tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61798659059704886252024-02-07T04:55:37.407-06:00Gone To TargetMusings and life of a Southern family transplanted to the frozen tundra.joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-5127524007150481182014-06-23T23:19:00.002-05:002014-06-23T23:19:42.257-05:0021/30...United!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tonight was our last soccer game. We have loved our little engine-that-could team that turned out to be some pretty fine soccer players 5 seasons later. </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/AVvXsEj6MC1JSGagXVQBtzA0oLF6iqfjV-5BT_WWb3wFwKfQVxoTE76mZ4UIZh_57Kr3isdi6utVKPSQIcVuN31nogyEeWEFCrAWp7tmYic2T-t8Tnp4iyTTPTiv-8bdTzcR_hyiJWwCCenQL-TY/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MC1JSGagXVQBtzA0oLF6iqfjV-5BT_WWb3wFwKfQVxoTE76mZ4UIZh_57Kr3isdi6utVKPSQIcVuN31nogyEeWEFCrAWp7tmYic2T-t8Tnp4iyTTPTiv-8bdTzcR_hyiJWwCCenQL-TY/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy was on fire tonight! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been playing with several of the same families since we moved to the frozen tundra 3 years ago. To say the least, it has been a highlight for our family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBVZ7Xsw-Wr8MDzijIPV-zd5QK24BHj06GLhJZibwFXnfbfiM8GzofhJs1RWM3BC_k6IZCkWWwEgZFq2dl-k2qt-Fw8MPKlFJy6GS8rdSJwHP1-vkNTMAVyjdVco24LgnW4VpYWHHweBX/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBVZ7Xsw-Wr8MDzijIPV-zd5QK24BHj06GLhJZibwFXnfbfiM8GzofhJs1RWM3BC_k6IZCkWWwEgZFq2dl-k2qt-Fw8MPKlFJy6GS8rdSJwHP1-vkNTMAVyjdVco24LgnW4VpYWHHweBX/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't take credit for this one. The baby monkey had a turn with the camera. Coach looks pretty intense. This is not just child's play.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UmEkbH25cH5kCUm-wSKhXwMDfcDaZFrgfwthE2LCzyclcViACAQEXTqfaIggcnNUiPECiI9rG6NjqJvcPWWb9yKWJZXmZFONGU4tZ7PASpHzDqMQbqFF2tlTUYAkQP5KnVZD0OPSJqhC/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UmEkbH25cH5kCUm-wSKhXwMDfcDaZFrgfwthE2LCzyclcViACAQEXTqfaIggcnNUiPECiI9rG6NjqJvcPWWb9yKWJZXmZFONGU4tZ7PASpHzDqMQbqFF2tlTUYAkQP5KnVZD0OPSJqhC/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, wait. Maybe it is. And this picture will forever be burned in my memory because this is where baby monkey prefers to view the game. Until coach gets tired and shoos her to the sidelines. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a joy. </div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-67108912581272597872014-06-23T00:15:00.002-05:002014-06-23T00:15:57.956-05:0020/30...St. Paul Farmer's Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More MN lasts...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The St. Paul Farmers Market has been a Sunday morning tradition for a couple years now. This morning was our last trip. </div>
<div class="" 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/AVvXsEgYNL6JMjyG_8DpjMsn2PsmRJYh3Oy3rvyi97jNJaO3juiiJw53bQQg4jhEF3r3Ao03xM6CjBEZvuLLQYhAfDnKtknqzFkHDVNZS9kYjyttEZrKKlLjVKocQK8wwoVpGNCjkZew30craXjE/s1600/DSC_0228bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNL6JMjyG_8DpjMsn2PsmRJYh3Oy3rvyi97jNJaO3juiiJw53bQQg4jhEF3r3Ao03xM6CjBEZvuLLQYhAfDnKtknqzFkHDVNZS9kYjyttEZrKKlLjVKocQK8wwoVpGNCjkZew30craXjE/s1600/DSC_0228bw.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the farmers and fresh produce and pasture raised meat. For the rest the highlight is the hotdogs. Romocky's Brats and Dogs is the best. Anyone who gives chocolate money with change must be a winner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J3ykK9kWa_z44_pfom62OFYLrMljCqNZB5JrRlWCyp4vivJatcgEFxkOFVCqbhsamnuzjbZdRD41DF2ng9KNZLxjUnygSS9ltk25wSY2zsN1JYti5Q5zuXEsnK3TakIhPngTXJPOoG7N/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J3ykK9kWa_z44_pfom62OFYLrMljCqNZB5JrRlWCyp4vivJatcgEFxkOFVCqbhsamnuzjbZdRD41DF2ng9KNZLxjUnygSS9ltk25wSY2zsN1JYti5Q5zuXEsnK3TakIhPngTXJPOoG7N/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-36088163920388870852014-06-20T23:52:00.000-05:002014-06-20T23:53:59.471-05:0018/30...MN Lasts...Great River Water Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You just cannot truly appreciate the humid, chlorine-scented air of an indoor waterpark until you have lived through the most intense winter nature can muster. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeZvFWTg7AG-fHcg7PDtDg8F3pW1lPvyYWRqvHhsxxmpgZHuLNCc88IIJHgLKt2FetjfOpos0d9HRNONGImb9nJHOhU-N3uHLCgdDyK-hJDjFo2Rxyk5rxdrtMFNpAAFXSqIU6583vcmi/s1600/DSC_0149bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeZvFWTg7AG-fHcg7PDtDg8F3pW1lPvyYWRqvHhsxxmpgZHuLNCc88IIJHgLKt2FetjfOpos0d9HRNONGImb9nJHOhU-N3uHLCgdDyK-hJDjFo2Rxyk5rxdrtMFNpAAFXSqIU6583vcmi/s1600/DSC_0149bw.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you close your eyes, you cannot almost make yourself believe it is summer. We are now living the days we all here in Minnesota dreamed of just months ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp32bzgXvHmcDKIgxoXfBH3rSfo5KuWJS1zPaWEjHCRgo-X6mKTIEOQhHO9cy7cEW7868tA6AI37-9kRAJT2-Fgq0P-2tiqh5zCS2c9WN723zEWVOZQoRZVYjzbEXdIdDwLpwbVm0I8Hm/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp32bzgXvHmcDKIgxoXfBH3rSfo5KuWJS1zPaWEjHCRgo-X6mKTIEOQhHO9cy7cEW7868tA6AI37-9kRAJT2-Fgq0P-2tiqh5zCS2c9WN723zEWVOZQoRZVYjzbEXdIdDwLpwbVm0I8Hm/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one won't even wear a swimsuit without a skirt. Priss. </div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-50576811666495863382014-06-19T23:02:00.002-05:002014-06-19T23:02:22.543-05:0017/30...More Lasts...Walker Art Sculpture Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9wUvuL0lcB_kXj4wPQ6-asEQXrNMdlJjGnPjSjU65aYX7hYXDvxLWAnF5tN82KMfe_RrZzL4dhd55aJ-2hqaB-9gCE0WoAlvADVEdfxKSMXOQiyGM-77nbpOuCbI3-ans9MPVtCy9HT4/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9wUvuL0lcB_kXj4wPQ6-asEQXrNMdlJjGnPjSjU65aYX7hYXDvxLWAnF5tN82KMfe_RrZzL4dhd55aJ-2hqaB-9gCE0WoAlvADVEdfxKSMXOQiyGM-77nbpOuCbI3-ans9MPVtCy9HT4/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I will be completely honest. I don't have a clue what this sculpture even means, and for sure I don't know what in the world it has to do with Minneapolis. Someone please enlighten me. But it is iconic. It screams Minneapolis. And I wanted to see it one more time before we leave. Even better to see it with friends. I mean I do love cherries. And spoons. Who doesn't? joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-78565922911462367222014-06-17T23:21:00.001-05:002014-06-17T23:21:52.834-05:0015/30...Indian FoodOnions and garlic and ginger...cumin and coriander and cardamom. Can you smell it? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuuofXhGsi_2HkqdH-o2nWnVp6Q8l2uIDoQx9f7qjBXK5Zy5uVkfpFK5u4fnw-qQ9yp7EwIOHHT1D9d8SyrWzHBe-pbP4eY7HC8OmWBQC7nJL8TUZD3iv7Dx74N9WS8TCEc2ZvI6uSRns/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuuofXhGsi_2HkqdH-o2nWnVp6Q8l2uIDoQx9f7qjBXK5Zy5uVkfpFK5u4fnw-qQ9yp7EwIOHHT1D9d8SyrWzHBe-pbP4eY7HC8OmWBQC7nJL8TUZD3iv7Dx74N9WS8TCEc2ZvI6uSRns/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
One of the things I will miss most from our time here are these combined scents wafting from the McCowen kitchen. We had an Indian cooking day. One of many perks to having friends who have lived in India and learned from Indian cooks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6170zGxNYL9rFC7YGp3m50bssGh3jilmE0x6oZKzjVVfcFJ6O2hkPqlGQsB05D_syr24xBjYhFalWosn-OTM9ZwDhGj71OX1R83wmoa0JfP7V6CUdjZ6r_CKMbMVgmmx4liQv7Yyr4i1/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6170zGxNYL9rFC7YGp3m50bssGh3jilmE0x6oZKzjVVfcFJ6O2hkPqlGQsB05D_syr24xBjYhFalWosn-OTM9ZwDhGj71OX1R83wmoa0JfP7V6CUdjZ6r_CKMbMVgmmx4liQv7Yyr4i1/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She has a whole shelf just for her Indian spices. It is a beautiful thing. Pretty enough for a picture. Or two. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have solved many a world problem over this stove, processed numerous books, laughed to avoid crying, and oh the parenting we have shared. And wine. Shared a good bit of that, too. Perks to having friends who are wine snobs. </div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-88027110690575636572014-06-15T23:30:00.001-05:002014-06-15T23:31:51.078-05:0014/30...Big Girls on a Big Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiERS9gvzxdJMHnSEhbNLKAM6RSxbuhBVza-zA5Q1QX7Ax9sRl4j-IWWCRUsfcF-uY5yyMMILb9LWk1qkuRk338f87drJtOIW3MI7FFhdA5KjXE4HKOxOEJWeyVZApcpBc4pHBKNQqTou/s1600/DSC_0989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiERS9gvzxdJMHnSEhbNLKAM6RSxbuhBVza-zA5Q1QX7Ax9sRl4j-IWWCRUsfcF-uY5yyMMILb9LWk1qkuRk338f87drJtOIW3MI7FFhdA5KjXE4HKOxOEJWeyVZApcpBc4pHBKNQqTou/s1600/DSC_0989.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went for ice cream to celebrate the end (or survival) of another year of school. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nine year olds are like teenagers stuck in childish bodies. These big girls sat at the big table all by themselves and talked of big girl things. And ate ice cream. Because nobody is too big for ice cream.</div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-53023511025706124122014-06-11T00:05:00.002-05:002014-06-11T00:05:41.781-05:0010/30...Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little Monkey and I had our first harvest today! </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/AVvXsEhyEBtsdVaS_UkeYzIw9Kb_PNtWqHc8KO2xOk34FagK7k_JEaRY3YbfRH_dYY0v8fDawoxYr0UK4bkdu0tbUEo3A7OUZ3-d2zrrlOpe2tdszJB9nKF8P5g52A1ZhrrsHhmq80emPy8L5eo3/s1600/DSC_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEBtsdVaS_UkeYzIw9Kb_PNtWqHc8KO2xOk34FagK7k_JEaRY3YbfRH_dYY0v8fDawoxYr0UK4bkdu0tbUEo3A7OUZ3-d2zrrlOpe2tdszJB9nKF8P5g52A1ZhrrsHhmq80emPy8L5eo3/s1600/DSC_0925.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Three Mother's Days ago my gift was a square foot garden. Every Mother's Day since we have planted or added to that garden. This past Mother's Day the hubs was out of town so the kids and visited the St. Paul Farmer's Market and I let them each pick one tomato plant and then I filled out one of our 4 gardens with spring crops...carrots, chard, lettuces, some herbs and kale. I think there is some significant symbolism in celebrating the beauty and pain and growth and suffering of motherhood by the planting of another years crop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the kids favorite garden chores is pulling the carrots. Yes, we are moving. But I just couldn't let a planting season pass and not participate in some small way. I have visions of us road tripping with our three tomato plants and one old dog in tow. The Clampetts to be sure. </div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-46540128526190433862014-06-09T22:43:00.001-05:002014-06-09T22:47:57.906-05:008/30...Yahtzee!We get the question alot..."How do you survive the winters in the Frozen Tundra?"<br />
<br />
Our answer..."Lots of Yahtzee!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHtMClisBB6usNu4WZJO_o1J-xOePRWxiHY5DrjsJ1qz-63fb_lj9DkFoT7cAiDtIkj6AMroc3k3kUq-dYAtIouA-ARYY0pNCTMcV1UKreD4o5yHX39TWzdyKBRP_BMBrZ_FyuF6MMDFZ/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHtMClisBB6usNu4WZJO_o1J-xOePRWxiHY5DrjsJ1qz-63fb_lj9DkFoT7cAiDtIkj6AMroc3k3kUq-dYAtIouA-ARYY0pNCTMcV1UKreD4o5yHX39TWzdyKBRP_BMBrZ_FyuF6MMDFZ/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I mean nightly games. The baby monkey is everyone's secret weapon. She doesn't know what she is doing, but, I swear, that child has rolled more Yahtzees than any of the rest of us combined! She now yells, "Six!" every time she rolls anything.<br />
<br />
We found this fancy set on our recent thrifting adventure for a whopping $1.99. We were all pretty pumped. No, it's not winter. Maybe its because I have been reflecting alot lately on our time in Minnesota, but watching the kids play a round reminded me of fun family times by the fire when the sun went down before we even got home from school. <br />
<br />
I have been processing over the past few days how to leave well. We have left several times from several places. We are both pretty good starters, but neither of us great finishers. I really want to leave well. I feel confident and hopeful in the next phase of our journey. But entering into it full and ready means leaving the old one well.<br />
<br />
We've had a few people ask us if we'd like to have a going away party. The extrovert in me wants to say yes. But the idea feels a bit overwhelming. It feels final. How do you wrap up three plus years of relationships with a party? But isn't that better than just packing the car and taking off (we've done that before, not kidding). <br />
<br />
I have no answers. Just questions and thoughts. I would love to hear yours if you have any secret wisdom to leaving well. Bring it on. joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-73254855537607566062014-06-09T00:34:00.003-05:002014-06-09T00:36:44.403-05:006-7/30...Number Three Birthday Party Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took photos yesterday...and forgot to post them. (Too busy folding the MOUNTAIN of laundry that has been accruing.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not that you can always plan these things, but I was not aware of how much extra stress would be added to life when giving birth to three children in consecutive months. So by birthday party #3, I am so happy to let someone else plan. This is what happens when you take nine seven year old boys to a climbing gym...</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/AVvXsEhBSAiJnad8QQSP4uBocb_tuuFKm6U6pK8eqiYp42_h1K_N8TJQh2VHqnY1AMprqRUrBablVSkBpViD1R7acXw7zgzgusmJGALH1Nn1nOJ5HM1rtNWAcYdt9QuV6gnw87AUlZzPC2025KC-/s1600/DSC_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSAiJnad8QQSP4uBocb_tuuFKm6U6pK8eqiYp42_h1K_N8TJQh2VHqnY1AMprqRUrBablVSkBpViD1R7acXw7zgzgusmJGALH1Nn1nOJ5HM1rtNWAcYdt9QuV6gnw87AUlZzPC2025KC-/s1600/DSC_0846.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And this is what happens when said seven year old gets face paint as a birthday gift and his sisters get a hold of it post party...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iWoFN_sXwRPhvKPXBrB1L6_ZXG-8S8blhiO-amZxWAMly_qCqyN_eQNabE-PJkRz73sHrSVTk4iVFhEdyu-EttEdOIFsedA6wZOlRRwhFkDYybKd0psCj7qqOg9LHQ2vo4scdrZQKojz/s1600/DSC_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iWoFN_sXwRPhvKPXBrB1L6_ZXG-8S8blhiO-amZxWAMly_qCqyN_eQNabE-PJkRz73sHrSVTk4iVFhEdyu-EttEdOIFsedA6wZOlRRwhFkDYybKd0psCj7qqOg9LHQ2vo4scdrZQKojz/s1600/DSC_0879.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lovely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoohDh61OlbD45EH4dRpBu1KWJaZTi-oIxznXRG8DxTSSWkJMeGWPNYN8b2Lu7ow3PP5pBblorQc8c757Ql5R0uF1m9m1Jve9oVpSHx3BAcdPkm6Y7CJneNhKFIos4ezBCVA5kHCtM0Zua/s1600/DSC_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoohDh61OlbD45EH4dRpBu1KWJaZTi-oIxznXRG8DxTSSWkJMeGWPNYN8b2Lu7ow3PP5pBblorQc8c757Ql5R0uF1m9m1Jve9oVpSHx3BAcdPkm6Y7CJneNhKFIos4ezBCVA5kHCtM0Zua/s1600/DSC_0881.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ps...Remnants of that paint still remain after multiple scrub sessions. Washable paint my butt. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-34866297793501773012014-06-05T23:13:00.000-05:002014-06-05T23:13:03.232-05:005/30: Perks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCaiEgjxHWbTi3cAJ1h32edEXX36O63vpI2RUnOUI6qhoQut-RMx6LhssavFDWHh-8rNj5nMBXm2JbCtIn_irOg8hLjIWvMUNQ4_ym5cT6q-JrFsb3XoRDaFRVqaLrKy7tVWQ134YUF26/s1600/DSC_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCaiEgjxHWbTi3cAJ1h32edEXX36O63vpI2RUnOUI6qhoQut-RMx6LhssavFDWHh-8rNj5nMBXm2JbCtIn_irOg8hLjIWvMUNQ4_ym5cT6q-JrFsb3XoRDaFRVqaLrKy7tVWQ134YUF26/s1600/DSC_0744.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
The perks of living with chickens.<br />
<br />
Oh, yeah. We have chickens. Three hilarious, stupid, pooping chickens. But, man, they give us good eggs!joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-91795308768204217202014-06-01T22:56:00.002-05:002014-06-01T22:56:44.074-05:001/30: The Boy Monkey is 7...and More Big News!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the big news on the Knight front...</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/AVvXsEi8aRu9DGhw62ama0Qk7cyDNq1MrV1FGy1ubhdHvyBLDJOmjrUY-G8mQOZ-wIrGSzmAU5OtPjbqDiILV_mN7fC3wcGYqUt1VaI-4KqoNDo0dG5TX00mu29HeieWG_Kf-aZfFTZSQ6L0PaP7/s1600/DSC_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aRu9DGhw62ama0Qk7cyDNq1MrV1FGy1ubhdHvyBLDJOmjrUY-G8mQOZ-wIrGSzmAU5OtPjbqDiILV_mN7fC3wcGYqUt1VaI-4KqoNDo0dG5TX00mu29HeieWG_Kf-aZfFTZSQ6L0PaP7/s1600/DSC_0728.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are moving...again. We close on our house here in MN June 30 and take off from there on our next adventure in Danville, KY. Crazy, right? More on that in another post. But because we are entering into our last month in the Frozen Tundra and I have been trying to eek out the energy to reflect on our time here, I thought it fitting to take on a 30 day photo click-a-day challenge for the month of June. And how fitting that the first day of the challenge, and therefore my intentional reflection, lands on the boy monkey's seventh birthday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6cg2YYDijwWxB87EboT70InWqQsYS_FpxJzj3LcBVQLL9ciYdiBlJXnJiTofPubjzzvI2fvT1i96CpGbZU2_lJEyxADHaGyz2UVpZhYQDnRUMu9dj03q5wKoZeeevtZysZFZkiBQn8DN/s1600/DSC_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6cg2YYDijwWxB87EboT70InWqQsYS_FpxJzj3LcBVQLL9ciYdiBlJXnJiTofPubjzzvI2fvT1i96CpGbZU2_lJEyxADHaGyz2UVpZhYQDnRUMu9dj03q5wKoZeeevtZysZFZkiBQn8DN/s1600/DSC_0731.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This kid has seen adventure with us. He is our more introverted monkey. On observing the steady rain outside upon waking this morning (he is also our early bird), he comments, "Mom, I think we are going to have to fix the gutters." Steady, practical, logical, detailed. I think we pretty much wear him out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WMgODikRJc79-MiCuRvs0ZeK_a-YueoXnZOSg6j2807-CrmNpC2fDZydwwIZf9x3DrhGxljyDj3TghOxgGAXU4_SUUiEmrwlUlXlHkQHzreVWzoBhLrrWe0ELbdplN6bDfEUVu9qh5XB/s1600/DSC_0730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WMgODikRJc79-MiCuRvs0ZeK_a-YueoXnZOSg6j2807-CrmNpC2fDZydwwIZf9x3DrhGxljyDj3TghOxgGAXU4_SUUiEmrwlUlXlHkQHzreVWzoBhLrrWe0ELbdplN6bDfEUVu9qh5XB/s1600/DSC_0730.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Change is not his favorite thing, and we have alot of that coming our way in the coming weeks. But he is strong. And loyal to a fault. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qumlkrd4c4uhGuYJPo_QXG2Os_wUZRUiOoD5l1yUEPSqA9EnpSSEkfrLwIiSOTEeYDtKblP6NYBOjS0adIhURN2cMHN55q7fQm3lDyERGQiYgut-AzyRA70LCK-ovObUV2H7mwOso6aF/s1600/DSC_0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qumlkrd4c4uhGuYJPo_QXG2Os_wUZRUiOoD5l1yUEPSqA9EnpSSEkfrLwIiSOTEeYDtKblP6NYBOjS0adIhURN2cMHN55q7fQm3lDyERGQiYgut-AzyRA70LCK-ovObUV2H7mwOso6aF/s1600/DSC_0733.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year was his first year of full day school. And he rocked it. And lost a mouthful of teeth in the process. He loves baseball and soccer and his Daddy. I love how he loves his Daddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWa1W1LeKOiGM329czPq5fvK6rycniSwDDCnu6E-ORbhUz2CDtGFVWM6qC4ZfTrfTKtyZ78Iy9TUSmRUYzwr4FQ5D9mO1lE35JWgnkMFOT41fT3YzLq57AG3_QugQd8hxRytsgRX2p932/s1600/DSC_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWa1W1LeKOiGM329czPq5fvK6rycniSwDDCnu6E-ORbhUz2CDtGFVWM6qC4ZfTrfTKtyZ78Iy9TUSmRUYzwr4FQ5D9mO1lE35JWgnkMFOT41fT3YzLq57AG3_QugQd8hxRytsgRX2p932/s1600/DSC_0734.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not so sure they quite get it, but he is perhaps the best big brother (technically, he is younger than the eldest monkey, but he passed her by 1 inch this year so from here to forevermore he will be "big" brother) 2 gals could hope for. Most of the time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been pondering this year the effect a son can have on a Momma. It is different this Mother/son dynamic. I feel more vulnerable to heartbreak with this boy. But also so very proud and loved when he throws those long, skinny, double-jointed arms around me impromptu. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Has this Momma's heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So glad to have you by my side as we enter into our next big adventure. </div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-27735089637033993302014-03-22T23:57:00.001-05:002014-03-23T22:22:05.160-05:00The Mom Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She takes Little Monkey to gymnastics. Her Little Monkey comes home with us from music class. We meet to run, we meet to eat, we meet to make it in this crazy season of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We weathered the acid reflux years together, all screaming babies, dancing toddlers and not nearly enough sleep. The soundtrack of our lives then...The Jackson Five and Wee Sing and Pretend. The soundtrack now...Annie, The Sound of Music and "Poop on the Potty". We survived the witching hour with tricycles and muddy puddles of melting snow waiting for daddies to come home. Now...Legos, dress ups and a pot of chai.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We potty trained not just one set of toddlers together, but two (who ever said positive peer pressure isn't effective?). We pray together, run together, process this crazy life that is made up of so many kids but also so many dreams and gifts and talents that we long to utilize. I have cheered her on as she has so bravely entered back into the working world (where you get paid). She has cheered me on as I have tentatively but steadily stepped back onto the stage (where you don't get paid). We share good books, good music, and great food and wine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In her words, it is a dance. The Mom Dance. It has been my sanity, a source of life and joy and grace. She picks up my big monkeys from school so I can stay home with a sick baby monkey. I bring her soup when she is crazy mad packing for 10 days out of the country. It makes life work. It makes the crazy manageable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She kept the babe for me so I could simply go sit at my favorite coffee shop and regroup. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEhPI9ZlECZilTVhH9-TDY9GsZCDAAwT1DO0zCEIW5lt77tRTrnt0RJNI0sCKUHY3uRVyjXD3KPShCYQXS86GeNiU99bJnwLJcpiJno0GGpcsym5hf_76zJZ1Dlne_8CW9WMtFfbgKsS5QX2/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI9ZlECZilTVhH9-TDY9GsZCDAAwT1DO0zCEIW5lt77tRTrnt0RJNI0sCKUHY3uRVyjXD3KPShCYQXS86GeNiU99bJnwLJcpiJno0GGpcsym5hf_76zJZ1Dlne_8CW9WMtFfbgKsS5QX2/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This beauty is more than a pretty swirly froth...it represents the grace of community, the gratitude of a quiet moment to treasure. Isn't it a beauty?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lisa McCowen, it is such a joy to dance with you (Zumba, anyone?)! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My encouragement to the rest of you...find a dance partner to do this crazy life with. We girls need each other. It doesn't take away the crazy, but it makes it a lot more fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PS...Props to the best little coffee shop east of the Mississippi, Quixotic Coffee! These peeps are crazy about coffee. And they can make a mean latte with almond milk. Heaven in a coffee cup.</div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-52518479824193719402014-03-08T16:40:00.001-06:002014-03-08T16:40:21.617-06:00Survival ModeWhat happens when Momma is laid up in bed with a stomach bug?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtrwrlBepuvqhtkqJpMxlQ4FIn4Qs-UsvqPZA_AW1iZI4mZFB_CfvWiIlKpLI3TY8EhgaD4Qs4YrYYIUvE__NSZq_b9KmxKwALPinwgIYf9ndqS-kLjLpdKm7ItC5K-WKYiLP4o2985VR/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtrwrlBepuvqhtkqJpMxlQ4FIn4Qs-UsvqPZA_AW1iZI4mZFB_CfvWiIlKpLI3TY8EhgaD4Qs4YrYYIUvE__NSZq_b9KmxKwALPinwgIYf9ndqS-kLjLpdKm7ItC5K-WKYiLP4o2985VR/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Little Einsteins in a blanket fort...and Daniel Tiger, and Wild Kratts, and Super Why...</div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-25453631132299548612014-02-28T23:53:00.000-06:002014-02-28T23:53:57.505-06:00Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh my goodness gracious. I knew it had been a long time. But since July? Seriously? I listened to <a href="http://vimeo.com/24715531" target="_blank">this</a> quote by Ira Glass the other day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div>
<h1 class="quoteText" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
"...the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions." </h1>
<div>
I have been talking (in my head, of course) of recommitting to the blog, to the photojournalistic story of my life since before the first of the year. And good intentions turn into laundry...and a sick kid...and a rehearsal...and exhaustion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><h1 class="quoteText" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
"You’ve just gotta fight your way through."</h1>
<div>
So here goes the fight.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44Nlw3bbl9YLGU7Mo-UCMoGLnbj1sMTrF0gkBz6fvh3cp4gDKfa_nOH-fMNWGQtDHtu6B2LbtF9Tac_3Bth3AVbnVG6MgWo6XfGqX8lMR7wffm4xkzf5pkdskkCNcoCSO96Cb69hFrq9a/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44Nlw3bbl9YLGU7Mo-UCMoGLnbj1sMTrF0gkBz6fvh3cp4gDKfa_nOH-fMNWGQtDHtu6B2LbtF9Tac_3Bth3AVbnVG6MgWo6XfGqX8lMR7wffm4xkzf5pkdskkCNcoCSO96Cb69hFrq9a/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
We've been doing a lot of this lately. A whole heck of a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGLbzd8gZZgaK2QIDz8wTuYzr91yzOSXglOaNWG9f4URmqcJi17rHMwX8XIYzw8cUWZ129KONM4LMSmQd5ndl22C_OeuyK_j3E8fg1pNrt0eARmh61ZDin2iKRVh1k96kDg9HkaS0x1-O/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGLbzd8gZZgaK2QIDz8wTuYzr91yzOSXglOaNWG9f4URmqcJi17rHMwX8XIYzw8cUWZ129KONM4LMSmQd5ndl22C_OeuyK_j3E8fg1pNrt0eARmh61ZDin2iKRVh1k96kDg9HkaS0x1-O/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
Honest confession...I don't really love tea parties. But I love watching this baby monkey in her element. And this baby loves her some tea party. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88KbLFuNjkgYEXqKzwnK2-6T2AR5zQ0RXiVaVf_KeyrHz2b6NnAZPgnAYIfEgGYDNDm7OYkqTXwrpOMbkvtqaNWXFcBGN9QFHdBoossOb7FG1mLqifWCNLkO9r21TRNHhyxQV17PsX2O_/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88KbLFuNjkgYEXqKzwnK2-6T2AR5zQ0RXiVaVf_KeyrHz2b6NnAZPgnAYIfEgGYDNDm7OYkqTXwrpOMbkvtqaNWXFcBGN9QFHdBoossOb7FG1mLqifWCNLkO9r21TRNHhyxQV17PsX2O_/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
If I'm lucky, the party just might include live music. She is a singer-songwriter. I mentioned that, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_40_7PIo3JTn-WuuIYLyOUOTuyj1xAAYY2urWLWaMl9e1JaL1r3Q8vaiey0jOTYaXZkc0KRxSr2cflALksgaSiGKijlk5pSMkglAdj3SUYKj0mEyuEE_FqDcddyhmeSMn_cKWYhNRrD3/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_40_7PIo3JTn-WuuIYLyOUOTuyj1xAAYY2urWLWaMl9e1JaL1r3Q8vaiey0jOTYaXZkc0KRxSr2cflALksgaSiGKijlk5pSMkglAdj3SUYKj0mEyuEE_FqDcddyhmeSMn_cKWYhNRrD3/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
I have felt a certain restlessness these last couple of years. She's the baby. It's my third time doing this age. I am watching alot of my friends go back to work. I am fighting to be in every moment of this stage. But also beginning to think towards the future. I know that these days are fleeting and we will never get them back. It helps me to chronicle the daily, beautiful monotony. It reminds me how beautiful it is. And makes me grateful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn_5w7VJgI48ogkHdpxZjU4vJ4ABCVE6YewtrlA9xYqBqD439VxYMQJx8KabLp8UwZtzs7BjhKxVo8Rray-Tkfyugfkf6JH19NUbN53GpRPSG4Kwbvxl8bCtDt3roUxPOGuIhk1g2wMcD/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn_5w7VJgI48ogkHdpxZjU4vJ4ABCVE6YewtrlA9xYqBqD439VxYMQJx8KabLp8UwZtzs7BjhKxVo8Rray-Tkfyugfkf6JH19NUbN53GpRPSG4Kwbvxl8bCtDt3roUxPOGuIhk1g2wMcD/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
There are so many beautiful moments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D6tpTC-NiVQd96GVOWjwhsIH3Mj9BSJRK8bg_boNdCRoEdKYppANykdANNpsMPoXmhjDNJzDbSoGD0ivTcRDjcb5Krxp5okd1wxrRKwpnLcnqykuhzPUlwJLqFT2q38jZOtMBystVgUz/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D6tpTC-NiVQd96GVOWjwhsIH3Mj9BSJRK8bg_boNdCRoEdKYppANykdANNpsMPoXmhjDNJzDbSoGD0ivTcRDjcb5Krxp5okd1wxrRKwpnLcnqykuhzPUlwJLqFT2q38jZOtMBystVgUz/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-82666296413888890992013-07-17T22:59:00.001-05:002013-07-17T23:00:00.256-05:0038/365...First fruits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every time I plant a new seed, every time I gently pat in fresh soil on a young seedling, in my head I am hearing, "This is not going to work. Its not going to work. All this work will be for naught."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHG6aI0yIfhGxhs2Mxw0k-Q30QXpv1Q8kyC7Jh4wYZdid-KQMd9GpoJuC3TG83NZXDMeVdSBLwVZYkxsstJr8VdCUlQ8rxE_Vf3_j4RqLMxouA_WgsKBs6vSFa3psdMyOMzy7tdIa7Loy/s1600/DSC_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHG6aI0yIfhGxhs2Mxw0k-Q30QXpv1Q8kyC7Jh4wYZdid-KQMd9GpoJuC3TG83NZXDMeVdSBLwVZYkxsstJr8VdCUlQ8rxE_Vf3_j4RqLMxouA_WgsKBs6vSFa3psdMyOMzy7tdIa7Loy/s400/DSC_0775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then the first fruits...it's like Christmas morning! Every. Single. Time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2-XrZ7z3fIqgPe428NRhSD4Y_pDoYszMnNstvSgH0IlRLoiW7WuOfvdgV45qk6-orEU_yo47_YeDibruOpCddtRzOvMfHft_P0Ed0sbbfOt6-Ej2nyD3C3ZfMLNb2Y8BOWxvRyA-zHV2/s1600/DSC_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2-XrZ7z3fIqgPe428NRhSD4Y_pDoYszMnNstvSgH0IlRLoiW7WuOfvdgV45qk6-orEU_yo47_YeDibruOpCddtRzOvMfHft_P0Ed0sbbfOt6-Ej2nyD3C3ZfMLNb2Y8BOWxvRyA-zHV2/s400/DSC_0778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then my first fruit. Again, always surprising me with lovely fruit from all that labor. </div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-62164067439125996662013-06-01T23:21:00.000-05:002013-06-01T23:27:38.928-05:0037/365...The Best Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baby Monkey is three. And potty trained. (Woot woot!) As I was thinking on an appropriate post in honor of her third birthday, the following song by Bethany Dillon came on my Pandora station. Couldn't think of anything more appropriate. </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/AVvXsEh0Wd_C-XVIJg-f9IBXQXC43dLp_PHFWaIAi-po_Si7DCGweuVNKOJP45ADUyMoq-7rRSWjSueZL6OI4_FnV_b5_td5WGhH2pJAnSKDZqMusGHh08vHSjkiMwJYkKxmhQ_n4I7Mk-Xu9oRO/s1600/DSC_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wd_C-XVIJg-f9IBXQXC43dLp_PHFWaIAi-po_Si7DCGweuVNKOJP45ADUyMoq-7rRSWjSueZL6OI4_FnV_b5_td5WGhH2pJAnSKDZqMusGHh08vHSjkiMwJYkKxmhQ_n4I7Mk-Xu9oRO/s400/DSC_0895.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b><u>You're The Best Song</u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Good morning</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">You and the sun are up before I'm ready</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">But ready or not, you need me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">So here I am</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">I'm learning that in the long hard days</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">There is beauty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Do you know my favorite place to see it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">It's when I look at you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">And though I'm tired now</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">You're worth every sleepless night</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">You're worth it all, cause I know...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">You're the best song I'll ever write</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">And we're humming and dancing through the years together</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">You're the best song I'll ever write</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">And I pray you'll hear Jesus in it when you're older</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">I remember when you were just a heartbeat that I heard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">and now our eyes meet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Forever is not enough to love you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Ooohhh...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Every prayer for you is like a seed in the ground</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Every tear I cry is like rain</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">And in its due season</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">I pray a harvest will be found</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Your heart and mouth confessing Jesus' name</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Your heart and mouth confessing Jesus' name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-17136234643684850592013-05-12T22:26:00.001-05:002013-05-12T22:29:15.738-05:0035-36/365...Mom's Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We recently had the pleasure of a visit from Nana and Popaw. Nana wasted no time trying out our new piano.</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/AVvXsEjck4VkIBDKHh7h6G6XPWaYWhqvu3oR-1Mg8AGyyN2AiSvFXH2qsnt3l2rLAH7o-YH3tpkh8LMWnAzpMvgDvZ6AyFfFmDDYcemZvSuPJLSu_FiwSDjpgsCsbxUizjKntqathIknbppgu5p8/s1600/DSC_0659bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck4VkIBDKHh7h6G6XPWaYWhqvu3oR-1Mg8AGyyN2AiSvFXH2qsnt3l2rLAH7o-YH3tpkh8LMWnAzpMvgDvZ6AyFfFmDDYcemZvSuPJLSu_FiwSDjpgsCsbxUizjKntqathIknbppgu5p8/s400/DSC_0659bw.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just kept thinking to myself, "It is so right to have my Mom in my house filling it with music."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I grew up in a house filled with the music of her fingers. Went to bed some nights to the comforting sound of her practicing. Her music embedded itself into my heart and is still playing today. It gets in you, music. It soothes, motivates, cultivates.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That music represents the legacy she passed to me. The roots that take me back to the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
safe place we called home. And the wings that are the soundtrack to the soaring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rcTwxhRgIK4C9JZNFKl9A4gbmwASLNwIewoJ6ZN_w9_1y-Ocl8ij4xkcoiCMIHYigewDC7gCPmwQFX2UC2SYghiHvgOEz6z5qeEUwPomi0lqsgTGYwHXKZe0Fiow8Iu6Ok64orGakAQM/s1600/DSC_0634bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rcTwxhRgIK4C9JZNFKl9A4gbmwASLNwIewoJ6ZN_w9_1y-Ocl8ij4xkcoiCMIHYigewDC7gCPmwQFX2UC2SYghiHvgOEz6z5qeEUwPomi0lqsgTGYwHXKZe0Fiow8Iu6Ok64orGakAQM/s400/DSC_0634bw.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now my monkeys, the next generation, benefit from that legacy. It is a special day, this Mother's Day, to be a mother to daughters and a daughter to my mother. I am especially grateful today for her beautiful hands and lasting legacy.</div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-9829968458935492442013-05-05T23:21:00.000-05:002013-05-05T23:21:10.842-05:0034/365...A Dozen YearsI pray my own daughters might be so blessed. Partnered with a man who not only SEES them...but DELIGHTS in what he sees. That is what makes a young budding woman blossom into the beautiful flower she was created to be in time. That is the echo of a creator who creates...and delights in his creation. He looked...and saw it was good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcHBvHMG9u-NqS8Szg38BJBA0MavwsngRl1PzK-jNtQJoh18IYwdW3aEYchC5xCfQnkz1cO3A_sUkYv9NPIQeeGnXintVJOTohprJiEpSjqz11yrVIHq2sh2a_fN73Ai2Y7VKH2CI53Qd/s1600/DSC_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcHBvHMG9u-NqS8Szg38BJBA0MavwsngRl1PzK-jNtQJoh18IYwdW3aEYchC5xCfQnkz1cO3A_sUkYv9NPIQeeGnXintVJOTohprJiEpSjqz11yrVIHq2sh2a_fN73Ai2Y7VKH2CI53Qd/s400/DSC_0947.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
He looked...he sees the parts I would prefer to keep hidden from the rest of the world. He knows my tendancy to withdraw in fear of failure. How I slump my shoulders when insecurity grips subtle and hard. That beneath the perceived confidence and strength is an approval junky, a recovering pharisee. He has seen me lose my cool in a good old fashioned come apart with the monkeys. How good intentions mean nothing when they don't see/hear/feel love. He has seen me step up to the edge of opportunity, rare back ready to pounce...only to retreat in fear and denial time and time again. He never really bought my excuses. But he never made me feel like a dumb scaredy-cat, either.<br />
<br />
...and he saw it was good...when he sees the parts I would rather no one else see, he delights. He sees good. He sees value and worth and beauty. He pushes me to use my talents, my gifts AND makes the path straight for me to do so. He sees a girl who still has a hard time remembering grace. A woman miraculously redeemed, forgiven, set free. He sees freedom. He sees it when I cannot. He believes it when I do not. <br />
<br />
It is a beautiful thing to be loved by another broken, fallen, redeemed human being. A beautiful gift indeed. Here's to a dozen more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBzL0ZnefrE1E3zzj7AG2qPMoh2ZUAJ0s0nCOe5zfpGm_mAmMIdT9XIB-ES6FvQ2tHALDKNFha2ERQ1fHBMx8cFB0ZT_k93gJi74JymkUka9LJMOp7daDe7bEBywZ-NmrIGMPwhmmDbvX/s1600/DSC_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBzL0ZnefrE1E3zzj7AG2qPMoh2ZUAJ0s0nCOe5zfpGm_mAmMIdT9XIB-ES6FvQ2tHALDKNFha2ERQ1fHBMx8cFB0ZT_k93gJi74JymkUka9LJMOp7daDe7bEBywZ-NmrIGMPwhmmDbvX/s320/DSC_0955.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-5835669902306624262013-05-02T23:35:00.000-05:002013-05-02T23:35:19.982-05:0034/365...Monkey in a Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlXTmbw8ymXI4zkF4zb16cMGOkw1_W5YxwhcS9FySPqJ1SNGTDTZEG8xvjO2vKopkvT0RcxwDst38CDYMR9v6twnbGtzNbi6cXOMalVvE-JQCz-ynMSdLNt_F4R0l0SeghHFNWGNdS2qQ/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlXTmbw8ymXI4zkF4zb16cMGOkw1_W5YxwhcS9FySPqJ1SNGTDTZEG8xvjO2vKopkvT0RcxwDst38CDYMR9v6twnbGtzNbi6cXOMalVvE-JQCz-ynMSdLNt_F4R0l0SeghHFNWGNdS2qQ/s320/DSC_0802.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had to have our beloved Maple thinned and trimmed this weekend. This monkey watched the arborist (did you know that is what a tree specialist is called? learn something new every day!) from the front steps for an hour. His comment?<br />
<br />
"Somebody needs to give him climbing lessons."<br />
<br />
Spoken like a true monkey.joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-2484764335080654062013-04-29T23:36:00.002-05:002013-04-29T23:42:40.828-05:0027-33/365...Happy Birthday, TBird!We are entering into birthday season at our house. The first to celebrate is our one and only Queen Monkey herself. How could eight years pass so slowly and speed by in the blink of an eye?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfW5MBqt0CfzMmiAolXJ6wADPGBPlpt4gdOqov6Ol9jnfck_QLXrc2qjl11qEd9BGCvKySiKy7gI5-sO1_5oLcmtkV60xy8HE8wt2EM3BmW_GEopWHJcaj2-2RMviiIDXDPdSJ80fIFH3/s1600/DSC_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfW5MBqt0CfzMmiAolXJ6wADPGBPlpt4gdOqov6Ol9jnfck_QLXrc2qjl11qEd9BGCvKySiKy7gI5-sO1_5oLcmtkV60xy8HE8wt2EM3BmW_GEopWHJcaj2-2RMviiIDXDPdSJ80fIFH3/s320/DSC_0874.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This girl started it all for me. There is no way in a thousand years I could have guessed that mothering would be the impetuous to my self-understanding. But mothering you, my dear, has made me needy, dependent, strong, and brave! </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/AVvXsEiHHtPRXKwMqj5eNS3r53ZEtqgb0BGNOHVXfTjQwAYnkI7P9FkKkU8mv3oHMjsnZgdiKt5JUsid5XRMVchEl5uOeClvjlPoHoHgIqougQkVsQUvhRp-xl9nKADL-S_mvE76-OATGlGFx7bU/s1600/DSC_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHtPRXKwMqj5eNS3r53ZEtqgb0BGNOHVXfTjQwAYnkI7P9FkKkU8mv3oHMjsnZgdiKt5JUsid5XRMVchEl5uOeClvjlPoHoHgIqougQkVsQUvhRp-xl9nKADL-S_mvE76-OATGlGFx7bU/s320/DSC_0837.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is so fun to watch the creativity of this big idea girl blossom as she plans parties, science projects, and birthday gifts for friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWhDsguTP7-oxyLde3iDcOu6NfIUwMI6mWjKRwMHSkhO3gASybYmdLqeEABWnqAtB4c4ExKLAI4BRlS4KuxtTeS5SOmCXQaGD_4KnpxrwbV-jB_6blIx_h0HVSSY2PagYgAzPM7QsQYnV/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93-fzODiLRHIGd8XGq7-moc_EOk-1IFrnFX5aMBJoNkeT1M5LpjZ7A3G-9sDzwJaFThcgSctNuHgSNtxI-J-gnuRs-5cwKELG2rz6iqpSXWaCHacusDWTVYbeVGnwJBHG6gqtGQLJWraa/s1600/DSC_0857.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/AVvXsEj93-fzODiLRHIGd8XGq7-moc_EOk-1IFrnFX5aMBJoNkeT1M5LpjZ7A3G-9sDzwJaFThcgSctNuHgSNtxI-J-gnuRs-5cwKELG2rz6iqpSXWaCHacusDWTVYbeVGnwJBHG6gqtGQLJWraa/s320/DSC_0857.JPG" width="212" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWhDsguTP7-oxyLde3iDcOu6NfIUwMI6mWjKRwMHSkhO3gASybYmdLqeEABWnqAtB4c4ExKLAI4BRlS4KuxtTeS5SOmCXQaGD_4KnpxrwbV-jB_6blIx_h0HVSSY2PagYgAzPM7QsQYnV/s320/DSC_0846.JPG" width="212" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
She was determined that her birthday party would be a scavenger hunt...but not just any scavenger hunt. One with stuffed animals. Because she loves stuffed animals. Each friend had one hidden with clues to lead her to find it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchq3d_-uJha1-b-80zB4NI4Sh1dpfVOhjlzrnvYKOpG6_qNG8LwcBlGf7WLIw9Hdh202CLQWn39HWJL7g1JoGKeA04MBry-UatEno0h_I3lOjzSsf77MjpydTeIhGxGnxSMtxIP3JegxK/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchq3d_-uJha1-b-80zB4NI4Sh1dpfVOhjlzrnvYKOpG6_qNG8LwcBlGf7WLIw9Hdh202CLQWn39HWJL7g1JoGKeA04MBry-UatEno0h_I3lOjzSsf77MjpydTeIhGxGnxSMtxIP3JegxK/s320/DSC_0869.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was also determined to have puppy cupcakes. Because she loves puppies. Thank you, google.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJzx31GRhjjvM9IuN_txWQmQhSX1g49LwbfaoDsPzPw7i13FxFT6SdD9dbiGhTFjbrupWV0iIPQNsL4NiyFfGyoTtm9wBB6y-fn3EVlbIjMzLll1eVwo5JbnkrKLlv97R367mSg41mSRS/s1600/DSC_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJzx31GRhjjvM9IuN_txWQmQhSX1g49LwbfaoDsPzPw7i13FxFT6SdD9dbiGhTFjbrupWV0iIPQNsL4NiyFfGyoTtm9wBB6y-fn3EVlbIjMzLll1eVwo5JbnkrKLlv97R367mSg41mSRS/s320/DSC_0870.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a beautiful, scary thing to watch the fruit of your young, inexperienced womb grow into a real live person...with dreams, and opinions, and preferences often different from your own. With gifts and talents and personality...often different from your own. What a gift it is to be your Mom, Queen Monkey! It is all grace, my dear. All grace. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0fEAeHXXWSygTTL3gQd6V4FRpnW3yYwf8GMDc3lPJeZtKCPN38G-Loz2_UzVpChVpg1wLWefQEA5vwyB7iU7CiJOGO4BgBYo54Wvupv3A_1Qi6kZ79R31_oUWRPYdV7jGdwpjP9o1T2w/s1600/DSC_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0fEAeHXXWSygTTL3gQd6V4FRpnW3yYwf8GMDc3lPJeZtKCPN38G-Loz2_UzVpChVpg1wLWefQEA5vwyB7iU7CiJOGO4BgBYo54Wvupv3A_1Qi6kZ79R31_oUWRPYdV7jGdwpjP9o1T2w/s320/DSC_0881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-6365548862069895382013-04-24T23:31:00.002-05:002013-04-24T23:31:37.535-05:0026/365...April Showers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OZBkdSc1cl9rSoLbUhGya6nlNWz2Zho8peWQyRI2RiKgOjxHWfnASStO61-DdxMaseUF0e3DU5S22V-CRejxgyjql58gwoMoQyZQhazkohF8GBtLVg-Qgz_J8Pm6haziV-G1aT7gw1jd/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OZBkdSc1cl9rSoLbUhGya6nlNWz2Zho8peWQyRI2RiKgOjxHWfnASStO61-DdxMaseUF0e3DU5S22V-CRejxgyjql58gwoMoQyZQhazkohF8GBtLVg-Qgz_J8Pm6haziV-G1aT7gw1jd/s400/DSC_0826.JPG" width="265" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Could it be true that April snow showers bring May flowers? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bring on the flowers, May! Bring it on! </div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-66816174324650346992013-04-07T22:03:00.002-05:002013-04-07T22:03:42.065-05:0025/365...Goggles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKI5rO6Icz8HX06vGt2adTzM1Mjx7LBP3X9csCep3LW9xF0lg1nVjtv17KqlwD9fB160D8X04R85_a68b_KRVGOGRpG5oi-Fpo3Tscqoj4CW1P29-sLPKvgK56LHd83-FwSCwsbgK9g88/s1600/DSC_0395bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKI5rO6Icz8HX06vGt2adTzM1Mjx7LBP3X9csCep3LW9xF0lg1nVjtv17KqlwD9fB160D8X04R85_a68b_KRVGOGRpG5oi-Fpo3Tscqoj4CW1P29-sLPKvgK56LHd83-FwSCwsbgK9g88/s400/DSC_0395bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somebody's getting ready for summer...and swimming pools...and goggles!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd be happy with 50 degrees!</div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-53574491181058838662013-04-02T23:31:00.001-05:002013-04-02T23:31:56.520-05:0024/365...Exodus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So much energy and thought goes into preparing our hearts, minds, and families for Easter. Good energy. But last night as I prepared myself for a week of meal plans, carpooling, dentist appointments and the like, I began asking myself...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"What now?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What does it all mean? For the next 364 days of the year, what is the celebration all about? What literal intention is there for me at 6:45 am as I dress myself for another day?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been studying Exodus this semester. Last week, on one of the monkeys' days off I had them storyboard with me the story of the Israelites cornered at the Red Sea, Pharoah and all his chariots in hot pursuit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgPMq_gqg926IPuTwVcM8VQ_bRCutn_nBHtPTMCJHTA41-EoA_AyL9nSk8NjHe40zsZ6d_va7DKitO2mVRQQ_BE49aRDnlAEY0RU82xmLY8MgH0I2ywAZa3eWtkSuFGYXup074obibcI_/s1600/DSC_0271bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgPMq_gqg926IPuTwVcM8VQ_bRCutn_nBHtPTMCJHTA41-EoA_AyL9nSk8NjHe40zsZ6d_va7DKitO2mVRQQ_BE49aRDnlAEY0RU82xmLY8MgH0I2ywAZa3eWtkSuFGYXup074obibcI_/s320/DSC_0271bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Israelites naturally freaked. Who wouldn't? And then this beautiful verse, spoken by Moses...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The Lord will fight for you, you have only to be silent."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3ZBgirSfex1uL7XRG2XzGRVuMY8LGVnrLIQ078dx-Yq5rc5Rfp2twLUqryPEDqKAz2Q8OgGnz7lRbQe6wLDQNa5Tix_lu-9LNZ5GRKcyAAnfp_g1S7DLuTEZ_Guf5J95aPFq_17j-Dti/s1600/DSC_0262bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3ZBgirSfex1uL7XRG2XzGRVuMY8LGVnrLIQ078dx-Yq5rc5Rfp2twLUqryPEDqKAz2Q8OgGnz7lRbQe6wLDQNa5Tix_lu-9LNZ5GRKcyAAnfp_g1S7DLuTEZ_Guf5J95aPFq_17j-Dti/s320/DSC_0262bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While we were talking about the story, the male monkey drew a picture of Jesus in the boat with the disciples calming the storm. ( I should add that the boat also had a plank...for walking, I suppose.) On the back he wrote, "Thank you that you fight in my place."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leave it to a 5 year old to connect the dots. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a whole lot of fear going around after the death of the Christ. And what were his first words to his friends when he first appeared to them after the resurrection? "Peace be with you." No more fear. He's here. Perfect love is here, and all fear is cast out! <br />
<br />
So, what now? <br />
Peace. Cease striving. Rest, daily, in the FINISHED work.<br />
Awareness. He is a covenant-keeping God who will never turn His face from me. He will always be on my side. Will always fight my battles. <br />
Consistency. Making faith a habit, a continual one. I cannot fear AND believe. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-58492382928364734122013-03-30T00:12:00.002-05:002013-03-30T00:13:55.481-05:0023/365...Lenten Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmgX-DDunovGyJRCR55CTsiLO23D7aiUILFDdiWWSZwcYPE44YZkC46Bp3KYhLsS_WKswBnUoQyrji5wF_6IVUDNnJVshyphenhyphen7d16I_oX3T9IJ9HCKUB2Tj5M3S6tzPyeIrauOPkCo1pp3x4/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmgX-DDunovGyJRCR55CTsiLO23D7aiUILFDdiWWSZwcYPE44YZkC46Bp3KYhLsS_WKswBnUoQyrji5wF_6IVUDNnJVshyphenhyphen7d16I_oX3T9IJ9HCKUB2Tj5M3S6tzPyeIrauOPkCo1pp3x4/s320/DSC_0540.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Good Friday is the day when you can do nothing. Bewailing and lamenting your manifold sins does not in itself make up for them. Scouring your soul in a frenzy of spring cleaning only sterilizes it; it does not give it life. On Good Friday, finally, we are all, mourners and mockers alike, reduced to the same impotence. Someone else is doing the terrible work that gives life to the world."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Virginia Stem Owens</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCro41rALdVhBaj2bzTHxxVtpaNPI1sDbQsWPUEdt-h7uLljbosXltoJYNqaNDOxSuWpY1_86UKBuphEmbRaoRX7PJX-Ce5O44NBbTJhNmJLnzhZx8w6rKe__hrZEeulYbLkaMUIPtIZX/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCro41rALdVhBaj2bzTHxxVtpaNPI1sDbQsWPUEdt-h7uLljbosXltoJYNqaNDOxSuWpY1_86UKBuphEmbRaoRX7PJX-Ce5O44NBbTJhNmJLnzhZx8w6rKe__hrZEeulYbLkaMUIPtIZX/s320/DSC_0570.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"When he received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John 19:30</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Good Friday is "good" because it counsels me to cease striving. I bring nothing. I rest while the real work is done. It is finished. I have nothing to add. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me hide myself in thee;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let the water and the blood,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from thy wounded side which flowed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be of sin the double cure;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
save from wrath and make me pure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not the labors of my hands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can fulfill thy law's commands;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
could my zeal no respite know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
could my tears forever flow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all for sin could not atone;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thou must save, and thou alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing in my hand I bring,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
simply to the cross I cling;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
naked, come to thee for dress;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
helpless, look to thee for grace;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
foul, I to the fountain fly;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wash me, Savior, or I die.</div>
<br />joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179865905970488625.post-91244297067140941882013-03-27T23:09:00.000-05:002013-03-27T23:09:37.684-05:0022/365...Spring Break is for...Reading!So much of parenting really is about observation. Taking note of the details that make each kid who they are and connecting all their dots to see the beautiful picture that is your little person...or monkey!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mXUpZiw6sMWHLxtignHtMS5F580l2O05RwV7Z3OE_gY_ln5qoLgz5tey8W8azpJ6_1_OCQXDtQuuYZ1MXM6MCzumzzhFCQZ6J3bApwt7W7aF-fTQGB-AHZZXTcKXIXAsM7c_upHiD528/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mXUpZiw6sMWHLxtignHtMS5F580l2O05RwV7Z3OE_gY_ln5qoLgz5tey8W8azpJ6_1_OCQXDtQuuYZ1MXM6MCzumzzhFCQZ6J3bApwt7W7aF-fTQGB-AHZZXTcKXIXAsM7c_upHiD528/s320/DSC_0403.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
My oldest monkey can wear. me. out. with all the drama. She is a sass pot for sure. I have finally landed on an appropriate and effective consequence for the sassy mouth. Potty mouth cleans the potty. She's also a germaphobe (like her Dad). Cleaning the potty ranks right up there with death by spooning out of eyeballs. At least according to her. <br />
<br />
I was recently reminded that all humans bear the image of God filtered through a screen of sin. I want to grow in seeing beyond the screen and recognizing {observing} His workmanship in my monkeys. This child of mine has a great passion. For life, for love, for animals, for a good story, for monkey bars and cartwheels and for all things "fun"! It is a God-ordained passion. In a world of uniforms and uniformity/conformity, this passion is beautiful. <br />
<br />
The feedback we received from her 2nd grade teacher at our recent conference..."It is such a great pleasure to hear her read aloud. She uses such expression and gives each character a different voice. It is such a pleasure!" And this from our "little-engine-that-could" reader!<br />
<br />
I walked in on these two huddled on the living room couch reading together. What a pleasure for a parent to see this God-given passion channeled into the reading of a good book in the service of a brother. She may give him an ear full a bit later, but for now she is loving him with her passion.joyknighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179914014763346623noreply@blogger.com0