjikrYSlxVFq71gsSw0/s320/DSC_3646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbWWax8iWTlmsf7lz4406QTkYPX7V7cY_bSWMS_03uedHw_km8PB_izrJBQHWrwNMsj-7pIR2y21L0yriVF7WiAbRgh4HX82VWkkAQqX7CcUKG7NauRFBKTHVkVQsT1l_MzH0WZTFduE/s1600-h/DSC_3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbWWax8iWTlmsf7lz4406QTkYPX7V7cY_bSWMS_03uedHw_km8PB_izrJBQHWrwNMsj-7pIR2y21L0yriVF7WiAbRgh4HX82VWkkAQqX7CcUKG7NauRFBKTHVkVQsT1l_MzH0WZTFduE/s320/DSC_3651.JPG" width="264" /><a name='more'></a></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l4zYWN6fOOCmcB5wNPVkKiHWzxdTLRNSSAqDqktdgsGBl2ZY9ohqz100d9Qp4nRARoOMUv9n31q7NnhdQLEHpsWNdmRxs-zQko7sbC6FNC0xbKlAe7BSazQMPYOHJTUs2gV4GBtgRc4/s1600-h/DSC_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l4zYWN6fOOCmcB5wNPVkKiHWzxdTLRNSSAqDqktdgsGBl2ZY9ohqz100d9Qp4nRARoOMUv9n31q7NnhdQLEHpsWNdmRxs-zQko7sbC6FNC0xbKlAe7BSazQMPYOHJTUs2gV4GBtgRc4/s320/DSC_3648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72ZuUq5TXbbVflGCmtGCxqseHvWlMj4pnSxntHZO2OAkRkFu7wNAIR8E4yHpVtjWvHGka88O4msdaxUVUdLj9S17_Dku6vYDU37ZoE14FobWvQuOuJ1L6i9k-NpaToKdn0VUY-RdxPWw/s1600-h/DSC_3745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72ZuUq5TXbbVflGCmtGCxqseHvWlMj4pnSxntHZO2OAkRkFu7wNAIR8E4yHpVtjWvHGka88O4msdaxUVUdLj9S17_Dku6vYDU37ZoE14FobWvQuOuJ1L6i9k-NpaToKdn0VUY-RdxPWw/s320/DSC_3745.JPG" /></a></div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-57873498662183237362010-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:002010-02-14T08:22:54.257-08:00"Lily's Life!" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC3JSOmSIxzq2IAVAaQvV_5atuEDgW5se1V0uscQjUtzKbLiW_C8LNoiDrcxeqAJUMlGvwOt3zy54j2neAtXJWMwWDNpywIGASM-RW4n0YB_cQAlFcVP7FHrX5S-sioOwnBsSW3NlsWE/s1600-h/DSC08493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC3JSOmSIxzq2IAVAaQvV_5atuEDgW5se1V0uscQjUtzKbLiW_C8LNoiDrcxeqAJUMlGvwOt3zy54j2neAtXJWMwWDNpywIGASM-RW4n0YB_cQAlFcVP7FHrX5S-sioOwnBsSW3NlsWE/s320/DSC08493.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We wanted to create a part of the blog just to update you on what is going on in the life of Lily. Lily is very excited to introduce her very own "Lily's Life" section.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although Lily is absolutely loving being a big sister it has not come without moments of feeling "dethroned." After all, she has been "the Queen of the Castle" for the last five and a half years. </span></span><br />
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Last week in fact we, Lily and I, had a very heart wrenching conversation about how she has been feeling since the birth of her brother. Lily has always been able to articulate her feelings well and this conversation was no exception. Let's just say I left the conversation with an overwhelming feeling of "mother's guilt". Although I have been very intentional about spending time with Lily daily, it usually involves doing something with her while I was nursing such as playing a game, coloring or reading to her. Lily was very quick to point out, "mom, but </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is always there. I had to give it to her...she had a point.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In an effort to give Lily a little more "one on one" mommy time, Jeremy and Zi had some "man time" and Lily and I spent a few hours together last Sunday afternoon. As we walked and I held her hand I got this overwhelming feeling that this time was just as much for me as it was for Lily. I had really missed my Lily girl.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Our afternoon was spent going to The Fountains together window shopping and getting frozen yogurt and then we went to Barnes and Noble and picked out a new book for our nightly reading time. We got a book recommended by a friend, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo. We are really enjoying it. Lily loves being read to and has began reading and attempting to read anything and everything she sees. It is so cool to see how all of the sudden this whole new world of words has opened up to her. It is also the end of Jeremy and I trying to attempt to spell anything in her presence...such a bummer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Another way we decided to help Lily transition is to get her more involved in Zi's care. She is really enjoying feeding him his bottle and does very well with it. She loves helping with his bath and picking out his "outfit for the day." All these things seem to really help her feel important. </span><br />
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</span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PqgftDo3uxJd6ZtyxG_mf1gnYZndrT-PSPPIKbyCQ2iNWsRneSvUFbbPbv-FEd6m66CuZLZ9KvZ5vQkvYub7oayGntl8Dq0h75u2cxUvmMO1L2K2yp-dYe9oeR0Crs3I5n9mtTGi-r4/s1600-h/DSC08505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PqgftDo3uxJd6ZtyxG_mf1gnYZndrT-PSPPIKbyCQ2iNWsRneSvUFbbPbv-FEd6m66CuZLZ9KvZ5vQkvYub7oayGntl8Dq0h75u2cxUvmMO1L2K2yp-dYe9oeR0Crs3I5n9mtTGi-r4/s320/DSC08505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lily has always had a love for creating and has been surprising us with her artistic side from the time she put a pen to paper. In an effort to foster and encourage this we signed her up for her first art class. She is absolutely loving it and is impressing us with the art she brings home weekly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lily is also doing an amazing job with her drum lessons. Her instructor Kevin in just incredible with her and she loves going every week. She is well on her way towards accomplishing her aspirations of one day becoming a "Rock Star!" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lily continues to be obsessed with anything "Star Wars." She hangs mostly with boys at school and is usually playing "Star Wars or Clone Wars" at recess. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She is an incredible student and has surpassed all her Kidergarten bench marks thus far. Homework time is however not the most pleasant time at our house as Lily, like any 5 1/2 year old could find 1000 other things to be doing with her time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So that's a little update on the "life O' Lily!" She is growing so fast and changing at an alarming rate. She brings such joy to our lives and we are so proud of our "Lily Girl"</span><br />
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</span></div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-26303725163271822472010-01-29T11:50:00.000-08:002010-01-29T11:50:05.478-08:00"Ha Ha Ha PUSH!!!!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishSopUPaSBLxt6V8IFStb0c3brxsaNuZzpuNiNhOb_l3MdEyxa8fRGPDgeMyoSGqtWPFYjSZdrvxNKaGiCX3yKYosW-ZcpGLmS5yUAxyC6Bhh8JY1dyVF4rmydJ1Mw5QErhlZgmYhxEE/s1600-h/DSC_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishSopUPaSBLxt6V8IFStb0c3brxsaNuZzpuNiNhOb_l3MdEyxa8fRGPDgeMyoSGqtWPFYjSZdrvxNKaGiCX3yKYosW-ZcpGLmS5yUAxyC6Bhh8JY1dyVF4rmydJ1Mw5QErhlZgmYhxEE/s320/DSC_3531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We were scheduled for induction December 29th. due to some health issues I had during pregnancy. Both my OB and I thought I would have gone into labor earlier but Zion once again proved he was calling the shots. Taking the spontaneity out of going into labor was quite a different experience. I thought being the type "A", gotta have a plan type of person I am, that knowing when would take a level of stress out of it. However, I found it quite the opposite. Needless to say the whole sleep thing the night before didn't happen and it definitely didn't help knowing we had to arrive to the hospital at 5:15 am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1ivvvet_5F-SLEu21ASF5A2UXIXQ_VQXsGwqPYUSN3e_eqhp74ImJGeiJGLgqALbEdKWcw1Ae_RP-9Z0N8LCw89UxKy_kz6fnOSSQj55dXHr-mu4rCyeW8-WhSDpgRSBPdN-XQX8Krc/s1600-h/DSC_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1ivvvet_5F-SLEu21ASF5A2UXIXQ_VQXsGwqPYUSN3e_eqhp74ImJGeiJGLgqALbEdKWcw1Ae_RP-9Z0N8LCw89UxKy_kz6fnOSSQj55dXHr-mu4rCyeW8-WhSDpgRSBPdN-XQX8Krc/s320/DSC_3533.JPG" /><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div> The admitting nurse has a cruel game she plays with patients and tries to guess the weight of their baby. After she did some "hocus pocus" and placed her hands on my belly she sauntered over to the white board and wrote the number 10 lbs 10 oz. What the??? How the??? Well as if I wasn't anxious enough, you can imagine. Then the kind Dr. came in and told us that this was not going to be a quick process and to realistically count on the process taking at least 24 hours. Oh and by the way I think your nurse is totally off your baby will be at least 9 lbs. What a relief, only NINE POUNDS now!<br />
Induction began around 10am and we didn't actually meet our man until 4:28 am the following morning. You do the math... The Dr. was very right almost 24 hours from the time we arrived! <br />
On a more positive note I had amazing nursing care and lots of support from my team. Especially Jeremy who lulled us all to sleep with his very loud rhythmic breathing AKA "snoring." And of course I am being sarcastic. The only one snoring <i>was</i> Jeremy. However, I made sure to wake "Sleeping Beauty" when I found out I was dilated to 8! I had an Epidural that worked brilliantly for the most part allowing me to feel the contractions but just took the edge off. <br />
When I finally got to 10 cm the lovely Dr. wanted to hold off pushing until I "felt the urge!" About a half hour later we were all having a conversation with the nurse about those women on TV who come in not knowing they are even pregnant or those that don't even have to push and the baby pops out. Meanwhile during this conversation I was thinking to myself "is this "the urge" I am feeling? So I told the nurse I felt "a little funky." She responded with a chipper.."Let's check you." Her next response, not so chipper..."CLOSE YOUR LEGS!" Apparently, Zion was already crowning. Like the women on television I was virtually unaware, thanks the the beauty of modern medicine. I was so unaware in fact we were all laughing about the irony of the moment in relation to our previous conversation. The Dr. came in immediately and assumed her position and said "STOP LAUGHING!" Then she said "STOP PUSHING!", to which I responded "I'm not!" My body had apparently taken over and was doing the pushing for me. Very quickly the Dr. was ready and jokingly said..."OK YOU CAN LAUGH NOW!" to which I found quite funny and began to laugh. With a laugh and slight push... OUT HE POPPED! Zion was literally laughed into this world! What an entrance! So although it was a long and tiring experience it ended quite perfectly. My Dr. said she had never had to tell a woman in labor to "stop laughing." <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Then it was said among the nations, </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> "The LORD has done great things for them."</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Psalm 126:2</span></i></div></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SoIr-ph0ZQU_H-9EG3QMUvo4lk54z5ABb_6Hn3UYnWQPrRN1CB21S7qSpD2jkDbDXUfQQNMGz7yWFTlX_gzviGXUI3cKsODHL_rp6E9hJ6bh5hDAUqstsOYa5nLZdYjdXuged_ordTs/s1600-h/DSC_3544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SoIr-ph0ZQU_H-9EG3QMUvo4lk54z5ABb_6Hn3UYnWQPrRN1CB21S7qSpD2jkDbDXUfQQNMGz7yWFTlX_gzviGXUI3cKsODHL_rp6E9hJ6bh5hDAUqstsOYa5nLZdYjdXuged_ordTs/s320/DSC_3544.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i> Meeting our son for the first time face to face was truly magical. Zion our little warrior was finally here! </i></span></div><br />
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</a></div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-43381128020693447812010-01-27T22:45:00.000-08:002010-01-27T23:11:01.514-08:00Happy 1 month Birthday son!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> It's so hard to believe Zion is one month old today. Time has so flown by. Lily is currently planning a "Celebration" for tonight, complete with a cake from her Easy Bake Oven. She has embraced sisterhood with gusto. She loves to hold him and has made up several songs about him. She told me last week that she "can't get enough of him!" I would have to agree with her. It is so beautiful to see them together. Zi calms at the sound of her voice and just loves to stare at her.<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We <i>have</i> had some adjustment "issues" as Lily is no longer "The Queen of the Castle." All in all she has welcomed "The New King" with open arms. She is quite a helper except when it comes to changing diapers in which she informs us "I don't<i> do</i> dirty diapers!"<br />
</div> We are finding what works one day and then finding something that works even better the next day. But we seem to be finding a rhythm. Zion is a bit more "high maintenance" than Lily was. He tends to require more holding and absolutely loathes his car seat. The minute you sit him in it the screaming begins and continues generally until you reach your desired destination and free him. We are learning to cope by cranking the Taylor Swift and singing to the top of our lungs. <br />
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One of Zi's favorite places to be is in a nice warm bath. Lily loves to help and it has been a great bargaining tool to get her to do her homework.<br />
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He is also quite content laying on Jeremy's chest during their nightly "man time" which gives me an opportunity to catch some much needed ZZZ's of my own.<br />
Overall, despite the sleep depravation life couldn't be sweeter. One of my favorite moments reflecting back on this last month was all four of us cuddled in bed for our weekly "movie night." It was such a simple moment yet the contentment I felt was amazing. One month down and many more to share. I look forward to keeping you posted on our future adventures.The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-73117287089907292102010-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:002010-01-20T07:43:24.952-08:00"What's up with the name?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aT24BQkKNUYtwMooZr_2N0YKEIb6Fl65XK4hyphenhyphenmtLOT1pZjrK5l4NH5lCD5-RTxSYfY-scYZJSEVEddkbW3J08bp_6demgEuPMPY8PuU5RZdhV1nFfdURS6wFazcjBJxmOlhDK3Zq-jo/s1600-h/Nellist_Family082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aT24BQkKNUYtwMooZr_2N0YKEIb6Fl65XK4hyphenhyphenmtLOT1pZjrK5l4NH5lCD5-RTxSYfY-scYZJSEVEddkbW3J08bp_6demgEuPMPY8PuU5RZdhV1nFfdURS6wFazcjBJxmOlhDK3Zq-jo/s320/Nellist_Family082.jpg" /></a><br />
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Hey this is Zion, AKA; "Baby Z", just plain "Z", "Zi", or "Zi Zi" as my sister calls me. I've even been known to be called "miracle man", "warrior" and "survivor!" I will answer to just about any of them. If I turn towards your voice at this point just expect only limited eye contact cuz I'm still trying to figure that one out. <br />
Anyhow, if you hadn't noticed my name is a bit on the unusual side of things. Not your everyday Joe kinda name. But, there's a reason for this and I'd like to explain if you would be so kind....<br />
You see just as my first few days of life "on the outside" started a little rocky. My first few days "on the inside" were even a little rougher. <br />
I need to warn you, this is where the story gets a little sad and you may want to grab a kleenex. I can assure you however, there is a happy ending! Just keep reading! Anyhow, on May 21st 2009 Mommy found out she was pregnant. Unfortunately, just hours later she miscarried and ended up in the Emergency Room. One sad part was that Daddy had to find out she was pregnant and having a miscarriage all at the same time. This is not the kind of phone call you want to receive in the middle of the day at work. The weekend was really hard and Mommy spent a lot of time crying. <br />
Here's where the plot thickens.... Mommy went to her follow up appointment a few days later and the Dr. did a routine ultrasound to see if everything was as it should be. Well, my mommy just about fainted when she heard the Dr. say..."I don't mean to send you on a roller coaster ride but you still have a baby with a heartbeat in there!!!" Well as you can imagine my mommy was trippin, to say the least! I'm sure out of pure shock the only words she could come up with were..." I drank a half a bottle of wine this weekend!" The Dr. just laughed and reassured mommy it wouldn't give me a third eye or something and it quickly brought mommy back to reality. The Dr. went on to explain that the baby that was lost was my twin. Yep, I had a twin!!! It's called "Vanishing Twin Syndrome" and is actually pretty common. Look it up on the internet it's really interesting. Well as you can imagine the next phone call to Daddy started out with "Are you sitting down?" <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e69138;">"For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling."</span></i></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e69138;"> Psalm 132:13</span></i></b><br />
</div> Unfortunately, the Dr. warned Mommy and Daddy that the reality of me hanging around too was kinda slim. For pretty much the next 8 to 10 weeks the Dr's. warned Mommy and Daddy that I may not make it. A week after finding out about me my Mommy ended up in the ER again with very similar symptoms when they lost my twin. Mommy just knew she was loosing me too! But there I was with the strongest little ticker they ever saw!! Obviously I proved all those Dr's. wrong too, cuz I hung on for dear life and at 39 weeks they finally had to make me come out!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, </span></i></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. </span></i></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." </span></i></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;"> 2 Kings 19:31</span></i></b><br />
</div> Do I know why my twin had to loose their life and I got to keep mine? I do not. I do know from what my Mommy had researched that if one twin is not as healthy as the other it could jeopardize the life and health of the other twin. My Mommy and Daddy choose to believe that my twin had to give up their life so that I could live. A nobel purpose indeed, if only for a brief eight weeks of life. I look forward to the day when I will see my twin again in Heaven. But until that time I thank God for allowing me the chance to live.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done." </span></b></i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Psalm 9:11</span></b></i><br />
</div> Ok, ok, you are probably wondering where the name thing comes in. So Mommy and Daddy decided since I had proven to have such a strong will to live it would only be fitting to choose a strong name for me. The name Zion was one they instantly agreed on and it carries with it strong images such as "Mount Zion" the Jewish "Promise Land" in the Bible. For Rastafarians it means utopia or heaven on earth.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." Psalm 125</span></i></b><br />
</div> As you noticed there are several verses displayed throughout my story. We all learned a lot throughout this last season. Mommy and Daddy learned to surrender and have faith and trust that God loves us all so much and wanted to reveal Himself and His love through my life. I will end now with one of my Mommy's very favorite. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth." Psalm 50:2</span></b></i><br />
</div>The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278894957172731853.post-10643074362536196182010-01-18T21:47:00.000-08:002010-01-19T16:09:49.452-08:00Allow me to introduce myself...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXOGVNOTBR4_TTAMFp4c2-v76E8KrR4Z0Ddgbsdv86zVq1m7rndx4Gd0h6xucHHfLMBCeHwSKIoB441UK_xYKwQdCb2-4lWx2bVHOwnkc-4WgbR_T7bplCCDz8B0cvpVybRyhSqF9YvU/s1600-h/DSC08405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXOGVNOTBR4_TTAMFp4c2-v76E8KrR4Z0Ddgbsdv86zVq1m7rndx4Gd0h6xucHHfLMBCeHwSKIoB441UK_xYKwQdCb2-4lWx2bVHOwnkc-4WgbR_T7bplCCDz8B0cvpVybRyhSqF9YvU/s320/DSC08405.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My name is Zion Elijah Nellist. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was born December 30th, 2009 at 4:28 am.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I weighed 7lbs 2 oz and was 20 inches long. <br />
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Although my mom literally laughed me into this world (she'll share her birth story later) the first few days after I arrived here were not such "a walk in the park." I spent my first New Years Eve partying in the Neonatal ICU while my mom and dad toasted the New Year without me in Mommy's hospital room. A sad night for all of us:( For the next few days I spent most of my time in a tanning bed with this lame mask on and I couldn't see a thing. My mom and dad came to visit all the time but could only hold me to feed me and then had to put me back so I could loose the yellow hue to my skin. I met some really nice people and they treated me great, except when they had to poke my poor little heals, hands and arms (at least 40 times) to find out if I was getting better. We ended up leaving on good terms and I actually began to like them. In the picture below you will see the nice nurses who did such a great job caring for me. Please excuse the lame outfit my mom put on me to go home in. One of my nurses said I kinda looked like "Ralphie" from "The Christmas Story." Anyhow, it was warm and served the purpose for the short ride home.<br />
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On Sunday evening January 3rd my parents got the news I was doing well enough to be released. I couldn't wait to meet my sister cuz the new hospital visiting policy wouldn't let her come see me after I was born. We surprised her and rang the doorbell, there she stood as beautiful as I imagined! I fit in her arms just perfectly. She was a natural. It was as if she had this "big sister" stuff all figured out already.<br />
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Over the course of the next few days I adjusted my days and nights, while keeping my mommy and daddy up the majority of the time I figured it out. So although it was a rough first few days of life it seems to be "the way I roll" and I'm adjusting. I'm just happy to be home with my family.The Nellist News!http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208928021144055676noreply@blogger.com2